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Side by Side #1
Side by Side
What would you do if your childhood best friend, your soul mate, and the one person that means more than anyone else in the world was suddenly in front of you after disappearing from your life ten years ago?
Would you risk your stable life, to allow them back in to your heart, even after they had left you without any explanation?
Katy Lou Reynolds needs to make a choice. She can either ignore the fact that Elijah Trent is standing in the middle of the cage about to fight, or she can face him and demand answers as to why he left her.
Is it worth risking her heart for her one true love even though she knows it may get broken again, or is it better to let him walk away?
***
When Katy Lou tags along with her boyfriend to an Underground Cage fight, the last thing she expects to find in the ring is her childhood best friend, Elijah. Seeing him again brings back distant memories - a drunken mother, an absent father and relentless school bullies. Most of all, it re-awakens the feelings she had for him. Elijah has always held her heart; but after he left her when they were fourteen, without a word, can she risk everything to let him back in to her life again?
Elijah is a great fighter. He channels all the aggression he suffered at the hands of an abusive father in to every fight, every time. His success feeds his lifestyle of new cities and endless women, eager to spend time with him. His one regret has always been leaving behind his best friend, Katy Lou. There's nothing he wouldn't give to see her again, but if he does, would she forgive him for leaving her and risk her heart?
Would you risk your stable life, to allow them back in to your heart, even after they had left you without any explanation?
Katy Lou Reynolds needs to make a choice. She can either ignore the fact that Elijah Trent is standing in the middle of the cage about to fight, or she can face him and demand answers as to why he left her.
Is it worth risking her heart for her one true love even though she knows it may get broken again, or is it better to let him walk away?
***
When Katy Lou tags along with her boyfriend to an Underground Cage fight, the last thing she expects to find in the ring is her childhood best friend, Elijah. Seeing him again brings back distant memories - a drunken mother, an absent father and relentless school bullies. Most of all, it re-awakens the feelings she had for him. Elijah has always held her heart; but after he left her when they were fourteen, without a word, can she risk everything to let him back in to her life again?
Elijah is a great fighter. He channels all the aggression he suffered at the hands of an abusive father in to every fight, every time. His success feeds his lifestyle of new cities and endless women, eager to spend time with him. His one regret has always been leaving behind his best friend, Katy Lou. There's nothing he wouldn't give to see her again, but if he does, would she forgive him for leaving her and risk her heart?
- GenresRomanceContemporary
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2015
31 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Louise
17 books21 followersHi, I'm Wendy Louise. I'm a wife and mum living in Melbourne, Australia. I love to read and write, and I somehow manage to fit writing into my life along with my regular daily duties, which include a full-time job and life in general with two busy children.
Two years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After many surgeries and treatments, I learnt that life is short and you need to grab it while you can. I always wanted to write, and I realized that it was now or never. The stories in my head needed to hit the paper, so I sat down and started writing and I haven't looked back.
You can usually find me with a few books on the go at once - whether that be reading them, or writing them. I love chocolate and trashy reality TV. It's not unusual for me to combine all these loves and attempt to write, while watching an episode of the Kardashians or The Bachelor, and devouring a block of Cadbury Dairy Milk.
I am so excited to bring my novels to you all. They are such a labour of love for me.
Happy reading and enjoy
Two years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After many surgeries and treatments, I learnt that life is short and you need to grab it while you can. I always wanted to write, and I realized that it was now or never. The stories in my head needed to hit the paper, so I sat down and started writing and I haven't looked back.
You can usually find me with a few books on the go at once - whether that be reading them, or writing them. I love chocolate and trashy reality TV. It's not unusual for me to combine all these loves and attempt to write, while watching an episode of the Kardashians or The Bachelor, and devouring a block of Cadbury Dairy Milk.
I am so excited to bring my novels to you all. They are such a labour of love for me.
Happy reading and enjoy
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 24, 2015
3.5 stars!
This book was just what I needed. I love childhood friends to lovers stories! They just warm my heart and make me feel all fuzzy inside.
Katy and Elijah were next door neighbors. They don’t have a good home life. Katy’s mother is an alcoholic, and she doesn’t know her father. Elijah’s father is an abusive piece of shit that hits him and his mother. They are each other’s comfort. One day, Elijah just disappears and Katy has never been able to get over it.
Katy sees Elijah again when her boyfriend Jacob takes her to cage fight. Elijah is one of the fighters.
Okay, so there was a part in this book that I absolutely did not agree with. It was handled incorrectly by the character. I felt like this character could have done something different. Something much more mature and respectful. I have read books with this element, and I must say that I’ve never agreed with their particular choices in this matter.
I really felt that they were still completely in love with each other. I just love stories like this. It makes me really happy!
Did they fall in love too fast? Mmm, not really. They were in love with each other as children, so technically, this isn’t an insta-love.
I enjoyed this book and I look forward to more books by this author!
This book was just what I needed. I love childhood friends to lovers stories! They just warm my heart and make me feel all fuzzy inside.
Katy and Elijah were next door neighbors. They don’t have a good home life. Katy’s mother is an alcoholic, and she doesn’t know her father. Elijah’s father is an abusive piece of shit that hits him and his mother. They are each other’s comfort. One day, Elijah just disappears and Katy has never been able to get over it.
Katy sees Elijah again when her boyfriend Jacob takes her to cage fight. Elijah is one of the fighters.
Okay, so there was a part in this book that I absolutely did not agree with. It was handled incorrectly by the character. I felt like this character could have done something different. Something much more mature and respectful. I have read books with this element, and I must say that I’ve never agreed with their particular choices in this matter.
I really felt that they were still completely in love with each other. I just love stories like this. It makes me really happy!
Did they fall in love too fast? Mmm, not really. They were in love with each other as children, so technically, this isn’t an insta-love.
I enjoyed this book and I look forward to more books by this author!
June 24, 2015
I received a copy in exchange for an honest opinion. This does not influence my opinion in any shape or form.
Side by Side could be summed up in two words: ELIJAH TRENT. That’s pretty much all you need to know about this story but of course you want a detailed review so I’ll give you one but really all you need to know about this book is Elijah Trent.
Side by Side is friends to lovers romance with sports thrown in. And they are actually friends real friends, the kind that has always fought each others battle. The kind that knew each and every dark secret. And like I said friends to lovers + cage fighting = TINA LOVES IT.
Our Story
Katy and Elijah are next door neighbors and have always been there for each other. Elijah would help Katy when bullies would make fun of her for her mom being an alcoholic and Katy wouldn’t say anything about the bruises that would surface on Elijah’s face at the hands of his father. They were a team, they were always there for one another. Then one day Elijah is just gone. Disappeared. Katy never hears him from again.
A couple years later, life has changed for both of them. Katy is currently working on a new novel and Elijah is a professional cage fighter. When they reunite, destiny has other plans in store for them. AND THEY ARE AMAZING PLANS.
The story is told in dual point of view so we get to see both Katy and Elijah’s point of view. I loved how there really wasn’t any insta-love they just finally realized their feelings for each other and boy do sparks fly. I especially loved how the author was able to really show you their friendship so that you could really see that they weren’t just friends for like five minutes but friends for a very long time. It really built up the story for me.
Our Characters
Katy Lou – she is a true friend. She stands by you no matter what, she may be little but she is incredibly strong and is willing to help fight whatever battle you may be fighting. I really loved seeing her grow throughout the book and seeing her loyalty to Elijah and those around her. She’s the kind of friend you want in your corner.
Elijah – like I said he’s basically all you need to know about this story. He’s just so amazing. He has beautiful eyes, a hot body, and he’s freaking romantic on top of being an amazing friend. I don’t think there is anything wrong with this boy. When he loves he loves hard. I really loved seeing his protective side, his loving side and his sexy side.
Supporting Characters - over the years Elijah and Katy have found some amazing friends Mindy and Caleb and both really add to the story. I cannot wait for their story because I know it is going to be just as amazing as side by side.
