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Landslide
For Erica and Cole, the bond of friendship was forged in childhood. Now, torn and broken by grief, that bond will become paramount as two friends look to one another for comfort, strength, and hope in the aftermath of loss. On a journey taken both together and alone, Erica and Cole search for healing and life born anew. Although when mistakes, secrets and betrayal are revealed, the two must each learn to accept that even saints and some angels are human and people aren’t always who they appear to be. But in the age old struggle to forget and forgive, realization dawns. And with it, so does the understanding that sometimes, the sturdiest foundation for the future lies buried in the dust of the past. Because, for some people… …love is friendship caught on fire.
399 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2015
32 people are currently reading
1223 people want to read
About the author
Jenn Cooksey
5 books468 followersJenn Cooksey is a Southern California girl born and bred, however she's no longer a resident of heaven on earth, but instead she currently resides in the 7th Ring of Hell with her husband, their three daughters, and a goodly number of pets. Aside from her husband, one cat, and three out of five fish, everyone living under the Cooksey's roof is female. She's sure her husband will not only be awarded sainthood when he kicks the bucket, but that Jesus will welcome him into heaven with a beer and a congratulatory high-five. Jenn is also of the belief that Bacon should be capitalized and that just being yourself is the best way to go. That is, unless you can be Batman. Always be Batman.
You can learn more about Jenn and her books at the following locations:
Blog | http://jenncooksey.blogspot.com/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/Jenn_Cooksey
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jenn-C...
Amazon | http://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Cooksey/e/...
Instagram | http://instagram.com/8675309_jenny
Pinterest | http://pinterest.com/jenncooksey/
Grab Your Pole Street Team Blog | http://grabyourpolestreetteam.blogspo...
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You can learn more about Jenn and her books at the following locations:
Blog | http://jenncooksey.blogspot.com/
Twitter | https://twitter.com/Jenn_Cooksey
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jenn-C...
Amazon | http://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Cooksey/e/...
Instagram | http://instagram.com/8675309_jenny
Pinterest | http://pinterest.com/jenncooksey/
Grab Your Pole Street Team Blog | http://grabyourpolestreetteam.blogspo...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
January 30, 2015
★★★★ 4 Stars ★★★★
I have been deliberating my rating for 2 days now, it's been such a hard one for me because although I totally loved the story, I struggled to connect to the writing style which is conflicting because the writing was beautiful.
_ _ _ _
Cole and Erica grew up together, Erica's Grandma took care of Cole when he was a kid and he and Erica formed a bond that was unbreakable. The book starts off with 18 year old Erica in a serious relationship with Holden who is Cole's best friend. Cole and Erica banter back and forth and have a casual friendship, but are not attracted to each other, they both love Holden to bits so when tragedy strikes, they look to each other for solace.
Clinging to each other for strength, what starts as a summer of fun to help them grieve for their best friend/boyfriend, ends with Erica feeling dependant on Cole and needing to escape her mixed emotions.
Cole is also struggling with his new found feelings and on top of that the discovery of a secret that he feels burdened with, propels him to leave, destroying Erica in the process.
The second part of the book is some time later when they are both fully grown adults and after many a misunderstanding they finally admit out loud what has been clear from the start.
_ _ _ _
I didn't emotionally connect to this story as much as I wanted to , I can't put my finger on what it was that was preventing that, but I absolutely had to keep reading and it was a definite page turner for me. Cole was a quirky character and he was so dependable and hardworking and sweet, but very guarded and refused to show his insecurities. Erica was much more likeable as an adult than a teenager, and I feel she really grew as a person throughout the book. The character development was great.
I think if there weren't as many misunderstandings between the two and less of Erica and Cole's inner conscious thoughts littered throughout the book, I would have loved it more.
Overall, I would recommend.
ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review
I have been deliberating my rating for 2 days now, it's been such a hard one for me because although I totally loved the story, I struggled to connect to the writing style which is conflicting because the writing was beautiful.
_ _ _ _
Cole and Erica grew up together, Erica's Grandma took care of Cole when he was a kid and he and Erica formed a bond that was unbreakable. The book starts off with 18 year old Erica in a serious relationship with Holden who is Cole's best friend. Cole and Erica banter back and forth and have a casual friendship, but are not attracted to each other, they both love Holden to bits so when tragedy strikes, they look to each other for solace.
Clinging to each other for strength, what starts as a summer of fun to help them grieve for their best friend/boyfriend, ends with Erica feeling dependant on Cole and needing to escape her mixed emotions.
Cole is also struggling with his new found feelings and on top of that the discovery of a secret that he feels burdened with, propels him to leave, destroying Erica in the process.
The second part of the book is some time later when they are both fully grown adults and after many a misunderstanding they finally admit out loud what has been clear from the start.
"Love is friendship caught on fire."
_ _ _ _
I didn't emotionally connect to this story as much as I wanted to , I can't put my finger on what it was that was preventing that, but I absolutely had to keep reading and it was a definite page turner for me. Cole was a quirky character and he was so dependable and hardworking and sweet, but very guarded and refused to show his insecurities. Erica was much more likeable as an adult than a teenager, and I feel she really grew as a person throughout the book. The character development was great.
I think if there weren't as many misunderstandings between the two and less of Erica and Cole's inner conscious thoughts littered throughout the book, I would have loved it more.
Overall, I would recommend.
ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review
Want to read
January 27, 2015 Woah. The blurb's last line made my heart skip a beat!!
"For Erica and Cole, the bond of friendship was forged in childhood. Now, torn and broken by grief, that bond will become paramount as two friends look to one another for comfort, strength, and hope in the aftermath of loss. On a journey taken both together and alone, they search for healing and life...
Because, for some people… love is friendship caught on fire."
^^^ LOVE THAT!!!!
"For Erica and Cole, the bond of friendship was forged in childhood. Now, torn and broken by grief, that bond will become paramount as two friends look to one another for comfort, strength, and hope in the aftermath of loss. On a journey taken both together and alone, they search for healing and life...
Because, for some people… love is friendship caught on fire."
