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What if your only memory is of who you aren’t, not who you are? Seventeen-year-old Rashelle Santos fights her way out of a coma to find she doesn't remember her life, except for her parents and dog. Brain damage doctors tell her, but Rashelle knows with absolute certainty that Shellie (her nickname) died at the bottom of Kaweah Lake, bequeathing her death memories to Rashelle. Rashelle leaps into a relationship with Shellie's boyfriend, Aiden Brody, because he stirs her feelings and fills the void within her. As their relationship becomes serious, she questions whom he really loves. When threats appear in the form of notes stuffed into her locker and calls in the night, Rashelle wonders if she can stay alive long enough to discover who wants her dead, because somewhere out there Shellie's attacker watches and waits to finish what he started. And what the hell, she wonders, is she deranged or could dead Shellie be lingering to keep her alive?

287 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 12, 2013

3 people are currently reading
196 people want to read

About the author

Roni O'Connell

4 books24 followers
Roni O’Connell is the author of Inside Phoenix, a sexy shifter romance/thriller for adults, Chameleon’s Spell, a dystopian paranormal romance/thriller, Float, the first paranormal thriller in the YA series Chronicles of D.E.A.D High, and 3rd Degree Secrets, the second paranormal thriller in the series.

Addicted to books from infancy, Roni says, “I love books that explore fantasy worlds and the paranormal—books that push the edges of my imagination. As a child, I spent many of my best hours immersed in books and that passion morphed into writing them. I taught English literature for many years and found some of my students felt underrepresented in the books they read. That is why Float has a Hispanic heroine.

“I live with my husband and three dogs high in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. A California native, I find inspiration in the forest, wildlife, and lakes around my home. When I’m not writing, I can usually be found out on my kayak or swimming in mountain lakes. I love good wine and great coffee, and people with my similar wicked sense of humor. I love animals, and I’ve become known locally as the Animal Whisperer as I can get birds to land in my hands and foxes and deer come to me to be petted.”

To learn more about Roni O’Connell, like her author page on Facebook or follow her on Twitter at RoniOConnell. To show you care, leave your reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

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5 stars
22 (47%)
4 stars
17 (36%)
3 stars
6 (13%)
2 stars
1 (2%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for Amberr Meadows.
50 reviews36 followers
March 25, 2014
Float completely blew me away. Paranormal, mystery, romance, high energy, and a totally unexpected twist at the end encompassed so many elements of good writing I love. I sat down to read this book, and read it cover to cover with only a 30-minute break. Mesmerized by the story and intrigue, and suspecting the wrong person as the bad guy--not once--but three times, it never donned on me who the villain was until the author chose the revealing moment. Not throwing in any spoilers, but unless you cheat and read the end first, I believe you'll be just as surprised. Excellent plot, climax, and conclusion, endearing characters you either love or dislike intensely, only minor grammatical issues, and a flowing writing form leads me to give Float 5 stars. I also love how the author is able to make her teen characters believable, energetic, and realistic. Perhaps this has something to do with her being a former English teacher. Either way, nicely done, Roni O'Connell! I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Karin Baker.
7 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2017
I read this book in less than a day. The author took me on a path that I didn't need to rest on. My attention was grabbed and we were off. I loved the story-line and how detailed everything was. I could imagine myself there; sitting in the room and watching everything unfold just as it was in the pages.
I could not wait to see how it worked out, so I didn't. Wait, that is. I let myself fall completely and utterly into the story and immersed myself into Rashelle’s world and did not climb out until the very end. At that point I felt so many emotions. Disbelief, shock, surprised, shocked and then the “Ahaa” moment clicked.
O’Connell definitely keeps you guessing and second guessing yourself. She takes you on a roller coaster ride with your emotions.
I have already been suggesting this book to all of my friends and anyone else that might listen to me. My only hope is that other readers enjoy it as much as I did.
Profile Image for S.J. Pierce.
Author 24 books402 followers
December 14, 2014
I stumbled across this book on a Book Sends email ad and, man... I'm glad I did! As much as I love to read, there are very few books I sacrifice my oh-so-precious sleep for. This was one of them!!!


The Good:

First... that. cover. Gorgeous. It caught my eye immediately. And the summary, while it almost reveals a bit too much, it had me wanting to read more. I'm a sucker for anything paranormal, and it also hints at a dash of complicated romance and mystery. It had me at "hello."

When I cracked the book open, my first impression was, wow... Ms. O'Connell can write. Then it was, oh my gawd, what happened to this poor girl Rashelle and will they ever catch the guy who did this to her? And is continuing to stalk and harass her? Not to mention, she can't remember who she is, but she does know one thing for certain - she's NOT the same girl who used to inhabit this body.

Holy cow. What?

I couldn't rest until I knew the answers. Literally. And just when I thought I knew who did it, or had a clue as to who Rashelle really was, I was second guessing myself by the next chapter. And that, dear readers, is the mark of a good storyteller.

Next, Ms. Connell's characters are believable, not only because they talk and act and think like kids that age, but they're flawed and relatable. They don't always make the best choices and they think they know it all - I had many flashbacks to my teen years - but they also have that care-free way about them and are open to new love in a way only teenagers can be... because they haven't been scarred enough by life to be jaded or wary about it yet. lol I was also quite taken with Aiden, Rashelle's love interest. He's the perfect male lead - supportive. encouraging. patient. kind. The type of man every girl should be attracted to. I can't stand this new wave of asshole-boyfriends that's in every other novel these days. The worse they treat them, the more the female leads are attracted to them.