Overall
I ended up reading Side by Side in one day. I was invested in the story and I was desperate to see how this story was going to unfold. I also loved how the author truly incorporated the title into the story. I thought that was absolutely perfect.
Now, I know some people do not like to read a story about cheaters and cheating does happen in this book so if that is not your type of story just don’t pick this up. Now, if you enjoy a good friends to lovers story with some cage fighting thrown in then go on and pick this up.
Side by Side could be summed up in two words: ELIJAH TRENT. That’s pretty much all you need to know about this story but of course you want a detailed review so I’ll give you one but really all you need to know about this book is Elijah Trent.
Side by Side is friends to lovers romance with sports thrown in. And they are actually friends real friends, the kind that has always fought each others battle. The kind that knew each and every dark secret. And like I said friends to lovers + cage fighting = TINA LOVES IT.
Our Story
Katy and Elijah are next door neighbors and have always been there for each other. Elijah would help Katy when bullies would make fun of her for her mom being an alcoholic and Katy wouldn’t say anything about the bruises that would surface on Elijah’s face at the hands of his father. They were a team, they were always there for one another. Then one day Elijah is just gone. Disappeared. Katy never hears him from again.
A couple years later, life has changed for both of them. Katy is currently working on a new novel and Elijah is a professional cage fighter. When they reunite, destiny has other plans in store for them. AND THEY ARE AMAZING PLANS.
The story is told in dual point of view so we get to see both Katy and Elijah’s point of view. I loved how there really wasn’t any insta-love they just finally realized their feelings for each other and boy do sparks fly. I especially loved how the author was able to really show you their friendship so that you could really see that they weren’t just friends for like five minutes but friends for a very long time. It really built up the story for me.
Our Characters
Katy Lou – she is a true friend. She stands by you no matter what, she may be little but she is incredibly strong and is willing to help fight whatever battle you may be fighting. I really loved seeing her grow throughout the book and seeing her loyalty to Elijah and those around her. She’s the kind of friend you want in your corner.
Elijah – like I said he’s basically all you need to know about this story. He’s just so amazing. He has beautiful eyes, a hot body, and he’s freaking romantic on top of being an amazing friend. I don’t think there is anything wrong with this boy. When he loves he loves hard. I really loved seeing his protective side, his loving side and his sexy side.
Supporting Characters - over the years Elijah and Katy have found some amazing friends Mindy and Caleb and both really add to the story. I cannot wait for their story because I know it is going to be just as amazing as side by side.
Overall
I ended up reading Side by Side in one day. I was invested in the story and I was desperate to see how this story was going to unfold. I also loved how the author truly incorporated the title into the story. I thought that was absolutely perfect.
Now, I know some people do not like to read a story about cheaters and cheating does happen in this book so if that is not your type of story just don’t pick this up. Now, if you enjoy a good friends to lovers story with some cage fighting thrown in then go on and pick this up.
March 6, 2015
At fourteen, Katy Lou Reynolds’ best friend and soul mate disappeared without a trace. Nine years later she’s stunned to see him standing in the middle of an underground fighter cage. After fighting her feelings, Katy and her friend Lacey head to LA to attend Elijah’s next fight. Katy needs closure—she needs to know why he left without saying goodbye and if Elijah is still her one true love.
Elijah Trent is a fighter. Abused as a child, he’s taken all the things he learned when he was younger and channeled them into a successful cage fighting career. But is Elijah ready to fight for Katy’s heart and for a chance to make things right from when he was just fourteen years old?
Katy Lou and Elijah know heartbreak. Katy has a quiet, steady, reliable life. Is she ready to pull the carpet out from underneath herself to really live and love to her fullest? Elijah fights the demons every day. Facing his worst fear, is he willing to let Katy go again in an attempt to make things right?
I really enjoyed this book. The writing draws you in to feel all the emotions the characters are feeling: the excitement for Katy and Elijah to see each other again, their love and concern for each other when they were children, and their love and lust for each other as adults. Also, the anger at their parents, especially Elijah toward his “father” and their life. The story is well written and you really immerse yourself right into the plot along with them. ~ Missy, 4 stars
Elijah Trent is a fighter. Abused as a child, he’s taken all the things he learned when he was younger and channeled them into a successful cage fighting career. But is Elijah ready to fight for Katy’s heart and for a chance to make things right from when he was just fourteen years old?
Katy Lou and Elijah know heartbreak. Katy has a quiet, steady, reliable life. Is she ready to pull the carpet out from underneath herself to really live and love to her fullest? Elijah fights the demons every day. Facing his worst fear, is he willing to let Katy go again in an attempt to make things right?
I really enjoyed this book. The writing draws you in to feel all the emotions the characters are feeling: the excitement for Katy and Elijah to see each other again, their love and concern for each other when they were children, and their love and lust for each other as adults. Also, the anger at their parents, especially Elijah toward his “father” and their life. The story is well written and you really immerse yourself right into the plot along with them. ~ Missy, 4 stars
November 26, 2015
Side By Side follows the story of Katy Lou and Elijah. Katy Lou and Elijah both had difficult childhoods. But the one thing that got them through it all, was each other. Elijah was Katy Lou’s best friend, her protector. Until one day he was gone. Nine years have passed and every single day, Katy Lou has wondered about Elijah. She’s in a comfortable relationship right now, but that’s all it is: comfortable. She had no idea that fate was about to change things up. Katy Lou usually doesn’t like the underground fight scene. But this particular night, she decides she’s going to tag along with her boyfriend. What she doesn’t expect to see is that one of the fighters is non other than, Elijah. To say that she’s stunned and shocked to see Elijah would be an understatement. She’s conflicted. She’s so happy to see him, but at the same time, she’s hurt. Katy Lou knows one thing for sure, she needs answers. She has so many questions for Elijah The question will be what will she do once she gets those answers?? Elijah is a new fighter to the underground scene and he’s on top of his game. He’s turned his abusive upbringing into a success. He’s got fame, money, women. What else could he want in life? Well, there’s always one thing that he’s thought about….Katy Lou. She is his biggest regret. Now that fate has made their paths cross again, he realizes he can’t be without her. He wants her in his life forever. But, is it be too late for Katy Lou and Elijah? Has too much time passed? Can the past be forgiven?
Side By Side is told from dual pov’s and had a lot of great potential. I’m a really big fan of fighter books and I love friends to lovers romances. So, I was really excited once I started to read this one. In the beginning, I was really pulled into the story-line. I loved the reunion between Elijah and Katy Lou. Their feelings towards one another were really palpable. It was as if no time had passed between the two of them. However, that’s also when things took a turn for me. I felt like things just started happening at warp speed. I totally get that Elijah and Katy Lou were in love as kids, but I would have liked to see their adult relationship develop a little more. Nine years is a long time and people change. So, I just felt like their relationship was too rushed. I was also frustrated with Elijah and Katy Lou’s communication skills. They were so in love and were supposed to talk about things, but yet, it seemed as though anytime they hit a rough patch, Elijah was out the door. He didn’t even let Katy Lou try to explain things. And then once things settled and they finally talked, Katy Lou would forgive him way too easily. Come on Ladies! When your man messes up, he should have to grovel a little bit.
My biggest issue was the writing. I had a really hard time with some of the verbiage that was used and the tenses of certain words. This may not be a big issue for you, but for me, I found it really distracting. I felt as though some of the grammar that was used was too proper for the setting of the story. It’s a contemporary romance, so I expect that the writing should be modern and use contractions when necessary. Again, this is is just a peeve of mine, and may not bother anyone else.