^^^ LOVE THAT!!!!
January 22, 2015
5+ STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•••••••••• SPOILER FREE ••••••••••
Well, it's no secret I downright love Jenn and her Grab Your Pole series, so of course I jumped at the chance to read this book. And boy was I just blown away!
I don't even know where to begin or how to explain how EPIC this book was. And I have absolutely no clue how to do a review worthy of this book without spoilers so I'm just going to tell you you need to read this book.
It felt like I was taken on a journey that had me feeling the full scale of emotions possible. There was so much intensity - in the writing (phenomenal), the plot (profound), the characters (complex and perfect), the music (touching) - that I could not put this book down. It was emotionally rich with real, intriguing and riveting characters. Erica and Cole were amazing in and of themselves but they also complemented each other very well. They had their own flaws but the way that they saw each other and how they felt for each other was exquisitely beautiful. It made the book even that much better.
REVIEWER NOTE:
There are songs linked throughout the book and I highly recommend listening to each song as it definitely adds to the overall experience and helps to put you in the right frame of mind for what you are about to read. (The song sets the tone and mood.)
•••••••••• SPOILER FREE ••••••••••
Well, it's no secret I downright love Jenn and her Grab Your Pole series, so of course I jumped at the chance to read this book. And boy was I just blown away!
I don't even know where to begin or how to explain how EPIC this book was. And I have absolutely no clue how to do a review worthy of this book without spoilers so I'm just going to tell you you need to read this book.
It felt like I was taken on a journey that had me feeling the full scale of emotions possible. There was so much intensity - in the writing (phenomenal), the plot (profound), the characters (complex and perfect), the music (touching) - that I could not put this book down. It was emotionally rich with real, intriguing and riveting characters. Erica and Cole were amazing in and of themselves but they also complemented each other very well. They had their own flaws but the way that they saw each other and how they felt for each other was exquisitely beautiful. It made the book even that much better.
REVIEWER NOTE:
There are songs linked throughout the book and I highly recommend listening to each song as it definitely adds to the overall experience and helps to put you in the right frame of mind for what you are about to read. (The song sets the tone and mood.)
January 25, 2015
I am a big fan of Cooksey's Grab Your Pole series and while Landslide is a departure from GYP into more mature subject matter, it still holds Cooksey's signature writing style with a depth of emotions and a hint of humor.
Landslide pretty quickly throws you in the deep end of despair, but this isn't really a tale of tragedy. Landslide is a story of true love and how it spans years, even if you aren't fully aware of it. It's a tale of how people come in and out of your life and how the smallest of events can have just as strong of an effect on your future as a large event.
Cole was a very unexpected character, for me. I liked him from the very start, the way he guarded his thoughts was something that grabbed my attention immediately. He's, mostly, a very selfless guy but that isn't how he comes across to most and learning his reasoning for being that way kept me turning the pages.
I can't say that I had that same instant attraction to Erica. It really took time for her to develop, but I think that's because she never really knew who she was. You are able to see that more as the story goes along. She isn't always very honest with herself, she easily sets thoughts aside that might disrupt her carefully balanced life. Until she's forced to really examine it all.
Being honest with themselves is only part of the problem these two have, being honest with each other is a much bigger one. But there are reasons for withholding the truth, and some of those reasons are incredibly heart breaking.
I did have somewhat of a lost in translation moment in this read. There was a point where the strong connection I had been feeling, faded. There were a lot of details that needed to placed just so, but I think I was ready for everything to combust or converge. I was ready for the big feels. However, after a couple of chapters, it picked right back up and perhaps even grew.
Cooksey writes a story that is equal parts happy and sad. There are moments of heart warming togetherness mixed in with complete soul wrenching heartache. It's the combination of those two things that makes this such a solid New Adult debut for Cooksey.
If this seems like a vague review, it's because it is a vague review. Landslide isn't the easiest book to talk about without giving away some key details. Which I really don't want to do. So, I'll leave you with the this: Landslide is an incredibly endearing story of loss, love, friendship, duty and growth.
Landslide pretty quickly throws you in the deep end of despair, but this isn't really a tale of tragedy. Landslide is a story of true love and how it spans years, even if you aren't fully aware of it. It's a tale of how people come in and out of your life and how the smallest of events can have just as strong of an effect on your future as a large event.
Cole was a very unexpected character, for me. I liked him from the very start, the way he guarded his thoughts was something that grabbed my attention immediately. He's, mostly, a very selfless guy but that isn't how he comes across to most and learning his reasoning for being that way kept me turning the pages.
I can't say that I had that same instant attraction to Erica. It really took time for her to develop, but I think that's because she never really knew who she was. You are able to see that more as the story goes along. She isn't always very honest with herself, she easily sets thoughts aside that might disrupt her carefully balanced life. Until she's forced to really examine it all.
Being honest with themselves is only part of the problem these two have, being honest with each other is a much bigger one. But there are reasons for withholding the truth, and some of those reasons are incredibly heart breaking.
I did have somewhat of a lost in translation moment in this read. There was a point where the strong connection I had been feeling, faded. There were a lot of details that needed to placed just so, but I think I was ready for everything to combust or converge. I was ready for the big feels. However, after a couple of chapters, it picked right back up and perhaps even grew.
Cooksey writes a story that is equal parts happy and sad. There are moments of heart warming togetherness mixed in with complete soul wrenching heartache. It's the combination of those two things that makes this such a solid New Adult debut for Cooksey.
If this seems like a vague review, it's because it is a vague review. Landslide isn't the easiest book to talk about without giving away some key details. Which I really don't want to do. So, I'll leave you with the this: Landslide is an incredibly endearing story of loss, love, friendship, duty and growth.
March 20, 2015
I was honored to beta read this unique novel that will stay with me for years to come. With an intricate, original storyline and extraordinary character development, Jenn Cooksey gives us a novel unlike anything else I've ever read...and it's brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. A must read!! Grab it as soon as it's available---you won't regret it!
