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London Lovers #1
Becoming Us
Alternate Cover edition 9780990325260
~The college prequel to the London Lovers Series~
The dreaded friend-zone...
The last place Finley ever want to be with college basketball God, Jake LaShae. She is losing her mind trying to figure out what this guy wants from her. Between their late night phone calls, cuddle sessions and him showing up at parties, causing a scene, his mixed signals are giving her whip lash.
When a mind-blowing betrayal knocks the wind out of Finley and she thinks she can’t feel any lower, Brody stumbles into her path—barefoot and charmingly sexy.
This boy next door is a breath of fresh air. And he’s not shooting her any mixed signals.
But even he has a past. A past that makes him anything but perfect.
When Finley begins to think she’s found the one in Brody, will Jake try to make one final play and ruin the game for everyone?
~The college prequel to the London Lovers Series~
The dreaded friend-zone...
The last place Finley ever want to be with college basketball God, Jake LaShae. She is losing her mind trying to figure out what this guy wants from her. Between their late night phone calls, cuddle sessions and him showing up at parties, causing a scene, his mixed signals are giving her whip lash.
When a mind-blowing betrayal knocks the wind out of Finley and she thinks she can’t feel any lower, Brody stumbles into her path—barefoot and charmingly sexy.
This boy next door is a breath of fresh air. And he’s not shooting her any mixed signals.
But even he has a past. A past that makes him anything but perfect.
When Finley begins to think she’s found the one in Brody, will Jake try to make one final play and ruin the game for everyone?
306 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
1570 people are currently reading
3830 people want to read
About the author
Amy Daws
37 books11.5k followersNumber 1 Amazon Bestselling author Amy Daws writes spicy love stories that take place in America, as well as across the pond. She's most known for her footy-playing Harris Brothers and writing in a tire shop waiting room. When Amy is not writing, she’s likely making charcuterie boards from her home in South Dakota where she lives with her daughter and husband.
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May 16, 2016
FREE on Amazon US today (5/15/2016)
Book 1 in duet, rest stand-alones. Series complete.
BLURB:
The dreaded friend-zone...
The last place I ever want to be with college basketball God, Jake LaShae. I am losing my mind trying to figure out what this gorgeous and confident man wants from me. I need to break through his walls. What is it about me that makes him not go there? What am I lacking?
When a mind-blowing betrayal knocks the wind out of me, and I think I can't feel any lower...Brody stumbles into my path-barefoot no less, and sexy as hell. His direct and mouth-watering swagger is a breath of fresh air. The feelings this man gives me are like nothing I've ever experienced.
But Brody has a past. A past that makes it nearly impossible for him to trust me and let us become us in whatever capacity that may be. Just when Brody and I truly connect, just when I think that finding my soul-mate in college isn't a total joke, Jake comes back into my life...and messes things up...possibly for good.
https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Us-Co...
FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day, I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 500 books)
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December 8, 2016
2 Stars
I had a lot of minor issues with the progression of this story, which if the writing had been better probably would not have bothered me as much, but owing to the fact that that wasn’t the case ultimately made this “romance” fall entirely flat for me.
It was a gutsy move to start this novel with the female lead being friend-zoned by a guy who isn’t the male lead. However, this part of the story arc went on FAR too long (around the 30% mark) for such a short romance novel, and when it all went sideways I was a little delighted – because Jake is such a stereotypical athlete love interest that it kind of made me feel like vomiting – until we met the actual male lead, Brody. Now I have never abhorred stereotypical characters, I think they serve a purpose…sometimes.... but:
Brody is the fucking definition of a “Manic Pixie Dream Boy” (if you didn’t know this was a thing, 1.) Where have you been? and 2.) How do I get a flight there?)
Their meet-cute takes place in the parking lot, with him barefoot (Yikes!) and stumbling over himself trying to get a date with Finley. Ugh. I am a fucking awkward human being and trust me the floundering stupidity of that is NEVER flawlessly adorable. No, were that me I would have stubbed my toe, ended up hopping around a bit, stepped on something disgusting and raced out only to discover that it was not actually the person I thought it was. But this is a romance, so of course it works out to be “cute” and he’s gorgeous (Again, OF COURSE) tall, with dark hair and startling blue eyes because that’s the Pixie Dream standard.
Anyways, there are a lot of bothersome things about this; jealousy, slut-shaming, communication issues, a racially stereotyped character who ends up helping the main characters out, some very bizarre stalking. You know the drill.
This is a college romance, so there is partying and stupidity but not a whole lot of actual schoolwork because who actually studies at college, amirite? It’s not like they’re actually PAYING to learn shit or anything…
WHATEVER. I’m over it. This book was bad. Not awful, or anything that intense. Just bad, all around. The writing. The characters. The dialogue. Bleh.
I had a lot of minor issues with the progression of this story, which if the writing had been better probably would not have bothered me as much, but owing to the fact that that wasn’t the case ultimately made this “romance” fall entirely flat for me.
It was a gutsy move to start this novel with the female lead being friend-zoned by a guy who isn’t the male lead. However, this part of the story arc went on FAR too long (around the 30% mark) for such a short romance novel, and when it all went sideways I was a little delighted – because Jake is such a stereotypical athlete love interest that it kind of made me feel like vomiting – until we met the actual male lead, Brody. Now I have never abhorred stereotypical characters, I think they serve a purpose…sometimes.... but:
Brody is the fucking definition of a “Manic Pixie Dream Boy” (if you didn’t know this was a thing, 1.) Where have you been? and 2.) How do I get a flight there?)
Their meet-cute takes place in the parking lot, with him barefoot (Yikes!) and stumbling over himself trying to get a date with Finley. Ugh. I am a fucking awkward human being and trust me the floundering stupidity of that is NEVER flawlessly adorable. No, were that me I would have stubbed my toe, ended up hopping around a bit, stepped on something disgusting and raced out only to discover that it was not actually the person I thought it was. But this is a romance, so of course it works out to be “cute” and he’s gorgeous (Again, OF COURSE) tall, with dark hair and startling blue eyes because that’s the Pixie Dream standard.
