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Surviving Us
Two survivors.Two weeks.One awakening.When Bristol Criswell travels to St. Lucia for an Enduring Life retreat, she hopes to discover encouragement and support from like souls. A vacation fling is the furthest thing from her mind, especially not with a cocky-mouthed, arrogant jerk like Davis McKay. But when it becomes evident she can’t deny the magnetic attraction between the two, she gives in to her desires, and for the first time in her life, learns the difference between simply living and truly feeling alive. As their time in paradise quickly comes to an end, will her heart be able to withstand another devastating loss when it’s time to say goodbye, or will their connection be strong enough to survive the real world?Death brought them together, but love will give them a reason to live.**Surviving Us is a standalone, mature NA novel intended for readers 18+.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2014
46 people are currently reading
1591 people want to read
About the author
Erin Noelle
38 books2,562 followersErin Noelle is a Texas native, where she lives with her husband, two daughters, and three fur babies. When she's not reading or writing romance novels, she enjoys winning at cards and board games, awkward people-watching in public places, and doing cartwheels at the most random times. She's usually barefoot, is never without a song in her head, and currently holds the title of World's Best Procrastinator.
Her titles published include the Book Boyfriend Series, Dusk 'Til Dawn Series, Luminous Duet, Fire on the Mountain series, and numerous standalone books that range from New Adult to Contemporary romance. Her books have been a part of the USA Today Bestselling list as well as the Amazon and Barnes & Noble overall Top 100. You can follow her on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/erin.noelle.98, her blog @ www.erinnoelleauthor.com, on Twitter @authorenoelle, and on Instagram @erinnoelleauthor.
Her titles published include the Book Boyfriend Series, Dusk 'Til Dawn Series, Luminous Duet, Fire on the Mountain series, and numerous standalone books that range from New Adult to Contemporary romance. Her books have been a part of the USA Today Bestselling list as well as the Amazon and Barnes & Noble overall Top 100. You can follow her on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/erin.noelle.98, her blog @ www.erinnoelleauthor.com, on Twitter @authorenoelle, and on Instagram @erinnoelleauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
December 15, 2014
Okay. I've been a super fan of Erin Noelle since I picked up Metamorphosis. I was hooked when Ambrosia came out. I nearly died reading Euphoria. I was twisted in When the Sun Goes Down. I fell in As the Dawn Breaks. I loved Conspire. But let me tell you. SURVIVING US ... I can't even begin to say enough wonderful things about this book. I'll try though, don't worry.
There has never been a book that Erin Noelle has written that I haven't loved, but until now, Meta has been my absolute favorite. Actually, Meta is in my list of top ten books I've ever read. I just loved it so much. It was one of the first indie books I ever read and it set the bar high for all other authors. Erin's topped that list yet again. One thing's for sure ... Erin can write some NA.
Davis McKay is tied for 1st place of my all time favorite book boyfriends. He's REAL. He has problems, but aren't your typical problems ... they're heartbreakingly, devastatingly, gut-wrenchingly real ... he is PERFECT. Bristol is the kind of heroine I feel most connected to ... strong, loving, knows sports, LOVES SPORTS, just another one of the guys, but is very feminine. She's the complete package. BRISTOL IS MY #1 BOOK GIRLFRIEND!!!
Their both survivors of traumatic pasts and flee to an island (which sounds absolutely beautiful and is now on my bucket list) for a retreat of sorts with other survivors from around the world. They're supposed to be helping each other deal with those tainted pasts and learn how to move forward. Bristol and Davis might have gotten more than they bargained for. Falling in love was not in the cards for either of them.
I was a highlighting fool this entire book. The words ... they were so wonderful, but not stuffy. They seemed like things people would actually say .. their actions were things people would actually do. I loved each and every second of it. SURVIVING US is NOW my favorite Erin Noelle book to date ... and in my top 10 reads of the year.
Congrats on another fantastic novel, Erin. I see this one doing exceptional things. You've set the bar again. I could read Bristol and Davis for the rest of my life, that's how wonderful they are.
There has never been a book that Erin Noelle has written that I haven't loved, but until now, Meta has been my absolute favorite. Actually, Meta is in my list of top ten books I've ever read. I just loved it so much. It was one of the first indie books I ever read and it set the bar high for all other authors. Erin's topped that list yet again. One thing's for sure ... Erin can write some NA.
Davis McKay is tied for 1st place of my all time favorite book boyfriends. He's REAL. He has problems, but aren't your typical problems ... they're heartbreakingly, devastatingly, gut-wrenchingly real ... he is PERFECT. Bristol is the kind of heroine I feel most connected to ... strong, loving, knows sports, LOVES SPORTS, just another one of the guys, but is very feminine. She's the complete package. BRISTOL IS MY #1 BOOK GIRLFRIEND!!!
Their both survivors of traumatic pasts and flee to an island (which sounds absolutely beautiful and is now on my bucket list) for a retreat of sorts with other survivors from around the world. They're supposed to be helping each other deal with those tainted pasts and learn how to move forward. Bristol and Davis might have gotten more than they bargained for. Falling in love was not in the cards for either of them.
I was a highlighting fool this entire book. The words ... they were so wonderful, but not stuffy. They seemed like things people would actually say .. their actions were things people would actually do. I loved each and every second of it. SURVIVING US is NOW my favorite Erin Noelle book to date ... and in my top 10 reads of the year.
Congrats on another fantastic novel, Erin. I see this one doing exceptional things. You've set the bar again. I could read Bristol and Davis for the rest of my life, that's how wonderful they are.
October 4, 2018
I have a mix feeling about this book. I like the characters. Bristol and Davis is electrify from beginning until the end. I also feel their heart broken when they said goodbye. Such as sweet and heart wrenching goodbye.
But I need the story to be as electrifying as the characters. The story is much luke warm feeling although I see possibilities to make this book more dramatic. With that past story as Bristol and Davis,it could be more dramatic.
3 stars
But I need the story to be as electrifying as the characters. The story is much luke warm feeling although I see possibilities to make this book more dramatic. With that past story as Bristol and Davis,it could be more dramatic.
3 stars
July 6, 2016
That was a sweet love story between two catastrophe survivors. Their connection to each other helped them heal and find love.
It was a low-angst novel with lots of sweet moments. It was mostly uneventful; everything about it was %100 predictable, nothing surprised me.
It was a nice pastime but nothing more :)
I also liked the beautiful quotations at the beginning of each chapter...
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October 16, 2014
Unbelievably sexy and filled with so much heart, Surviving Us is a story of enduring spirit and gutwrenching emotion. I couldn't put it down!
October 13, 2014
WOW.
Almost 2 years ago I read this book called Metamorphosis that I absolutely FELL in LOVE with the writing, characters, and the author. Since then, we have became friends and she has put out multiple books including follow up to that series. I have enjoyed all of her books but never any as much as Meta.
Until now.
THIS is her best work yet. Excellent characters, storyline that is relatable in a lot of ways, and most importantly an AMAZING book boyfriend (Davis McKay baby) S-W-O-O-N.
