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The Story of Us #2
The Way We Break
Book Two in the USA Today bestselling Story of Us series.
Live the truth...
The truth about Hallie has torn Houston and Rory apart for a second time. Houston is finally unburdened of the secret his sister confided in him, but now he must deal with the aftermath.
He has vowed to set things right for Rory, and he's determined to get her back. But the destruction left in the wake of Hallie's letter is not the only obstacle he must face. Houston must find a way to win Rory back by showing her their story isn't over yet.
...or live the lie.
In her desperation to move past the anguish of Hallie's secret and Houston’s lies, Rory seeks solace in Liam. When Liam is transferred to another tech company in California, Rory jumps at his invitation to leave Portland, and her broken heart, behind. In California, Rory finds a friend who opens new doors for her in the literary world. But does this new friend have ulterior motives?
Live the truth...
The truth about Hallie has torn Houston and Rory apart for a second time. Houston is finally unburdened of the secret his sister confided in him, but now he must deal with the aftermath.
He has vowed to set things right for Rory, and he's determined to get her back. But the destruction left in the wake of Hallie's letter is not the only obstacle he must face. Houston must find a way to win Rory back by showing her their story isn't over yet.
...or live the lie.
In her desperation to move past the anguish of Hallie's secret and Houston’s lies, Rory seeks solace in Liam. When Liam is transferred to another tech company in California, Rory jumps at his invitation to leave Portland, and her broken heart, behind. In California, Rory finds a friend who opens new doors for her in the literary world. But does this new friend have ulterior motives?
368 pages, Unknown Binding
First published May 25, 2015
196 people are currently reading
2019 people want to read
About the author
Cassia Leo
96 books6,842 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Cassia Leo grew up in California and has lived in three different countries. She loves to travel and her dream is to one day score a record deal based on her awesome shower singing skills. She is the author of the Shattered Hearts series (Relentless, Pieces of You, Bring Me Home). She is also the author of the popular Luke and Chase series.
Come chat with her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorcassialeo or Twitter:www.twitter.com/AuthorCassiaLeo
Or you can follow her blog at http://cassialeo.com to stay up to date on new releases and giveaways.
Thanks for reading!
Come chat with her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorcassialeo or Twitter:www.twitter.com/AuthorCassiaLeo
Or you can follow her blog at http://cassialeo.com to stay up to date on new releases and giveaways.
Thanks for reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 294 reviews
June 20, 2015
3.5 ★'s
At the end of the last book, Rory finally found out the secret that Houston has kept from her for five years. Needless to say, it has made Rory want nothing to do with Houston and that causes her to take chances...chances she normally wouldn't take.
Being a "middle" book, I knew there would be drama and that things wouldn't even begin to come together. I wasn't prepared for Rory and Houston being apart for most of the book...and I'm not sure I liked it.
I did like how Houston handled things...mostly. He's still a bit hot headed but at least he was thinking...and planning.
Something that Rory probably could've done some more of especially with her big confrontation. I would have taken care of things beforehand but then we wouldn't have all the drama if that would have happened.
And it's always kind of weird reading about the H or h being with other people. I just don't like it and really don't see the point...especially when they turn creepy!
And what was up with that? Both Tessa and Liam? Obviously, Tessa wasn't a surprise but Liam certainly was. Well, maybe just to the extent...he always had the weird factor going on.
I did enjoy the characters coming together and helping Houston with Rory. Kenny is such an amazing best friend! I felt bad for Troy though and how what was going on with Houston was causing him to question things in his own life. Rory's mom was really sweet too.
What about that ending? All the good stuff and then that! Is it terrible to say that I just don't care? Let's get to the good stuff already!
The Good Stuff:
Dual Pov's? Yes.
Steam Factor? (Scale 1 - 5) about a 3...I needed more!
Angst? (Scale 1 - 5) 3...not too much that I didn't expect, except that ending!
Next book? The Way We Rise comes out August 21st.
Favorite quotes:
♥ “What letter comes next?”
“D,” she replied with haste.
“Nuh-uh. The D comes after the O.”
♥ “Needing something and wanting something are two very different things.”
♥ "No matter what your destination is, there’s no safer road than the one you take with someone you love.”
At the end of the last book, Rory finally found out the secret that Houston has kept from her for five years. Needless to say, it has made Rory want nothing to do with Houston and that causes her to take chances...chances she normally wouldn't take.
Being a "middle" book, I knew there would be drama and that things wouldn't even begin to come together. I wasn't prepared for Rory and Houston being apart for most of the book...and I'm not sure I liked it.
I did like how Houston handled things...mostly. He's still a bit hot headed but at least he was thinking...and planning.
Something that Rory probably could've done some more of especially with her big confrontation. I would have taken care of things beforehand but then we wouldn't have all the drama if that would have happened.
And it's always kind of weird reading about the H or h being with other people. I just don't like it and really don't see the point...especially when they turn creepy!
And what was up with that? Both Tessa and Liam? Obviously, Tessa wasn't a surprise but Liam certainly was. Well, maybe just to the extent...he always had the weird factor going on.
