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Reprieve
I thought he was my antidote, but it turns out that he’s just my new drug of choice.
Before him, it was heroin.
And then they put me here against my will.
At the time it seemed like my only viable choice.
I preferred stumbling through life numb to it all. But now I’m here, and every sound and every emotion is heightened to a level I never knew existed.
Then somehow, in a moment of weakness it became all about him.
My counselor.
He makes me feel things I never thought possible. But I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to recover...
Before him, it was heroin.
And then they put me here against my will.
At the time it seemed like my only viable choice.
I preferred stumbling through life numb to it all. But now I’m here, and every sound and every emotion is heightened to a level I never knew existed.
Then somehow, in a moment of weakness it became all about him.
My counselor.
He makes me feel things I never thought possible. But I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to recover...
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2015
4 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
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September 28, 2015
**༻Complimentary Copy༺** Provided by the author " A.E. Woodward " in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: Reprieve
AUTHOR: A.E. Woodward
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: September 29th, 2015
MY RATING:5 STARS
**༻ This is my first time reading something by this author **༻
God I don't know where to start but this is such a raw powerful, heartbreaking, taboo subject matter, such a unique life like inner look into an addicts background story this is as real as it gets for me, I've never read anything like this or known anyone in my life who has been addicted to heroin or any drug for that matter as far as I am aware, so to jump into this book is an eye opener for me..
REPRIEVE: Is about the devastating lasting effects addiction can have on a person and their family
PAST: A shockingly real life account of an addicts daily struggle to find the next high at any means possible, weither it be stealing, or selling her body to chase that high..
The realization that my illness has been killing me, and that it still can, is crippling. This is just the beginning of my journey, and that scares the shit out of me.
DRUG USE. It's a slippery slope. From that first hit, I was doomed. I’d foolishly thought that it was innocent. It started out fun. A hit here and there, It was a way to turn my brain off. Then it was about being emotionally void, until it was about survival. Everyday became a rat race. I didn’t just want to get my next fix; I needed it.
I've been a prisoner to my addiction.
This wasn't what my life was supposed to be like. This wasn't what I dreamed of as a little girl. It definitely wasn't what my family wanted for me.
It was easy to steal. Especially from my friends and family. Until they were gone. I had nothing left but my body. A body that had been craved by men all my life—especially by my dealer. Really, I had nothing else left to lose. Nothing.
PRESENT: Family intervention has stepped in and has put Tegan into a drug re habitation programme..
One painstaking day at a time..
The realization that my illness has been killing me, and that it still can, is crippling. This is just the beginning of my journey, and that scares the shit out of me.
As this was the first book I've ever read by this author I swear it's not going to be the last, as soon as I started this I was reeled in and couldn't put it down, such a powerful, beautifully written story that had me hooked until I devoured that last page, these two characters Asher and Tegan stole my heart, I cray cray loved this unique story..My heart broke piece by shattering piece reading Tegan's rocky road to her substance abuse and her emotional trauma..A very powerful story..
TITLE: Reprieve
AUTHOR: A.E. Woodward
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
RELEASE DATE: September 29th, 2015
MY RATING:5 STARS
**༻ This is my first time reading something by this author **༻
God I don't know where to start but this is such a raw powerful, heartbreaking, taboo subject matter, such a unique life like inner look into an addicts background story this is as real as it gets for me, I've never read anything like this or known anyone in my life who has been addicted to heroin or any drug for that matter as far as I am aware, so to jump into this book is an eye opener for me..
REPRIEVE: Is about the devastating lasting effects addiction can have on a person and their family
PAST: A shockingly real life account of an addicts daily struggle to find the next high at any means possible, weither it be stealing, or selling her body to chase that high..
The realization that my illness has been killing me, and that it still can, is crippling. This is just the beginning of my journey, and that scares the shit out of me.
DRUG USE. It's a slippery slope. From that first hit, I was doomed. I’d foolishly thought that it was innocent. It started out fun. A hit here and there, It was a way to turn my brain off. Then it was about being emotionally void, until it was about survival. Everyday became a rat race. I didn’t just want to get my next fix; I needed it.
I've been a prisoner to my addiction.
This wasn't what my life was supposed to be like. This wasn't what I dreamed of as a little girl. It definitely wasn't what my family wanted for me.
It was easy to steal. Especially from my friends and family. Until they were gone. I had nothing left but my body. A body that had been craved by men all my life—especially by my dealer. Really, I had nothing else left to lose. Nothing.
PRESENT: Family intervention has stepped in and has put Tegan into a drug re habitation programme..
One painstaking day at a time..
The realization that my illness has been killing me, and that it still can, is crippling. This is just the beginning of my journey, and that scares the shit out of me.
As this was the first book I've ever read by this author I swear it's not going to be the last, as soon as I started this I was reeled in and couldn't put it down, such a powerful, beautifully written story that had me hooked until I devoured that last page, these two characters Asher and Tegan stole my heart, I cray cray loved this unique story..My heart broke piece by shattering piece reading Tegan's rocky road to her substance abuse and her emotional trauma..A very powerful story..
September 28, 2015
+++5 amazing stars+++
Tegan & Asher will make your heart bleed.
This story is not just about addiction. This is not a story meant to judge or idolize drugs. This is a story about the hidden roots of addiction. This is a story that will make you see beyond the obvious. It's a story meant to break stereotypes. It's a story that will make you feel.
Tegan's tale is not an easy one. Her addiction is deep. Her life has not been easy. You will have to wait and actually see the reason behind her choice to do drugs. You will be quick to judge her but in the end you will love her.
Asher is her counselor and he will end up her anchor. These two characters were simply amazing and real.
The writing is delicious. The plot well developed and the scenes cleverly orchestrated. The book will keep you on your toes. It will make you cry, smile and most importantly, it will make you think.
Excellent work. This is a story I will not forget any time soon.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tegan & Asher will make your heart bleed.
This story is not just about addiction. This is not a story meant to judge or idolize drugs. This is a story about the hidden roots of addiction. This is a story that will make you see beyond the obvious. It's a story meant to break stereotypes. It's a story that will make you feel.
Tegan's tale is not an easy one. Her addiction is deep. Her life has not been easy. You will have to wait and actually see the reason behind her choice to do drugs. You will be quick to judge her but in the end you will love her.
Asher is her counselor and he will end up her anchor. These two characters were simply amazing and real.
The writing is delicious. The plot well developed and the scenes cleverly orchestrated. The book will keep you on your toes. It will make you cry, smile and most importantly, it will make you think.
Excellent work. This is a story I will not forget any time soon.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2016
⭐️ 2 Stars⭐️
* * * MAJOR SPOILERS * * *
♦️BOOK: Standalone. Full length.
♦️WRITING: alternates past & present, some inconsistencies
♦️EDITING: needs work, several errors found - missing punctuation, incorrect words
♦️POV: first person - heroine
♦️HERO: Asher Hughes, 28--Addiction counselor. Former cocaine addict. Has tattoos, brown eyes, rippling muscles, brutish good looks. Had a terrible upbringing.
♦️HEROINE: Tegan O'Connell, 23--Heroin addict. Once smart and beautiful with milky skin, fiery red hair. Now a shell of herself, she steals and trades her body in exchange for heroin. Comes from a large, religious family that forces her into rehab.
♦️PLOT: Alternating between the past and present, we work our way forward from the time Tegan enters rehab and through her recovery, while working backwards year by year through her gradual decline to rock bottom and to the root of her destructive behavior. We watch the relationship between patient and counselor blur, lines are crossed and Asher becomes Tegan's new addiction. It turns out he's just as unhealthy for her as the heroin.
♦️WHAT DID NOT WORK:
➖the romance...there wasn't any. I didn't feel the love. There was an addiction, a dependency, a distraction, lust, manipulation, but actual love?... Didn't see it, didn't feel it. They fully admit that they are bad for each other.
➖Asher is a piece of shit. Oh, I could handle the whole counselor/patient affair if they had genuine feelings for one another, but not this. Asher is an unredeemable arrogant, selfish prick. At 91% in the story, Asher comes clean and admits to a fragile Tegan (still in rehab, under his care) that their relationship began as a twisted way to manipulate her for selfish reasons.
"All I wanted to do was keep you clean. I had a reputation to uphold. I’m the best at what I do, Tegan. I knew it was wrong and that I was abusing my power in a fucked up way, but I knew that deep down in there you had spark. You just needed something to ignite it.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I’ve been through it before, losing someone to their lust for the drug. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but there was something about you that reminded me of her. I couldn’t go through it again. I wouldn’t. It would feel like I was losing her all over again.”
Silence surrounds us like a thick fog. I hold my breath and as the clock on the wall measures every second that ticks by, I edge closer and closer to death. Please don’t say it, Asher. Please don’t.
“I did what I had to do to make sure I didn’t have to endure that again. I set you on fire.”
He's an ass and Tegan deserved better.
➖The ending sucked. After reading through all of their shit, we get a half-assed, inconclusive, HFN ending?