Davis and Bristol are both survivors to horrific accidents. After going to a survivor retreat, they meet knowing their attraction can only last the duration they are there. Davis is a playboy who is entirely too broken to give Bristol a real relationship and Bristol is still struggling herself and doesn't trust Davis as far as she can throw him
Can two broken souls survive one another? Or will they just destroy each other further?
this is a MUST read. Do NOT pass this amazing book up!!
Almost 2 years ago I read this book called Metamorphosis that I absolutely FELL in LOVE with the writing, characters, and the author. Since then, we have became friends and she has put out multiple books including follow up to that series. I have enjoyed all of her books but never any as much as Meta.
Until now.
THIS is her best work yet. Excellent characters, storyline that is relatable in a lot of ways, and most importantly an AMAZING book boyfriend (Davis McKay baby) S-W-O-O-N.
Davis and Bristol are both survivors to horrific accidents. After going to a survivor retreat, they meet knowing their attraction can only last the duration they are there. Davis is a playboy who is entirely too broken to give Bristol a real relationship and Bristol is still struggling herself and doesn't trust Davis as far as she can throw him
Can two broken souls survive one another? Or will they just destroy each other further?
this is a MUST read. Do NOT pass this amazing book up!!
August 20, 2018
Good emotional college romance read...
Good read. Two people who lived through tragedies and happen to unexpectedly share some time together and end up falling in love. The things that led them to each other aren’t always pretty, but... possibly worth it in the end. The only reason this wasn’t a four or a five was because the ending was good, but didn’t really live up to the emotional first part of the book. Still a good read none the less. If you’re looking for sort emotional and really hot college romance in a unique setting, then this is it!
Good read. Two people who lived through tragedies and happen to unexpectedly share some time together and end up falling in love. The things that led them to each other aren’t always pretty, but... possibly worth it in the end. The only reason this wasn’t a four or a five was because the ending was good, but didn’t really live up to the emotional first part of the book. Still a good read none the less. If you’re looking for sort emotional and really hot college romance in a unique setting, then this is it!
October 26, 2014
....Somethings do happen for a reason and at the end of all hope, when they least expect it, they find each other.
A devasting touching story, I really loved it.
November 17, 2014
DNF at 38%. Yep, insta-love is definitly not my cup of tea.
November 22, 2015
I read this long ago just forgot to mark READ ;D It was very enjoyable.
March 3, 2020
I thought that this book was good
February 27, 2015
I seriously CANNOT get enough of Erin and her imagination!! She literally blows me away every, single, time! Surviving Us, is one of those instant loving books. I am MADLY in LOVE with Davis..he is AMAZING! Bristol, on the other hand is a survivor through and through and I love that about her. This book overall is now one of my favorites by Erin Noelle. This will definitively be one of those, "I HAVE to read that again," type of books.
March 9, 2016
I love this author!
June 24, 2019
“Maybe it’s not always about the happy ending; maybe it’s about the beauty of the story.”
Surviving Us is about two young adults who have found each other during a getaway where they were both headed to a retreat–a group of people who have lost someone in their lives and cannot move on. Bristol and Davis both lost someone in their lives and the guilt of being alive still lives within them no matter how many years have passed. They joined the retreat in order to move on and not to have a summer fling. But their attraction and connection was palpable. And when they decided to act on it, it was the best thing that happened in their lives after the incidents. But after a twelve day-fling, they have to go back to their separate lives and determine whether they both can survive the reality of not having each other around.
“No matter how great the story is, it’s always about the happy ending.”
I dived into the book with no idea what it was about but the fact that Erin Noelle has written books that really touched my heart. Since I’ve read her Book Boyfriend series, I have been a fan. I really love how she writes her books and stories. And Surviving Us just became my favorite book of Erin.
The book have connected to me immediately. I so into romatic love stories with tragedies as a past which most of her books were about. But there’s really something about Surviving Us that made me love it more than her other books. It was full of guilt and hope. It was full of love, the kind of love that makes your head dizzy because you have so much of it. I love how Bristol and Davis enjoyed their time together by going to adventures and of course a lot of intimate scenes. Haha. What do you expect?
I have learned that most of erotic books was not just about sex, but behind those sex scenes was a story that can be embedded in your heart.
Surviving Us is really fantastic! I highly recommend!
Surviving Us is about two young adults who have found each other during a getaway where they were both headed to a retreat–a group of people who have lost someone in their lives and cannot move on. Bristol and Davis both lost someone in their lives and the guilt of being alive still lives within them no matter how many years have passed. They joined the retreat in order to move on and not to have a summer fling. But their attraction and connection was palpable. And when they decided to act on it, it was the best thing that happened in their lives after the incidents. But after a twelve day-fling, they have to go back to their separate lives and determine whether they both can survive the reality of not having each other around.
“No matter how great the story is, it’s always about the happy ending.”
I dived into the book with no idea what it was about but the fact that Erin Noelle has written books that really touched my heart. Since I’ve read her Book Boyfriend series, I have been a fan. I really love how she writes her books and stories. And Surviving Us just became my favorite book of Erin.
The book have connected to me immediately. I so into romatic love stories with tragedies as a past which most of her books were about. But there’s really something about Surviving Us that made me love it more than her other books. It was full of guilt and hope. It was full of love, the kind of love that makes your head dizzy because you have so much of it. I love how Bristol and Davis enjoyed their time together by going to adventures and of course a lot of intimate scenes. Haha. What do you expect?
I have learned that most of erotic books was not just about sex, but behind those sex scenes was a story that can be embedded in your heart.
Surviving Us is really fantastic! I highly recommend!
April 25, 2016
***** 5 Cranky Stars *****
To be the sole survivor of a catastrophic event can be debilitating.
To have to relive that event portrayed as a hero every year can leave you guilt ridden and unable to move on.
This is the life both Bristol and Davis lead until they meet at a retreat for survivors.
A chance meeting, instant attraction and a heap of baggage. Nothing could stop these two from surviving each other except themselves.
This book pulled, yanked and tore at my heartstrings. Erin Noelle knows how to suck you into a story and leave you feeling bittersweet at the end.
Through all of the trials that Bristol and Davis face, they find a way to overcome the challenges.
This is a book that I've read many times. The message is clear and the love is strong.
I highly recommend this author and this book to everyone.
http://twistedbookcur.blogspot.ch/201...
October 23, 2014
Surviving Us, Erin Noelle’s best story yet… in my honest opinion at least! From the most well rounded characters to the realistic and relatable storyline, I was engrossed cover-to-cover falling in love with Bristol and Davis - with their individual stories, with their passion, with their life.
When you encounter a life-changing event it sticks with you, sometimes you never bounce back, sometimes it just takes the right thing or person to help bring you to the turning point to help you bounce back and become the person you were meant to be. Davis and Bristol both encounter an event that leaves them forever changed, after a chance meeting at a retreat on a remote island for twelve days they discover what it truly means to live life.
Between Davis and his ultimate sexiness and dickishness and Bistol’s witty humor and beauty these two take you on a journey, that you will beg and plead doesn’t end, and when their two weeks are up you will likely cry right along with them as they leave that beautiful island of St. Lucia. Sometimes, you just have to prove that you are good enough for yourself before you can seek out what you truly deserve and want.
