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Clear
From Jessica Park comes Clear, a thriller, a paranormal, and a passionate romance that crosses genres and breaks boundaries.Stella Ford's grasp on reality is already loose, and it's about to come undone. When the college junior flees Chicago and leaves her toxic family behind, she heads for coastal Maine to find the one person who brought her peace years ago: Sam Bishop. But the Sam she once knew now has painful secrets.Stella is determined to heal them both. Healing, however, is a challenge when the walls of her everyday existence collapse, and when Sam's best friend is his worst enemy.
Audio CD
First published February 15, 2015
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About the author
Jessica Park
20 books4,209 followersJessica is the author of 180 SECONDS, CLEAR, The Left Drowning Series (LEFT DROWNING and RESTLESS WATERS), the New York Times bestselling FLAT-OUT LOVE (& the companion novella FLAT-OUT MATT), FLAT-OUT CELESTE, and RELATIVELY FAMOUS. She lives in New Hampshire where she spends an obscene amount time thinking about rocker boys and their guitars, complex caffeinated beverages, and tropical vacations. On the rare occasions that she is able to focus on other things, she writes.
Please visit her at jessicapark.me and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorjessic... and Twitter @JessicaPark24
Please visit her at jessicapark.me and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorjessic... and Twitter @JessicaPark24
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 417 reviews
February 19, 2015
4.5 Tripping Stars
Readers must go into this book without any “flat out” preconceived ideas of what to expect from this story. It's totally out of the box and nothing like her other books. This story was not only consuming but down right disturbing at times. It most definitely could be considered dark and at times it even got pretty gory. Ms. Park utilizes a paranormal element of what she calls “death tripping” while she brilliantly tied the story together and left me eager to discuss with friends.
Stella Ford is a sixteen year old girl who is hurrying to the hospital because her father and older sister have been in a car accident. While at the hospital, Stella meets Sam Bishop and the two have an impactful encounter which kept this boy from Maine in her thoughts even years later.
”Everything will be okay. Good things last, and the bad things will fade away. So, go find your good.”
Five years later and Stella’s life has only gotten worse. Her father has abandoned her family while her mother and sister have become verbally abusive. She constantly struggles with what is actually happening and how she sees things while fearing that she is going crazy. Stella decides to run away and find her good. Watermark, Maine is where she heads remembering that Sam Bishop told her his family owns an inn.
”Driving to Maine is a compulsion that I cannot ignore. Music and daydreams propel me toward my future, whatever that might be.”
The Bishops’ take Stella in and offer her a place to rent. At first it seemed that Sam didn’t remember her and/or want her around but very slowly they go from friends to lovers and Sam lets Stella in to his sad past.
Sam’s best friend, Costa returns to town and things get CRAZY. Stella learns all about death tripping and what part she may or may not play in it.
”There’s no death wish. Ironically, it’s the opposite. We’re after an enhanced sense of life. We trip over death, but don’t take it.”
Sam and Costa have a hard to define relationship and when the three get together while on the high of surging (which is a side effect of death tripping) they have some HOT chemistry and intimate scenes. The three frantically search for a missing person and some sort of redemption. Each character was unique but Costa is hands down my favorite of the story. He sent me through a gamut of emotions from hate, to empathy. He was an intoxicating character to say the least.
”The triangle that is Costa, Sam, and me is complex. There’s no denying that. But Costa is important to both of us. Even when he’s difficult or manipulative or exploitative, that dark prince has our hearts.”
This is a love story that centers around Sam and Stella and it isn’t a love triangle at all. Costa has deep friendships with both characters and intimacy but Sam and Stella are a couple outside of Costa.
"You're wonderful, you know that? So brave and so strong. It's why you're my good."
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"And it's why you're my good. Always, Stella."
The story was completely fascinating and utterly addicting. Jessica Park wrapped the story impressively together and has me itching to trip again!
Readers must go into this book without any “flat out” preconceived ideas of what to expect from this story. It's totally out of the box and nothing like her other books. This story was not only consuming but down right disturbing at times. It most definitely could be considered dark and at times it even got pretty gory. Ms. Park utilizes a paranormal element of what she calls “death tripping” while she brilliantly tied the story together and left me eager to discuss with friends.
Stella Ford is a sixteen year old girl who is hurrying to the hospital because her father and older sister have been in a car accident. While at the hospital, Stella meets Sam Bishop and the two have an impactful encounter which kept this boy from Maine in her thoughts even years later.
”Everything will be okay. Good things last, and the bad things will fade away. So, go find your good.”
Five years later and Stella’s life has only gotten worse. Her father has abandoned her family while her mother and sister have become verbally abusive. She constantly struggles with what is actually happening and how she sees things while fearing that she is going crazy. Stella decides to run away and find her good. Watermark, Maine is where she heads remembering that Sam Bishop told her his family owns an inn.
”Driving to Maine is a compulsion that I cannot ignore. Music and daydreams propel me toward my future, whatever that might be.”
The Bishops’ take Stella in and offer her a place to rent. At first it seemed that Sam didn’t remember her and/or want her around but very slowly they go from friends to lovers and Sam lets Stella in to his sad past.
Sam’s best friend, Costa returns to town and things get CRAZY. Stella learns all about death tripping and what part she may or may not play in it.
”There’s no death wish. Ironically, it’s the opposite. We’re after an enhanced sense of life. We trip over death, but don’t take it.”
Sam and Costa have a hard to define relationship and when the three get together while on the high of surging (which is a side effect of death tripping) they have some HOT chemistry and intimate scenes. The three frantically search for a missing person and some sort of redemption. Each character was unique but Costa is hands down my favorite of the story. He sent me through a gamut of emotions from hate, to empathy. He was an intoxicating character to say the least.
”The triangle that is Costa, Sam, and me is complex. There’s no denying that. But Costa is important to both of us. Even when he’s difficult or manipulative or exploitative, that dark prince has our hearts.”
This is a love story that centers around Sam and Stella and it isn’t a love triangle at all. Costa has deep friendships with both characters and intimacy but Sam and Stella are a couple outside of Costa.
"You're wonderful, you know that? So brave and so strong. It's why you're my good."
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"And it's why you're my good. Always, Stella."
The story was completely fascinating and utterly addicting. Jessica Park wrapped the story impressively together and has me itching to trip again!
February 23, 2015
4.5 Stars
"It's a good day to die, my friend."
Unique and entertaining. I've always been a fan of Jessica's storytelling, and while Clear is very different from her other work, the flow is perfect and her characters are interesting and engaging.This story won't work for some, but I was completely captivated. A fresh idea in a genre overrun with vampires and werewolves. On a terrible day, Stella meets Sam, and he offers her comfort in her time of need.
"Everything will be okay. Good things last, and the bad things will fade away. So, go find your good."
Now, 5 years later Stella seems to be losing her grip on reality, so she sets out to find the person who helped her that day. But when she finds, Sam, he is not the boy she remembers.
What's clear is that something has happened to Sam Bishop because a hardness and bitterness about him is evident in everything he does. He reeks of pain and darkness.
As these two grow closer, they find themselves healing, until Sam's friend, Costa shows up, and the death tripping begins.
“There’s no death wish. Ironically, it’s the opposite. We’re after an enhanced sense of life. We trip over death, but don’t take it. The process, the ritual of this, is all for the thrill and the power from the pleasure that seeps into every part of you during dying and surfacing. The intoxication is nearly impossible to fight.
This story was difficult to review, so I apologize. I'm sure my rambling makes little sense. Anyway, Clear was a highly entertaining, original, somewhat disturbing read, full of emotion and love. I would recommend this one for readers who aren't too squeamish and enjoying dipping into paranormal stories.
"It's a good day to die, my friend."
Unique and entertaining. I've always been a fan of Jessica's storytelling, and while Clear is very different from her other work, the flow is perfect and her characters are interesting and engaging.This story won't work for some, but I was completely captivated. A fresh idea in a genre overrun with vampires and werewolves. On a terrible day, Stella meets Sam, and he offers her comfort in her time of need.
"Everything will be okay. Good things last, and the bad things will fade away. So, go find your good."
Now, 5 years later Stella seems to be losing her grip on reality, so she sets out to find the person who helped her that day. But when she finds, Sam, he is not the boy she remembers.
What's clear is that something has happened to Sam Bishop because a hardness and bitterness about him is evident in everything he does. He reeks of pain and darkness.
As these two grow closer, they find themselves healing, until Sam's friend, Costa shows up, and the death tripping begins.
“There’s no death wish. Ironically, it’s the opposite. We’re after an enhanced sense of life. We trip over death, but don’t take it. The process, the ritual of this, is all for the thrill and the power from the pleasure that seeps into every part of you during dying and surfacing. The intoxication is nearly impossible to fight.
This story was difficult to review, so I apologize. I'm sure my rambling makes little sense. Anyway, Clear was a highly entertaining, original, somewhat disturbing read, full of emotion and love. I would recommend this one for readers who aren't too squeamish and enjoying dipping into paranormal stories.
February 18, 2015
It's like I walked into a restaurant and ordered a pizza...and the waiter gave me a live crocodile.
This book started at Point A.
Point A was simple. Point A was normal. It seemed like this book was a story about a girl whose mother abused her verbally and emotionally. However, the girl goes on to find hope in her new-found relationship with a relatively hot and quirky guy. Both of them have dark pasts and are trying to work towards a better future...together.
