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The Aris Effect
Being in love?
REALLY loving someone??
Two totally different things…
Aris Collier is a masterful artist but, when it comes to the art of love, she couldn’t be further from her comfort zone…
For Luke and Aris, it’s all fun and games until their work and general differences get in the way. Soon, Aris is falling from cloud nine into the reality of a live-in life with Luke where she’s failing forward almost every day. On the flip side, Aris is thriving in her new career. It’s much easier to navigate and a lot less complicated…especially the synergy she finds with Troy Murphy, her partner-in-art whose mere presence begins to undermine her life with Luke.
As Aris struggles to maintain a practical balance, she learns that loving Luke Donovan is effortless…but maneuvering the nuances of a real relationship? Not so much. It’s a simple truth that she quickly discovers the hard way, forcing Aris to either confront the contradictions within herself or continue to take unnecessary gambles that just may end up costing her the love of her life…
REALLY loving someone??
Two totally different things…
Aris Collier is a masterful artist but, when it comes to the art of love, she couldn’t be further from her comfort zone…
For Luke and Aris, it’s all fun and games until their work and general differences get in the way. Soon, Aris is falling from cloud nine into the reality of a live-in life with Luke where she’s failing forward almost every day. On the flip side, Aris is thriving in her new career. It’s much easier to navigate and a lot less complicated…especially the synergy she finds with Troy Murphy, her partner-in-art whose mere presence begins to undermine her life with Luke.
As Aris struggles to maintain a practical balance, she learns that loving Luke Donovan is effortless…but maneuvering the nuances of a real relationship? Not so much. It’s a simple truth that she quickly discovers the hard way, forcing Aris to either confront the contradictions within herself or continue to take unnecessary gambles that just may end up costing her the love of her life…
- GenresRomance
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2016
2 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Rae Lamar
9 books27 followersRae Lamar is a mild-mannered consultant by day and fiction writer by night who calls Atlanta home. On a perfect day, she can be found on the top floor of a swanky beach resort, sitting on the balcony of an ocean-front suite with a book in her hands and food at her fingertips.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 19, 2016
After reading 'The Dawn of Aris' I knew I had to move on to this sequel right away. I wasn't ready to leave this couple, because they are, by a mile, the most adorable pair I have read in ages. In this second and final installment, Aris and Luke are together and in love. Except Aris doesn't really know how to do relationships. All she knows is that she loves Luke, and he most definitely loves her. Their relationship histories could not be more different. Luke knows only commitment and Aris knows none.
So predictably, there is friction. Aris continues to follow her pattern of having close homeboys who possibly expect more, and Luke on the other hand expects the same kind of steadiness he had with Jessica. Aris is many things, but she isn't steady.
I loved seeing a couple in love navigate their differences, bringing with them their own baggage and expectations, and faltering when they realize that their partner may not be on the same page. I loved Luke's certainty about his feelings for Aris, and I empathized with her lack of certainty about whether she could be the woman he wanted. I loved seeing how their respective family backgrounds contributed to the people they were, and liked that the author didn't shove that 'psychology' down the readers' throats. When you saw where and who Luke came from, his steadfastness made sense; and likewise, when you learned Aris' history, hers made sense as well.
But overall, I think I was just impressed with this writer. The dialogue was authentic and funny without being "quippy" and filled with contrived one-liners. And earnest without being sappy. I was sorry when this book ended, and became for a moment, one of those readers who beg for more, even though the story ended so satisfactorily. I've since bought everything else Rae Lamar has written, and though I haven't read them yet, this one I highly recommend.
So predictably, there is friction. Aris continues to follow her pattern of having close homeboys who possibly expect more, and Luke on the other hand expects the same kind of steadiness he had with Jessica. Aris is many things, but she isn't steady.
I loved seeing a couple in love navigate their differences, bringing with them their own baggage and expectations, and faltering when they realize that their partner may not be on the same page. I loved Luke's certainty about his feelings for Aris, and I empathized with her lack of certainty about whether she could be the woman he wanted. I loved seeing how their respective family backgrounds contributed to the people they were, and liked that the author didn't shove that 'psychology' down the readers' throats. When you saw where and who Luke came from, his steadfastness made sense; and likewise, when you learned Aris' history, hers made sense as well.
But overall, I think I was just impressed with this writer. The dialogue was authentic and funny without being "quippy" and filled with contrived one-liners. And earnest without being sappy. I was sorry when this book ended, and became for a moment, one of those readers who beg for more, even though the story ended so satisfactorily. I've since bought everything else Rae Lamar has written, and though I haven't read them yet, this one I highly recommend.
June 1, 2017
I loved, loved this book. We first meet Aris and Luke in "The Dawn of Aries" and while their story probably could've been completed there, I'm so very glad that it wasn't. In fact, this book could probably be read as a standalone, although the first novel is good in terms of gathering context for Aris and Luke's relationship.