Do not pass up the opportunity to get to know Bristol and Davis and see how they survived their past!
#wallkisser #trouble #stargazer #survivor
When you encounter a life-changing event it sticks with you, sometimes you never bounce back, sometimes it just takes the right thing or person to help bring you to the turning point to help you bounce back and become the person you were meant to be. Davis and Bristol both encounter an event that leaves them forever changed, after a chance meeting at a retreat on a remote island for twelve days they discover what it truly means to live life.
Between Davis and his ultimate sexiness and dickishness and Bistol’s witty humor and beauty these two take you on a journey, that you will beg and plead doesn’t end, and when their two weeks are up you will likely cry right along with them as they leave that beautiful island of St. Lucia. Sometimes, you just have to prove that you are good enough for yourself before you can seek out what you truly deserve and want.
Do not pass up the opportunity to get to know Bristol and Davis and see how they survived their past!
#wallkisser #trouble #stargazer #survivor
October 30, 2014
I think this is Erin Noelle's best work yet. Surviving Us dealt with tragedy without making me feel like I was drowning in it. She balanced the angst with some great humour and sexiness. Both Davis and Bristol were well developed characters who were believable and had great chemistry together. The setting of the story set the pace for the book and made the instant attraction viable and realistic. I also loved the range of secondary characters that we were introduced in the story. I admit I'd love to see more of Kayden. He definitely has a story to tell.
Reading Surviving Us, I can really see the growth in Noelle's writing. There was more depth and life to this story and I have loved all her books. It's been a while since I have cried reading a book and darn it if I didn't have the tears falling with this one.
Surviving Us is a quick read and one that doesn't leave you bored or missing out. It's a great weekend read.
D 5/5
Reading Surviving Us, I can really see the growth in Noelle's writing. There was more depth and life to this story and I have loved all her books. It's been a while since I have cried reading a book and darn it if I didn't have the tears falling with this one.
Surviving Us is a quick read and one that doesn't leave you bored or missing out. It's a great weekend read.
D 5/5
October 21, 2014
5 DROOL MONSTER-WALL-KISSER STARS!
*Review Updated*
I loved Surviving Us! I think this is my favorite of Erin Noelle's book yet!
The moment I started reading this I can't find myself to put it down. I'm instantly connected with the story.
"Death brought them together, but love will give them a reason to live. "
Bristol and Davis were both survivors and their fate have crossed when they attended a retreat.
They have to stay in an island for two weeks and then, their interesting story has begun.
I really admire Bristol for being strong to finally live life and for being an inspiration to Davis to face the life as a survivor.
What they've been through is never easy and I am glad for the both of them to find strength and love within each other.
I don't want to write further and spoil the feels because I want everyone to enjoy Surviving Us as much as I did. You will definitely fall in love with Davis and Bristol.
This is a must read and the best book of Erin Noelle yet.
*Review Updated*
I loved Surviving Us! I think this is my favorite of Erin Noelle's book yet!
The moment I started reading this I can't find myself to put it down. I'm instantly connected with the story.
"Death brought them together, but love will give them a reason to live. "
Bristol and Davis were both survivors and their fate have crossed when they attended a retreat.
They have to stay in an island for two weeks and then, their interesting story has begun.
I really admire Bristol for being strong to finally live life and for being an inspiration to Davis to face the life as a survivor.
What they've been through is never easy and I am glad for the both of them to find strength and love within each other.
I don't want to write further and spoil the feels because I want everyone to enjoy Surviving Us as much as I did. You will definitely fall in love with Davis and Bristol.
This is a must read and the best book of Erin Noelle yet.
October 17, 2014
I can't get enough of Erin's writing. I went into this book wondering what she's going to do to make my emotions go wild and she did it. you have Bristol who had something tragic happen in her life. That's when she goes on trip with support group to connect with others who have had difficult time. That is when she meets Davis. he don't want to open up but is drawn to Bristol....trouble as he likes to say. But the question is will they get over there own fears or will the past ruin the future.....I'm not telling. I was reading this every second I got a chance. Can't wait for more people to fall in love with Davis
October 22, 2014
I had the pleasure of receiving this
ARC just let me tell you if you love Erin's book you will not be disappointed. Story of two people accepting their tragic past together and helping each other make themselves a better person. Loved Davis, whether he was a d*** or when he was sweet.
ARC just let me tell you if you love Erin's book you will not be disappointed. Story of two people accepting their tragic past together and helping each other make themselves a better person. Loved Davis, whether he was a d*** or when he was sweet.
November 17, 2014
5 Surviving Stars
Review by Natasha Gentile
This book got my attention with three sentences:
Two survivors.
Two weeks.
One awakening.
I was hooked. There is one thing I love and it is survivors. To me a survivor is the strongest one. It is also the hardest thing to do. It’s to survive.
When we meet Bristol Criswell she is traveling to St. Lucia for an Enduring Life retreat, with this trip she hopes to discover encouragement and support from like souls. Souls like herself. Survivors.
There’s no way anyone here can understand how you feel, the guilt you live with every day.
No one but another survivor can understand what you go through after a traumatic event so she finally puts herself first and takes off for St. Lucia. It’s her first time away from home. She has already chatted with a couple of people going and she is super excited for this adventure. It’s St. Lucia, I’m excited for her. While waiting for her connection to her final destination she sees someone, she isn’t sure about.
Because I haven’t gotten a good look at his face, I’m not sure how old he is, but based on his worn cargo shorts, flip-flops, and t-shirt that reads Cougar Hunter, I’m guessing he’s around my age. A Yankees baseball cap is pulled down low on his head, further covering his face and concealing any hair he may have; none is sticking out the back. Earbuds are securely nestled in place, blocking out the rest of the world, and overall-appearance and body language combined-he’s rocking the leave-me-the-fuck-alone aura like a champ.
Umm hi, let me introduce myself I’m Natasha and I’m 40..well almost, so from what I understand I am now under the category of Cougar. I’m not sure if you need to see my ID, but I’m really interested in getting to know your…inner self…you guys are pigs if you thought I was going with something else.
So people watching in the airport is amazing, you see so many people, some running, some walking, some with cranky kids, some making out, which can I say as a people watching person, it’s gross, save it for the airplane bathroom, you also see some super hot people, but what are the chances that this said person is on your flight, none..Unless you’re really lucky. Bristol today is your lucky day, depending on how you look at it.
However, instead of a reprieve from the unnerving, I find myself staring into the most captivating whiskey brown eyes,, twinkling with mischief underneath the navy brim of a baseball cap.
“So, whatcha reading there, sweetheart?”
So I think it’s her lucky day, sadly she doesn’t, she is mortified that this acclaimed “Cougar Hunter” is her side buddy on this final leg of her journey to St. Lucia. So let’s take count, he’s hot, he’s a cougar hunter, he has whiskey eyes and he’s going to her island. Check, check, check, and check. Oh, and if she wasn’t having a great time already, the airport she has to land in is unavailable due to weather. EEEK clearly you have pissed someone driving the Karma bus, cause so far this is a vacation from hell…When she starts to panic, due to well everything, she is not ready to accept help from the one person she thinks is a dick..
