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Smother
You won't like me.I am not the nice girl.I am not your friend.I don't care about you, but most of all, I don't care about me.Go ahead, hate me.We all have secrets.I have them as well—dark, terrible secrets.The only time I can breathe is when I forget.I need to be numb.You don't want to know how.But as long as I can breathe, the past cannot smother me.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2015
25 people are currently reading
703 people want to read
About the author
Lindy Zart
25 books1,058 followersLindy Zart is an American USA Today bestselling author who writes across a number of fictional genres such as new adult, contemporary romance, and fantasy. Her rom-com Roomies (2014) was an international bestseller that rose to #1 in Satire Fiction, Romantic Comedy, General Humor, and Humorous, becoming a USA Today bestseller. Lindy currently lives in Wisconsin with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
May 20, 2015
3.75 Stars
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This is my second book by this author and I found the writing to be SO much better than the previous book I have read. That being said, the story was well done and well written but I found myself hoping for the romance to blossom earlier and the story a bit slow on Reese’s journey to happiness.
Reese Ward is working for Leo and living in his apartment building after he sees her lost and jobless. Instead of gratitude she has anger towards him and fights her blooming attraction to this man who wants to help without getting anything in return. Reese was a bit of a hard heroine to stand by. Her actions at times were so self-sabotaging and pretty frustrating however you hold out hope that she will see the wonderful man before her who is trying to save her and struggling himself.
”That wasn’t it. She didn’t want to be hurt, but she felt like she deserved it. Those were two extremely different things.”
Leo although a man of few words was a great hero in his attempt to help Reese regardless of her anger and attempts to push him away completely.
”Can’t save you, can’t fix you.” He paused, making sure she was listening before he continued. “I can only tell you, you’re worth both.”
There is a twist or two thrown into the story that I found interesting and Reese’s redemption was believably played out. Since the love aspect kicked in so very late in the story I did find myself one part interested and one part ready to get to the next level however that level is actually the ending.
”Together, they found something worth struggling toward. It wasn’t romance, because that could fade. It wasn’t love, because that could be lost as soon as it was found. It was more.”
”Have you ever watched an injured bird struggle to fly? It’s heartbreaking. You want to help them, but you know if you try,they’ll hurt themselves more. That’s what it’s like to watch Reese in motion.” ~Leo
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This is my second book by this author and I found the writing to be SO much better than the previous book I have read. That being said, the story was well done and well written but I found myself hoping for the romance to blossom earlier and the story a bit slow on Reese’s journey to happiness.
Reese Ward is working for Leo and living in his apartment building after he sees her lost and jobless. Instead of gratitude she has anger towards him and fights her blooming attraction to this man who wants to help without getting anything in return. Reese was a bit of a hard heroine to stand by. Her actions at times were so self-sabotaging and pretty frustrating however you hold out hope that she will see the wonderful man before her who is trying to save her and struggling himself.
”That wasn’t it. She didn’t want to be hurt, but she felt like she deserved it. Those were two extremely different things.”
Leo although a man of few words was a great hero in his attempt to help Reese regardless of her anger and attempts to push him away completely.
”Can’t save you, can’t fix you.” He paused, making sure she was listening before he continued. “I can only tell you, you’re worth both.”
There is a twist or two thrown into the story that I found interesting and Reese’s redemption was believably played out. Since the love aspect kicked in so very late in the story I did find myself one part interested and one part ready to get to the next level however that level is actually the ending.
”Together, they found something worth struggling toward. It wasn’t romance, because that could fade. It wasn’t love, because that could be lost as soon as it was found. It was more.”
June 29, 2015
3.75 Stars!!
This was my first book by this author, so I didn’t know what to expect. Reading the blurb and some reviews I was intrigued so I decided to give it a try. I’m glad I did because this was a great book and I’m sure it won’t be my last read by Mrs. Zart. “Smother” was dark, raw, emotional and for the most part a gripping read.
Reece met Leo six months ago when she was fired from her job as a waitress. She became homeless the night before so she's desperate. Leo who witnessed the incident offers her a place to stay with cheap rent and a job as a receptionist in his tattoo shop. She is attracted with him, but it seems Leo is not interested. She knows she’s not bad looking and men find her attractive, so she can't believe her boss is the only man who doesn't want to sleep with her.
Reece is damaged. All she want is to forget her past. She left a long time ago from her house, having some regrets, but all she wants is not to hurt so bad. Instead of saving herself, she destroys herself with each and every day. She takes drugs, she drinks a lot and she sleeps around. She lets different men to use her, believing she doesn’t have the right to want more.
Leo was as lost as Reece. He wants for Reece to do better, to change, but he’s not looking to save her. She needs to save herself, to want to be the girl she used to be. However, he’s ready to do anything to protect her from anyone who wants to hurt her.
The story has a little bit of everything and overall I liked it. Reece’s character is portrayed in a realistic way which I really liked. For the most part I liked her, but there were times when she frustrated me like hell. She’s a flawed heroine having her own fears. She’s self-destructive and haunted by her past, more than smart-mouthed and she doesn’t care about anything or anyone. She does anything to keep everyone away. She pretends to be tough, only because she doesn’t want anyone to know about her past or about how vulnerable she really is. I must admit, she was a heroine not very easy to like or to deal with. Leo was pretty great. He is a man of a few words, but his words are real, powerful and honest. He was a mystery at least at first, but I enjoyed this aspect of the story. I loved how supportive he was with Reece and I really felt how much he cares for her. I also liked how their relationship progressed and how gradually Reece figured out what part of her Leo wants and how much he cares for her, wanting to do anything to protect her.
The story was slow paced and for the most part I liked it, but at times it was a little too slow for my liking. Needless to say, Reece’s healing process was a little too slow as well. I would have liked a little more ‘action’ especially since there are some interesting twists.
I loved Leo’s thoughts at the beginning of each chapter, but I really wanted to be in his head. So, I would have preferred a dual POV. The romance aspect is a little poorly done. I don’t need romance in every book I read, but I wanted more here.
Overall, “Smother” was a slow paced, fantastic read with two main character realistically portrayed, interesting storyline and great writing.
This was my first book by this author, so I didn’t know what to expect. Reading the blurb and some reviews I was intrigued so I decided to give it a try. I’m glad I did because this was a great book and I’m sure it won’t be my last read by Mrs. Zart. “Smother” was dark, raw, emotional and for the most part a gripping read.
Reece met Leo six months ago when she was fired from her job as a waitress. She became homeless the night before so she's desperate. Leo who witnessed the incident offers her a place to stay with cheap rent and a job as a receptionist in his tattoo shop. She is attracted with him, but it seems Leo is not interested. She knows she’s not bad looking and men find her attractive, so she can't believe her boss is the only man who doesn't want to sleep with her.
“From his light brown hair to his gray eyes to his pale skin, he should be forgettable, but there was more to him, something that made him stand out. It was an inconsistency, like all of him, and all of her. And the two of them.”
Reece is damaged. All she want is to forget her past. She left a long time ago from her house, having some regrets, but all she wants is not to hurt so bad. Instead of saving herself, she destroys herself with each and every day. She takes drugs, she drinks a lot and she sleeps around. She lets different men to use her, believing she doesn’t have the right to want more.
“What would it feel like to not have the weight of her past on her at all times? Everything she did, said, felt, or thought, was connected to an ugliness she couldn’t change.”
Leo was as lost as Reece. He wants for Reece to do better, to change, but he’s not looking to save her. She needs to save herself, to want to be the girl she used to be. However, he’s ready to do anything to protect her from anyone who wants to hurt her.
The story has a little bit of everything and overall I liked it. Reece’s character is portrayed in a realistic way which I really liked. For the most part I liked her, but there were times when she frustrated me like hell. She’s a flawed heroine having her own fears. She’s self-destructive and haunted by her past, more than smart-mouthed and she doesn’t care about anything or anyone. She does anything to keep everyone away. She pretends to be tough, only because she doesn’t want anyone to know about her past or about how vulnerable she really is. I must admit, she was a heroine not very easy to like or to deal with. Leo was pretty great. He is a man of a few words, but his words are real, powerful and honest. He was a mystery at least at first, but I enjoyed this aspect of the story. I loved how supportive he was with Reece and I really felt how much he cares for her. I also liked how their relationship progressed and how gradually Reece figured out what part of her Leo wants and how much he cares for her, wanting to do anything to protect her.