And then we arrived at Point B.
The guy isn't just hot and quirky. Nope. He's a death tripper. Which isn't a new name for reapers, or people who see dead people like that kid in Sixth Sense. Death trippers are people who kill themselves/or can be killed in a variety of ways without dying. The weird part? They're addicted to it. They derive a twisted kind of pleasure from it. Dying is their 'happy drug'.
I'm going to be honest - I skipped a lot of this book. There were sections describing the 'ecstasy' of dying, their morbid fascination with blood, the weird way dying made them feel closer to one another, etc., etc. Add in a random backstory about some random friend's kid dying + some screwed up coincidences and this book is all set to win the Creepy As Hell Award.
But what enraged me the most was the solution.
Death tripping has weird/wacky/screwed up side effects. It makes people do weird shit. But don't worry - our main protagonist's sister found a cure!
It is...*drum roll*
Watermelon!
Wait - hang on. Watermelon? Like...the fruit?
*re-reads paragraph from book* Yep. I'm not imagining it - it says so, right here:
"I went to a bar and ordered a watermelon cosmopolitan." She moves her finger across her throat. "Cuts it off in a second. Totally sucked. But I keep it on hand if I have a shitty trip."It gets worse.
"The imitation stuff works a little, too, if you're desperate or if you just want to tone it down. You know watermelon-flavored water or even gum at least takes the edge off."Who knew the cure to being addicted to dying was watermelon?! ALL THESE YEARS THE ANSWER WAS THERE!
And you'd think that - with such an
Nope.
Nada.
Not one.
Not even a footnote.
We're given no reason as to why a good chew on some watermelon-flavored gum is enough to keep you happy and vaguely sane until the next time you decide to take a trip down death lane.
This book was far too gory, weird, & downright horrible.
I am a huge Jessica Park fan...but I just couldn't stomach Clear. Nothing made sense, plots didn't merge probably, and I was left feeling like Troy on that episode of Community:
February 26, 2015
4.5 STARS
WOW! This is by far the best PNR I've read so far. Since this was my first read by this author I didn’t know what to expect, especially since I knew it will be a PNR. My advice is to give this one a try even if paranormal romance is not your genre of choice. This was definitely more than a PNR. It was a NA/PNR yes, but it has thriller elements and dark elements/themes as well (death and suicide). “Clear” was a very unique, intriguing and intense read. I was engrossed in the story from the first chapter and I couldn’t put it down. I had to know what happens next, what’s going on with Stella, the female MC of the story and later what the heck death tripping really is.
The story starts with Stella Ford who’s a 16 years old girl who has a hard life. Her mother is a b*tch with her and she ignores her most of the time, living practically in her own head. Stella is emotionally abused by her. She who wants her to be 'perfect', but it seems she never measures up. On a tragic day she meets Sam Bishop. They are immediately are drawn to each other and Stella will never forget him or their first encounter.
Five years later, Stella’s life has only gotten worse. Her father abandoned them and her mother and sister treat her terribly. She uses sex to escape the real world and her mental state in worse with each and every day. Wanting to find herself, she decides to leave everything behind to find her own good. She heads to Watermark, Maine wanting to find the boy who years ago helped her and comforted her, Sam. Sam is different from how she remembers him. Clearly something happened that changed him and made him a bitter man. At first Sam is cold and distant, but soon he can’t deny the strong attraction and connection he feels towards Stella. Both Stella and Sam are a little damaged, but they help each other.
They’re healing each other; they are strong together. Everything is good in their life until Sam’s friend, Costa shows up.
I loved this one! It really kept me at the edge of my seat. I loved the author’s style and how the story was told. Like I mentioned above this book crosses genres, but first is a paranormal. The paranormal aspect was original and fascinating and I simply loved the idea. I found this concept and all the rules more than fascinating. I enjoyed how the author presented gradually all the rules and consequences.
All the three main characters, because in my opinion were three, are interesting and intriguing. The love story between Stella and Sam is a lovely one. You can really feel their love and connection. I enjoyed all their sweet and tender moments together. They are good together and perfect for each other in more ways than one. While I loved them together, I think their relationship progressed a little too fast.
In my opinion Costa was the most complex character in this story. Even if he’s not perfect and makes mistakes I totally understood him and felt for him. I can’t say I hated him, but I didn’t love him either. Anyways, the author did a great job with his character.
The dynamic between the three of them is fantastic. Their relationship is complex and maybe strange, but it worked for me. Even if there are some sexy scenes between the three of them, you have to know this is not a love triangle.
There are many interesting twist and turns and I enjoyed them all. Every one of them made the story more and more captivating.
Overall, a fantastic read!
WOW! This is by far the best PNR I've read so far. Since this was my first read by this author I didn’t know what to expect, especially since I knew it will be a PNR. My advice is to give this one a try even if paranormal romance is not your genre of choice. This was definitely more than a PNR. It was a NA/PNR yes, but it has thriller elements and dark elements/themes as well (death and suicide). “Clear” was a very unique, intriguing and intense read. I was engrossed in the story from the first chapter and I couldn’t put it down. I had to know what happens next, what’s going on with Stella, the female MC of the story and later what the heck death tripping really is.
The story starts with Stella Ford who’s a 16 years old girl who has a hard life. Her mother is a b*tch with her and she ignores her most of the time, living practically in her own head. Stella is emotionally abused by her. She who wants her to be 'perfect', but it seems she never measures up. On a tragic day she meets Sam Bishop. They are immediately are drawn to each other and Stella will never forget him or their first encounter.
Five years later, Stella’s life has only gotten worse. Her father abandoned them and her mother and sister treat her terribly. She uses sex to escape the real world and her mental state in worse with each and every day. Wanting to find herself, she decides to leave everything behind to find her own good. She heads to Watermark, Maine wanting to find the boy who years ago helped her and comforted her, Sam. Sam is different from how she remembers him. Clearly something happened that changed him and made him a bitter man. At first Sam is cold and distant, but soon he can’t deny the strong attraction and connection he feels towards Stella. Both Stella and Sam are a little damaged, but they help each other.
They’re healing each other; they are strong together. Everything is good in their life until Sam’s friend, Costa shows up.
“As suicidal as it sounds, it isn’t really dying, and it isn’t about trying to die. There’s no death wish. Ironically, it’s the opposite. We’re after an enhanced sense of life. We trip over death, but don’t take it.”
I loved this one! It really kept me at the edge of my seat. I loved the author’s style and how the story was told. Like I mentioned above this book crosses genres, but first is a paranormal. The paranormal aspect was original and fascinating and I simply loved the idea. I found this concept and all the rules more than fascinating. I enjoyed how the author presented gradually all the rules and consequences.
“Death tripping is an addiction, just like any other. You can get run-down and you need more and it’s never enough. Never.”
All the three main characters, because in my opinion were three, are interesting and intriguing. The love story between Stella and Sam is a lovely one. You can really feel their love and connection. I enjoyed all their sweet and tender moments together. They are good together and perfect for each other in more ways than one. While I loved them together, I think their relationship progressed a little too fast.
In my opinion Costa was the most complex character in this story. Even if he’s not perfect and makes mistakes I totally understood him and felt for him. I can’t say I hated him, but I didn’t love him either. Anyways, the author did a great job with his character.
The dynamic between the three of them is fantastic. Their relationship is complex and maybe strange, but it worked for me. Even if there are some sexy scenes between the three of them, you have to know this is not a love triangle.
There are many interesting twist and turns and I enjoyed them all. Every one of them made the story more and more captivating.
”It feels good to die, doesn't it?”
Overall, a fantastic read!
January 10, 2024
3.5 stars
It’s no secret that I love Jessica Park’s books/writing. In fact, she has two books that I would consider all-time top favorite books. I don’t know why I put off reading this book for so long, but I’ve owned the audiobook since it first came out. I thought the narration was great and I liked most of the characters, but this one was just a little too… weird (for lack of a better word) for me. I didn’t like the death tripping stuff and I got queasy during a few scenes. The writing was great but the actual story wasn’t my cuppa tea.
It’s no secret that I love Jessica Park’s books/writing. In fact, she has two books that I would consider all-time top favorite books. I don’t know why I put off reading this book for so long, but I’ve owned the audiobook since it first came out. I thought the narration was great and I liked most of the characters, but this one was just a little too… weird (for lack of a better word) for me. I didn’t like the death tripping stuff and I got queasy during a few scenes. The writing was great but the actual story wasn’t my cuppa tea.
Audio book source: Audible
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Arielle DeLisle
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Thriller/PNR
Length: 10h 39m
March 3, 2015
Gonna keep this short and go with the old its not you its me...Honestly my only problem was that I just didn't connect with the characters.
I like paranormal. I like the "other wordly." I like a good suspense. I really like the unique. All the those are present. I just didn't quite "get it" quick enough. I was pretty confused initially. I read of a girl who had really crap parents, the relationship was just off the charts weird. Then said girl meets a boy and instant connection developed...then he was gone.
Then I read of that same girl whose struggle continued until she was pushed out and took to the road to somewhere...yep, that boy's home town. BOOM...we meet again. We still have the connection. We are all in! Family loves us...we are perfect together...we are happy!
Then I read about another boy...a crazy, sad, "death tripper" who may have been the most selfish, yet grief consumed character ever.