Lifting my eyes up to meet his striking light brown ones, I hiss in a jagged breath-he’s so much more than good-looking. Panty-dropping gorgeous is probably a better description, but having already been exposed to his self-proclaimed dickishness, and then seeing his juvenile outburst on the plane, my brain is sending messages as quickly as possible to my panties to hold-on tight.
So now she is on this magical island, and she has this man helping her, she doesn’t want to take his help, she doesn’t even know him, but what choice does she have, oh and if her day wasn’t crappy before, guess who is going to your hotel? Come on, I’ll give you one guess, that’s right people none other than Cougar Hunter dickishness himself. Ladies meet Davis McKay.
Right now, in this moment, I want him to kiss me more than I’ve ever wanted to be kissed in my life. Despite the face he’s a temperamental ass and I know what he just said is true, my brain has forgotten about the underlying reason we’re both here, the reason we’re both permanently emotionally damaged, and all I can think about is how those sexy full lips will feel pressed against mine.
So you see Davis has his own reasons for being a survivor, he has his own demons that he fights off.
So when she finally accepts that she can’t deny that her panties have been ripped off and she has no control over how hot he gets her, she decides to have a vacation fling. How hard can it be? Two weeks, beautiful island, crystal blue water, sipping umbrella drinks, and hot hot sex.
What happens when after two weeks, when she realizes that she has just been living but has never been really alive inside?
“I never expected this when I came…never expected you,” I whisper, my eyes glued to the glimmering heavens, afraid to see the expression on his face at my confession.
He tightens his arms around me, cuddling me closer as he burrows his face in the back of my neck. “Me either, Bristol. Me neither.”
Now that traumatic events have brought them together, will love make them whole again? Will they be able to fight away all their demons and finally be able to survive with each other?
“Great love is worth great risk.”
December 3, 2014
5 Surviving Stars
Review by Natasha Gentile
This book got my attention with three sentences:
Two survivors.
Two weeks.
One awakening.
I was hooked. There is one thing I love and it is survivors. To me a survivor is the strongest one. It is also the hardest thing to do. It’s to survive.
When we meet Bristol Criswell she is traveling to St. Lucia for an Enduring Life retreat, with this trip she hopes to discover encouragement and support from like souls. Souls like herself. Survivors.
There’s no way anyone here can understand how you feel, the guilt you live with every day.
No one but another survivor can understand what you go through after a traumatic event so she finally puts herself first and takes off for St. Lucia. It’s her first time away from home. She has already chatted with a couple of people going and she is super excited for this adventure. It’s St. Lucia, I’m excited for her. While waiting for her connection to her final destination she sees someone, she isn’t sure about.
Because I haven’t gotten a good look at his face, I’m not sure how old he is, but based on his worn cargo shorts, flip-flops, and t-shirt that reads Cougar Hunter, I’m guessing he’s around my age. A Yankees baseball cap is pulled down low on his head, further covering his face and concealing any hair he may have; none is sticking out the back. Earbuds are securely nestled in place, blocking out the rest of the world, and overall-appearance and body language combined-he’s rocking the leave-me-the-fuck-alone aura like a champ.
Umm hi, let me introduce myself I’m Natasha and I’m 40..well almost, so from what I understand I am now under the category of Cougar. I’m not sure if you need to see my ID, but I’m really interested in getting to know your…inner self…you guys are pigs if you thought I was going with something else.
So people watching in the airport is amazing, you see so many people, some running, some walking, some with cranky kids, some making out, which can I say as a people watching person, it’s gross, save it for the airplane bathroom, you also see some super hot people, but what are the chances that this said person is on your flight, none..Unless you’re really lucky. Bristol today is your lucky day, depending on how you look at it.
However, instead of a reprieve from the unnerving, I find myself staring into the most captivating whiskey brown eyes,, twinkling with mischief underneath the navy brim of a baseball cap.
“So, whatcha reading there, sweetheart?”
So I think it’s her lucky day, sadly she doesn’t, she is mortified that this acclaimed “Cougar Hunter” is her side buddy on this final leg of her journey to St. Lucia. So let’s take count, he’s hot, he’s a cougar hunter, he has whiskey eyes and he’s going to her island. Check, check, check, and check. Oh, and if she wasn’t having a great time already, the airport she has to land in is unavailable due to weather. EEEK clearly you have pissed someone driving the Karma bus, cause so far this is a vacation from hell…When she starts to panic, due to well everything, she is not ready to accept help from the one person she thinks is a dick..
Lifting my eyes up to meet his striking light brown ones, I hiss in a jagged breath-he’s so much more than good-looking. Panty-dropping gorgeous is probably a better description, but having already been exposed to his self-proclaimed dickishness, and then seeing his juvenile outburst on the plane, my brain is sending messages as quickly as possible to my panties to hold-on tight.
So now she is on this magical island, and she has this man helping her, she doesn’t want to take his help, she doesn’t even know him, but what choice does she have, oh and if her day wasn’t crappy before, guess who is going to your hotel? Come on, I’ll give you one guess, that’s right people none other than Cougar Hunter dickishness himself. Ladies meet Davis McKay.
Right now, in this moment, I want him to kiss me more than I’ve ever wanted to be kissed in my life. Despite the face he’s a temperamental ass and I know what he just said is true, my brain has forgotten about the underlying reason we’re both here, the reason we’re both permanently emotionally damaged, and all I can think about is how those sexy full lips will feel pressed against mine.
So you see Davis has his own reasons for being a survivor, he has his own demons that he fights off.
So when she finally accepts that she can’t deny that her panties have been ripped off and she has no control over how hot he gets her, she decides to have a vacation fling. How hard can it be? Two weeks, beautiful island, crystal blue water, sipping umbrella drinks, and hot hot sex.
What happens when after two weeks, when she realizes that she has just been living but has never been really alive inside?
“I never expected this when I came…never expected you,” I whisper, my eyes glued to the glimmering heavens, afraid to see the expression on his face at my confession.
He tightens his arms around me, cuddling me closer as he burrows his face in the back of my neck. “Me either, Bristol. Me neither.”
Now that traumatic events have brought them together, will love make them whole again? Will they be able to fight away all their demons and finally be able to survive with each other?
“Great love is worth great risk.”
Review by Natasha Gentile
This book got my attention with three sentences:
Two survivors.
Two weeks.
One awakening.
I was hooked. There is one thing I love and it is survivors. To me a survivor is the strongest one. It is also the hardest thing to do. It’s to survive.
When we meet Bristol Criswell she is traveling to St. Lucia for an Enduring Life retreat, with this trip she hopes to discover encouragement and support from like souls. Souls like herself. Survivors.
There’s no way anyone here can understand how you feel, the guilt you live with every day.
No one but another survivor can understand what you go through after a traumatic event so she finally puts herself first and takes off for St. Lucia. It’s her first time away from home. She has already chatted with a couple of people going and she is super excited for this adventure. It’s St. Lucia, I’m excited for her. While waiting for her connection to her final destination she sees someone, she isn’t sure about.