The story was slow paced and for the most part I liked it, but at times it was a little too slow for my liking. Needless to say, Reece’s healing process was a little too slow as well. I would have liked a little more ‘action’ especially since there are some interesting twists.
I loved Leo’s thoughts at the beginning of each chapter, but I really wanted to be in his head. So, I would have preferred a dual POV. The romance aspect is a little poorly done. I don’t need romance in every book I read, but I wanted more here.
Overall, “Smother” was a slow paced, fantastic read with two main character realistically portrayed, interesting storyline and great writing.
May 20, 2015
3.75 Stars
Reese grew up in a world of hurt, after her father left and her mother re married, she became her step fathers new toy. After years of suffering she finally comes clean to her mother, only to be thrown out and branded a lier.
Leo is completely closed off, only speaking when he needs to, while living in a dangerous world of secrets.
I had a serious love/hate relationship with book, I loved the angst, the grittiness and the broken but my god did it frustrate the hell out of me. These two didn't know how to deal with feelings, don't get me wrong they had hate and manipulation down to a tee, but when it came to love and kindness it just wasn't something they had experienced in long time. This is the kind of book that has you guessing and plot twisting all the way through and the outcome wasn't something I'd predicted.
This is a Stand Alone told in the third person from Reese's POV with snippets of Leo's thoughts at the beginning of each chapter.
Reese grew up in a world of hurt, after her father left and her mother re married, she became her step fathers new toy. After years of suffering she finally comes clean to her mother, only to be thrown out and branded a lier.
Leo is completely closed off, only speaking when he needs to, while living in a dangerous world of secrets.
I had a serious love/hate relationship with book, I loved the angst, the grittiness and the broken but my god did it frustrate the hell out of me. These two didn't know how to deal with feelings, don't get me wrong they had hate and manipulation down to a tee, but when it came to love and kindness it just wasn't something they had experienced in long time. This is the kind of book that has you guessing and plot twisting all the way through and the outcome wasn't something I'd predicted.
This is a Stand Alone told in the third person from Reese's POV with snippets of Leo's thoughts at the beginning of each chapter.
May 25, 2015
☆☆☆☆ 4.5 Learning to Love Yourself Stars ☆☆☆☆
Well.....this book....not sure how to review this.....words mean so little after reading this. Silence sometimes speaks louder than words and this book is proof.
Granted this book is rather slow paced, but the self discovery involved in this book is breathtaking but filled with sorrow and sadness.
Reese Ward, the one forever desired but never loved. Her journey to survive, nothing more nothing less.
"She felt herself die a little more, resigned to the fate that was always to be hers. It was inescapable, the equivalent of trying to outrun herself, impossible. "
A past she can't rid herself of. The memories of horrible acts she can't wash from her brain. No amount of liquor or meaningless sex can help her breathe clarity or see the worth of herself.
Until Leo Chavez, broody and quiet, tattoo shop owner gives her a tiny piece of hope, giving her a job and place to live.
Reese never understanding the reason for his helping hand, questions everything he does. Leo's reasons are never what Reese imagined.
"I am not a good man. I don't know if I am a bad one, but I know I'm not a good one. She looks at me like I am, though, and because of that, I want to be."
Always keeping his help to her at a distance for good reason, his heart had already wrapped it's wings around Reese. He can't let her go and will protect her from everything evil, including her biggest enemy.......Reese herself.
The path and self discovery Reese follows begins to become brighter. She fights the brightness every step of the way. She can't accept she is worthy of love and goodness. Leo reminds her, that she can be happy without forcing love.
"You finally learned how to use your wings."
"Birds have wings, not people."
"We all need to fly."
Leo and Reese journey their demons together in ways neither expected. Each giving the other the strength to feel what each is missing.
Alone they struggled. Together, they found something worth struggling for.
The author was a word genius with this story. I am not sure the author intend this book to be a self help and self accepting book, but in fact it was.
Well.....this book....not sure how to review this.....words mean so little after reading this. Silence sometimes speaks louder than words and this book is proof.
Granted this book is rather slow paced, but the self discovery involved in this book is breathtaking but filled with sorrow and sadness.
Reese Ward, the one forever desired but never loved. Her journey to survive, nothing more nothing less.
"She felt herself die a little more, resigned to the fate that was always to be hers. It was inescapable, the equivalent of trying to outrun herself, impossible. "
A past she can't rid herself of. The memories of horrible acts she can't wash from her brain. No amount of liquor or meaningless sex can help her breathe clarity or see the worth of herself.
Until Leo Chavez, broody and quiet, tattoo shop owner gives her a tiny piece of hope, giving her a job and place to live.
Reese never understanding the reason for his helping hand, questions everything he does. Leo's reasons are never what Reese imagined.
"I am not a good man. I don't know if I am a bad one, but I know I'm not a good one. She looks at me like I am, though, and because of that, I want to be."
Always keeping his help to her at a distance for good reason, his heart had already wrapped it's wings around Reese. He can't let her go and will protect her from everything evil, including her biggest enemy.......Reese herself.
The path and self discovery Reese follows begins to become brighter. She fights the brightness every step of the way. She can't accept she is worthy of love and goodness. Leo reminds her, that she can be happy without forcing love.
"You finally learned how to use your wings."
"Birds have wings, not people."
"We all need to fly."
Leo and Reese journey their demons together in ways neither expected. Each giving the other the strength to feel what each is missing.
Alone they struggled. Together, they found something worth struggling for.
The author was a word genius with this story. I am not sure the author intend this book to be a self help and self accepting book, but in fact it was.
July 8, 2015
http://www.platypire.com/j-hooligan/s...
One thing I love about Lindy is how all her books are different from each other. I am not a one-genre reader. If I had to compare this to any of Lindy's other books, I'd pick Safe and Sound. But only because they both deal with broken homes. Smother is much heavier and not for younger audiences.
This was a heavy book to read. There's drug use, sexual abuse, and child abuse. It isn't graphic, but it's still there. Although Reese has one hell of a hard past, it was only a small part of the story. Yes, there were parts where I cried, but not just because of what happened in the story itself. It triggered some of my own memories that I had suppressed... and that was not pleasant to experience.
There were things in this book that I felt actually helped me, even if it did so in a ripping the bandage off sort of way. It's the book I didn't even know I needed!
I wouldn't say this is a romance, but at the same time there is something going on in this story. Leo is not the typical male lead, but he is absolutely perfect in here. He's like a giant cuddly teddy bear that can kill you in your sleep.
There's also this one character in the story, Liz - I really like her. She's great. I would have loved to see more of her.
Anyway, this was another Zartian story that I am glad to have read.
One thing I love about Lindy is how all her books are different from each other. I am not a one-genre reader. If I had to compare this to any of Lindy's other books, I'd pick Safe and Sound. But only because they both deal with broken homes. Smother is much heavier and not for younger audiences.
This was a heavy book to read. There's drug use, sexual abuse, and child abuse. It isn't graphic, but it's still there. Although Reese has one hell of a hard past, it was only a small part of the story. Yes, there were parts where I cried, but not just because of what happened in the story itself. It triggered some of my own memories that I had suppressed... and that was not pleasant to experience.
There were things in this book that I felt actually helped me, even if it did so in a ripping the bandage off sort of way. It's the book I didn't even know I needed!
I wouldn't say this is a romance, but at the same time there is something going on in this story. Leo is not the typical male lead, but he is absolutely perfect in here. He's like a giant cuddly teddy bear that can kill you in your sleep.
There's also this one character in the story, Liz - I really like her. She's great. I would have loved to see more of her.
Anyway, this was another Zartian story that I am glad to have read.
July 30, 2015
After a little slow starting out, this story turned out to be pretty good. I wish I could have like Reese a little more, as she was a very unlikeable person. I wish I could have felt more of a romantic connection between Reese and Leo too. Seemed to take a long time for them to actually come together. The ending was very nicely done though.