February 4, 2015
Jenn Cooksey has proven that her talent as an author is diverse. I love her GYP series, so I jumped on this new release, but this is not Shark Bait. Landslide is an epic love story. EPIC. It's the kind of story that had me pacing the floor, gasping for breathe and clutching my chest. I haven't experienced this much angst in a long time but Jenn Cooksey writes angst beautifully. It was so relevant to the story. She doesn't hand an HEA to you on a silver platter. Oh no, you'll work for it. And the results? Sooooo rewarding and immensely satisfying. Gut wrenchingly beautiful, the moment it all comes together, the tears came full force and I'm still collecting myself after a myriad of emotions. The integration of music was stellar as I think it heightens the reader experience overall. The only draw back for me was the excessive narrative that bothered me more in the beginning, but once I was passed 40% I was so invested in the characters and the story that it was less noticeable. I personally prefer more dialogue in a story as I think it helps the story flow better and grasps my attention better, but this is my personal preference as a reader. There was also some inner monologue that was formatted differently and was hard to read on my Kindle but is probably not an issue for tablet users. Overall, this story will stick with me for awhile as I'm still reeling. These are the best kind of books and deserve a special place of their own.
December 26, 2014
Cover reveal on December 26th! Follow me on various social media platforms and stay tuned for teasers, giveaways, and release info.!
January 27, 2015
Let my start with the disclaimer that I am a huge Jenn Cooksey Fan-Girl. Seriously. Like nerds love Star Trek? I love Jenn Cooksey. (And seriously, if you don’t already follow her on Twitter/Facebook? You are missing out! She is HILARIOUS! When I grow up? I want to live in a Jenn Cooksey book. (And this review is going to be hard to do without spoilers – so just hang with me, please!)
But let’s go with the review now. I was really nervous going into this book. (Sorry Jenn, but I know you love raw honesty.) I was really nervous. Tristan, Camie and the gang? I adore them. Grab Your Pole is hands down my favorite book series of all time. Tristan is my ultimate book boyfriend, and these books bring out emotions like I’ve never felt before while reading. And so picking up a non-GYP book? It’s a scary thing. Because I knew I wanted to love this book, I wanted to continue to rave about how fabulous Jenn is. I wanted to tell everyone I know to read this book, like I did with GYP. (And luckily? I feel that way!)
Landslide has a totally different feel than her other books. The Shark Bait Gang has me reminiscing about my youth, first love and all that jazz. But Landslide? It’s so much more. It’s about life. It’s a roller coaster of emotions, one that has you not entirely sure how you feel. (And there were certainly a few moments that hit way too close to home for me.)
I adored Cole from the first moment we met him. (Jenn writes guys really well!) But Erica took a bit for me to warm up too, and I’m not really sure what it was about her. And the side characters? As always, there’s a HUGE win in this category!! (Down to some incredibly laughable moments with Cole’s Roommate and a rumor going back to their high school days!)
I feel like I owe Jenn Cooksey a HUGE thank you for this book. It came to me in a week when my life was completely turned upside down, and it was exactly what I needed to escape from life. Jenn writes about real life – these aren’t far fetched places and things. The characters are real, they aren’t out of reach bazillionaires with absolutely perfect bodies and who always say the right thing. They are flawed. Beautifully so.
The storyline spans a wide space of time (trying to avoid spoilers here!) and it’s the perfect example of love. It’s not always pretty. It’s not always how you imagined it to be. But it’s always real, and it’s always full of emotion.
This book is phenomenal. There is no other way to put it. I don’t know how I’ll pick up another book after this one. If you’re looking for a book to absolutely rock your world and make you think about everything going on in this journey you call life? Landslide by Jenn Cooksey is the book you need to grab.
But let’s go with the review now. I was really nervous going into this book. (Sorry Jenn, but I know you love raw honesty.) I was really nervous. Tristan, Camie and the gang? I adore them. Grab Your Pole is hands down my favorite book series of all time. Tristan is my ultimate book boyfriend, and these books bring out emotions like I’ve never felt before while reading. And so picking up a non-GYP book? It’s a scary thing. Because I knew I wanted to love this book, I wanted to continue to rave about how fabulous Jenn is. I wanted to tell everyone I know to read this book, like I did with GYP. (And luckily? I feel that way!)
Landslide has a totally different feel than her other books. The Shark Bait Gang has me reminiscing about my youth, first love and all that jazz. But Landslide? It’s so much more. It’s about life. It’s a roller coaster of emotions, one that has you not entirely sure how you feel. (And there were certainly a few moments that hit way too close to home for me.)
I adored Cole from the first moment we met him. (Jenn writes guys really well!) But Erica took a bit for me to warm up too, and I’m not really sure what it was about her. And the side characters? As always, there’s a HUGE win in this category!! (Down to some incredibly laughable moments with Cole’s Roommate and a rumor going back to their high school days!)
I feel like I owe Jenn Cooksey a HUGE thank you for this book. It came to me in a week when my life was completely turned upside down, and it was exactly what I needed to escape from life. Jenn writes about real life – these aren’t far fetched places and things. The characters are real, they aren’t out of reach bazillionaires with absolutely perfect bodies and who always say the right thing. They are flawed. Beautifully so.
The storyline spans a wide space of time (trying to avoid spoilers here!) and it’s the perfect example of love. It’s not always pretty. It’s not always how you imagined it to be. But it’s always real, and it’s always full of emotion.
This book is phenomenal. There is no other way to put it. I don’t know how I’ll pick up another book after this one. If you’re looking for a book to absolutely rock your world and make you think about everything going on in this journey you call life? Landslide by Jenn Cooksey is the book you need to grab.
May 24, 2016
I really tried to like this book. I got to 76% before having to stop and write a review. I also skipped a bunch (sorry). I love friends-to-lovers story lines so I thought I would love this. Alas, I did not.
A few things:
1-I like when authors find words that are not used a lot, helping the overall writing to sound new and different. However, the writing of this book was like the Author had thesaurus open next to her and changed every word to the most pretentious word she could find. I had to read sentences over and over because I was like, 'huh? what did I just read?'It was a huge turnoff.