Side By Side was an ok read for me. It’s one of those books that I didn’t love, but didn’t hate either. I adored the friendship between Katy Lou and Mindy. Mindy is they type of friend that every woman needs in her life. She’ll tell you like it is, help you to see the truth in things even when you don’t want to and is there for you when it matters the most. I thought Elijah and Katy Lou had great chemistry. Elijah was definitely an alpha male. I loved the friends to lovers aspect. I thought the romance was really sweet. There were just some issues that were hard for me to get past.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Side By Side is told from dual pov’s and had a lot of great potential. I’m a really big fan of fighter books and I love friends to lovers romances. So, I was really excited once I started to read this one. In the beginning, I was really pulled into the story-line. I loved the reunion between Elijah and Katy Lou. Their feelings towards one another were really palpable. It was as if no time had passed between the two of them. However, that’s also when things took a turn for me. I felt like things just started happening at warp speed. I totally get that Elijah and Katy Lou were in love as kids, but I would have liked to see their adult relationship develop a little more. Nine years is a long time and people change. So, I just felt like their relationship was too rushed. I was also frustrated with Elijah and Katy Lou’s communication skills. They were so in love and were supposed to talk about things, but yet, it seemed as though anytime they hit a rough patch, Elijah was out the door. He didn’t even let Katy Lou try to explain things. And then once things settled and they finally talked, Katy Lou would forgive him way too easily. Come on Ladies! When your man messes up, he should have to grovel a little bit.
My biggest issue was the writing. I had a really hard time with some of the verbiage that was used and the tenses of certain words. This may not be a big issue for you, but for me, I found it really distracting. I felt as though some of the grammar that was used was too proper for the setting of the story. It’s a contemporary romance, so I expect that the writing should be modern and use contractions when necessary. Again, this is is just a peeve of mine, and may not bother anyone else.
Side By Side was an ok read for me. It’s one of those books that I didn’t love, but didn’t hate either. I adored the friendship between Katy Lou and Mindy. Mindy is they type of friend that every woman needs in her life. She’ll tell you like it is, help you to see the truth in things even when you don’t want to and is there for you when it matters the most. I thought Elijah and Katy Lou had great chemistry. Elijah was definitely an alpha male. I loved the friends to lovers aspect. I thought the romance was really sweet. There were just some issues that were hard for me to get past.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
June 11, 2015
This is a contemporary reconnection story about childhood friends Katy Lou and Elijah. They were the best of friends with super messed up families--Katy Lou's mother was an alcoholic and dad was gone, while Elijah's father was abusive. One night he and his mother disappeared, seemingly without a trace. Nearly ten years later, Katy Lou sees Elijah fighting in what seems to be an underground cage fighting ring--and she has to see him again. She is seriously involved with another man, Jacob--her date at the cage fight--but when she and Elijah reconnect, she knows her relationship with Jacob is well and truly done.
We get some connection between Elijah and Katy Lou, until his miserable father returns needing cash, and threatening Katy Lou. Expect melodrama, and some sexytimes and far more buried behind the spoiler tag. I wish I could say I enjoyed this.
We get some connection between Elijah and Katy Lou, until his miserable father returns needing cash, and threatening Katy Lou. Expect melodrama, and some sexytimes and far more buried behind the spoiler tag. I wish I could say I enjoyed this.
June 14, 2015
If you are looking for a book with the theme that takes childhood friends to lovers, Side By Side by Wendy Louise might be right up your alley. It is a touching story of two abused childhood friends that found kinship and safety with one another. When one disappears without a word the other is devastated. It takes nine long years for these two to find each other. The old saying is true, absence does make the heart grow fonder.
Katy and Elijah have both changed throughout the years. When they accidentally find each other once again, they still find that they need each other. This time around they are in control of their lives and hearts.
This sweet second chance / friends to lovers is a touching story. The book is written in both characters POV.
Wendy Louise wrote an entertaining story that readers will enjoy.
June 29, 2015
This is the story of Katy and Elijah, who where were childhood friends and neighbors. They knew at an early age they loved one another. Katy's mom is an alcoholic and Elijah's father beat him and his mother. Elijah and his mother took off, leaving Katy behind, pining for him for years.
Katy and Elijah meet through his job (cage boxing) and they reunite. Although Katy is seeing someone, she has her heart set on Elijah.
Can Elijah and Katy find their way back to one another and conquer the obstacles in their path?
A story of love and friendship. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
4 stars
Katy and Elijah meet through his job (cage boxing) and they reunite. Although Katy is seeing someone, she has her heart set on Elijah.
Can Elijah and Katy find their way back to one another and conquer the obstacles in their path?
A story of love and friendship. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
4 stars
December 16, 2022
I have read this book so many times, and it still gets me right in the feels.
Katy and Elijah r perfection, best friends, soul mates, and destined to be together.
Their journey is hard, but when they find each other again its a whirlwind of romance and love.
Absolutely beautiful
Katy and Elijah r perfection, best friends, soul mates, and destined to be together.
Their journey is hard, but when they find each other again its a whirlwind of romance and love.
Absolutely beautiful
June 17, 2015
Received a review copy in exchange for an honest review; original tour posting can be found at:
http://mnonmklreviews.blogspot.com/20...
This new adult title was about two friends who hadn’t seen one another in nine years. Elijah and Katy were neighbors growing up as well as friends, but more than that, they were one another’s safe haven. Katy knew about Elijah’s father who beat on him and his mother, and Elijah was her knight in shining armor whenever the school bully’s picked on Katy, which they did often. They always had one another’s back, were always side by side.
One night after saying goodbye in their customary blown kiss, catch to cheek way, Katy could hear through her window Elijah’s loud rock music, signifying that his dad was hitting his mother.
…and that was the last she’d seen of him.
She’d always wondered what happened to the boy she loved, but eventually she moved on. She fell in love and moved in with Justin years later – which is where we begin. She’s no longer in love with Justin, and feels he likely feels the same. When he offers a date at a fight that is coming to town, she wants to say no but eventually says yes.
And it was a good thing she did, because for the first time in years, she saw Elijah.
After that last beating, Elijah’s mother packed him and her up and they left home; Elijah wanted to contact his Katy Lou, but his mother wouldn’t let him, afraid that his father would come find them. Now he’s a professional fighter who uses that same music to drown out his father’s fists to pump up for a fight.
When Katy mentions to her friend Mindy that she has found her old best friend, they find his next fight and have a girls-night. After the fight, they do the whole ring-bunny thing and try to wave down people to get in the back, to (almost) no avail. Caleb, Elijah’s friend and manager, eyes Mindy and tells them where they will be going after the fight.
The moment Elijah and Katy’s eyes meet, it’s like the heaven’s open, birds sing, Hallelujah they’re in love. Ok, maybe not quite like that, but the story took on a not so believable aspect at the point for me. After they see one another and pleasantries are exchanged, they end up at his hotel room – just to talk, mind you. Katy calls her boyfriend to tell him she won’t be coming home that night, and he gets (rightfully) upset.
While Elijah and Katy don’t go right into a relationship, they do pick up as if a single day hasn’t passed, which is where I roll me eyes. When these two left one another last, they were barely teenagers and now they are barely adults. Things are going to change, personalities are going to change, thought processes are going to change.
Or rather, they should.
It doesn’t always feel like that in this story. Their friendship and eventual relationship all feels very easy and falls into place. This story, to me, felt like it was written at a high school level – I didn’t personally feel that the thoughts and actions, as well as the dialogue, were written to a true twenty-something’s mindset. That and the Constant. Talk. Like. This.
Ok, I do that too, but it was almost too much. It made me really find Katy annoying.
However, the easy dialogue and thoughts made the story an ‘easy read’, one that was easy to flip the pages and continue on. There wasn’t anything so mindbending that I had to re-read it or felt that I was slightly lost – it was just easy.
The story was cute; life had a way of throwing curveballs at Elijah and Katy since they were children, and continues to do so as adults. Elijah will always have his protective streak where Katy’s concerned, and sometimes that comes to bite him in the hind end, but these two have had much worse things to overcome.
Equally, I enjoyed the Mindy/Caleb set up, and am curious how their story, ON MY SIDE, is going to happen. I’m excited to see that it overlaps with SIDE BY SIDE, so we’ll get a true look into their relationship, rather than the bystander’s view we had in SIDE BY SIDE.
http://mnonmklreviews.blogspot.com/20...