January 4, 2016
This and more reviews at The Book Bar.co
Rating: House/Well
Genre: Romantic Suspense
It was really hard for me to review this book. It's unlike any other I have read since I started blogging. Smother is dark and emotionally draining, but it's the climb, back into the light, that keeps you reading. The main character, Reese, has been dealt a horrible start to her life. Even though she knows there are ways to achieve a better future, she escapes by digging herself deeper into a hole.
It took a long time for me to read Smother (twice). It really frustrated me that I could only read one chapter at a time while I did other books in a day or two. I concluded that this book is absorbed, emotionally as well as mentally, and can bring you down. Depending on your own psyche, it may take you a while, constantly needing a break, like I did.
Zart's writing is beautiful, it always is. Poetic phrases pop up again and again; my copy is covered in highlights. It's amazing how she can make you hate Reese and her wrecking actions, wondering 'what the hell is wrong with this girl'. But when Reese analyzes her own faults, you feel sympathy for her and want her to make better choices and follow her heart. But this isn't a fairytale and the emotional scars are cut deep. Leo is the therapy, the answers to her questions, and the love she has needed all this time.
Leo, although a major character, insists on being a small role because Reese has to save herself first. Leo is hard and soft, fury and lust, quiet and poetic all at once. I love this character and once I finished Smother I instantly thought, I want to hear more from Leo. He isn't the knight in shining armor. He knows how damaged Reese's mind and heart are, and he knows how to lead her towards healing herself without pushing her.
I felt many times, while reading Smother, that this book should come with some type of reflective surface. So much of Reese's heartache comes from wishing she could have done more for her sister. Wishing someone could see her pain and step in to help. Smother is telling us to get up and do something. We all have the power to stop the pain that others endure on their own. Especially for children who don't understand why, when someone who is supposed to love you, ends up hurting you. We need to say something, tell someone, try and stop the pain, stop the chain-reaction of abuse, so they can start healing.
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4-A-Child
Rating: House/Well
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Cover by: Cover to Cover Designs
It was really hard for me to review this book. It's unlike any other I have read since I started blogging. Smother is dark and emotionally draining, but it's the climb, back into the light, that keeps you reading. The main character, Reese, has been dealt a horrible start to her life. Even though she knows there are ways to achieve a better future, she escapes by digging herself deeper into a hole.
Reese fell back a step when she realized how dangerous a situation she’d ignorantly stepped into. Wanting to escape the darkness led her into more of it. Daniel put a hand on her wrist, his hold not hurting, but firm enough to let her know she wasn’t going anywhere. She looked at him, took in the silky grin as he shrugged, and met Ryan’s gaze once more. She told herself she was lucky. She and Amber both were. Because they could require so much more than what Reese was about to give them.
Think of that. Remember that. Don’t forget it.
“Join me.” Ryan said it encouragingly, but with steel ingrained in his tone.
“If I don’t?”
“I think you know that’s not an option.” His skin glistened with water and sweat and the look on his face was hungry.
SMOTHER. Zart, Lindy. 2015. ARC provided by Author
It took a long time for me to read Smother (twice). It really frustrated me that I could only read one chapter at a time while I did other books in a day or two. I concluded that this book is absorbed, emotionally as well as mentally, and can bring you down. Depending on your own psyche, it may take you a while, constantly needing a break, like I did.
“Going to become familiar to you to the point where us touching is instinctual instead of hesitant. Where being afraid doesn’t cross your thoughts, even subconsciously. And when you’re ready, I’m only going to make love to you. No sex, no fucking. Just love. That’s all you’ll get from me, Reese,” he growled low in his throat and his breath fanned her ear.
SMOTHER. Zart, Lindy. 2015. ARC provided by Author
Zart's writing is beautiful, it always is. Poetic phrases pop up again and again; my copy is covered in highlights. It's amazing how she can make you hate Reese and her wrecking actions, wondering 'what the hell is wrong with this girl'. But when Reese analyzes her own faults, you feel sympathy for her and want her to make better choices and follow her heart. But this isn't a fairytale and the emotional scars are cut deep. Leo is the therapy, the answers to her questions, and the love she has needed all this time.
Except for the impressive tattoos covering his body, Reese's boss was average in appearance. His voice, on the other hand, was exceptional. It was like butter with a hint of a purr in it, the masculine timbre sexy and dark. It caused shivers to break out on her skin whenever he used it, which, sadly, wasn't that often.
SMOTHER. Zart, Lindy. 2015. ARC provided by Author
Leo, although a major character, insists on being a small role because Reese has to save herself first. Leo is hard and soft, fury and lust, quiet and poetic all at once. I love this character and once I finished Smother I instantly thought, I want to hear more from Leo. He isn't the knight in shining armor. He knows how damaged Reese's mind and heart are, and he knows how to lead her towards healing herself without pushing her.
“I don’t want to be something you fear or wonder about. I can’t. I can’t be that to you. I have to be something good.” Leo quietly spoke, his breath warm against the side of her neck. There was the change. She felt it in her heart. It eased, brightened. A part of the darkness fell away into the light, never to return. It wasn’t the bad taking over, like she feared. It was the bad lessening, even now, and maybe because of now.
SMOTHER. Zart, Lindy. 2015. ARC provided by Author
I felt many times, while reading Smother, that this book should come with some type of reflective surface. So much of Reese's heartache comes from wishing she could have done more for her sister. Wishing someone could see her pain and step in to help. Smother is telling us to get up and do something. We all have the power to stop the pain that others endure on their own. Especially for children who don't understand why, when someone who is supposed to love you, ends up hurting you. We need to say something, tell someone, try and stop the pain, stop the chain-reaction of abuse, so they can start healing.
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4-A-Child
May 18, 2015
Smother by Lindy Zart.. Ahh! This book.. this book was… dark, emotional, raw, exceptional and enlightening book! I dove into this book having only read one other book by Lindy so I truly didn't know what to expect (the other one I read was a comedy of sorts) but low and behold I loved every minute of it!
Reece is a sarcastic, mean, self destructive and you don't want to like her but you can't help it. She draws you in and slowly you start to like her and start rooting for her. She needs help and that is where Leo comes in.
Leo is not your typical male hero. He is not all heart and flowers and pretty words. He is however a broody tattoo artist and a man of few words (he doesn't speak in full sentences because he feels it's a waste of time). When you find out the connection he has with Reece you can't help but fall in love with him.
This book makes you feel, and reach deep down and think. It is not a book for those who want a lovey dovey romance, it deals with the real stuff that is life.
Great Job Lindy!
Reece is a sarcastic, mean, self destructive and you don't want to like her but you can't help it. She draws you in and slowly you start to like her and start rooting for her. She needs help and that is where Leo comes in.
Leo is not your typical male hero. He is not all heart and flowers and pretty words. He is however a broody tattoo artist and a man of few words (he doesn't speak in full sentences because he feels it's a waste of time). When you find out the connection he has with Reece you can't help but fall in love with him.
This book makes you feel, and reach deep down and think. It is not a book for those who want a lovey dovey romance, it deals with the real stuff that is life.
Great Job Lindy!
May 14, 2015
Finding the words to say what this story did for me is extremely difficult. I wish I had a better vocabulary to properly express what this story does to the reader. While I think of my own expression, let me start this off with a standard review.
************SPOILER ALERT*************
The main character, Reese, living in a world of her own, is on a path that is likely to lead to her own self destruction. Twenty four years old and this woman has had to deal with situations that nobody so young should ever have to deal with. Her innocence stolen by someone who should only keep her safe, she frees herself from a monster and a mother whose only concern is to keep the monster around. Resulting in Reese leaving home at a very young age, she drags herself from one place to another and into more abusive situations. Finally coming to a place where she has to depend on herself, she meets a man who is not who he appears to be. He harbors secrets that can only lead to the ultimate destruction of Reese if she ever finds out what he is up to.