2-The inner dialogues were TORTUOUSLY LONG. I just wanted to get on with the story, but the characters kept us in their head so long it effectively ruined any mood or scene that was set.
3-The inner dialogue vs the blue dialogue. was there a need for that? The blue really just expanded more on the exeptionally long internal dialogue anyways. And why was it blue? *shrugs* I guess that could just be my preference. Idk.
A few things:
1-I like when authors find words that are not used a lot, helping the overall writing to sound new and different. However, the writing of this book was like the Author had thesaurus open next to her and changed every word to the most pretentious word she could find. I had to read sentences over and over because I was like, 'huh? what did I just read?'It was a huge turnoff.
2-The inner dialogues were TORTUOUSLY LONG. I just wanted to get on with the story, but the characters kept us in their head so long it effectively ruined any mood or scene that was set.
3-The inner dialogue vs the blue dialogue. was there a need for that? The blue really just expanded more on the exeptionally long internal dialogue anyways. And why was it blue? *shrugs* I guess that could just be my preference. Idk.
March 17, 2015
Jenn Cooksey hits it out of the park with this epic love story between two characters that you want to strangle and kiss equally. I think I'd leave my husband for Cole, but don't tell him that. The writing is witty and brilliant. I was utterly sucked into this story of loss, heartbreak and a smile inducing banter. Not only did I chuckle out loud several times while reading I was completely shocked by the secret that you know is coming. I love it when an author can stump me and Jenn Cooksey did it gracefully.
April 15, 2015
DNF at 20%
• Clichéd characters, situations, conversations.
• Excessively long inner monologue. And then weird little extra inner thoughts printed in a different colour...for no reason.
• Neither character had a distinct voice. It all just got muddled together and they sounded like the same person. Maybe this would have benefited from collaborating with another author. Cole was an extremely unconvincing narrator. I didn't know going in that this book was written by a woman, but it became very evident during Cole's chapters.
• The frequent reference to drool/saliva/spit/foaming at the mouth...(seriously, what was up with that?)
• The thesaurus - speak (when an author uses pretty basic language and then all of a sudden throws in a more sophisticated word where it is unnecessary and just seems out of place; as if they whipped open a thesaurus every few pages to pull out a word that would make the story seem smarter.) This was done in excess also.
• The unrealistic conversations. They just sounded very much like fictional book characters, far off from how people in real life speak.
I know the book gets more interesting, there are plot twists and shock moments later on (I read the spoiler-y reviews after DNFing it) and I really don't like the storyline. I'm glad to not have gotten that far because it seems too cheap.
PS: This was a blind date with a book; I had zero information about it going in..and now I wish I had because now reading the synopsis "Because, for some people… love is friendship caught on fire" would have turned me off immediately and saved me an hour of wasted time.
• Clichéd characters, situations, conversations.
• Excessively long inner monologue. And then weird little extra inner thoughts printed in a different colour...for no reason.
• Neither character had a distinct voice. It all just got muddled together and they sounded like the same person. Maybe this would have benefited from collaborating with another author. Cole was an extremely unconvincing narrator. I didn't know going in that this book was written by a woman, but it became very evident during Cole's chapters.
• The frequent reference to drool/saliva/spit/foaming at the mouth...(seriously, what was up with that?)
• The thesaurus - speak (when an author uses pretty basic language and then all of a sudden throws in a more sophisticated word where it is unnecessary and just seems out of place; as if they whipped open a thesaurus every few pages to pull out a word that would make the story seem smarter.) This was done in excess also.
• The unrealistic conversations. They just sounded very much like fictional book characters, far off from how people in real life speak.
I know the book gets more interesting, there are plot twists and shock moments later on (I read the spoiler-y reviews after DNFing it) and I really don't like the storyline. I'm glad to not have gotten that far because it seems too cheap.
PS: This was a blind date with a book; I had zero information about it going in..and now I wish I had because now reading the synopsis "Because, for some people… love is friendship caught on fire" would have turned me off immediately and saved me an hour of wasted time.
Read
February 16, 2015This is a DNF for me
Way too much inner monologue.....
And the sentences... They are so long and wordy, I lose track of what is being said.
I loved the GYP series and expected wordy but I think some of these sentences have every word in the dictionary in them!! It seemed like a contest to see what the longest sentence could be.
I'm out and will just wait FOREVER for #4 of the GYP series.
Way too much inner monologue.....
And the sentences... They are so long and wordy, I lose track of what is being said.
I loved the GYP series and expected wordy but I think some of these sentences have every word in the dictionary in them!! It seemed like a contest to see what the longest sentence could be.
I'm out and will just wait FOREVER for #4 of the GYP series.
January 27, 2015
Landslide by Jenn Cooksey
I absolutely loved the Grab your Pole Series (GYP) and some of my most coveted books are childhood friends turned lovers. So you can imagine my excitement at getting my hands on this book! Jenn Cooksey takes the premise to the next level with Landslide. It isn't your normal "boy falls for girl happily ever after". This is an epic love story that spans a lifetime. The book itself contains more than 500 pages (it should be noted that she spends her pages wisely with exceptional character development and considerable depth). While Landslide has quite a bit of internal dialogue, it shows Erica and Cole's internal struggles in an extraordinary way. Every time I thought I had their story "figured out" there would be another twist or turn (just like in real life). This certainly isn't your typical romance - which is exactly what makes it such a good read!
Jenn Cooksey shines with the hauntingly beautiful intimate moments between Erica and Cole. A few scenes in particular I had to go back and reread just to admire the emotions they elicited. We also see some of that trademark wit from the GYP series. Furthermore, this book had surprises that I never saw coming (and I'm usually one who is almost always able to guess the secrets)! The bottom line: you'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll sigh.
Additionally, every chapter is the title of a song that relates to the story. You can listen to each of the songs - placing you in the appropriate mood for what lies ahead. The song choices were outstanding and really set the pace of the story.
I would recommend this book for readers who enjoy the journey. Those who like to savor every moment on every page. Those who want to feel what the characters feel. Those who want to live and breathe with the characters throughout the entirety of the book. Come on over and become immersed in Landslide!