Because I haven’t gotten a good look at his face, I’m not sure how old he is, but based on his worn cargo shorts, flip-flops, and t-shirt that reads Cougar Hunter, I’m guessing he’s around my age. A Yankees baseball cap is pulled down low on his head, further covering his face and concealing any hair he may have; none is sticking out the back. Earbuds are securely nestled in place, blocking out the rest of the world, and overall-appearance and body language combined-he’s rocking the leave-me-the-fuck-alone aura like a champ.
Umm hi, let me introduce myself I’m Natasha and I’m 40..well almost, so from what I understand I am now under the category of Cougar. I’m not sure if you need to see my ID, but I’m really interested in getting to know your…inner self…you guys are pigs if you thought I was going with something else.
So people watching in the airport is amazing, you see so many people, some running, some walking, some with cranky kids, some making out, which can I say as a people watching person, it’s gross, save it for the airplane bathroom, you also see some super hot people, but what are the chances that this said person is on your flight, none..Unless you’re really lucky. Bristol today is your lucky day, depending on how you look at it.
However, instead of a reprieve from the unnerving, I find myself staring into the most captivating whiskey brown eyes,, twinkling with mischief underneath the navy brim of a baseball cap.
“So, whatcha reading there, sweetheart?”
So I think it’s her lucky day, sadly she doesn’t, she is mortified that this acclaimed “Cougar Hunter” is her side buddy on this final leg of her journey to St. Lucia. So let’s take count, he’s hot, he’s a cougar hunter, he has whiskey eyes and he’s going to her island. Check, check, check, and check. Oh, and if she wasn’t having a great time already, the airport she has to land in is unavailable due to weather. EEEK clearly you have pissed someone driving the Karma bus, cause so far this is a vacation from hell…When she starts to panic, due to well everything, she is not ready to accept help from the one person she thinks is a dick..
Lifting my eyes up to meet his striking light brown ones, I hiss in a jagged breath-he’s so much more than good-looking. Panty-dropping gorgeous is probably a better description, but having already been exposed to his self-proclaimed dickishness, and then seeing his juvenile outburst on the plane, my brain is sending messages as quickly as possible to my panties to hold-on tight.
So now she is on this magical island, and she has this man helping her, she doesn’t want to take his help, she doesn’t even know him, but what choice does she have, oh and if her day wasn’t crappy before, guess who is going to your hotel? Come on, I’ll give you one guess, that’s right people none other than Cougar Hunter dickishness himself. Ladies meet Davis McKay.
Right now, in this moment, I want him to kiss me more than I’ve ever wanted to be kissed in my life. Despite the face he’s a temperamental ass and I know what he just said is true, my brain has forgotten about the underlying reason we’re both here, the reason we’re both permanently emotionally damaged, and all I can think about is how those sexy full lips will feel pressed against mine.
So you see Davis has his own reasons for being a survivor, he has his own demons that he fights off.
So when she finally accepts that she can’t deny that her panties have been ripped off and she has no control over how hot he gets her, she decides to have a vacation fling. How hard can it be? Two weeks, beautiful island, crystal blue water, sipping umbrella drinks, and hot hot sex.
What happens when after two weeks, when she realizes that she has just been living but has never been really alive inside?
“I never expected this when I came…never expected you,” I whisper, my eyes glued to the glimmering heavens, afraid to see the expression on his face at my confession.
He tightens his arms around me, cuddling me closer as he burrows his face in the back of my neck. “Me either, Bristol. Me neither.”
Now that traumatic events have brought them together, will love make them whole again? Will they be able to fight away all their demons and finally be able to survive with each other?
“Great love is worth great risk.”
October 23, 2014
I want to start off by saying something that probably won’t mean anything to you ladies in the book world. But THIS means something to me. When I first read the synopsis of this book I had no inkling that College football or sports journalism would play a part in it. And trust me when I say that it doesn’t consume the story. Like AT ALL. BUT….I now have a hugely different respect for the Author, Miss Erin Noelle than I did before. We get to see “jocks” and billionaires, and Country Rock Stars, and Motorcycle Club guys. But it is very seldom that we get to meet a badass chick who ACTUALLY knows her crap about sports. Not because Daddy instilled it into her brain, but because she has the pure unbridled passion of knowing about it. Because her desire for her passion overrides the cliché of “Girls liking sports”. Ok. I’m done, hahaha. Just had to get that out.
If you couldn’t tell already, I was in love with Bristol from the start. She has been through a horrific event when she was only 7 years old and she’s just looking for a way to get past that. So she decides to go on this adventure to St. Lucia to meet the wonderful people that have helped her along the way for the past three years. She has an online support group, and they have all chosen to meet at this place for an awakening of sorts. A sort of “healing” ranch in a tropical landscape.
Davis…………. Oh Davis. This man is angry and passive-aggressive and hurt, and broody, and SEXY, and EVERYTHING. He just hates life. And he’s also at this place which he has no desire to be. His story is different than Bristol’s. All of the co-inhabitants stories are different. But they have one thing in common. Loss. And it’s obviously a great human-hating loss that nobody can understand. And to be honest I’ve never felt loss this close to me personally so I had to really immerse myself into this story the best I could. And it was hard for me. As a reader I found myself pulling back as if I was the hurt one. I guess that makes it pretty freaking great because I was emotionally invested at this point.
I’m going to be honest. The first 60% of the book dragged a little for me. I’m not sure why. I really fell in love with both Davis and Bristol, but maybe I just wasn’t getting all of the extra side stuff going on. And that might be my own personal preferences. When I fall into place with the MC’s I tend to be a bitch about side characters. I just want THEM ONLY! But trust me, the side characters did not in any way take away from the story. In fact, towards the end they enhanced it. I’m just a finicky girl I guess.
I can tell you this. The final 40% of this book just about stole my heart and made me rethink my very own thoughts. Bristol and Davis are so unique and REAL. I really did end up loving this story. I actually liked it more as I was done reading it. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a great new adult read. I would actually recommend it to anyone in the adult romance genre. It’s a really cool book, with great writing. And the Author has some pretty smart wit thrown in there too.
If you couldn’t tell already, I was in love with Bristol from the start. She has been through a horrific event when she was only 7 years old and she’s just looking for a way to get past that. So she decides to go on this adventure to St. Lucia to meet the wonderful people that have helped her along the way for the past three years. She has an online support group, and they have all chosen to meet at this place for an awakening of sorts. A sort of “healing” ranch in a tropical landscape.
Davis…………. Oh Davis. This man is angry and passive-aggressive and hurt, and broody, and SEXY, and EVERYTHING. He just hates life. And he’s also at this place which he has no desire to be. His story is different than Bristol’s. All of the co-inhabitants stories are different. But they have one thing in common. Loss. And it’s obviously a great human-hating loss that nobody can understand. And to be honest I’ve never felt loss this close to me personally so I had to really immerse myself into this story the best I could. And it was hard for me. As a reader I found myself pulling back as if I was the hurt one. I guess that makes it pretty freaking great because I was emotionally invested at this point.