Leo, a once lost soul, only wants to keep Reese safe from herself and others who mean to destroy her. Coming from his own miserable younger years, he plunges into a life that could ultimately lead to not only Reese's destruction but his own as well. Taking Reese under his wing, he does everything he can to save her life and bring her around to the beautiful person he knows she can be. In the process of that, he and Reese clash over situations that may make the reader angry at certain points.
Leo, the man who wants to save Reese and Reese fighting every step of the way. It is hard for the reader to decide where the story is going until the very end.
**********
This story touched me in ways I never would have expected. At times hurtful and other times angry, this story was difficult at first to read. I kept going because, there are times when I could see a light at the end of the dark tunnel. I also needed to see how things went for Reese as I was never sure what might happen to her and her destructive ways.
The story draws the reader in and makes it hard to put it down. As angry as I got at times, the author found a way to bring me back into the story and continue to see what happens with Reese and her serious ability to get herself into very bad situations. My greatest fear was that she would not survive.
As per her usual style, Lindy Zart, has gotten another story well worth taking the time to read. The story flows smoothly and the reader gets to know the characters and their personalities relatively easily. Well described situations and characteristics paints a very clear picture in the readers mind. This story rates 5 stars from me.
October 19, 2015
Authentic
Overall rating: 4.6 Stars
Writing - 5 stars
Lindy Zart is a great writer. In Smother, she tackles the subject matter of the girl everyone loves to hate--she's promiscuous, childish, and self destructive to boot. Lindy's writing shines. She wrote a dark story that still had a lyrical quality, with moments of lightness and hope.
"She stared at his fingers and wondered how they could do what they did, and then in return wondered what they would be like on her body. The way they mastered the pencil made Reese think they could rule and bend, even reconstruct, anything—maybe even her."
Characters - 5 stars
Lindy promised you wouldn't like the main character, and yes, she was hard to like. We all know (and love) those people who are self-destructive and who destroy everything they touch. But what if you gave them a chance to heal from the darkness that was driving them? And that was what Leo did--even being broken himself. So their interaction was difficult at first, but authentic.
"Escape: he’d found his in artwork and she’d found hers in disgrace."
Plot - 4 stars
This was difficult. Because it's an emotional journey, so it doesn't really "go" anywhere major. There weren't the usual highs, lows, and twists you come to expect from fiction, so this one was difficult to rate in the plot aspect. I still think this book is important.
"He was her lighthouse, a beacon in a sea of black, and she was the water, always adrift, pulling and pushing. Never steady. Never at peace."
"Unputdownable" Factor - 4 stars
Started out strong, couldn't put it down. But then I kind of felt aimless, like, where are we going with this? Why should I care so much about these characters? Many things seemed repetitive. However. It is completely authentic when dealing with someone like Reese. They don't get better overnight. They constantly need love and forgiveness, while doing things that make them unlovable! It's a perpetual rehashing of moments and emotions. And that always takes time.
"She watched the breaths that left him, picturing them on her skin instead of being wasted into the air."
Dialogue - 5 stars
I'm using the word authentic again but that's just how this book is. I will title my review with the word too. The dialogue was real--sometimes beautiful, sometimes frustrating. But isn't that life?
"“I will give you whatever you need, even if it isn’t what you want,” he said against her neck."
So I'll end with this: Smother isn't a book for everyone, but I think it's a book everyone should read.
Overall rating: 4.6 Stars
Writing - 5 stars
Lindy Zart is a great writer. In Smother, she tackles the subject matter of the girl everyone loves to hate--she's promiscuous, childish, and self destructive to boot. Lindy's writing shines. She wrote a dark story that still had a lyrical quality, with moments of lightness and hope.
"She stared at his fingers and wondered how they could do what they did, and then in return wondered what they would be like on her body. The way they mastered the pencil made Reese think they could rule and bend, even reconstruct, anything—maybe even her."
Characters - 5 stars
Lindy promised you wouldn't like the main character, and yes, she was hard to like. We all know (and love) those people who are self-destructive and who destroy everything they touch. But what if you gave them a chance to heal from the darkness that was driving them? And that was what Leo did--even being broken himself. So their interaction was difficult at first, but authentic.
"Escape: he’d found his in artwork and she’d found hers in disgrace."
Plot - 4 stars
This was difficult. Because it's an emotional journey, so it doesn't really "go" anywhere major. There weren't the usual highs, lows, and twists you come to expect from fiction, so this one was difficult to rate in the plot aspect. I still think this book is important.
"He was her lighthouse, a beacon in a sea of black, and she was the water, always adrift, pulling and pushing. Never steady. Never at peace."
"Unputdownable" Factor - 4 stars
Started out strong, couldn't put it down. But then I kind of felt aimless, like, where are we going with this? Why should I care so much about these characters? Many things seemed repetitive. However. It is completely authentic when dealing with someone like Reese. They don't get better overnight. They constantly need love and forgiveness, while doing things that make them unlovable! It's a perpetual rehashing of moments and emotions. And that always takes time.
"She watched the breaths that left him, picturing them on her skin instead of being wasted into the air."
Dialogue - 5 stars
I'm using the word authentic again but that's just how this book is. I will title my review with the word too. The dialogue was real--sometimes beautiful, sometimes frustrating. But isn't that life?
"“I will give you whatever you need, even if it isn’t what you want,” he said against her neck."
So I'll end with this: Smother isn't a book for everyone, but I think it's a book everyone should read.
May 19, 2015
**Disclaimer – I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you’re looking for a book with healing, redemption, and hope, then go read Smother! But be warned: it will tear you up first. Reese is an unlikable main character, but she is relatable. She is our anger, our fear, our pain. I struggled through Reese’s hell with her, all the while cringing for her and understanding it was her demons that created the person she had become. Leo, the love interest, is a bit more likable than Reese, but his character is so quiet, so deep, that we hardly get to know him. I’m struggling to write this review without giving too much away, or making it sound as though the characters are not enjoyable. Regardless of how unlikable Reese appears, it is just that quality that makes this book so amazing. Reese is a glimpse into our shadows, and while we might only see her pain and anger and not our own, it is a cathartic read. I am a huge fan of Lindy Zart, and I’ve loved everything I’ve read by her, but this one tops my list now. It was a beautiful, heart-wrenching story, and I highly recommend this book to everyone!
If you’re looking for a book with healing, redemption, and hope, then go read Smother! But be warned: it will tear you up first. Reese is an unlikable main character, but she is relatable. She is our anger, our fear, our pain. I struggled through Reese’s hell with her, all the while cringing for her and understanding it was her demons that created the person she had become. Leo, the love interest, is a bit more likable than Reese, but his character is so quiet, so deep, that we hardly get to know him. I’m struggling to write this review without giving too much away, or making it sound as though the characters are not enjoyable. Regardless of how unlikable Reese appears, it is just that quality that makes this book so amazing. Reese is a glimpse into our shadows, and while we might only see her pain and anger and not our own, it is a cathartic read. I am a huge fan of Lindy Zart, and I’ve loved everything I’ve read by her, but this one tops my list now. It was a beautiful, heart-wrenching story, and I highly recommend this book to everyone!
May 27, 2015
“You finally learned how to use your wings.” “Birds have wings, not people.” “We all need to fly,” he called, disappearing into his office.
This was a difficult book for me to read, don't get me wrong I loved the book but with the subject matter I dare anyone to read this and not be affected by it. I had to sit it down many times and go and do something else but I always came back to it because these characters draw you in. Into their chaos, and love (eventually) it's a unorthodox love story that is more about loving and surviving yourself than about a love story between 2 people. The quote I picked out is one of my favorites in the book and pretty much sums up the entire premise of the book. Becoming okay with yourself and your life enough to not let the past and things that might have happened in it take away your wings.
Rising above and breaking free is Reese's main struggle in this book and her character arc in this book is pretty intense. We don't see her do a complete 360 but I mean it's pretty close. She grows so much and even at the end you know she is going to keep progressing. It gives you hope, a shining example that in the darkest times you can't give up.
This was a difficult book for me to read, don't get me wrong I loved the book but with the subject matter I dare anyone to read this and not be affected by it. I had to sit it down many times and go and do something else but I always came back to it because these characters draw you in. Into their chaos, and love (eventually) it's a unorthodox love story that is more about loving and surviving yourself than about a love story between 2 people. The quote I picked out is one of my favorites in the book and pretty much sums up the entire premise of the book. Becoming okay with yourself and your life enough to not let the past and things that might have happened in it take away your wings.