This new adult title was about two friends who hadn’t seen one another in nine years. Elijah and Katy were neighbors growing up as well as friends, but more than that, they were one another’s safe haven. Katy knew about Elijah’s father who beat on him and his mother, and Elijah was her knight in shining armor whenever the school bully’s picked on Katy, which they did often. They always had one another’s back, were always side by side.
One night after saying goodbye in their customary blown kiss, catch to cheek way, Katy could hear through her window Elijah’s loud rock music, signifying that his dad was hitting his mother.
…and that was the last she’d seen of him.
She’d always wondered what happened to the boy she loved, but eventually she moved on. She fell in love and moved in with Justin years later – which is where we begin. She’s no longer in love with Justin, and feels he likely feels the same. When he offers a date at a fight that is coming to town, she wants to say no but eventually says yes.
And it was a good thing she did, because for the first time in years, she saw Elijah.
After that last beating, Elijah’s mother packed him and her up and they left home; Elijah wanted to contact his Katy Lou, but his mother wouldn’t let him, afraid that his father would come find them. Now he’s a professional fighter who uses that same music to drown out his father’s fists to pump up for a fight.
When Katy mentions to her friend Mindy that she has found her old best friend, they find his next fight and have a girls-night. After the fight, they do the whole ring-bunny thing and try to wave down people to get in the back, to (almost) no avail. Caleb, Elijah’s friend and manager, eyes Mindy and tells them where they will be going after the fight.
The moment Elijah and Katy’s eyes meet, it’s like the heaven’s open, birds sing, Hallelujah they’re in love. Ok, maybe not quite like that, but the story took on a not so believable aspect at the point for me. After they see one another and pleasantries are exchanged, they end up at his hotel room – just to talk, mind you. Katy calls her boyfriend to tell him she won’t be coming home that night, and he gets (rightfully) upset.
While Elijah and Katy don’t go right into a relationship, they do pick up as if a single day hasn’t passed, which is where I roll me eyes. When these two left one another last, they were barely teenagers and now they are barely adults. Things are going to change, personalities are going to change, thought processes are going to change.
Or rather, they should.
It doesn’t always feel like that in this story. Their friendship and eventual relationship all feels very easy and falls into place. This story, to me, felt like it was written at a high school level – I didn’t personally feel that the thoughts and actions, as well as the dialogue, were written to a true twenty-something’s mindset. That and the Constant. Talk. Like. This.
Ok, I do that too, but it was almost too much. It made me really find Katy annoying.
However, the easy dialogue and thoughts made the story an ‘easy read’, one that was easy to flip the pages and continue on. There wasn’t anything so mindbending that I had to re-read it or felt that I was slightly lost – it was just easy.
The story was cute; life had a way of throwing curveballs at Elijah and Katy since they were children, and continues to do so as adults. Elijah will always have his protective streak where Katy’s concerned, and sometimes that comes to bite him in the hind end, but these two have had much worse things to overcome.
Equally, I enjoyed the Mindy/Caleb set up, and am curious how their story, ON MY SIDE, is going to happen. I’m excited to see that it overlaps with SIDE BY SIDE, so we’ll get a true look into their relationship, rather than the bystander’s view we had in SIDE BY SIDE.
May 2, 2016
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
Side by Side is the first book that I have read by Wendy Louise and it is also the first book in her Side by Side series. This book is a standalone, and the next book in the series will be about characters that the reader first meets in this story. While there were a lot of things that I liked about this story, I also had some problems with it. I am curious to read the next book, but I hope that things are a bit different in the next book.
Katy Lou has been dating Jacob on and off for two years, and while she loves him she is no longer in love with him. Things between them are comfortable, bu Katy still loves her childhood best friend Elijah Trent. Katy and Elijah had always looked out for one another, and they knew that the love between them would get them through anything. But things changed for them both when Elijah suddenly left with no word to Katy when they were fourteen. When Katy and her boyfriend Jacob go to an underground fight, she is surprised to see Elijah fighting. Katy and Elijah begin to reconnect and they both realize that the love and connection between them is stronger than ever, but is it enough to risk leaving behind a comfortable life for Katy?
I liked Katy and Elijah a lot. The connection and chemistry between these two was amazing. You could see and feel the love between them right from the start, and it was clear that these two were meant for each other. Elijah and Katy had both had a tough childhood, but they had each other to make things better. If it wasn't for the other, their childhoods would have been completely miserable. But when Elijah was forced to leave, it broke both of their hearts. I felt badly for both of them, but was so glad that they were able to reconnect and everything was explained. Katy and Elijah might have been separated for years, but their relationship picked up right where they left off and it felt really natural.
My problems with this story weren't the characters. I loved Elijah and Katy, and I really liked their friends. I am looking forward to reading Mindy and Caleb's story next! But I did have some issues with how this one was written. As I was reading words and phrases seemed off, and I couldn't figure out why the dialogue was so weird at times. All the characters lived in and were from the US, and yet it almost seemed as though they spoke as though from another country. That is when I went searching and found out that the author is Australian. I think that this book could have been much better if it would have been gone through by an editor that pointed out some of those odd wordings. That was relatively minor, but still threw me off and hurt my enjoyment of the story. My biggest issue with this story is that it seemed as though the author was determined to throw every single cliche for drama into this story, and it was beyond predictable. After the first few things happened, I got extremely frustrated and I couldn't believe that each time things would get resolved a new and ridiculous problem would pop up for them. It just got to be too cliched and over the top, and it was unbelievable. I do think that this story could have been really good, but unfortunately beyond the great characters and story potential, there wasn't anything new or different here. If this one wouldn't have tried to throw in everything and the kitchen sink I think it would have been a much more enjoyable story.
**Review Copy Provided by Inkslinger PR**
Side by Side is the first book that I have read by Wendy Louise and it is also the first book in her Side by Side series. This book is a standalone, and the next book in the series will be about characters that the reader first meets in this story. While there were a lot of things that I liked about this story, I also had some problems with it. I am curious to read the next book, but I hope that things are a bit different in the next book.
Katy Lou has been dating Jacob on and off for two years, and while she loves him she is no longer in love with him. Things between them are comfortable, bu Katy still loves her childhood best friend Elijah Trent. Katy and Elijah had always looked out for one another, and they knew that the love between them would get them through anything. But things changed for them both when Elijah suddenly left with no word to Katy when they were fourteen. When Katy and her boyfriend Jacob go to an underground fight, she is surprised to see Elijah fighting. Katy and Elijah begin to reconnect and they both realize that the love and connection between them is stronger than ever, but is it enough to risk leaving behind a comfortable life for Katy?
I liked Katy and Elijah a lot. The connection and chemistry between these two was amazing. You could see and feel the love between them right from the start, and it was clear that these two were meant for each other. Elijah and Katy had both had a tough childhood, but they had each other to make things better. If it wasn't for the other, their childhoods would have been completely miserable. But when Elijah was forced to leave, it broke both of their hearts. I felt badly for both of them, but was so glad that they were able to reconnect and everything was explained. Katy and Elijah might have been separated for years, but their relationship picked up right where they left off and it felt really natural.
My problems with this story weren't the characters. I loved Elijah and Katy, and I really liked their friends. I am looking forward to reading Mindy and Caleb's story next! But I did have some issues with how this one was written. As I was reading words and phrases seemed off, and I couldn't figure out why the dialogue was so weird at times. All the characters lived in and were from the US, and yet it almost seemed as though they spoke as though from another country. That is when I went searching and found out that the author is Australian. I think that this book could have been much better if it would have been gone through by an editor that pointed out some of those odd wordings. That was relatively minor, but still threw me off and hurt my enjoyment of the story. My biggest issue with this story is that it seemed as though the author was determined to throw every single cliche for drama into this story, and it was beyond predictable. After the first few things happened, I got extremely frustrated and I couldn't believe that each time things would get resolved a new and ridiculous problem would pop up for them. It just got to be too cliched and over the top, and it was unbelievable. I do think that this story could have been really good, but unfortunately beyond the great characters and story potential, there wasn't anything new or different here. If this one wouldn't have tried to throw in everything and the kitchen sink I think it would have been a much more enjoyable story.