“You and I may be bad for each other but seeing you again makes all of it not matter. All I care about is having you back.” ...oh, that sounds real promising for two recovering addicts.
Then...
"This is the beginning for Asher and me. Or, then again . . . maybe he’s just my first relapse. THE END" ... Ugh, WTF?
♦️STEAM LEVEL: 2.5/5 - a couple quick explicit sex scenes
♦️ENDING: HFN, No Epilogue, No cliffhanger
♦️WARNINGS & STUFF: underage drinking, intravenous drug use, overdose, prostitution, h has several sex scenes with OM, underage sex, detailed rape scene, child molestation
* * * MAJOR SPOILERS * * *
♦️BOOK: Standalone. Full length.
♦️WRITING: alternates past & present, some inconsistencies
♦️EDITING: needs work, several errors found - missing punctuation, incorrect words
♦️POV: first person - heroine
♦️HERO: Asher Hughes, 28--Addiction counselor. Former cocaine addict. Has tattoos, brown eyes, rippling muscles, brutish good looks. Had a terrible upbringing.
♦️HEROINE: Tegan O'Connell, 23--Heroin addict. Once smart and beautiful with milky skin, fiery red hair. Now a shell of herself, she steals and trades her body in exchange for heroin. Comes from a large, religious family that forces her into rehab.
♦️PLOT: Alternating between the past and present, we work our way forward from the time Tegan enters rehab and through her recovery, while working backwards year by year through her gradual decline to rock bottom and to the root of her destructive behavior. We watch the relationship between patient and counselor blur, lines are crossed and Asher becomes Tegan's new addiction. It turns out he's just as unhealthy for her as the heroin.
♦️WHAT DID NOT WORK:
➖the romance...there wasn't any. I didn't feel the love. There was an addiction, a dependency, a distraction, lust, manipulation, but actual love?... Didn't see it, didn't feel it. They fully admit that they are bad for each other.
➖Asher is a piece of shit. Oh, I could handle the whole counselor/patient affair if they had genuine feelings for one another, but not this. Asher is an unredeemable arrogant, selfish prick. At 91% in the story, Asher comes clean and admits to a fragile Tegan (still in rehab, under his care) that their relationship began as a twisted way to manipulate her for selfish reasons.
"All I wanted to do was keep you clean. I had a reputation to uphold. I’m the best at what I do, Tegan. I knew it was wrong and that I was abusing my power in a fucked up way, but I knew that deep down in there you had spark. You just needed something to ignite it.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I’ve been through it before, losing someone to their lust for the drug. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but there was something about you that reminded me of her. I couldn’t go through it again. I wouldn’t. It would feel like I was losing her all over again.”
Silence surrounds us like a thick fog. I hold my breath and as the clock on the wall measures every second that ticks by, I edge closer and closer to death. Please don’t say it, Asher. Please don’t.
“I did what I had to do to make sure I didn’t have to endure that again. I set you on fire.”
He's an ass and Tegan deserved better.
➖The ending sucked. After reading through all of their shit, we get a half-assed, inconclusive, HFN ending?
“You and I may be bad for each other but seeing you again makes all of it not matter. All I care about is having you back.” ...oh, that sounds real promising for two recovering addicts.
Then...
"This is the beginning for Asher and me. Or, then again . . . maybe he’s just my first relapse. THE END" ... Ugh, WTF?
♦️STEAM LEVEL: 2.5/5 - a couple quick explicit sex scenes
♦️ENDING: HFN, No Epilogue, No cliffhanger
♦️WARNINGS & STUFF: underage drinking, intravenous drug use, overdose, prostitution, h has several sex scenes with OM, underage sex, detailed rape scene, child molestation
September 26, 2015
*I received a ARC in exchange for a honest review*
All I can say about this dark and raw love story is wow! This is now the 3rd book that I have read by A. E. Woodward and she can write all spectrum of romance. She has the ability to fill a reader with sadness, create laughter, shock or leave you broken and sobbing. This was a gritty realistic view of love in the midst of addiction and the toll that it takes on a family. Tegan and Asher meet at the peak of her addiction and we get to see through Tegan's eyes the process of recovery along with the glimpses of her years of struggle through her painful past with heroine.
Tegan had a life filled with anger, hurt, and the feeling of not belonging to her family. When the book starts we get to experience Tegan's agonizing beginning of her time in rehab. After that the book alternates with a chapter from her past and then a chapter during her days of recovery. While Tegan is in rehab she does not expect to meet the most gorgeous counselor and be sexually attracted to him. Asher has been right where his patients have been which leaves him with both the compassion and patience that Tegan desperately needs. Asher is drawn to Tegan and the spark that is hidden within her and he wants to see her spark become a flame. While mentoring Tegan, both their desires burn bright..the only fear is will they both get burned.
Asher and Teagan's journey is heartbreaking yet soothing to the soul. They are truth, compassion, love with an extra side of steam that will leave you flustered and in awe of A. E. Woodwards writing. I highly recommend to lovers of darker romances that bare the ugly side of living and show the incredible ability of a human being to persevere and overcome addictions to become so much more. The characters in Reprieve evoke strong emotions and their story has such a huge impact that will be with you long after the last page.
All I can say about this dark and raw love story is wow! This is now the 3rd book that I have read by A. E. Woodward and she can write all spectrum of romance. She has the ability to fill a reader with sadness, create laughter, shock or leave you broken and sobbing. This was a gritty realistic view of love in the midst of addiction and the toll that it takes on a family. Tegan and Asher meet at the peak of her addiction and we get to see through Tegan's eyes the process of recovery along with the glimpses of her years of struggle through her painful past with heroine.
Tegan had a life filled with anger, hurt, and the feeling of not belonging to her family. When the book starts we get to experience Tegan's agonizing beginning of her time in rehab. After that the book alternates with a chapter from her past and then a chapter during her days of recovery. While Tegan is in rehab she does not expect to meet the most gorgeous counselor and be sexually attracted to him. Asher has been right where his patients have been which leaves him with both the compassion and patience that Tegan desperately needs. Asher is drawn to Tegan and the spark that is hidden within her and he wants to see her spark become a flame. While mentoring Tegan, both their desires burn bright..the only fear is will they both get burned.
Asher and Teagan's journey is heartbreaking yet soothing to the soul. They are truth, compassion, love with an extra side of steam that will leave you flustered and in awe of A. E. Woodwards writing. I highly recommend to lovers of darker romances that bare the ugly side of living and show the incredible ability of a human being to persevere and overcome addictions to become so much more. The characters in Reprieve evoke strong emotions and their story has such a huge impact that will be with you long after the last page.
September 25, 2015
Wow, this book blew me away. It was absolutely beautiful in the most unique way. I love reading original stories from untapped authors, it makes my job as a reviewer so rewarding, but enough about me. Reprieve is like nothing I have ever read before. This book gets to the nitty gritty of addiction, showing the downfall and the comeback of a broken girl and what it takes for her to overcome.
I don’t even know how to begin this review because it was a very emotionally draining book, but in the most beautiful way. The ways A.E. brings her characters to life and brings us into a world of addiction and loss like most of have never seen is amazing, and pure talent. This isn’t just a story of loss though, through her characters, A.E. also shows the beauty in overcoming addiction, and how one thing can change the course for someone else.
There are definitely some twists that I did not see coming, but these twists made the story more intense. The relationship alone between the two main characters kept me on the edge of my seat. It is really an amazing story.
This book deserves 5 stars for originality, emotion and connection between reader and characters. Bravo A.E. – I will be recommending this book for a long time to come.
Reviewed by Tonya Nichols @ Eye Candy Bookstore.
I don’t even know how to begin this review because it was a very emotionally draining book, but in the most beautiful way. The ways A.E. brings her characters to life and brings us into a world of addiction and loss like most of have never seen is amazing, and pure talent. This isn’t just a story of loss though, through her characters, A.E. also shows the beauty in overcoming addiction, and how one thing can change the course for someone else.
There are definitely some twists that I did not see coming, but these twists made the story more intense. The relationship alone between the two main characters kept me on the edge of my seat. It is really an amazing story.
This book deserves 5 stars for originality, emotion and connection between reader and characters. Bravo A.E. – I will be recommending this book for a long time to come.
Reviewed by Tonya Nichols @ Eye Candy Bookstore.
September 30, 2015
So this book is really hard for me to rate. This was gritty, raw and very real. I was pulled into this story immediately and found it very hard to put down. Tegan is an addict. She is a heroine addict, and we get to read about her trying to survive addiction. Asher is her addiction counselor, and he too is a recovering addict. I love romance, I love the build up, the fight to be together and all that comes with it. Yes, this book was a romance, but I feel that the romance was secondary to Tegans addiction and her road to recovery, and I really enjoyed it. But, I wanted more. We didn't really get any romance until about 50% and even then I don't feel like I ever really got to know Asher. Once they both put their demons on the table and began to work on the relationship, Asher drops a bombshell, and that's why this book didn't get a higher rating. It was just not needed, and it made them...less. They had so much other drama that I just didn't feel that this added anything to the journey these two were on, except mistrust of Asher. I needed more of this couple, once things were resolved the book ended. Tegan is newly recovered. I wish we could have gotten an epilogue or something to give us a look into their future. This really had a raw feel of what addiction is like, I will be reading more by this author.