Rising above and breaking free is Reese's main struggle in this book and her character arc in this book is pretty intense. We don't see her do a complete 360 but I mean it's pretty close. She grows so much and even at the end you know she is going to keep progressing. It gives you hope, a shining example that in the darkest times you can't give up.
May 21, 2015
*Book Received in Exchange for Honest Opinion/Review*
*3.5 STARS*
I wanted to fall in love with this book, the endless hopeless love that I have found in several of Lindy Zart's books; unfortunately, that was not the case. The synopsis was amazing, I was hooked, I needed to read this book because if you know my favorite reading style its a dark NA/YA. This book fell flat for me and let me explain why.
There was so much potential but the characters didn't develop enough for me. Leo speaking in broken sentences drove me crazy. I understand he is damaged and his words, when he does speak, are powerful but for the love of God, speak in full sentences. Then there was Reese, she was a hot mess and rightfully so; however, I wish she would have sought help sooner. I wish Reese would have done a lot of things differently.
I don't want to ruin the plot of the book but the plot builds to this breaking point and there were some things that I found creepy. I won't say specifically but between the creepiness and the inability of the characters to deal/cope with their emotions drove me crazy.
*3.5 STARS*
I wanted to fall in love with this book, the endless hopeless love that I have found in several of Lindy Zart's books; unfortunately, that was not the case. The synopsis was amazing, I was hooked, I needed to read this book because if you know my favorite reading style its a dark NA/YA. This book fell flat for me and let me explain why.
There was so much potential but the characters didn't develop enough for me. Leo speaking in broken sentences drove me crazy. I understand he is damaged and his words, when he does speak, are powerful but for the love of God, speak in full sentences. Then there was Reese, she was a hot mess and rightfully so; however, I wish she would have sought help sooner. I wish Reese would have done a lot of things differently.
I don't want to ruin the plot of the book but the plot builds to this breaking point and there were some things that I found creepy. I won't say specifically but between the creepiness and the inability of the characters to deal/cope with their emotions drove me crazy.
had-to-give-up
December 22, 2015At 35%, I'm officially throwing in the towel.
I really tried but I can't click with the writing style. I usually don't mind third person but somehow this doesn't flow for me.
And so far, the story just really drags.
After one third of the book, I know the heroine has a traumatic past, has an alcohol problem and is a major b#?!h.
The hero is plain looking except for his tattoos, doesn't speak in full sentences and is hiding something.
Yep, that's all I've learned so far and that's not enough to keep me engaged.
I should have believed the blurb that warned me that I won't like the heroine. Yep, you could say that. Although it's more that I don't care about her. Which makes reading the remaining 70% pointless as I simply am not interested in what happens to her.
I really tried but I can't click with the writing style. I usually don't mind third person but somehow this doesn't flow for me.
And so far, the story just really drags.
After one third of the book, I know the heroine has a traumatic past, has an alcohol problem and is a major b#?!h.
The hero is plain looking except for his tattoos, doesn't speak in full sentences and is hiding something.
Yep, that's all I've learned so far and that's not enough to keep me engaged.
I should have believed the blurb that warned me that I won't like the heroine. Yep, you could say that. Although it's more that I don't care about her. Which makes reading the remaining 70% pointless as I simply am not interested in what happens to her.
August 17, 2019
Perfect story of the life of a borderline personality
As a student of psychology I read a book by Karen Hornet she described how a person can develop this neurosis, it begins with a child that doesn't feel safe in her environment and of course tragedy. As a counselor I somehow fell into the category of specializing in the treatment of this disorder. Reese could have been one of my clients\patients. They are difficult to work with because they crave chaos. One of my first clients was able to fire me as her therapist not because I didn't do a good job but she could finally see the patterns in her own life and she didn't want to view me as she viewed others, her new counselor (a colleague) was female it was a great first step to her recovering herself. The author depicts this struggle perfectly.
As a student of psychology I read a book by Karen Hornet she described how a person can develop this neurosis, it begins with a child that doesn't feel safe in her environment and of course tragedy. As a counselor I somehow fell into the category of specializing in the treatment of this disorder. Reese could have been one of my clients\patients. They are difficult to work with because they crave chaos. One of my first clients was able to fire me as her therapist not because I didn't do a good job but she could finally see the patterns in her own life and she didn't want to view me as she viewed others, her new counselor (a colleague) was female it was a great first step to her recovering herself. The author depicts this struggle perfectly.
June 24, 2018
Poignant
This book touched me in ways I cannot explain
There were so many emotions felt while reading. Reese was so realistic and believable that I felt she was a piece of me. She struggled to accept herself as she was. She showed the struggle to move on from a very ugly and dirty past. Leo quietly came to her aid, hoping to make her see she was worth so much more. We all need a Leo in our lives. What a poignant book, that will stay with me for a very long time. It was soul stealing. It broke me, yet put me back together again.
This book touched me in ways I cannot explain
There were so many emotions felt while reading. Reese was so realistic and believable that I felt she was a piece of me. She struggled to accept herself as she was. She showed the struggle to move on from a very ugly and dirty past. Leo quietly came to her aid, hoping to make her see she was worth so much more. We all need a Leo in our lives. What a poignant book, that will stay with me for a very long time. It was soul stealing. It broke me, yet put me back together again.
July 29, 2020
I liked it, a little slow, nobody should go through what she lived through, i didn't like it when she wanted to hurt Leo, but i'm glad she found her way and the light she needed
July 27, 2019
Loved it. Pretty much love everything.
May 28, 2015
I appreciate that I can always count on Lindy Zart to deliver a great story. I know that when she’s working on a project, one of her many WIPs, it’s going to be something good. And they’re all so different from one another, keeping her readers on her toes, that we don’t really know what to expect next.
I’ve been a little busy lately; between editing, school, my full time job, and growing a baby so I really haven’t had as much time to read as I’d like… but I made it a point to bump Smother to the top of my list. This was a “before bed” read – you know, the kind that you’re already tucked in tightly under the covers, between the walls of your pregnancy pillow, and you tell yourself “Just one more page” and swipe your finger across your Kindle about 25 more times, repeating this mantra as your eyes droop closed? Ya, this was that kind of read.
I love Smother. Beyond love. There’s something about a darker novel that takes you to a different place. I don’t often opt for the darker stuff, but I’m so thankful I did with this one. Zart conveys the struggles of the effects of the past on a person with grace and realism. The past can haunt us in so many ways and how that manifests itself is different with each person. Zart does an excellent job building the characters in this story and really driving their flaws home. I went into this novel with preconceived expectations, “You’re going to hate the main character at first.” However – it was quite the opposite. I was intrigued and wanted to know more. And boy did Zart deliver! The details are all there, the darkness doesn’t have many flecks of light, and the dialogue is shifty and true to reality. Each character has their own speech patterns and pesky little habits that make them stand out, or blend in.
Another thing I found to be intriguing and wished there was more of was the use of art and pictures to depict what the mouth is unable to say. This story is truly a showstopper and is rough around the edges (in such an excellent way), just like the characters. The notion of only allowing ourselves the things we believe we deserve hits each of us in some way; most of us have been in a dark place because of one thing or another. Those dark places can remain dark for a day, a week, years, or even a lifetime. Good doesn’t always manifest itself from bad, we need to feel we deserve it and accept it. These are the challenges so many face, and Zart’s Smother makes you think so much deeper about these notions.
Great job, Lindy Zart! Can’t wait for the next one.
I’ve been a little busy lately; between editing, school, my full time job, and growing a baby so I really haven’t had as much time to read as I’d like… but I made it a point to bump Smother to the top of my list. This was a “before bed” read – you know, the kind that you’re already tucked in tightly under the covers, between the walls of your pregnancy pillow, and you tell yourself “Just one more page” and swipe your finger across your Kindle about 25 more times, repeating this mantra as your eyes droop closed? Ya, this was that kind of read.