I did enjoy the characters coming together and helping Houston with Rory. Kenny is such an amazing best friend! I felt bad for Troy though and how what was going on with Houston was causing him to question things in his own life. Rory's mom was really sweet too.
What about that ending? All the good stuff and then that! Is it terrible to say that I just don't care? Let's get to the good stuff already!
The Good Stuff:
Dual Pov's? Yes.
Steam Factor? (Scale 1 - 5) about a 3...I needed more!
Angst? (Scale 1 - 5) 3...not too much that I didn't expect, except that ending!
Next book? The Way We Rise comes out August 21st.
Favorite quotes:
♥ “What letter comes next?”
“D,” she replied with haste.
“Nuh-uh. The D comes after the O.”
♥ “Needing something and wanting something are two very different things.”
♥ "No matter what your destination is, there’s no safer road than the one you take with someone you love.”
May 16, 2015
“Needing something and wanting something are two very different things.”
"The Way We Fall" was Amazing, but "The way We Break"? This story is going to blow your mind.
So If you read the first book I know you are wondering what happened to Rory, Houston and Liam? Right? Well sorry but you are not getting any spoiler from me. I just going to tell you this : The things happening here, you won't see them coming. Mark my words. It's a Rollercoaster. Emotional, powerful, painful, intense, deep and incredible.
I am not kidding when I say You Will Love this second book and when you finish it you will want to read it again. Then You will start counting the days for "The Way We Rise"
i will leave you with this: You ain't seen nothin' yet! ! !
"The Way We Break" goes LIVE 5/29/15 Be sure to get your copy!
May 31, 2015
I loved the first book in this series and was anxious to read the sequel. However, after the first third of the book, I was growing increasingly wary of my recollections regarding the series.
I have a crazy short memory. Like really bad, and it does not help that I read a book or two a week making it near impossible to recall many of them. Especially in this genre. This silly heroine runs from true love into arms of rebound guy genre. Said heroine refuses to be mature and accept her true love for whatever reason, thus embarking on a doomed new relationship. Insert angst and stupid behavior, even for a young twenty-something and now you don't need to read this book anymore! Because you just did!
I was way over Rory and her idiotic mistakes. Moving 600 miles away from home with a guy she has dated for about a month and only kissed? Moron. And the book goes downhill from there. I had high hopes for this series. But Houston's wife being psycho and interfering was one thing, but to repeat this scene with the poor used Liam over Rory...paging Dr. Get A Clue. This author is better than this, and while I know many will enjoy it because Houston has a huge dick, it's not for me and I am out.
I have a crazy short memory. Like really bad, and it does not help that I read a book or two a week making it near impossible to recall many of them. Especially in this genre. This silly heroine runs from true love into arms of rebound guy genre. Said heroine refuses to be mature and accept her true love for whatever reason, thus embarking on a doomed new relationship. Insert angst and stupid behavior, even for a young twenty-something and now you don't need to read this book anymore! Because you just did!
I was way over Rory and her idiotic mistakes. Moving 600 miles away from home with a guy she has dated for about a month and only kissed? Moron. And the book goes downhill from there. I had high hopes for this series. But Houston's wife being psycho and interfering was one thing, but to repeat this scene with the poor used Liam over Rory...paging Dr. Get A Clue. This author is better than this, and while I know many will enjoy it because Houston has a huge dick, it's not for me and I am out.
September 25, 2015
I LOVE IT!
"This isn't the end of us Rory. You know it as well as I do."
It was obvious with that line where this would pick up and I couldn't wait! Houston fights for the girl he loves with everything he has. There are so many obstacles he must overcome in this book and I fell so hard for him! Rory is done plain and simple and she makes a decision at minutes notice that she will end up regretting. In the meantime Houston is giving her some space and at the same time dealing with a family dilemma. What he isn't aware of is Rory's plans and by the time he learns of them, he's too late. I hate what Houston has to go through in this one but I suppose it's his turn to suffer. When I got to the end, holy! I'm almost scared to read it, I have a feeling there's another huge obstacle that Houston will have to overcome, although I don't believe it's going to be smooth sailing for Rory as well.
On to book #3 with no regrets and still hoping for some more of "MINE"
behavior, I can't help it, I love it!
"This isn't the end of us Rory. You know it as well as I do."
It was obvious with that line where this would pick up and I couldn't wait! Houston fights for the girl he loves with everything he has. There are so many obstacles he must overcome in this book and I fell so hard for him! Rory is done plain and simple and she makes a decision at minutes notice that she will end up regretting. In the meantime Houston is giving her some space and at the same time dealing with a family dilemma. What he isn't aware of is Rory's plans and by the time he learns of them, he's too late. I hate what Houston has to go through in this one but I suppose it's his turn to suffer. When I got to the end, holy! I'm almost scared to read it, I have a feeling there's another huge obstacle that Houston will have to overcome, although I don't believe it's going to be smooth sailing for Rory as well.
On to book #3 with no regrets and still hoping for some more of "MINE"
behavior, I can't help it, I love it!
December 21, 2016
So I really wanted to rate this as 4 stars, and I planned on rating it as 4 stars, but then I remembered that I actually hated the first 70ish% (with the exception of Houston. Actually it was more so from when Rory left California until 75%. However long that took, I didn't like it.) so........ Yeah. Here we are. Fun stuff. Rory's an idiot. Liam's an idiot. Those two were no bueno.