Those characters, Stella, Sam and Costa. Unique individuals. More unique together. The whole experience was a bit trippy. Dying and returning. Surging. Fragmented time. Developing a love story. Developing a lasting bond. But why? To find a missing child. To understand there is a greater connection than ever imagined. To come to terms with a completely insane and "clear" addiction.
The whole thing was a bit UNCLEAR to me :/
I like paranormal. I like the "other wordly." I like a good suspense. I really like the unique. All the those are present. I just didn't quite "get it" quick enough. I was pretty confused initially. I read of a girl who had really crap parents, the relationship was just off the charts weird. Then said girl meets a boy and instant connection developed...then he was gone.
Then I read of that same girl whose struggle continued until she was pushed out and took to the road to somewhere...yep, that boy's home town. BOOM...we meet again. We still have the connection. We are all in! Family loves us...we are perfect together...we are happy!
Then I read about another boy...a crazy, sad, "death tripper" who may have been the most selfish, yet grief consumed character ever.
Those characters, Stella, Sam and Costa. Unique individuals. More unique together. The whole experience was a bit trippy. Dying and returning. Surging. Fragmented time. Developing a love story. Developing a lasting bond. But why? To find a missing child. To understand there is a greater connection than ever imagined. To come to terms with a completely insane and "clear" addiction.
The whole thing was a bit UNCLEAR to me :/
February 23, 2015
4 unexpected and mindfucky stars
From the moment I saw the blurb for this book, I was intrigued. I love Jessica Park’s writing, she writes wonderful romance and when I learned that this one had a paranormal twist, I was a goner. The story is completely unexpected so don’t go into with any pre-conceived ideas. This book is original, imaginative, and quite dark, and it completely sucked me in. I devoured it in one sitting, and it left me reeling.
But I must warn that some of the subject matter could be controversial to some readers, so for those who have issues with death, suicide and violence, you may want to do a bit of investigating before you decide whether or not to dive in.
16 year old Stella lives a difficult life. Pretty much ignored and / or ridiculed by her mother, she tries her hardest to be perfect, but never seems to measure up. The one defining moment of her teen years came when she met a stranger in a hospital after her father and sister are involved in a car accident. Sam Bishop was there for her during a low point of her life – offering her kindness, and a warm embrace right when she needed it. She connected with him in a way that she had never experienced before.
Five years later, and her life has deteriorated to the point where her father has abandoned his family, her mother and sister are verbally abusive and treat her horribly, and she is with her boyfriend only for the numbness that sex with him can bring.
Desperate for ‘something’, she quits her life and heads to a little seaside town in Maine that Sam spoke of, hoping to find herself, and the connection that she wants so badly. Sam and Stella are soon reunited, and although they have a bit of a rocky start, a friendship quickly develops and as they open up to each other about their pasts, that deep connection resurfaces and they fall for each other – hard and fast.
This is a beautifully sweet love story. Sam and Stella are absolutely gorgeous together. I love the way that he is completely there for her, yet also encourages her to spread her wings and discover who she is for the first time in her life. Sam has been through some very hard times and has been struggling to cope with his past so watching him come back to life at the same time as Stella starts to come into her own was really special. And their relationship was gorgeous to watch – great banter, lots of sweet and tender moments, sexy time and swoon, it’s got it all!
Things start to get interesting when Sam’s best friend returns to town after a long absence. Costa’s reappearance is the trigger for things starting to get strange, as Stella is violently and devastatingly introduced into the world of “Death Tripping” – a paranormal phenomenon where “Trippers” can be killed over and over again but never die, in fact, they get a high from it and it starts to become an addiction. And as Stella is dragged into their world, the three of them are caught up in the rush but soon find themselves entangled in a situation which threatens to spiral them out of control.
I found this whole aspect of the story to be really fascinating. The rules and consequences of tripping are complex, but really well thought out and presented. I’m a fan of anything that is even slightly paranormal, so I was very open to everything that was going on, but I can see how a lot of people would have issues with it. Does it glorify death and suicide? In my opinion, no. But I acknowledge that it is a very fine line.
I get that it’s an addiction for the characters, that they are drawn to do it, and I had no problem with that. But the way they do it sometimes gets a little provocative - .
But as dark as that all sounds, there are other storylines going on. Stella and Sam’s romance remains a major focus of the story, and I am happy to say that there is no drama or stupid behaviour in their relationship. They love each other, they are committed, and I loved watching grow stronger and stronger with everything that they go through. Their love for each other, and the time they spend together provides some beautifully light moments throughout the story.
The other main storyline revolves around Costa. The three of them have a very interesting dynamic which is surprising, maybe a little confusing at times, yet also sweet. I was never too sure how to feel about him. I hated him, then I liked him, then my heart ached for him, but I was never too sure what his true motivations were. He’s a pivotal part of action though, and I really liked the direction of his story.
I finished this book not really sure how to feel. I was happy with how everything played out, and very satisfied with how it all ended, but it’s a wild, and slightly disturbing ride to get there. Now that I'm done, and the shock factor has receeded, I can sit back and reflect on it and it truly is a beautiful story.
Bravo Jessica Park! She has given us something truly original which is fast paced and enthralling, with surprises, lots of twists and turns and is full of emotion. She tied all of the different aspects of the story together brilliantly, and for the story that she has given us, and the way she told it, she’s done an amazing job.
I loved it - 4 stars.
From the moment I saw the blurb for this book, I was intrigued. I love Jessica Park’s writing, she writes wonderful romance and when I learned that this one had a paranormal twist, I was a goner. The story is completely unexpected so don’t go into with any pre-conceived ideas. This book is original, imaginative, and quite dark, and it completely sucked me in. I devoured it in one sitting, and it left me reeling.
But I must warn that some of the subject matter could be controversial to some readers, so for those who have issues with death, suicide and violence, you may want to do a bit of investigating before you decide whether or not to dive in.
16 year old Stella lives a difficult life. Pretty much ignored and / or ridiculed by her mother, she tries her hardest to be perfect, but never seems to measure up. The one defining moment of her teen years came when she met a stranger in a hospital after her father and sister are involved in a car accident. Sam Bishop was there for her during a low point of her life – offering her kindness, and a warm embrace right when she needed it. She connected with him in a way that she had never experienced before.
Five years later, and her life has deteriorated to the point where her father has abandoned his family, her mother and sister are verbally abusive and treat her horribly, and she is with her boyfriend only for the numbness that sex with him can bring.
I am exhausted. Every day is an exercise in faking happiness and sociability and enthusiasm for life, none of which I actually have.
Desperate for ‘something’, she quits her life and heads to a little seaside town in Maine that Sam spoke of, hoping to find herself, and the connection that she wants so badly. Sam and Stella are soon reunited, and although they have a bit of a rocky start, a friendship quickly develops and as they open up to each other about their pasts, that deep connection resurfaces and they fall for each other – hard and fast.
“For reasons I can’t begin to understand, I am whole again with you. After everything, I get to feel whole.”
This is a beautifully sweet love story. Sam and Stella are absolutely gorgeous together. I love the way that he is completely there for her, yet also encourages her to spread her wings and discover who she is for the first time in her life. Sam has been through some very hard times and has been struggling to cope with his past so watching him come back to life at the same time as Stella starts to come into her own was really special. And their relationship was gorgeous to watch – great banter, lots of sweet and tender moments, sexy time and swoon, it’s got it all!
“Let me be your good.”
Sam’s body tenses, and his heart pounds against me. “Can you let me be yours?”
Things start to get interesting when Sam’s best friend returns to town after a long absence. Costa’s reappearance is the trigger for things starting to get strange, as Stella is violently and devastatingly introduced into the world of “Death Tripping” – a paranormal phenomenon where “Trippers” can be killed over and over again but never die, in fact, they get a high from it and it starts to become an addiction. And as Stella is dragged into their world, the three of them are caught up in the rush but soon find themselves entangled in a situation which threatens to spiral them out of control.
I found this whole aspect of the story to be really fascinating. The rules and consequences of tripping are complex, but really well thought out and presented. I’m a fan of anything that is even slightly paranormal, so I was very open to everything that was going on, but I can see how a lot of people would have issues with it. Does it glorify death and suicide? In my opinion, no. But I acknowledge that it is a very fine line.
“There’s no death wish. Ironically, it’s the opposite. We’re after an enhanced sense of life. We trip over death, but don’t take it. The process, the ritual of this, is all for the thrill and the power from the pleasure that seeps into every part of you during dying and surfacing. The intoxication is nearly impossible to fight.”
I get that it’s an addiction for the characters, that they are drawn to do it, and I had no problem with that. But the way they do it sometimes gets a little provocative - .
But as dark as that all sounds, there are other storylines going on. Stella and Sam’s romance remains a major focus of the story, and I am happy to say that there is no drama or stupid behaviour in their relationship. They love each other, they are committed, and I loved watching grow stronger and stronger with everything that they go through. Their love for each other, and the time they spend together provides some beautifully light moments throughout the story.
The other main storyline revolves around Costa. The three of them have a very interesting dynamic which is surprising, maybe a little confusing at times, yet also sweet. I was never too sure how to feel about him. I hated him, then I liked him, then my heart ached for him, but I was never too sure what his true motivations were. He’s a pivotal part of action though, and I really liked the direction of his story.