I’m going to be honest. The first 60% of the book dragged a little for me. I’m not sure why. I really fell in love with both Davis and Bristol, but maybe I just wasn’t getting all of the extra side stuff going on. And that might be my own personal preferences. When I fall into place with the MC’s I tend to be a bitch about side characters. I just want THEM ONLY! But trust me, the side characters did not in any way take away from the story. In fact, towards the end they enhanced it. I’m just a finicky girl I guess.
I can tell you this. The final 40% of this book just about stole my heart and made me rethink my very own thoughts. Bristol and Davis are so unique and REAL. I really did end up loving this story. I actually liked it more as I was done reading it. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a great new adult read. I would actually recommend it to anyone in the adult romance genre. It’s a really cool book, with great writing. And the Author has some pretty smart wit thrown in there too.
November 22, 2014
Leigh‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
Davis and Bristol are beautiful together. Each one is just the therapy the other needs to stop existing and start living.
Bristol, the sole survivor of a devastating tornado that tore apart her town, attends a survivor’s retreat to learn to cope with her feelings and meet the support network she has built on-line over the years. She expects to find friendship and camaraderie, but she does not expect Davis McKay.
Attending a retreat to discuss his feelings was the last thing Davis wanted. He was coasting through life after a terrible tragedy, and bonding with others like him was not on the agenda. But after meeting Bristol and starting to feel something for life for the first time in years, they both decide to live for the moment and enjoy the time they’re given. The only dark spot looming over their happiness is the knowledge that their time in paradise won’t last forever.
The interactions between Bristol and Davis are both sexy, erotic and heart-wrenchingly sweet. They are both damaged and scarred, but wanting to find something to help them with their survivor’s guilt. They are portrayed not simply as sympathetic victims, but real people dealing with the aftermath of horrible circumstance. Sometimes lashing out, sometimes engaging in behavior that is destructive, they navigate through their recovery with the help of each other.
What I liked most about this story was that it didn’t dwell in the past or read like a therapy session. For a story about survivors of horrible circumstances, it was not dark or depressing. Instead, this was clearly a romance. It showed two individuals who found something to make their lives worth living and the lengths they would go through to reach for what they wanted.
The characters were very young, which gave me pause at first, as this fell somewhere between an erotic romance and New Adult. But Bristol and Davis’ interactions showed maturity beyond their years. Bristol was sassy and smart. Davis was sexy in an All-American jock sort of way, and their romance was sweet and made me root for them to be together.
Surviving Us is a beautifully written romance which is not to be missed.
4 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
Davis and Bristol are beautiful together. Each one is just the therapy the other needs to stop existing and start living.
Bristol, the sole survivor of a devastating tornado that tore apart her town, attends a survivor’s retreat to learn to cope with her feelings and meet the support network she has built on-line over the years. She expects to find friendship and camaraderie, but she does not expect Davis McKay.
Attending a retreat to discuss his feelings was the last thing Davis wanted. He was coasting through life after a terrible tragedy, and bonding with others like him was not on the agenda. But after meeting Bristol and starting to feel something for life for the first time in years, they both decide to live for the moment and enjoy the time they’re given. The only dark spot looming over their happiness is the knowledge that their time in paradise won’t last forever.
The interactions between Bristol and Davis are both sexy, erotic and heart-wrenchingly sweet. They are both damaged and scarred, but wanting to find something to help them with their survivor’s guilt. They are portrayed not simply as sympathetic victims, but real people dealing with the aftermath of horrible circumstance. Sometimes lashing out, sometimes engaging in behavior that is destructive, they navigate through their recovery with the help of each other.
What I liked most about this story was that it didn’t dwell in the past or read like a therapy session. For a story about survivors of horrible circumstances, it was not dark or depressing. Instead, this was clearly a romance. It showed two individuals who found something to make their lives worth living and the lengths they would go through to reach for what they wanted.
The characters were very young, which gave me pause at first, as this fell somewhere between an erotic romance and New Adult. But Bristol and Davis’ interactions showed maturity beyond their years. Bristol was sassy and smart. Davis was sexy in an All-American jock sort of way, and their romance was sweet and made me root for them to be together.
Surviving Us is a beautifully written romance which is not to be missed.
October 19, 2014
Admittedly I was a little late to the Erin Noelle game. Why it took me so long to read her work is beyond me. I first read When The Sun Goes down a few months ago and I immediately picked up everything she wrote and devoured it. I didn't think it was possible to love her more. Until now. WOW. I am absolutely floored by the powerful emotions she created in me when reading Surviving Us!
Bristol and Davis (SWOON) are survivors. They have both survived a tragedy and now they are just trying to be through their days dealing with the guilt of being the sole survivor of the tragic circumstances that is their past. Bristol travels to St. Lucia for an Enduring Life retreat, just planning on connecting face to face with fellow survivors she's been fortunate enough to meet through their online connection. She wasn't expecting Davis McKay. Davis attends the retreat only to please his mother. He has no intentions of connecting with anyone, at least not in any way more than physical.
Bristol and Davis' immediate attraction is undeniable and they each allow themselves to give in to those intense feelings towards one another. Bristol knows she can't trust Davis but can't deny herself him - I don't blame her. He is oh so swoon-worthy! Davis is the best kind of book boyfriend there is. He's real but damaged - yet he somehow knows he can open himself up to Bristol. Bristol is a heroine I can totally relate to - not a princess at all. She's just one of the guys but is all things feminine too. She's fun, kind, and sassy.
As the two embark on a relationship they know has a two week expiration date, they discover things about themselves they never thought possible. Can they walk away from the intense feelings they have for one another after just two weeks?
I can't even explain how much I loved this book. You won't be sorry you pick this one up - I cried, I laughed, and I totally swooned. Thanks, Erin, for allowing me to read early for an honest review! Loved. It.
Bristol and Davis (SWOON) are survivors. They have both survived a tragedy and now they are just trying to be through their days dealing with the guilt of being the sole survivor of the tragic circumstances that is their past. Bristol travels to St. Lucia for an Enduring Life retreat, just planning on connecting face to face with fellow survivors she's been fortunate enough to meet through their online connection. She wasn't expecting Davis McKay. Davis attends the retreat only to please his mother. He has no intentions of connecting with anyone, at least not in any way more than physical.
Bristol and Davis' immediate attraction is undeniable and they each allow themselves to give in to those intense feelings towards one another. Bristol knows she can't trust Davis but can't deny herself him - I don't blame her. He is oh so swoon-worthy! Davis is the best kind of book boyfriend there is. He's real but damaged - yet he somehow knows he can open himself up to Bristol. Bristol is a heroine I can totally relate to - not a princess at all. She's just one of the guys but is all things feminine too. She's fun, kind, and sassy.
As the two embark on a relationship they know has a two week expiration date, they discover things about themselves they never thought possible. Can they walk away from the intense feelings they have for one another after just two weeks?
I can't even explain how much I loved this book. You won't be sorry you pick this one up - I cried, I laughed, and I totally swooned. Thanks, Erin, for allowing me to read early for an honest review! Loved. It.