What?

I don't get it. Kudos to O'Connell for steering clear of that.

Lastly, the ending was phenomenal and quite satisfying. In a million years, I never would have guessed who Rashelle's attacker was. I also never would have guessed why Rashelle felt like she was transplanted into the body she's in. The explanation makes perfect sense and was so overwhelmingly poignant and perfect, I found myself smiling and tearing up as I read. This story is heartbreaking, sweet, funny and riveting all rolled into one hell of a captivating read. If you don't have this one on your "to be read" list, do so immediately!


The Bad:

To be honest, I don't have anything negative to say!


The Ugly:

Nothing to say in the category, either.


Favorite Quote:

"I get it now, how the sheer physicality of kissing can feel pretty darn good even when you're not in love. But I also get how much more that pleasure intensifies when you are."
Profile Image for Lara Lynn.
22 reviews5 followers
November 20, 2014
A COMPLETELY ORIGINAL AND ENGAGING STORY!!!!

Roni O'Connell has written a brilliantly original story of mystery, suspense, love and the connection of life and death. I was on a complete rollercoaster ride that had me not knowing what to expect to happen next. I fell in love with the main characters and even a few of the secondary ones! I recommend this book who loves an AMAZING read full of twists and turns. When a writer can pull you into a book and make you feel as though you are a part of that book, it is an art. Roni O'Connell is an artist!
Profile Image for Lara Lynn.
22 reviews5 followers
November 20, 2014
Float by Roni O'Connell

Roni O'Connell has written a brilliantly original story of mystery, suspense, love and the connection of life and death. I was on a complete rollercoaster ride that had me not knowing what to expect to happen next. I fell in love with the main characters and even a few of the secondary ones! I recommend this book to anyone who loves an AMAZING read full of twists and turns. When a writer can pull you into a book and make you feel as though you are part of that book....it is an art. Roni O'Connell is an artist!

Reviewed by Lara Lynn
Profile Image for Julie Powell.
Author 72 books323 followers
May 27, 2015
The writing style of this story is compelling, so that it becomes one that is difficult to stop reading...I loved it!

An intriguing concept, believable characters and that wonderful writing style make for a great read.

It is difficult to say too much without spoilers, but if you enjoy mystery, intrigue, twists, turns and surprises, this book is for you. Yes, it may be for a teenage audience, however, the themes and ideas are important lessons from which we could all benefit.

I loved the main character's strength and how she tackled her journey...very well done.

Highly recommended.
5 reviews
September 19, 2017
The story was exciting and kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next, I couldn't put it down! I really enjoyed following the story and getting to know the characters, such a great mystery!
Profile Image for Mindy/fangedmom.
234 reviews17 followers
December 10, 2014
OMG! That is my initial reaction to this book. I am so in love with this book that I just totally flipped out. I was almost done with the book and sent Author Roni O'Connell a HUGE message on Facebook. After reassuring her several times I am not a crazy person, I had to tell her how much this book affected me. I love when a book totally just takes me by surprise. I was not able to figure out anything that was going on and was so surprised at what was going on that I was just speechless. This is true writing here. This is why I love to read. I fell in love with the characters so much. I have been thinking of them so much since finishing the book. Songs remind me of them. I find myself thinking of the whole book while trying to go to sleep. It is just THAT amazing. Ok for my review...

When Shellie wakes up from a 9 month coma, she realizes that more than just time has changed. Insisting on being called by her real name Rachelle, is just the beginning of the strange events that start taking place. Being a victim of a very violent crime and left for dead, Rashelle starts trying to put HER life back together. Being known as Shellie before the horrible attack, Rashelle knows that she must figure out what has happened and why things are so different now. She knows her mom, dad and her dog O'Malley but everyone else is a stranger. What is the secret to unlocking her memories?

YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK!
Profile Image for Jenna.
1,625 reviews14 followers
December 12, 2014
3.5 stars
Rashelle Santos has just woken up from a coma, she doesn't remember her life before, her friends, school or what happened but she does know she loves her parents dearly and off course her crazy dog.

She feels something is wrong and that she is in the wrong body because she knows for sure that she is not Shellie. Her boyfriend Aiden was a great character and the love building was good. Rashelle didn't end up in a coma for nothing and the person who’s has done those horrible things to her is still out there and apparently has not forgotten her. Notes are ending up in her locker; the police doesn't believe her and her parents are confused.

Rashelle is a strong female lead character she is funny and I loved that she was thinking about fighting back (with her dog).

The writing was good I will be watching out for this author, I think she has some major potential.
Profile Image for Shell Williams.
180 reviews1 follower
November 4, 2014
Oh where to start this book sucked me in so fast it's not funny Shellie, Aiden, Rashelle, Jon and everyone in this book just keep me wanting more the twist and turns in this book will keep you on your toes and your mind wanting to know what's going to happen next... OMG what you don't see coming will just make your jaw drop and say wow...
Profile Image for Sonja Randall.
314 reviews8 followers
December 22, 2014
Different, interesting read. Not what I expected. Love the dog! Striking cover.
Profile Image for Jasmine Dorsett.
138 reviews2 followers
May 21, 2017
Very interesting

So many twists and turns in this book. It keeps you on your toes and guessing. I loved it and couldnt put it down.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews

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