What do you think?
Rate this book
Remembering Kyle #1
Personne d'autre que lui
Kelsey, 19 ans, passe son temps avec son frère, Kyle, et le meilleur ami de celui-ci, Chase. Un soir, alors que les garçons ont trop bu, ils ont un accident de voiture. Chase était au volant, et c’est Kyle qui y laisse sa peau. Kelsey a beau être dévastée par la mort de son frère, elle ne peut s’empêcher de penser à Chase. Elle est amoureuse de celui que tous tiennent pour responsable de la mort de son frère et elle n’y peut rien. Mais Chase ne lui dit pas tout, et les secrets qu’il cache pourraient faire voler en éclats leur fragile relation.
480 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2014
20 people are currently reading
1146 people want to read
About the author
Erin Butler
8 books107 followersErin Butler is lucky enough to have two jobs she truly loves. As a librarian, she gets to work with books all day long, and as an author, Erin uses her active imagination to write the kinds of books she loves to read. Young Adult and New Adult books are her favorites, but she especially fangirls over a sigh-worthy romance.
She lives in Central New York with her very understanding husband, a stepson, and doggie BFF, Maxie. Preferring to spend her time indoors reading or writing, she'll only willingly go outside for chocolate and sunshine--in that order.
Erin is the author of HOW WE LIVED and LAST WISH, contemporary NA novels, and the YA contemporary romance titles, FINDING MR. DARCY: HIGH SCHOOL EDITION and FALLING FOR SHAKESPEARE. Find out more about her at www.erinbutlerbooks.com or @ErinButler on Twitter! You can also sign up for her newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/bylfx9
She lives in Central New York with her very understanding husband, a stepson, and doggie BFF, Maxie. Preferring to spend her time indoors reading or writing, she'll only willingly go outside for chocolate and sunshine--in that order.
Erin is the author of HOW WE LIVED and LAST WISH, contemporary NA novels, and the YA contemporary romance titles, FINDING MR. DARCY: HIGH SCHOOL EDITION and FALLING FOR SHAKESPEARE. Find out more about her at www.erinbutlerbooks.com or @ErinButler on Twitter! You can also sign up for her newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/bylfx9
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
April 24, 2014
4 stars
The day Kyle died was the day everyone’s life turned for the worst, not only grieving a brother, son or best friend, but a life lost that was full of possibilities. Grief, anger, misery all play a part in healing, but more importantly forgiveness and compassion. Chase and Kelsey lost more than Kyle that day, they lost each other and a little piece of themselves...but it was expected, after all Chase is the reason he is dead.
Shouldn’t you hate the one who killed your brother? But how come being near him makes the pain much more tolerable and being in his arms feels like home...
Knowing that you are the reason your best friend is dead makes the hate inside you eat you alive not making it any easier when you know that the girl you love is in pain because of you. Knowing everyone hates you except her gives you hope that you might not be the monster everything makes you out to be…
So why not take a chance on being happy even if you know it will be the two of you against the world…
How We Lived was an emotional tale of love and loss. It told a story of those brave enough to step out of the mold and do the things that felt right and made them happy no matter the odds. Learning to forgive and love yourself and those who are still alive and not let hate rule or guide you. To get that feeling in such a short story is no easy task, but it was tastefully done, you felt for each of them as they went through their grief. This is my first story by this author and it won’t be my last; this stand-alone read was enough for me to wet my appetite and see what else she has in store.
ARC kindly provided by Entangled Publishing, LLC, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
***Quotes above are taken from the ARC version of the book and may differ upon publication.
The day Kyle died was the day everyone’s life turned for the worst, not only grieving a brother, son or best friend, but a life lost that was full of possibilities. Grief, anger, misery all play a part in healing, but more importantly forgiveness and compassion. Chase and Kelsey lost more than Kyle that day, they lost each other and a little piece of themselves...but it was expected, after all Chase is the reason he is dead.
Shouldn’t you hate the one who killed your brother? But how come being near him makes the pain much more tolerable and being in his arms feels like home...
Knowing that you are the reason your best friend is dead makes the hate inside you eat you alive not making it any easier when you know that the girl you love is in pain because of you. Knowing everyone hates you except her gives you hope that you might not be the monster everything makes you out to be…
I’ll always see the good in you, even when you don’t see it in yourself.
So why not take a chance on being happy even if you know it will be the two of you against the world…
How We Lived was an emotional tale of love and loss. It told a story of those brave enough to step out of the mold and do the things that felt right and made them happy no matter the odds. Learning to forgive and love yourself and those who are still alive and not let hate rule or guide you. To get that feeling in such a short story is no easy task, but it was tastefully done, you felt for each of them as they went through their grief. This is my first story by this author and it won’t be my last; this stand-alone read was enough for me to wet my appetite and see what else she has in store.
ARC kindly provided by Entangled Publishing, LLC, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
***Quotes above are taken from the ARC version of the book and may differ upon publication.
January 9, 2015
Brothers best friend and the boy next door ? Yes, more please!
December 2, 2015
This was a reallllly moving and adorable New Adult Romance.
I loved Chase and Kelsey - and I wish that someone would've told me to read this book before Last Wish ☺ But it's ok - there wasn't anything that I didn't understand.
Tissues might be needed! ☺
April 29, 2014
» Review can also be found on Orchids & Amethysts.
Title: How We Lived
Author: Erin Butler
Rating: 4.5/5
Thanks to NetGallery and Entangled Publishing (Embrace) for giving me a chance to read this before the official release.
I can safely say - I loved this book to pieces! I chatted with Erin Butler via Twitter while I read it, telling her this book was the only good thing happening during the move we're currently in.
It's always sad to read about loss, especially a loss of someone the main character loved very much. I was so sad and grieved for Kelsey, but when Chase came into the picture I felt hope. I wanted to slap both of them a couple of times - they both had their strange sides and their lovely sides. Gosh, I suck so bad at writing this review. I am sorry Erin.
You know, the strange thing is, I didn't blame Chase for Kyle's death either. If this was real life and I wouldn't see Kelsey point of view, I probably might have blamed Chase. But with both their point of views, I wanted everybody else to see the good Chase, the one who cared and who was sexy and the one who would do anything for the ones close to him. Gaaaah! I want a Chase! Bake one!
Even funnier, I picked this book up randomly. I browsed through NetGallery and it sounded nice, so I requested it. I am so damn glad I got accepted. I wouldn't want to miss to have read this masterpiece. I think everyone else should, too. It's one of my favourite reads this year, and definitely in my guilty pleasure shelf (the best shelf) on Goodreads. I can't wait to order a physical copy. A beauty like this has to appear in my book shelf. Like, immeditaley. I wish I could undo reading this book and read it all over again, not knowing what to expect.
I'm sorry for not describing the characters. I'll say it like this: You'll love Chase. You'll want a Chase. And you'll find yourself being Kelsey, not just reading about a foreign girl. You will hate Kelsey's mom, both of her parents, and you will fall in love with Chase's mother and his friend Vito.
How We Lived is spectacular (I have to use that word, because I don't know how to spell the actual one I want to use haha)! I'm telling the truth when I say I compare it to a raw diamond - so beautiful. It involves everything a good book should. And I really recommend it to fans of The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson, and One Moment by Kristina McBride.
I love you Erin Butler. Please write more books - I can't wait to read more of your writing. Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention: As a wanna-be writer (I'm talking about me, if you haven't figured) I admire the way Erin Butler writes. I wish I could write like that.
Title: How We Lived
Author: Erin Butler
Rating: 4.5/5
Thanks to NetGallery and Entangled Publishing (Embrace) for giving me a chance to read this before the official release.