October 23, 2014
Surviving Us by Erin Noelle was such a fresh and different look at falling in love. I absolutely LOVED this book!
Davis and Bristol -- two lost and damaged people who travel to the same island and the same retreat for very different reasons. They are both survivors in the very truest sense of the word. However they have not yet come to grips with their survivor status. They are not comfortable in their own skin. Bristol has come here to start to come to terms with this and gain support from others like her. Davis came at the prodding of his mother and thought, hey maybe I'll find a Hottie!
Well, Davis did find a Hottie -- Bristol! And she was so much more than he bargained for! Their chemistry is off the charts! And it goes so much deeper than the physical. The connection they share because of the shared understanding due to their tragic pasts is undeniable - even when they don't discuss it. But can this vacation fling last in the real world? What happens when they leave this secluded paradise?
I had no idea what to expect when I first got my hands on this gem from Erin. But she blew me out of the water with this one! In true Erin Noelle fashion, she had my emotions ALL OVER the place! Tears, laughs, smirks, snorts, sexy time, swooning she packs it all in there. It is one of the many things that I adore about her and her writing. It makes her characters so much more believable. I don't know about you, but I like it when people get to experience some of everything -- makes them feel a lot more real to me. Her characters here were so endearing - they weren't too perfect, they messed up, apologized - in other words THEY WERE REAL! I want to be friends with them!
I got so lost in this book! A book full of healing, forgiveness, growth, romance and love. I HIGHLY recommend it. Go, run one-click NOW! I promise you will NOT be disappointed! (I may have already read this a couple of times ;) )
Davis and Bristol -- two lost and damaged people who travel to the same island and the same retreat for very different reasons. They are both survivors in the very truest sense of the word. However they have not yet come to grips with their survivor status. They are not comfortable in their own skin. Bristol has come here to start to come to terms with this and gain support from others like her. Davis came at the prodding of his mother and thought, hey maybe I'll find a Hottie!
Well, Davis did find a Hottie -- Bristol! And she was so much more than he bargained for! Their chemistry is off the charts! And it goes so much deeper than the physical. The connection they share because of the shared understanding due to their tragic pasts is undeniable - even when they don't discuss it. But can this vacation fling last in the real world? What happens when they leave this secluded paradise?
I had no idea what to expect when I first got my hands on this gem from Erin. But she blew me out of the water with this one! In true Erin Noelle fashion, she had my emotions ALL OVER the place! Tears, laughs, smirks, snorts, sexy time, swooning she packs it all in there. It is one of the many things that I adore about her and her writing. It makes her characters so much more believable. I don't know about you, but I like it when people get to experience some of everything -- makes them feel a lot more real to me. Her characters here were so endearing - they weren't too perfect, they messed up, apologized - in other words THEY WERE REAL! I want to be friends with them!
I got so lost in this book! A book full of healing, forgiveness, growth, romance and love. I HIGHLY recommend it. Go, run one-click NOW! I promise you will NOT be disappointed! (I may have already read this a couple of times ;) )
November 21, 2014
Let me just say I'm a huge Erin Noelle fan! When I heard she was working on Surviving Us I couldn't help get excited. She sent me an advance copy and I couldn't wait to dive into this book! It was amazing! I love all of Erin's books, first falling in love with the book boyfriend series. This to me takes me back to that certain feel. You won't put this one down!
Davis and Bristol both are trying to overcome horrible accidents that occurred in their lives. Going through the motions of each day is what they both seem to be doing until they end up at the same retreat to both get help with moving on, and overcoming their past. This is a survivor retreat where everyone can relate to each other.
Relationships are not on the table for either of them, but you know just when they're are about to give up on everything fate might step in and change their plans.
Bristol doesn't trust and she isn't looking to settle down. Davis a playboy has a hard time opening up to anyone, let alone a complete stranger. The attraction is undeniable and the more they try to fight it, the more things seem to heat up! I loved both characters. You will want them both to move on from their painful past.
I loved both the characters! Your heart will break and you will feel every emotion. Can these two overcome their pain and let each other in, or will their past be too much to bare? Can they learn to live again? Or is it simply too late to try? Can two broken hearts really be pieced back together after everything they have been through? Read it! You won't be sorry.
I loved this book! Erin did an awesome job making you love the characters, the story is believable and you will feel every emotion from start to finish! I give it 5 gold shiny beautiful stars!! Thank you Erin for another amazing story!
Davis and Bristol both are trying to overcome horrible accidents that occurred in their lives. Going through the motions of each day is what they both seem to be doing until they end up at the same retreat to both get help with moving on, and overcoming their past. This is a survivor retreat where everyone can relate to each other.
Relationships are not on the table for either of them, but you know just when they're are about to give up on everything fate might step in and change their plans.
Bristol doesn't trust and she isn't looking to settle down. Davis a playboy has a hard time opening up to anyone, let alone a complete stranger. The attraction is undeniable and the more they try to fight it, the more things seem to heat up! I loved both characters. You will want them both to move on from their painful past.
I loved both the characters! Your heart will break and you will feel every emotion. Can these two overcome their pain and let each other in, or will their past be too much to bare? Can they learn to live again? Or is it simply too late to try? Can two broken hearts really be pieced back together after everything they have been through? Read it! You won't be sorry.
I loved this book! Erin did an awesome job making you love the characters, the story is believable and you will feel every emotion from start to finish! I give it 5 gold shiny beautiful stars!! Thank you Erin for another amazing story!
November 18, 2014
Surviving Us elevates author Erin Noelle from fabulous to just down right amazing, I have read everything she has out there and I have to say that after finishing Surviving Us, I have a new found admiration for the work that she does and the attention that she imparts on her characters.
Set apart from the world on a tropical retreat, we are introduced to David and Bristol and from the get-go, I fell in love with them both.
David was just so authentic, so charismatic but with a history that will touch your very soul. Bristol is a bit of a lad, all too happy to be treated the same as the guys and relishes the banter that goes with that territory, but she can hold her own and when it comes to sports, she can beat them at their own game.
The island is the ideal place for them both to come to terms with their pasts and to try to take their first tentative strides back to their futures, but what if you have no idea how to get there, what if the pain you carry with you is holding you hostage to your past?
And more to the point, what the hell are they supposed to do when they do the one thing that they were never considering, they fall in love.
I don’t want to give too much away because I think you will get so much more from reading it first hand, everyone will get something different from this book, because it is so true to life. You will reflect your own life onto the characters and see on more than one occasion in the dialect and actions, something or someone you recognise staring back at you from the page.
The characterisation was almost photographic, it was so poignant and accurate that it was like reading an autobiography in parts. I loved the character dynamics, the interactions and descriptive tone used throughout the book, the author drew me a picture with her words and I coloured it in with my imagination and for that I will be eternally grateful.
Set apart from the world on a tropical retreat, we are introduced to David and Bristol and from the get-go, I fell in love with them both.
David was just so authentic, so charismatic but with a history that will touch your very soul. Bristol is a bit of a lad, all too happy to be treated the same as the guys and relishes the banter that goes with that territory, but she can hold her own and when it comes to sports, she can beat them at their own game.