I absolutely loved the Grab your Pole Series (GYP) and some of my most coveted books are childhood friends turned lovers. So you can imagine my excitement at getting my hands on this book! Jenn Cooksey takes the premise to the next level with Landslide. It isn't your normal "boy falls for girl happily ever after". This is an epic love story that spans a lifetime. The book itself contains more than 500 pages (it should be noted that she spends her pages wisely with exceptional character development and considerable depth). While Landslide has quite a bit of internal dialogue, it shows Erica and Cole's internal struggles in an extraordinary way. Every time I thought I had their story "figured out" there would be another twist or turn (just like in real life). This certainly isn't your typical romance - which is exactly what makes it such a good read!
Jenn Cooksey shines with the hauntingly beautiful intimate moments between Erica and Cole. A few scenes in particular I had to go back and reread just to admire the emotions they elicited. We also see some of that trademark wit from the GYP series. Furthermore, this book had surprises that I never saw coming (and I'm usually one who is almost always able to guess the secrets)! The bottom line: you'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll sigh.
Additionally, every chapter is the title of a song that relates to the story. You can listen to each of the songs - placing you in the appropriate mood for what lies ahead. The song choices were outstanding and really set the pace of the story.
I would recommend this book for readers who enjoy the journey. Those who like to savor every moment on every page. Those who want to feel what the characters feel. Those who want to live and breathe with the characters throughout the entirety of the book. Come on over and become immersed in Landslide!
February 14, 2015
I don't read a lot of Contemporary Romance so I don't know if that makes my opinion hold more or less weight in your eyes, but I figured I would be up front with that. Most of my romances involve supernatural creatures, and I think that is to help keep me entertained in the story. Well Cooksey didn't need to have Vampires or Werewolves involved to keep me invested in her story. She wove a tale that required no suspension of belief, no magic, no supernaturals - LANDSLIDE had me hooked from very early on until the end.
I am a very character driven reader. To me, a story requires characters I can connect with - love them or hate them it doesn't matter but I need to FEEL something for them. (That being said I am not a crier either - so do with that what you will) An ok story with amazing characters will win me over every time. LANDSLIDE was more than an amazing story, it was an experience. I got to live my teenage years with heartbreak I never experienced, and a reunion with a lost love I never had. While the characters certainly did not make the same choices I would have, and sometimes I wanted to bash them on the head with a rock *giggle snort* (if you read it, you'll probably get why I giggle), I still understood their motivations.
I don't want to say too much here - there are several twists and turns and I don't even want to accidentally hint at ANYTHING. I guessed a few, but there were still a few more that had my jaw dropping. It was pretty fantastic. I like to be surprised. If you like contemporary romance you will like this. If you are looking for a gateway drug into contemporary romance, this will be my go to recommendation.
I am a very character driven reader. To me, a story requires characters I can connect with - love them or hate them it doesn't matter but I need to FEEL something for them. (That being said I am not a crier either - so do with that what you will) An ok story with amazing characters will win me over every time. LANDSLIDE was more than an amazing story, it was an experience. I got to live my teenage years with heartbreak I never experienced, and a reunion with a lost love I never had. While the characters certainly did not make the same choices I would have, and sometimes I wanted to bash them on the head with a rock *giggle snort* (if you read it, you'll probably get why I giggle), I still understood their motivations.
I don't want to say too much here - there are several twists and turns and I don't even want to accidentally hint at ANYTHING. I guessed a few, but there were still a few more that had my jaw dropping. It was pretty fantastic. I like to be surprised. If you like contemporary romance you will like this. If you are looking for a gateway drug into contemporary romance, this will be my go to recommendation.
January 29, 2015
I was privledged enough to receive an advanced copy for an honest review. That was a week ago. I'm STILL hungover. Even trying to read my usual hangover cures is not working simply because they are not Landslide. I can't seem to let Cole and Erica (ok, I'm not going to lie. It's mostly Cole) go.
This is the story of love, not the unobtainable fantasy that we escape in, but real love. The kind of love that hurts and heals, that builds you up and razes you to the ground, that goes with you no matter what else happens.
Cole is my new bestest best ever book boyfriend. What I love the most about the way Mrs. Cooksey writes him is that he's not perfect. I want to hug him, and squeeze him, and slap him upside the head at times, because come on. He's a guy. But then I want to hug him again.
Though I will warn you that if you are looking for a constant feeling good, no feels but the good feels, kind of book... this isn't it. You will laugh, but you will have your heart ripped out too. And Mrs. Cooksey will laugh at you while she does it.
But if you want a book that will stay with you, claim a piece of your heart, and make you feel like you've come home, please, I beg you, read Landslide.
This is the story of love, not the unobtainable fantasy that we escape in, but real love. The kind of love that hurts and heals, that builds you up and razes you to the ground, that goes with you no matter what else happens.
Cole is my new bestest best ever book boyfriend. What I love the most about the way Mrs. Cooksey writes him is that he's not perfect. I want to hug him, and squeeze him, and slap him upside the head at times, because come on. He's a guy. But then I want to hug him again.
Though I will warn you that if you are looking for a constant feeling good, no feels but the good feels, kind of book... this isn't it. You will laugh, but you will have your heart ripped out too. And Mrs. Cooksey will laugh at you while she does it.
But if you want a book that will stay with you, claim a piece of your heart, and make you feel like you've come home, please, I beg you, read Landslide.
February 5, 2015
This would be on my fav shelf if I had one 4.5*
Erica and Coles story centres around Holden who tragically dies and leaves a legacy like you wouldn't believe....
(Erica is Holden's GF and Cole is her childhood friend and Holden's best mate)
Cole had me at hello. He was such a loveable cheeky chap
(And my newest book boyfriend so back off bitches)
His banter and inner voice cracked me up and had me kissing his feet at the beginning of the story.
Further on that side of him didn't shine as much but I loved him more epically because.....He made this book!!!