Nineteen-year-old Kelsey Larkin’s parents uninvited her to her brother’s funeral. She just wanted to wear jeans and a T-shirt—the clothes Kyle would’ve wanted her in—not wrap herself up in death. So she watched the funeral from afar, like an outsider. Which is just how she feels.I am currently not able to go online via computer, so I have to keep the review 'short'. That's why it took so long for me to post the review on Goodreads - my internet is too slow to load a lot of things. I'm sorry for sticking with the official sypnosis.
Chase came, though, just like she knew he would. Until a few months ago, the three of them had been best friends, and then Chase made a mistake that shattered both families. But when Kelsey looks at him, she doesn’t see her brother’s killer. She sees the boy next door who’s always taken care of her. She sees home.
When Chase tells her his feelings run deeper than friendship, she can’t help but get lost in him. In Chase, she finally has the closure she’s been unable to find anywhere else. But the boy she’s falling in love with is still hiding secrets about the night Kyle died. Secrets that could destroy everything they have…again.
I can safely say - I loved this book to pieces! I chatted with Erin Butler via Twitter while I read it, telling her this book was the only good thing happening during the move we're currently in.
It's always sad to read about loss, especially a loss of someone the main character loved very much. I was so sad and grieved for Kelsey, but when Chase came into the picture I felt hope. I wanted to slap both of them a couple of times - they both had their strange sides and their lovely sides. Gosh, I suck so bad at writing this review. I am sorry Erin.
You know, the strange thing is, I didn't blame Chase for Kyle's death either. If this was real life and I wouldn't see Kelsey point of view, I probably might have blamed Chase. But with both their point of views, I wanted everybody else to see the good Chase, the one who cared and who was sexy and the one who would do anything for the ones close to him. Gaaaah! I want a Chase! Bake one!
Even funnier, I picked this book up randomly. I browsed through NetGallery and it sounded nice, so I requested it. I am so damn glad I got accepted. I wouldn't want to miss to have read this masterpiece. I think everyone else should, too. It's one of my favourite reads this year, and definitely in my guilty pleasure shelf (the best shelf) on Goodreads. I can't wait to order a physical copy. A beauty like this has to appear in my book shelf. Like, immeditaley. I wish I could undo reading this book and read it all over again, not knowing what to expect.
I'm sorry for not describing the characters. I'll say it like this: You'll love Chase. You'll want a Chase. And you'll find yourself being Kelsey, not just reading about a foreign girl. You will hate Kelsey's mom, both of her parents, and you will fall in love with Chase's mother and his friend Vito.
How We Lived is spectacular (I have to use that word, because I don't know how to spell the actual one I want to use haha)! I'm telling the truth when I say I compare it to a raw diamond - so beautiful. It involves everything a good book should. And I really recommend it to fans of The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson, and One Moment by Kristina McBride.
I love you Erin Butler. Please write more books - I can't wait to read more of your writing. Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention: As a wanna-be writer (I'm talking about me, if you haven't figured) I admire the way Erin Butler writes. I wish I could write like that.
April 29, 2014
Wow. I was pleasantly surprised with this book. When I first read the blurb for this book, it just completely intrigued me. Although it took me a little time to get round to reading this one, once I started, I just couldn't stop. I didn't have huge expectations for this novel, being that it's another NA amongst all those other NA novels out there, I went in expecting the same sort of feelings that I flit through with every other NA that I read. Except this was different, this outdid anything I ever thought it could.
This is such a powerful story. Kelsey and Chase have been best friends since they were kids, along with Kelsey's brother Kyle, the three we inseparable. Then one tragic night Chase makes a horrible mistake and leads to a huge loss. How We Lived is a story of love, forgiveness and redemption. The emotions that Chase and Kelsey go through rolls right off the pages. Both having lost the person they loved, and both finding a way to heal. Together.
How We Lived was wonderfully written, and just incredibly enthralling, that it will make you just want to keep turning the pages (or clicking that forward arrow on your eReader). The incredibly passionate relationship that Kelsey and Chase have, moves you and leaves you falling in love with both of them and their story. It's a tough situation they find themselves in, both mourning a loss in different ways, and both being treated so differently by the local community compared to the way they treat each other. I loved Kelsey, I thought she was just an incredibly strong lady, with the biggest heart that was able to forgive Chase for everything, knowing it wouldn't change a thing if she hadn't forgiven him. Chase handled things well for his part, he was treated like crap and he took it, because he believed that that's what he deserved.
I was happy with the ending. I thought it was a very satisfying ending, and although I had hoped for an epilogue, the ending we got was great. I was Kelsey's mother was able to talk to Kelsey in the end, be able to open to discussion. Overall a satisfying ending on all accounts.
Erin Butler is a new author to me, and just from this book alone I can see what a talent she has for writing stories with great meaning behind it. It may be the first book I've read by her, but it most certainly will not be the last.
If you're looking for a new book to read, with a little love, a lot forgiveness and a fair bit redemption, then How We Lived is most definitely a worthy contender for that title :)
Note: This book was provided to me by the publishers in exchange for an honest review. Due to adult themes this book is recommended for ages 17+
This is such a powerful story. Kelsey and Chase have been best friends since they were kids, along with Kelsey's brother Kyle, the three we inseparable. Then one tragic night Chase makes a horrible mistake and leads to a huge loss. How We Lived is a story of love, forgiveness and redemption. The emotions that Chase and Kelsey go through rolls right off the pages. Both having lost the person they loved, and both finding a way to heal. Together.
How We Lived was wonderfully written, and just incredibly enthralling, that it will make you just want to keep turning the pages (or clicking that forward arrow on your eReader). The incredibly passionate relationship that Kelsey and Chase have, moves you and leaves you falling in love with both of them and their story. It's a tough situation they find themselves in, both mourning a loss in different ways, and both being treated so differently by the local community compared to the way they treat each other. I loved Kelsey, I thought she was just an incredibly strong lady, with the biggest heart that was able to forgive Chase for everything, knowing it wouldn't change a thing if she hadn't forgiven him. Chase handled things well for his part, he was treated like crap and he took it, because he believed that that's what he deserved.
I was happy with the ending. I thought it was a very satisfying ending, and although I had hoped for an epilogue, the ending we got was great. I was Kelsey's mother was able to talk to Kelsey in the end, be able to open to discussion. Overall a satisfying ending on all accounts.
Erin Butler is a new author to me, and just from this book alone I can see what a talent she has for writing stories with great meaning behind it. It may be the first book I've read by her, but it most certainly will not be the last.
If you're looking for a new book to read, with a little love, a lot forgiveness and a fair bit redemption, then How We Lived is most definitely a worthy contender for that title :)
Note: This book was provided to me by the publishers in exchange for an honest review. Due to adult themes this book is recommended for ages 17+
April 24, 2014
In How We Lived, written by Erin Butler, she portrayed the realness behind losing a family member too soon. I have been in Kelsey Larkin's shoes, I lost my only brother to suicide 2 years ago at the age of 38, and reading this book summed up how hard that is. It was so well written to show just what family's face when a brother/son or sister/daughter is taken from us too soon.
Kelsey is grieving the loss of her brother, and best friend, Kyle, and dealing with it the best way she knows how. Kelsey, Kyle, and Chase grew up together not only as neighbors, but a best friend trio. It was the three of them against the world. When one important member is suddenly and tragically taken from this world, they have to find a way to move on with their lives, and fill the void of Kyle. This story has it all, death, pain, tears, anger, friendship, love, and most of all, heart and passion. Not passion in the sense of distasteful sex scenes, but in how passionate they leaved each other. Kelsey must find a way to be whole again, and Chase must find a way to live with the guilt of what he's done. When they finally realize that what can bring them both happiness is each other, was the point where I had to get the box of tissues out. Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. Just when I would tell myself "at the end of this chapter I'll stop for the night and get some sleep", something else would happen and I would have to keep reading to find out what happened. I would definitely give this book 5 out 5 stars, and recommend it to everyone, but especially to anyone who has lost a loved one, or best friend, too soon. Great job Erin Butler, you've captured my heart with this book. I look forward to reading more from you.