**Review Copy Provided by Inkslinger PR**
July 31, 2016
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
OMG. I devoured this book and felt all the feelings while reading it. Ever wonder what true love is? Well this is true love at its best.
Katy Lou and Elijah were neighbors and the best of friends. Elijah lived in a house with an abusive father and Katy Lou's mother was an alcoholic. One night Elijah disappeared and Katy Lou never saw him again. She was devastated by the loss, but moved on with her life. Fast forward ten years and fate intervenes. Katy Lou goes to an underground cage fight with her boyfriend and in the ring is the boy who disappeared...Elijah. She is beyond surprised to see him, but leaves the fight without making her presence known.
After the fight Katy Lou can't stop thinking about Elijah She tells her best friend Mindy about seeing him and Mindy convinces her that she can't let this opportunity pass. The two travel to LA to see Elijah fight and it is there where the Elijah and Katy Lou are reunited.
Elijah is absolutely ecstatic to see Katy Lou and asks her to spend some time with him. Much to the chagrin of her boyfriend, she agrees. They manage to keep things very platonic at first, but it was inevitable that things would eventually turn physical. As they get reacquainted with each other, it is clear that whatever feelings they had for each other when they were only 14, have grown over the years.
Katy Lou and Elijah may may have been apart for almost 10 years, but you would never know it. While they both had unhappy childhoods, the only bright spot for both of them was each other. It was so easy for them to fall back into their friendship, which blossomed into love. I got emotional many times while reading this book. They both overcame so much in their life to get to where they are today, and they not only deserve to be happy, but they deserve each other. And while things aren't all sunshine and rainbows, I never doubted that their love for each other. You could feel how much they loved each other, even before they spoke the words. It's an epic love story and I thank the author for writing it!
A little side story in this book is the relationship between Mindy and Caleb, Elijah's friend and manager. The two of them meet in LA and they are instantly smitten with each other. They will be getting their own book, On My Side, and I am curious to read it. We got a little bit of their story in this book, but I can't wait to see things from their point of view.
OMG. I devoured this book and felt all the feelings while reading it. Ever wonder what true love is? Well this is true love at its best.
Katy Lou and Elijah were neighbors and the best of friends. Elijah lived in a house with an abusive father and Katy Lou's mother was an alcoholic. One night Elijah disappeared and Katy Lou never saw him again. She was devastated by the loss, but moved on with her life. Fast forward ten years and fate intervenes. Katy Lou goes to an underground cage fight with her boyfriend and in the ring is the boy who disappeared...Elijah. She is beyond surprised to see him, but leaves the fight without making her presence known.
After the fight Katy Lou can't stop thinking about Elijah She tells her best friend Mindy about seeing him and Mindy convinces her that she can't let this opportunity pass. The two travel to LA to see Elijah fight and it is there where the Elijah and Katy Lou are reunited.
Elijah is absolutely ecstatic to see Katy Lou and asks her to spend some time with him. Much to the chagrin of her boyfriend, she agrees. They manage to keep things very platonic at first, but it was inevitable that things would eventually turn physical. As they get reacquainted with each other, it is clear that whatever feelings they had for each other when they were only 14, have grown over the years.
“I love you Katy Lou. I have always loved you. I even loved you when we were too young to know what real love was. What I feel now is a whole different level of love. I want to protect you always, I want to hold you and never ever let you go again. I want you to belong to me. I want to belong to you.”
A tear escapes my eye and drips on to my cheek. Elijah traps it with his thumb and places it into his mouth, sucking the salty moisture from the tip.
“I love you too Lijah. I always have. Even when we were apart my heart was seeking you out. All those years the love I held for you never diminished, and now that I have you back, it feels so much more intense; I never want to lose you. I belong to you. I always have.”
Katy Lou and Elijah may may have been apart for almost 10 years, but you would never know it. While they both had unhappy childhoods, the only bright spot for both of them was each other. It was so easy for them to fall back into their friendship, which blossomed into love. I got emotional many times while reading this book. They both overcame so much in their life to get to where they are today, and they not only deserve to be happy, but they deserve each other. And while things aren't all sunshine and rainbows, I never doubted that their love for each other. You could feel how much they loved each other, even before they spoke the words. It's an epic love story and I thank the author for writing it!
A little side story in this book is the relationship between Mindy and Caleb, Elijah's friend and manager. The two of them meet in LA and they are instantly smitten with each other. They will be getting their own book, On My Side, and I am curious to read it. We got a little bit of their story in this book, but I can't wait to see things from their point of view.
June 16, 2015
I absolutely loved this book!!! I was hooked from the first chapter and could not read fast enough to see how this story would end for Katy and Elijah!! Both Katy and Elijah grew up in rough homes. They lived next door to each other and became good friends and each other's comfort during hard times!! Elijah was Katy's protector and did everything he could to look after her. Katy's mom was an alcoholic and her dad was not around so Katy was left to fend for herself most of the time. She made do but it was not an ideal lifestyle for a young girl. Elijah's father was very abusive and would take things out on Elijah and his mom. One night he beat Elijah's mom unconscious and it was a way out for her and Elijah. Not knowing that he would not see Katy to tell her goodbye about did Elijah in!! Katy was not in any better shape than Elijah after he left unexpectedly and not knowing if she would ever see him again, Katy set out to make something of herself. Katy's mom ends up drinking herself to death so Katy is left with no one. Katy always remembers Elijah and wishes she could find him. It has been 10 years since she last saw him or spoke to him when she goes to an underground cage fight with her boyfriend at the time and to her surprise, Elijah is there fighting.
Katy has no idea what to do to get in touch with Elijah again. She was too stunned to see him the first time to even make an attempt to get him to see her. When Katy's best friend hears about it, she knows just how to get to Elijah and they set off with a goal in mind. I love how I felt so connected with the characters of this story and how they went through everyday battles just like we all do. Not everything was all roses for Katy and Elijah when they finally see each other. They have many things to talk about and work through since it has been 10 years.
Elijah is on a roll with his fighting and is in line to win his class. Katy has published a couple of books and has quickly become a favorite with her fans. When Katy and Elijah reconnect, Katy has to decide how she is going to get rid of her current boyfriend and knows that it is not going to be easy. Elijah gives her the time she needs to end things but is very possessive and protective if Katy and that complicates things a little.
Elijah and Katy are both very string people and can overcome many things together after all they have been through in their past. I love that this story had a HEA and that we get a small glimpse into what they have become as a family as well. I thought that this story was very well written and it kept my attention all the way through!! I can't wait to read the next book in this series!!!
Katy has no idea what to do to get in touch with Elijah again. She was too stunned to see him the first time to even make an attempt to get him to see her. When Katy's best friend hears about it, she knows just how to get to Elijah and they set off with a goal in mind. I love how I felt so connected with the characters of this story and how they went through everyday battles just like we all do. Not everything was all roses for Katy and Elijah when they finally see each other. They have many things to talk about and work through since it has been 10 years.
Elijah is on a roll with his fighting and is in line to win his class. Katy has published a couple of books and has quickly become a favorite with her fans. When Katy and Elijah reconnect, Katy has to decide how she is going to get rid of her current boyfriend and knows that it is not going to be easy. Elijah gives her the time she needs to end things but is very possessive and protective if Katy and that complicates things a little.
Elijah and Katy are both very string people and can overcome many things together after all they have been through in their past. I love that this story had a HEA and that we get a small glimpse into what they have become as a family as well. I thought that this story was very well written and it kept my attention all the way through!! I can't wait to read the next book in this series!!!