October 6, 2015
Wow! That was a DAMN GOOD BOOK!!!
It's one of those books that you can never fully explain how amazing it is. You need to read and experience it for yourself. It's raw, it's real, and it's wonderful. If you don't mind a bit of grit, definitely pick this one up. You'll be soooo glad you did.
It's one of those books that you can never fully explain how amazing it is. You need to read and experience it for yourself. It's raw, it's real, and it's wonderful. If you don't mind a bit of grit, definitely pick this one up. You'll be soooo glad you did.
September 27, 2015
***Complimentary copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.***
Reprieve is not your typical romance/love story, it deals with some darker issues in life, one in particular drug addition. It's an eye opener what an addict and family go through, each suffering some form of pain and heartache. Definitely a story worth reading.
Told in the heroine's POV the story goes from past to her present time during her recovery period, you need to hear from her why she chose heroin as her drug. It's not pretty people what she endured during her childhood and her teenager years, my heart broke for her many times.
Tegan has been placed in a drug rehabilitation program against her will her parents are the ones who admitted her. Tegan's life is spiraling out of control, she's flunked out of college, thrown out of her parents home, done some pretty nasty shit all in the name of heroine, why you ask because Tegan loves heroin more than she does herself. She prefers stumbling through life numb to it all.
Detoxing is not easy for Tegan everyday is an up hill battle her withdrawals are a bitch, the pain she experiences is something she never thought she would go through. She'd rather die then go through this agonizing torture. Her one saving grace through all of her dark and gloomy days is none other than Asher Hughes her counselor.
Asher Hughes LADC, has made something out of his life and himself, he didn't grow up in a loving environment, his childhood was pretty awful which lead him to make some poor decisions. Until something bad happened that he had no control over, at that moment in time he decided he needed to straighten out his life or he might end up dead himself.
As time progress for Tegan her dependency on heroine decreases, she now depends on Asher the two have formed a special bond, she begins to trust Asher more and more. He's been there every step of her recovery, each meeting Tegan opens up more and more about herself, leaving Asher to do the same. The two become closer it's a risk for not only in Tegan's recovery but for Asher as her counselor it's grounds for termination. The two have become each others addiction.
Can Tegan fight her addiction or will she fall back down the black hole?
Will Tegan and Asher continue to form a stronger bond, or will it be destroyed?
"When you stop worrying about finding things to make life worth living, they find you instead."
Reprieve is not your typical romance/love story, it deals with some darker issues in life, one in particular drug addition. It's an eye opener what an addict and family go through, each suffering some form of pain and heartache. Definitely a story worth reading.
Told in the heroine's POV the story goes from past to her present time during her recovery period, you need to hear from her why she chose heroin as her drug. It's not pretty people what she endured during her childhood and her teenager years, my heart broke for her many times.
Tegan has been placed in a drug rehabilitation program against her will her parents are the ones who admitted her. Tegan's life is spiraling out of control, she's flunked out of college, thrown out of her parents home, done some pretty nasty shit all in the name of heroine, why you ask because Tegan loves heroin more than she does herself. She prefers stumbling through life numb to it all.
Detoxing is not easy for Tegan everyday is an up hill battle her withdrawals are a bitch, the pain she experiences is something she never thought she would go through. She'd rather die then go through this agonizing torture. Her one saving grace through all of her dark and gloomy days is none other than Asher Hughes her counselor.
Asher Hughes LADC, has made something out of his life and himself, he didn't grow up in a loving environment, his childhood was pretty awful which lead him to make some poor decisions. Until something bad happened that he had no control over, at that moment in time he decided he needed to straighten out his life or he might end up dead himself.
As time progress for Tegan her dependency on heroine decreases, she now depends on Asher the two have formed a special bond, she begins to trust Asher more and more. He's been there every step of her recovery, each meeting Tegan opens up more and more about herself, leaving Asher to do the same. The two become closer it's a risk for not only in Tegan's recovery but for Asher as her counselor it's grounds for termination. The two have become each others addiction.
Can Tegan fight her addiction or will she fall back down the black hole?
Will Tegan and Asher continue to form a stronger bond, or will it be destroyed?
"When you stop worrying about finding things to make life worth living, they find you instead."
September 30, 2015
* A review copy was provided by the author for the Blog Tour *
~ 4 Eye Opening Stars ~
To say I enjoyed this book kind of seems wrong to me because with a storyline like this, enjoyable just doesn't seem like a word that should be used. I guess it is better to say that this book was an eye opener for me. It took me into a world I don't know much about and really made me see what a life addicted to drugs is like.
This story dives right into the life of a person who is addicted to drugs and what they go through day to day just to survive. Reprieve is told in alternating chapters between the past and present. It is the journey of an addict trying to become sober. I thought this book was very real and raw. You really feel what it is like to be someone with an addiction and what that person has to do to overcome said addiction. This book is completely told from Tegan's POV. What I thought was really good about this book was that the story felt real. What I mean by that is the characters were well developed and the storyline felt well thought out. You can tell the author did her research on this book.
This book was also a forbidden love story. We get a patient/doctor romance in the mix. I thought the forbidden love story aspect was written very well. It wasn't creepy and I thought Asher handled things to the best of his ability. It's really hard to explain my feelings about this without giving the story away. Just know that the relationship between Tegan and Asher was well developed and in the end you will see that they are meant for each other.
Every addiction has a backstory behind it. Meaning there is usually a reason someone turns to a drug or alcohol of choice. Once Tegan's bask story came out, my heart broke for her. No child should have to go through what she went through and to find out the reason the abuse begins was devastating!!! Asher also had a pretty heartbreaking backstory, but I guess this is why these two characters worked well for each other.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a book with a lot of emotions built into the story and also enjoys a forbidden romance.
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~ 4 Eye Opening Stars ~
To say I enjoyed this book kind of seems wrong to me because with a storyline like this, enjoyable just doesn't seem like a word that should be used. I guess it is better to say that this book was an eye opener for me. It took me into a world I don't know much about and really made me see what a life addicted to drugs is like.
This story dives right into the life of a person who is addicted to drugs and what they go through day to day just to survive. Reprieve is told in alternating chapters between the past and present. It is the journey of an addict trying to become sober. I thought this book was very real and raw. You really feel what it is like to be someone with an addiction and what that person has to do to overcome said addiction. This book is completely told from Tegan's POV. What I thought was really good about this book was that the story felt real. What I mean by that is the characters were well developed and the storyline felt well thought out. You can tell the author did her research on this book.
This book was also a forbidden love story. We get a patient/doctor romance in the mix. I thought the forbidden love story aspect was written very well. It wasn't creepy and I thought Asher handled things to the best of his ability. It's really hard to explain my feelings about this without giving the story away. Just know that the relationship between Tegan and Asher was well developed and in the end you will see that they are meant for each other.
Every addiction has a backstory behind it. Meaning there is usually a reason someone turns to a drug or alcohol of choice. Once Tegan's bask story came out, my heart broke for her. No child should have to go through what she went through and to find out the reason the abuse begins was devastating!!! Asher also had a pretty heartbreaking backstory, but I guess this is why these two characters worked well for each other.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a book with a lot of emotions built into the story and also enjoys a forbidden romance.
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September 30, 2015
LEEANN'S REVIEW
4 STARS
Teagan has reached a point in her life where she is right out of F***s to give. She has hit rock bottom. The only place to go from here is death.
And she would welcome that in a heartbeat.
Asher is a recovering addict & he has just found his new addiction.. Teagan.
This story is both full of heartbreak & hope all at the same time. The despair Teagan’s family experiences is awful. You don’t even want to imagine
what life is like for them.
The journey the author takes you on in this book is painful & just plain hard, but she writes it well & realistically. I would think a lot of research has
gone into this book because it is in a fictional kind of way quite accurate. This is a very real struggle that many people around the world suffer through
and it shows that things are not always black and white. They don’t just wake up one day and decide to become drug addicts. There is a trigger, a life event
that sends them on this course of self-destruction.
Tegan’s reason is devastating, not just to her, but also to her family.
There is only one way to come back & that is to want to. She understands when she goes to rehab that she needs to do this for her & no one else.
The content of this book Is heavy & the writing is at times graphic but its contains huge shock value & gives an insight to the real life issue that goes
on right under our noses & it also makes you realise this could quite easily be your child.
Definitely worth the read!!
4 STARS
Teagan has reached a point in her life where she is right out of F***s to give. She has hit rock bottom. The only place to go from here is death.
And she would welcome that in a heartbeat.
Asher is a recovering addict & he has just found his new addiction.. Teagan.
This story is both full of heartbreak & hope all at the same time. The despair Teagan’s family experiences is awful. You don’t even want to imagine
what life is like for them.