Kelsey is grieving the loss of her brother, and best friend, Kyle, and dealing with it the best way she knows how. Kelsey, Kyle, and Chase grew up together not only as neighbors, but a best friend trio. It was the three of them against the world. When one important member is suddenly and tragically taken from this world, they have to find a way to move on with their lives, and fill the void of Kyle. This story has it all, death, pain, tears, anger, friendship, love, and most of all, heart and passion. Not passion in the sense of distasteful sex scenes, but in how passionate they leaved each other. Kelsey must find a way to be whole again, and Chase must find a way to live with the guilt of what he's done. When they finally realize that what can bring them both happiness is each other, was the point where I had to get the box of tissues out. Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. Just when I would tell myself "at the end of this chapter I'll stop for the night and get some sleep", something else would happen and I would have to keep reading to find out what happened. I would definitely give this book 5 out 5 stars, and recommend it to everyone, but especially to anyone who has lost a loved one, or best friend, too soon. Great job Erin Butler, you've captured my heart with this book. I look forward to reading more from you.
April 14, 2014
5 "Better Get Some Kleenex" Stars
Wow. This book was really good. I love when I go into a story without big expectations, and then you are blown away. While this was a quick read for me it was rich with substance and filled with things I love like friends who find love and healing while they do it.
Kelsey is home from college because even though her brother died five months ago, they are just now able to do the service. What makes it worse is that her parents nor her have done well these past five months and the one person she could get the most comfort from is not welcomed by her family. Chase, two years older, was in essence the third amigo with Kelsey and her brother Kyle. But how can Kelsey let Chase make it better when he was the one responsible for her brother's death in the first place. Deep right.
Sometimes no matter what others may think, the heart knows what is best. For Kelsey it is Chase, and for Chase, he knew it was Kelsey before she did. They have so many obstacles to overcome. Everyone knows their story and initially aside from Vito, the really sweet restaurant owner, they are not supportive of Chase and Kelsey.
The writer does such a great job drawing you into this very sweet but sad story. Such young people dealing with horrific grief, and guilt. Nothing is overly drawn out or dramatic in this story. It is just real and it is enough. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more from Butler.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. This book was really good. I love when I go into a story without big expectations, and then you are blown away. While this was a quick read for me it was rich with substance and filled with things I love like friends who find love and healing while they do it.
Kelsey is home from college because even though her brother died five months ago, they are just now able to do the service. What makes it worse is that her parents nor her have done well these past five months and the one person she could get the most comfort from is not welcomed by her family. Chase, two years older, was in essence the third amigo with Kelsey and her brother Kyle. But how can Kelsey let Chase make it better when he was the one responsible for her brother's death in the first place. Deep right.
Sometimes no matter what others may think, the heart knows what is best. For Kelsey it is Chase, and for Chase, he knew it was Kelsey before she did. They have so many obstacles to overcome. Everyone knows their story and initially aside from Vito, the really sweet restaurant owner, they are not supportive of Chase and Kelsey.
The writer does such a great job drawing you into this very sweet but sad story. Such young people dealing with horrific grief, and guilt. Nothing is overly drawn out or dramatic in this story. It is just real and it is enough. I highly recommend this book and look forward to more from Butler.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2014
***3.8/5 stars***
Bro, I’m sorry, man. I couldn’t stay away…can’t stay away....
You shouldn't have a feeling with your best friend's sister....
You shouldn't fallin' in love with a girl which her brother killed by you....
You shouldn't want her....
You shouldn't let her know your feeling....
She's forbidden for you....
You don't deserve that happiness....
You should leave her....let her go....
But.....you couldn't....
You need her....
You need her so much like an air....
She's your reason to live....
To breathe....
She's your reason to forgive yourself....
Because she's your lifeline....
Because she's your....
Home....
It's a simple-sweet-heart-warming-story, I like the plot, love the writing, I cried at some part....but not heart-wrenching enough for me to spent boxes of kleenex....
There are some point I think should write in better way, cuz I feel there are something missing at some part, but still.....I enjoy the reading....
It's worth your time anyway....
You gonna love Chase Crowley anyway.... ;)
June 20, 2014
This book gets all the hearts from me. Heartbreaking, heart wrenching, heart warming and heart stoppingly beautiful, I read How We Lived in one sitting and felt every moment of Kelsey and Chase's grief, pain and love. Told from both their perspectives, I held it together right until the very end and then the tears made their appearance.
"I would come here even if I had ten thousand places to go. You're the only thing that feels like home now"
It may be relatively short read, but Erin Butler has done a superb job in bringing us a story filled with depth, emotion and realism. I loved it. I sobbed and I smiled and all that's left to say is read it, I doubt you will be disappointed and it gets 5 heart-filled stars of love from me.
"I would come here even if I had ten thousand places to go. You're the only thing that feels like home now"
It may be relatively short read, but Erin Butler has done a superb job in bringing us a story filled with depth, emotion and realism. I loved it. I sobbed and I smiled and all that's left to say is read it, I doubt you will be disappointed and it gets 5 heart-filled stars of love from me.
July 29, 2016
I love this book! Erin Butler´s writing reminds me of Colleen Hoover´s so, I like it a lot!
The whole story is really complicated and full of unexpected situations. Main heroes have the real character and fall in love really hard and that is the reason why their story is so strong and loveable!
Love it, love it, love it!
Can´t wait for another book written by this new but already amazing author!
Erin, thanks for sharing this incredible story with us! Appreciate it!
The whole story is really complicated and full of unexpected situations. Main heroes have the real character and fall in love really hard and that is the reason why their story is so strong and loveable!
Love it, love it, love it!
Can´t wait for another book written by this new but already amazing author!
Erin, thanks for sharing this incredible story with us! Appreciate it!
February 5, 2017
4.25 stars
Dès que j'ai lu le résumé de ce livre, il m'a fait pensé à Come Back to Me de Mila Gray que j'avais plus qu'adoré. Alors il fallait absolument que je le lise. J'avais vraiment l'impression que j'aurais droit à une belle histoire d'amour, mais aussi de pardon et d'émotion. Et j'avais bien raison.
Le roman débute 5 mois après la mort de Kyle, le frère ainé de Kelsey et meilleur ami de Chase. Ça fait maintenant 5 mois qu'il ne se sont pas vu ni adressé la parole, alors qu'ils étaient auparavant inséparables. Chase s'en veut profondément d'être à l'origine de ce drame alors que Kelsey ne sait plus sur quel pied danser entre les disputes fréquentes de ses parents et la perte de son frère.
Maintenant que je vous ai décrit l'ambiance au tout début du roman, vous voyez probablement comme moi tout le potentiel de cette histoire en terme de d'émotion. Je savais que ce livre serait parfois difficile à lire pour ses passages déchirants, mais aussi extrêmement émouvant pour sa romance. Il va sans dire que j'ai été vraiment très touchée par la romance entre Chase et Kelsey. Chase a peur de dévoiler ses sentiments à Kelsey. Et si vous saviez à quel point j'aime ça quand c'est le garçon de l'histoire qui tombe amoureux en premier. Il y a toujours un petit plus, quelque chose de plus pur et véridique. Je n'aime pas vraiment ce genre de romance où l'héroïne essaye de gagner l'affection du personnage masculin. Alors j'étais plus qu'heureuse de lire cette histoire. C'est le parfait mélange entre émotion et scènes un peu plus hot. Parce que oui, il y en a. C'est peut-être un peu cliché par moment, mais ça allait dans l'ensemble.