May 18, 2015
I loved the second part to The Story of Us series. In The Way We Fall, you get to know the characters and their story. You become connected with them, you judge them, but like any of Cassia's books, she always throws you that curve ball. And those characters that you have come to know, and everything you thought you knew, goes right out the window.
This story continues with Rory making a decision that will have a big impact on the people she loves. The people she thought she knew and loved most broke her heart in The Way We Fall. I feel for Houston in this book. He made a lot of mistakes, but he was only doing what he thought was the right thing for everyone involved. He still loves Rory with all his heart, and in The Way We Break he will do anything to get her back.
Then we have Liam, who is there for Rory. He helps ease her pain. You will get to know a lot more about Liam in this book. One of my favorite characters in this series is Kenny, and he is back. Once again, he will have you in stitches with laughter. He is the one person who Rory can lean on. He didn’t betray her and he always has her back. Even if he thinks Rory has made a mistake, he doesn’t hold back in letting her know. He is her best friend and the one person she can trust. But even Kenny has some tricks up his sleeve in this book.
There is so much I can say, but I don’t want to give anything away. I want you to experience the journey Cassia takes you on for yourself. This is a book filled with emotion, humour, excitement, forgiveness, and trust. And not to mention some hot but beautifully written sex scenes. I cant wait for the final installment of this amazing series. I’m hooked.
This story continues with Rory making a decision that will have a big impact on the people she loves. The people she thought she knew and loved most broke her heart in The Way We Fall. I feel for Houston in this book. He made a lot of mistakes, but he was only doing what he thought was the right thing for everyone involved. He still loves Rory with all his heart, and in The Way We Break he will do anything to get her back.
Then we have Liam, who is there for Rory. He helps ease her pain. You will get to know a lot more about Liam in this book. One of my favorite characters in this series is Kenny, and he is back. Once again, he will have you in stitches with laughter. He is the one person who Rory can lean on. He didn’t betray her and he always has her back. Even if he thinks Rory has made a mistake, he doesn’t hold back in letting her know. He is her best friend and the one person she can trust. But even Kenny has some tricks up his sleeve in this book.
There is so much I can say, but I don’t want to give anything away. I want you to experience the journey Cassia takes you on for yourself. This is a book filled with emotion, humour, excitement, forgiveness, and trust. And not to mention some hot but beautifully written sex scenes. I cant wait for the final installment of this amazing series. I’m hooked.
June 16, 2017
**** 3.5 Stars ****
"You still love me... Let me convince you this is not how our story ends.”
I'm a little disappointed with this one. The Way We Fall was so amazing! Here... I just didn't feel the same desire and passion like the previous book.
Rory makes a hasty decision and moves to California with Liam. There were moments where I felt terrible for him because Rory couldn't open up to him. He had some moments where he really tried to make her comfortable. Then he turned a bit paranoid and crazy, but who could blame him when his girlfriend is screaming another guy's name when she touches herself.
I loved the way Houston tried to get Rory back. That was the best part of the story. Of course more issues pop up once they get together. Hopefully The Way We Rise will give me the same feelings as the first book.
"You still love me... Let me convince you this is not how our story ends.”
I'm a little disappointed with this one. The Way We Fall was so amazing! Here... I just didn't feel the same desire and passion like the previous book.
Rory makes a hasty decision and moves to California with Liam. There were moments where I felt terrible for him because Rory couldn't open up to him. He had some moments where he really tried to make her comfortable. Then he turned a bit paranoid and crazy, but who could blame him when his girlfriend is screaming another guy's name when she touches herself.
I loved the way Houston tried to get Rory back. That was the best part of the story. Of course more issues pop up once they get together. Hopefully The Way We Rise will give me the same feelings as the first book.
September 17, 2015
Not what I was looking for but still gonna read the next
This is the second book in the Story of Us series and let me say this book could have/should have been amazing. Unfortunately we don't get much of Rory and Houston. We get Rory leaving and running from her problems, we get Houston trying to get Rory back while still at times falling and aggravating me while he deals with his wife. Then Liam, obvious in his attraction and caring for Rory, has a startling change in his behavior and actions and this was really where I lost it.
I do still love Kenny, he is the best. It was interesting the way Rory's book actually ends up what we had been reading in the first book. There are definitely some bright points in this story, it just wasn't enough to balance out all that bothered me in it. The ending was just over the top drama in my opinion and even though the cliffy could be considered an "OMG did that just happen" I found myself caring very little at that point. Regardless, I know I'm gonna download the next book right after I'm done with this review.
This is the second book in the Story of Us series and let me say this book could have/should have been amazing. Unfortunately we don't get much of Rory and Houston. We get Rory leaving and running from her problems, we get Houston trying to get Rory back while still at times falling and aggravating me while he deals with his wife. Then Liam, obvious in his attraction and caring for Rory, has a startling change in his behavior and actions and this was really where I lost it.