I finished this book not really sure how to feel. I was happy with how everything played out, and very satisfied with how it all ended, but it’s a wild, and slightly disturbing ride to get there. Now that I'm done, and the shock factor has receeded, I can sit back and reflect on it and it truly is a beautiful story.
Bravo Jessica Park! She has given us something truly original which is fast paced and enthralling, with surprises, lots of twists and turns and is full of emotion. She tied all of the different aspects of the story together brilliantly, and for the story that she has given us, and the way she told it, she’s done an amazing job.
I loved it - 4 stars.
Read
March 2, 2015The book that is absolutely impossible to rate…
I feel like I just went twelve rounds…with a book, and I lost.
What. Did. I. Just. Read!?
First we start here. Then we’re there. Then we’re….
Where are we?
I felt like I was tripping.
So thanks Jessica Park for writing a book that I have absolutely no idea what to do with.
The great thing about paranormal is that you get to make your own rules because…there are no rules. However, sometimes I felt like this book took its limits too far. Towards the end, I felt like things were stretched so far beyond making them fit, in order to make them fit. It just didn’t fit.
I enjoyed the first half quite a bit more than the second half, because the paranormal aspect almost disconnected me from a story that had done such a beautiful job gripping my attention from the start. Then we surged. Oh boy did we surge. The first time came unexpectedly from the very center of my blind side and slapped me right in the face. It hurt, and I didn’t like it. I respect the author for stepping way out of my comfort zone, but it made me uncomfortable. It made me see Sam in a way that was opposite of how I wanted to see him. However, by the end of the story, I became so caught up in what the hell would happen next that the shock wore off and I was able to read on. Curiosity is a strong motivator and Jessica Park created a very curious world.
Clear is extremely captivating in its originality and off-putting in its controversy. A hot mess of intriguing proportions.
So now that you’re thoroughly confused. What did I think?
Did I like it ?
Is this a good review?
A bad review?
Hell if I know.
READ ON!
I feel like I just went twelve rounds…with a book, and I lost.
What. Did. I. Just. Read!?
First we start here. Then we’re there. Then we’re….
Where are we?
I felt like I was tripping.
So thanks Jessica Park for writing a book that I have absolutely no idea what to do with.
The great thing about paranormal is that you get to make your own rules because…there are no rules. However, sometimes I felt like this book took its limits too far. Towards the end, I felt like things were stretched so far beyond making them fit, in order to make them fit. It just didn’t fit.
I enjoyed the first half quite a bit more than the second half, because the paranormal aspect almost disconnected me from a story that had done such a beautiful job gripping my attention from the start. Then we surged. Oh boy did we surge. The first time came unexpectedly from the very center of my blind side and slapped me right in the face. It hurt, and I didn’t like it. I respect the author for stepping way out of my comfort zone, but it made me uncomfortable. It made me see Sam in a way that was opposite of how I wanted to see him. However, by the end of the story, I became so caught up in what the hell would happen next that the shock wore off and I was able to read on. Curiosity is a strong motivator and Jessica Park created a very curious world.
Clear is extremely captivating in its originality and off-putting in its controversy. A hot mess of intriguing proportions.
So now that you’re thoroughly confused. What did I think?
Did I like it ?
Is this a good review?
A bad review?
Hell if I know.
READ ON!
February 19, 2015
3.5 stars
February 24, 2015
”It feels good to die, doesn't it?”
4 STARS
Genre: Paranormal New Adult Romance - Angst
Cover: 8/10
Writing: 10/10
Heroine: 8/10
Hero: 8/10
Humour: 1/10
Hotness: 4/10
Romance: 8/10
Extra book Details: Heroine POV; 1st person. Stand alone. Approx 260 kindle pages.
After a chance encounter with the amazing Sam Bishop, Stella Ford's life becomes a confused mess of chaos and order, reality and make believe. After years of dealing with an abusive mother, things finally break when her obnoxious druggie sister gets put into a psych ward, she begs her to leave home, to get away and find her 'good'. The only good thing Stella can remember is the beautiful boy, Sam. And when she does find him, her world gets turned upside down once more.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I don't read Paranormal Romance, but of course picked this up because it was by Ms Park. The 'Death Tripping' theme didn't bother me, when that element kicked in I was like 'Huh?' But I ended up very much enjoying it, some of the scenes it painted were well written and awesome to read about.
There were two aspects of the Paranormal elements that did bother me. Whether it's because I prefer realistic fiction, or that they felt too much to me, I don't know. Said elements were:
I think it could have easily been a 4.5 star book for me if it weren't for the one thing that really niggled at me. Sam's turn-around from cold to hot was quick and virtually unexplained. It could have done with his POV then, or for us to see his barriers gradually break.
The side-characters were detailed, unique and interesting. I really grew to love Costa. He was a complicated bag of crazy as well as extremely loving. I wanted him to have his own book. He added a whole new element to the story.
Sam and Stella were actually really lovely characters, even more lovely together. Their romance was sweet and so was the sex apart from a few scenes that were really rather hot. I loved how they met, their adventures and their homely romance.
My favourite things in the book were; the fun of the Death Tripping, Costa and the angst. I think it's well worth a read even with it's discretions.
April 25, 2016
This book started interesting enough with a young Stella Ford in the hospital after her father and sister got into a car accident while out buying her a birthday present. Apparently, there was a fatality and Stella's mother blamed Stella for the reason her husband and daughter are embroiled in this tragedy. Stella's mother begins her reign of terror against Stella.
After years of intense of verbal abuse, Stella runs away from her Chicago home to find Sam Bishop, a stranger who once showed her kindness while Stella was in the waiting room after the car accident long ago that changed the course of her life.
Once in Maine and with Sam Bishop, Stella starts discovering who she is really is and begins to enjoy life again...and then the story takes a Twilight Zone-ish turn.
What started as contemporary new adult romance turned into a supernatural, paranormal romance with the addition of Sam Bishop's best friend Costa Jordan. The story about self discovery and healing morphed into a story about adrenaline chasing by "Death Tripping".
This second half of the story is where it fell apart for me going from a 3-4 star to almost DNF:
1. Gone was the story about Stella and her mother's toxic relationship.
2. Gone was the story about Stella and her confusion.
3. Gone was the touching embrace of Stella by Sam Bishop's family, in favor of an overdose of Costa.
4. Gone was the story about fixing Stella, but fixing Sam and Costa. Which was a weird relationship of brothers, best friends, sexual partner, competitor. Honestly, their relationship boggled the mind.
5. Gone was "honest yet hurting" Sam, replaced by one with half truths essentially drawing Stella into his drama with Costa without giving her an out.
Other problems was the unresolved issues with her sister & mother, her father, and a promising college stint in favor of what is tantamount to chasing a high. While I tried to find sympathy for Costa, he was just so immature and self centered. His loss obviously affected him but he used it as a sword against all around him. The price for Costa's healing threatened to consume Stella, Sam and by extension the Bishop family who have been so good to him.
I just disliked this twist in the story especially the ending reveal. That was the most galling part of the story--that we are to believe that Costa never remembered the day of his loss. The second moment that changed his life. #unbelievable
This book turned out to be an utter disappointment for me. I am grateful that I have previously read Flat-Out Love before I read this book and Left Drowning or I would have been completely unaware of how good this author's writing can really be.
*Special Thanks to Tantor Audio for the audiobook given in exchange for honest review.
February 23, 2015
Well... not sure how to rate this one. I appreciated the uniqueness of the story, connected with the characters and was pretty much invested in the story the whole time... but... something didn't quite settle with me. I'll have to think about it.
February 16, 2015
I hate reading books like this. It actually makes me angry. Why? Because this book is so mind blowing, so fucking unbelievably fantastic but just because it’s a “romance” a lot of people won’t read it. I loved this book. I even hate saying I loved this book because we’ve become immune to people saying they “love” something. How do I explain how original and crazy this book is, how can I make you understand how much it moved me? Because this this wasn’t one of the best science fictions books I’ve ever read, or one of the best romance books. It was one of the best books I’ve ever read, period.
The panic in my chest weighs heavily.
Something is terribly wrong with me.
I admit to skimming the synopsis of Clear. A girl running away from home, there’s a guy and a conflict, pretty standard stuff. I’m a fan of the authors previous novels so I though I’d give it a read. Maybe if I would have paid attention to the details in the synopsis I would have been better prepared. Although, I don’t think I would have ever guessed the plot of Clear even if I did, because as soon the story starts you don’t know who to trust. Stella may be the narrator of Clear, but her life is so odd we don’t know what to believe. With an unreliable narrator it becomes difficult to make sense of what is happening. Do we trust what Stella is telling us? Form our own opinions about how she perceives things? Is her family really so awful? Is Stella crazy? Even after finishing the book I’m still not certain.
As far as hallucinations go, you’re a pretty good one. So come on in, and let’s see what my fucked-up head does with you next.
The first part of the book was an amazing story of finding yourself and fighting for your first true love. It was absolutely beautiful. I highlighted the shit out of my Kindle and swooned like a motherfucker. And then . . . and then it exploded. I’m not sure what I said; I’m sure something super original like, “Oh my god” or “Shut the fuck up.” Definitely not anything that could capture the shock and confusion I felt when the book started to twist itself into something completely different.
