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Love Like Crazy
Relationships.Love.Life.All things that can be considered—and oftentimes are—just a bit crazy.With an alcoholic father and an absentee mother, seventeen-year old Eppie Aberdeen has learned firsthand that life’s circumstances aren’t always sunshine and roses. So Eppie doesn’t expect the fairytale, because reality certainly isn’t one. She’s not waiting on the handsome prince with his white horse to come to her rescue. But even though she’s not waiting on it, that doesn’t stop nineteen-year-old Lincoln Ross from driving straight into her heart with his teal and white campervan and his too tall stature and perpetually goofy grin. It’s difficult to believe in a happily ever after when a happy now is quite hard to find. But Lincoln gives Eppie hope that despite the odds, a true and unconditional love might actually be out there. A revised fairytale. A new kind of love story.But then again, that might just be plain crazy.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2014
173 people are currently reading
1314 people want to read
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November 5, 2014
4-4.5 stars!!
Welp, I didn’t expect this cute cover to hide such a deep and meaningful story. Though it started off slow in the beginning, the witty dialogue, quirky characters each with their own brand of eccentricity, and heartwarming romance quickly won me over. By the end of the book I was alternating between awww-ing and smiling. Written in the same vein as The Fault in Our Stars and Bright Side, this YA book really charmed me and was a total escapism kind of story.
Eppie Aberdeen is a social pariah in her town. Growing up with a messed up family background and a perceived suicide attempt slapped to her name, Eppie doesn’t expect to find anyone who thinks she’s different than what gossip brands her as. On a day just like any other, she comes across a dog victim to a hit-and-run and hauls him to the clinic for medical attention. It’s there where she meets the mysterious hero Lincoln who helps her out.
Lincoln Ross also has a tough upbringing. With a wealthy but egoistical family constantly looking down upon his achievements, he’s not quite sure what his life goals are and is just living life by the day. When he sees Eppie bringing in the wounded dog, he’s touched by her compassion and offers to help and a friendship between two kindred souls is lighted.
For the first 20% I wasn’t too sure what direction this book was going in but right after that the story really picked up. It’s all about filtering the bad, magnifying the good and balancing the two out. For once it’s refreshing to have a hero who isn’t damaged or a bad boy, just a normal sweet guy any girl would feel lucky to call her boyfriend. Eppie is also a terrific female lead who doesn’t let her past dictate her future. It’s subtle but the way the book is structured hints at an epic reveal about Eppie’s character and when it was revealed, I was pretty shocked. Did not expect it at all. It only ignited every motherly instinct in me and made me admire her resiliency even more.
The romance was really tender and built up over a foundation of trust and respect. These two characters are some of the sweetest and most considerate characters I’ve read about and again, it’s refreshing to read about a realistic romance than develops over time and isn’t spontaneous.
There were only a few things that bothered me but didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the book too much. First, these teenagers don’t speak like regular teenagers but then again, neither did Hazel or Gus from The Fault in Our Stars so I’m okay with giving them a pass on this. For me personally, I LOVED that their dialogues were intelligent, witty, and thought-provoking. Then there was a heartbreaking scene with the dog Herb and the author never revisited him again. It wasn’t exactly clear what the dog’s fate was and while I was reading the rest of the book my mind kept going back to Herb. And lastly, I thought the ending was rushed. There were multiple revelations near the end and I felt like they were tied up too nicely but it didn’t bother me to the point where I got annoyed.
This is a book I would recommend to those looking for a sweet, deep, and motivational romance with two unforgettable main characters and supportive side characters. It was humorous, satirical, at times emotional, and provided a unique reading experience in the YA genre.
Welp, I didn’t expect this cute cover to hide such a deep and meaningful story. Though it started off slow in the beginning, the witty dialogue, quirky characters each with their own brand of eccentricity, and heartwarming romance quickly won me over. By the end of the book I was alternating between awww-ing and smiling. Written in the same vein as The Fault in Our Stars and Bright Side, this YA book really charmed me and was a total escapism kind of story.
Eppie Aberdeen is a social pariah in her town. Growing up with a messed up family background and a perceived suicide attempt slapped to her name, Eppie doesn’t expect to find anyone who thinks she’s different than what gossip brands her as. On a day just like any other, she comes across a dog victim to a hit-and-run and hauls him to the clinic for medical attention. It’s there where she meets the mysterious hero Lincoln who helps her out.
Lincoln Ross also has a tough upbringing. With a wealthy but egoistical family constantly looking down upon his achievements, he’s not quite sure what his life goals are and is just living life by the day. When he sees Eppie bringing in the wounded dog, he’s touched by her compassion and offers to help and a friendship between two kindred souls is lighted.
For the first 20% I wasn’t too sure what direction this book was going in but right after that the story really picked up. It’s all about filtering the bad, magnifying the good and balancing the two out. For once it’s refreshing to have a hero who isn’t damaged or a bad boy, just a normal sweet guy any girl would feel lucky to call her boyfriend. Eppie is also a terrific female lead who doesn’t let her past dictate her future. It’s subtle but the way the book is structured hints at an epic reveal about Eppie’s character and when it was revealed, I was pretty shocked. Did not expect it at all. It only ignited every motherly instinct in me and made me admire her resiliency even more.
The romance was really tender and built up over a foundation of trust and respect. These two characters are some of the sweetest and most considerate characters I’ve read about and again, it’s refreshing to read about a realistic romance than develops over time and isn’t spontaneous.
There were only a few things that bothered me but didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the book too much. First, these teenagers don’t speak like regular teenagers but then again, neither did Hazel or Gus from The Fault in Our Stars so I’m okay with giving them a pass on this. For me personally, I LOVED that their dialogues were intelligent, witty, and thought-provoking. Then there was a heartbreaking scene with the dog Herb and the author never revisited him again. It wasn’t exactly clear what the dog’s fate was and while I was reading the rest of the book my mind kept going back to Herb. And lastly, I thought the ending was rushed. There were multiple revelations near the end and I felt like they were tied up too nicely but it didn’t bother me to the point where I got annoyed.
This is a book I would recommend to those looking for a sweet, deep, and motivational romance with two unforgettable main characters and supportive side characters. It was humorous, satirical, at times emotional, and provided a unique reading experience in the YA genre.
November 21, 2015
This review is also posted here.
“I’m going to show you I love you in what we do, and I’m going to show you I love you in what we don’t do, too… Everything, absolutely eveything will be my I love you, Eppie” – Lincoln
Don’t you just love books that you expected nothing but to be fluff and then just… punch you in the gut?! Love Like Crazy is definitely that. I thought it’ll just be about a messed up girl falling in love with this guy and then they’re gonna have some problem blah blah blah then poof! They’re back together and I’ll just be happy for them. But no no no nooooo. Love Like Crazy is so much more than that. Even though Lincoln melts me EVERY TIME he opens that sweet mouth of his, this is really Eppie’s story.
Eppie is always sick as a child. Her chapters as a child broke me because all she wants is to play and join her friends and be a kid. But she’s always sick! And she don’t understand why because her mother is always taking care of her. ALWAYS. Until she found that she’s not the one who is sick. Eppie’s mother has a disease.. but she’s the one suffering from it. Now, I don’t want to tell you what disease is that because I want you to be surprised (or not) like me when you found out. I mean, I don’t know. I might be just ignorant about diseases but this is the first time I’ve heard of it. After reading, I googled it instantly and read stories online about this kind of case. Really heartbreaking.
Eppie really is kind of messed up, she doesn’t have much friends, her relationship with her father is non-existent… she’s alive, but not really living. Her past still have a hold on her and she feels like it’ll be that way forever. And then she found a dog in the street… and she also met Lincoln, aka my baby.
I love how this transition of Eppie happened slowly but thoroughly. Yes, Lincoln did help but I can see the determination within Eppie. Ii happened because she want it to. The characters in this book are very vibrant and wonderful. Every one of them. Eppie is very funny and really, this girl can be anyones best friend. Sure, you have to force an emotion out of her sometimes but I know that she’d be an incredible friend.
"Listen, Eppie. I’ve heard about you. I know your own life isn’t all unicorn and flowers."
“You’re right,” I nodded, shrugging in mock surrender. It’s actually Pegasus and balloons. Slight difference.