I do still love Kenny, he is the best. It was interesting the way Rory's book actually ends up what we had been reading in the first book. There are definitely some bright points in this story, it just wasn't enough to balance out all that bothered me in it. The ending was just over the top drama in my opinion and even though the cliffy could be considered an "OMG did that just happen" I found myself caring very little at that point. Regardless, I know I'm gonna download the next book right after I'm done with this review.
March 26, 2016
Once again this book was beautifully written. Like Hannah Lee, I've been stuck to this story from the Prologue of Hallie's letter to Houston. The events that have come to pass in this book are quite dramatic. It felt like there was a lot of psychoses and the characters having to deal. If it wasn't Tessa going off the rails, it was Liam. And poor Houston and Rory were caught up in the crossfire lol.
This is an incredible love story. The lengths Houston is willing to go to to have his love story with Rory is amazing. Everything he did made me swoon-y. I think I'd like to finally see Rory fight for Houston. He's always in the hot seat but she deserves to be there as well. She's loved him for 13 years but what has she really done??? And when ish got complicated, she ran away with Liam. Her love's a joke to me right now and I'd love to see that change in the next book. But Houston gets all 5 stars in this one.
This is an incredible love story. The lengths Houston is willing to go to to have his love story with Rory is amazing. Everything he did made me swoon-y. I think I'd like to finally see Rory fight for Houston. He's always in the hot seat but she deserves to be there as well. She's loved him for 13 years but what has she really done??? And when ish got complicated, she ran away with Liam. Her love's a joke to me right now and I'd love to see that change in the next book. But Houston gets all 5 stars in this one.
December 3, 2020
What can I say, what a beautiful book, I couldn't stop reading it. I love Houston because he fights for the love of his life. I'm really looking forward to the next book.💖
November 22, 2015
Houston, Rory, Kenny and the Lumberjack are back!! I'm so in love with these characters and couldn't wait to dive back in! I was constantly on the edge of my seat swiping my finger just dying to get to the next chapter! I thought the first book in the series was intense, but this one takes the cake!
This book sent me on an emotional roller coaster. I really felt everything they went through deep in my soul! They are so likable and relatable and as per usual they sucked me in to their world! I'm so intrigued and invested in everyone and found myself laughing, crying and at times yelling at my kindle! Lol!
The story flows at a perfect pace with the right amount of light heartedness, darkness, steaminess, conflict and love. There's something brewing and with an awesomely wicked ending like that, I cannot wait for the final book in the series! As always Cassia Leo blew me away!
This book sent me on an emotional roller coaster. I really felt everything they went through deep in my soul! They are so likable and relatable and as per usual they sucked me in to their world! I'm so intrigued and invested in everyone and found myself laughing, crying and at times yelling at my kindle! Lol!
The story flows at a perfect pace with the right amount of light heartedness, darkness, steaminess, conflict and love. There's something brewing and with an awesomely wicked ending like that, I cannot wait for the final book in the series! As always Cassia Leo blew me away!
January 31, 2016
The rebound is never good.
Happy is also very subjective.
This book made me rethink about how some choices SHOULD make us happy and some choices DO make us happy.
Happy now, and maybe happy later also is a element to think about in this book, I think.
For example, "My choice now doesn't really make me happy right now, but it might in the future when I forget the unhappy memories." Then does this make your choice a good one? Since you're suffering on your current choices and waiting for the happiness that may or may not come in the future you can't foresee.
Cassie Leo really did a wonderful job writing these book! I can't stop at one! I'm currently reading the third and I think the last book of this trilogy (?) and I can't wait to get a conclusion for the love story of Houston and Rory!
4/5 stars! Still amazing and really allows you to think about the words in the books!
Happy is also very subjective.
This book made me rethink about how some choices SHOULD make us happy and some choices DO make us happy.
Happy now, and maybe happy later also is a element to think about in this book, I think.
For example, "My choice now doesn't really make me happy right now, but it might in the future when I forget the unhappy memories." Then does this make your choice a good one? Since you're suffering on your current choices and waiting for the happiness that may or may not come in the future you can't foresee.
Cassie Leo really did a wonderful job writing these book! I can't stop at one! I'm currently reading the third and I think the last book of this trilogy (?) and I can't wait to get a conclusion for the love story of Houston and Rory!
4/5 stars! Still amazing and really allows you to think about the words in the books!
December 15, 2022
Gaaaah! Why?
Rory and Houston have been through quite a lot since book 1. Their relationship was built on partial lies but in the end, they were always meant to be together. They both lost someone very close to them and they’ve relied on each other to heal their wounds. Rory loved Houston since she was eleven but Houston never saw her until before she turned eighteen. He’s three years older than her and she’s his sister’s best friend. But after a tragedy strikes, their mutual love unveils itself. Still, there’s a lot of drama and unresolved truths between them 5 years after their break up. This book is Houston trying to win his love back and prove to her that their story doesn’t end.
I hated that most of this book they spent apart and her a few states away. And Rory was with Liam. I didn’t like him from the get-go and was pretty mad at Rory for some of the things she did to Houston. No matter, he still stopped at nothing to win her back. Things were finally getting good and they were finally gonna live their love story but then something happens at the end that puts another rift between them. Seriously? Can’t they catch a damn break?