Anyways, there are a lot of bothersome things about this; jealousy, slut-shaming, communication issues, a racially stereotyped character who ends up helping the main characters out, some very bizarre stalking. You know the drill.
This is a college romance, so there is partying and stupidity but not a whole lot of actual schoolwork because who actually studies at college, amirite? It’s not like they’re actually PAYING to learn shit or anything…
WHATEVER. I’m over it. This book was bad. Not awful, or anything that intense. Just bad, all around. The writing. The characters. The dialogue. Bleh.
February 13, 2016
2.5 Confused by 'switching horse mid-race' stars.
What a very strange story that was. I thought I was getting friends to lovers, but then she unexpectedly 'switched horses' and I was left a bit confused. Who is the 'the one?' Who do I want her with? Problem was, I guessed wrong and so didn't get fully invested in the 'right' guy and so that kind of prevented me from feeling the feels.
But, putting that aside, I settled back in and enjoyed the sweetness and good smut and banter as much as I could right up until the end at which point there's some manufactured drama thrown in, presumably to eke it into another book. Not a fan of last minute cliffhangers tbh. So yeah, there's more but I'm leaving it there.
What a very strange story that was. I thought I was getting friends to lovers, but then she unexpectedly 'switched horses' and I was left a bit confused. Who is the 'the one?' Who do I want her with? Problem was, I guessed wrong and so didn't get fully invested in the 'right' guy and so that kind of prevented me from feeling the feels.
But, putting that aside, I settled back in and enjoyed the sweetness and good smut and banter as much as I could right up until the end at which point there's some manufactured drama thrown in, presumably to eke it into another book. Not a fan of last minute cliffhangers tbh. So yeah, there's more but I'm leaving it there.
January 11, 2016
I had to actually stop and take a breath after finishing before i could write this review because it just annoyed me so much. Let it be a lesson to me to go with my instinct. I didn't want to finish this book at the half way mark. But I haven't had a great ratio lately and i thought this deserved a chance to get better. Instead it not only got worse AND it ended on a cliffhanger which is just the worst when you hate a book so much but you're also OCD about finding out what happened. In the end I just went to look at spoilers so i didn't have to read another book full of characters i hate. and i mean HATE. Finley is fucking everything i hate in a woman. She's self-absorbed. She forgets herself and her friends when she likes a guy then goes running back to them when something goes wrong. She refuses to acknowledge other's feelings. I literally cannot say ANYTHING nice about her. Brody on the other hand did have some moments where he was really sweet with the heroine. He also had some moments where he was a total jackass. I get that he has insecurities but guess what we all have them it's no excuse to be such a dick to someone you supposedly love. And fin's weak ass not only took it she usually ended up being the one to apologize and it just made me lose all respect for her. I also felt like these two did not work together as a couple. I didn't buy them together and the romance as a whole read very immaturely. I don't really know who this is meant for. I'm max 2 years older than the MC's and I found the whole thing to be very immature and angsty. More mature readers definitely won't enjoy this and it's a bad role model for relationships to younger readers (not abusive but definitely not something i'd say is healthy). The plot was kind of boring and a little odd. The blurb makes this whole thing to be more dramatic than it actually is. There's drama sure but it's not in the places you expect it to be after the blurb and not in the places that i think would've made for an interesting read. The writing was technically sound I have to give the author props for that. But the language in a lot of places were super weird. I'm not sure how old this author is but her slang is just...it's so odd. Like something and older person thinks is something kids say. First thing that I found odd was they kept saying "shit hot" or similar things. That's just a weird phrase because I dont find anything about shit hot. I've heard the phrase hot as fuck so maybe that's the sort of thing she was going for but it just didn't hit for me. The second one that i hated mostly because I had to stop and spend time figuring out was "cracks" from the context it appears to mean details or gossip or something like that but i'm not 100% sure about that. I even attempted to look it up on urban dictionary to make sure i wasn't missing some new slang thing and i got nothing.
Overall this was just a complete dud to me and not one i'd recommend
Overall this was just a complete dud to me and not one i'd recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2019
20% DNF
Am I the only one that was annoyed by the word "cool". Every other paragraph had cool in some form “Cool” “Oh that’s cool” “Oh wow, cool” “really cool”.
It would make a good book for a drinking game though. Drink every time you read the word “cool”…..of course you would be drunk within a few chapters and would never remember what you read.
Sorry, this just was not for me. Maybe a different book in the series or a different series by this author but I just won't be able to do this book.
Am I the only one that was annoyed by the word "cool". Every other paragraph had cool in some form “Cool” “Oh that’s cool” “Oh wow, cool” “really cool”.
It would make a good book for a drinking game though. Drink every time you read the word “cool”…..of course you would be drunk within a few chapters and would never remember what you read.
Sorry, this just was not for me. Maybe a different book in the series or a different series by this author but I just won't be able to do this book.
kindle-freebies
April 6, 2018kindle freebie 4/6/18
https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Us-Co...
https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Us-Co...
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July 13, 2022So... I hate Finley. Hate her so much that I couldn't find it in me to give this book a real chance.
She was almost everything I can't stand in a protagonist.
And she was the one narrating this story.
NO.
She was almost everything I can't stand in a protagonist.
And she was the one narrating this story.
NO.
March 1, 2015
Thank you to the author, Amy Daws, for gifting me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
It's been a long time since I've read just a straight up realistic fiction romance book. It was a welcome change. Becoming Us follows Fin around college and her relationship with Brody and Jake. Let me tell you, there is tons of drama (I'm a sucker for drama though don't worry).
I really enjoyed reading about Fin's life and yes, all her drama. I think what appealed to me most is that all the characters just seem so real. You know when you read those books and it's like all the characters are either waaay too perfect or waaay too flawed to actually be realistic? These characters were nothing like that.