Did I mention she’s funny?
The pacing was kind of slow, that’s a reason it’s just a 4 for me. But other than that.. I just feel love.
“Who falls in love with baggage?”
“Oh Eppie.” Phil took the glasses off and tossed them onto the dashboard. Good call. “You don’t ever fall in love with the current version of someone, because I hate to burst you pretty little bubble, but that doesn’t exist. We’re the summation of our histories, so if this guy is truly falling in love with you, he’s falling for your past as much as he’s falling for your present.”
Anyway, Love Like Crazy doesn’t have that much hotness and sexiness that this genre usually have, but it does have the butterflies and the mush and it has Lincoln. So. I think that’s much, much better. After reading this book, I feel light. I love books that makes me love Love and makes me believe in the power of love. It’s not cheesy, it’s Love! Eppie’s story will definitely bring a smile into your faces! Come on, who doesn’t want to read a book that brings smiles and butterflies?
“I’m going to show you I love you in what we do, and I’m going to show you I love you in what we don’t do, too… Everything, absolutely eveything will be my I love you, Eppie” – Lincoln
Don’t you just love books that you expected nothing but to be fluff and then just… punch you in the gut?! Love Like Crazy is definitely that. I thought it’ll just be about a messed up girl falling in love with this guy and then they’re gonna have some problem blah blah blah then poof! They’re back together and I’ll just be happy for them. But no no no nooooo. Love Like Crazy is so much more than that. Even though Lincoln melts me EVERY TIME he opens that sweet mouth of his, this is really Eppie’s story.
Eppie is always sick as a child. Her chapters as a child broke me because all she wants is to play and join her friends and be a kid. But she’s always sick! And she don’t understand why because her mother is always taking care of her. ALWAYS. Until she found that she’s not the one who is sick. Eppie’s mother has a disease.. but she’s the one suffering from it. Now, I don’t want to tell you what disease is that because I want you to be surprised (or not) like me when you found out. I mean, I don’t know. I might be just ignorant about diseases but this is the first time I’ve heard of it. After reading, I googled it instantly and read stories online about this kind of case. Really heartbreaking.
Eppie really is kind of messed up, she doesn’t have much friends, her relationship with her father is non-existent… she’s alive, but not really living. Her past still have a hold on her and she feels like it’ll be that way forever. And then she found a dog in the street… and she also met Lincoln, aka my baby.
I love how this transition of Eppie happened slowly but thoroughly. Yes, Lincoln did help but I can see the determination within Eppie. Ii happened because she want it to. The characters in this book are very vibrant and wonderful. Every one of them. Eppie is very funny and really, this girl can be anyones best friend. Sure, you have to force an emotion out of her sometimes but I know that she’d be an incredible friend.
"Listen, Eppie. I’ve heard about you. I know your own life isn’t all unicorn and flowers."
“You’re right,” I nodded, shrugging in mock surrender. It’s actually Pegasus and balloons. Slight difference.
Did I mention she’s funny?
The pacing was kind of slow, that’s a reason it’s just a 4 for me. But other than that.. I just feel love.
“Who falls in love with baggage?”
“Oh Eppie.” Phil took the glasses off and tossed them onto the dashboard. Good call. “You don’t ever fall in love with the current version of someone, because I hate to burst you pretty little bubble, but that doesn’t exist. We’re the summation of our histories, so if this guy is truly falling in love with you, he’s falling for your past as much as he’s falling for your present.”
Anyway, Love Like Crazy doesn’t have that much hotness and sexiness that this genre usually have, but it does have the butterflies and the mush and it has Lincoln. So. I think that’s much, much better. After reading this book, I feel light. I love books that makes me love Love and makes me believe in the power of love. It’s not cheesy, it’s Love! Eppie’s story will definitely bring a smile into your faces! Come on, who doesn’t want to read a book that brings smiles and butterflies?
May 5, 2015
Why am I always disappointed by the books that I read these days? -.-
Love Like Crazy seemed like such a promising read, and I couldn't help but be excited by the prospect of reading it, but when I finally read it, it was not what I expected at all. Judging by the cover of the book, it seemed like a light, fluffy and cute read, but the synopsis and the book clearly says otherwise. I went into this expecting a great, meaningful book, but what I got was definitely not that.
What I loved:
I loved that this book maintained a light feel to it despite tackling heavy subjects. I know it sounds weird, but I really liked it. Most books like this one would leave me feeling depressed after reading them, but amazingly, this one didn't, and for that I am glad. It's refreshing, in a weird kind of way. I also loved that there were many great quotes from this novel, and there were a lot of lessons to be taken away from them. I also loved Phil, my favorite character, because of everything he did for the main character.
What I didn't like:
The pace was slow at times, and then it became fast, events congested in a few pages, and then slow again, which I really, really hated. That made it hard to read and made me confused at times. Towards the end, I found myself just skimming the words, until it came to a point where I skipped all the narratives altogether and just read the conversations. I hated how cheesy Lincoln was, because there came a point when everything he said became excessive, and there were times when the speeches didn't sound natural. It was annoying, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes a couple of times. I also hated how unexpected the turn of events became. There was a big twist towards the end, but there weren't anything AT ALL pertaining to it in the first parts of the novel. It was like the idea just sprang out of nowhere, and I was left confused.
I couldn't say that I hated this book, because clearly, there were some things that I enjoyed, but I couldn't say that I liked it either. I'm giving this book 2.5 stars.
Love Like Crazy seemed like such a promising read, and I couldn't help but be excited by the prospect of reading it, but when I finally read it, it was not what I expected at all. Judging by the cover of the book, it seemed like a light, fluffy and cute read, but the synopsis and the book clearly says otherwise. I went into this expecting a great, meaningful book, but what I got was definitely not that.
What I loved:
I loved that this book maintained a light feel to it despite tackling heavy subjects. I know it sounds weird, but I really liked it. Most books like this one would leave me feeling depressed after reading them, but amazingly, this one didn't, and for that I am glad. It's refreshing, in a weird kind of way. I also loved that there were many great quotes from this novel, and there were a lot of lessons to be taken away from them. I also loved Phil, my favorite character, because of everything he did for the main character.
What I didn't like:
The pace was slow at times, and then it became fast, events congested in a few pages, and then slow again, which I really, really hated. That made it hard to read and made me confused at times. Towards the end, I found myself just skimming the words, until it came to a point where I skipped all the narratives altogether and just read the conversations. I hated how cheesy Lincoln was, because there came a point when everything he said became excessive, and there were times when the speeches didn't sound natural. It was annoying, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes a couple of times. I also hated how unexpected the turn of events became. There was a big twist towards the end, but there weren't anything AT ALL pertaining to it in the first parts of the novel. It was like the idea just sprang out of nowhere, and I was left confused.
I couldn't say that I hated this book, because clearly, there were some things that I enjoyed, but I couldn't say that I liked it either. I'm giving this book 2.5 stars.
consider-later
December 2, 2014
FREE on Amazon US today (12/1/2014)
BLURB:
Relationships.
Love.
Life.
All things that can be considered—and oftentimes are—just a bit crazy.
With an alcoholic father and an absentee mother, seventeen-year old Eppie Aberdeen has learned firsthand that life’s circumstances aren’t always sunshine and roses.
So Eppie doesn’t expect the fairytale, because reality certainly isn’t one. She’s not waiting on the handsome prince with his white horse to come to her rescue. But even though she’s not waiting on it, that doesn’t stop nineteen-year-old Lincoln Ross from driving straight into her heart with his teal and white campervan and his too tall stature and perpetually goofy grin.
It’s difficult to believe in a happily ever after when a happy now is quite hard to find. But Lincoln gives Eppie hope that despite the odds, a true and unconditional love might actually be out there. A revised fairytale. A new kind of love story.
But then again, that might just be plain crazy.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O...
February 28, 2016
“That's what we needed. We all needed help. Some with medicine. Some with talking and listening and talking some more. Prayer. We probably needed prayer. And we needed one another to verify our crazy. To see it reflected in another person. To realize it wasn't as scary or hopeless as it seemed. To hold hands and notice tiptoe together. We were stronger in twos, we had to be. After all, hadn't all of those wild animals boarded into the shelter of that big boat side by side? Hadn't they endured the relentless storm and come out under the sun, still a united front? We needed something to weather the storm in. An ark to keep us safe.”