June 27, 2015
So, I'm always excited to read a good reconnection/second chance story, and this one combines that with a sort of friends-t0-lovers vibe as well (since the first time around our couple was only fourteen years old). The circumstances under which Katy and Elijah are together as children and teens are extremely difficult, with both of them having troubled home lives (especially Elijah). This fuels an intensely close friendship between them from a very early age. But then they're torn apart without notice, causing both of them anger, sadness and broken hearts.
Once they find each other again about a decade later, it's almost as if they pick up right where they left off-that's how powerful their connection was then and is now. But now you have to throw in the fact that Katy has a boyfriend...which causes some stress and complications.
Katy is sweet and empathetic to others, and has become successful at a very young age. For the most part, I enjoyed her character-with the one exception of an indiscretion on her part when she and Elijah reconnect. Elijah is 100% dominating alpha male-protective of Katy since she was a child, hot and sexy (how could he not be as a ripped cage fighter?), though at some times can jump to conclusions when it comes to Katy. The two of them together just feel right.
The story basis is a good one, and the first half was pretty spot on. The second half for me was more of a mixed bag--it felt like there were too many complications being introduced and too much going on (the one that was brought up when Elijah's father visits the gym seems a bit too much for me, and not really needed with the rest of the things going on in the story). I did enjoy the scenes that specifically concentrated on Katy and Elijah, and the difficulties his father's reappearances cause (minus that first one at the gym) because they demonstrate the intense feelings of love and protectiveness they both have for each other...and have had since they were young children.
One thing I did have some issues with was the fact that the story takes place in the US, with distinctly American characters and settings, but used non-US spellings, words and phrases. It just didn't match with the setting of the story and so was a bit distracting. Also, at times the pace slowed a bit for me, mostly during the second half of the book.
If you're a fan of reconnection stories, this will definitely be a story for you. Recommended for 18+ due to difficult situations, infidelity, childhood abuse, and adult sexual scenes.
Once they find each other again about a decade later, it's almost as if they pick up right where they left off-that's how powerful their connection was then and is now. But now you have to throw in the fact that Katy has a boyfriend...which causes some stress and complications.
Katy is sweet and empathetic to others, and has become successful at a very young age. For the most part, I enjoyed her character-with the one exception of an indiscretion on her part when she and Elijah reconnect. Elijah is 100% dominating alpha male-protective of Katy since she was a child, hot and sexy (how could he not be as a ripped cage fighter?), though at some times can jump to conclusions when it comes to Katy. The two of them together just feel right.
The story basis is a good one, and the first half was pretty spot on. The second half for me was more of a mixed bag--it felt like there were too many complications being introduced and too much going on (the one that was brought up when Elijah's father visits the gym seems a bit too much for me, and not really needed with the rest of the things going on in the story). I did enjoy the scenes that specifically concentrated on Katy and Elijah, and the difficulties his father's reappearances cause (minus that first one at the gym) because they demonstrate the intense feelings of love and protectiveness they both have for each other...and have had since they were young children.
One thing I did have some issues with was the fact that the story takes place in the US, with distinctly American characters and settings, but used non-US spellings, words and phrases. It just didn't match with the setting of the story and so was a bit distracting. Also, at times the pace slowed a bit for me, mostly during the second half of the book.
If you're a fan of reconnection stories, this will definitely be a story for you. Recommended for 18+ due to difficult situations, infidelity, childhood abuse, and adult sexual scenes.
June 22, 2015
What's better than a story of love, that begins as children? Not much. Two people that grow up together, learning all there is to know about the other person, all of their good, their bad, and most importantly- their ugly. For Elijah and Katy Lou, there is a whole lot of ugly. These two, childhood friends, who were ripped apart at the tender age of fourteen, waited for years to be able to be back together.
Elijah, who grew up in an extremely abusive home, was whisked away in the middle of the night with his mother, all to escape his abusive dad. However, as they had to keep their location a secret, he was never able to let his best friend, Katy Lou, know where he was. However, Katy Lou was always more than Elijah's best friend- she was the only good in his otherwise horrific life.
Years passed them by, and they were both forced to move on with their lives. Katy Lou ended up in a relationship with another man, one whom she seemed to love more as a bestie than a lover, but never forgot about Elijah. She dreamed of him, always wondering what had happened to the boy that owned her heart. Elijah, on the other hand, became an underground fighter, and began touring the country in order to become the best of the best. This is the way that he decided to channel all of the rage and anger from his childhood.
So, by chance one night, while accompanying her boyfriend to a fight, Katy Lou discovers Elijah, and it immediately turns her world upside down. They reconnect soon after, and both realize that they have always been in love with each other, and are unwilling to let the other go. Now, as there is an instance of cheating on Katy Lou's part in the book, this is one of the reasons that I couldn't give the book 5 stars. I have a problem with characters that cheat- it's just a personal pet peeve, nothing against the author.
The other reason for my 4 star rating, comes with the fact that these two sometimes seemed to forget that they were now adults, and acted as though they were the teenagers they used to be. There were several instances of intense jealousy, and misunderstandings that occurred- that I felt could have all been avoided, had they actually talked to one another. Instead, they seemed to pout like children and run away. Those were my only faults with the book, otherwise, it was a great story, with a wonderful supporting cast of friends, who will have their own story own soon. Again, 4 stars for Side by Side!!
Elijah, who grew up in an extremely abusive home, was whisked away in the middle of the night with his mother, all to escape his abusive dad. However, as they had to keep their location a secret, he was never able to let his best friend, Katy Lou, know where he was. However, Katy Lou was always more than Elijah's best friend- she was the only good in his otherwise horrific life.
Years passed them by, and they were both forced to move on with their lives. Katy Lou ended up in a relationship with another man, one whom she seemed to love more as a bestie than a lover, but never forgot about Elijah. She dreamed of him, always wondering what had happened to the boy that owned her heart. Elijah, on the other hand, became an underground fighter, and began touring the country in order to become the best of the best. This is the way that he decided to channel all of the rage and anger from his childhood.
So, by chance one night, while accompanying her boyfriend to a fight, Katy Lou discovers Elijah, and it immediately turns her world upside down. They reconnect soon after, and both realize that they have always been in love with each other, and are unwilling to let the other go. Now, as there is an instance of cheating on Katy Lou's part in the book, this is one of the reasons that I couldn't give the book 5 stars. I have a problem with characters that cheat- it's just a personal pet peeve, nothing against the author.
The other reason for my 4 star rating, comes with the fact that these two sometimes seemed to forget that they were now adults, and acted as though they were the teenagers they used to be. There were several instances of intense jealousy, and misunderstandings that occurred- that I felt could have all been avoided, had they actually talked to one another. Instead, they seemed to pout like children and run away. Those were my only faults with the book, otherwise, it was a great story, with a wonderful supporting cast of friends, who will have their own story own soon. Again, 4 stars for Side by Side!!
June 21, 2015
Check out more of my reviews on my blog http://gemmareadstoomuch.co.uk
Side by Side is the first book I have read by Wendy Louise, I was gifted a copy of the book to read for Gemma Reads Too Much.
I’m going to start this review by being really honest; this book has been a mixed bag for me. There were moments that made me go arrr, there was tension, love and sex. But there was also a shed load of the standard romance novel cliché’s and to be honest at one point I almost abandoned the book completely.
Let’s start with the good… this is an adorable second chance romance, it’s so lovely and sweet that at times it made my teeth hurt. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, I love romances and I love a happy ending, from the first chapter I knew that this was going to end with them all living happily ever after and hell that works for me.
Katy Lou is a real sweetie perhaps a little too forgiving in my books but never the less she’s so nice it’s kind of impossible to say anything bad about her.
Elijah is a hunk a chunk of burning man and hell yes that’s just how I like them. He’s alpha, bossy and possessive which is just my cup of tea.
I have no problem with your standard romance plot structure it works and 9 times out of 10 I really enjoy it HOWEVER. In this book Elijah has a moment of complete stupidity (gonna be vague so there’s no spoilers) he does something that has been done many times in other romances (it was stupid in them too!!) which really aggravated me, he gave no warning or explanation just wham.