Now Brody. He was so sweet and wonderful! I loved his signs and his answers for everything :) The way he and Fin say 'I love us' is just too perfect! It really shows how a relationship is the way two people are together and that being together can bring out your best self.
I literally have nothing else to say other than it was all wonderful! I was glued to my kindle for 3 hours while I devoured this book!
The Final Verdict:
Such a sweet and realistic college love story that turns out to be more than a fling. I'm so excited to read A Broken Us (the next book in the series)! There was a little sneak peek at the end of Becoming Us and those first chapters ... I NEED MORE!
5 stars
Quotes:
"I don't like sports, but I'm not an idiot. I'm hanging out with Jake LaShae. I Googled the team. Emmet was all over the sports headlines last year."
"'I love us.'"
It's been a long time since I've read just a straight up realistic fiction romance book. It was a welcome change. Becoming Us follows Fin around college and her relationship with Brody and Jake. Let me tell you, there is tons of drama (I'm a sucker for drama though don't worry).
I really enjoyed reading about Fin's life and yes, all her drama. I think what appealed to me most is that all the characters just seem so real. You know when you read those books and it's like all the characters are either waaay too perfect or waaay too flawed to actually be realistic? These characters were nothing like that.
Now Brody. He was so sweet and wonderful! I loved his signs and his answers for everything :) The way he and Fin say 'I love us' is just too perfect! It really shows how a relationship is the way two people are together and that being together can bring out your best self.
I literally have nothing else to say other than it was all wonderful! I was glued to my kindle for 3 hours while I devoured this book!
The Final Verdict:
Such a sweet and realistic college love story that turns out to be more than a fling. I'm so excited to read A Broken Us (the next book in the series)! There was a little sneak peek at the end of Becoming Us and those first chapters ... I NEED MORE!
5 stars
Quotes:
"I don't like sports, but I'm not an idiot. I'm hanging out with Jake LaShae. I Googled the team. Emmet was all over the sports headlines last year."
"'I love us.'"
April 4, 2015
'I love us' Awww, this just melts my heart!
I loved Brody and Fin. Their story was sweet and sometimes unpredictable. I loved Brody's little notes and I loved Fin's unapologetic character. She wasn't afraid to be a goof, or say what she was thinking, certainly not a pushover or a whiny heroine, which I dislike.
I have to admit, I have a soft spot for the bad boy, Jake. I know he was an ass, but there's something about him that makes me think he's not all bad and if Amy wanted to write his story, I wouldn't be disappointed!
I loved Brody and Fin. Their story was sweet and sometimes unpredictable. I loved Brody's little notes and I loved Fin's unapologetic character. She wasn't afraid to be a goof, or say what she was thinking, certainly not a pushover or a whiny heroine, which I dislike.
I have to admit, I have a soft spot for the bad boy, Jake. I know he was an ass, but there's something about him that makes me think he's not all bad and if Amy wanted to write his story, I wouldn't be disappointed!
May 14, 2016
Check out more of my reviews on my blog http://gemmareadstoomuch.co.uk
Becoming Us is book #1 in the London Lovers Series and the first book I have read by this author. I grabbed this as an Amazon freebie after a friend raved about how brilliant the series was.
I’m not one to mince my words so I’m gonna put it straight out there.
I HATED THIS BOOK!!!!!
Now you’ve got a rough idea how this review is going to go it’s your choice about if you want to continue reading……
ALSO THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS… YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!
If you’ve got to this point then please don’t moan at me when you don’t like what I’ve got to say.
I hated this book!!!
It started off ok; perhaps a little too sweet and innocent for my dirty minded tastes, but I was ok and really open to where the story was gonna go. Then in walks Jake, now I liked Jake the big basketball star and I envisaged I sweet friends to lover’s story.
Unfortunately Jake then turns into a total douchebag and starts kicking off about Finley smoking and enjoying herself. He’s a total vagetease (the male version of the pricktease) and he’s absolutely leading her on.
Honestly by this point I’m kind of hating on Finley too!! Why did the girl not take a hint??? It’s obvious that Jake is playing with her and she knows that yet she keeps coming back for more!!!!
Doh!!!!!!
As far as I can see Jake sleeping with Olivia is the best thing he could do because at least Fin got rid of him and a crappy friend at the same time. #everyonesawinner.
Unfortunately Fin then meets Brody; to start off I thought he was adorable. Perhaps slightly stalkerish but so cute I was prepared to overlook it.
Their relationship went from cute to sickeningly loved up in about 1.2 seconds and I think I threw up in my mouth a little when the whole “I Love Us” stuff was going on. Now that’s my problem I’m not a fan of overly sweet romance, but I would have overlooked the gushing and romantic overtures had Brody not turned into a PSYCHO!!!
Imagine this…. Your friend meets a lovely guy who turns into an out of control, aggressive, jealous nightmare every time you try to go out have a few drinks and dance with your girlfriends. What would you say to your girlfriend?? You would say RUN FOR THE HILLS THE GUY IS NUTS!!!
Brody’s outbursts and out of control behaviour was completely out of order and honestly concerning. This character was like the start of an infomercial on how domestic abuse starts!!!
Finley gets angry for like a second and then she totally just forgives him for his awful behaviour!!! She admits that once she gets in a relationship she withdraws from her friends to spend time with him. On the occasions she goes out as a group with him and her friends he causes a scene and she abandons her friends to either run from him or chase after him.
BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, WARNING, WARNING, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP!!!
Brody’s issues and behaviour threw up so many red flags to me that I was waiting for her to dump his insane ass and find someone better!!!
Honestly I could go on but I’m ranting and making myself even angrier so I’m just going to say one more thing.
As much as all of the above things aggravated the hell out of me I could have accepted the book as just not my cup of tea. It happens books are a very subjective what I hate many will love.
But then after the story is wrapped up in a nice big bow in the epilogue, along comes a sneaky extended epilogue years into the future that just opened up a great big can of next book worms.