“Fuck you for making me trust you”
“That’s not very nice, Sam” [someone] responds evenly. “Sometimes we have to do things that are hard. This is one of those times. You’ll thank me later. Really.”
“Never. I’ll see you in hell,”
I’m going to make my husband read this book and then I’m going to buy it for all my friends, I’m going to make my book club read it. You think I’m joking? I’m not. I need to discuss this story with someone and even though I’m going to blog, tweet, Facebook, and whatever else there is, I need to talk to someone face to face and see their reaction. See their disbelief when that happens, hear their predictions, discuss what we think the addition to the bracelet means and wonder if he might be connected to Stella’s problems in her apartment. I need to know I’m not the only one who was totally blindsided by the storyline.
I though we cared about each other. I wanted us to. But he’s irrevocably broken, and now I’m just a tool in his thrill seeking and his addiction. In his never-ending quest for fulfillment that he’ll never find.
Read this book. Read it without worrying about what genre it falls into. Read it because it is one of the best books I have read in years. It’s not perfect, thank god, because perfect is boring. It’s wild. It’s crazy and unexpected and so. fucking. good. I can understand how easy it would be to become addicted to death tripping. I only read about it and I’m hooked. The next book in this saga can’t come fast enough.
Review posted at Love Between the Sheets
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February 19, 2015
Clear: A Death Trippers Novel by Jessica Park
4.5 stars!!
It is no secret that I am a huge fan of Jessica Park, she is insanely talented and I love her writing style. But what Jessica has given us in the past is humour and contemporary always with that underlying romance. Clear is way out of her normal, so I was apprehensive yet excited because deep down I knew that no matter what Jessica wrote, it would be fantastic and I was not wrong.
This is one of those WTF have I just read books. It has actually taken me a few days to digest and actually think about what I am going to say in this review. It is unlike anything I have read before and certainly leaves you thinking at the end, it is one of those books that you just cannot stop thinking about. You need to go into this book without any preconceived ideas, just read the book, take it in and make up your own mind.
I will say that “death tripping,” as the name infers is about dying and as such this book did get a little “bloody” in places so please be prepared, but it was not gratuitous or overkill (pardon the pun) but was used to complete the paranormal aspect of this book.
Stella Ford’s life is awful, feeling unloved and unwanted by her family, which was entirely warranted, she just survives day to day. On her sixteenth birthday her father and sister are involved in a car accident and are taken to hospital. Her mother ignores her, only having concern for her husband and daughter and blames Stella in every way possible for the day’s events. Just another disappointment then. Stella slopes off to get away from the feeling of loathing that rolls off her mother and while sitting at the top of a stair well she meets Sam Bishop.
Sam Bishop comes to Stella’s aid and they have a good heart to heart but there is something about their meeting that screams fate, they were both in the right place at the right time. However, life goes on and after a discussion about life etcetera they go their separate ways.
Five years later and Stella’s life has not improved at all, in fact it is inherently worse. Not long after the accident her father left the family home and Stella’s mother and sister began to abuse her even more, both mentally and verbally. She lived alone, survived on meagre rations and the families mind games leave her constantly questioning her own sanity. Finally having had enough, she decides to up and leave and she heads to Maine, the place that five years ago Sam Bishop described so beautifully.
Maine was just as Sam described and it is not long before she has tracked down the B & B that Sam’s parents owned. Glad that Sam was still in Maine she could not wait to meet him again and see if he remembers their meeting many years ago. The Sam that Stella meets is not the same, he is broken and destroyed, there is a story to be told, he saved her once and now it was time she reciprocated.
This is where the story starts and from here on in my mouth stays zipped. This is where everything changes and life becomes and evolves around “death tripping.” Sam’s best friend Costa is also involved and the three of them begin a mission. Delving into the deep unknown of “death tripping” with one main goal.
I will say that this book is dark, it is raw and is a complete mind fuck, but it is amazingly fantastic. Sam and Stella have an intense connection and chemistry and this leads to some insanely hot scenes especially when coming down from a “surge.” It seems that Stella, Sam and Costa’s friendship was more than fate and it is now up to this trio to work together.
Jessica Park weaves an intense plot that will have you questioning your own sanity at times. I had plenty of WTF moments, jaw dropping moments, jump off your couch moments but that was perfectly balanced with some intense sizzling chemistry that had me glued to the pages. You will run the gamut of emotions, empathy, confusion, anger, sadness, pain, love but most of all you will be intrigued and captivated and you will not want to put this book down. I loved the characters and even Costa, who makes one hell of an entrance, grew on me. He is one character that I would love to know more about and if this is just the beginning of a series I am hoping that the same characters are developed going further.
It is hard to believe that the same author who gave us perfect, beautiful Celeste can somehow turn her mind to something like this but she has executed it brilliantly. I am not a huge reader of paranormal but I have to say I LOVED this book. Death has never been so addicting. When is my next trip…?
www.theromancecover.com
4.5 stars!!
“I love you so mush.”
It is no secret that I am a huge fan of Jessica Park, she is insanely talented and I love her writing style. But what Jessica has given us in the past is humour and contemporary always with that underlying romance. Clear is way out of her normal, so I was apprehensive yet excited because deep down I knew that no matter what Jessica wrote, it would be fantastic and I was not wrong.
This is one of those WTF have I just read books. It has actually taken me a few days to digest and actually think about what I am going to say in this review. It is unlike anything I have read before and certainly leaves you thinking at the end, it is one of those books that you just cannot stop thinking about. You need to go into this book without any preconceived ideas, just read the book, take it in and make up your own mind.
I will say that “death tripping,” as the name infers is about dying and as such this book did get a little “bloody” in places so please be prepared, but it was not gratuitous or overkill (pardon the pun) but was used to complete the paranormal aspect of this book.
Stella Ford’s life is awful, feeling unloved and unwanted by her family, which was entirely warranted, she just survives day to day. On her sixteenth birthday her father and sister are involved in a car accident and are taken to hospital. Her mother ignores her, only having concern for her husband and daughter and blames Stella in every way possible for the day’s events. Just another disappointment then. Stella slopes off to get away from the feeling of loathing that rolls off her mother and while sitting at the top of a stair well she meets Sam Bishop.
“Everything will be okay. Good things last, and the bad things will fade away. So, go find your good.”
Sam Bishop comes to Stella’s aid and they have a good heart to heart but there is something about their meeting that screams fate, they were both in the right place at the right time. However, life goes on and after a discussion about life etcetera they go their separate ways.
Five years later and Stella’s life has not improved at all, in fact it is inherently worse. Not long after the accident her father left the family home and Stella’s mother and sister began to abuse her even more, both mentally and verbally. She lived alone, survived on meagre rations and the families mind games leave her constantly questioning her own sanity. Finally having had enough, she decides to up and leave and she heads to Maine, the place that five years ago Sam Bishop described so beautifully.
Maine was just as Sam described and it is not long before she has tracked down the B & B that Sam’s parents owned. Glad that Sam was still in Maine she could not wait to meet him again and see if he remembers their meeting many years ago. The Sam that Stella meets is not the same, he is broken and destroyed, there is a story to be told, he saved her once and now it was time she reciprocated.
“…As far as hallucinations go, you’re a pretty good one. So, come on in, and let’s see what my fucked-up head does with you next.”
This is where the story starts and from here on in my mouth stays zipped. This is where everything changes and life becomes and evolves around “death tripping.” Sam’s best friend Costa is also involved and the three of them begin a mission. Delving into the deep unknown of “death tripping” with one main goal.
“As suicidal as it sounds, it isn’t really dying, and it isn’t about trying to die. There’s no death wish. Ironically, it’s the opposite. We’re after an enhanced sense of life. We trip over death, but don’t take it…The intoxication is nearly impossible to fight.”
I will say that this book is dark, it is raw and is a complete mind fuck, but it is amazingly fantastic. Sam and Stella have an intense connection and chemistry and this leads to some insanely hot scenes especially when coming down from a “surge.” It seems that Stella, Sam and Costa’s friendship was more than fate and it is now up to this trio to work together.
“There are kisses that arouse, there are kisses that deliver love, and then there are kisses that transcend both of those things. That’s how Sam kisses me – with his entire soul.”
Jessica Park weaves an intense plot that will have you questioning your own sanity at times. I had plenty of WTF moments, jaw dropping moments, jump off your couch moments but that was perfectly balanced with some intense sizzling chemistry that had me glued to the pages. You will run the gamut of emotions, empathy, confusion, anger, sadness, pain, love but most of all you will be intrigued and captivated and you will not want to put this book down. I loved the characters and even Costa, who makes one hell of an entrance, grew on me. He is one character that I would love to know more about and if this is just the beginning of a series I am hoping that the same characters are developed going further.
“We came first.”
It is hard to believe that the same author who gave us perfect, beautiful Celeste can somehow turn her mind to something like this but she has executed it brilliantly. I am not a huge reader of paranormal but I have to say I LOVED this book. Death has never been so addicting. When is my next trip…?
www.theromancecover.com
Read
February 18, 2015See we are all a little different and hence enjoy different things. As readers, we are the same. It's probably the reason why so many people loved this and I didn't.
I wanted to love this, I truly did. The writing is spectacular and has a decent plot. However, I'm not fan of reading sex scenes with other people. Whether it's the hero or the heroine. I'm just not built that way. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, it's just not for me.