(Edit: february 24th, 2016)
Oh man, this book!!! I really don't know how to explain my feelings towards Love Like Crazy. The story was just so well done and incredible in so many ways! The romance between the main characters, Lincoln and Eppie, is so beautiful and I truly love the way their relationship/ friendship developed.
“Who's to honestly say they didn't feel pain? What? Is it just because they couldn't speak of it? Because no one heard their cries? I can guarantee you, unspoken pain doesn't hurt any less.”
I loved the writing, it's just so simple and beautiful. Also, the quotes from this book are so amazing and just the way it's written too, and the way the author describe feelings is just... impressive - once, you know, feelings can't be described. I'm not going to say anything about other subjects treated in this book because I think everyone need to read the book to understand how real and amazing the story is. I really, really enjoyed every page of it, Love Like Crazy is a sweet book with hilarious and cute dialogues, great character developments and great message. Definitely worth the read!
“Dying obviously didn't feel appropriate, but living felt like too much.”
(Edit: february 24th, 2016)
Oh man, this book!!! I really don't know how to explain my feelings towards Love Like Crazy. The story was just so well done and incredible in so many ways! The romance between the main characters, Lincoln and Eppie, is so beautiful and I truly love the way their relationship/ friendship developed.
“Who's to honestly say they didn't feel pain? What? Is it just because they couldn't speak of it? Because no one heard their cries? I can guarantee you, unspoken pain doesn't hurt any less.”
I loved the writing, it's just so simple and beautiful. Also, the quotes from this book are so amazing and just the way it's written too, and the way the author describe feelings is just... impressive - once, you know, feelings can't be described. I'm not going to say anything about other subjects treated in this book because I think everyone need to read the book to understand how real and amazing the story is. I really, really enjoyed every page of it, Love Like Crazy is a sweet book with hilarious and cute dialogues, great character developments and great message. Definitely worth the read!
“Dying obviously didn't feel appropriate, but living felt like too much.”
September 27, 2014
Five beautifully crazy stars!
I love Megan's books and therefore have high expectations for everything she writes. Thankfully, Love Like Crazy was another breath of fresh air for me. I would describe this book as a clean, upper YA/NA story. The main characters are 17/18 and 19 but the themes are a bit heavy to really be considered YA.
There are so many great things about this book it's hard to know where to start. Eppie and Lincoln are 'real'. You could meet these two in almost any small town in America and I love that. Both are a bit awkward and don't really fit in anywhere until they find each other. It's so cute to watch them get over all of the initial awkwardness and fall in love.
As with all of Megan's books, there is no sex but definitely some tense, butterflies in the tummy moments. I loved the underwater kissing scene! I fell in love with Lincoln from the first time he opened his mouth but that scene gave ME butterflies.
There are definitely some humorous moments, the dialogue is often witty but the overall theme of the book is very serious. Ultimately, it's about two people whose quirks have left them outcasts, even amongst their own families and their struggle to find their hearts and where their true homes lie. Both of these characters have been hurt by people who are supposed to love them and that part hurt my heart but reading as they learned to let go of their pasts and move forward was amazing.
If you want a real story with beautiful characters, then you should definitely be reading Megan Squires. Obviously, I highly recommend this book.
I love Megan's books and therefore have high expectations for everything she writes. Thankfully, Love Like Crazy was another breath of fresh air for me. I would describe this book as a clean, upper YA/NA story. The main characters are 17/18 and 19 but the themes are a bit heavy to really be considered YA.
There are so many great things about this book it's hard to know where to start. Eppie and Lincoln are 'real'. You could meet these two in almost any small town in America and I love that. Both are a bit awkward and don't really fit in anywhere until they find each other. It's so cute to watch them get over all of the initial awkwardness and fall in love.
As with all of Megan's books, there is no sex but definitely some tense, butterflies in the tummy moments. I loved the underwater kissing scene! I fell in love with Lincoln from the first time he opened his mouth but that scene gave ME butterflies.
There are definitely some humorous moments, the dialogue is often witty but the overall theme of the book is very serious. Ultimately, it's about two people whose quirks have left them outcasts, even amongst their own families and their struggle to find their hearts and where their true homes lie. Both of these characters have been hurt by people who are supposed to love them and that part hurt my heart but reading as they learned to let go of their pasts and move forward was amazing.
If you want a real story with beautiful characters, then you should definitely be reading Megan Squires. Obviously, I highly recommend this book.
August 28, 2017
I don't really know I feel after reading this book. Love like crazy was a really good book and holy crap was it deep. A lot of reviews mentioned how it was sort of like the Fault in Our Stars--which had me bawling like a baby--and I can definitely see that. Eppie and Lincoln both have had a hard time growing up within their own families. Eppie is seen has the little 8 year old girl who "tried" to kill herself...oh and her dad is a complete drunk. Whereas Lincoln just has a shitty wealthy family that doesn't appreciate him and always bringing him down. Aside from the characters, and the sweet relationship that grew between them, I really liked the cover of the book too!
November 23, 2014
This book is as beautiful as the cover and even more so. I fell incurably and madly in love with this from page one, because every single word, every single character and every single situation had everything I'm looking in a book. I loved every single thing about it.
Love Like Crazy is the story about this girl, Eppie, who's pretty much a loner. Life has thrown her a big amount of crappy things, so she had to learn a way to protect herself from the world and the people, because being the girl who tried to kill herself at the age of 8 is not something people will forget about or let it pass that easy. People have always talked and will keep on talking, except, they don't know the whole truth of what really happened. They just assumed, and that's the worst kind of "truth" there could be. Chances are, though, things will get better, someone will come around and make the bad things in life seem less important than you once did.
Meet Eppie and Lincoln. A girl and a boy who meet for the first time at the vet, when she takes a street dog who just got hit by a car. And that's the day everything changed for her and for Lincoln too. They are one of the sweetest couples I've read... and one of the things I loved most about this book was the fact that it felt different, in some way. This is a story about the awkwardness and clumsiness and the excitement we experience with our first love. But it's a happy love story with a lot of baggage and pain inside. Both Eppie and Lincoln have a lot of things from their past that they need to face but they both realize how much each of them can help the other, so they stay together and they do whatever they can to help. They care.
It's amazing how we all want to let someone in in our lives. We want to be able to share the good and bad stuff with someone who truly cares and the same goes with everyone in this book. Every single character wants to be seen for who they are, to be free of their own baggage and finally live the life they want with those who matter.
"The relationships you form in the trenches, though? The people who intersect your life during your moments of brokenness and stay around to fight with you and for you, I think those are the sticking types of relationships."
I absolutely ADORED every single character. Eppie is a beautiful girl, who's got a lot in her plate but, in time, she's learned how to deal with everything so very well. After all, she's always looking the bright side of things and people, no matter how badly people have treated her before, she's a good girl with a magnificent heart. She's compassionate, she's smart, she's strong, she's admirable.
Lincoln. Omg. He's the personification of the word sweet and I mean that in the best possible way. The guy is just so lovable. He's true to himself and always stays like that, I don't think there's a mean bone in him. He's so reliable and trust-worthy, I couldn't help but fall in love with him immediately. He goes after what he wants, but he does it while taking into consideration other people's needs. He only speaks the truth. He's passionate and wonderful and will do anything for those he care about and he's just so... amazing.
"Thank you, Eppie. Thank you for this life and this love, the likes of which I never knew possible. You took a leap with me, and I'll forever be grateful you trusted me to fall with you."
The rest of the characters are just as important. Each of them has this particular part to play and they do it perfectly. They are what they all need. They represent the reliability each of them didn't have before, the love they're all looking for and the happiness they're all hoping to get someday. They're a family. A wonderful family.
Love Like Crazy is the story about this girl, Eppie, who's pretty much a loner. Life has thrown her a big amount of crappy things, so she had to learn a way to protect herself from the world and the people, because being the girl who tried to kill herself at the age of 8 is not something people will forget about or let it pass that easy. People have always talked and will keep on talking, except, they don't know the whole truth of what really happened. They just assumed, and that's the worst kind of "truth" there could be. Chances are, though, things will get better, someone will come around and make the bad things in life seem less important than you once did.