Unfortunately she’s ill and its serious cliff-hanger sealed this books fate.
Sorry I just hated it! It gets 1 stars from me!!!
Becoming Us is book #1 in the London Lovers Series and the first book I have read by this author. I grabbed this as an Amazon freebie after a friend raved about how brilliant the series was.
I’m not one to mince my words so I’m gonna put it straight out there.
I HATED THIS BOOK!!!!!
Now you’ve got a rough idea how this review is going to go it’s your choice about if you want to continue reading……
ALSO THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS… YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!
If you’ve got to this point then please don’t moan at me when you don’t like what I’ve got to say.
I hated this book!!!
It started off ok; perhaps a little too sweet and innocent for my dirty minded tastes, but I was ok and really open to where the story was gonna go. Then in walks Jake, now I liked Jake the big basketball star and I envisaged I sweet friends to lover’s story.
Unfortunately Jake then turns into a total douchebag and starts kicking off about Finley smoking and enjoying herself. He’s a total vagetease (the male version of the pricktease) and he’s absolutely leading her on.
Honestly by this point I’m kind of hating on Finley too!! Why did the girl not take a hint??? It’s obvious that Jake is playing with her and she knows that yet she keeps coming back for more!!!!
Doh!!!!!!
As far as I can see Jake sleeping with Olivia is the best thing he could do because at least Fin got rid of him and a crappy friend at the same time. #everyonesawinner.
Unfortunately Fin then meets Brody; to start off I thought he was adorable. Perhaps slightly stalkerish but so cute I was prepared to overlook it.
Their relationship went from cute to sickeningly loved up in about 1.2 seconds and I think I threw up in my mouth a little when the whole “I Love Us” stuff was going on. Now that’s my problem I’m not a fan of overly sweet romance, but I would have overlooked the gushing and romantic overtures had Brody not turned into a PSYCHO!!!
Imagine this…. Your friend meets a lovely guy who turns into an out of control, aggressive, jealous nightmare every time you try to go out have a few drinks and dance with your girlfriends. What would you say to your girlfriend?? You would say RUN FOR THE HILLS THE GUY IS NUTS!!!
Brody’s outbursts and out of control behaviour was completely out of order and honestly concerning. This character was like the start of an infomercial on how domestic abuse starts!!!
Finley gets angry for like a second and then she totally just forgives him for his awful behaviour!!! She admits that once she gets in a relationship she withdraws from her friends to spend time with him. On the occasions she goes out as a group with him and her friends he causes a scene and she abandons her friends to either run from him or chase after him.
BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, WARNING, WARNING, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP!!!
Brody’s issues and behaviour threw up so many red flags to me that I was waiting for her to dump his insane ass and find someone better!!!
Honestly I could go on but I’m ranting and making myself even angrier so I’m just going to say one more thing.
As much as all of the above things aggravated the hell out of me I could have accepted the book as just not my cup of tea. It happens books are a very subjective what I hate many will love.
But then after the story is wrapped up in a nice big bow in the epilogue, along comes a sneaky extended epilogue years into the future that just opened up a great big can of next book worms.
Unfortunately she’s ill and its serious cliff-hanger sealed this books fate.
Sorry I just hated it! It gets 1 stars from me!!!
January 29, 2015
My Rating:
4.75
Favorite Quotes:
“This silent game of flirting we’ve been playing for nearly a month now is the epitome of the word bittersweet. Bitter because we don’t speak – sweet because I don’t ever want it to stop.”
“Now I, on the other hand, am going to end up married to a gay man. My vajayjay will shrivel up and die because it won’t be properly serviced. I’ll die alone with my fifty cats, my sewing machine, and one fiercely designed moo-moo.”
“’Was that a Dexter reference?’ he asks, with a deadly serious expression. ‘Or do you simply know what a dark passenger is because you are truly possessed?’”
“Okay, he hasn’t said a word to me since you guys went into the other room. Now first thing he says is that I’m a beautiful eater. Honestly, Fin, if Brody is this weird, I have serious fears for your taste in men.”
“I don’t need you to be perfect. I just need you to be mine. It’s okay for us not to be perfect.”
“There is always time for makeup sex. You make time for makeup sex. It says so in the title.”
My Review:
I had highlighted so many cleverly written passages as favorites, it was extremely difficult to narrow it down to a half dozen. Amy Daws has mad skills. Her humor is smart, and used in an agile manner. Her writing is entertaining, absorbing, smooth, and addictive. I could not willingly stop reading, and woke this morning with my kindle on my chest. She aptly captured the feel, thrall, obsession, and devastation of college crushes and early love. And her sensual scenes – smokin’ hawt. Oh to be young and besotted again… how I miss those salad days!
4.75
Favorite Quotes:
“This silent game of flirting we’ve been playing for nearly a month now is the epitome of the word bittersweet. Bitter because we don’t speak – sweet because I don’t ever want it to stop.”
“Now I, on the other hand, am going to end up married to a gay man. My vajayjay will shrivel up and die because it won’t be properly serviced. I’ll die alone with my fifty cats, my sewing machine, and one fiercely designed moo-moo.”
“’Was that a Dexter reference?’ he asks, with a deadly serious expression. ‘Or do you simply know what a dark passenger is because you are truly possessed?’”
“Okay, he hasn’t said a word to me since you guys went into the other room. Now first thing he says is that I’m a beautiful eater. Honestly, Fin, if Brody is this weird, I have serious fears for your taste in men.”
“I don’t need you to be perfect. I just need you to be mine. It’s okay for us not to be perfect.”
“There is always time for makeup sex. You make time for makeup sex. It says so in the title.”
My Review:
I had highlighted so many cleverly written passages as favorites, it was extremely difficult to narrow it down to a half dozen. Amy Daws has mad skills. Her humor is smart, and used in an agile manner. Her writing is entertaining, absorbing, smooth, and addictive. I could not willingly stop reading, and woke this morning with my kindle on my chest. She aptly captured the feel, thrall, obsession, and devastation of college crushes and early love. And her sensual scenes – smokin’ hawt. Oh to be young and besotted again… how I miss those salad days!