J'ai aimé le développement des personnages, en particulier celui de Chase. Il s'en veut profondément de ce qui est arrivé et il essaye de réparer comme il peut. Mais c'est difficile quand personne ne veut vous accorder une seconde chance… Quant à Kelsey, je dois avouer qu'elle m'a un frustrée par moment. Et c'est en partie pour cette raison que je n'ai pas mis une note plus haute à cette lecture. J'avais l'impression qu'elle s'amusait (involontairement) à faire souffrir Chase. Ça m'a fait rager! Mais je lui pardonne étant donné l'état d'esprit dans lequel elle se trouve durant la grande majorité du roman.
La fin du récit est à mon avis trop précipitée. On souhaite régler tous les problèmes en même temps et ça enlève cette touche de réalisme que j'aimais tant dans l'histoire. Mais bon, c'est une romance après tout. À quoi je m'attendais? C'est pratiquement toujours ainsi.
En bref, une excellente romance que je vous conseille fortement si vous aimez les histoires émouvantes, avec quelques passages hot, sans tomber dans la vulgarité. Ce roman mérite définitivement de se retrouver dans la sélection du Prix Romance 2017.
Lecture dans le cadre du Prix Romance 2017. Allez voter pour votre romance favorite dès maintenant!
Merci à La boîte de diffusion et à Bragelonne Québec pour cette lecture !
Dès que j'ai lu le résumé de ce livre, il m'a fait pensé à Come Back to Me de Mila Gray que j'avais plus qu'adoré. Alors il fallait absolument que je le lise. J'avais vraiment l'impression que j'aurais droit à une belle histoire d'amour, mais aussi de pardon et d'émotion. Et j'avais bien raison.
Le roman débute 5 mois après la mort de Kyle, le frère ainé de Kelsey et meilleur ami de Chase. Ça fait maintenant 5 mois qu'il ne se sont pas vu ni adressé la parole, alors qu'ils étaient auparavant inséparables. Chase s'en veut profondément d'être à l'origine de ce drame alors que Kelsey ne sait plus sur quel pied danser entre les disputes fréquentes de ses parents et la perte de son frère.
Maintenant que je vous ai décrit l'ambiance au tout début du roman, vous voyez probablement comme moi tout le potentiel de cette histoire en terme de d'émotion. Je savais que ce livre serait parfois difficile à lire pour ses passages déchirants, mais aussi extrêmement émouvant pour sa romance. Il va sans dire que j'ai été vraiment très touchée par la romance entre Chase et Kelsey. Chase a peur de dévoiler ses sentiments à Kelsey. Et si vous saviez à quel point j'aime ça quand c'est le garçon de l'histoire qui tombe amoureux en premier. Il y a toujours un petit plus, quelque chose de plus pur et véridique. Je n'aime pas vraiment ce genre de romance où l'héroïne essaye de gagner l'affection du personnage masculin. Alors j'étais plus qu'heureuse de lire cette histoire. C'est le parfait mélange entre émotion et scènes un peu plus hot. Parce que oui, il y en a. C'est peut-être un peu cliché par moment, mais ça allait dans l'ensemble.
J'ai aimé le développement des personnages, en particulier celui de Chase. Il s'en veut profondément de ce qui est arrivé et il essaye de réparer comme il peut. Mais c'est difficile quand personne ne veut vous accorder une seconde chance… Quant à Kelsey, je dois avouer qu'elle m'a un frustrée par moment. Et c'est en partie pour cette raison que je n'ai pas mis une note plus haute à cette lecture. J'avais l'impression qu'elle s'amusait (involontairement) à faire souffrir Chase. Ça m'a fait rager! Mais je lui pardonne étant donné l'état d'esprit dans lequel elle se trouve durant la grande majorité du roman.
La fin du récit est à mon avis trop précipitée. On souhaite régler tous les problèmes en même temps et ça enlève cette touche de réalisme que j'aimais tant dans l'histoire. Mais bon, c'est une romance après tout. À quoi je m'attendais? C'est pratiquement toujours ainsi.
En bref, une excellente romance que je vous conseille fortement si vous aimez les histoires émouvantes, avec quelques passages hot, sans tomber dans la vulgarité. Ce roman mérite définitivement de se retrouver dans la sélection du Prix Romance 2017.
Lecture dans le cadre du Prix Romance 2017. Allez voter pour votre romance favorite dès maintenant!
Merci à La boîte de diffusion et à Bragelonne Québec pour cette lecture !
April 27, 2014
I just adored this book. How We Lived takes a death and spins it into a story with so many emotions and so many individuals overcoming grief. It has such a dark feel yet romantic and sexy too and I loved the combo.
Kelsey is such a great character for so many reasons. First, there is a huge change from her in the beginning to her at the end of the book and I was so proud of her for realizing she needed to change how she was living. Next I love show she reacted with her parents. Sometime people need a kick in the butt whether they want it or not. Then finally her relationship with Chase. Kels starts as one girl and then grows so much in the love department when it comes to Chase and I just adored them together.
I instantly loved Chase...maybe I thought he was an idiot for drinking and driving but I never once hated him. You can tell that he is a great guy who just got put into a crappy situation. Plus, it so blatantly clear how much he loves Kels and I could help but root for him.
One other character I have to give a shout out to is Vito...best old dude cooker advice giver EVER!
This book has such a dark feel and I love books like that. I will admit in the beginning there was a lot of emotion monologues instead of showing us, but it quickly subsided and didn't effect my read at all. With that being said How We Lived had so many elements I just adored. I like how Kyle was weaved in and out too with memories, that he played such an essential role in the story. More than that there was a little coming of age, family drama, learning who you are and what you want, sad moments, romance, sexiness... I just overall really enjoyed it. Definitely another great Embrace book!
Find this review at Shortie Says
Kelsey is such a great character for so many reasons. First, there is a huge change from her in the beginning to her at the end of the book and I was so proud of her for realizing she needed to change how she was living. Next I love show she reacted with her parents. Sometime people need a kick in the butt whether they want it or not. Then finally her relationship with Chase. Kels starts as one girl and then grows so much in the love department when it comes to Chase and I just adored them together.
I instantly loved Chase...maybe I thought he was an idiot for drinking and driving but I never once hated him. You can tell that he is a great guy who just got put into a crappy situation. Plus, it so blatantly clear how much he loves Kels and I could help but root for him.
One other character I have to give a shout out to is Vito...best old dude cooker advice giver EVER!
This book has such a dark feel and I love books like that. I will admit in the beginning there was a lot of emotion monologues instead of showing us, but it quickly subsided and didn't effect my read at all. With that being said How We Lived had so many elements I just adored. I like how Kyle was weaved in and out too with memories, that he played such an essential role in the story. More than that there was a little coming of age, family drama, learning who you are and what you want, sad moments, romance, sexiness... I just overall really enjoyed it. Definitely another great Embrace book!
Find this review at Shortie Says
February 3, 2015
5 stars for opening my eyes and my heart
I LOVE Entangled Publishing and their authors. If you haven't been reeled in yet, you need to be. So many genres, so many great books!
This was my first book by Erin Butler and it won't be my last.
If you follow my reviews than you know that I don't lay out the whole plot because you can get that from the blurb and I won't leave any spoilers, so my reviews tend to be short and to the point.
A tragic accident leaves one dead and the whole town reeling. This is the journey of two lost souls who once were best friends and how they find themselves again.
I'm a firm believer that tears are good for the soul, so this story was very good for me! This book opened my eyes to the reality of pain, suffering, and healing as we looked into the head and hearts of Chase and Kelsey. Drinking and driving is NEVER the right thing to do, but it happens every single day. Erin Butler gives us a glimpse into the lives of those left living and how they do and/or don't cope with the aftereffects of death.