The journey the author takes you on in this book is painful & just plain hard, but she writes it well & realistically. I would think a lot of research has
gone into this book because it is in a fictional kind of way quite accurate. This is a very real struggle that many people around the world suffer through
and it shows that things are not always black and white. They don’t just wake up one day and decide to become drug addicts. There is a trigger, a life event
that sends them on this course of self-destruction.
Tegan’s reason is devastating, not just to her, but also to her family.
There is only one way to come back & that is to want to. She understands when she goes to rehab that she needs to do this for her & no one else.
The content of this book Is heavy & the writing is at times graphic but its contains huge shock value & gives an insight to the real life issue that goes
on right under our noses & it also makes you realise this could quite easily be your child.
Definitely worth the read!!
September 27, 2015
Wow! Beautifully written, heartbreakingly beautiful!
No matter how hard I try, I don't think my review will do this book justice. It was absolutely good, A.E. Woodward went down a completely different road from her other books with this and I was no disappointed.
Straight away the story and the characters pull you in and leave you wanting more.
This is a love and dark story, no rainbows and sunshine. No, this a heartbreaking story with lots emotions and addictions. A story about two damaged people who feel that their damage is irreparable, until they cross paths and eventually discover that it's possible to heal and to find love. It was written beautifully and it was a unique story.
They are both have a scarred past, although in very different ways. Asher sets out to help heal Tegan and thinking he will do he's work and leave. Tegan is willing to let him help her get over her issues knowing that Asher will likely break her heart in the process.
The plot of this book was actually quite dark at a lot of points and it was about the two main characters coming to terms with what they had been through and learning how to open up and not keep everything inside!
This is definitely a must read!
Well done!
No matter how hard I try, I don't think my review will do this book justice. It was absolutely good, A.E. Woodward went down a completely different road from her other books with this and I was no disappointed.
Straight away the story and the characters pull you in and leave you wanting more.
This is a love and dark story, no rainbows and sunshine. No, this a heartbreaking story with lots emotions and addictions. A story about two damaged people who feel that their damage is irreparable, until they cross paths and eventually discover that it's possible to heal and to find love. It was written beautifully and it was a unique story.
They are both have a scarred past, although in very different ways. Asher sets out to help heal Tegan and thinking he will do he's work and leave. Tegan is willing to let him help her get over her issues knowing that Asher will likely break her heart in the process.
The plot of this book was actually quite dark at a lot of points and it was about the two main characters coming to terms with what they had been through and learning how to open up and not keep everything inside!
This is definitely a must read!
Well done!
September 30, 2015
I know that no matter what I say in this review I'm not gonna be able to give this book the justice it deserves. This is an amazing raw and gritty read.
I'm not going to go into the storyline as I feel that the synopsis gives enough to whet your appetite.
This story is raw yet beautiful. It's certainly not a book I'd recommend to everyone. It's got taboo subjects and a forbidden romance- this isn't to everyone's taste.
However if your looking for a gritty read that's on the dark side then this is the book for you. The twists and turns had my emotions all over the place.
I read an extreme amount of books. This book is one of the rare books that will be staying on my kindle for a re read. I absolutely loved it.
I'm not going to go into the storyline as I feel that the synopsis gives enough to whet your appetite.
This story is raw yet beautiful. It's certainly not a book I'd recommend to everyone. It's got taboo subjects and a forbidden romance- this isn't to everyone's taste.
However if your looking for a gritty read that's on the dark side then this is the book for you. The twists and turns had my emotions all over the place.
I read an extreme amount of books. This book is one of the rare books that will be staying on my kindle for a re read. I absolutely loved it.
October 3, 2015
This was kind of a hard book for me to read because I know someone that went through this but that is also what made me have to read it. This is a topic that is not talked to much about in books and I'm glad that I was able to read a book that was wonderfully written about this subject. I loved the story line and the way that the characters just meshed together. This was a book that held my attention until the very end and there was never a moment that i wanted to put it down in fear of I was going to miss something. Asher was a great addiction to this story and the fact that he could really relate to Tegan was a plus. This is a book that everyone should read.
January 10, 2016
Tough read
Oh, this was was really difficult for me to finish. I kept looking for something positive and my emotions to be lifted but uggh, I kept getting more and more depressed reading. This story was awful, not the writing, but the tragic, awful things that this girl/woman went through. Even the ending was tragic. I don't want to add spoilers but damn....that relationship just wasn't ethical, healthy or survivable.
Also have to add, Ashton, her counselor all but admitted to starting a relationship with her to dupe her into not doing drugs..... so add one more guy taking advantage of her. Ew, just horrible, depressing and tragic.
Oh, this was was really difficult for me to finish. I kept looking for something positive and my emotions to be lifted but uggh, I kept getting more and more depressed reading. This story was awful, not the writing, but the tragic, awful things that this girl/woman went through. Even the ending was tragic. I don't want to add spoilers but damn....that relationship just wasn't ethical, healthy or survivable.
Also have to add, Ashton, her counselor all but admitted to starting a relationship with her to dupe her into not doing drugs..... so add one more guy taking advantage of her. Ew, just horrible, depressing and tragic.
December 16, 2015
This book alone can stand for itself on merit of the heart.
The heat between the characters was hot, the trials and tribulations many but at the same time the kindness of their thinking brought out the best and the worst of each. Finding ones center with these characters left me breathless at times and wringing the proverbial towel at others.
Happy Reading
The heat between the characters was hot, the trials and tribulations many but at the same time the kindness of their thinking brought out the best and the worst of each. Finding ones center with these characters left me breathless at times and wringing the proverbial towel at others.
Happy Reading
October 3, 2015
4 Star Review by Jen Skewes
After reading Kismet by AE Woodward a year or so ago I quickly became a huge fan of hers. You never know what you are going to get. How is Ms. Woodward going to surprise you this time around? But that is what I love about her books. When I found out that she was going to be writing a book about drug addiction I could not have been more excited. Some people love the angsty books that had tons of drama, some being unnecessary. While I do enjoy the angst I really love the books that deal with real issues. The books that make you feel and go through the heartache and pain with the characters but at the same time feels real and true to life. Reprieve is exactly that book. It deals with the real life struggles of heroin addiction.
Tatum is at the point in her life where nothing matters other than the high. She has completely hit rock bottom and if the next thing that came was death, she would be ok with that. But her family is not ok with watching her kill herself. After her family intervenes she decides to go to rehab and get help.
Asher is her counselor and a recovering addict himself. He understands better than anyone what she is going through. He too has had it rough and wants to do everything that he can to help Tatum through it all. But when Tatum signed up for rehab she didn’t expect to feel something every time she saw Asher. She didn’t expect him to be her new addiction. But he is her counselor and crossing that line would be wrong. But she needs him and in some way he needs her as well. Will taking their relationship to the next level only cause them both hurt in the end? And how will this affect her recovery process?
Repreive is a heartbreaking and emotional story that deals with addiction. This is not just about the recovery process either. Ms. Woodward takes us back to the past, alternating between the present and the past. And this is the part that I loved. We see Tatum’s later teen years first. The moments where she really starts to hit rock bottom. We see what lengths she would go for that next hit. We see just how much she needs it to survive, how much she depends on it and how she has no regard for herself at all. And slowly we go back in time to the beginning and see where it all started. We see the how and why. I loved that every time we went back to the past I kept wondering what caused her to get to this point. What happened in her life that caused her to turn to drugs. And in time we do see that and when you do your heart will just break for her. Over the course of this book I felt Tatum’s pain, I understood her fears and felt her heartbreak. I was rooting for her to get through it. To be able to see that there is life on the other side. That it would take a lot of time and opening up to be able to move past this. I truly loved her character and was taken on one emotional journey with her.
I really enjoyed this book and as mentioned earlier I loved Tatum. Ms. Woodward did a fantastic job with the writing and bringing out the emotions. I loved how she wrote her past, it was like this build up to the beginning. Each time you got another piece to the puzzle until it was all revealed. And finally you see what started it all. I think my only issue with this book and the reason for the 4 star rating is that I had a really hard time with Asher. I felt no connection to him at all. I was honestly not a fan of his actions. I have no issue with a taboo relationship between a counselor and their patient but there was something about him and the way he went about things that just did not sit well with me. At some point you see his side and understand his actions but I am not sure if at that point it mattered to me. I honestly felt so bad for Tatum at times because of Asher. Because of the dependency she felt when it came to him. I wanted to see her become her own person without the help of him.
Overall I really did love this book, regardless of my issues with Asher. I loved Tatum and in the end I admired her strength. I loved watching her grow and find the strength to confront her past and be able to move on. Definitely a book I would recommend.
After reading Kismet by AE Woodward a year or so ago I quickly became a huge fan of hers. You never know what you are going to get. How is Ms. Woodward going to surprise you this time around? But that is what I love about her books. When I found out that she was going to be writing a book about drug addiction I could not have been more excited. Some people love the angsty books that had tons of drama, some being unnecessary. While I do enjoy the angst I really love the books that deal with real issues. The books that make you feel and go through the heartache and pain with the characters but at the same time feels real and true to life. Reprieve is exactly that book. It deals with the real life struggles of heroin addiction.