January 16, 2020
Finally, the prequel I have been waiting for has arrived. Have I mentioned how much I love Finley and Brody? They are beautifully flawed and that is why I love them. In Becoming Us, we get to see how they meet, fall in love, and deal with relationship issues. There were a couple of times that I wanted to smack them both and tell them to grow up but they figured it out.
We get to meet Jake Lashae, the guy who broke Finley’s heart. I hated him and I hated Olivia. I loved the supporting cast of characters of Angela, Mark, Parni, and Leslie. I just wanted more Leslie in the story (eagerly awaiting her story)! I found myself wanting to tell Finley to get over Jake because someone better is coming along. It was amazing to see how Finley and Brody came to be. There were times that I just wanted to put both of them in time out due to how they react to some things that happen. Sometimes in real life, we don’t react well to some situations, and I think that Amy Daws captures that beautifully in her stories. I will recommend this story to others.
I wholeheartedly give this story 5 Platypires.
We get to meet Jake Lashae, the guy who broke Finley’s heart. I hated him and I hated Olivia. I loved the supporting cast of characters of Angela, Mark, Parni, and Leslie. I just wanted more Leslie in the story (eagerly awaiting her story)! I found myself wanting to tell Finley to get over Jake because someone better is coming along. It was amazing to see how Finley and Brody came to be. There were times that I just wanted to put both of them in time out due to how they react to some things that happen. Sometimes in real life, we don’t react well to some situations, and I think that Amy Daws captures that beautifully in her stories. I will recommend this story to others.
I wholeheartedly give this story 5 Platypires.
January 26, 2015
Author Review:
I'm super excited to be releasing a PreQuel to Brody & Finley's story! When I first wrote A Broken Us, I eluded to how Brody & Finley met in college...and even some drama that went on there. I had an idea in my head about what their backstory was, but that was it. When A Broken Us released, I couldn't stop thinking about Brody & Finley in college...it consumed me! So I thought....what if? What if I write a PREQUEL! If Star Wars can do it, surely I can!
So that's what Becoming Us is. It's a part of my London Lover Series even though it's not set in London. But it's where it all began...it's where we first meet Finley, Brody, Jake, Leslie, Angela, and Mark. All these great characters! I'm so happy with the result.
Becoming Us and A Broken Us can be read in any order. By release date or by chronological order. Take your pick....and hopefully you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them!
I'm super excited to be releasing a PreQuel to Brody & Finley's story! When I first wrote A Broken Us, I eluded to how Brody & Finley met in college...and even some drama that went on there. I had an idea in my head about what their backstory was, but that was it. When A Broken Us released, I couldn't stop thinking about Brody & Finley in college...it consumed me! So I thought....what if? What if I write a PREQUEL! If Star Wars can do it, surely I can!
So that's what Becoming Us is. It's a part of my London Lover Series even though it's not set in London. But it's where it all began...it's where we first meet Finley, Brody, Jake, Leslie, Angela, and Mark. All these great characters! I'm so happy with the result.
Becoming Us and A Broken Us can be read in any order. By release date or by chronological order. Take your pick....and hopefully you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them!
February 29, 2016
Being in a reading slump for the last few weeks, I decided to give this short a go... usually some Chick Lit gets me out of it and kicks me in the butt, then I'm right back into my usual MO...
I must admit firstly that I do like bad books... I've discussed this with my fellow booknerds and we have agreed that we need this quote on a t-shirt haha! ;)
That being said... onto my review for Becoming Us...
I've given this 3 stars as, although I ended up liking the story in the end, I really struggled to get into it... perhaps it was purposely written like this, but it's frustratingly immature...
Becoming Us is the prequel to Broken Us, it's set 5 years previously, where we get to see Fin and Brody meet and fall in love... they're both in college so obviously still very young and it really shows... perhaps it's my age lol!...
I will most likely read Broken Us soon, although I'm not in a hurry... it seems to have better reviews than this one so I'm keeping my fingers crossed...
I must admit firstly that I do like bad books... I've discussed this with my fellow booknerds and we have agreed that we need this quote on a t-shirt haha! ;)
That being said... onto my review for Becoming Us...
I've given this 3 stars as, although I ended up liking the story in the end, I really struggled to get into it... perhaps it was purposely written like this, but it's frustratingly immature...
Becoming Us is the prequel to Broken Us, it's set 5 years previously, where we get to see Fin and Brody meet and fall in love... they're both in college so obviously still very young and it really shows... perhaps it's my age lol!...
I will most likely read Broken Us soon, although I'm not in a hurry... it seems to have better reviews than this one so I'm keeping my fingers crossed...
July 22, 2016
I enjoyed Brody and Finley's romance. They instantly clicked when Brody rushed to meet her at the garbage dumpster and I devoured the pages of this story from that moment on.
July 12, 2018
*4 Stars*
I've been an Amy Daws fan since her first Harris Brothers book released and I was lucky enough to review for her. Ever since then I have been meaning and meaning to get onto the London Lovers Series and go back to where it all began for her. After all, this series gave us the Harris Brothers after Vi gets introduced in a later book.
Anyways, I digress. I finally thought to myself, bugger it, I'm going to pick it up, and what better time than now while I'm waiting (impatiently I might add), for Gareth's story to release. To tide myself over with some other stories of Amy's, I picked up Becoming Us last night, and boy did I speed through it.
I liked Finley quite a lot, I despised Jake, and Brody was pretty awesome. Mind you, even while I understood his issues, I did not like his actions at times. But overall Brody is pretty damn fine.
I loved the secondary characters as well - more Leslie, Angela and Mark please?
I thought this was a really appropriate college story. It seems to highlight a lot of aspects of what college life must be like. The parties, the finding oneself, insecurities with the opposite sex - it has it all.