Meet Eppie and Lincoln. A girl and a boy who meet for the first time at the vet, when she takes a street dog who just got hit by a car. And that's the day everything changed for her and for Lincoln too. They are one of the sweetest couples I've read... and one of the things I loved most about this book was the fact that it felt different, in some way. This is a story about the awkwardness and clumsiness and the excitement we experience with our first love. But it's a happy love story with a lot of baggage and pain inside. Both Eppie and Lincoln have a lot of things from their past that they need to face but they both realize how much each of them can help the other, so they stay together and they do whatever they can to help. They care.
It's amazing how we all want to let someone in in our lives. We want to be able to share the good and bad stuff with someone who truly cares and the same goes with everyone in this book. Every single character wants to be seen for who they are, to be free of their own baggage and finally live the life they want with those who matter.
"The relationships you form in the trenches, though? The people who intersect your life during your moments of brokenness and stay around to fight with you and for you, I think those are the sticking types of relationships."
I absolutely ADORED every single character. Eppie is a beautiful girl, who's got a lot in her plate but, in time, she's learned how to deal with everything so very well. After all, she's always looking the bright side of things and people, no matter how badly people have treated her before, she's a good girl with a magnificent heart. She's compassionate, she's smart, she's strong, she's admirable.
Lincoln. Omg. He's the personification of the word sweet and I mean that in the best possible way. The guy is just so lovable. He's true to himself and always stays like that, I don't think there's a mean bone in him. He's so reliable and trust-worthy, I couldn't help but fall in love with him immediately. He goes after what he wants, but he does it while taking into consideration other people's needs. He only speaks the truth. He's passionate and wonderful and will do anything for those he care about and he's just so... amazing.
"Thank you, Eppie. Thank you for this life and this love, the likes of which I never knew possible. You took a leap with me, and I'll forever be grateful you trusted me to fall with you."
The rest of the characters are just as important. Each of them has this particular part to play and they do it perfectly. They are what they all need. They represent the reliability each of them didn't have before, the love they're all looking for and the happiness they're all hoping to get someday. They're a family. A wonderful family.
November 14, 2014
Megan Squires has done it again. She has managed to write a story even better than her previous ones, which is saying a lot. This was a fantastic read.
One of my favorite things about her stories is that she has a way of writing the most sexually intense scenes that don't actually have sex in them. It is amazing how she is able to control the reader in such a way.
I absolutely loved her characters, especially Lincoln. He was my favorite part of the whole story. Not just because he was shmexy and freaking awesome, but the way he treated Eppie. It is so important that young women realize they deserve to be treated with respect by the people they choose to be in a relationship with, and I honestly feel that he was a wonderful example of something they should look to as an expectation.
There were times I was reading this that I literally snorted with laughter. Although it has some pretty heavy content, I really enjoyed that it had humor to help round it out.
There are feels in this book. And they are so wonderful. I highly recommend it.
5/5 Platypires
http://www.platypire.com/j-hooligan/l...
One of my favorite things about her stories is that she has a way of writing the most sexually intense scenes that don't actually have sex in them. It is amazing how she is able to control the reader in such a way.
I absolutely loved her characters, especially Lincoln. He was my favorite part of the whole story. Not just because he was shmexy and freaking awesome, but the way he treated Eppie. It is so important that young women realize they deserve to be treated with respect by the people they choose to be in a relationship with, and I honestly feel that he was a wonderful example of something they should look to as an expectation.
There were times I was reading this that I literally snorted with laughter. Although it has some pretty heavy content, I really enjoyed that it had humor to help round it out.
There are feels in this book. And they are so wonderful. I highly recommend it.
5/5 Platypires
http://www.platypire.com/j-hooligan/l...
October 13, 2014
Eppie grew up being continually sick. Her parents fought all the time. Her dad turned to drinking and her mother was no longer around.
Lincoln is the black sheep of his family. His parents are completely ruthless and their relationship to slim to none.
Watching an accident take place and ending up in a vet's office is how Eppie meets Lincoln. From there, lives change; not only theirs but others close to them.
What happens when that one person instantly calms you, making everything better without words? You'll have to read it to find out! You don't wanna miss out on this. This story was heartfelt, loving, messed up and capturing! Megan has done it again!
Lincoln is the black sheep of his family. His parents are completely ruthless and their relationship to slim to none.
Watching an accident take place and ending up in a vet's office is how Eppie meets Lincoln. From there, lives change; not only theirs but others close to them.
What happens when that one person instantly calms you, making everything better without words? You'll have to read it to find out! You don't wanna miss out on this. This story was heartfelt, loving, messed up and capturing! Megan has done it again!
July 5, 2015
I was a little hesitant going into this because like none of my GR friends have read this but it was really cheap in the Kindle store the other day so I was like *shrugs* I won't be out TOO much money if it sucks.
WHY IS THIS NOT LIKE THE MOST POPULAR YA BOOK EVER?!!?
it is so frickin cute. like super cute.
like call my dentist bc im pretty sure i got at least 5 cavities because of how sweet this ship was.
I mean there's angst and ~dark~ secret past (because it's just not YA without the cliche) but THEY WERE STILL SO CUTE THROUGHOUT EVERYTHING AND GOSH GOLLY IM IN LOVE.
Seriously, do yourself a favor and read this the next time you want something super duper cute
WHY IS THIS NOT LIKE THE MOST POPULAR YA BOOK EVER?!!?
it is so frickin cute. like super cute.
like call my dentist bc im pretty sure i got at least 5 cavities because of how sweet this ship was.
I mean there's angst and ~dark~ secret past (because it's just not YA without the cliche) but THEY WERE STILL SO CUTE THROUGHOUT EVERYTHING AND GOSH GOLLY IM IN LOVE.
Seriously, do yourself a favor and read this the next time you want something super duper cute
March 28, 2015
This book was ok, but it didn't really go anywhere. What was even the point?
October 16, 2014
** FIVE STAR REVIEW BY SAR BLOG **
"Magical exploding butterflies"
That is how I felt after reading Lincoln and Eppie's beautiful story of young love, real passion, and emotional healing.
This is why I love and support this author. Love Like Crazy left me breathless. I laughed, cried, and laughed again. You can always feel the true heartache and love through out each of her books. While reading this story, I felt like I was a teenager again with the real stomach flutters and the nervous feeling around the hot guy in school.
I fell in love with Sam, Dan, and Phil also. I could see Sam and Dan have their story...hint...hint....
Draw Me In will be my favorite but this one is a really a close second. I cannot wait for what Megan has in store for us next.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review from the author.
October 14, 2014
Another great book by Megan! It's a sweet YA romance about young love, being yourself & determination when you family don't believe in you! It reminded me of that young love in high school or right after! They are your world!
Eppie & Lincoln meet after an unfortunate event that landed them with a dog......a sick, wounded dog. This was the glue that initially held their relationship together! Well that & the very strong connection they felt when together! As we go through the book, we realize that even though their two families are way different, they are actually a lot alike. Lincoln & Eppie both came from extremely dysfunctional families! We watch them both grow as they make their way through life to find their own paths! They both learn about why they were the out casts of their families and why it seemed like their parents didn't care much! Eppie & Lincoln made their own family & memories with themselves! I really liked their bff's Dan & Sam! I would like to read more from them, also!
Really good "first love" YA story! It's crazy how Megan can make you breathless with an intimate scene without sex! Those moments are truly special & there are quite a few!!
Eppie & Lincoln meet after an unfortunate event that landed them with a dog......a sick, wounded dog. This was the glue that initially held their relationship together! Well that & the very strong connection they felt when together! As we go through the book, we realize that even though their two families are way different, they are actually a lot alike. Lincoln & Eppie both came from extremely dysfunctional families! We watch them both grow as they make their way through life to find their own paths! They both learn about why they were the out casts of their families and why it seemed like their parents didn't care much! Eppie & Lincoln made their own family & memories with themselves! I really liked their bff's Dan & Sam! I would like to read more from them, also!
Really good "first love" YA story! It's crazy how Megan can make you breathless with an intimate scene without sex! Those moments are truly special & there are quite a few!!