Tatum is at the point in her life where nothing matters other than the high. She has completely hit rock bottom and if the next thing that came was death, she would be ok with that. But her family is not ok with watching her kill herself. After her family intervenes she decides to go to rehab and get help.
Asher is her counselor and a recovering addict himself. He understands better than anyone what she is going through. He too has had it rough and wants to do everything that he can to help Tatum through it all. But when Tatum signed up for rehab she didn’t expect to feel something every time she saw Asher. She didn’t expect him to be her new addiction. But he is her counselor and crossing that line would be wrong. But she needs him and in some way he needs her as well. Will taking their relationship to the next level only cause them both hurt in the end? And how will this affect her recovery process?
Repreive is a heartbreaking and emotional story that deals with addiction. This is not just about the recovery process either. Ms. Woodward takes us back to the past, alternating between the present and the past. And this is the part that I loved. We see Tatum’s later teen years first. The moments where she really starts to hit rock bottom. We see what lengths she would go for that next hit. We see just how much she needs it to survive, how much she depends on it and how she has no regard for herself at all. And slowly we go back in time to the beginning and see where it all started. We see the how and why. I loved that every time we went back to the past I kept wondering what caused her to get to this point. What happened in her life that caused her to turn to drugs. And in time we do see that and when you do your heart will just break for her. Over the course of this book I felt Tatum’s pain, I understood her fears and felt her heartbreak. I was rooting for her to get through it. To be able to see that there is life on the other side. That it would take a lot of time and opening up to be able to move past this. I truly loved her character and was taken on one emotional journey with her.
I really enjoyed this book and as mentioned earlier I loved Tatum. Ms. Woodward did a fantastic job with the writing and bringing out the emotions. I loved how she wrote her past, it was like this build up to the beginning. Each time you got another piece to the puzzle until it was all revealed. And finally you see what started it all. I think my only issue with this book and the reason for the 4 star rating is that I had a really hard time with Asher. I felt no connection to him at all. I was honestly not a fan of his actions. I have no issue with a taboo relationship between a counselor and their patient but there was something about him and the way he went about things that just did not sit well with me. At some point you see his side and understand his actions but I am not sure if at that point it mattered to me. I honestly felt so bad for Tatum at times because of Asher. Because of the dependency she felt when it came to him. I wanted to see her become her own person without the help of him.
Overall I really did love this book, regardless of my issues with Asher. I loved Tatum and in the end I admired her strength. I loved watching her grow and find the strength to confront her past and be able to move on. Definitely a book I would recommend.
October 2, 2015
“Well, because...I love heroine more than I love myself.”
GAH what a line! Reprieve is powerful, raw, and broke my heart into tiny little pieces. The characters were flawlessly developed, the writing style perfect, and the storyline intense, moving, and had me wiping tears like it was my job near the end. And hats off to the author for her writing style choice for this book! I'm don't generally get too excited about chapters that alternate past and present, but it worked! The sort of ebb and flow feeling it created was perfect! And that title – Reprieve. The definition of that word alone made me curious about what lingered between the covers of the book. Then I read the blurb and had to read it!! Knowing all that... didn't prepare me for how gut-wrenching a read this book really was. It was just hard for me reading all the horrific things and traumatic decisions that led to Tegan and Asher meeting.
“Nothing good will come if we keep continuing down this road. The arguments. The sex. The unhealthy dependence. The wants. The sex. All of it passionate, but none of it right.”
Tegan is a fantastic character with her fiery attitude matching the color of her hair! As far as Asher goes, well, I'm not sure I can really explain Asher's character without giving too much away. Their journey had many colors; painful, beautiful, true, compassionate, and addicting – for both Asher and Tegan. I was quick in judging her, but as her her box from the past opens I changed my mind.
“This is my only shot. It's been so long that I'm not even sure what living is anymore. And as badly as that scares me, it also motivates me to choke down to my ego.”
She paints a hugely unfortunate past that, in turn, make for an unwanted present. With her family intervening, she is sent to an inpatient rehab for drug addiction. But reading her past had me feeling there was so much more to her than the addiction. A deep rooted problem that has her fighting demons with the numbness that the drugs can bring her. Until she meets Asher. As the line between counselor/friend/lover blurs, he pushes her away. I felt as if he was treading lightly not only for her but for himself as well. Bit by heartbreaking bit his back-story is told and bit by heartbreaking bit I felt more pieces of my heart breaking for him. I was a champion for Tegan, for Asher, and for them together.
“He's been my strength. My courage. My reprieve. And no matter what, I will always thank him for that.”
I was a bit discouraged at the end. Felt it was more of a HFN than 'complete' standalone. But I like a nice neat bow all tied up at the HEA's. For any new relationship, each day can be a challenge/struggle.. For an addict, I imagine that a relationship could be trying, at best. Overall, I loved this book. I felt their journey was real and heart-breaking. It's one I won't forget!!
September 29, 2015
***4.5 Stars***
*** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***
Tegan and Asher's story was not was I was expecting. It had a storyline that I have not read before and one that pulled at my heartstrings. It's a raw and gritty account of addiction and its effect on a person and those closest to them.
“My family was almost perfect. The only flaw was me. I didn’t belong. They shouldn’t have to deal with me. They deserved better.”
I was completely sucked in from the first page. The story flips between the past and the present, and I thought it was such a great way to do it and gave the story such an impact. The past gave us a painful and realistic account of Tegan life spiraling out of control, her struggles, her demons, her fears, and the choice she makes to get her next fix. As I read each chapter of her past, my heart was sinking for Tegan.
“In the mirror, I made eye contact with the broken woman staring back. The little girl within me pleaded with her, but her pleads fell on deaf ears”
The present we get to see Tegan’s struggle and challenges during her time in rehab, and her relationship with the counselor Asher. Asher is the person she trusts; the person gives her hope and who believes in her, makes her see and feel new things. Asher has a dark past; he too is a recovering addict, as their friendship deepens, as does their addiction for each other. They are drawn to each other and their connection is palpable.
“For the first time in my life, someone is really seeing me. They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul”
“I’m the fire, he’s the spark”
Reprieve was a not an easy read parts were heavy and depressing at times, but that was to be expected due to the subject matter. The issues are real and are the reality of what real people are sadly going through. There is a lot of understanding, and compassion in this book. Nothing was sugar coated, and as I read the book, I hoped that Tegan could start to heal, and overcome her demons and find her way again.
“You need to beat this addiction because you have so much to show the world…and me”
A.E Woodward takes you on an emotional roller coaster you can’t escape from the writing was flawless and once you pick this book up you won’t want to put down until you've finished. I liked the ending, but I can’t help wonder if there will be more. Is Tegan and Asher's story over Mmmm I guess only A.E Woodward knows the answer to that ;)
*** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ***
Tegan and Asher's story was not was I was expecting. It had a storyline that I have not read before and one that pulled at my heartstrings. It's a raw and gritty account of addiction and its effect on a person and those closest to them.
“My family was almost perfect. The only flaw was me. I didn’t belong. They shouldn’t have to deal with me. They deserved better.”
I was completely sucked in from the first page. The story flips between the past and the present, and I thought it was such a great way to do it and gave the story such an impact. The past gave us a painful and realistic account of Tegan life spiraling out of control, her struggles, her demons, her fears, and the choice she makes to get her next fix. As I read each chapter of her past, my heart was sinking for Tegan.
“In the mirror, I made eye contact with the broken woman staring back. The little girl within me pleaded with her, but her pleads fell on deaf ears”
The present we get to see Tegan’s struggle and challenges during her time in rehab, and her relationship with the counselor Asher. Asher is the person she trusts; the person gives her hope and who believes in her, makes her see and feel new things. Asher has a dark past; he too is a recovering addict, as their friendship deepens, as does their addiction for each other. They are drawn to each other and their connection is palpable.
“For the first time in my life, someone is really seeing me. They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul”
“I’m the fire, he’s the spark”
Reprieve was a not an easy read parts were heavy and depressing at times, but that was to be expected due to the subject matter. The issues are real and are the reality of what real people are sadly going through. There is a lot of understanding, and compassion in this book. Nothing was sugar coated, and as I read the book, I hoped that Tegan could start to heal, and overcome her demons and find her way again.
“You need to beat this addiction because you have so much to show the world…and me”
A.E Woodward takes you on an emotional roller coaster you can’t escape from the writing was flawless and once you pick this book up you won’t want to put down until you've finished. I liked the ending, but I can’t help wonder if there will be more. Is Tegan and Asher's story over Mmmm I guess only A.E Woodward knows the answer to that ;)
October 2, 2015
A powerful story about addiction and finding your way from underneath its powers.
To look at Tegan, you would think she led an easy life. But underneath all that pretense she lived a reality that ultimately led her to succumb to the numbing effects heroine provided. It isn't until her family drags her into rehab where she meets Asher that she allows herself a chance to recover.
Asher is a former addict and a counselor at the rehab center Tegan's attending. From the moment they first met, he felt a connection to her. But getting involved with Tegan while being her counselor is not only unethical but also counter productive.