But underneath that it also tells the reader to find someone who is like them. Who fits with them and accepts them. Fin and Brody are really sweet together and I like how well they fit, and how so THEM they are.
But let me tell you...that ending?! I'm running of to Amazon right now to get the next book!
Bugger you Amy, bugger you ;-)
Review also on my blog - Becoming Us - Amy Daws
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I've been an Amy Daws fan since her first Harris Brothers book released and I was lucky enough to review for her. Ever since then I have been meaning and meaning to get onto the London Lovers Series and go back to where it all began for her. After all, this series gave us the Harris Brothers after Vi gets introduced in a later book.
Anyways, I digress. I finally thought to myself, bugger it, I'm going to pick it up, and what better time than now while I'm waiting (impatiently I might add), for Gareth's story to release. To tide myself over with some other stories of Amy's, I picked up Becoming Us last night, and boy did I speed through it.
I liked Finley quite a lot, I despised Jake, and Brody was pretty awesome. Mind you, even while I understood his issues, I did not like his actions at times. But overall Brody is pretty damn fine.
I loved the secondary characters as well - more Leslie, Angela and Mark please?
I thought this was a really appropriate college story. It seems to highlight a lot of aspects of what college life must be like. The parties, the finding oneself, insecurities with the opposite sex - it has it all.
But underneath that it also tells the reader to find someone who is like them. Who fits with them and accepts them. Fin and Brody are really sweet together and I like how well they fit, and how so THEM they are.
But let me tell you...that ending?! I'm running of to Amazon right now to get the next book!
Bugger you Amy, bugger you ;-)
Review also on my blog - Becoming Us - Amy Daws
Follow me on:
March 10, 2015
This book came highly recommend from a friend, so I was exciting to get stuck in. I'm so glad I took my friend up on this recommendation as this book is a breathe of fresh, quite unlike any thing I've read before. It tells the story of Finley, a college student in her final year she living and loving college life determined to get the full experience - partying, drinking and boys ! And one boy in particular Jake LeShae when he finally decides to notice Finley she thinks it's going to be the start of something wonderful - sadly Jake puts her in the friend zone, leaving Finley feeling confused as to where their 'relationship' is going, but after a night out their relationship is defined once and for all in a heart wrenching situation ! Every cloud has a silver lining , so they say and Finley's is Brody. He's sweet, funny , sexy and he just gets Finley brand of crazy and he likes her for it. Brody sadly is not prefect, he is fighting his own demons, demons he is not sure he can put out of his mind even for Fin.
This is an awesome read, it made me laugh, want to harm someone, made me fall in love and kept me reading late into the night. The secondary characters are as amazing as Fin and Brody especially Mark - that guy is cray cray but I love him ! Warning - this is a prequel to A Broken Us so it does end on a cliffy - good news is A Broken Us is already out so you can dive straight in which is what I'm about to do now.
Don't miss out on a great page turning read !
This is an awesome read, it made me laugh, want to harm someone, made me fall in love and kept me reading late into the night. The secondary characters are as amazing as Fin and Brody especially Mark - that guy is cray cray but I love him ! Warning - this is a prequel to A Broken Us so it does end on a cliffy - good news is A Broken Us is already out so you can dive straight in which is what I'm about to do now.
Don't miss out on a great page turning read !
December 17, 2014
4.5 rollercoaster stars
I have previously read and thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the London Lovers series, A Broken Us, so when I was given the opportunity to read and advanced copy of Becoming Us, it was a no brainer.
In A Broken Us, we learned a little about how Fin and Brody became a couple, but this prologue book delves right in there, gives us the nitty-gritty of their relationship.
We also hear a lot more about the bit-player in A Broken Us, Jake LaShae. We knew that Fin had a crush on him, but wow this was so much more.
And I have to say, I did not like Jake at all. He was a complete douche to Fin and my heart broke over and over for her with things that happened.
I completely and utterly adored Brody from the moment we meet him. He is sweet and caring - though at times I wanted to slap the crap out of him for things and he says to Fin. I could understand why - even though I didn't agree with him - but my heart shattered for our lovelies as they forged ahead with their relationship.
So, do they get their HEA? Nope, for that you are going to have to read for yourself.
Though this is the second in the London Lovers series, you could read it first.
Ms Daws has drawn us right into the world of her characters, and I am very much looking forward to what is coming next.
I have previously read and thoroughly enjoyed the first book in the London Lovers series, A Broken Us, so when I was given the opportunity to read and advanced copy of Becoming Us, it was a no brainer.
In A Broken Us, we learned a little about how Fin and Brody became a couple, but this prologue book delves right in there, gives us the nitty-gritty of their relationship.
We also hear a lot more about the bit-player in A Broken Us, Jake LaShae. We knew that Fin had a crush on him, but wow this was so much more.
And I have to say, I did not like Jake at all. He was a complete douche to Fin and my heart broke over and over for her with things that happened.
I completely and utterly adored Brody from the moment we meet him. He is sweet and caring - though at times I wanted to slap the crap out of him for things and he says to Fin. I could understand why - even though I didn't agree with him - but my heart shattered for our lovelies as they forged ahead with their relationship.
So, do they get their HEA? Nope, for that you are going to have to read for yourself.
Though this is the second in the London Lovers series, you could read it first.
Ms Daws has drawn us right into the world of her characters, and I am very much looking forward to what is coming next.
January 30, 2015
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
After having finished A Broken Us, I needed to read the prequel immediately. I was smitten with Brody and Finley, and couldn't wait to read their story.
Oh man, it was pretty much awesome. I actually ended up liking this one much more than the previous book - sorry Liam. It was emotional, but more in a young love angst sort of way. Much easier to read for me, and I devoured this book during every moment of free time I had this last weekend. (My kindle was taken away from me at one point, because I was at a hibachi grill... and it's apparently rude to read while the chef is turning rice into a giant fish and making it eat the chicken. WHO KNEW?!)