October 14, 2014
Megan Squires writes some of the best male characters! Lincoln did not disappoint. He is the sweetest guy, he does not judge and accepts Eppie for who she is and not for what she has been through.
These to love each other quick but in a tender way. Lincoln takes his time with her and shows her what relationships should be like. He respects her age and thinks it's important to be her friend first.
I just loved this book and the way Megan writes sweet love stories without being to in your face with it!
These to love each other quick but in a tender way. Lincoln takes his time with her and shows her what relationships should be like. He respects her age and thinks it's important to be her friend first.
I just loved this book and the way Megan writes sweet love stories without being to in your face with it!
January 15, 2020
It was this Last Book Syndrome post that led me to reading this book. I was struck by the quote Clarissa chose, which goes: "The best parts of life are sometimes the hardest to comprehend." I was a glass case of emotions around that time so I thought it would be good to be with a book that would share the same sentiment, a story that would "understand."
I would give it a five-star rating since the swoons were for realsss and the reflections were on-point*, but in the later parts, I found it too forced. It felt like the characters were too good to be true, the plot twists too incredible to believe, the takeaway lessons too contrived. And when it ended, I was like, "That was eeet??" I wasn't too into the direction the author took.
* "I'd agree there was a lot of ugly out there. But there had to be an abundance of beauty to be found, and I made it my mission to seek that out and live it daily."
"...reading me like I was a book that had been on a shelf so long dust embossed the title on the spine. He read me as though he was the first to crack open that cover in over a decade. I felt him blowing off the pages."
"Don't let other decide if you're enough or not. Their approval is not the measuring stick of your worth."
"Because how could you ever truly escape a trap set up in your very own mind?"
"I'll never know if I'm capable of being a hero because I was always too busy being a daydreaming coward."
AND MY FAVORITE PART HAHA
"Our hands brushed each time we rotated the garbage can. Eight times total, because I'd counted. The first time I wrote it off as accident, the second occurrence a lucky break, and the third and fourth as an intentional, but still innocent, gesture. By rotations five, six, seven, and eight, I felt like we should be making out on the couch."
I would give it a five-star rating since the swoons were for realsss and the reflections were on-point*, but in the later parts, I found it too forced. It felt like the characters were too good to be true, the plot twists too incredible to believe, the takeaway lessons too contrived. And when it ended, I was like, "That was eeet??" I wasn't too into the direction the author took.
* "I'd agree there was a lot of ugly out there. But there had to be an abundance of beauty to be found, and I made it my mission to seek that out and live it daily."
"...reading me like I was a book that had been on a shelf so long dust embossed the title on the spine. He read me as though he was the first to crack open that cover in over a decade. I felt him blowing off the pages."
"Don't let other decide if you're enough or not. Their approval is not the measuring stick of your worth."
"Because how could you ever truly escape a trap set up in your very own mind?"
"I'll never know if I'm capable of being a hero because I was always too busy being a daydreaming coward."
AND MY FAVORITE PART HAHA
"Our hands brushed each time we rotated the garbage can. Eight times total, because I'd counted. The first time I wrote it off as accident, the second occurrence a lucky break, and the third and fourth as an intentional, but still innocent, gesture. By rotations five, six, seven, and eight, I felt like we should be making out on the couch."
August 7, 2015
When I started this book, I liked it enough to keep reading, but had a hard time really getting into the story line. I felt a little like I had been catapulted into the story line without much explanation as to who was there with me or how they got there. The characters were likable and the plot was fine, but there was a lot of extra (and, in my opinion, unnecessary) narration in many parts that made it difficult and somewhat frustrating to keep reading.
Although I was altogether uncertain if I would be able to finish the novel, the second half redeemed itself. The author did a nice job unveiling hidden truths slowly to provide more insight into the characters' lives. I also think she did a good job dealing with the stigma of mental illness by showing both sides - how outsiders view it and how it can be complex for those dealing with it.
There were many surprises and plot twists, and the second half of the novel takes the complicated mystery of Eppie and slowly unravels it. The reader learns how the lives of so many of the ones she "loves like crazy" are intertwined. The book ends on a note of redemption and new beginnings.
I also found it refreshing that this was not your typical teen romance novel. The author acknowledges the hormonal roller coaster of teenage love without making it all about sex. Lincoln is a refreshing gentleman with his own dark past, and even though I wasn't initially certain his intentions were good, he reveals himself to be a stand-up guy.
Overall, a nice story and decent read for a change of pace from teen novels about high school drama and typical teenage love.
Although I was altogether uncertain if I would be able to finish the novel, the second half redeemed itself. The author did a nice job unveiling hidden truths slowly to provide more insight into the characters' lives. I also think she did a good job dealing with the stigma of mental illness by showing both sides - how outsiders view it and how it can be complex for those dealing with it.
There were many surprises and plot twists, and the second half of the novel takes the complicated mystery of Eppie and slowly unravels it. The reader learns how the lives of so many of the ones she "loves like crazy" are intertwined. The book ends on a note of redemption and new beginnings.
I also found it refreshing that this was not your typical teen romance novel. The author acknowledges the hormonal roller coaster of teenage love without making it all about sex. Lincoln is a refreshing gentleman with his own dark past, and even though I wasn't initially certain his intentions were good, he reveals himself to be a stand-up guy.
Overall, a nice story and decent read for a change of pace from teen novels about high school drama and typical teenage love.
February 25, 2015
The pacing was completely off. It felt like ages before anything remotely interesting happened or anything was written in such a way that grabbed my attention. There were a few big reveals one of which I guessed in the beginning, the other not fully explained and one right at the very end that came out of nowhere. This final reveal changed the tone of the book, I felt as though I was reading an entirely new book. The dialogue, although sweet was often too cutesie/quirky in a way that made the author appear to be trying too hard. Also the book is riddled with platitudes. At first the characters appeared wise beyond their years, sweet and charming but after awhile I couldn't help but role my eyes.
September 2, 2014
Full review to follow!
July 8, 2018
Young love
These two youngsters overcome so much in their lives in order to learn to love each other.....all starting with Herb
These two youngsters overcome so much in their lives in order to learn to love each other.....all starting with Herb
January 6, 2016
This book made me speechless. No, it wasn't because it was so amazing and beautiful. It was because it has the capability of messing up my brain. Yes, definitely that, because I found a lot of things that I didn't like, but still had the power to make me think.
What I didn't like:
1. The pacing. Right from the start, after reading about the first 10% of the book, I found myself skimming through the pages. It was a bad start for me, admittedly. It continued on for the next chapters, and I almost finished the book in just a few hours. My reading speed shocked me, since I hadn't noticed that I was already more than halfway of the book. I felt that nothing much happened, at all. The pacing created a good opportunity to develop the characters and the romance between Eppie and Lincoln, but it wasn't enough to develop the plot and their relationships with the people around them.
2. Instalove. After a chance encounter at the veterinarian, the two of them started to hang out together. It was from there that they fell in love with each other. What? I don't think that you can just fall in love with someone after spending a couple of days with them, can you?
3. Relationship development. Being introduced to the background of Eppie and Lincoln, I thought that there would be more to the relationships they have with the people they encountered. I was disappointed to find that there were really not much interactions between Eppie and her dad, and also with her best friend. I guess I thought that since there were only a few people that the both of them know, there would also be some time at zoomed in at those relationships. It applied only to a few, though.
4. The varying speed. The first half of the book was slow-paced, but then, the last 20% of the book sped up. It seemed that a lot of things were crammed to the last part, which became a little bit overwhelming because I got used to the slow pace. There were also a few, small instances at the earlier part of the book that had this problem also.
What I like:
1. The romance. Even though I earlier said that I didn't like the instalove that happened, I love how I was able to see for myself the growth of their love for each other. Coming from brokenness, and having the ability to stand up once again because of each other was truly beautiful. It was amazing to see how the two of them just complete each other, and I think their love is really something that should set an example, that indeed, we too, can love like crazy.