I'm not going to lie, this book is heartbreaking at least for me it was. I cried (a lot), I hurt from the way some of the characters were treated, I absolutely loved Chase (not all of his actions), I loved Kelsey, but will say she did frustrate me, but I totally understood her.
If your totally against drinking and driving than this book isn't for you. If your looking for lots of hot sex than this book isn't for you, but if your looking for a book full of raw emotions and soul-deep love than you've found the perfect book.
Thank you Erin for taking me on a wonderful journey. I truly enjoyed every single minute of it and I look forward to more.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
I LOVE Entangled Publishing and their authors. If you haven't been reeled in yet, you need to be. So many genres, so many great books!
This was my first book by Erin Butler and it won't be my last.
If you follow my reviews than you know that I don't lay out the whole plot because you can get that from the blurb and I won't leave any spoilers, so my reviews tend to be short and to the point.
A tragic accident leaves one dead and the whole town reeling. This is the journey of two lost souls who once were best friends and how they find themselves again.
I'm a firm believer that tears are good for the soul, so this story was very good for me! This book opened my eyes to the reality of pain, suffering, and healing as we looked into the head and hearts of Chase and Kelsey. Drinking and driving is NEVER the right thing to do, but it happens every single day. Erin Butler gives us a glimpse into the lives of those left living and how they do and/or don't cope with the aftereffects of death.
I'm not going to lie, this book is heartbreaking at least for me it was. I cried (a lot), I hurt from the way some of the characters were treated, I absolutely loved Chase (not all of his actions), I loved Kelsey, but will say she did frustrate me, but I totally understood her.
If your totally against drinking and driving than this book isn't for you. If your looking for lots of hot sex than this book isn't for you, but if your looking for a book full of raw emotions and soul-deep love than you've found the perfect book.
Thank you Erin for taking me on a wonderful journey. I truly enjoyed every single minute of it and I look forward to more.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
October 1, 2016
I really enjoyed this somewhat short, but definitely enjoyable book about three best friends, a sister and a brother and the boy next door, who all grew up together and then tragedy struck. The boy next door drives the brother home from a party in honor of the brother's return from Afghanistan. Unfortunately he was drunk, skidded off the road and the brother was killed. The boy next door and the sister now have a very tentative love/hate relationship but soon their life long friendship and what was a growing romantic feeling between the two of them before the crash overcomes their doubts and fears and they fight their way forward to come together.
Many obstacles stand in their way. The sister's fear of loving the man that killed her brother and the boy next door's fears that he should be punished the rest of his life and not be allowed to find happiness in someone he's loved for a long time. Also, the brother and sister's parents hate the boy who killed their son and are appalled that their daughter is even friends with him.
A sad, but heartwarming story at the same time. I really enjoyed it.
Many obstacles stand in their way. The sister's fear of loving the man that killed her brother and the boy next door's fears that he should be punished the rest of his life and not be allowed to find happiness in someone he's loved for a long time. Also, the brother and sister's parents hate the boy who killed their son and are appalled that their daughter is even friends with him.
A sad, but heartwarming story at the same time. I really enjoyed it.
April 10, 2014
A good new adult book complete with sadness, secrets and complicated relationships. Kelsey grew up best friends with her older brother Kyle and their next door neighbor Chase. Now Kyle is dead. Kyle was a passenger in a car Chase was driving when they hit a patch of ice. Kelsey is torn between blaming him for the accident and missing his friendship. Kelsey's parents are caught up in their own sadness and she is feeling more and more lost. When Chase shows up for the funeral, she starts to forgive him.
April 30, 2014
Wow! What an emotional story! Kelsey and Chase are both dealing with their grief of losing Kyle - Kelsey's brother. It was so heartbreaking to see what death can do to friendship and family. Grief can really change so much of your life. I felt so sad for Kelsey and her family as they struggled with Kyle's death. This story just sucked me in - it was sad but it also had hope and forgiveness. I loved that this was a dual POV- I was glad to be able to read what Chase was going through and feeling as well. I highly recommend this book! Loved it!
May 1, 2014
Really liked this book. It deals with a lot of issues young adults can relate too. Loss, drinking and driving, feeling like your lost and drowning in your own sorrow, regret, hatred, compassion. If you've ever lost a loved one this will hit close to home. I loved Chase, he is a truly goof guy leaving his playboy days behind. Kels (love that nickname) is lost and grieving the loss of her brother and really doesn't know how to handle it.
This book will make you laugh cry and even bring back your own emotions from a similar experience. I deff recommend this book!!
This book will make you laugh cry and even bring back your own emotions from a similar experience. I deff recommend this book!!
April 13, 2014
What I really liked about this book was that it was short and sweet. Its perfect for when I'm really busy with school and got a few moments at a time to read. I loved the characters and loved that there was more then one point of views. I liked that the dual POV helped me understand Chases intentions and how Kelsey was doing after what happen to her brother. I loved that this book wasn't overly dramatic. I really enjoyed this book.
Want to read
April 29, 2014 ADDED TO THE TBR!! “Until a few months ago, the three of them had been best friends, and then Chase made a mistake that shattered both families. But when Kelsey looks at him, she doesn’t see her brother’s killer. She sees the boy next door who’s always taken care of her. She sees home.”
April 26, 2014
What a wonderful story! Erin, I can't wait to read more books of yours! You truly have a way with words, how you brought Kels and Chase to life, beautiful! Loved their story!
February 25, 2015
This was not the easiest of reads. My heart hurt a LOT for these two people. In the end, I was so thankful for their HEA!
March 13, 2016
Un NA simple et mignon
July 30, 2017
Pour ce livre, j’avoue avoir été attirée par la couverture et le titre mais en lisant le livre, j’y ai découvert une histoire plus profonde qui donnait au titre tout son sens.
Kelsey est une jeune femme que j’ai beaucoup aimé d’entrée, elle a tout juste 19 ans et a déjà subit un grand traumatisme, la perte de son frère.
Durant toute ma lecture, je voyais une fille qui souffrait, perdue dans sa tristesse et qui n’arrivait qu’a avancer grâce à Chase, son meilleur ami ainsi que celui de son frère.
J’ai trouvé ce livre tellement juste dans les sentiments, essayer d’avancer alors qu’on a mal au coeur, qu’on a perdu un membre de sa famille est quelque chose d’assez difficile. Le quotidien de Kelsey devient difficile à gérer, entre sa peine à elle, son attirance pour Chase, les secrets qui se mettent en travers de la route et les réactions démesurées auxquelles ils vont devoirs tous faire face est assez troublant.
J’ai beaucoup aimé chaque personnage, on nous les montre sous différents aspects, seul avec leur propres souffrances, les difficultés de contenir leur émotions et les décisions qu’ils prennent pour reprendre le cours de leur vie.
En interaction avec leur entourage, leur façon d’agir ou de parler, les moments plus intimes ou naissent les premiers moments d’une relation plus sérieuse. J’ai vraiment adoré Kelsey et Chase, on sent tout de suite dès qu’on les croise pour la première fois ensemble qu’il y a quelque chose de fort, quelque chose qui n’appartiennent qu’a eux. J’ai beaucoup aimé voir leur relation évoluer, c’est doux et honnête, terriblement émouvant et en même temps tellement évident. Alors quand on arrive au moment où toute la vérité sort, j’ai été complètement émue, j’ai adoré ce moment, c’était fragile, émouvant mais en même temps tellement fort.
il m’était impossible de ne pas aimer cette histoire, c’était exactement ce qu’il me fallait après ma précédente lecture et je suis ravie de ma lecture.
Kelsey est une jeune femme que j’ai beaucoup aimé d’entrée, elle a tout juste 19 ans et a déjà subit un grand traumatisme, la perte de son frère.