I was impressed with how much Finley developed during the story. Although there were a few times I wasn't even aware time had gone by until a little bit into the chapter, so I was temporarily thrown off at how quick something happened - only to find out that I jumped to conclusions.
There's still a few instances where a word was used improperly, but not near the extent of the first book. I found myself quite pleased with this book.
http://www.platypire.com/j-hooligan/b...
After having finished A Broken Us, I needed to read the prequel immediately. I was smitten with Brody and Finley, and couldn't wait to read their story.
Oh man, it was pretty much awesome. I actually ended up liking this one much more than the previous book - sorry Liam. It was emotional, but more in a young love angst sort of way. Much easier to read for me, and I devoured this book during every moment of free time I had this last weekend. (My kindle was taken away from me at one point, because I was at a hibachi grill... and it's apparently rude to read while the chef is turning rice into a giant fish and making it eat the chicken. WHO KNEW?!)
I was impressed with how much Finley developed during the story. Although there were a few times I wasn't even aware time had gone by until a little bit into the chapter, so I was temporarily thrown off at how quick something happened - only to find out that I jumped to conclusions.
There's still a few instances where a word was used improperly, but not near the extent of the first book. I found myself quite pleased with this book.
http://www.platypire.com/j-hooligan/b...
December 3, 2015
Becoming Us is a really interesting book. It is about a girl named Finley who is at college at wants to find a boyfriend that is true to her. Every morning she goes to get coffee and she meets someone named Jake. Jake is a sweet boy and she instantly falls for him. They go out for a couple months until they have a fight. Finley thinks that after this breakup she does not want another boyfriend, but she is wrong. Finley leaves her apartment and Brody who she has never seen before flirts with her. They become perfect for each other and they are always with each other. Finley is so attached to him that they spend spring break together. Brody and Finley have some ups and downs but they are perfect for each other.
I recommend this book because it is an interesting and you never know what will happen next. This book is in a series and I would continue reading because I want to know what will happen next. Becoming Us is a book that I think anyone would enjoy if they read it.
Becoming Us allowed me to make many connections. In this book the girl thought that everything was perfect but then it was a complete disaster. This has happened to many people I know. Throughout this book I made many more connections with life experiences I have had or seen.
I recommend this book because it is an interesting and you never know what will happen next. This book is in a series and I would continue reading because I want to know what will happen next. Becoming Us is a book that I think anyone would enjoy if they read it.
Becoming Us allowed me to make many connections. In this book the girl thought that everything was perfect but then it was a complete disaster. This has happened to many people I know. Throughout this book I made many more connections with life experiences I have had or seen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2015
4 Platypires for Becoming Us by Amy Daws
I've been hearing about Amy Daws from a few of my friends. They've been recommending her books to me and have told me I would like it.I just did not know this was a prequel to "A Broken Us" but I don't feel like I was missing anything major. At least I hope not.
After the first couple of chapters with mentions of Marian Keyes and not liking to drink beer I knew that Finely would be a character that I might like. Even though I thought she came across a tad too party girl and really "cool" for my taste I thought she was still a relatable character. Especially once she showed her vulnerable side with Brody. I adored the drama and their romance. Really once Brody entered the scene the story picked up and I can't wait to read the next book.
Overall, I really did enjoy this book and would recommend this to fans of New Adult Romance.
I've been hearing about Amy Daws from a few of my friends. They've been recommending her books to me and have told me I would like it.I just did not know this was a prequel to "A Broken Us" but I don't feel like I was missing anything major. At least I hope not.
After the first couple of chapters with mentions of Marian Keyes and not liking to drink beer I knew that Finely would be a character that I might like. Even though I thought she came across a tad too party girl and really "cool" for my taste I thought she was still a relatable character. Especially once she showed her vulnerable side with Brody. I adored the drama and their romance. Really once Brody entered the scene the story picked up and I can't wait to read the next book.
Overall, I really did enjoy this book and would recommend this to fans of New Adult Romance.
February 26, 2021
Oh this was bad. So, so bad. I'd excuse the bland characters and uninteresting prose, but then the text includes gems like "a boy and a girl can't just be friends." And the girl's sister blaming the girl for GETTING SEXUALLY ASSAULTED because the girl "should have left immediately" and the girl's boyfriend had been cheated on before so she "should meet him halfway" when he doesn't like that she dresses """provocatively""" and dances at a party. Dear Lord.
Oh, and in the preview for the next book we find out that having babies is the ultimate goal that women exist for. I repeat: Dear Lord.
And even the erotica was disappointing. So really, I got nothing out of reading this.
Oh, and in the preview for the next book we find out that having babies is the ultimate goal that women exist for. I repeat: Dear Lord.
And even the erotica was disappointing. So really, I got nothing out of reading this.
December 22, 2015
I really should give up reading NA/YA stories.
April 20, 2021
Not bad. Definitely left with a cliffhanger though. But there was a bit from the 2nd book at the end, so now I know I'll be crying when I start book 2.
November 8, 2017
It was difficult to follow at times but I liked the story overall. It all came together for me in the end and I really enjoyed it. I loved Brody ... and their relationship.
October 28, 2023
This book was extremely messy and I just found Brody and Finley’s relationship to be kind of toxic. Final thoughts are in my small review on book 2 of their story.
February 12, 2017
I came in to this book blind after reading and loving Challenge, I needed to go back to the beginning and read all the words by this author. Generally the first few books by an author are a little clunky until they find their style voice. Not the case here. This book surprised me, and I love when that happens! I had not read the synopsis; I did not know about the love triangle and did not see it coming. I had not connected with one of the main characters, but figured he would have some redeeming qualities written later in the story. Nope. See ya, buh bye. Good riddance to you. Not much of a triangle after all. It wasn’t hard for me to switch gears and fall head over heels in love with the guy left standing. It’s not hard for the heroine, Finley, to fall in love either-sticky, messy, glorious love. I loved this book; I found the writing fresh and romantic and the characters strong and passionate.