As a result, I won't be rating this. It just doesn't seem fair to the author.
However, don't let my review discourage you. As a fan of this author, I highly recommend to check out, "Flat-Out Celeste."
I wanted to love this, I truly did. The writing is spectacular and has a decent plot. However, I'm not fan of reading sex scenes with other people. Whether it's the hero or the heroine. I'm just not built that way. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, it's just not for me.
As a result, I won't be rating this. It just doesn't seem fair to the author.
However, don't let my review discourage you. As a fan of this author, I highly recommend to check out, "Flat-Out Celeste."
Read
November 9, 2018I was really loving this up until the weird sex scene. I could not, in good conscience, continue reading after that point. I'm bummed out, but I didn't know how I could possibly review and rate this after something that made me so intensely uncomfortable. It would be a disservice to the book, the author, and myself to do so.
Such a great start and I LOVED the unique storyline. The writing was excellent, but the subject matter killed it for me (excuse the pun).
EDITED to add, I loved the death-tripping and thought it was an interesting and unique concept.
Such a great start and I LOVED the unique storyline. The writing was excellent, but the subject matter killed it for me (excuse the pun).
EDITED to add, I loved the death-tripping and thought it was an interesting and unique concept.
January 19, 2023
“Let me be your good.”
I have no words for this book. Went in totally blind just knowing that it was written by one of my favorite people and boom! I was in for quite a shock with this one. Literal book crack. Death tripping? Who knew this was even a thing, let alone a sub genre. What a rush! What a unique distinctive storyline that I can honestly say I have NEVER read!!! There were a couple things that made me squirm just from uncomfortableness, but those are the things I crave when reading. I love a book that stretches me, takes me to the edge and pushes me off the cliff so to speak. Bravo, Jessica!!
I have no words for this book. Went in totally blind just knowing that it was written by one of my favorite people and boom! I was in for quite a shock with this one. Literal book crack. Death tripping? Who knew this was even a thing, let alone a sub genre. What a rush! What a unique distinctive storyline that I can honestly say I have NEVER read!!! There were a couple things that made me squirm just from uncomfortableness, but those are the things I crave when reading. I love a book that stretches me, takes me to the edge and pushes me off the cliff so to speak. Bravo, Jessica!!
March 5, 2015
I went into this very open-minded, but I have to say that I think this book is all kinds of wrong for many reasons.
1) Writing:
There are moments that are good, but the pacing and plotting aren't executed well. The exposition wasn't developed well from the start. I did have the feeling that the writer was going for a sort of unreliable narrator and that this is supposed to put us on the edge of our seats as we try to figure things out. I get what she was attempting to do, but it just did not work for me. Stella's family background made no sense at all. You can give us tidbits and make us a bit confused so we wonder what will happen next, but we still need an understanding. The crazy mom, crazy sister, dad abandonment, and disasociative state combination was too much all at once.
2) Main Character
I never really liked Stella. I get that she had issues. Big ones. That said, when your boyfriend suddenly starts making fancy balls of light and explains how he cheats death all the time, do you REALLY just be like, "I love you. You're awesome. These fancy balls of light are just as hot and amazing as you." WHATEVER.
3) Jumping the Shark
I know this was coming. I knew the plot was going to take a major turn, but I wasn't expecting this ridiculousness. Typically, a book gives you a hint that this has, for example, paranormal elements or a twist, but this book just switches in a second. It comes out of nowhere with no build to it. Too abrupt. If this was I am Number Four, I would expect this. The other alien series by Jennifer Armentrout? I would expect it. This begins as new adult realistic fiction and then goes crazy.
Even worse, is the change in characters and the shift that immediately happens with them, particularly Stella.
4) Content/Plot.
I don't know what the author was thinking. I don't understand how she thought that experiencing death would be a thrill, addictive, sexy, and something you feel you need to do. What led her to come up with this idea? What made her choose death as some thrill-seeking adventure?
It didn't freak me out, but the entire time I was just turned off because it was not only SO out there but so...inappropriate? Why would you want to send that message?
Glamorizing attempts at death to be sexy, cool, addictive, or someone a person needs to feel is just wrong on so many levels. I honestly do not get it. I almost feel a little betrayed by the author because this concept makes NO sense to me.
It reminds me of a book I read a few years ago where a child molester was the narrator. He described how he attacked a child, killed the child, and got away with the murder. Literally. This was the book, and I was furious while reading it and after reading it. I threw it away immediately and honestly can't even remember the title because I refuse to acknowledge its existence! Who would write that? Who would want to read it?
This book isn't THAT bad, but I constantly had that feeling of: what in the world made you write this???
Very disappointed.
1) Writing:
There are moments that are good, but the pacing and plotting aren't executed well. The exposition wasn't developed well from the start. I did have the feeling that the writer was going for a sort of unreliable narrator and that this is supposed to put us on the edge of our seats as we try to figure things out. I get what she was attempting to do, but it just did not work for me. Stella's family background made no sense at all. You can give us tidbits and make us a bit confused so we wonder what will happen next, but we still need an understanding. The crazy mom, crazy sister, dad abandonment, and disasociative state combination was too much all at once.
2) Main Character
I never really liked Stella. I get that she had issues. Big ones. That said, when your boyfriend suddenly starts making fancy balls of light and explains how he cheats death all the time, do you REALLY just be like, "I love you. You're awesome. These fancy balls of light are just as hot and amazing as you." WHATEVER.
3) Jumping the Shark
I know this was coming. I knew the plot was going to take a major turn, but I wasn't expecting this ridiculousness. Typically, a book gives you a hint that this has, for example, paranormal elements or a twist, but this book just switches in a second. It comes out of nowhere with no build to it. Too abrupt. If this was I am Number Four, I would expect this. The other alien series by Jennifer Armentrout? I would expect it. This begins as new adult realistic fiction and then goes crazy.
Even worse, is the change in characters and the shift that immediately happens with them, particularly Stella.
4) Content/Plot.
I don't know what the author was thinking. I don't understand how she thought that experiencing death would be a thrill, addictive, sexy, and something you feel you need to do. What led her to come up with this idea? What made her choose death as some thrill-seeking adventure?
It didn't freak me out, but the entire time I was just turned off because it was not only SO out there but so...inappropriate? Why would you want to send that message?
Glamorizing attempts at death to be sexy, cool, addictive, or someone a person needs to feel is just wrong on so many levels. I honestly do not get it. I almost feel a little betrayed by the author because this concept makes NO sense to me.
It reminds me of a book I read a few years ago where a child molester was the narrator. He described how he attacked a child, killed the child, and got away with the murder. Literally. This was the book, and I was furious while reading it and after reading it. I threw it away immediately and honestly can't even remember the title because I refuse to acknowledge its existence! Who would write that? Who would want to read it?
This book isn't THAT bad, but I constantly had that feeling of: what in the world made you write this???
Very disappointed.
February 1, 2016
Let me start off by saying this story felt quite dream like to begin with and it took a little bit of patience on my part to get into the story but I'm glad it paid off.
Stella Ford rushes with her mother to the hospital where her Father and Sister have been taken. There has been an accident and Stella overhears a strange conversation between her father and sister Amy.
She finds herself on a stairwell where she meets Sam Bishop who is very kind to Stella and tells her to go find her happiness. He is at the hospital as his friend is being treated there.
This one bit of kindness affects Stella so much that when her troubled family life imploads she sets out to find Sam and this is where the story takes a different turn.
All I can say is that I didn't expect what happens in the storyline but as it slowly unfolds
I really got into it and couldn't put my kindle down.
If anyone has seen the movie Flatliners it will help you to suspend belief and enjoy the suspenseful journey this story takes you on.
Stella Ford rushes with her mother to the hospital where her Father and Sister have been taken. There has been an accident and Stella overhears a strange conversation between her father and sister Amy.
She finds herself on a stairwell where she meets Sam Bishop who is very kind to Stella and tells her to go find her happiness. He is at the hospital as his friend is being treated there.
This one bit of kindness affects Stella so much that when her troubled family life imploads she sets out to find Sam and this is where the story takes a different turn.
All I can say is that I didn't expect what happens in the storyline but as it slowly unfolds
I really got into it and couldn't put my kindle down.
If anyone has seen the movie Flatliners it will help you to suspend belief and enjoy the suspenseful journey this story takes you on.
May 5, 2015
Clear is definitely a departure from Jessica Park's other contemporary romances. This paranormal romance is unique and fast-paced, but it didn't hook me like I'd hoped.
After a car accident involving her father and sister, Stella Ford's life takes a turn for the worse. Her father and sister should have been seriously injured but mysteriously they were barely harmed. That night, Stella has a brief encounter with a boy her age who showed her an ounce of compassion. Following the accident, her father abandons Stella, Amy, and her mother without explanation, leaving Stella alone with her mother and sister and no emotional support.
Years later, Stella is twenty-one and a junior in college, and a little lost after enduring years of her mother's emotional abuse and brainwashing. Despite her sister Amy's drug addiction and unstable mental state, Amy is the apple of her mother's eye and Stella is just a pebble in her shoe.
Stella runs away from her hometown of Chicago straight to Maine, the home of the boy with whom she shared a connection, Sam Bishop. At first, Sam is less than thrilled to have Stella with him but he soon warms up to her, quite a bit. The chemistry between them sizzles and before either of them realize it they're in love. But just when Stella thought she had escaped the craziness in her former life, Sam Bishop tells her his secret, uncovering a new world Stella didn't know existed.