Erica was everything as a leading lady goes but not quite (how to say) her indifference/naive attitude in comparison to Cole's throughout tipped the scale in the sense I didn't think she was worthy of him.....SORRY
I wanted to touch her to see if she was made of ice.
The authors style of writing was a lot broader than I am used to. I got swept away with her ability to phrase a sentence and a time or too lost as in couldn't get a grip of what she meant. (Blaming it on daily distractions. Inner voice says your just not educated enough...shut up)
This story was 95% perfect for ME and a defo rec if your a hopeless romantic like I am guys
Erica and Coles story centres around Holden who tragically dies and leaves a legacy like you wouldn't believe....
(Erica is Holden's GF and Cole is her childhood friend and Holden's best mate)
Cole had me at hello. He was such a loveable cheeky chap
(And my newest book boyfriend so back off bitches)
His banter and inner voice cracked me up and had me kissing his feet at the beginning of the story.
Further on that side of him didn't shine as much but I loved him more epically because.....He made this book!!!
Erica was everything as a leading lady goes but not quite (how to say) her indifference/naive attitude in comparison to Cole's throughout tipped the scale in the sense I didn't think she was worthy of him.....SORRY
I wanted to touch her to see if she was made of ice.
The authors style of writing was a lot broader than I am used to. I got swept away with her ability to phrase a sentence and a time or too lost as in couldn't get a grip of what she meant. (Blaming it on daily distractions. Inner voice says your just not educated enough...shut up)
This story was 95% perfect for ME and a defo rec if your a hopeless romantic like I am guys
March 10, 2015
This is a story that starts out with a horrible tragedy. The two leads in this book are friends, have been since childhood...but what happens changes their realities in an unrelenting way. They both journey thru the grief in their own ways, and because they have had this friendship since they were little, they know exactly how the other is feeling. He is supportive and a little wicked, She is devastated and trying to rework the life she thought she was going to have. They take a trip together for the summer to help each other in different ways, and when the summer ends and she returns to go to college, he keeps on the journey alone. Once they a destined to reunite, something is revealed that changes the course of both of their lives for the next 7 years. This story has heartbreak, awakenings, friendship and most of all deep feelings of love and trust. I absolutely adored this story and would recommend anyone who loves NA romance to give it a whirl!
January 27, 2015
This was a heart wrenching, yet beautiful, story about grief, sacrifice, healing, trust, and most of all love. I went into this book completely blind. I didn't even read the description. And it rocked me to the core. Each chapter is linked to a song, and listening to those songs as you go along adds so much dimension and depth to the story. This book is real... not a fluffy love story. It evokes powerful and raw feelings within as you live through this journey with the characters. And that's exactly what this was for me, a journey. Huge book hangover for this one!
So do yourself a favor, get this book, grab a drink and some tissues, and settle in for a brilliant ride. You will not be disappointed.
Bravo, Jenn. Bravo!!!
So do yourself a favor, get this book, grab a drink and some tissues, and settle in for a brilliant ride. You will not be disappointed.
Bravo, Jenn. Bravo!!!
February 2, 2015
This book is a really tough one for me to rate. I had some problems getting into the story. I did not really connect with the characters in the beginning of the book and it was a little slow for me.
The first 70% were 2 stars for me and the last 30% 5 stars. I really loved those last 30% of the book and I can't complain it to myself why I had such problems with the rest of the book.
So I gave it an overall rating of 3 stars!
The first 70% were 2 stars for me and the last 30% 5 stars. I really loved those last 30% of the book and I can't complain it to myself why I had such problems with the rest of the book.
So I gave it an overall rating of 3 stars!
maybe-later
March 1, 2015WOW! A Jenn Cooksey NA novel named Landslide! Not only do I love Jenn's books but Landslide is a favorite song of mine (I have both the Fleetwood Mack original version as the Smashing Pumpkins cover on my ipod). When can we have this book? Soon, please!
gonna-pass
August 24, 2016
February 6, 2015
I like the first half and then it got overly dramatic and sappy in the last half. Cole is going on my book bf list though.
January 31, 2015
2.5 stars
February 10, 2015
Wow, this is the exactly kind of book I love to read. Where the story starts and yearspass and we get to see the character's developing and building such a great story!!!
January 29, 2015
4.5 stars!
I received this book for free from the author or publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Review:
I happened upon Jenn Cooksey’s books when one of my favorite blogs was giving away a copy of Shark Bait, the first book in the Grab Your Pole Series. I started reading it that same night and it was love at first book. I was SO excited when I found out she was writing a New Adult book! Usually when an author I love decides to take the plunge into a different genre I get a little nervous but I didn’t have one moment of apprehension with Landslide.
I am a masochistic reader. I want authors to rip my heart out and stomp on it. I want to feel things when I read. Landslide was an experience. This wasn’t just your run of the mill New Adult romances. There were so many times I felt like I was the one experiencing the trials and tribulations of Erica and Cole’s lives. When Eric and Cole experience tragedy in the first few chapters, I felt robbed and cheated. I felt solace in the friendship between them and butterflies when there were hints of something more. It was magical.
Cole is hands down one of my favorite male characters of all time. Although it doesn’t seem like it at first, he is one of the most selfless characters I have ever come across and the way he gave of himself for everyone around him was endearing. Just when you think you know Cole, Cooksey delves deeper into his psyche and allows the reader just a glimmer of hope in understanding this extremely guarded man.
Unlike Cole, I didn’t immediately warm up to Erica. Don’t get me wrong, I did not under any circumstance dislike her. She just wasn’t fully developed until the end of the book, which I gather was very deliberate. I like to get to know characters as I read but that was almost impossible with Erica because she didn’t even know herself. However, as the story went on, the reader was allowed to begin to get to know Erica as she began to get to know herself.
The relationship between Cole and Erica is one of my favorites. I felt an immediate spark between them that just continued to burn brighter and hotter as the story progressed. I love slow-burning romances so this was a treat. However, there are a lot of moments of utter confusion between Erica and Cole. They aren’t honest with themselves and they certainly aren’t always honest with each other. I normally don’t enjoy when characters can’t be honest with each other but as things unfold and truths come out, the reasoning for the dishonesty is understandable and at times, gut-wrenching.