The island is the ideal place for them both to come to terms with their pasts and to try to take their first tentative strides back to their futures, but what if you have no idea how to get there, what if the pain you carry with you is holding you hostage to your past?
And more to the point, what the hell are they supposed to do when they do the one thing that they were never considering, they fall in love.
I don’t want to give too much away because I think you will get so much more from reading it first hand, everyone will get something different from this book, because it is so true to life. You will reflect your own life onto the characters and see on more than one occasion in the dialect and actions, something or someone you recognise staring back at you from the page.
The characterisation was almost photographic, it was so poignant and accurate that it was like reading an autobiography in parts. I loved the character dynamics, the interactions and descriptive tone used throughout the book, the author drew me a picture with her words and I coloured it in with my imagination and for that I will be eternally grateful.
April 18, 2015
Surviving Us did not completely capture my attention. With that said, the writing was good and engaging most of the time...there were several times I had to push through until the story picked back up. I think my lackluster interest revolved mostly around the characters…I just did not connect with them on any level.
The premise was that both Bristol and Davis are ‘survivors’…they are the lone survivors of separate, but equally catastrophic events and seem to carry guilt about still being alive and are unable to truly live their lives. I completely understand that these characters endured traumatic experiences and overcoming such incidents would take time, but seriously, for Bristol 12 years has passed and she is still allowing it to affect her life rather than appreciating each and every day. I mean, come on, lots of people have bad things happen during their childhood...bad shit happens to good people all of the time, and much worse than what Bristol suffered...get over it and move on already! Why would you allow it to completely dictate your ability to find happiness in life???
Okay, I digress…as we learn more about the heartbreaks that shaped who both Bristol & Davis are as people, there was definitely some character development within this, however, I still felt they lacked depth individually. Although these characters have allowed their tragedies to rule their lives up to the point in which they meet, they are suddenly healing once they have spent just a few days together. There is most definitely an insta-love quality about this story...which is totally not my thing, but if you buy into that type of romance then you will probably really enjoy Surviving Us.
The premise was that both Bristol and Davis are ‘survivors’…they are the lone survivors of separate, but equally catastrophic events and seem to carry guilt about still being alive and are unable to truly live their lives. I completely understand that these characters endured traumatic experiences and overcoming such incidents would take time, but seriously, for Bristol 12 years has passed and she is still allowing it to affect her life rather than appreciating each and every day. I mean, come on, lots of people have bad things happen during their childhood...bad shit happens to good people all of the time, and much worse than what Bristol suffered...get over it and move on already! Why would you allow it to completely dictate your ability to find happiness in life???
Okay, I digress…as we learn more about the heartbreaks that shaped who both Bristol & Davis are as people, there was definitely some character development within this, however, I still felt they lacked depth individually. Although these characters have allowed their tragedies to rule their lives up to the point in which they meet, they are suddenly healing once they have spent just a few days together. There is most definitely an insta-love quality about this story...which is totally not my thing, but if you buy into that type of romance then you will probably really enjoy Surviving Us.
October 21, 2014
I Received A Complimentary Copy Of This Book From The Author/Publisher In Exchange For My Honest Review!
I'm ashamed to admit that I own Erin Noelle's Book Boyfriend Series along with her Dusk Till Dawn Books and this is the first book I've read by her but it definitely won't be my last. This is a story of pain and loss and moving on. I cried and laughed and cried and laughed some more while reading it.
I fell in love with this book along with Davis and Bristol. Davis can be quite the dick but I fricken love that about him but he also has a really romantic side. He's gone through a lot just like Bristol but where as Bristol is trying to better herself from her experience Davis is doing nothing for himself. The last thing he was expecting on the trip was Bristol and to come to terms with what happened and want to move on.
Bristol has been looking forward to going on this retreat for awhile and meeting the people she became friends with in the chat room. Like Davis and everyone else on the retreat Bristol too went through something painfully heartbreakingly tragic. Davis and the feelings she developed for him weren't something she was counting on.
Davis stole my heart from the beginning of the book. I fell in love with him and Bristol and cried as they relived their tragedies with one another. I honestly don't know what all I can say about this book but it was amazing and unlike anything I expected. A definite must read for me and a 2014 favorite. I will definitely be rereading their story again and again.
I'm ashamed to admit that I own Erin Noelle's Book Boyfriend Series along with her Dusk Till Dawn Books and this is the first book I've read by her but it definitely won't be my last. This is a story of pain and loss and moving on. I cried and laughed and cried and laughed some more while reading it.
I fell in love with this book along with Davis and Bristol. Davis can be quite the dick but I fricken love that about him but he also has a really romantic side. He's gone through a lot just like Bristol but where as Bristol is trying to better herself from her experience Davis is doing nothing for himself. The last thing he was expecting on the trip was Bristol and to come to terms with what happened and want to move on.
Bristol has been looking forward to going on this retreat for awhile and meeting the people she became friends with in the chat room. Like Davis and everyone else on the retreat Bristol too went through something painfully heartbreakingly tragic. Davis and the feelings she developed for him weren't something she was counting on.
Davis stole my heart from the beginning of the book. I fell in love with him and Bristol and cried as they relived their tragedies with one another. I honestly don't know what all I can say about this book but it was amazing and unlike anything I expected. A definite must read for me and a 2014 favorite. I will definitely be rereading their story again and again.
November 1, 2014
3.5 stars
This was a good book that I liked. Bristol and Davis have each suffered great tragedies and have endured much guilt (that they personally have put on themselves) for their survival. They set off on this retreat that will hopefully help them move on in their lives. But they got so much more than they were hoping to gain. The relationship that develops between Bristol and Davis is oh so great. There is definitely an attraction there. They are able to share a bond (though it is a tragedy) and have this connection that goes so much deeper. But since this a short retreat and they will know each other for two weeks, will something more come of this or will this just be a fling? Erin does a great job with the storyline. I was interested to see what will happen individually with Bristol and Davis as well as them as a couple. Even with all that they suffered, both main characters were real to me. Bristol was a down-to-earth girl who knows what she wants and Davis was hot and moody.
Now I wanted a little more at the end because of certain situations and I thought at least one more chapter before the epilogue was needed. To me that would have made the book better for me. But overall, it was still good that talks about survival and is so touching.
This was a good book that I liked. Bristol and Davis have each suffered great tragedies and have endured much guilt (that they personally have put on themselves) for their survival. They set off on this retreat that will hopefully help them move on in their lives. But they got so much more than they were hoping to gain. The relationship that develops between Bristol and Davis is oh so great. There is definitely an attraction there. They are able to share a bond (though it is a tragedy) and have this connection that goes so much deeper. But since this a short retreat and they will know each other for two weeks, will something more come of this or will this just be a fling? Erin does a great job with the storyline. I was interested to see what will happen individually with Bristol and Davis as well as them as a couple. Even with all that they suffered, both main characters were real to me. Bristol was a down-to-earth girl who knows what she wants and Davis was hot and moody.
Now I wanted a little more at the end because of certain situations and I thought at least one more chapter before the epilogue was needed. To me that would have made the book better for me. But overall, it was still good that talks about survival and is so touching.
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