I love Smother. Beyond love. There’s something about a darker novel that takes you to a different place. I don’t often opt for the darker stuff, but I’m so thankful I did with this one. Zart conveys the struggles of the effects of the past on a person with grace and realism. The past can haunt us in so many ways and how that manifests itself is different with each person. Zart does an excellent job building the characters in this story and really driving their flaws home. I went into this novel with preconceived expectations, “You’re going to hate the main character at first.” However – it was quite the opposite. I was intrigued and wanted to know more. And boy did Zart deliver! The details are all there, the darkness doesn’t have many flecks of light, and the dialogue is shifty and true to reality. Each character has their own speech patterns and pesky little habits that make them stand out, or blend in.
Another thing I found to be intriguing and wished there was more of was the use of art and pictures to depict what the mouth is unable to say. This story is truly a showstopper and is rough around the edges (in such an excellent way), just like the characters. The notion of only allowing ourselves the things we believe we deserve hits each of us in some way; most of us have been in a dark place because of one thing or another. Those dark places can remain dark for a day, a week, years, or even a lifetime. Good doesn’t always manifest itself from bad, we need to feel we deserve it and accept it. These are the challenges so many face, and Zart’s Smother makes you think so much deeper about these notions.
Great job, Lindy Zart! Can’t wait for the next one.
May 28, 2015
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I read this book out of hype and peer pressure. I liked Lindy Zart’s book Unlit Star so much. I figured, oh what the hell, I’ll break into it. Terrible idea. And to top it off I bought another book from hers that I am now too scared to break into. I am embarrassingly used to reading in first person. And it takes me a while to get back to third person so I had to adjust to that but besides that point I found the writing to be exceptional. I guess I just wasn’t really into this book. Mainly because the little excerpts we got of Leo’s mind at the beginning of each chapter was not enough for me. I wanted into his head much more than I was allowed.
Reese is working for Leo but she also lives in his apartment building after he finds her alone and lost. For some reason (that you find out) she is nothing but hateful and angry at Leo as opposed to thankful and appreciative of his actions. The whole book you watch her deal with her attraction to Leo while all he wants to do is help Reese and get nothing in return. Reese was a very difficult person for me to stand by and support. I wanted out of her head and into Leo’s more times than none but I dealt. I thought to myself, “Hey, maybe it will get better”. Reese is out for self-destruction and self-destruction alone. I think she just tries to save herself the wrong ways. And at the same time Leo has a hard time trying to save her also.
You don’t get to hear much from Leo and when you do it is in sentences that aren’t even completed. I felt like she made him sound like a cave man. It was annoying. I found Leo to be very intriguing and an awesome hero. Well, once I found out his motives. There wasn’t much any one could do to fix or save Reese.
Of course there are climaxes (not that kind, get your head out of the gutter) and a couple of twists and I did find those interesting. And I do feel like Reese got the redemption that she deserved. I was ready to get to the ending of this book at about 32% in. I always say if it takes you 3-4 days to finish a book chances are you don’t like it and it’s not that great. It took me almost 6 days to finish this. I felt like I had accomplished absolutely nothing.
I feel like the book had a great message. Great characters. And even better quotes and lines. I just felt as thought my time was wasted. And I can’t get that back. Oh well, you live and you learn.
I read this book out of hype and peer pressure. I liked Lindy Zart’s book Unlit Star so much. I figured, oh what the hell, I’ll break into it. Terrible idea. And to top it off I bought another book from hers that I am now too scared to break into. I am embarrassingly used to reading in first person. And it takes me a while to get back to third person so I had to adjust to that but besides that point I found the writing to be exceptional. I guess I just wasn’t really into this book. Mainly because the little excerpts we got of Leo’s mind at the beginning of each chapter was not enough for me. I wanted into his head much more than I was allowed.
Reese is working for Leo but she also lives in his apartment building after he finds her alone and lost. For some reason (that you find out) she is nothing but hateful and angry at Leo as opposed to thankful and appreciative of his actions. The whole book you watch her deal with her attraction to Leo while all he wants to do is help Reese and get nothing in return. Reese was a very difficult person for me to stand by and support. I wanted out of her head and into Leo’s more times than none but I dealt. I thought to myself, “Hey, maybe it will get better”. Reese is out for self-destruction and self-destruction alone. I think she just tries to save herself the wrong ways. And at the same time Leo has a hard time trying to save her also.
You don’t get to hear much from Leo and when you do it is in sentences that aren’t even completed. I felt like she made him sound like a cave man. It was annoying. I found Leo to be very intriguing and an awesome hero. Well, once I found out his motives. There wasn’t much any one could do to fix or save Reese.
Of course there are climaxes (not that kind, get your head out of the gutter) and a couple of twists and I did find those interesting. And I do feel like Reese got the redemption that she deserved. I was ready to get to the ending of this book at about 32% in. I always say if it takes you 3-4 days to finish a book chances are you don’t like it and it’s not that great. It took me almost 6 days to finish this. I felt like I had accomplished absolutely nothing.
I feel like the book had a great message. Great characters. And even better quotes and lines. I just felt as thought my time was wasted. And I can’t get that back. Oh well, you live and you learn.
October 8, 2015
Starting a Lindy Zart book is so exciting for me. There are a few things that I know will happen. One: I will fall head over heels for the heroine. Two: I will be introduced to a normal, everyday world, that feels anything but. Three: I will cry. I mean, it's almost a guarantee. Now, I'm no stranger to getting extremely emotional with Lindy's writing, but the cover & tone of this book is definitely different from her other books. I knew that going in, I just didn't know that I'd love it so much. Lindy has such an amazing way of getting to the emotional heart of a character. Everyone knows, there are layers to people & with Lindy's characters, she just slowly reveals all the beauty that these 'ordinary' people have. It's extraordinary. It happens time & again & it certainly happened with Reese & Leo in Smother.
Reese is damaged. She's self - destructive, emotionally cut off & on a downward spiral. Leo is also damaged and emotionally cut off, but he's older than Reese, and so his self - destructive tendencies aren't nearly as bad. This is a story about damaged people. Two people that have endured. Endured a life that has brought them pain, both wanted & unwanted. The pain is extreme, and heart breaking, and difficult to read about, but not difficult to believe. That's the beauty of a Lindy Zart book; you FEEL the characters. You SMELL the characters. You SEE the characters. She makes them so vivid in your mind, they overtake your senses. So with Smother, it was definitely difficult due to the subject matter, however Lindy slowly guides you threw the dark into the light.
Now I can safely say I did not fall in love with Reese. She's got a lot of issues, but the story leaves her in good hands. Leo, on the other hand, just might have made my top ten. He's... He's just so beautiful. The ending was so beautiful, I was swooning like I haven't in such a long time. This of course made me so happy, I was actually smiling,so no crying this time. That fact alone shocked me & after careful examination I realized that Lindy is even more brilliant than I originally thought. She managed to create yet another mind boggling, soul crushing reading experience without the need for tears.
I'm in awe yet again with her characters & her story telling abilities. Zartian for life!
Reese is damaged. She's self - destructive, emotionally cut off & on a downward spiral. Leo is also damaged and emotionally cut off, but he's older than Reese, and so his self - destructive tendencies aren't nearly as bad. This is a story about damaged people. Two people that have endured. Endured a life that has brought them pain, both wanted & unwanted. The pain is extreme, and heart breaking, and difficult to read about, but not difficult to believe. That's the beauty of a Lindy Zart book; you FEEL the characters. You SMELL the characters. You SEE the characters. She makes them so vivid in your mind, they overtake your senses. So with Smother, it was definitely difficult due to the subject matter, however Lindy slowly guides you threw the dark into the light.
Now I can safely say I did not fall in love with Reese. She's got a lot of issues, but the story leaves her in good hands. Leo, on the other hand, just might have made my top ten. He's... He's just so beautiful. The ending was so beautiful, I was swooning like I haven't in such a long time. This of course made me so happy, I was actually smiling,so no crying this time. That fact alone shocked me & after careful examination I realized that Lindy is even more brilliant than I originally thought. She managed to create yet another mind boggling, soul crushing reading experience without the need for tears.