Basically, "The Aris Effect" is about what happens you get to the nitty-gritty of love. What does it mean to be faithful? What does it really mean to be pleasing to your partner? Will the baggage that's carried into the relationship overpower the love? Opposites may attract, but do they last?
While this book touches on all of these things, and stirs a lot of emotions-- it never gets heavy. I'd say that's mostly because of the depth of Aris' character. She's absolutely one of my favorite heroines I've ever read, because I relate so fully to her. She's super quirky (weird), a little flighty, incredibly Moody (so much so, Luke makes that her nickname) but so, so sweet and just, utterly endearing. I loved her character. The author did a fantastic job capturing the characteristics of a creative-- both the good and the ugly. The situations Aris found herself in as she tried to navigate the role of Great Girlfriend to man that she feels deep down is out of her league were so well-drawn and realistic—at times funny but always honest. I was completely drawn into her world--her relationship with her quirky crew of creative friends, her bouts of insecurity, her "distractions".
As for Luke, again, this is a well-drawn character that shows vulnerability but always firmly remains all man. He's the collected to Aris' flighty, the cool to Aris' ever-changing mood, but he's never boring. The way he loved Aris was so real and heartfelt, you couldn't help but fall in love with him especially when he found himself in situations were his resolve, jealousy and patience were tested. Again, loved his character, maybe even more in this book than in the first.
The secondary characters were great as well. I'd like to see something written about Troy. I actually really loved his character too- despite the circumstances. Lastly, I have to mention the dialogue because it's some of the best I've read recently-- never forced, always purposeful, and it brought the characters to life. The dialogue really propelled the novel for me.
All in all, this book is one of the best romances I've read a while and I highly recommend it.
Basically, "The Aris Effect" is about what happens you get to the nitty-gritty of love. What does it mean to be faithful? What does it really mean to be pleasing to your partner? Will the baggage that's carried into the relationship overpower the love? Opposites may attract, but do they last?
While this book touches on all of these things, and stirs a lot of emotions-- it never gets heavy. I'd say that's mostly because of the depth of Aris' character. She's absolutely one of my favorite heroines I've ever read, because I relate so fully to her. She's super quirky (weird), a little flighty, incredibly Moody (so much so, Luke makes that her nickname) but so, so sweet and just, utterly endearing. I loved her character. The author did a fantastic job capturing the characteristics of a creative-- both the good and the ugly. The situations Aris found herself in as she tried to navigate the role of Great Girlfriend to man that she feels deep down is out of her league were so well-drawn and realistic—at times funny but always honest. I was completely drawn into her world--her relationship with her quirky crew of creative friends, her bouts of insecurity, her "distractions".
As for Luke, again, this is a well-drawn character that shows vulnerability but always firmly remains all man. He's the collected to Aris' flighty, the cool to Aris' ever-changing mood, but he's never boring. The way he loved Aris was so real and heartfelt, you couldn't help but fall in love with him especially when he found himself in situations were his resolve, jealousy and patience were tested. Again, loved his character, maybe even more in this book than in the first.
The secondary characters were great as well. I'd like to see something written about Troy. I actually really loved his character too- despite the circumstances. Lastly, I have to mention the dialogue because it's some of the best I've read recently-- never forced, always purposeful, and it brought the characters to life. The dialogue really propelled the novel for me.
All in all, this book is one of the best romances I've read a while and I highly recommend it.
February 12, 2016
I so enjoyed reading Aris & Luke's story. Their love is complicated at best but worth the struggle. I'm usually rooting for the male to do the right thing this time it was the opposite, Aris needs to see the outside forces threatening to ruin what could be her next step to happiness instead she complicates it with a blinds eye and trusting the wrong people. Great story line with an intriguing group of characters. Rae Lamar has been added to my favorite authors list.
April 17, 2016
What a beautiful story with endearing characters! When I think of Luke and Aris' relationship (and in particular, the way Luke is with Aris), the scripture "love is patient, love is kind" immediately comes to mind. And Aris, a.k.a. Moody - bless her heart lol. She made quite a few missteps along the way that had me yelling at her through my e-reader! But thankfully, she gets her act together in the end. :-) Giving this one 5 huge stars!
July 18, 2016
A Series Worth Reading
First of all I love storylines that reflect what happens in real life. And this story did not disappoint. You can relate to the feelings Aris felt as well as Luke. I enjoyed reading about their journey together. Their ups and their downs. The pace of the story was nice as well. Great love story and series! I definitely recommended it.
First of all I love storylines that reflect what happens in real life. And this story did not disappoint. You can relate to the feelings Aris felt as well as Luke. I enjoyed reading about their journey together. Their ups and their downs. The pace of the story was nice as well. Great love story and series! I definitely recommended it.
July 20, 2016
Intriguing Continuation of this Series...