I loved Kenny and his friendship to Rory. They were besties and he was amazing. I loved how he helped Houston set his plan in motion to get his lady back. I loved Rory’s mom and how she was apart of this too. I love Troy and his strong friendship to Houston. Most of the side characters were great, except Tessa and Liam.
I guess we’ll see how their story resolves in the last book. And good god they better finally live happy and at peace with everything. I love Houston though. He’s my favorite character in the whole series. His determination and devotion to Rory was admirable and sexy. He deserves his happy ending the most. And dangit, he better get it.
Rory and Houston have been through quite a lot since book 1. Their relationship was built on partial lies but in the end, they were always meant to be together. They both lost someone very close to them and they’ve relied on each other to heal their wounds. Rory loved Houston since she was eleven but Houston never saw her until before she turned eighteen. He’s three years older than her and she’s his sister’s best friend. But after a tragedy strikes, their mutual love unveils itself. Still, there’s a lot of drama and unresolved truths between them 5 years after their break up. This book is Houston trying to win his love back and prove to her that their story doesn’t end.
I hated that most of this book they spent apart and her a few states away. And Rory was with Liam. I didn’t like him from the get-go and was pretty mad at Rory for some of the things she did to Houston. No matter, he still stopped at nothing to win her back. Things were finally getting good and they were finally gonna live their love story but then something happens at the end that puts another rift between them. Seriously? Can’t they catch a damn break?
I loved Kenny and his friendship to Rory. They were besties and he was amazing. I loved how he helped Houston set his plan in motion to get his lady back. I loved Rory’s mom and how she was apart of this too. I love Troy and his strong friendship to Houston. Most of the side characters were great, except Tessa and Liam.
I guess we’ll see how their story resolves in the last book. And good god they better finally live happy and at peace with everything. I love Houston though. He’s my favorite character in the whole series. His determination and devotion to Rory was admirable and sexy. He deserves his happy ending the most. And dangit, he better get it.
April 19, 2017
Dobbiamo stare lontani lontani...
Protagonisti separati per TUTTO il libro? No, grazie! A nulla sono valsi i piccoli flashback che vedevano Rory e Houston nuovamente insieme. Per quanto mi riguarda, non avevo alcun interesse nel leggere il proseguimento delle loro rispettive vite. Onestamente, non mi aspettavo proprio che gli eventi prendessero questa piega, e la cosa mi ha molto intristito, perché vedevo tanto della mia vita nella storia di Rory e Houston. Un grandissimo peccato. A questo punto, penso che finirò la trilogia Unmasked e leggerò Black Box, che ho già sul Kindle, poi penso proprio che il mio viaggio con questa autrice subirà una brusca pausa, se non addirittura un taglio netto :(
★ ACQUISTA ORA CON 1-CLICK ★
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October 6, 2016
malo bolje od prvog dijela ali i dalje prerazvuceno i presporo za moj ukus
August 28, 2015
4.5 stars!
Hallie was Rory's best friend and Houston's sister, and her suicide has caused them to break apart the second time.
Rory made a decision that made a big impact on everyone's lives. People deal with loss, heartaches and pains in different ways, but it was what we learned in the end that truly matters.
I wasn't a big fan of all of Houston's actions and decisions in book 1. He was in so much pain, and sometimes even the best of us made bad decisions because of it. But I admired the enormity of his love for the only girl who captured his heart. In this book, Houston became the man I've always thought he could be, and he was not only determined to prove his love for her, but he was adamant in doing it right this time.
People can change, either positively or negatively. This was proven true by some of the recurring characters from book 1. We get to see more of them and how they affected the lives of the main characters.
This book was about Houston & Rory's journey to finding themselves and in finding forgiveness..
Its a journey if they can either find happiness from other people or finding their way back to each other.
One character's line explained the theme of this book perfectly:
“It’s always tempting to choose the safer road. The one you think will get you to your destination in one piece. But as you learned today, sometimes the safe roads are nothing but dead ends. And I’ll tell you one thing I know for sure. No matter what your destination is, there’s no safer road than the one you take with someone you love.”
As I've come to expect from Cassia, she made me feel intrigued and invested not only in the story but in every character.
I'm looking forward to finding out how Houston & Rory's story ends in the final book.
June 1, 2015
4-4.5 stars. Rory and Houston's story is complicated, and that's putting it mildly. So much stuff between them has happened and most of it is not good. I was really impressed with Houston's efforts to make things right with Rory in this book, he goes all out. It wasn't that I didn't like him in The Way We Fall, because obviously he was in a world of pain and made some bad decisions. But Houston learned from his mistakes and he also knew the impact of the information he shares with Rory, how much it would hurt her and push her away even if that's the last thing he wanted. At the same time, Houston has to get his life in order to be able to be a guy who can be there for Rory. Normally I would frown upon Rory's need to move to California with Liam and to try something new. However, after everything she'd been through with other people trying to shelter her, I understood her need to make her own independent decisions and to make her own mistakes without any cushions. Although I've liked Rory and Houston all along, Houston really steps up to the plate in this one and Rory is finally learning or accepting what she needs to in order to move on and to grow as a character/person. The interesting thing is that Rory is writing a book, based on her life and relationship with Houston, but she hasn't written the ending yet even though she thinks they are over for good. The question remains, is their story really and truly over? With a love like theirs, despite all the heartache and drama, because they've had a lot of both of those in spades, can there still be a future that includes happiness with them together? Looking forward to the final installment.