I'm in awe yet again with her characters & her story telling abilities. Zartian for life!
June 19, 2015
It's an interesting twist to a dark story. The depth of these characters is intricately woven throughout each chapter in a limited unveiling keeping it mysterious.
Reese and Leo have an interesting relationship. Reese wants to push Leo away yet wants him to save her. Leo wants her to stop punishing herself and save herself.
Lindy slowly starts to reveal Reese's past, but holds back on revealing much about Leo. The only thing Lindy reveals about Leo is that he wants to protect her and is always watching her.
It kinda blows your mind. The story and characters both play tricks with your thought process. It's philosophical in a sense that both are seeking light in the darkness. Both want some form of comfort.
While Reese went in search of men to use to hurt her she instead found herself in a difficult situation. Reese had no idea the men she used would also want more from her.
Leo is evasive with his words. Leo is hiding something from Reese. Leo has power yet I'm not sure what kind. Leo has intimidation yet I'm not sure how. Leo has insight but I'm not sure where from. Not a lot eludes to the kind of man Leo is. Not sure if Leo was hurt or if he is the one doing the hurting. Not sure if Leo has to answer to a person more powerful than himself. Many mysteries to unravel and I'm looking forward to discovering those mysteries.
I enjoyed the complexity of Leo and the battle to figure him out. I was impressed with the way Leo kept pushing Reese to become a better person by giving her small gifts. Since Leo is a guy with few words he expresses himself through art. I thought Lindy did a wonderful job of moving the story along without revealing too much about Leo. The big reveal was worth the riddles and short answers.
I love Reese's inner turmoil between good and bad. When life is good or bad we use our perspective on what we have endured in life. In order to make changes and move forward we use this new sense of perspective. Information is key to gaining a new perspective on life.
Reese and Leo have an interesting relationship. Reese wants to push Leo away yet wants him to save her. Leo wants her to stop punishing herself and save herself.
Lindy slowly starts to reveal Reese's past, but holds back on revealing much about Leo. The only thing Lindy reveals about Leo is that he wants to protect her and is always watching her.
It kinda blows your mind. The story and characters both play tricks with your thought process. It's philosophical in a sense that both are seeking light in the darkness. Both want some form of comfort.
While Reese went in search of men to use to hurt her she instead found herself in a difficult situation. Reese had no idea the men she used would also want more from her.
Leo is evasive with his words. Leo is hiding something from Reese. Leo has power yet I'm not sure what kind. Leo has intimidation yet I'm not sure how. Leo has insight but I'm not sure where from. Not a lot eludes to the kind of man Leo is. Not sure if Leo was hurt or if he is the one doing the hurting. Not sure if Leo has to answer to a person more powerful than himself. Many mysteries to unravel and I'm looking forward to discovering those mysteries.
I enjoyed the complexity of Leo and the battle to figure him out. I was impressed with the way Leo kept pushing Reese to become a better person by giving her small gifts. Since Leo is a guy with few words he expresses himself through art. I thought Lindy did a wonderful job of moving the story along without revealing too much about Leo. The big reveal was worth the riddles and short answers.
I love Reese's inner turmoil between good and bad. When life is good or bad we use our perspective on what we have endured in life. In order to make changes and move forward we use this new sense of perspective. Information is key to gaining a new perspective on life.
January 13, 2016
***I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.***
Smother is not what I expected it to be. And at the same time, it was.
We were warned beforehand that we wouldn't like Reese at the beginning, but I strangely did not dislike her. I felt pity and sympathy for her, but I didn't hate or dislike her. I don't have a specific reason, except that everyone deals with pain differently. And I don't mean to sound corny or cheesy, but that's what Reese was in. Pain. Pain from a horrendous past that haunts her every waking moment. And even those moments when she isn't awake. I can't hate someone for being in emotional pain, or any kind of pain.
Leo was an enigma. I empathized with Reese in this case because he was one tough guy to read and figure out. I related a lot to how Reese felt, always trying to see what his thoughts are because Leo is like a changing combination safe. You may get the combination right one time and get him to open up, but when you go to try the same combination again, you find it's been changed and have to try to figure it out again. That's my description of Leo.
I think Reese is someone who pretends to be strong and tough to keep people from finding out how fragile and broken she is. But she is also a fighter, and we see her fix herself all on her own. Smother is different from other stories involving abuse because we see the dark, dirty, and gritty aspects of the effects of abuse that are not present in other books I've read dealing with the subject. We see Reese in the downward spiral she is in, and then we see her redeem herself so she can live her life, and not just go through life merely existing.
Lindy totally outdid herself with this one. Her style of writing sucks you in until you can't help but love the characters you read about. Smother gets all 5/5 Platypires.
Smother is not what I expected it to be. And at the same time, it was.
We were warned beforehand that we wouldn't like Reese at the beginning, but I strangely did not dislike her. I felt pity and sympathy for her, but I didn't hate or dislike her. I don't have a specific reason, except that everyone deals with pain differently. And I don't mean to sound corny or cheesy, but that's what Reese was in. Pain. Pain from a horrendous past that haunts her every waking moment. And even those moments when she isn't awake. I can't hate someone for being in emotional pain, or any kind of pain.
Leo was an enigma. I empathized with Reese in this case because he was one tough guy to read and figure out. I related a lot to how Reese felt, always trying to see what his thoughts are because Leo is like a changing combination safe. You may get the combination right one time and get him to open up, but when you go to try the same combination again, you find it's been changed and have to try to figure it out again. That's my description of Leo.
I think Reese is someone who pretends to be strong and tough to keep people from finding out how fragile and broken she is. But she is also a fighter, and we see her fix herself all on her own. Smother is different from other stories involving abuse because we see the dark, dirty, and gritty aspects of the effects of abuse that are not present in other books I've read dealing with the subject. We see Reese in the downward spiral she is in, and then we see her redeem herself so she can live her life, and not just go through life merely existing.
Lindy totally outdid herself with this one. Her style of writing sucks you in until you can't help but love the characters you read about. Smother gets all 5/5 Platypires.
May 21, 2015
Wow. Powerful. Evocative. Heartbreaking and hopeful in turns. Insightful. Gritty and sometimes sweet. I could go on forever. Sometimes you read something so powerful you want to share it with someone immediately to see if they are as affected by it as you were. All my bookworms out there know what I'm saying. Smother is that book.
Reese was not your typical female protagonist. I seemed to teeter on the very edge of wanting to protect her from the world and wanting to protect the rest of the world from her. Haunted, destructive, lost, angry, alone are only a few words to describe her. Once I got into the story, though, all I really wanted to do was protect her from herself and anything else that could impede her finding a brighter future.
Leo. Let's talk about the wonder of him for just a moment. Flawed, but deeply moral. Quietly creative but burning with rage, Leo is a study in contradictions. He seems shrouded in mystery and as more of the truth of him is uncovered, the more questions are raised.
As always with a Lindy Zart book, the story was impeccably written; the characters are real and three dimensional. There is so much emotion in this story, I found myself pulled in instantly, drawn further and further into Reese's world. Humor, sadness, grief, anger, hope and even some intrigue and action are woven together flawlessly in Smother. My reactions were intense and audible--some tears, snickers, gasps of surprise and even a few sighs of contentment. Lindy, you have done it again.
This is a heartrending, gripping, masterpiece of a young woman's terrible past and her journey towards hope. Beautiful and stark in turns, I found it to be riveting.
Reese was not your typical female protagonist. I seemed to teeter on the very edge of wanting to protect her from the world and wanting to protect the rest of the world from her. Haunted, destructive, lost, angry, alone are only a few words to describe her. Once I got into the story, though, all I really wanted to do was protect her from herself and anything else that could impede her finding a brighter future.
Leo. Let's talk about the wonder of him for just a moment. Flawed, but deeply moral. Quietly creative but burning with rage, Leo is a study in contradictions. He seems shrouded in mystery and as more of the truth of him is uncovered, the more questions are raised.