The concept behind this story was what initially caught my eye, but it was the way the author went about telling Tegan's story that kept me captivated. This was my first book by A.E. Woodward and I am glad I decided to give it a shot. The author did a wonderful job of drawing me into the story until I was invested in it.
One of the elements I came to appreciate the most was the raw way she went about telling the story. It was as heartbreaking as it was powerful. From the very beginning, we got a glimpse of how much Tegan had come to crave and rely on heroine to escape her past. As the story progressed and as she healed we got to see bits and pieces of what that past and how it affected her in her life.
But right along side that we also get to see Tegan and Asher getting closer until it seemed like one addiction replaced another. Of course, this all brought another layer of emotions to the page making me feel even more invested--not only on Tegan's recovery but on her relationship with Asher too.
Because of all of these things happening at once I feel like Tegan and Asher's romance got lost along the way. Now don't get me wrong, I appreciated having the story focus on Tegan, her past and her recovery, but her relationship with Asher played a major role in all of it so I wanted to witness it every step of the way. Unfortunately, I felt like there was more telling than showing in that regards, which ultimately made me feel like their connection wasn't fully developed on the page.
Having said that, I do still think that this was a fantastic story that should not be missed.
*I received a copy of this title in exchange of my honest opinion.
To look at Tegan, you would think she led an easy life. But underneath all that pretense she lived a reality that ultimately led her to succumb to the numbing effects heroine provided. It isn't until her family drags her into rehab where she meets Asher that she allows herself a chance to recover.
Asher is a former addict and a counselor at the rehab center Tegan's attending. From the moment they first met, he felt a connection to her. But getting involved with Tegan while being her counselor is not only unethical but also counter productive.
The concept behind this story was what initially caught my eye, but it was the way the author went about telling Tegan's story that kept me captivated. This was my first book by A.E. Woodward and I am glad I decided to give it a shot. The author did a wonderful job of drawing me into the story until I was invested in it.
One of the elements I came to appreciate the most was the raw way she went about telling the story. It was as heartbreaking as it was powerful. From the very beginning, we got a glimpse of how much Tegan had come to crave and rely on heroine to escape her past. As the story progressed and as she healed we got to see bits and pieces of what that past and how it affected her in her life.
But right along side that we also get to see Tegan and Asher getting closer until it seemed like one addiction replaced another. Of course, this all brought another layer of emotions to the page making me feel even more invested--not only on Tegan's recovery but on her relationship with Asher too.
Because of all of these things happening at once I feel like Tegan and Asher's romance got lost along the way. Now don't get me wrong, I appreciated having the story focus on Tegan, her past and her recovery, but her relationship with Asher played a major role in all of it so I wanted to witness it every step of the way. Unfortunately, I felt like there was more telling than showing in that regards, which ultimately made me feel like their connection wasn't fully developed on the page.
Having said that, I do still think that this was a fantastic story that should not be missed.
*I received a copy of this title in exchange of my honest opinion.
October 2, 2015
“This wasn’t what my life was supposed to be like. This wasn’t what I dreamed of as a little girl.”
This was a hard book for me. Not because it was beautifully written or incredibly touching but the topic of addiction, esp addiction to hard drugs, touches close to one with several people I love dearly. Reprieve does not sugar coat it or make it shiny and easy just because it is a romance. Instead she takes this story to a gritty and dark place that while done in a way that makes you want to keep turning the pages it might still be hard for many to handle.
“Heroin was my entrance to Hell. Hell was here on earth.”
Teagan is addicted to heroin and this is one instant where we are definitely shown and not just told about the drastic pain and destruction that the drug has had on her short life. The book is told in alternating chapters of past to present going backwards to see her destruction and what a destruction it was. My heart broke for Teagan and for all those around her. Her choices in life were awful and sad and her own. She knows she is the cause of her demise but cannot stop. After hitting rock bottom she is forced into treatment.
“I surrender completely, my lips opening for him – no urging him to continue. He intoxicates me.”
Asher is a former addict and current addiction counselor at the treatment facility where Teagan is enrolled. Innocent enough at the start he is nothing but professional but soon enough lines are blurred and their professional relationship develops into a friendship and eventually more. Nothing about them is healthy or smart but there is something the two of them just cannot deny.
“It’s then that I realize he has become my new drug of choice. Asher Hughes is my new heroin.”
There is something about an underdog rising again that gets my heart pumping every time. And while this was a deeply emotional and difficult read for me I would not have changed reading it for everything. I am constantly surprised by the array of talents that A.E. Woodward possesses. Her stories are always unique and different takes on story lines we all know.
4.5 Smooches
~miranda
This was a hard book for me. Not because it was beautifully written or incredibly touching but the topic of addiction, esp addiction to hard drugs, touches close to one with several people I love dearly. Reprieve does not sugar coat it or make it shiny and easy just because it is a romance. Instead she takes this story to a gritty and dark place that while done in a way that makes you want to keep turning the pages it might still be hard for many to handle.
“Heroin was my entrance to Hell. Hell was here on earth.”
Teagan is addicted to heroin and this is one instant where we are definitely shown and not just told about the drastic pain and destruction that the drug has had on her short life. The book is told in alternating chapters of past to present going backwards to see her destruction and what a destruction it was. My heart broke for Teagan and for all those around her. Her choices in life were awful and sad and her own. She knows she is the cause of her demise but cannot stop. After hitting rock bottom she is forced into treatment.
“I surrender completely, my lips opening for him – no urging him to continue. He intoxicates me.”
Asher is a former addict and current addiction counselor at the treatment facility where Teagan is enrolled. Innocent enough at the start he is nothing but professional but soon enough lines are blurred and their professional relationship develops into a friendship and eventually more. Nothing about them is healthy or smart but there is something the two of them just cannot deny.
“It’s then that I realize he has become my new drug of choice. Asher Hughes is my new heroin.”
There is something about an underdog rising again that gets my heart pumping every time. And while this was a deeply emotional and difficult read for me I would not have changed reading it for everything. I am constantly surprised by the array of talents that A.E. Woodward possesses. Her stories are always unique and different takes on story lines we all know.
4.5 Smooches
~miranda
October 3, 2015
Where do I begin. Reprieve shows us what addiction is from the person's POV. How it controls their life, how every breathe they take, revolves around their next fix. This book will move you. It may even open your eyes a little to see the other side of it. It's not always black and white.
When I first started this book, I was a little hesitant. I didn't connect with the characters at first BUT as the story progressed, I felt what both, Tegan and Asher were struggling with. The story is VERY detailed and you feel like you are there in the story.
REPRIEVE is a story of how Tegan struggles as her world around her begins to crumble. Everything has a ripple effect. We learn what was the key situation to caused her to fall into a downward spiral. We get Tegan's back story which made my heart brake.
With the efforts of Tegan's family, she is forced to check into rehab. Once checked in, she is forced to face the demons of her past. Her counselor, Asher helps her battle her demons and holds her hand along the way. No matter how hard she pushed, Asher pushed back. No matter how mean or nasty Tegan could get, Asher was there for her. Throughout their sessions, somehow a bond formed. It was more than patient - counselor relationship. They both viewed each other as friends. But what happens when you begin to battle one addiction, and you develop a new one. Your new addiction becomes someone, not something.
Tegan needed to learn how to trust people again, she needed to learn how to love herself again. Tegan needed to face her past. She was stronger than she thought she was.
Reprieve was told in Tegan's POV, so you get the good, the bad and the ugly. You will cringe when you read some parts when you see how bad things got for Tegan. I think this book enlightened me on how people struggle with addiction. You can't just write the person off. There may be a reason why they turn to drugs. It may be a reason that no one knows. But I believe that everyone deserves a second chance at life. Tegan definitely deserved one.
I would give Reprieve a 4 star rating. An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
When I first started this book, I was a little hesitant. I didn't connect with the characters at first BUT as the story progressed, I felt what both, Tegan and Asher were struggling with. The story is VERY detailed and you feel like you are there in the story.
REPRIEVE is a story of how Tegan struggles as her world around her begins to crumble. Everything has a ripple effect. We learn what was the key situation to caused her to fall into a downward spiral. We get Tegan's back story which made my heart brake.
With the efforts of Tegan's family, she is forced to check into rehab. Once checked in, she is forced to face the demons of her past. Her counselor, Asher helps her battle her demons and holds her hand along the way. No matter how hard she pushed, Asher pushed back. No matter how mean or nasty Tegan could get, Asher was there for her. Throughout their sessions, somehow a bond formed. It was more than patient - counselor relationship. They both viewed each other as friends. But what happens when you begin to battle one addiction, and you develop a new one. Your new addiction becomes someone, not something.
Tegan needed to learn how to trust people again, she needed to learn how to love herself again. Tegan needed to face her past. She was stronger than she thought she was.