Durant toute ma lecture, je voyais une fille qui souffrait, perdue dans sa tristesse et qui n’arrivait qu’a avancer grâce à Chase, son meilleur ami ainsi que celui de son frère.
J’ai trouvé ce livre tellement juste dans les sentiments, essayer d’avancer alors qu’on a mal au coeur, qu’on a perdu un membre de sa famille est quelque chose d’assez difficile. Le quotidien de Kelsey devient difficile à gérer, entre sa peine à elle, son attirance pour Chase, les secrets qui se mettent en travers de la route et les réactions démesurées auxquelles ils vont devoirs tous faire face est assez troublant.
J’ai beaucoup aimé chaque personnage, on nous les montre sous différents aspects, seul avec leur propres souffrances, les difficultés de contenir leur émotions et les décisions qu’ils prennent pour reprendre le cours de leur vie.
En interaction avec leur entourage, leur façon d’agir ou de parler, les moments plus intimes ou naissent les premiers moments d’une relation plus sérieuse. J’ai vraiment adoré Kelsey et Chase, on sent tout de suite dès qu’on les croise pour la première fois ensemble qu’il y a quelque chose de fort, quelque chose qui n’appartiennent qu’a eux. J’ai beaucoup aimé voir leur relation évoluer, c’est doux et honnête, terriblement émouvant et en même temps tellement évident. Alors quand on arrive au moment où toute la vérité sort, j’ai été complètement émue, j’ai adoré ce moment, c’était fragile, émouvant mais en même temps tellement fort.
il m’était impossible de ne pas aimer cette histoire, c’était exactement ce qu’il me fallait après ma précédente lecture et je suis ravie de ma lecture.
April 23, 2014
3.5/5
How We Lived is a poignant, emotion fuelled depiction of not only love but of grief, death and bereavement, heart-breaking mistakes and ultimately redemption/forgiveness.
Chase and Kelsey have know each other from childhood, next door neighbours and best friends with Kelsey’s brother Kyle. Yet one monumental mistake leads to Kyle’s death shaking the foundation of their lives. Chase fully accepts the responsibility of his actions and the consequences. His world is torn apart from that very bad decision, yet I found that he became a far better person for it. He’s wonderfully caring, instead of allowing himself to wallow in self-pity he finds a way to honour Kyle’s memory while simultaneously giving back to the community. While his error in judgement cost him dearly, his actions following the fatality prove the type of person he is and this is what he should be judged on. Probably easier said than done in real life but the portrayal within the narrative gave the perspective required to get past that mistake. I couldn’t help thinking that in a way Kyle’s destiny would have been the same no matter the decisions Chase made because of other aspects of his life.
Kelsey is another wonderful character, she is compassionate and forgiving, seeing beyond the situation to get to the heart of the matter. She knows that Chase would never hurt Kyle on purpose and that fatal error in judgement will live with him forever. She also knows that Kyle’s death was an accident and that if Chase could alter anything that led to that moment he would.
Kelsey was very close to her brother, when he died her world crumbled around her. Not only did she lose her brother but her best friend in Chase and her parents withdrawal from her. She is left in a no-mans land of grief with no-where to turn. She becomes reclusive until the day of her brothers funeral, when her connection to Chase is rekindled.
The memories of their childhood with Kyle add emotion to the story but also provide insight into the feelings Chase and Kelsey have for each other. No matter what has happened in their lives it is obvious that they truly belong together *swoon*. Their relationship is fraught with tension, pressure from friends and family add to the turmoil they both feel. Yet, it is Kelsey that maintains a strength of character necessary to confront these obstacles. It is Kelsey that emotionally supports Chase in order to move forward together.
I don’t think I’m expressing just how emotionally invested you get in these characters or the way in which heart-ache and hope balance precariously within the narrative. So in that case you should read it for yourself :)
How We Lived is a poignant, emotion fuelled depiction of not only love but of grief, death and bereavement, heart-breaking mistakes and ultimately redemption/forgiveness.
Chase and Kelsey have know each other from childhood, next door neighbours and best friends with Kelsey’s brother Kyle. Yet one monumental mistake leads to Kyle’s death shaking the foundation of their lives. Chase fully accepts the responsibility of his actions and the consequences. His world is torn apart from that very bad decision, yet I found that he became a far better person for it. He’s wonderfully caring, instead of allowing himself to wallow in self-pity he finds a way to honour Kyle’s memory while simultaneously giving back to the community. While his error in judgement cost him dearly, his actions following the fatality prove the type of person he is and this is what he should be judged on. Probably easier said than done in real life but the portrayal within the narrative gave the perspective required to get past that mistake. I couldn’t help thinking that in a way Kyle’s destiny would have been the same no matter the decisions Chase made because of other aspects of his life.
Kelsey is another wonderful character, she is compassionate and forgiving, seeing beyond the situation to get to the heart of the matter. She knows that Chase would never hurt Kyle on purpose and that fatal error in judgement will live with him forever. She also knows that Kyle’s death was an accident and that if Chase could alter anything that led to that moment he would.
Kelsey was very close to her brother, when he died her world crumbled around her. Not only did she lose her brother but her best friend in Chase and her parents withdrawal from her. She is left in a no-mans land of grief with no-where to turn. She becomes reclusive until the day of her brothers funeral, when her connection to Chase is rekindled.
The memories of their childhood with Kyle add emotion to the story but also provide insight into the feelings Chase and Kelsey have for each other. No matter what has happened in their lives it is obvious that they truly belong together *swoon*. Their relationship is fraught with tension, pressure from friends and family add to the turmoil they both feel. Yet, it is Kelsey that maintains a strength of character necessary to confront these obstacles. It is Kelsey that emotionally supports Chase in order to move forward together.
I don’t think I’m expressing just how emotionally invested you get in these characters or the way in which heart-ache and hope balance precariously within the narrative. So in that case you should read it for yourself :)
May 27, 2014
This was a fucking beautifully written story. Heartbreaking yet beautiful.
My heart broke for all these characters, they were all in such pain and were hurting. They lost someone they loved and didn't know how to deal.
Kels is Kyle sister and she feels empty without him,they were best friends,
Chase was Kyle's best friend almost like a brother, and he's carrying around a shit load of guilt and feels broken about everything.
"PEOPLE FEEL SORRY FOR YOUR PAIN,AND PAIN JUST IS. IT DOESN'T ONLY HAPPEN WHEN YOU'RE WORTHY OF IT. GOD KNOWS I'M NOT WORTHY OF THE PAIN I CAUSED, BUT I FEEL IT. EVERYDAY I FEEL IT."-Chase
Kyle's parents are horrible,and chases mother is dealing with her sons repercussions as well.
Everyone is just so broken is all painful to read, but in order to get to a place where they could breathe again, they had to ALL go through the sorrow deep and raw all over again5 months after the accident.
Chase has loved Kels fora while but after the accident everything changes for him he still loves her but couldn't fathom how she could ever love him anymore.
"I WANT YOU TO BE MY GIRLFRIEND. BUT GIRLFRIEND SOUNDS LIKE SUCH A STUPID WORD. I WANT YOU. ALWAYS. "-Chase
"I'M NOT READY."
"IM SORRY."-kels
"YOU USED ME BECAUSE YOU WANTED SOMEONE TO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD AGAIN. I WAS STUPID. I THOUGHT YOU ACTUALLY CARED. IF YOU REALLY CARED ABOUT ME, KELSEY, YOU WOULDN'T CARE WHO YOU TOLD ABOUT ME,WHO YOU STUCK UP FOR ME IN FRONT OF."-chase
Except she never really stopped. She was just scared,
"WHEN WE'RE TOGETHER I FEEL WHOLE AGAIN."-kels
I feel like everyone should read this, its sad yes but at the same time I feel like you can take away something from what happened and how people change, unexpectedly, and suddenly when there lives go somewhere else.