I was so annoyed that I put my kindle down and had to walk away from it… that has never happened before. Upto this point I was enjoying this book, it was sweet and romantic and generally lovely but Elijah’s stupid action kind of ruined it for me.
After convincing myself to not throw my kindle at the wall in frustration I carried on reading and Elijah’s stupidity is sorted out very quickly. Personally I think Katy Lou should have made him suffer but that’s just me being evil. My main issue is that it was completely unnecessary and really didn’t add anything to the story at all!!!
I still enjoyed this book but not as much as I was before the ‘act’ lol
I’m being picky I know I am but this is my review so sorry lol…
Side by Side gets 3 stars from me.
Side by Side is the first book I have read by Wendy Louise, I was gifted a copy of the book to read for Gemma Reads Too Much.
I’m going to start this review by being really honest; this book has been a mixed bag for me. There were moments that made me go arrr, there was tension, love and sex. But there was also a shed load of the standard romance novel cliché’s and to be honest at one point I almost abandoned the book completely.
Let’s start with the good… this is an adorable second chance romance, it’s so lovely and sweet that at times it made my teeth hurt. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, I love romances and I love a happy ending, from the first chapter I knew that this was going to end with them all living happily ever after and hell that works for me.
Katy Lou is a real sweetie perhaps a little too forgiving in my books but never the less she’s so nice it’s kind of impossible to say anything bad about her.
Elijah is a hunk a chunk of burning man and hell yes that’s just how I like them. He’s alpha, bossy and possessive which is just my cup of tea.
I have no problem with your standard romance plot structure it works and 9 times out of 10 I really enjoy it HOWEVER. In this book Elijah has a moment of complete stupidity (gonna be vague so there’s no spoilers) he does something that has been done many times in other romances (it was stupid in them too!!) which really aggravated me, he gave no warning or explanation just wham.
I was so annoyed that I put my kindle down and had to walk away from it… that has never happened before. Upto this point I was enjoying this book, it was sweet and romantic and generally lovely but Elijah’s stupid action kind of ruined it for me.
After convincing myself to not throw my kindle at the wall in frustration I carried on reading and Elijah’s stupidity is sorted out very quickly. Personally I think Katy Lou should have made him suffer but that’s just me being evil. My main issue is that it was completely unnecessary and really didn’t add anything to the story at all!!!
I still enjoyed this book but not as much as I was before the ‘act’ lol
I’m being picky I know I am but this is my review so sorry lol…
Side by Side gets 3 stars from me.
June 12, 2015
To read this review and others like it check out my site at www.homelovebooks.com
If I have said it once, I've said it a million times, I love best friends who get together. This was a little bit different because while these two people had been best friends for a huge portion of their lives, when they were fourteen they were pulled apart, and hadn't seen each other since. So with Katy goes to a fight with her boyfriend and sees her childhood best friend, Elijah, in the ring, everything changes.
So to start with Katy was an interesting character, I liked that she was an author, and that she worked hard at her job. I also really liked that she followed her gut instincts. She really should have talked to Jacob, her boyfriend when the story starts, sooner than she did, but honestly it didn't bother me too much. I did really like her best friend Lacey too.
Elijah, is a pretty nice guy. I liked the whole dynamic with Katy at the beginning. Although I really hated that he called her Katy Lou, it drove me nuts, I don't know why. Towards the second part of the book I started liking Elijah less. I think it had something to do with him doing the "right thing," I hate when guys do things in order to protect the poor, innocent heroine because of course the guy knows best right?
In all honestly, about half of this book I really enjoyed, and the other half not so much. I thought that a lot of this book was a little over the top. There were just too many things going on all at once. There was the bad family situations, the unplanned development with Katy, Katy's ex-boyfriend drama, and then of course a final showdown between everyone. Another thing that I didn't really like in this book was that it was British spellings but the book takes place in California. I have no problem reading books written in the Queen's English, but the book should have Australian or British characters, or take place in those places, if not it just annoys me.
I think there is definitely an audience for this book, and I really wanted to fall in love with this book, but I just didn't. I did enjoy parts of it, which is why I gave this book three stars.
If I have said it once, I've said it a million times, I love best friends who get together. This was a little bit different because while these two people had been best friends for a huge portion of their lives, when they were fourteen they were pulled apart, and hadn't seen each other since. So with Katy goes to a fight with her boyfriend and sees her childhood best friend, Elijah, in the ring, everything changes.
So to start with Katy was an interesting character, I liked that she was an author, and that she worked hard at her job. I also really liked that she followed her gut instincts. She really should have talked to Jacob, her boyfriend when the story starts, sooner than she did, but honestly it didn't bother me too much. I did really like her best friend Lacey too.
Elijah, is a pretty nice guy. I liked the whole dynamic with Katy at the beginning. Although I really hated that he called her Katy Lou, it drove me nuts, I don't know why. Towards the second part of the book I started liking Elijah less. I think it had something to do with him doing the "right thing," I hate when guys do things in order to protect the poor, innocent heroine because of course the guy knows best right?
In all honestly, about half of this book I really enjoyed, and the other half not so much. I thought that a lot of this book was a little over the top. There were just too many things going on all at once. There was the bad family situations, the unplanned development with Katy, Katy's ex-boyfriend drama, and then of course a final showdown between everyone. Another thing that I didn't really like in this book was that it was British spellings but the book takes place in California. I have no problem reading books written in the Queen's English, but the book should have Australian or British characters, or take place in those places, if not it just annoys me.
I think there is definitely an audience for this book, and I really wanted to fall in love with this book, but I just didn't. I did enjoy parts of it, which is why I gave this book three stars.
June 24, 2015
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. To read more reviews like this one, check out Obsessive Book Nerd!
Ummm. I'm perplexed about how I feel about this book. I wanted to love this book, but I don't. Oh how I wanted to.
I loved young Katy Lou and young Elijah. Their friendship was so important and strong and both of them needed each other more than anything. So the moment they reconnect, the second their eyes meet, is intense. I loved the book until that point.
Everything happened very quickly and nothing really seemed unique. Every thing that happened this book was found in other books. This really bummed me out. I wanted some excitement and it just wasn't there.
Katy and Elijah were obsessed with telling each other how devoted they were to each other. And it was nauseating. I'd say more that 50% of the word in this book are declarations of love. "I love you and I love you so much too" or "I'd go anywhere with you" and "I'll live the rest of my life protecting you". And it goes on, and on, and on.
But alas, I couldn't put the damn book. I was convinced that something unexpected was going to happen. But it never really did. Or maybe, I subconsciously loved Katy and Elijah so much I didn't want to leave them. I think it was option one.
Ummm. I'm perplexed about how I feel about this book. I wanted to love this book, but I don't. Oh how I wanted to.
I loved young Katy Lou and young Elijah. Their friendship was so important and strong and both of them needed each other more than anything. So the moment they reconnect, the second their eyes meet, is intense. I loved the book until that point.
Everything happened very quickly and nothing really seemed unique. Every thing that happened this book was found in other books. This really bummed me out. I wanted some excitement and it just wasn't there.
Katy and Elijah were obsessed with telling each other how devoted they were to each other. And it was nauseating. I'd say more that 50% of the word in this book are declarations of love. "I love you and I love you so much too" or "I'd go anywhere with you" and "I'll live the rest of my life protecting you". And it goes on, and on, and on.
But alas, I couldn't put the damn book. I was convinced that something unexpected was going to happen. But it never really did. Or maybe, I subconsciously loved Katy and Elijah so much I didn't want to leave them. I think it was option one.