2. The writing. The story tackled a lot of stuff that we usually force ourselves not to see. At first, I thought that this one would be a light, fluffy read. Right now? All I can say is that, yes, it is true that it is a light read, but it most definitely isn't a fluffy one. The way Love Like Crazy is written makes it easy for the readers to understand these various social, familial, or whatever sort of issues and problems found in the book, while not making them feel overwhelmed. It was an eye-opener that the world is definitely not full of unicorns
3. The quotes. There are just a lot of quotable quotes, and I just got crazy over them! Yes, they're definitely going into my quote notebook now, and I learned a lot from them. Some even made me reflect on what I have done, and what I'm doing. Hopefully, at least for now, I'll be able to start doing something about my realizations, just like Eppie and Lincoln.
4. Relatability. It was easy to connect with the characters, not because I had a similar past with them, or similar hardships. I guess I was the same in a way with Eppie, on how she'd think that fairy tales weren't possible but she'd still unconsciously want a happy ending. The way that she closed herself off the world was similar to the person I was years before. She had it a lot worse than me, but that small similarity definitely struck me, and it was easier for me to connect with her.'
5. The cover. It's just so pretty! <3
I guess I had a hard time with this book, and I'd say that I'm in the middle of liking and not really enjoying this one. A sweet romance between Eppie and Lincoln, it's definitely a different kind of read from the romance stories that I've been reading recently, and gives off the motivation that everyone can love like crazy. :)
What I didn't like:
1. The pacing. Right from the start, after reading about the first 10% of the book, I found myself skimming through the pages. It was a bad start for me, admittedly. It continued on for the next chapters, and I almost finished the book in just a few hours. My reading speed shocked me, since I hadn't noticed that I was already more than halfway of the book. I felt that nothing much happened, at all. The pacing created a good opportunity to develop the characters and the romance between Eppie and Lincoln, but it wasn't enough to develop the plot and their relationships with the people around them.
2. Instalove. After a chance encounter at the veterinarian, the two of them started to hang out together. It was from there that they fell in love with each other. What? I don't think that you can just fall in love with someone after spending a couple of days with them, can you?
3. Relationship development. Being introduced to the background of Eppie and Lincoln, I thought that there would be more to the relationships they have with the people they encountered. I was disappointed to find that there were really not much interactions between Eppie and her dad, and also with her best friend. I guess I thought that since there were only a few people that the both of them know, there would also be some time at zoomed in at those relationships. It applied only to a few, though.
4. The varying speed. The first half of the book was slow-paced, but then, the last 20% of the book sped up. It seemed that a lot of things were crammed to the last part, which became a little bit overwhelming because I got used to the slow pace. There were also a few, small instances at the earlier part of the book that had this problem also.
What I like:
1. The romance. Even though I earlier said that I didn't like the instalove that happened, I love how I was able to see for myself the growth of their love for each other. Coming from brokenness, and having the ability to stand up once again because of each other was truly beautiful. It was amazing to see how the two of them just complete each other, and I think their love is really something that should set an example, that indeed, we too, can love like crazy.
2. The writing. The story tackled a lot of stuff that we usually force ourselves not to see. At first, I thought that this one would be a light, fluffy read. Right now? All I can say is that, yes, it is true that it is a light read, but it most definitely isn't a fluffy one. The way Love Like Crazy is written makes it easy for the readers to understand these various social, familial, or whatever sort of issues and problems found in the book, while not making them feel overwhelmed. It was an eye-opener that the world is definitely not full of unicorns
3. The quotes. There are just a lot of quotable quotes, and I just got crazy over them! Yes, they're definitely going into my quote notebook now, and I learned a lot from them. Some even made me reflect on what I have done, and what I'm doing. Hopefully, at least for now, I'll be able to start doing something about my realizations, just like Eppie and Lincoln.
4. Relatability. It was easy to connect with the characters, not because I had a similar past with them, or similar hardships. I guess I was the same in a way with Eppie, on how she'd think that fairy tales weren't possible but she'd still unconsciously want a happy ending. The way that she closed herself off the world was similar to the person I was years before. She had it a lot worse than me, but that small similarity definitely struck me, and it was easier for me to connect with her.'
5. The cover. It's just so pretty! <3
I guess I had a hard time with this book, and I'd say that I'm in the middle of liking and not really enjoying this one. A sweet romance between Eppie and Lincoln, it's definitely a different kind of read from the romance stories that I've been reading recently, and gives off the motivation that everyone can love like crazy. :)
June 2, 2019
So Sweet!!
This was the sweetest thing I’ve ever read! The author describes a life that sounds absolutely awful, but love transforms it into something wondrous and breathtaking. I’m hoping to find the kind of love that’s central to this story. I devoured this book in less than a day, and it was very well spent! I couldn’t have asked for a better way!
This was the sweetest thing I’ve ever read! The author describes a life that sounds absolutely awful, but love transforms it into something wondrous and breathtaking. I’m hoping to find the kind of love that’s central to this story. I devoured this book in less than a day, and it was very well spent! I couldn’t have asked for a better way!
Read
April 8, 2017This book started out a little slow. Once I got through the first few chapters I was hooked. I fell in love with the two main characters. I absolutely loved this book, found my self thinking about at work and other times I couldn't read. I recommend this book to everyone that likes a good meaningful story.
November 14, 2014
***** 5 Incurably Bright Stars! *****
"I'd always felt out of tune in this life, but even as off-tune as I was, Lincoln somehow matched it. We were in tune."
Well, Megan Squires has done it again! Her gift for creating such life-like characters is incredible. Their emotions and personalities jump off the page, and at the end of the book, they feel like people you know intimately. Her characters are your friends, your family. Lincoln, Eppie, Dan, and Phil will always hold a special place in my heart.
Another thing I love about Megan's books is that they are clean, butterfly-inducing, sweet romances. She understands that the act of sex isn't what's "sexy". The flirting, the sexual tension, the spiritual and emotional discovery of that special someone, are what is truly sexy and sultry.
"I wanted him to stare so hard that he would be able to summarize everything about me in just one glance. I wanted to be discovered by him."
Love Like Crazy is the perfect representation of first love. The awkward, hesitant touches. The sweaty palms and racing hearts. The butterflies and secret glances. This book made me feel like a giddy, love-struck teenager again.
It all starts with two people, Eppie and Lincoln, having a chance encounter at the vets office. She grew up being known as the eight year old girl that tried to kill herself. The sickly girl. The one that everyone in town was praying for. He's the black sheep of a prestigious and pretentious family. Together, they create the perfectly quirky couple that will steal your hearts. Their hilarious and witty banter had me highlighting so many parts of this book.
"Are you worried that I will overshadow you with my impressive foxtrot and hypnotizing hip moves with my first-place-ribbon-winning samba?"
"Yes, that's exactly it. You got me."
Eppie and Lincoln made me laugh, made me swoon, and made me want to wrap them in a protective bubble so no one else could ever harm them. They both have been through quite a bit at such a young age, but their attitude about life is so refreshing and genuine. They are the kind of people you want to be your best friends.
Love Like Crazy has definitely earned a rightful spot in my favorites pile. It's a book that I will read again and again and recommend to all my friends. Trust me, this is not a book to be missed.
"Love was not a feeling anymore. It wasn't a four letter word. It wasn't even a word at all.
Love was a tall, gangly boy with floppy brown hair and an asymmetrical smile whose heart beat against my cheek and whose words made me insane, but for all the right reasons.
Lincoln was all of that, and all of that was love."
"I'd always felt out of tune in this life, but even as off-tune as I was, Lincoln somehow matched it. We were in tune."
Well, Megan Squires has done it again! Her gift for creating such life-like characters is incredible. Their emotions and personalities jump off the page, and at the end of the book, they feel like people you know intimately. Her characters are your friends, your family. Lincoln, Eppie, Dan, and Phil will always hold a special place in my heart.
Another thing I love about Megan's books is that they are clean, butterfly-inducing, sweet romances. She understands that the act of sex isn't what's "sexy". The flirting, the sexual tension, the spiritual and emotional discovery of that special someone, are what is truly sexy and sultry.
"I wanted him to stare so hard that he would be able to summarize everything about me in just one glance. I wanted to be discovered by him."
Love Like Crazy is the perfect representation of first love. The awkward, hesitant touches. The sweaty palms and racing hearts. The butterflies and secret glances. This book made me feel like a giddy, love-struck teenager again.