Reprieve was told in Tegan's POV, so you get the good, the bad and the ugly. You will cringe when you read some parts when you see how bad things got for Tegan. I think this book enlightened me on how people struggle with addiction. You can't just write the person off. There may be a reason why they turn to drugs. It may be a reason that no one knows. But I believe that everyone deserves a second chance at life. Tegan definitely deserved one.
I would give Reprieve a 4 star rating. An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2015
This is the second book I have read by A.E. Woodward. After reading her and Erika Ashby's book, Caught, I couldn't wait until either of those authors would produce a new book!
Reprieve is a powerful book, bringing us a heartbreaking sprial into the world of drug addiction. I was hooked from reading the synopsis and knew I was going to enjoy this story! Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down until the very end! This forbidden unconventional love story is such a roller coaster! You feel Tegan's pain and her struggle. I was heartbroken for her and I literally cried as I read this story.
Reprieve is not all rainbows and unicorns; it's very much the opposite in so many ways. This book portrays the life of a drug addicted, Tegan, and her time recovering from an addiction. Tegan has a hard life and she has made some choices that are probably not the best. Tegan's family knew she finally needed to get help and they helped her enroll into a drug rehabilitation program. When Tegan arrives at the drug rehabilitation center she wasn't looking for love, she was looking for help.
When Tegan meets Asher she becomes instantly attracted to him. Asher has been through similar issues as each of his patients and all he wants to do is help Tegan. Asher becomes drawn to Tegan and their desire for each other becomes unprofessional as the counselor falls for one of his patients. As the relationship between Asher and Tegan starts to develop; they have love and compassion for each other. Asher has to put on his “counselor hat” and do what is best for Tegan, because he notices both are experiencing unhealthy addictions to each other.
I was so angry at Asher! Like, I’m seriously so upset with him that he had to put his wants and needs in front of his patient! In the end, it comes full circle but still!
This is a FIVE LEAVES review because of so many reasons. The major reason is this book gave me so many emotions that I enjoy and long for in reading!
A gifted copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review by Jodie Rae.
Reprieve is a powerful book, bringing us a heartbreaking sprial into the world of drug addiction. I was hooked from reading the synopsis and knew I was going to enjoy this story! Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down until the very end! This forbidden unconventional love story is such a roller coaster! You feel Tegan's pain and her struggle. I was heartbroken for her and I literally cried as I read this story.
Reprieve is not all rainbows and unicorns; it's very much the opposite in so many ways. This book portrays the life of a drug addicted, Tegan, and her time recovering from an addiction. Tegan has a hard life and she has made some choices that are probably not the best. Tegan's family knew she finally needed to get help and they helped her enroll into a drug rehabilitation program. When Tegan arrives at the drug rehabilitation center she wasn't looking for love, she was looking for help.
When Tegan meets Asher she becomes instantly attracted to him. Asher has been through similar issues as each of his patients and all he wants to do is help Tegan. Asher becomes drawn to Tegan and their desire for each other becomes unprofessional as the counselor falls for one of his patients. As the relationship between Asher and Tegan starts to develop; they have love and compassion for each other. Asher has to put on his “counselor hat” and do what is best for Tegan, because he notices both are experiencing unhealthy addictions to each other.
I was so angry at Asher! Like, I’m seriously so upset with him that he had to put his wants and needs in front of his patient! In the end, it comes full circle but still!
This is a FIVE LEAVES review because of so many reasons. The major reason is this book gave me so many emotions that I enjoy and long for in reading!
A gifted copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review by Jodie Rae.
October 5, 2015
A.E Woodward has this way with words that made it easy to connect with the main character, their emotions and thoughts projected back onto my own, creating a rollercoaster track that took me on a journey through the eyes of another. Sights, scents and sounds were transformed by the sentences of descriptions escaping from the pages to mask out the rest of the world and I found myself captivated with every single one.
Main character Tegan felt everything so deeply, she was mostly shattered pieces and it was heartbreaking to read, the feeling she craved most was what only her addiction could bring her, a numbness, a high that consumed and for a while wiped the terrifying memories of her past. Reading about what happened to her, in her younger years, made me want to throw my kindle in anger, sadness and disgust. What she went through is something that no one ever should.
When Tegan meets Asher everything that helps her to forget changes, her addiction is no longer heroine, but the pure bliss of becoming so lost within someone that the adoration wipes all other thoughts from the mind. However love does not come without it's own downfalls, especially when it's with someone like Asher.
Although I could connect with Tegan, there was something about Asher that made him seem like he couldn't be trusted. Maybe it was the position he was in and because of the type of relationship he had with Tegan before it transformed into another or because their wasn't more dialogue to read between the two (a lot implied though so romance was believable), either way by the end of the book I still wasn't a fan of his. Though I'm sure other readers may feel differently.
Despite me not liking Asher, I still thought this book was very well written, with a great storyline and main character, Tegan, whom was very easy to empathize with. I will definitely continue to add future works by A.E Woodward to my reading lists.
Main character Tegan felt everything so deeply, she was mostly shattered pieces and it was heartbreaking to read, the feeling she craved most was what only her addiction could bring her, a numbness, a high that consumed and for a while wiped the terrifying memories of her past. Reading about what happened to her, in her younger years, made me want to throw my kindle in anger, sadness and disgust. What she went through is something that no one ever should.
When Tegan meets Asher everything that helps her to forget changes, her addiction is no longer heroine, but the pure bliss of becoming so lost within someone that the adoration wipes all other thoughts from the mind. However love does not come without it's own downfalls, especially when it's with someone like Asher.
Although I could connect with Tegan, there was something about Asher that made him seem like he couldn't be trusted. Maybe it was the position he was in and because of the type of relationship he had with Tegan before it transformed into another or because their wasn't more dialogue to read between the two (a lot implied though so romance was believable), either way by the end of the book I still wasn't a fan of his. Though I'm sure other readers may feel differently.
Despite me not liking Asher, I still thought this book was very well written, with a great storyline and main character, Tegan, whom was very easy to empathize with. I will definitely continue to add future works by A.E Woodward to my reading lists.
May 16, 2016
Reprive is the story of Tegan a young college dropout who gets dragged to a rehab facility by her family. She is, at times kicking and screaming about it, but deep down she knows that its probably her last roll of the dice. If she doesn't get clean soon, she probably won't survive much longer living the life she has been.
Told entirely from Tegan's POV, the novel proceeds through her 90 day stint in rehab, but interspersed with episodes from her progress in her fight against her heroin addiction are a series of flashbacks, starting with the intervention that brought her to the opening scene, and progressing consecutively backwards in time, each one shedding more and more light on the path that led her to the point where she needs to be saved from her own self destruction.
In the course of her treatment she's taught about replacing unhealthy addictions with more wholesome ones. Her counselor, Asher, mentions that in his own case, he replaced his cocaine addiction with becoming a bit of a gym junkie. Unfortunately, the obsession Tegan finds to replace her heroin habit is Asher himself.
There are reasons why these kinds of relationships are forbidden. The power imbalance creates a situation that's overly ripe with the potential for all sorts of problems, and it isn't long before both are struggling to save their emerging relationship from becoming toxic.
I really enjoyed Reprive. I particularly enjoyed the self discovery and healing aspect of Tegan's story, which is not to suggest that there isn't a hauntingly thoughtful love story woven through it.
It made me laugh, it made me cry. It made me angry, sad and happy and ultimately, it left me smiling. Great story.
Told entirely from Tegan's POV, the novel proceeds through her 90 day stint in rehab, but interspersed with episodes from her progress in her fight against her heroin addiction are a series of flashbacks, starting with the intervention that brought her to the opening scene, and progressing consecutively backwards in time, each one shedding more and more light on the path that led her to the point where she needs to be saved from her own self destruction.
In the course of her treatment she's taught about replacing unhealthy addictions with more wholesome ones. Her counselor, Asher, mentions that in his own case, he replaced his cocaine addiction with becoming a bit of a gym junkie. Unfortunately, the obsession Tegan finds to replace her heroin habit is Asher himself.
There are reasons why these kinds of relationships are forbidden. The power imbalance creates a situation that's overly ripe with the potential for all sorts of problems, and it isn't long before both are struggling to save their emerging relationship from becoming toxic.
I really enjoyed Reprive. I particularly enjoyed the self discovery and healing aspect of Tegan's story, which is not to suggest that there isn't a hauntingly thoughtful love story woven through it.
It made me laugh, it made me cry. It made me angry, sad and happy and ultimately, it left me smiling. Great story.
September 30, 2015
Overall Stars: I give this book 5 stars. This book really pulls you in and makes you feel everything that Tegan does.
“My drug of choice was heroin. Until they put me here against my will.”
First thoughts after finishing story or while reading:
Wow, You feel like you need a fix right along with Tegan.
Brief review:
Tegan finds herself being admitted into Rehab by her parents. She is a troubled girl struggling with addiction. She has failed out of college and was forced to leave her parents home. You relive her memories, and feel like you are right there with her in every way.
This story alternates between past and present events in Tegans life.
While in Rehab, Tegan develops feelings for her counselor, Asher. Asher himself has also had struggles with addiction and he seems to have this connection with Tegan like no one else has.