December 5, 2015
I liked the end for them. BUT Rory's father, he and Hallie's mother set up a foundation for her? Really? He cheats in his wife with a teenager, then opens a foundation for her? I know it's a good idea but it felt really off to me. He did something unforgivable with his daughters friend and he should be begging for forgiveness to his wife but instead is setting up a foundation for a girl who seduced her best friends father. I know it's very sad about her past. And the way Hallie died is a trigger for a lot of people. A foundation is a wonderful idea for her mother or brother to establish. But not the man twice plus her age who she slept with while he was married and not to mention the father of her best friend. And then he hires his Rory to work there also. It's just too much of a reminder of what they did. Having her father involved just threw everything off for me. and then he gets back with his wife who he cheated on with Hallie and still works on the charity. I mean, this woman is worlds better than I to have this thrown in her face every day and still be with him. Ugh, rant over. Sorry guys. Anyway, good ending for our Houston and Rory. Sort of full circle ;)
May 28, 2015
This story has so many emotions. You can go from happy and laughing to felling sad and then needing a fan to cool off. I have found an even greater love for Houston in this book. He is pulling out all the stops to win Rory back. Man, can Tessa get anymore crazy? That woman is a piece of work!! I can't help but smile at the new relationships Houston has formed. He's such a great guy. As for Rory and Liam all I can say is WOW!! You have to read it to know what I'm talking about. So many new and unexpected developments. My emotions were all over the place in the last part of the story. I was scared, heart broken, and sad. Then came some more happiness and HOTness and then BAM it was like WTH happened here. I'm absolutely loving this series and sooooooo ready for book 3 lol!
December 10, 2018
This book is ok, it isn't as enjoyable as the first (I found myself getting annoyed...sigh) however, there is a lot of twisty, turny events throughout. Likes- Cassia is a beautiful writer and the book was full of angst and twisty plot. Dislikes- I didn't like that our couple spent most of the book apart. This book had a little bit too much crazy in it, and I felt like Liam's was used as an excuse to get out of that situation, I never understand why authors just throw in another character to muddle it up. People can work through problems plenty without throwing another love interest in.
May 25, 2018
5 Woooooow Stars!
I'm a new fan of Cassia Leo.
Whatever reservations I had about the plot during book 1, they are nonexistent now. I loved book 2! I loved Houston. I loved Rory. I loved Ms. Leo's writing. Gah! I ate up every single word.
The Way We Break started low on the angst but gradually increased until it EXPLODED in delicious ANGST. Book 3, here I come!
I heart this line:
"She’s always been a violently raging ocean disguised as a tranquil sea."
That's me ;)
I'm a new fan of Cassia Leo.
Whatever reservations I had about the plot during book 1, they are nonexistent now. I loved book 2! I loved Houston. I loved Rory. I loved Ms. Leo's writing. Gah! I ate up every single word.
The Way We Break started low on the angst but gradually increased until it EXPLODED in delicious ANGST. Book 3, here I come!
I heart this line:
"She’s always been a violently raging ocean disguised as a tranquil sea."
That's me ;)
Want to read
February 20, 2015I CAN'T WAIT!!!
August 21, 2017
3,5***
May 23, 2021
Leo did Liam dirty. What a cheap plot device to use just to justify the ending she wanted.
June 29, 2022
This book is emotional, and sweet and all the things a good romance book should be. I really enjoyed it!
January 19, 2018
Enjoyable....but far from perfect in capture your soul like the other series she wrote shattered hearts....
February 18, 2022
Rory and Houston just keep running into problem after problem! Why can’t they just have their happily ever after already! Rory’s way of thinking through out the book made me a little mad just with her way of thinking and how it seemed like she was just running away from her problems but I understand why she was behaving like that but that doesn’t mean I have to like it! I loved Kenny and his personality through out the book and I’m just really wanting Rory and Houston to have their HEA!!
November 2, 2015
3.5 stars, being a middle book is so hard.
Rory and Houston. Houston and Rory. Once again, they're torn apart by Houston's sister, Hallie. Hallie committed suicide and the truth of why has finally come out, but Rory and Houston can hardly handle it, let alone handle everything else happening in their lives. Suddenly family is involved, their parents, their friends, and Houston's wife. Rory uses the big explosion from book one, , to make a quick decision to go with Liam to California. Liam was the gentle, handsome, lumberjack of a man that stood by as Rory's friend as she tried to figure out what she wanted. California is not just sunny and golden however, there's jealousy, a book to finally complete, and Houston working behind the scenes to help Rory out. Liam is not all he seems to be and Rory may find that listening to her heart is better than listening to her head.