As always with a Lindy Zart book, the story was impeccably written; the characters are real and three dimensional. There is so much emotion in this story, I found myself pulled in instantly, drawn further and further into Reese's world. Humor, sadness, grief, anger, hope and even some intrigue and action are woven together flawlessly in Smother. My reactions were intense and audible--some tears, snickers, gasps of surprise and even a few sighs of contentment. Lindy, you have done it again.
This is a heartrending, gripping, masterpiece of a young woman's terrible past and her journey towards hope. Beautiful and stark in turns, I found it to be riveting.
May 22, 2015
I was excited to read this book, the blurb grabbed my attention. I started reading it and I couldn't connect, so I kept reading and unfortunately I just just couldn't "get into the story". I really wanted to fall in love with Reese and her story, I was her biggest cheerleader but there were just too many things that I couldn't grasp. I felt like she wasn't explained enough or maybe because it was kinda just pieced together. I didn't feel like the story was complete, a lot things still lingered in my mind when I finished. I didn't understand some of the story, no spoilers but there were issues that were just kind of skimmed "closed" but I think there could have been more information or more to the story. My heart hurt for both Reese and Leo, they were two hearts that needed the other to beat but I wasn't sure if they could mend them. Lindy did a good job with Leo, I liked how he was, the quiet man with a lot to say, although he never truly emerged, sure he opened up but he's got a lot of secrets that were never revealed. I loved how he always knew what to say and when, I was waiting for him every time. All in all I think this story has great potential, I felt it wasn't complete and left me hanging with too many questions. I'm giving it 3.5 stars because I liked the story and it was written very well but I just couldn't connect.
October 2, 2015
I was given an ARC book for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.
CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS
This book has left me a a loss for words. It was a deep and dark book to read. It causes you to look at things with a whole new perspective.
Reese has had a very bad childhood. Because of that she self medicates. She craves the numbness that alcohol and occasional drugs brings her. With that numbness, she cant think about the past and she cant let the past smother her. She sleeps with random men that use her body because that is what she thinks she deserves. Leo enters the picture when he finds Reese standing on the street crying in the rain. Reese has just lost her job and the night before her home. Leo offers Reese a job and an apartment for as long as she needs them. Leo is a quiet man of few words, but he gently guides Reese to a place of light. As Reese begins to get on her feet, she learns so much more about her past than she wanted to know. How does Reese handle knowing the past? Does she continue to let the past smother her? How does Leo fit into everything?
Despite of the dark subject of this book, it was still a page turner. I didn't want to quit reading as I was anxious to find out what was going to happen to Reese. I loved the way this book ended! You should read this book and find out!
CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS
This book has left me a a loss for words. It was a deep and dark book to read. It causes you to look at things with a whole new perspective.
Reese has had a very bad childhood. Because of that she self medicates. She craves the numbness that alcohol and occasional drugs brings her. With that numbness, she cant think about the past and she cant let the past smother her. She sleeps with random men that use her body because that is what she thinks she deserves. Leo enters the picture when he finds Reese standing on the street crying in the rain. Reese has just lost her job and the night before her home. Leo offers Reese a job and an apartment for as long as she needs them. Leo is a quiet man of few words, but he gently guides Reese to a place of light. As Reese begins to get on her feet, she learns so much more about her past than she wanted to know. How does Reese handle knowing the past? Does she continue to let the past smother her? How does Leo fit into everything?
Despite of the dark subject of this book, it was still a page turner. I didn't want to quit reading as I was anxious to find out what was going to happen to Reese. I loved the way this book ended! You should read this book and find out!
May 21, 2015
Smother is such a powerful, intense story! It is raw and gritty, full of darkness and emotion. It consumed me.
We meet Reese…
“the one forever desired but never loved.”
Reese has been dealt a shitty hand in life, and is on a downward spiral until she meets Leo.
“Leo was the artist, but he was also the art. He didn’t draw – he felt what he was doing.”
Leo is a tattoo artist who has also had a rough life. He sees something in Reese and is determined to help her, even if she refuses to help herself.
“Because whether you want me to or not, I care. I care about you even if you don’t.”
While a man of few words, Leo is protective and will do anything for those he cares for.
Smother shows us that from darkness comes light. There were some twists in this story that I was not expecting and it kept me glued to my Kindle, needing to know what was going to happen. My favorite parts of the story were at the start of each chapter, where we just got a small glimpse into Leo with his few sentences.
Ms. Zart sure has a knack for writing heartbreakingly beautiful stories, and I look forward to more of her work. ~ Tiffany, 4.5 stars
We meet Reese…
“the one forever desired but never loved.”
Reese has been dealt a shitty hand in life, and is on a downward spiral until she meets Leo.
“Leo was the artist, but he was also the art. He didn’t draw – he felt what he was doing.”
Leo is a tattoo artist who has also had a rough life. He sees something in Reese and is determined to help her, even if she refuses to help herself.
“Because whether you want me to or not, I care. I care about you even if you don’t.”
While a man of few words, Leo is protective and will do anything for those he cares for.
Smother shows us that from darkness comes light. There were some twists in this story that I was not expecting and it kept me glued to my Kindle, needing to know what was going to happen. My favorite parts of the story were at the start of each chapter, where we just got a small glimpse into Leo with his few sentences.
Ms. Zart sure has a knack for writing heartbreakingly beautiful stories, and I look forward to more of her work. ~ Tiffany, 4.5 stars
October 8, 2015
I'm not really sure how to write this review. The book was great, don't get me wrong, I'm just used to starting a review by saying that I enjoyed a book or something along those lines. While this was a really great book, I feel weird saying I enjoyed it since it deals with some dark stuff. Does that make sense? I don't want to say I enjoy other people's misfortunes? Anyway, this was a really great story about Reese and Leo, mostly about Reese. It was dark and gritty and things happened that surprised me. I really didn't know what to expect and I liked that about it. Often, stories are so predictable, and I couldn't predict a single thing here. I liked how we got to see her grow at the end and the eventual romance. The romantic side of me wished it was a little more gradual instead of all in the second half, but it's not my story and it did work well the way it was written. It was a bit of a slow read for me, only because I am slow at reading third person POVs. I have a harder time connecting with the characters when I'm not right there in their head. But I was able to connect with Reese, it just took my brain longer to do it. That's a ME thing, though, not the author. I really liked this book, Lindy Zart, once again, does not disappoint.
May 28, 2015
Reviewed on Behalf of Give Me Books
Smother is such a powerful, intense story! It is raw and gritty, full of darkness and emotion. It consumed me.
We meet Reese, “the one forever desired but never loved.” Reese has been dealt a shitty hand in life and is on a downward spiral until she meets Leo. “Leo was the artist, but he was also the art. He didn’t draw – he felt what he was doing.” Leo is a tattoo artist who also had a rough life. He see something in Reese and is determined to help her, even if she refuses to help herself. “Because whether you want me to or not, I care. I care about you even if you don’t.” While a man of few words, Leo is protective and will do anything for those he cares for.
Smother shows us that from darkness comes light. There were some twists in this story that I was not expecting and it kept me glued to my kindle, needing to know what was going to happen. My favorite part of the story was at the start of each chapter where we just got a small glimpse into Leo with his few sentences. Ms. Zart sure has a knack for writing heartbreakingly beautiful stories and I look forward to more of her work. (4.5 stars)
Smother is such a powerful, intense story! It is raw and gritty, full of darkness and emotion. It consumed me.
We meet Reese, “the one forever desired but never loved.” Reese has been dealt a shitty hand in life and is on a downward spiral until she meets Leo. “Leo was the artist, but he was also the art. He didn’t draw – he felt what he was doing.” Leo is a tattoo artist who also had a rough life. He see something in Reese and is determined to help her, even if she refuses to help herself. “Because whether you want me to or not, I care. I care about you even if you don’t.” While a man of few words, Leo is protective and will do anything for those he cares for.
Smother shows us that from darkness comes light. There were some twists in this story that I was not expecting and it kept me glued to my kindle, needing to know what was going to happen. My favorite part of the story was at the start of each chapter where we just got a small glimpse into Leo with his few sentences. Ms. Zart sure has a knack for writing heartbreakingly beautiful stories and I look forward to more of her work. (4.5 stars)
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