June 17, 2015
A Great Story Almost like a Second Chance
I enjoyed reading this book. It drew me in and I really felt pulled in as the story progressed. The characters were really nicely fleshed out so you really get to know them. Elijah and Katy both come from messed up homes, and so they were there for each other, best friends until one night Elijah and his mother disappeared without a trace. Ten long years go by and Katy never heard from him, had no idea what happened or why he would leave without a word. Katy has long left behind the memories of a father who wasn't there and a mother who drank herself to death. She's got a good stable life, and a nice boyfriend. One night they go to an underground cage fight and Katy is floored. Her best friend from childhood Elijah is standing in the middle of the ring. Elijah lives a very different life than Katy. He's s fighter who lives a life of excess and eager women. Katy is too stunned to do anything, especially not try to talk to Elijah, who is the last person in the world she'd see that night, but she can't just leave things alone that way, she needs to find Elijah. She needs answers. What will happen when Elijah and Katy meet up after all this time? Can they get over the past and have a chance at the future? What happens when the past comes back around? I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed reading this book. It drew me in and I really felt pulled in as the story progressed. The characters were really nicely fleshed out so you really get to know them. Elijah and Katy both come from messed up homes, and so they were there for each other, best friends until one night Elijah and his mother disappeared without a trace. Ten long years go by and Katy never heard from him, had no idea what happened or why he would leave without a word. Katy has long left behind the memories of a father who wasn't there and a mother who drank herself to death. She's got a good stable life, and a nice boyfriend. One night they go to an underground cage fight and Katy is floored. Her best friend from childhood Elijah is standing in the middle of the ring. Elijah lives a very different life than Katy. He's s fighter who lives a life of excess and eager women. Katy is too stunned to do anything, especially not try to talk to Elijah, who is the last person in the world she'd see that night, but she can't just leave things alone that way, she needs to find Elijah. She needs answers. What will happen when Elijah and Katy meet up after all this time? Can they get over the past and have a chance at the future? What happens when the past comes back around? I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2015
3/5 Stars
This is somewhat like a second chance romance, but I think it's more like two people reconnecting kind of book. Katy Lou and Elijah were best friends during the time they were kids with pretty bad living conditions (bad parents included). Katy Lou had an alcoholic for a mother and Elijah had an abusive father. One unfortunate night, while Katy Lou is looking around for Elijah, she notices both him and his mother have disappeared.
Almost 10 years later, Katy Lou finds him again...in a fighting ring. With his youth gone and this new, brave, hard edged man she's looking at, she'd can't deny the attraction she once had for him...only now it's 3x stronger. One problem. She's still with a guy, or sort of is, but she doesn't like him romantically. Pushing him aside isn't as easy as you think it might be.
This book didn't really speak to me like other books i've enjoyed, but that's totally not saying I didn't enjoy this book (I totally did). I like how the plot worked, but the story didn't flow for me. It was a long read for me, since there would be points in between where I would stop and pick up from where I left off a few days later (as opposed to reading it in one sitting). It was worth a shot though. :)
This is somewhat like a second chance romance, but I think it's more like two people reconnecting kind of book. Katy Lou and Elijah were best friends during the time they were kids with pretty bad living conditions (bad parents included). Katy Lou had an alcoholic for a mother and Elijah had an abusive father. One unfortunate night, while Katy Lou is looking around for Elijah, she notices both him and his mother have disappeared.
Almost 10 years later, Katy Lou finds him again...in a fighting ring. With his youth gone and this new, brave, hard edged man she's looking at, she'd can't deny the attraction she once had for him...only now it's 3x stronger. One problem. She's still with a guy, or sort of is, but she doesn't like him romantically. Pushing him aside isn't as easy as you think it might be.
This book didn't really speak to me like other books i've enjoyed, but that's totally not saying I didn't enjoy this book (I totally did). I like how the plot worked, but the story didn't flow for me. It was a long read for me, since there would be points in between where I would stop and pick up from where I left off a few days later (as opposed to reading it in one sitting). It was worth a shot though. :)
June 28, 2015
Katy and Elijah were childhood friends. One day Elijah disappears. She never sees him again. But there's a hole in her heart. Only one person can fill it. After a very very long time, she sees him again. They re-connect. They were so meant for each other. Their connection, is undeniable.
There's a lot more to this, then just the love story. I don't want to give to much of it away.
I can really enjoy a good love story and I found it enjoyable to read. One thing that I was a little ify on, is that a lot of what was being said was repetitive.
I did love the characters. Every one of them was very unique. I personally think that Mindy was my favorite. She was very bright and optimistic. Which helped Katy a lot. She needed her, just as much as Elijah needed Katy.
Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who loves some good romance and some steamy sex scenes in the mix.
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There's a lot more to this, then just the love story. I don't want to give to much of it away.
I can really enjoy a good love story and I found it enjoyable to read. One thing that I was a little ify on, is that a lot of what was being said was repetitive.
I did love the characters. Every one of them was very unique. I personally think that Mindy was my favorite. She was very bright and optimistic. Which helped Katy a lot. She needed her, just as much as Elijah needed Katy.
Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who loves some good romance and some steamy sex scenes in the mix.
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May 27, 2015
I was drawn into this story from the start. There was no hesitation - just complete surrender into the story. The characters had tragic back stories and were full of depth. I liked how it switched points of view without it being every chapter or choppy as it really can be sometimes. The all consuming love these two shared was HOT, but also a bit intimidating in my opinion. He was a bit caveman-ish in a "You are mine and I will not see you ever speak or go near another male EVER!" kind of way. There were twists and turns to speak of most of which you kind of saw coming. I would give this one a solid 3-1/2 stars - so since my sites only allow full stars I will round this one up based on how it lured me in so solidly.
June 16, 2015
While the premise of this story is good and features rekindled love, shattered hearts and childhood sweethearts unfortunately for me I wasn't feeling it.
It's a sweet love story and I can see what the author was attempting to do bringing Katy & Lijah back together but I feel there needed to me more to connect me to them. I was struggling to picture the characters from the despcriptions and although they were young lovers I found it all a bit too fast and predictable.
Unfortunately nothing grabbed me to keep me hooked to the story and I would have liked to have had more believable descriptions about the characters feelings and connections with each other.
** ARC received for honest review ***
It's a sweet love story and I can see what the author was attempting to do bringing Katy & Lijah back together but I feel there needed to me more to connect me to them. I was struggling to picture the characters from the despcriptions and although they were young lovers I found it all a bit too fast and predictable.
Unfortunately nothing grabbed me to keep me hooked to the story and I would have liked to have had more believable descriptions about the characters feelings and connections with each other.
** ARC received for honest review ***
June 1, 2015
*ARC received for an honest review*
I was drawn to this story because of the story line. Despite my rating I did enjoy the idea behind the story: however I felt a disconnect through much of the book. The writing style never allowed me to lose myself in the story and I feel like this was a case of 'too many details' in the writing. Instead of spicing up the 'meat and potatoes' of the plot, it was almost a drowning in details distraction.
There were several times I had to put it down and almost DNF but I pushed through so I could attempt to have a justified opinion in the WHOLE picture.
Maybe others would love it, but it just didn't do it for me.
I was drawn to this story because of the story line. Despite my rating I did enjoy the idea behind the story: however I felt a disconnect through much of the book. The writing style never allowed me to lose myself in the story and I feel like this was a case of 'too many details' in the writing. Instead of spicing up the 'meat and potatoes' of the plot, it was almost a drowning in details distraction.
There were several times I had to put it down and almost DNF but I pushed through so I could attempt to have a justified opinion in the WHOLE picture.
Maybe others would love it, but it just didn't do it for me.
August 1, 2015
Katy Lou lost her best friend and never thought she would get him back. Then ten years later she goes to an underground fight and there he is, her best friend and soul mate Elijah. Now they’re back together and despite everything being thrown at them the more they are determined to stand together side by side.
Katy Lou and Elijah are cute characters who fell in love in childhood and came back together years later still in love.
The story was really cute and I’m excited to hear about Mindy’s story.
Katy Lou and Elijah are cute characters who fell in love in childhood and came back together years later still in love.
The story was really cute and I’m excited to hear about Mindy’s story.
Read
February 12, 2016(5)
June 17, 2015
Loved it! Great characters, beautiful love story and well written. Whats not to love! A 5-star read!
June 16, 2015
review to come!
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