If you think you know what is coming in this book, you don't. Cassia Leo has done it again with even more twists you wouldn't expect, both the good and bad kind of twists. The characters are even better in The Way We Break, the relationships are more believable, the tones of voices different, and they all have such a specific role in the plot you wouldn't believe any are considered secondary. Rory has grown in leaps and bounds since book one, her thought process is different, her reactions make more sense, and the way she carries herself, even with indecision on her mind, is so much more realistic. I really rooted for Rory in this one, I didn't like Liam at all at first, but I wanted Rory happy. Of course, Liam is a jerk, Rory isn't happy, and Houston gets to be a hero. I loved watching the progress of the book, the relationship between Hannah and Rory as authors, and the blooming friendship between Patricia, Kenny, and Houston was so cute. Yes, cute.
Unfortunately, middle books are just hard to make the best. They're stuck between an awesome first book and the knowledge that all the answers are found in the third. Cassia Leo did an excellent job of wrapping up plot holes from The Way We Fall in The Way We Break and introduced new plot lines. Unfortunately, some of the unbelievable stuff that happens seems too good to be true, or too bad to be true. Liam's change is the most drastic, and while believable in book two, I couldn't see him being like this in The Way We Fall. The relationship between Rory and Liam was the hardest for me, even before the twist. Rory doesn't seem to like Liam much, except when they have sex, and even then she's comparing. I know she made a split second decision to move to California, but it doesn't seem like she committed to it more than used it as a way to run away. The jumping around in this book was still difficult at points, especially in two different locations now.
Overall, The Way We Break was a good connection between book one and book three. The new plot will hold you in, because it answers a lot from book one, but not everything. You'll root for Rory and Houston and you'll root for Houston the most, he's been through so much.
Rory and Houston. Houston and Rory. Once again, they're torn apart by Houston's sister, Hallie. Hallie committed suicide and the truth of why has finally come out, but Rory and Houston can hardly handle it, let alone handle everything else happening in their lives. Suddenly family is involved, their parents, their friends, and Houston's wife. Rory uses the big explosion from book one, , to make a quick decision to go with Liam to California. Liam was the gentle, handsome, lumberjack of a man that stood by as Rory's friend as she tried to figure out what she wanted. California is not just sunny and golden however, there's jealousy, a book to finally complete, and Houston working behind the scenes to help Rory out. Liam is not all he seems to be and Rory may find that listening to her heart is better than listening to her head.
If you think you know what is coming in this book, you don't. Cassia Leo has done it again with even more twists you wouldn't expect, both the good and bad kind of twists. The characters are even better in The Way We Break, the relationships are more believable, the tones of voices different, and they all have such a specific role in the plot you wouldn't believe any are considered secondary. Rory has grown in leaps and bounds since book one, her thought process is different, her reactions make more sense, and the way she carries herself, even with indecision on her mind, is so much more realistic. I really rooted for Rory in this one, I didn't like Liam at all at first, but I wanted Rory happy. Of course, Liam is a jerk, Rory isn't happy, and Houston gets to be a hero. I loved watching the progress of the book, the relationship between Hannah and Rory as authors, and the blooming friendship between Patricia, Kenny, and Houston was so cute. Yes, cute.
Unfortunately, middle books are just hard to make the best. They're stuck between an awesome first book and the knowledge that all the answers are found in the third. Cassia Leo did an excellent job of wrapping up plot holes from The Way We Fall in The Way We Break and introduced new plot lines. Unfortunately, some of the unbelievable stuff that happens seems too good to be true, or too bad to be true. Liam's change is the most drastic, and while believable in book two, I couldn't see him being like this in The Way We Fall. The relationship between Rory and Liam was the hardest for me, even before the twist. Rory doesn't seem to like Liam much, except when they have sex, and even then she's comparing. I know she made a split second decision to move to California, but it doesn't seem like she committed to it more than used it as a way to run away. The jumping around in this book was still difficult at points, especially in two different locations now.
Overall, The Way We Break was a good connection between book one and book three. The new plot will hold you in, because it answers a lot from book one, but not everything. You'll root for Rory and Houston and you'll root for Houston the most, he's been through so much.
May 28, 2015
I am at a loss for words!! I have read several of Cassia Leo's series and I cannot think of another author out there that creates ending / cliffhangers the way that she does. The Way We Break is no different. When you read and evaluate the "middle" book of a series sometimes the book can move too slow or just be a filler for the end of the finale but let me tell you that this book takes you on a ride.
At the end of book one we saw how crazy Houston's wife (Tessa) can be, you learn that Houston pretty much married her out of desperation and confusion...hoping that they would bond over dead siblings (WHICH IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS)! At the end of book one you see what a really nice guy Liam is and some of the readers hope that he could be her happily ever after (not me of course, because I stay true to the original boyfriend in most cases) In this book we are introduced to the real Liam and like him or not he is not as put together as we originally thought. (All of you Liam FANZ please read the story and if you have not changed your mind by the ending of the book please read the story again). Is Liam to good to be true? I know the answer to that but Rory likes him enough to take a chance at a new future with him...in California (600+ miles from Portland). Houston has done a lot to get himself put together and settle all of his affairs in order to be the guy that Rory deserves....except she stop speaking to him, will not listen to his voicemails, and will not read any of his e-mails. How can Houston show her how much he loves her and wants to be with her? He enlists the help of several of his friends...including Patricia (Rory's mom).