Is she projecting her addiction of heroin into her counselor or are they true feelings?
Tegan and Asher’s journey will definitely show you truth, compassion and true love.
“ He cancelled my Wednesday session, claiming he had a cold but I called bulls**t. He just wasn’t ready to be in the same room with me.”
I really enjoyed A. W. Woodwards writing. For someone who has never had an addiction, I really felt like I had one after I read Tegans story. The writing was so intense and descriptive. I will definitely be watching out for more great reads from this author.
ARC Provided by Author Kylie Hillman. Honest review done by MAustin for Alpha Book Club without influence from publisher or author.
“My drug of choice was heroin. Until they put me here against my will.”
First thoughts after finishing story or while reading:
Wow, You feel like you need a fix right along with Tegan.
Brief review:
Tegan finds herself being admitted into Rehab by her parents. She is a troubled girl struggling with addiction. She has failed out of college and was forced to leave her parents home. You relive her memories, and feel like you are right there with her in every way.
This story alternates between past and present events in Tegans life.
While in Rehab, Tegan develops feelings for her counselor, Asher. Asher himself has also had struggles with addiction and he seems to have this connection with Tegan like no one else has.
Is she projecting her addiction of heroin into her counselor or are they true feelings?
Tegan and Asher’s journey will definitely show you truth, compassion and true love.
“ He cancelled my Wednesday session, claiming he had a cold but I called bulls**t. He just wasn’t ready to be in the same room with me.”
I really enjoyed A. W. Woodwards writing. For someone who has never had an addiction, I really felt like I had one after I read Tegans story. The writing was so intense and descriptive. I will definitely be watching out for more great reads from this author.
ARC Provided by Author Kylie Hillman. Honest review done by MAustin for Alpha Book Club without influence from publisher or author.
October 4, 2015
Let me start off by telling you that this story is not your typical romance story. Is it even possible to be able to find romance between an addict and a former addict ? In this story there are quite a few dark moments that have you holding your breath and praying and hoping for the best. What I loved about this story is that it provides you with the past and present time so you can fully understand what happened in Teagan’s life that got her to that moment. You start to understand Teagan more, or at least I did.
I thought this story was very well done. I could clearly picture everything in the story happening to someone and them going through all these motions and reading this story made it seem so real for me that for quite a few moments I would forget that it was just a story and it didn’t happen in real life. This author has a way with words that get you to feel what the characters feel and are going through. It makes it seem so real that you just get lost in the book and suffer and rejoice with the characters in the book. That to me makes for a very good book and that is exactly what this book was. It was a very good book, even through its dark moments and because of its dark and raw moments in time
I thought this story was very well done. I could clearly picture everything in the story happening to someone and them going through all these motions and reading this story made it seem so real for me that for quite a few moments I would forget that it was just a story and it didn’t happen in real life. This author has a way with words that get you to feel what the characters feel and are going through. It makes it seem so real that you just get lost in the book and suffer and rejoice with the characters in the book. That to me makes for a very good book and that is exactly what this book was. It was a very good book, even through its dark moments and because of its dark and raw moments in time
October 3, 2015
“DEEP DOWN, I KNEW better. But I couldn’t be better because my needs and desires were greater than my morals.”
A.E. Woodward took addiction by the horns. I loved the back and forth from the past to the present letting you see Tegan’s journey to becoming an addict to becoming a survivor. I think even Tegan didn’t want to accept the true root to her addiction until she meets the reason for her revelation.
“There’s a fine line between love and addiction, and he and I are addicted.”
Asher. The once addict turned counselor is about to rock both of their worlds. They are both in need of repair. Tegan is building up from ground zero and Asher is rebuilding a piece of him he never thought he would get to have again…love.
“I’m scared that once I have a taste of you. I’ll never be able to stop.”
I got a taste of these two and I could not stop once I started. I was drawn in immediately and might need my own counseling session in order to let go of this beautiful journey of so many emotions: abuse, self worth, love, loss, self-acceptance and a good ol’ fashion second chance at life.
A.E. Woodward took addiction by the horns. I loved the back and forth from the past to the present letting you see Tegan’s journey to becoming an addict to becoming a survivor. I think even Tegan didn’t want to accept the true root to her addiction until she meets the reason for her revelation.
“There’s a fine line between love and addiction, and he and I are addicted.”
Asher. The once addict turned counselor is about to rock both of their worlds. They are both in need of repair. Tegan is building up from ground zero and Asher is rebuilding a piece of him he never thought he would get to have again…love.
“I’m scared that once I have a taste of you. I’ll never be able to stop.”
I got a taste of these two and I could not stop once I started. I was drawn in immediately and might need my own counseling session in order to let go of this beautiful journey of so many emotions: abuse, self worth, love, loss, self-acceptance and a good ol’ fashion second chance at life.
September 24, 2015
A fascinating look at addiction from the inside. This book moves you, facing the causes of addiction and what happens when you think you're at the end of your rope.
Tegan's family is finally at the end of their rope. After years of abuse and a new overdose the week before, the intervention is in place and they are getting her the help she needs. Tegan doesn't see the problem except for her family putting her into a rehab facility. She doesn't need it. But isn't that what all addicts say.
She fights it. Asher is her counselor and no matter how mean, how cruel, how emotional she gets... he's there. Her rock. A friendship starts to grow. She trust Asher. And as their friendship grows, so does their addiction to each other. Asher is a recovering addict too. He works at the rehab center to pay it forward. To make something good out of the pain of his own past. He never expected Tegan. He never expected her to become his new addiction.
This book was dark. Not a lot of sunshine and rainbows, but drug addiction isn't like that. I thought it was a well written account of the lives of addicts, their families and the struggles they all face.
4.5 Stars
Tegan's family is finally at the end of their rope. After years of abuse and a new overdose the week before, the intervention is in place and they are getting her the help she needs. Tegan doesn't see the problem except for her family putting her into a rehab facility. She doesn't need it. But isn't that what all addicts say.
She fights it. Asher is her counselor and no matter how mean, how cruel, how emotional she gets... he's there. Her rock. A friendship starts to grow. She trust Asher. And as their friendship grows, so does their addiction to each other. Asher is a recovering addict too. He works at the rehab center to pay it forward. To make something good out of the pain of his own past. He never expected Tegan. He never expected her to become his new addiction.
This book was dark. Not a lot of sunshine and rainbows, but drug addiction isn't like that. I thought it was a well written account of the lives of addicts, their families and the struggles they all face.
4.5 Stars
September 29, 2015
I am giving this review on behalf of Kats Book Promotions/ Katsindiebookblog. Wow, just wow! There aren't many words that can complement this book and do it's justice. This story is slightly dark, giving you a close and personal look involving drug addiction. Tegan is a very smart girl, however she has let heroin take over her life, watching everything she has ever done wash away. Eventually her family has had enough and has admitted her into a rehab facility. In walks Asher, her counselor. He does everything in his power to get her to trust him and hopefully open up. But, how far can he go without stepping over the boundaries? They always say 2 broken souls can repair each other. Is that the case here? Asher hasn't had such a great life either.
This story will pull every emotion out of you. It is greatly written and steps out of the typical boundaries of a love and romance book. Great research was put into this due to seeing all the ups and downs of a person with an addiction and seeing how they live their lives. This is a fabulous read to enjoy, especially if you love stepping out of the norm of a typical love book.
This story will pull every emotion out of you. It is greatly written and steps out of the typical boundaries of a love and romance book. Great research was put into this due to seeing all the ups and downs of a person with an addiction and seeing how they live their lives. This is a fabulous read to enjoy, especially if you love stepping out of the norm of a typical love book.
October 1, 2015
Wow, just wow. This book was great. Tegan is a herion addict and the author doesn't hold anything back. We get the raw and gritty view of Tegan's journey through getting hooked on heroin and getting clean. We go back and forth between the past and present. I really liked that and the transitions between past and present were flawless, there was no confusion with switching between the two.
Tegan has had a trouble past, drugs became her way to forget the memories. At rehab she meets Asher. Asher isn't a patient. He's a counselor. Asher has been through a lot too, he's a recovering addict who has turned his life around. He and Tegan bound pretty quickly. He not judgmental and he's a very likable character. They work closely together and feeling get involved. Their relationship is kind of taboo because it a counselor patient relationship that is frowned upon.
I really enjoyed reading this one. I was rooting for the characters relationship to make it and be something serious between them. There's no cliffhanger but I really would love to read more about Tegan and Asher.
A copy was received for a review.
Tegan has had a trouble past, drugs became her way to forget the memories. At rehab she meets Asher. Asher isn't a patient. He's a counselor. Asher has been through a lot too, he's a recovering addict who has turned his life around. He and Tegan bound pretty quickly. He not judgmental and he's a very likable character. They work closely together and feeling get involved. Their relationship is kind of taboo because it a counselor patient relationship that is frowned upon.
I really enjoyed reading this one. I was rooting for the characters relationship to make it and be something serious between them. There's no cliffhanger but I really would love to read more about Tegan and Asher.
A copy was received for a review.
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