I would love to go into detail about the plot of this book, but I feel like details are so deliberately placed throughout the story that I’m afraid I might spoil the reading experience. What I will say is this, this friends to lovers story is well-crafted. The witty and fun moments are weaved in with the tragic and heart-breaking. This is the kind of book that leaves an impression on you and it is clear that Cooksey poured a lot of herself into telling Erica and Cole’s story.
I received this book for free from the author or publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Review:
I happened upon Jenn Cooksey’s books when one of my favorite blogs was giving away a copy of Shark Bait, the first book in the Grab Your Pole Series. I started reading it that same night and it was love at first book. I was SO excited when I found out she was writing a New Adult book! Usually when an author I love decides to take the plunge into a different genre I get a little nervous but I didn’t have one moment of apprehension with Landslide.
I am a masochistic reader. I want authors to rip my heart out and stomp on it. I want to feel things when I read. Landslide was an experience. This wasn’t just your run of the mill New Adult romances. There were so many times I felt like I was the one experiencing the trials and tribulations of Erica and Cole’s lives. When Eric and Cole experience tragedy in the first few chapters, I felt robbed and cheated. I felt solace in the friendship between them and butterflies when there were hints of something more. It was magical.
Cole is hands down one of my favorite male characters of all time. Although it doesn’t seem like it at first, he is one of the most selfless characters I have ever come across and the way he gave of himself for everyone around him was endearing. Just when you think you know Cole, Cooksey delves deeper into his psyche and allows the reader just a glimmer of hope in understanding this extremely guarded man.
Unlike Cole, I didn’t immediately warm up to Erica. Don’t get me wrong, I did not under any circumstance dislike her. She just wasn’t fully developed until the end of the book, which I gather was very deliberate. I like to get to know characters as I read but that was almost impossible with Erica because she didn’t even know herself. However, as the story went on, the reader was allowed to begin to get to know Erica as she began to get to know herself.
The relationship between Cole and Erica is one of my favorites. I felt an immediate spark between them that just continued to burn brighter and hotter as the story progressed. I love slow-burning romances so this was a treat. However, there are a lot of moments of utter confusion between Erica and Cole. They aren’t honest with themselves and they certainly aren’t always honest with each other. I normally don’t enjoy when characters can’t be honest with each other but as things unfold and truths come out, the reasoning for the dishonesty is understandable and at times, gut-wrenching.
I would love to go into detail about the plot of this book, but I feel like details are so deliberately placed throughout the story that I’m afraid I might spoil the reading experience. What I will say is this, this friends to lovers story is well-crafted. The witty and fun moments are weaved in with the tragic and heart-breaking. This is the kind of book that leaves an impression on you and it is clear that Cooksey poured a lot of herself into telling Erica and Cole’s story.
January 27, 2015
Absolutely breathtaking! Jenn Cooksey knows how to take you on an incredible journey! These two characters are amazing and their journey is nothing short of incredible. You will laugh out loud and want to cry...either way the tears will come.
Cole and Erica have been friends since forever. They are both faced with a life altering event when Cole's best friend and Erica's boyfriend, Holden, passes away suddenly. They are faced with many emotions that they both are relying on each other to get through. When rumors are spread, emotions run high, and they take off for the summer to take a break. While gone they are struggling with feelings that they are not sure how to process. Erica and Cole are both witty and full of sarcasm and will keep you on your toes. Cole finds a huge secret of Holden's and has to come to terms with deciding to tell Erica about it or not. Eventually they both have to live their lives but end up running into each other again. You won't believe the curve balls that are thrown around in this story. It gives you a major case of the feels...the mushy feels, angry feels, and the funny feels. Truly a rollercoaster worth riding!
"Politely asking Karma to hold off a while before landing the flying b***h slap I’m positive it’s winding up to lay on me, I tell myself to shut the f**k up for maybe five minutes so I can have a few moments to grapple with everything in peace."
"...life has a funny way of speedin’ past and before you know it, you’re at the end of the road. Might as well see the sights along the way if you get the chance.”
"Sink or swim, all I wanted with my entire being was to fling myself into waters vast and uncertain; knowing that once I do, there’s no going back and I’ll either drown in heartbreak, or be lifted high enough to grab a handful of stardust. Instead I’m left standing on the shore, waiting— yet again. No, sleep won’t come easy until I’m finally able to just… dive."
This is one of those stories that I feel like I won't be able to do it justice with my review. Don't ignore the playlist, it is a perfect companion to Landslide. The author did it right and gives you a bit of everything with the perfect ending. You just have to read it, NOW!
Cole and Erica have been friends since forever. They are both faced with a life altering event when Cole's best friend and Erica's boyfriend, Holden, passes away suddenly. They are faced with many emotions that they both are relying on each other to get through. When rumors are spread, emotions run high, and they take off for the summer to take a break. While gone they are struggling with feelings that they are not sure how to process. Erica and Cole are both witty and full of sarcasm and will keep you on your toes. Cole finds a huge secret of Holden's and has to come to terms with deciding to tell Erica about it or not. Eventually they both have to live their lives but end up running into each other again. You won't believe the curve balls that are thrown around in this story. It gives you a major case of the feels...the mushy feels, angry feels, and the funny feels. Truly a rollercoaster worth riding!
"Politely asking Karma to hold off a while before landing the flying b***h slap I’m positive it’s winding up to lay on me, I tell myself to shut the f**k up for maybe five minutes so I can have a few moments to grapple with everything in peace."
"...life has a funny way of speedin’ past and before you know it, you’re at the end of the road. Might as well see the sights along the way if you get the chance.”
"Sink or swim, all I wanted with my entire being was to fling myself into waters vast and uncertain; knowing that once I do, there’s no going back and I’ll either drown in heartbreak, or be lifted high enough to grab a handful of stardust. Instead I’m left standing on the shore, waiting— yet again. No, sleep won’t come easy until I’m finally able to just… dive."