This book is about grief, loss, the ability to forgive, love, and being able to move past heartbreak and pain.
I want to write more but for now I would recommend this to anyone.
"KYLE MAY HAVE BEEN GONE, BUT HE WAS MY SUPERHERO. ALWAYS HAD BEEN. ALWAYS WOULD BE."
My heart broke for all these characters, they were all in such pain and were hurting. They lost someone they loved and didn't know how to deal.
Kels is Kyle sister and she feels empty without him,they were best friends,
Chase was Kyle's best friend almost like a brother, and he's carrying around a shit load of guilt and feels broken about everything.
"PEOPLE FEEL SORRY FOR YOUR PAIN,AND PAIN JUST IS. IT DOESN'T ONLY HAPPEN WHEN YOU'RE WORTHY OF IT. GOD KNOWS I'M NOT WORTHY OF THE PAIN I CAUSED, BUT I FEEL IT. EVERYDAY I FEEL IT."-Chase
Kyle's parents are horrible,and chases mother is dealing with her sons repercussions as well.
Everyone is just so broken is all painful to read, but in order to get to a place where they could breathe again, they had to ALL go through the sorrow deep and raw all over again5 months after the accident.
Chase has loved Kels fora while but after the accident everything changes for him he still loves her but couldn't fathom how she could ever love him anymore.
"I WANT YOU TO BE MY GIRLFRIEND. BUT GIRLFRIEND SOUNDS LIKE SUCH A STUPID WORD. I WANT YOU. ALWAYS. "-Chase
"I'M NOT READY."
"IM SORRY."-kels
"YOU USED ME BECAUSE YOU WANTED SOMEONE TO MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD AGAIN. I WAS STUPID. I THOUGHT YOU ACTUALLY CARED. IF YOU REALLY CARED ABOUT ME, KELSEY, YOU WOULDN'T CARE WHO YOU TOLD ABOUT ME,WHO YOU STUCK UP FOR ME IN FRONT OF."-chase
Except she never really stopped. She was just scared,
"WHEN WE'RE TOGETHER I FEEL WHOLE AGAIN."-kels
I feel like everyone should read this, its sad yes but at the same time I feel like you can take away something from what happened and how people change, unexpectedly, and suddenly when there lives go somewhere else.
This book is about grief, loss, the ability to forgive, love, and being able to move past heartbreak and pain.
I want to write more but for now I would recommend this to anyone.
"KYLE MAY HAVE BEEN GONE, BUT HE WAS MY SUPERHERO. ALWAYS HAD BEEN. ALWAYS WOULD BE."
April 16, 2014
An emotional, sweet, and wonderful New Adult romance, How We Lived was a fantastic read. I really liked this lovely book. I thought it was great.
Kelsey was a lovely heroine. Throughout the book, she struggled to move on from her brother's death. As the book went on, she became stronger and more determined to take her life into her own hands. It was a little frustrating how she would run away from facing her emotions, though. But, overall, I liked her.
Chase was wonderful. He was so sweet. From the beginning, it was easy to sympathize for him. He was driving drunk the night that Kyle died and the crash he got into led to Kyle's death. Because of that, basically everyone turned against him, except his mother. But, it was clear that he was anything but a bad person. He was torn up with guilt and grieved in a way that really proved how good of a person he was. His character had a lot of depth and I really adored him.
My one issue isn't with his character, but with how people acted towards him. I didn't understand why Kelsey's parents didn't approve of him, even before the crash. It was vaguely alluded that it was because he was from a lower class, but seriously? Even if that was the reason, it was not portrayed in how the characters lived and acted. And, it apparently extended to Kyle, which makes even less sense to me. I just didn't get it.
The romance was lovely. Kelsey and Chase was so sweet together. I loved how they helped each other heal and how, since they had liked each other for a while and had an already established friendship, their feelings were deep and really came across. There was a bit of heat in there, but not too much. I thought they were great together.
The plot was well paced and I was hooked the entire way through. There were several secrets that really took me by surprise. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was lovely.
How We Lived was a wonderful New Adult romance. I really liked this book. It was deep, emotional, romantic, and a truly lovely read. Romance lovers, this is a book you won't want to miss.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Kelsey was a lovely heroine. Throughout the book, she struggled to move on from her brother's death. As the book went on, she became stronger and more determined to take her life into her own hands. It was a little frustrating how she would run away from facing her emotions, though. But, overall, I liked her.
Chase was wonderful. He was so sweet. From the beginning, it was easy to sympathize for him. He was driving drunk the night that Kyle died and the crash he got into led to Kyle's death. Because of that, basically everyone turned against him, except his mother. But, it was clear that he was anything but a bad person. He was torn up with guilt and grieved in a way that really proved how good of a person he was. His character had a lot of depth and I really adored him.
My one issue isn't with his character, but with how people acted towards him. I didn't understand why Kelsey's parents didn't approve of him, even before the crash. It was vaguely alluded that it was because he was from a lower class, but seriously? Even if that was the reason, it was not portrayed in how the characters lived and acted. And, it apparently extended to Kyle, which makes even less sense to me. I just didn't get it.
The romance was lovely. Kelsey and Chase was so sweet together. I loved how they helped each other heal and how, since they had liked each other for a while and had an already established friendship, their feelings were deep and really came across. There was a bit of heat in there, but not too much. I thought they were great together.
The plot was well paced and I was hooked the entire way through. There were several secrets that really took me by surprise. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was lovely.
How We Lived was a wonderful New Adult romance. I really liked this book. It was deep, emotional, romantic, and a truly lovely read. Romance lovers, this is a book you won't want to miss.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
May 1, 2014
Great book, tough but then again anything this good needs to be tough and strong
This was a great book! The subject was not at all easy and believe me it got much deeper than what I thought. Not secret that Nineteen-year-old Kelsey Larkin has lost her brother who was her best friend. When you learn that he is dead and it was a car accident I felt so sad. It was not ending with the loss right there, things go so much deeper. The fact that her brother and next door neighbor were her ENTIRE life is the root of the entire story. What happens when she loses her brother starts an emotional book that I say is a must read!
What I loved was the lessons of love, family, therapy and forgiveness. I love when the author put Kelsey's Mom on the front burner and threw her into a therapy chair for her issues. Just losing a child is bad enough but this affected her spouse, her daughter and her world. There was a time when her mother and father were so biter, not much changes but the author does embrace therapy. The way the therapy happens in here is critical. Kelsey's Mom goes weekly and of course her Dad doesn't and he thinks it is nonsense. So that being said she goes but in my opinion is never really present. She does have a breakthrough session that explains a lot.
Chase is next door and his story blows my mind. It goes beyond the "I fell in love with my best friend" sort of story. Kelsey has always loved Chase! Chase has the best Mom. She is so supportive. The reveals behind Chase and what his life means now were my favorite. The author does her best work creating his character. He did it for me. Some of my favorite scenes were the flashbacks that Chase had. I could see the three of them sneaking into each other's houses. They both have very fond memories of growing up where Chase's mom is the "fun mom".
PLEASE read this book it was that good! The story of an accident that destroys families, friends and lives is right here.
This was a great book! The subject was not at all easy and believe me it got much deeper than what I thought. Not secret that Nineteen-year-old Kelsey Larkin has lost her brother who was her best friend. When you learn that he is dead and it was a car accident I felt so sad. It was not ending with the loss right there, things go so much deeper. The fact that her brother and next door neighbor were her ENTIRE life is the root of the entire story. What happens when she loses her brother starts an emotional book that I say is a must read!