Throughout the book you will see that they reference dates from the current and the past. You will get a lot of details regarding Rory & Houston's past relationship and how things developed between them. In book one Houston admits that he started the relationship with Rory in order to get revenge but he doesn't explain how the entire plan was to work out. Well in book 2 you will hear it all. Will you still be a Houston FAN after this story (Maybe / maybe not).
I think that this was well written and I was definitely pulled in from the minute that I started the book. I absolutely loved it and I cannot wait to see how the story turns out. After all the last sentence of this story is a CLIFFHANGER that needs to be worked out!
At the end of book one we saw how crazy Houston's wife (Tessa) can be, you learn that Houston pretty much married her out of desperation and confusion...hoping that they would bond over dead siblings (WHICH IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS)! At the end of book one you see what a really nice guy Liam is and some of the readers hope that he could be her happily ever after (not me of course, because I stay true to the original boyfriend in most cases) In this book we are introduced to the real Liam and like him or not he is not as put together as we originally thought. (All of you Liam FANZ please read the story and if you have not changed your mind by the ending of the book please read the story again). Is Liam to good to be true? I know the answer to that but Rory likes him enough to take a chance at a new future with him...in California (600+ miles from Portland). Houston has done a lot to get himself put together and settle all of his affairs in order to be the guy that Rory deserves....except she stop speaking to him, will not listen to his voicemails, and will not read any of his e-mails. How can Houston show her how much he loves her and wants to be with her? He enlists the help of several of his friends...including Patricia (Rory's mom).
Throughout the book you will see that they reference dates from the current and the past. You will get a lot of details regarding Rory & Houston's past relationship and how things developed between them. In book one Houston admits that he started the relationship with Rory in order to get revenge but he doesn't explain how the entire plan was to work out. Well in book 2 you will hear it all. Will you still be a Houston FAN after this story (Maybe / maybe not).
I think that this was well written and I was definitely pulled in from the minute that I started the book. I absolutely loved it and I cannot wait to see how the story turns out. After all the last sentence of this story is a CLIFFHANGER that needs to be worked out!
May 21, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have been a big fan of Cassia's for a long time. She has such a unique style to her writing style, it truly is captivating and breathtaking to witness. She is so thorough with her characters, that you will feel the highs, the lows and all the other emotions there between. You will cry with them, or experience their heartaches, so well, that you would think these emotions were that of your own. It is amazing that book after book, she keeps hitting such a high standard. I love it!
Within the The Story of Us series, we are driving the roads with Rory and her love and loss story. We meet the main characters, like her BFF Hallie and Hallie's older brother Houston, Kenny and Liam. It is intense to see what unfolds for Rory. Hallie's suicide is a monumental experience in her life, and it will bring a great change within her everyday. Including bring to light the harbored love Rory has for Houston, and of Houston's hidden love for Rory. Their love story is so intense, truly a whirlwind of ups and downs, until it comes crashing down on them all.
With Hallie gone, betrayal from Houston and her mother for what they have kept from her is too much, Rory is out looking for a change. She stays away from her most treasured people, continues endure being alienated by her father. Is she ready to move forward? Will she find her solace? IS there really a HEA for Rory or Houston?
Liam is a boy that she knows from college, and is becoming friends with within the first book, now she is giving him the chance to be her significant other; but is she ready for that? Liam obviously likes Rory, but is she open to replacing Houston in her heart? Can you every really move on from the one person who ruined her?
Within TWWB you will see good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to Rory, Houston and Liam. But you will be floored with the depth of their characters and what they would do to protect those that they love. And the ending, Wow! the ending! It leaves you incredibly worked up and anxious for the next book. What happens next!? Oh, the anticipation!
Great Job, Cassia!
I have been a big fan of Cassia's for a long time. She has such a unique style to her writing style, it truly is captivating and breathtaking to witness. She is so thorough with her characters, that you will feel the highs, the lows and all the other emotions there between. You will cry with them, or experience their heartaches, so well, that you would think these emotions were that of your own. It is amazing that book after book, she keeps hitting such a high standard. I love it!
Within the The Story of Us series, we are driving the roads with Rory and her love and loss story. We meet the main characters, like her BFF Hallie and Hallie's older brother Houston, Kenny and Liam. It is intense to see what unfolds for Rory. Hallie's suicide is a monumental experience in her life, and it will bring a great change within her everyday. Including bring to light the harbored love Rory has for Houston, and of Houston's hidden love for Rory. Their love story is so intense, truly a whirlwind of ups and downs, until it comes crashing down on them all.
With Hallie gone, betrayal from Houston and her mother for what they have kept from her is too much, Rory is out looking for a change. She stays away from her most treasured people, continues endure being alienated by her father. Is she ready to move forward? Will she find her solace? IS there really a HEA for Rory or Houston?
Liam is a boy that she knows from college, and is becoming friends with within the first book, now she is giving him the chance to be her significant other; but is she ready for that? Liam obviously likes Rory, but is she open to replacing Houston in her heart? Can you every really move on from the one person who ruined her?
Within TWWB you will see good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to Rory, Houston and Liam. But you will be floored with the depth of their characters and what they would do to protect those that they love. And the ending, Wow! the ending! It leaves you incredibly worked up and anxious for the next book. What happens next!? Oh, the anticipation!
Great Job, Cassia!
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