I loved Aris and Luke in “Dawn of Aris”, but I loved them even more in Rae Lamar’s “The Aris Effect”. It truly is amazing how you don’t realize how much someone or something means to you until the reality of losing that person or thing forces you to get your sh*t together quick, fast, and in a hurry. Rae Lamar is quickly becoming one of my writing favs. If you haven’t had a chance to check out her work, sleep on her no longer. She is a talented author that rewards her readers with a dope story with characters that display so much chemistry that you feel like you’re actually a part of the story. I try not to include any spoilers in my reviews, so readers are allowed to experience and enjoy a book.
T
I loved Aris and Luke in “Dawn of Aris”, but I loved them even more in Rae Lamar’s “The Aris Effect”. It truly is amazing how you don’t realize how much someone or something means to you until the reality of losing that person or thing forces you to get your sh*t together quick, fast, and in a hurry. Rae Lamar is quickly becoming one of my writing favs. If you haven’t had a chance to check out her work, sleep on her no longer. She is a talented author that rewards her readers with a dope story with characters that display so much chemistry that you feel like you’re actually a part of the story. I try not to include any spoilers in my reviews, so readers are allowed to experience and enjoy a book.
T
March 7, 2016
3.5 Aris and Luke seemed edgier personality wise in this installment. I liked the edge. It seemed to define them more. I liked watching her squirm with Troy although it frustrated me because I just didn't think anyone could be as naive as Aris was being.
Why does Aris remind me of Freddy from A Different World? lol! There wasn't a lot of description about how the characters looked so I had to form an opinion based on actions.
In a perfect world I'd need more description to make the characters more life like and to delete some of those pesky editing issues. Nothing major though. I'll definitely read Rae Lamar again.
Why does Aris remind me of Freddy from A Different World? lol! There wasn't a lot of description about how the characters looked so I had to form an opinion based on actions.
In a perfect world I'd need more description to make the characters more life like and to delete some of those pesky editing issues. Nothing major though. I'll definitely read Rae Lamar again.
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April 28, 2016This was my first time giving this author a try, I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed book one which was Dawn of Aris, so I had to continue to book two, which I really liked. It almost gave me a book hangover, very close. At some point Aris was working my nerves, because she was not being totally honest with Luke concerning Troy. I also never understood why they didn't have that converstaion of trusting one another and that she never slept with Marcel previously. I enjoyed the dynamics of Luke's family and accepting her and her family. Very good read, I would love to hear more from Luke and Aris.
February 13, 2016
I totally enjoyed this story. Lamar definitely captured the authenticity of real relationship struggles. Seeing Aris & Luke overcome their insecurities within themselves and their relationship brought joy to my heart. Yes we all love romance stories wrapped neatly in a bow of love & happiness with no bumps in the road but that not what this was like at all and I found that to be a bit refreshing. Rae Lamar has definitely gotten a new fan out of me. I can't wait to read another of her creations!
March 6, 2016
Delightful! Real characters with passion and substance.
June 5, 2019
Rae Lamar is a romantic wordsmith. Her ability to design a love story around people that I can easily connect and relate to is noteworthy. Her pace is even most notable and part of the component of making this particular story unforgettable. I read both the Dawn of Aris and The Aris Effect. I am grateful that Rae continued the story of Luke and Aris. The love between the two were undeniable but how it was going to manifest into a committed and steadfast relationship was the journey that Rae placed us on. I enjoyed every bit of it and the ending was adorable. Of course I wanted more but was grateful for how Rae put a bow on it and wrapped it up. I hope that Rae continues to write. I truly enjoy her style of writing and I am hoping that more people will find out how amazing of a writer that she is. Keep writing Rae!!!! This was amazing!!!
April 9, 2016
The Aris Effect is better than Dawn of Aris, for me. In this sequel, we find Aris and Luke in a committed relationship. Aris is trying to figure out how she got here. She knows she loves Luke, but what now. Some of her past shows up and it leaves her feelings out of sorts. She is reconnecting with her father but stumbling along the way. She connects a person from her work circle and things become really complex. Luke realizes that his life is 'brand new" with all the things Aris has brought to it. He determines that things will never be boring.
Their space together gets severely tested because of someone from his past and her new current. Each discovers they have never encountered these difficulties ever. Aris has to learn to put on her "big girl panties" and get it together or run like she always has. Luke has to settle his mind, body and soul to see if maybe he made a mistake.
Luke is not sure he can trust her with all of who he is. Read this sequel to see if they can weather the storm or get lost in the raging winds that surround them.
A great read Ms.Lamar, thank you for giving us more...
Their space together gets severely tested because of someone from his past and her new current. Each discovers they have never encountered these difficulties ever. Aris has to learn to put on her "big girl panties" and get it together or run like she always has. Luke has to settle his mind, body and soul to see if maybe he made a mistake.
Luke is not sure he can trust her with all of who he is. Read this sequel to see if they can weather the storm or get lost in the raging winds that surround them.
A great read Ms.Lamar, thank you for giving us more...
July 4, 2016
3.5 - stars. It was fun catching up with Moody & Donovan, but the story felt complete after The Dawn of Aris.
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
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January 27, 2017Love Love Love this book ...
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews