Tangled Thoughts

The Sententia #3

by Cara Bertrand

High school graduation is a time for goodbyes, new beginnings, and if you re Lainey Young, narrowly escaping with your life. Forced to leave behind both Northbrook Academy and Carter Penrose, Lainey believes she s earned her freedom from the eyes of the Perceptum and Daniel Astor s schemes.When tragedy brings Lainey and Carter face to face for the first time since summer, their lives have never felt more separate. Lies drove them apart. Will the truth bring them together?"

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Supernatural, Young Adult

320 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2016

About the author

Cara is a former middle school literacy teacher who now lives in the woods outside Boston with: one awesome husband, two large dogs, one small daughter, and lots of words. LOST IN THOUGHT is her first novel and was one of three finalists for the 2011 Amazon/Penguin Breakthrough Novel Award in the Young Adult category.

Visit her online at www.carabertrand.com or on Twitter @carabertrand

Reviews

[Stephanie Herman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for Tangled Thoughts, Third Book of the Sententia, by Cara Bertrand was amazing. Better than the first two installments, this novel was told from Lainey and Carter’s points of view. Throughout the majority of the book, I admit I was slightly irritated by the turn of events that ended the second book in series, so I cannot elaborate. The author gives us suspense, heartache, mystery and through it all Lainey and Carter learn much about themselves through trial and error. Ms. Bertrand’s strong voice helps her make every word count, establishes consistency across her story, and most importantly helps her grab her readers' attention and establish a relationship with them. This YA Paranormal Thriller is a must read in my opinion. I cannot wait for the next in series!

[janysha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I skimmed through the book once i got to like page 137 because I could just feel it wasn’t going to end how i wanted it to and …. Surprise i was right. Not only does Elaine and Carter not get back together, the book stops like in the middle of the plot 😞

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly one of the best series I've read in a while! Where is book four!!!! I can't handle the cliff hangers!

[Terese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have only these words to say.
Damnn
F*****
WHEN IS THE NEXT FREAKIN BOOK AND PLEASE DONT LET IT BE A NOVELLA!!!!!!!!!!!!

[katy (taylor's version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok but THAT CLIFFHANGER 😭😭😭 such a good book and I cannot wait to read the next one. I hope it’s out soon. 😭

[Katherine Paschal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 picks up about 3 months after book 2 ends. Lainey has enthusiastically embraced being a normal college freshman, getting rid of all her ties to the Sententia world, yet she can’t shake her past feelings for Carter and her melancholy. Carter also has moved on with his life, going to college, working with his Senator uncle, and even has a new romantic relationship. Both try to forget the other and what they once had, but their worlds collide in a shocking way.

Don’t read this review if you don’t want potential spoilers for the first 2 books! I was expecting this to be the conclusion to a trilogy. That this book would ever so nicely wrap up all the questions rattling around in my brain, but alas, this is just book 3 in a series that I can see lasting at least a few more books. The world the author has created has so many facets, depths and characters that it could potentially grow for a while. And that being said, I am helpless to resist wanting the next (and all the rest!) book in the series as soon as I can get my hands on it. This series has it all, with mystery, growing up, paranormal, secret societies, politics and manipulations, villains, romance and most importantly- the FEELS.

This book was different from the 2 previous books in the fact that the narration alternated chapters between Lainey and Carter, not just Lainey. Here is where I might be biased, but I am team Lainey all the way, and Carter made me kind of mad. Yes, rationally, I know that she broke up with him (for a good reason-if she refused to be honest with him) but Lainey was broken up about it and reacted as if they were still together. He on the other hand, moved on fairly quickly to Lainey’s arch nemesis! Out of all the people he could have picked, why her? Why not a nice stranger? His behavior in general made me uncertain of Carter, why he was so sad and despondent, yet acting like he was in love (or at least in lust) with his new girlfriend, and then being a mindless sheep to his uncle. I thought he was a better person from the first two books, but now I feel kind of blah about him to be honest.

After I had started reading a chapter or two, I realized that I was missing something that had happened between the end of the second book and the start of this one, something big and bad between Lainey and Carter. After some research, I discovered that there was a short story that I obviously must now read because there was some unknowns I encountered that need to be resolved. I may be delusional, but I expected them to get back together in this book and live happily ever after by the end of the book. Needless to say, not what I got. But as a side note, I am not sure I want that anymore…

I am obviously conflicted and am desperately seeking another book in the series. The reason the two met up again was shocking and completely negated everything Lainey was trying to accomplish with her actions in book 2. I can’t wait to see what twists will come next. (And I hope to see more Amy.) This was not my favorite book in the series, but I did like it despite my 3.5 stars, I was just a little sad at the direction the book took.