I really liked Flat-Out Love by Jessica Park. It is one of my favorite books, but this book just wasn't a favorite of mine. I had problems getting invested into the story and falling for the characters like I do when I love a book. Some of my issues with the book involved the pacing of Stella and Sam's relationship. I understand why the author had to establish the relationship a little earlier, but I wanted more build up and development. It felt far too rushed.
Readers who don't read a ton of paranormal romance may really like this book, given the fact that it is very much a new adult novel with a paranormal twist. But for me, the paranormal element needed to be fleshed out more. The mythology behind death tripping was explained, at first, through a question and answer between the characters, rather than woven into the story. Further, it seemed to me that later on in the story the explanation for certain things were just thrown in there and the reader was just asked to accept them. Overall, I wanted a stronger paranormal storyline and this book didn't have it.
I can see why many have really latched on to Clear due to its unique storyline. There were some moments I liked like, "I love you so mush" part. :) But overall, I couldn't get into the story.
2 stars
*I received an advanced copy of this book from Wordsmith Publicity in exchange for an honest review.
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February 24, 2015
5 Surging Stars
I love being surprised by a book. I ususally don't even read the blurb if it is an author I trust to be amazing. When this one was recommended to me, I jumped because I trust the recommender. I had no idea what it was about. I'm not sure I know what is about now that I have finished it. What do know is that it is FANTASTIC.
Stella has a crazy ass mother. As in Crazy Ass. When her dad and sister are in an accident, Stella meets Sam in the hospital stairs. While it is just a fleeting meeting, it is one that give Stella hope.
Good things last, and the bad things fade way. So, go find your good.
It's not that easy for Stella. Her life gets worse. Much worse before she even gets a glimpse of good.
Every day is an exercise in faking happiness and sociability and enthusiasm for life, not of which I actually have.
When Stella is finally decides to take control of her life, she flees for the place she has dreamed of since she was 16. Maine. Lobsters and Sam. The only dream she allowed herself.
Stella gets pulled into the game that Sam and his friend Costa have played for years. A game no one knows the rules to. A game that is as addictive as it is deadly.
When boundaries fall and truths come out, it can bring a closeness that is unshakeable.
This is the story of....well, its about....hummm. Its about so many things. Life. Death. And the in between. Trust. The ulmimate trust. And a bond so close that you would and do die for each other. And live with the consequences.
I loved this book. I love when a book takes me a new place that I had not even imagined. And I have a really good imagination. Ms Park has proven that she does to0.
There is no line between truth and fiction for me, and I'd rather be crazy and get to keep Sam than find sanity and lose him.
This one is crazy good. Insane good.
I love being surprised by a book. I ususally don't even read the blurb if it is an author I trust to be amazing. When this one was recommended to me, I jumped because I trust the recommender. I had no idea what it was about. I'm not sure I know what is about now that I have finished it. What do know is that it is FANTASTIC.
Stella has a crazy ass mother. As in Crazy Ass. When her dad and sister are in an accident, Stella meets Sam in the hospital stairs. While it is just a fleeting meeting, it is one that give Stella hope.
Good things last, and the bad things fade way. So, go find your good.
It's not that easy for Stella. Her life gets worse. Much worse before she even gets a glimpse of good.
Every day is an exercise in faking happiness and sociability and enthusiasm for life, not of which I actually have.
When Stella is finally decides to take control of her life, she flees for the place she has dreamed of since she was 16. Maine. Lobsters and Sam. The only dream she allowed herself.
Stella gets pulled into the game that Sam and his friend Costa have played for years. A game no one knows the rules to. A game that is as addictive as it is deadly.
When boundaries fall and truths come out, it can bring a closeness that is unshakeable.
This is the story of....well, its about....hummm. Its about so many things. Life. Death. And the in between. Trust. The ulmimate trust. And a bond so close that you would and do die for each other. And live with the consequences.
I loved this book. I love when a book takes me a new place that I had not even imagined. And I have a really good imagination. Ms Park has proven that she does to0.
There is no line between truth and fiction for me, and I'd rather be crazy and get to keep Sam than find sanity and lose him.
This one is crazy good. Insane good.
February 19, 2015
2.5 stars rounded up. This was CLEARLY not a book for me. I do LOVE this author and so appreciate someone stepping outside the box. However, In the end i was forcing myself thru the book mostly out of curiosity.
February 20, 2015
2.5? I dunno, this started out strong then just took a huge left turn. I just couldn't get on board with this one.
February 5, 2015
Super weird. But unique. Made it interesting.
June 30, 2018
Not what I expected at all, but really liked it! The writing was great and the concept of the story was original. This will definitely not be my last Jessica Park book...
February 17, 2015
*This was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.*
I am never disappointed with anything Jessica Park produces. I definitely have to start by saying this book is a total mindfuck. I felt like I was tripping at times. It is bold and unlike anything I've ever read before. The storyline is original and the characters are unique. Prepare yourself to be impressed by a new side of Jessica Park. There is an element of darkness yet something so incredibly beautiful about this novel. I spent a good portion of this read saying, "Fuck," "Holy Shit" and "OMG." I'm pretty sure I even had to pick my jaw up a few times, but I loved every minute of it! Actually, I couldn't put it down. In truth, I wondered to myself a few times "WTF am I reading," but in a,"wow did that really just happen" way. There are so many layers to this novel and I'm being my usual evil self by giving minimal information, but I do believe this is a book you just need to read and experience on your own.
I fell in love with Sam, I hurt with Stella, and I desperately tried to understand Costa. Each element of this story is like a piece of a puzzle. There is no way to really prepare for what you will experience reading Clear. It is unrestrained, unpredictable and quite frankly A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Jessica Park impresses the reader with her literary genius pushing boundaries and drawing the reader into one of the most cleverly crafted worlds I've ever experienced. The emotions you'll experience while reading Clear will make you feel as though you have stepped into this book and become one of these characters. You will walk with them through every struggle, every hurt and every triumph. All the love, resentment, anger and sadness that they feel will slowly seep its way into your core forever branding you. This unforgettable, incredible story will consume you. I devoured it. Clear is erotic, intense and utterly addictive. It will mess with your mind and test your limits. It may even freak you out a bit at times, but it is sure to be a mind blowing ride. I was absolutely spellbound and I have no doubt you will be too. Fingers crossed for more Death Tripper novels!!!
This book can be classified under many genres and I can't say that it falls under any one category, but I would highly recommended it to New Adult and Paranormal Romance fans. BTW - There is no cliffhanger, I just want more. LOL.
I am never disappointed with anything Jessica Park produces. I definitely have to start by saying this book is a total mindfuck. I felt like I was tripping at times. It is bold and unlike anything I've ever read before. The storyline is original and the characters are unique. Prepare yourself to be impressed by a new side of Jessica Park. There is an element of darkness yet something so incredibly beautiful about this novel. I spent a good portion of this read saying, "Fuck," "Holy Shit" and "OMG." I'm pretty sure I even had to pick my jaw up a few times, but I loved every minute of it! Actually, I couldn't put it down. In truth, I wondered to myself a few times "WTF am I reading," but in a,"wow did that really just happen" way. There are so many layers to this novel and I'm being my usual evil self by giving minimal information, but I do believe this is a book you just need to read and experience on your own.
I fell in love with Sam, I hurt with Stella, and I desperately tried to understand Costa. Each element of this story is like a piece of a puzzle. There is no way to really prepare for what you will experience reading Clear. It is unrestrained, unpredictable and quite frankly A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Jessica Park impresses the reader with her literary genius pushing boundaries and drawing the reader into one of the most cleverly crafted worlds I've ever experienced. The emotions you'll experience while reading Clear will make you feel as though you have stepped into this book and become one of these characters. You will walk with them through every struggle, every hurt and every triumph. All the love, resentment, anger and sadness that they feel will slowly seep its way into your core forever branding you. This unforgettable, incredible story will consume you. I devoured it. Clear is erotic, intense and utterly addictive. It will mess with your mind and test your limits. It may even freak you out a bit at times, but it is sure to be a mind blowing ride. I was absolutely spellbound and I have no doubt you will be too. Fingers crossed for more Death Tripper novels!!!
This book can be classified under many genres and I can't say that it falls under any one category, but I would highly recommended it to New Adult and Paranormal Romance fans. BTW - There is no cliffhanger, I just want more. LOL.
April 8, 2015
I will start off by saying a few things: I liked Jessica Park's Flat Out series a lot (even though they were a tad too YA for me); I LOVED Left Drowning (because that book was just so WOW amazing!); I am not really a huge fan of most paranormal/fantasy books (even though that is my own son's genre) and yet, I was absolutely floored by the creativity, sensual and sexual grit and downright crazy cool way this book made me feel all the feels!
It started off as a sad commentary about Stella, a young woman who has probably one of the worst mothers on the planet, and whose father and sister have just been in a car accident. While at the hospital, she meets Sam, a mysterious and handsome guy who bonds with her in a stairwell and leaves her with one big kiss that will stay with her for years.