November 5, 2019
I was excited for this book because I have loved everything else I’ve read of this author. Not so much this one though. Too much time was spent on the wrong guy. Why get you so attached to a guy that you aren’t making the Hero. The drama seemed higher than she typically writes. I suppose it’s because it’s set in college. I haven’t decided yet if I’ll read the next one or not. I listened to the audio version of this.
October 10, 2016
Ugh, this book. The more I think about it the madder I get.
We start off with a self-absorbed main character. Finley is really not very likeable, but I can usually get over that.
Other people have mentioned the horse-switching that happens about 1/3 of the way through the book, and it is strange. It's not to introduce a love triangle, which is actually refreshing, but it just completely takes the book off course. (It's also off-putting that she meets new-guy like almost literally the day after she decides to get over old-guy.) I didn't know who I was supposed to root for. Also, since I hated almost all the characters, I didn't know why I was supposed to care.
But, honestly, I could have gotten over most of those issues. In the end, I don't know why I'm supposed to like or want her to end up with Brody because he is kind of awful. They have a few kind of sweet scenes together, but he set off alarms from the beginning, giving the impression that he'd been creepily stalking her for over a year while he "sorted out some issues" (probably not the exact quote) from afar and waited for his chance to swoop in. Also, how did he even know he actually liked her? Or that she would like him? The whole thing is so bizarre.
But here's the main issue, and I don't know why it's gotten glossed over so many times in other reviews. This relationship is unhealthy and kind of abusive. Sure, Brody's insecure. Most of us are about one thing or another. However, it's one thing to be insecure and working on your issues, it's another to be jealous, controlling, and kind of nuts. That's never cute or sweet.
(I've also recently found out that this is the prequel to A Broken Us - published first and listed as #2 in the series - which explains the epilogue cliffhanger. I still don't care.)
We start off with a self-absorbed main character. Finley is really not very likeable, but I can usually get over that.
Other people have mentioned the horse-switching that happens about 1/3 of the way through the book, and it is strange. It's not to introduce a love triangle, which is actually refreshing, but it just completely takes the book off course. (It's also off-putting that she meets new-guy like almost literally the day after she decides to get over old-guy.) I didn't know who I was supposed to root for. Also, since I hated almost all the characters, I didn't know why I was supposed to care.
But, honestly, I could have gotten over most of those issues. In the end, I don't know why I'm supposed to like or want her to end up with Brody because he is kind of awful. They have a few kind of sweet scenes together, but he set off alarms from the beginning, giving the impression that he'd been creepily stalking her for over a year while he "sorted out some issues" (probably not the exact quote) from afar and waited for his chance to swoop in. Also, how did he even know he actually liked her? Or that she would like him? The whole thing is so bizarre.
But here's the main issue, and I don't know why it's gotten glossed over so many times in other reviews. This relationship is unhealthy and kind of abusive. Sure, Brody's insecure. Most of us are about one thing or another. However, it's one thing to be insecure and working on your issues, it's another to be jealous, controlling, and kind of nuts. That's never cute or sweet.
(I've also recently found out that this is the prequel to A Broken Us - published first and listed as #2 in the series - which explains the epilogue cliffhanger. I still don't care.)
February 26, 2015
3.5 Stars
Review by Allison East
3.5 Stars
Review by Allison East
I read the book- A Broken Us, the first in the London Lovers series, and this book is the prequel story with more Fin and Brody. I was excited to read the prequel!
In this novel we learned all about Finn and Brody's relationship. Knowing how they met, and what part each of their failed relationships played, gave a little more insight into why things happened in A Broken Us.
There was also more back story on the player- Jake. Fin had a crush on him- but this book delved into Fin's slight obsession with him and what she wanted from their relationship. I didn't like Jake- he was heartless when it came to her. Jake and Finley are friends, but then he gives mixed signals, which gives her optimism that they might be more. Then he betrays her in a real douche bag way. But if that hadn't have happened, she might not have to open to letting Brody in and dating him.
I absolutely loved Brody- he is fantastic. He cares so much- and I loved that about him. Super sensitive- but then there are other times I didn't understand why he did the things he did to Fin. My heart was broken and put back together again, he allowed his insecurities and his temper override what his heart told him. He is the complete opposite of Jake. He is a little defensive because of his past relationships, so he assumes the worst. That causes some minor angst.
Finley and Brody soon become a couple, and it's all rainbows and unicorns, until something from the past springs back to life. These two were forced to put their pride away and to open themselves up for rejection. The epilogue to this book is bittersweet. The very last part, leads directly into the story line for A Broken Us.
Review by Allison East
3.5 Stars
Review by Allison East
I read the book- A Broken Us, the first in the London Lovers series, and this book is the prequel story with more Fin and Brody. I was excited to read the prequel!
In this novel we learned all about Finn and Brody's relationship. Knowing how they met, and what part each of their failed relationships played, gave a little more insight into why things happened in A Broken Us.
There was also more back story on the player- Jake. Fin had a crush on him- but this book delved into Fin's slight obsession with him and what she wanted from their relationship. I didn't like Jake- he was heartless when it came to her. Jake and Finley are friends, but then he gives mixed signals, which gives her optimism that they might be more. Then he betrays her in a real douche bag way. But if that hadn't have happened, she might not have to open to letting Brody in and dating him.
I absolutely loved Brody- he is fantastic. He cares so much- and I loved that about him. Super sensitive- but then there are other times I didn't understand why he did the things he did to Fin. My heart was broken and put back together again, he allowed his insecurities and his temper override what his heart told him. He is the complete opposite of Jake. He is a little defensive because of his past relationships, so he assumes the worst. That causes some minor angst.
Finley and Brody soon become a couple, and it's all rainbows and unicorns, until something from the past springs back to life. These two were forced to put their pride away and to open themselves up for rejection. The epilogue to this book is bittersweet. The very last part, leads directly into the story line for A Broken Us.
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