I received this title from the author in return for my honest review.
For more reviews visit my blog at http://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/

[Katherine Paschal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 picks up about 3 months after book 2 ends. Lainey has enthusiastically embraced being a normal college freshman, getting rid of all her ties to the Sententia world, yet she can’t shake her past feelings for Carter and her melancholy. Carter also has moved on with his life, going to college, working with his Senator uncle, and even has a new romantic relationship. Both try to forget the other and what they once had, but their worlds collide in a shocking way.

Don’t read this review if you don’t want potential spoilers for the first 2 books! I was expecting this to be the conclusion to a trilogy. That this book would ever so nicely wrap up all the questions rattling around in my brain, but alas, this is just book 3 in a series that I can see lasting at least a few more books. The world the author has created has so many facets, depths and characters that it could potentially grow for a while. And that being said, I am helpless to resist wanting the next (and all the rest!) book in the series as soon as I can get my hands on it. This series has it all, with mystery, growing up, paranormal, secret societies, politics and manipulations, villains, romance and most importantly- the FEELS.

This book was different from the 2 previous books in the fact that the narration alternated chapters between Lainey and Carter, not just Lainey. Here is where I might be biased, but I am team Lainey all the way, and Carter made me kind of mad. Yes, rationally, I know that she broke up with him (for a good reason-if she refused to be honest with him) but Lainey was broken up about it and reacted as if they were still together. He on the other hand, moved on fairly quickly to Lainey’s arch nemesis! Out of all the people he could have picked, why her? Why not a nice stranger? His behavior in general made me uncertain of Carter, why he was so sad and despondent, yet acting like he was in love (or at least in lust) with his new girlfriend, and then being a mindless sheep to his uncle. I thought he was a better person from the first two books, but now I feel kind of blah about him to be honest.

After I had started reading a chapter or two, I realized that I was missing something that had happened between the end of the second book and the start of this one, something big and bad between Lainey and Carter. After some research, I discovered that there was a short story that I obviously must now read because there was some unknowns I encountered that need to be resolved. I may be delusional, but I expected them to get back together in this book and live happily ever after by the end of the book. Needless to say, not what I got. But as a side note, I am not sure I want that anymore…

I am obviously conflicted and am desperately seeking another book in the series. The reason the two met up again was shocking and completely negated everything Lainey was trying to accomplish with her actions in book 2. I can’t wait to see what twists will come next. (And I hope to see more Amy.) This was not my favorite book in the series, but I did like it despite my 3.5 stars, I was just a little sad at the direction the book took.

I received this title from the author in return for my honest review.
For more reviews visit my blog at http://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lainey Young has graduated from Northbrook Academy and is currently attending college in Boston, MA. She is still trying to find herself and is trying to live life far away from the Sentenia, the gifted people with cognitive abilities. Carter Penrose's sort of uncle, Daniel Astor, made a deal with Lainey that if she left Carter, she could have a normal life. And for once she didn't really think about the Perceptum or Carter. Lainey has grown smitten with one of her TAs, Jack Kensington.

Carter moves to DC and he starts his life with a clean slate with college and a new girlfriend under his belt. Heartbroken over Lainey, he sees Lainey's decision to leave him as the ultimate betrayal. However, Carter and Lainey are still linked together and it's because of Astor.

Tangled Thoughts is written in a dual POV perspective. I was super excited Cara Bertrand bestowed her readers the chance to read Carter's POV since in the the previous books, we saw events through Lainey's eyes. This novel is much slower than the previous two but it crucial to the plot line of the series. As Carter peels the layers of Astor, he uncovers Astor's true motive and hidden secrets.

I am not that fond of Lainey's and Carter's new love interests but then again I am biased. I see Lainey and Carter as the One True Pairing (OTP). I am hoping they reconcile in the last installment of the series. It is interesting to see how Lainey and Carter interact outside of the Northbrook Academy setting. No longer are they enclosed in a world of Sententia. They are free to explore a bit and to find themselves. After all, that's what college is all about.

A little bit of suspense, a dash of paranormal and sprinkle of romance make Tangled Thoughts a solid novel in the Sententia series. Of course readers know Lainey can never escape her past forever. Her past creeps up in the most unusual way. The twist and cliffhanger at the end makes me want more and I cannot wait for the fourth installment to this series.

[Becky Van Daniker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tangled Thoughts was exciting. This made a wonderful addition to the series. Lainey has graduated from Northbrook and begins her college journey. She learns that she actually can’t run from being Sentenia because it’s who she is. We also get to see Carter’s point of view this time as well. This was well done and interesting because we got to see it from both perspectives. We learn more about the history of the Sentenia and finally have some of our questions answered. In fact, we find we have more unanswered questions as the story continues. In fact, there doesn’t seem to be any sort of resolution to the conflicts occurring.

If you love paranormal fantasies, romance, and a bit of drama in the mix, you’ll definitely want to check this series out. I read this in one sitting so it’s fast-paced. I literally could not put it down. As usual, the writing style is solid and well-done.