This is one of those stories that I feel like I won't be able to do it justice with my review. Don't ignore the playlist, it is a perfect companion to Landslide. The author did it right and gives you a bit of everything with the perfect ending. You just have to read it, NOW!
January 28, 2015
An ARC of this book was received from the author in exchange for an honest review. I then bought my own copy.
Ever since Jac recommended Jenn Cooksey’s Shark Bait to me back in 2012, I have been a huge fan! Her Grab Your Pole (GYP) series is one of my favorites, and it is so realistic, hilarious, and heartwarming all at the same time. I have been anxiously awaiting more from Jenn since I finished Shark Out of Water back in July 2013, so when I heard that she was releasing a new, non-GYP book, I was super excited, but also a little bit nervous. Like I said, I have come to consider Jenn as a favorite, go-to author based solely on her GYP series, so what if I didn’t like it? Aside from loving Jenn as a person (seriously, I have conversations with her), I would have been devastated to not like Landslide. My nerves were very quickly eased when I was completely hooked within the first two chapters!
If it’s one thing that I would have to say that Jenn excels at, it would have to be writing her characters. She has written some of the best characters I’ve ever read. None of them ever feels flat or underdeveloped, and they’re so real that I sometimes forget that they’re not! And Landslide is no different. Right from the start, I was completely drawn to Cole and Erica. Their friendship was so fun, and as their romantic feelings grew, they just got better. Also, Cole’s use of pet names, specifically “sweetheart”, kind of reminded me of Haymitch from The Hunger Games, which was always good for a smile.
I pretty much loved everything about Landslide. That’s not to say I didn’t occasionally get frustrated and want to smack someone for being stupid. That’s pretty much par for the course with any romance. But those were very minor. There were so many surprises! Every time I thought I had the book figured out, I’d quickly find out that I was wrong, and so I could not put it down!
There’s not really much more I can say about Landslide without spoiling everything (which would suck for you and get me in trouble with Jenn!), but I absolutely loved it, possibly even more than GYP. It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read, and you need to read it NOW! Honestly, I would give it more than 5 stars if I could!
Ever since Jac recommended Jenn Cooksey’s Shark Bait to me back in 2012, I have been a huge fan! Her Grab Your Pole (GYP) series is one of my favorites, and it is so realistic, hilarious, and heartwarming all at the same time. I have been anxiously awaiting more from Jenn since I finished Shark Out of Water back in July 2013, so when I heard that she was releasing a new, non-GYP book, I was super excited, but also a little bit nervous. Like I said, I have come to consider Jenn as a favorite, go-to author based solely on her GYP series, so what if I didn’t like it? Aside from loving Jenn as a person (seriously, I have conversations with her), I would have been devastated to not like Landslide. My nerves were very quickly eased when I was completely hooked within the first two chapters!
If it’s one thing that I would have to say that Jenn excels at, it would have to be writing her characters. She has written some of the best characters I’ve ever read. None of them ever feels flat or underdeveloped, and they’re so real that I sometimes forget that they’re not! And Landslide is no different. Right from the start, I was completely drawn to Cole and Erica. Their friendship was so fun, and as their romantic feelings grew, they just got better. Also, Cole’s use of pet names, specifically “sweetheart”, kind of reminded me of Haymitch from The Hunger Games, which was always good for a smile.
I pretty much loved everything about Landslide. That’s not to say I didn’t occasionally get frustrated and want to smack someone for being stupid. That’s pretty much par for the course with any romance. But those were very minor. There were so many surprises! Every time I thought I had the book figured out, I’d quickly find out that I was wrong, and so I could not put it down!
There’s not really much more I can say about Landslide without spoiling everything (which would suck for you and get me in trouble with Jenn!), but I absolutely loved it, possibly even more than GYP. It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read, and you need to read it NOW! Honestly, I would give it more than 5 stars if I could!
March 5, 2017
This wasn’t a story - this was the tumultuous journey of the love of a lifetime. This was despair, injustice…ill-timing and devastation. This was selflessness, loyalty…promise and hope. It was hard to recognize that this is a fictional story when Cole and Erica were so very real in their thoughts, emotions and actions. This wasn’t a story – this was beauty in words, enhanced with music.
It has to be said, listening to the songs linked through the chapter titles definitely set the tone for what was to come. It’s worth taking the time to listen and absorb the experience as it was intended.
For any Grab Your Pole fans out there, this story has a completely different feel to it. You’re not going to find any rainbows or unicorns and I think bacon only makes an appearance once or twice, but you will surely not be disappointed.
It has to be said, listening to the songs linked through the chapter titles definitely set the tone for what was to come. It’s worth taking the time to listen and absorb the experience as it was intended.
For any Grab Your Pole fans out there, this story has a completely different feel to it. You’re not going to find any rainbows or unicorns and I think bacon only makes an appearance once or twice, but you will surely not be disappointed.
February 9, 2015
At first I was not sure about the book so I decided to read it. I don't regret one bit. I watched the growth from the beginning to the end. This book is a love story. The author has a skill where she can create characters and the growth and how much they have change. Cole is my hero he has a very big heart as well Erica, they think of others except for themselves.
I rated four stars instead of 5 because it was tad bit long however it was worth it because I am satisfied with the end even though there was few things that I didn't see it coming but the HINT was there at the beginning that I think about it. GO and read it. Worth buying for.
I rated four stars instead of 5 because it was tad bit long however it was worth it because I am satisfied with the end even though there was few things that I didn't see it coming but the HINT was there at the beginning that I think about it. GO and read it. Worth buying for.
February 27, 2015
I totally loved loved this whole story hard! I'm a sucker one for Male POV, it's what sold me right out the gate...Cole, where is the real life Cole Hastings? It's a wonder I read these books! Best Friends to Lovers, yet another reason I was sold on the story as a whole! Oh the music, yes another factor ....anyone who knows me, I dislike inner dialogue, sometimes it just becomes to much, but not with this one, i relished in it. So many feels, my stomach was all over the places, oh the pure aniexty I was feeling the whole time , was sending me completely nuts !
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