It all starts with two people, Eppie and Lincoln, having a chance encounter at the vets office. She grew up being known as the eight year old girl that tried to kill herself. The sickly girl. The one that everyone in town was praying for. He's the black sheep of a prestigious and pretentious family. Together, they create the perfectly quirky couple that will steal your hearts. Their hilarious and witty banter had me highlighting so many parts of this book.
"Are you worried that I will overshadow you with my impressive foxtrot and hypnotizing hip moves with my first-place-ribbon-winning samba?"
"Yes, that's exactly it. You got me."
Eppie and Lincoln made me laugh, made me swoon, and made me want to wrap them in a protective bubble so no one else could ever harm them. They both have been through quite a bit at such a young age, but their attitude about life is so refreshing and genuine. They are the kind of people you want to be your best friends.
Love Like Crazy has definitely earned a rightful spot in my favorites pile. It's a book that I will read again and again and recommend to all my friends. Trust me, this is not a book to be missed.
"Love was not a feeling anymore. It wasn't a four letter word. It wasn't even a word at all.
Love was a tall, gangly boy with floppy brown hair and an asymmetrical smile whose heart beat against my cheek and whose words made me insane, but for all the right reasons.
Lincoln was all of that, and all of that was love."
September 17, 2015
I think my negative reaction to this book may be partly to blame on how it had been recommended to me in on-line reviews. After the first couple of chapters I almost put it away, bored and irritated, but then decided to finish it - and it did get slightly better in the middle.
Eppie is a teenager in a tough place: mother gone, living with an alcoholic Dad, shunned at school as weird for her family's dark past. When she decides to save a dog that has been run over it is clear even to herself that she has a thing for hopeless cases because she herself feels like she is one. Incredibly (really, the way it is written is irritatingly incredible) this damsel in distress in need of saving happens to run into Lincoln at the vet, and instant like ensues.
Lincoln is a lanky, easy guy, just out of high-school, with a complicated relationship to his own family. He is working construction and living with a disabled war veteran room mate - but he latches on to Eppie and becomes her knight in shining armour.
However, the writing is just not very good: the characters lack depth, the pivotal conflict on which the book turns is heavy-handed and obvious while the characters reactions to it are hard to believe or understand. The more the author reveals about Eppie's past, the less one understands. Questions buzz around my head about everything, small and large: "How can Eppie stay home from school and Lincoln not go to work to take care of a crippled dog?" "Would a dog really be okay with a broken leg?" "Why is Eppie's Dad like that?" "Does her Dad even work?" "Where do they get their money??" "How can Phil follow Eppie around like he does?" "Would parents really act like that?"
The only good thing is the central relatioship between Lincoln and Eppie, and even that is marred by far too many drawn-out and similar passages where Eppie describes exactly how swoony every little kiss and touch and crooked smile from Lincoln makes her feel.
Everyone, from Eppie's counselor Phil to Lincoln's asshole parents, feel like paper cut-outs with little descriptors tacked on, their motivations, actions and personalities a blank to the reader. They just pop in and out of scene when the author decides to throw in some action, but the plot doesn't flow and there's no development or closure. Just as abruptly as the author shoved Eppie and Lincoln together at the vet's office, she leaves them when the book has run on too long.
I can't say I recommend this book to anyone, neither as a romance or as a story about child abuse, because there is little enjoyment to get out of the first and nothing to learn from the second.
Eppie is a teenager in a tough place: mother gone, living with an alcoholic Dad, shunned at school as weird for her family's dark past. When she decides to save a dog that has been run over it is clear even to herself that she has a thing for hopeless cases because she herself feels like she is one. Incredibly (really, the way it is written is irritatingly incredible) this damsel in distress in need of saving happens to run into Lincoln at the vet, and instant like ensues.
Lincoln is a lanky, easy guy, just out of high-school, with a complicated relationship to his own family. He is working construction and living with a disabled war veteran room mate - but he latches on to Eppie and becomes her knight in shining armour.
However, the writing is just not very good: the characters lack depth, the pivotal conflict on which the book turns is heavy-handed and obvious while the characters reactions to it are hard to believe or understand. The more the author reveals about Eppie's past, the less one understands. Questions buzz around my head about everything, small and large: "How can Eppie stay home from school and Lincoln not go to work to take care of a crippled dog?" "Would a dog really be okay with a broken leg?" "Why is Eppie's Dad like that?" "Does her Dad even work?" "Where do they get their money??" "How can Phil follow Eppie around like he does?" "Would parents really act like that?"
The only good thing is the central relatioship between Lincoln and Eppie, and even that is marred by far too many drawn-out and similar passages where Eppie describes exactly how swoony every little kiss and touch and crooked smile from Lincoln makes her feel.
Everyone, from Eppie's counselor Phil to Lincoln's asshole parents, feel like paper cut-outs with little descriptors tacked on, their motivations, actions and personalities a blank to the reader. They just pop in and out of scene when the author decides to throw in some action, but the plot doesn't flow and there's no development or closure. Just as abruptly as the author shoved Eppie and Lincoln together at the vet's office, she leaves them when the book has run on too long.
I can't say I recommend this book to anyone, neither as a romance or as a story about child abuse, because there is little enjoyment to get out of the first and nothing to learn from the second.
October 20, 2014
First and foremost Lincoln was the man!! Even at 19, he was amazing. He came in and swooped Eppie and myself up and instantly became a favorite character. I loved Eppie just as much. This was basically her story, mainly at least. And 'her' story was very telling and sadly showed how alone she was. But here comes Lincoln to be just what she needs.
"I'm here. However you need me."
The relationship and building of it deserves more than 5 stars. I was hooked and
loving the way Lincoln and Eppie eased their way towards each other. I loved
Lincoln and certainly think he deserves his own 5 star rating but that is where
my big love really stopped. I highlighted so many of their conversations bc they aren't typical late teen talk and I found that I wished they were older bc it was just that good!
"Who has the right to you Lincoln?"
"I don't know that anyone does anymore."
"I think I want it to be you, though."
"I want it to be me, too."
"Good, because I think you've already earned that right."
The upward battle of the plot wasn't a battle really. At least not what I
expected. I did figure out one plot and it wasn't early on, so that I liked. I
didn't get the big deal with his parents though. I felt that it was sort of
thrown in there and didn't really grow towards anything in the overall plot. I
felt nothing was really closed with her family also. I love Phil and wished his
part would have been introduced better
I believe this story will soar with readers bc of Lincoln and Eppie and it
deserves to. The moment they met and I learned he had a camper van I thought I
was in for the best ride and relationship wise it was a glorious ride but
overall I feel as though this isn't a full and complete story.
"I'm not one that settles for enough. I figure your enough plus my enough has got to equal all sorts of incredible."
April 7, 2015
For an extended review of this book and more, please visit http://fortheloveoftheread.blogspot.com
I downloaded this when it was on a free Kindle promotion on the recommendation of another author whose books I enjoy.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were all a bit quirky, and being in Eppie's head was often an amusing place to be. The way her mind worked was entertaining and kept me turning pages, even more so than the events that were happening throughout the book. The way that Eppie and Lincoln meet (she's rescuing an animal and he valiantly offers to pay) was a bit unconventional, but as the story continued I came to realize that everything about these characters matched that first encounter. They are unconventional, and they develop a romantic relationship on their own time and in their own way.
The reader knows from the very beginning that something is going on with Eppie. Her mother is absent with no explanation, and Eppie reveals that her father is an alcoholic who is often at the bars all night. As the book continues, Eppie slowly reveals through memories what happened with her mother and father and why her family life isn't ideal. Even though some of this is hard to talk about and hard to process, the author reveals it in such a way and surrounds it with scenes that keep the book on a positive level, as opposed to letting the sadness swallow the reader.
The end of the book was a nice wrap-up. Eppie and Lincoln have the same issues they've always had, but they've come to realize that the past made them who they are now, and they love each other. I always like endings that don't tie everything up neatly but still leave me feeling like the story is complete, and this author nailed that feeling.
Overall, this was an excellent book. I think this author did a good job of telling her story and developing her characters. I would reread this book, and I will definitely look for more by this author.