Years later, when she finally has had enough (her father has run away from the family, her sister is on a downward spiral of self-destruction and her mother is completely a wicked witch) she leaves everything behind and lands in the town where her mysterious Sam lives. What happens when these two reconnect is magical and very mysterious and you really have to read every word carefully to keep up and to figure out WTH is going on.
CLEAR was a mind-blowing journey of self discovery, crossing lines between life, death and what happens in an after-life. It was extremely inventive (I have not read anything quite like this one) and at the same time it had a very familiar, angsty, romantic quality keeping in tune with Park's Left Drowning (which is my favorite book of hers to date). The story was well crafted and the imagery was just beautiful...she took time to paint a very vivid picture of this "other" world for the reader and create complex and deeply emotional characters that I fell in love with (even when I wanted to hate them).
As with Park's other novels, the story and quirky characters are the main focus, but she also ventures into a little erotic-land with an extremely graphic and very sexy threesome that made me hold my breath and want to re-read that whole section over again (fans self) and fair warning, the sexuality and depicted "deaths" in this book are definitely not appropriate for her YA readers but pleased me greatly!
I would highly recommend this book to all my fantasy/paranormal and romance reader friends alike. This woman can weave a story that will stick with you long after it is over. Bravo on a job well done.
***** 5 ***** "death tripping your way to an HEA" stars
It started off as a sad commentary about Stella, a young woman who has probably one of the worst mothers on the planet, and whose father and sister have just been in a car accident. While at the hospital, she meets Sam, a mysterious and handsome guy who bonds with her in a stairwell and leaves her with one big kiss that will stay with her for years.
Years later, when she finally has had enough (her father has run away from the family, her sister is on a downward spiral of self-destruction and her mother is completely a wicked witch) she leaves everything behind and lands in the town where her mysterious Sam lives. What happens when these two reconnect is magical and very mysterious and you really have to read every word carefully to keep up and to figure out WTH is going on.
CLEAR was a mind-blowing journey of self discovery, crossing lines between life, death and what happens in an after-life. It was extremely inventive (I have not read anything quite like this one) and at the same time it had a very familiar, angsty, romantic quality keeping in tune with Park's Left Drowning (which is my favorite book of hers to date). The story was well crafted and the imagery was just beautiful...she took time to paint a very vivid picture of this "other" world for the reader and create complex and deeply emotional characters that I fell in love with (even when I wanted to hate them).
As with Park's other novels, the story and quirky characters are the main focus, but she also ventures into a little erotic-land with an extremely graphic and very sexy threesome that made me hold my breath and want to re-read that whole section over again (fans self) and fair warning, the sexuality and depicted "deaths" in this book are definitely not appropriate for her YA readers but pleased me greatly!
I would highly recommend this book to all my fantasy/paranormal and romance reader friends alike. This woman can weave a story that will stick with you long after it is over. Bravo on a job well done.
***** 5 ***** "death tripping your way to an HEA" stars
May 6, 2016
Unsettling is the best word to describe this book. It was downright weird and not in a good way. I read a lot of dark books but something about this irked me. The characters were so cavalier about death. Their experiences were described thoroughly, but I just couldn't relate.
So the first 40% of the book was solidly based in reality. Stella's family hated her. Her mother was a psychotic bitch who verbally abused and manipulated Stella often enough that she thought she was going crazy. Things got bad enough that Stella took off. She headed to some town in Maine. A boy she had met briefly once lived there. It was total instalove when they reconnected. Sam had his own demons, and they were both healing.
Around 40% death tripping enters the story. Death tripping is as lame and weird as it sounds: dying, disappearing, and coming back to life while getting high from it. The characters get addicted to the high of dying although it does have some shitty aftereffects. The way it was described it didn't even sound remotely appealing. The characters started killing each other to trip, and it was too bizarre. The entire story shifted focus onto death tripping. Eventually the previous storyline and this one overlapped. It was like reading two separate books that randomly converged at the end.
I liked Stella and Sam until the 40% mark. Then they lost all common sense and had odd emotional reactions. Sam and his friend Costa were so cavalier about dying. Stella accepted their death tripping like it was the most normal thing in the world. Costa was a psychopath, but everyone acted like he was the greatest guy ever. I really hated him. The event that happened at the 60% mark was so predictable. I was just rolling my eyes and skimming like crazy by that point.
One sex scene was really odd. Sam was tripping and wasn't in complete control of his actions. He instigated sex with Stella. None of that was weird. The way Stella reacted to him it was almost like she was high too. They had sex on top of Costa since Stella had been right by him when Sam approached her. No one thought this was weird. For the lack of a better word Costa choreographed their sex. It wasn't really menage since he wasn't actively involved. He told them what to do, and sometimes helped push them into certain positions. It gave me the creeps. It was almost as bad as seal sex.
So the first 40% of the book was solidly based in reality. Stella's family hated her. Her mother was a psychotic bitch who verbally abused and manipulated Stella often enough that she thought she was going crazy. Things got bad enough that Stella took off. She headed to some town in Maine. A boy she had met briefly once lived there. It was total instalove when they reconnected. Sam had his own demons, and they were both healing.
Around 40% death tripping enters the story. Death tripping is as lame and weird as it sounds: dying, disappearing, and coming back to life while getting high from it. The characters get addicted to the high of dying although it does have some shitty aftereffects. The way it was described it didn't even sound remotely appealing. The characters started killing each other to trip, and it was too bizarre. The entire story shifted focus onto death tripping. Eventually the previous storyline and this one overlapped. It was like reading two separate books that randomly converged at the end.
I liked Stella and Sam until the 40% mark. Then they lost all common sense and had odd emotional reactions. Sam and his friend Costa were so cavalier about dying. Stella accepted their death tripping like it was the most normal thing in the world. Costa was a psychopath, but everyone acted like he was the greatest guy ever. I really hated him. The event that happened at the 60% mark was so predictable. I was just rolling my eyes and skimming like crazy by that point.
One sex scene was really odd. Sam was tripping and wasn't in complete control of his actions. He instigated sex with Stella. None of that was weird. The way Stella reacted to him it was almost like she was high too. They had sex on top of Costa since Stella had been right by him when Sam approached her. No one thought this was weird. For the lack of a better word Costa choreographed their sex. It wasn't really menage since he wasn't actively involved. He told them what to do, and sometimes helped push them into certain positions. It gave me the creeps. It was almost as bad as seal sex.
June 20, 2018
CLEAR: A Death Trippers Novel needs to come with a warning label because READERS, you'll need to hold on, you're about to go on a wild ride. From the very first pages, in fact the first few paragraphs, I was entranced by what would become one of the most exhilarating books I've ever read.
CLEAR will give readers a rush of adrenaline. It's so sensual and erotic, and not just because of the sexytimes (which are awesome!). Park digs deep and delivers an emotionally complicated story. There are moments when I questioned, should I be having this kind of reaction to what is going on? And the only answer is a resounding YES!
At one point the book was so intense I had to put it down, take a breather and step away. I was scared of what was going to happen to the characters and for every moment that I wasn't reading, I couldn't stop thinking about them.
Fans of Park's books will gladly embrace her unique style and demand more books like CLEAR. Readers who are just discovering her books for the first time will thank their lucky stars that they have more books to devour.
CLEAR is beyond remarkable. I loved it. I can't stop thinking about it. I want to yell at my friends to READ IT NOW. I plan to read it again and again. And I WILL!
CLEAR will give readers a rush of adrenaline. It's so sensual and erotic, and not just because of the sexytimes (which are awesome!). Park digs deep and delivers an emotionally complicated story. There are moments when I questioned, should I be having this kind of reaction to what is going on? And the only answer is a resounding YES!
At one point the book was so intense I had to put it down, take a breather and step away. I was scared of what was going to happen to the characters and for every moment that I wasn't reading, I couldn't stop thinking about them.
Fans of Park's books will gladly embrace her unique style and demand more books like CLEAR. Readers who are just discovering her books for the first time will thank their lucky stars that they have more books to devour.
CLEAR is beyond remarkable. I loved it. I can't stop thinking about it. I want to yell at my friends to READ IT NOW. I plan to read it again and again. And I WILL!
March 11, 2015
This book was, how do I put this..different, weird? Weird is honestly the only word that comes to mind. I loved the plot, I loved the synopsis, and I loved the cover. In my mind, it had all the components of an amazing book. At 34% I am saying “What the actual f*ck” out loud (in a good way). Then something weird happens and I have read alot of books and around 50 something percent this book became an almost DNF. There was this weird line that was crossed in one of the romance scenes and it almost became this weird threesome and no. Just no, I couldn’t like I was squirming, uncomfortable and then that just haunted me the rest of the book.
My mind could not mentally get passed this weird three-way relationship/emotions going on. It was uncomfortable and just killed what an awesome story this could have been for me personally. I didn’t mind the surges or the passionate romance between Sam and Stella but boundaries were crossed way too much for me. Then, there are weird emotions and connections going on during the death tripping and it was just weird and uncomfortable…sorry Jessica Park (I still love Left Drowning).
My mind could not mentally get passed this weird three-way relationship/emotions going on. It was uncomfortable and just killed what an awesome story this could have been for me personally. I didn’t mind the surges or the passionate romance between Sam and Stella but boundaries were crossed way too much for me. Then, there are weird emotions and connections going on during the death tripping and it was just weird and uncomfortable…sorry Jessica Park (I still love Left Drowning).
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