I’m anxiously awaiting the next book because I loved/hated the ending. It leaves the reader with a giant cliffhanger wondering what’s going to happen and wanting more. So you see, there’s mixed feelings about this ending. Not only was it a cliffhanger, but I think it mostly upset me that it ends in the middle of a scene. If you think about it though, it’s kind of set up like a television series finale so you know more is going to be coming.

Speaking of television, can we please get this series made into a TV show or a movie? That would be wonderful.

Oh and for my readers who are picky about content, there are some sexual scenes (doesn’t go into detail so no worries!) and cursing. Otherwise, it is a very clean and fun read. I highly recommend it.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Jennifer Clausen-greene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tangled thoughts is the third book in the Sententia series and the first book I have read by author Cara Bertrand. I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The book continues to follow Laney and Carter's life as they learn to navigate both alone and work past issues they had together. We also get a deeper look into sho the Sentenia is what role Lainey plays. I really enjoyed getting the different points of view in the story. It really help add a more thorough understanding of what was going on in each of the characters minds. At first I was really disappointed in the ending of this book because I had such a huge cliffhanger, but then after reading all the reviews I realize that this is not the final book but there still is one more to come. Hopefully that book will tie everything together and answer the questions that I have after reading this one, because I felt like there was no real resolution to the conflict that was going on within the story. Overall there's great character development the story is solidly wrote but has an element that you expect from a paranormal book along with a little bit of mystery romance.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it anyway. All opinions expressed on my own.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Technically it's 4.5 stars. I loved the book, I read it in a single sitting. I. Couldn't. Put. It. Down! I adored this book all the way up to 99% of the way through. But I was disappointed by the ending. Somewhere I had gotten the impression that this was book 3 of 3, so some of my disappointment is my own fault. Tangled Thoughts feels a lot like the season finale of a favorite TV show - because it ends in an epic cliffhanger. (I almost learned if my reader could fly, or more importantly if it would survive the landing.) I can't deny the quality of everything that went in to Tangled Thoughts: there's lots of detail, lots of background why things are the way they are now, plenty of intrigue to keep you glued to your seat to find out what happens next, but there's no resolution to the conflict. It's excellently written and I will definitely be reading the next book in the series, but where it stopped left me badly wanting more out of the book.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

If you have not read books 1&2 this review will contain spoilers.

Lainey made the best choice she could even if it did break her heart. Moving on from everything that has happened is the tricky part especially when you not even sure if you made the right choice.

Told for the first time in duel POVs we also see into Carters mind as well. Their stories are told in tandem going along the same timeline, but they are both in different places so you see more of things overall.

Carter still doesn't understand what happened or why Lainey did what she did but he is trying to move on from it.

Throughout the story we see more secrets, more lies, but also the beginnings of everything being uncovered. I read this in one sitting and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time waiting for everything to play out. The only downside was that it happened at the very end so now I'm more desperate than ever to know how things will turn out!

[C. Erani Kole · Rating 5 out of 5]

*received an ARC from Novel Publicity in exchange for an honest review*

I really liked this one, definitely one of the more emotionally intense installments of the series. Our couple is broken up and now in college, and though it was bittersweet to see them lead different, "happy" lives, it was also satisfying. I think my favorite part was seeing them separate, but still getting the continuous story; plots unfolding and more secrets revealed was a great way to entice me with this book, making me want to read more even if their struggle with their emotions made me shed a tear or two.

Writing was nice and flowed well, the plot was good, and though it ends on a sort of cliffhanger, it wasn't an abrupt one. It just makes me wish the fourth book was already out lol

[Ruby McDemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved getting to read from Carter's point of view instead of just Lainey's. I'm really not happy with either persons decision on who to be with after their breakup but it makes for a great story. I really loved this book I believe it might even be more than the previous 2. I really need to go back and read the in-between books to get the complete story. But this was not at all what I expected. I've come to learn that in these books I can't tell whats going to happen next but I can tell you that I loved every second of it. This is such a great story and the end just makes me want book 4 now....

[Elissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of the 3 novels and 2 stories, this is far and away the most intense, deep, dark and dramatic of the series. The book ends on a cliffhanger--but is billed as the final installment of the trilogy. On the one hand, there is a lot of room for additional books; on the other, the conclusion makes sense as a finale, leaving you to use your imagination to decide what happens next. Even with that uncertainty this book and the entire series are delightful and thought provoking.

[Mary SwiftSwan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even if you can guess, the twists can surprise

Well done series. A very good read. The characters are rich in texture with depth. Their talents show but are not the story, the good and not in the characters are the flow that keeps you thinking when you are able to put the book down.

[Mrs. Schonour · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a really hard time getting through this book. I enjoyed the first a lot, but this one made me lose interest.