I downloaded this when it was on a free Kindle promotion on the recommendation of another author whose books I enjoy.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were all a bit quirky, and being in Eppie's head was often an amusing place to be. The way her mind worked was entertaining and kept me turning pages, even more so than the events that were happening throughout the book. The way that Eppie and Lincoln meet (she's rescuing an animal and he valiantly offers to pay) was a bit unconventional, but as the story continued I came to realize that everything about these characters matched that first encounter. They are unconventional, and they develop a romantic relationship on their own time and in their own way.
The reader knows from the very beginning that something is going on with Eppie. Her mother is absent with no explanation, and Eppie reveals that her father is an alcoholic who is often at the bars all night. As the book continues, Eppie slowly reveals through memories what happened with her mother and father and why her family life isn't ideal. Even though some of this is hard to talk about and hard to process, the author reveals it in such a way and surrounds it with scenes that keep the book on a positive level, as opposed to letting the sadness swallow the reader.
The end of the book was a nice wrap-up. Eppie and Lincoln have the same issues they've always had, but they've come to realize that the past made them who they are now, and they love each other. I always like endings that don't tie everything up neatly but still leave me feeling like the story is complete, and this author nailed that feeling.
Overall, this was an excellent book. I think this author did a good job of telling her story and developing her characters. I would reread this book, and I will definitely look for more by this author.
February 3, 2016
I rarely give YA novels any credit because they're usually so uninteresting. But in the world of romance there are some things that I tend to suspend disbelief on: perfect men who say really romantic things, insta-love, and unrealistic drama. This book had all three. And I was surprisingly okay with that.
This the story of Eppie and Lincoln who meet in a veterinarian's office after she witnesses a dog getting hit by a car. For some unknown reason he wants to help her, despite the fact that she's not in school or that she's got dog blood all over her. Something is up with E's family and she has a past that involves a mother who overparented (to a sickening extreme) and a father who has underparented as a result. This kid is a mess and has only a few months until she turns 18, graduates and can get out of this situation. However, it's unclear where she'll go or what she'll do. Then she meets Lincoln and she starts to figure herself out a bit.
Unfortunately this was where I had some issues with her. I generally liked her, liked Lincoln and their story. Surprisingly so. I liked the writing style, and most of the dialogue. But I had issues with how Eppie's past is laid out (told in flashbacks from an 8 yr old's perspective is insufficient for an adult reader who loves detail), and with most of Lincoln's side of the story. Sadly, Lincoln's family story seemed a bit out of place, even incongruous with the rest of the story... and the connection to Philly was over the top drama (was the author watching the CW or ABC Family when she was writing this?) and did nothing to enhance what we already knew.
This does not have a traditional HEA. It's an HFN, opening the door for a sequel. It's clear these two have a deep soulmate type connection.
This the story of Eppie and Lincoln who meet in a veterinarian's office after she witnesses a dog getting hit by a car. For some unknown reason he wants to help her, despite the fact that she's not in school or that she's got dog blood all over her. Something is up with E's family and she has a past that involves a mother who overparented (to a sickening extreme) and a father who has underparented as a result. This kid is a mess and has only a few months until she turns 18, graduates and can get out of this situation. However, it's unclear where she'll go or what she'll do. Then she meets Lincoln and she starts to figure herself out a bit.
Unfortunately this was where I had some issues with her. I generally liked her, liked Lincoln and their story. Surprisingly so. I liked the writing style, and most of the dialogue. But I had issues with how Eppie's past is laid out (told in flashbacks from an 8 yr old's perspective is insufficient for an adult reader who loves detail), and with most of Lincoln's side of the story. Sadly, Lincoln's family story seemed a bit out of place, even incongruous with the rest of the story... and the connection to Philly was over the top drama (was the author watching the CW or ABC Family when she was writing this?) and did nothing to enhance what we already knew.
This does not have a traditional HEA. It's an HFN, opening the door for a sequel. It's clear these two have a deep soulmate type connection.
August 10, 2016
I read this book because 1) it popped up somewhere right after I had finished Kindred Spirits and the cover tricked me into believing it might be somewhat Rowellian, and 2) it was available on Kindle Unlimited.
MY MISTAKE.
This was just disastrous. It started well enough, but there are just so many things here that got on my nerves:
1) How "broken" everyone was. Not one character did not have some horrible "secret" in their past.
2) How deep they all were because of this, even though being 18-21 years old.
3) How they couldn't stop having these deep conversations filled with golden wisdom.
4) ALL THE UNDERSTAAAAANDING
5) How the MC, who's turning 18 in a month, is seemingly quite interested in sex, yet keeps going on about how she is not legal yet (such a pet peeve for anyone outside of the US I believe)
6) All the "OMG our knees are touching" followed by a kiss and then a kiss the week after that and then "OMG his hand on my elbow" -- GET TO IT ALREADY!!
7) The absolute ridiculousness of Lincoln's family. Very credible, that whole story line.
8) The MC's father and his reaction to their family tragedy. Seriously?
9) How unbelievable ALL the dialogue was.
10) "Is this OK?", "how about this, is this OK?", "and now this, is this OK?" (Just shut up and learn to read the reactions of the person you are supposedly madly in love with and so on the same page with.)
I'm sure I could continue this list for at least another 5 points, but I can't be bothered.
MY MISTAKE.
This was just disastrous. It started well enough, but there are just so many things here that got on my nerves:
1) How "broken" everyone was. Not one character did not have some horrible "secret" in their past.
2) How deep they all were because of this, even though being 18-21 years old.
3) How they couldn't stop having these deep conversations filled with golden wisdom.
4) ALL THE UNDERSTAAAAANDING
5) How the MC, who's turning 18 in a month, is seemingly quite interested in sex, yet keeps going on about how she is not legal yet (such a pet peeve for anyone outside of the US I believe)
6) All the "OMG our knees are touching" followed by a kiss and then a kiss the week after that and then "OMG his hand on my elbow" -- GET TO IT ALREADY!!
7) The absolute ridiculousness of Lincoln's family. Very credible, that whole story line.
8) The MC's father and his reaction to their family tragedy. Seriously?
9) How unbelievable ALL the dialogue was.
10) "Is this OK?", "how about this, is this OK?", "and now this, is this OK?" (Just shut up and learn to read the reactions of the person you are supposedly madly in love with and so on the same page with.)
I'm sure I could continue this list for at least another 5 points, but I can't be bothered.
June 17, 2015
(Sigh) Talk about a breathe of fresh air! Megan Squires has truly delivered again. This is a clean, sweet romance that definitely gives you some feels!
I loved Eppie & Lincoln! They were relatable as well as adorable. Their names alone are enough to have you grinning from ear to ear.
Eppie had me laughing out loud and Lincoln had me swooning through the book. Without giving too much away I’ll summarize to say: Eppie, is quirky and somewhat of a loner. Life has not been the easiest for her, with an alcoholic father and an absentee mother. She was even accused of trying to killing herself by falling out a window when she was 9 years old. In comes Lincoln, sweet, trustworthy, giving and so swoon-worthy. His family dynamics, have him on the outside rather than in, with his overbearing family. But once Eppie & Lincoln’s paths continually collide the sparks take over all that is lost between them, as they learn together to move on from the past.
"Thank you, Eppie. Thank you for this life and this love, the likes of which I never knew possible. You took a leap with me, and I'll forever be grateful you trusted me to fall with you.” ~Lincoln
This is definitely a recommendable YA read!
I loved Eppie & Lincoln! They were relatable as well as adorable. Their names alone are enough to have you grinning from ear to ear.
Eppie had me laughing out loud and Lincoln had me swooning through the book. Without giving too much away I’ll summarize to say: Eppie, is quirky and somewhat of a loner. Life has not been the easiest for her, with an alcoholic father and an absentee mother. She was even accused of trying to killing herself by falling out a window when she was 9 years old. In comes Lincoln, sweet, trustworthy, giving and so swoon-worthy. His family dynamics, have him on the outside rather than in, with his overbearing family. But once Eppie & Lincoln’s paths continually collide the sparks take over all that is lost between them, as they learn together to move on from the past.
"Thank you, Eppie. Thank you for this life and this love, the likes of which I never knew possible. You took a leap with me, and I'll forever be grateful you trusted me to fall with you.” ~Lincoln
This is definitely a recommendable YA read!
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