What I loved was the lessons of love, family, therapy and forgiveness. I love when the author put Kelsey's Mom on the front burner and threw her into a therapy chair for her issues. Just losing a child is bad enough but this affected her spouse, her daughter and her world. There was a time when her mother and father were so biter, not much changes but the author does embrace therapy. The way the therapy happens in here is critical. Kelsey's Mom goes weekly and of course her Dad doesn't and he thinks it is nonsense. So that being said she goes but in my opinion is never really present. She does have a breakthrough session that explains a lot.
Chase is next door and his story blows my mind. It goes beyond the "I fell in love with my best friend" sort of story. Kelsey has always loved Chase! Chase has the best Mom. She is so supportive. The reveals behind Chase and what his life means now were my favorite. The author does her best work creating his character. He did it for me. Some of my favorite scenes were the flashbacks that Chase had. I could see the three of them sneaking into each other's houses. They both have very fond memories of growing up where Chase's mom is the "fun mom".
PLEASE read this book it was that good! The story of an accident that destroys families, friends and lives is right here.
May 29, 2014
I am a sucker for a bad boy with secrets. And Chase is no exception. His and Kelsey's story of loss, love and survival is outstanding.
Chase was always the boy next door to Kelsey, the boy she was close to and loved from afar, but one night changed that all; the night Chase killed her brother.
Kelsey was close with her brother and his absence haunts her. Her parents have fallen into a dark place, hating each other and pretending as if their only child died. Chase keeps his distance from the family, doing his part for society and the death of his best friend, Kyle.
But Kyle's funeral comes and he can't seem to stay away. Kyle's death may be on his hands, but Chase's love for his best friend and his sister, Kelsey, pull him to the last place he should be. Chase finds Kelsey sitting under a tree watching the funeral from a distance; her parents wouldn't let her go to the funeral in jeans in a t-shirt.
Kelsey hadn't spoken with Chase in months, blaming him for Kyle's death, but she still loves him. Kelsey's problems at home, her need to reconnect with Kyle on some level, yet try to escape his memory sends her to continually seek out Chase.
Life keeps pushing them together and pulling them apart at a heartbreaking pace that drags you in and drowns you in their emotions and entanglements.
Chase's secrets threaten to tear them apart, but can Kelsey forgive him for keeping them from her once they come barreling at her head-on? Can Chase and Kelsey survive the ultimate test of love; trust?
The story of Chase, Kelsey and Kyle is wonderfully written. I found myself falling in love with all the characters and the struggles they went through after Kyle's death and the secrets that came to the surface (and boy did I not see ANY of that coming). It is a book I have added to my "Must Read Again!" shelf.
Chase was always the boy next door to Kelsey, the boy she was close to and loved from afar, but one night changed that all; the night Chase killed her brother.
Kelsey was close with her brother and his absence haunts her. Her parents have fallen into a dark place, hating each other and pretending as if their only child died. Chase keeps his distance from the family, doing his part for society and the death of his best friend, Kyle.
But Kyle's funeral comes and he can't seem to stay away. Kyle's death may be on his hands, but Chase's love for his best friend and his sister, Kelsey, pull him to the last place he should be. Chase finds Kelsey sitting under a tree watching the funeral from a distance; her parents wouldn't let her go to the funeral in jeans in a t-shirt.
Kelsey hadn't spoken with Chase in months, blaming him for Kyle's death, but she still loves him. Kelsey's problems at home, her need to reconnect with Kyle on some level, yet try to escape his memory sends her to continually seek out Chase.
Life keeps pushing them together and pulling them apart at a heartbreaking pace that drags you in and drowns you in their emotions and entanglements.
Chase's secrets threaten to tear them apart, but can Kelsey forgive him for keeping them from her once they come barreling at her head-on? Can Chase and Kelsey survive the ultimate test of love; trust?
The story of Chase, Kelsey and Kyle is wonderfully written. I found myself falling in love with all the characters and the struggles they went through after Kyle's death and the secrets that came to the surface (and boy did I not see ANY of that coming). It is a book I have added to my "Must Read Again!" shelf.
April 15, 2014
3.5 Cocktails
HOW WE LIVED is a great story about second chances. In this case, it's a second chance for Kelsey Larkin to figure out what she really wants to do, instead of following a path she had been on before her brother's death. And for Chase, it's making up for the one mistake that destroyed two families.
Kyle and Kelsey lived next door to Chase for all their lives. Kyle and Chase were best friends, but they often let Kelsey join them on their adventures. But their entire world was turned upside down when a drunken decision by Chase, ripped everything apart. Nothing was the same, with the exception of how Kelsey and Chase felt most at home with each other, even when they were supposed to stay away.
I felt really, really bad for both Kelsey and Chase. They were both destroyed by what happened and were floundering trying to move forward. But it wasn't until they reached out to the each other that they found a way to truly move past all the awful and figure out a way to live. Kelsey and Chase had great chemistry together and it made me wonder if Kyle would have really been that upset over Chase's feelings for his sister if he wasn't in such a bad place with this own life.
I had a hard time putting this one down, staying up until the wee hours of the morning, because I had a need to find out what happened next. I definitely look forward to reading more from Erin Butler. She crafted a wonderful story that was emotional, but didn't leave me an emotional mess when it was over.
HOW WE LIVED is a great story about second chances. In this case, it's a second chance for Kelsey Larkin to figure out what she really wants to do, instead of following a path she had been on before her brother's death. And for Chase, it's making up for the one mistake that destroyed two families.
Kyle and Kelsey lived next door to Chase for all their lives. Kyle and Chase were best friends, but they often let Kelsey join them on their adventures. But their entire world was turned upside down when a drunken decision by Chase, ripped everything apart. Nothing was the same, with the exception of how Kelsey and Chase felt most at home with each other, even when they were supposed to stay away.
I felt really, really bad for both Kelsey and Chase. They were both destroyed by what happened and were floundering trying to move forward. But it wasn't until they reached out to the each other that they found a way to truly move past all the awful and figure out a way to live. Kelsey and Chase had great chemistry together and it made me wonder if Kyle would have really been that upset over Chase's feelings for his sister if he wasn't in such a bad place with this own life.
I had a hard time putting this one down, staying up until the wee hours of the morning, because I had a need to find out what happened next. I definitely look forward to reading more from Erin Butler. She crafted a wonderful story that was emotional, but didn't leave me an emotional mess when it was over.
April 30, 2014
4.5 stars!!!!
I love when you read a book, not knowing what to expect and then you fall in love with it. It's like:
That's what happened with this book.
I found myself on the verge of tears or just flat out crying at least a dozen times. But don't worry, this is totally a HEA and no cliffy.
Kelsey was such an amazing character. I fell in love with her instantly. I am very close to my brother so any story about a brother and sister being close hits me hard. I often go to thoughts of days like these:
And to top it off, Kelsey is mourning her brother and it is heartbreaking. To add insult to injury, the person who caused his death was Kyle's best friend.
Chase is everything. I fell in love with him as quickly as I did with Kelsey. When he reveals his secret it was so sad but at the same time it made me love him more. I felt so sorry for him. Losing Kelsey was as bad for him as losing Kyle.
Watching these two find their comfort in each other is beautiful. They are so perfect for each other, even in their brokenness.
If you are looking for an emotional read that will stay with you for a long time, I highly suggest you pick this up. This is kind of how I still feel:
Erin Butler has a new fan in me. I cannot wait to read more from her!!!
MICHELLE'S REVIEW
I love when you read a book, not knowing what to expect and then you fall in love with it. It's like:
That's what happened with this book.
I found myself on the verge of tears or just flat out crying at least a dozen times. But don't worry, this is totally a HEA and no cliffy.
Kelsey was such an amazing character. I fell in love with her instantly. I am very close to my brother so any story about a brother and sister being close hits me hard. I often go to thoughts of days like these:
And to top it off, Kelsey is mourning her brother and it is heartbreaking. To add insult to injury, the person who caused his death was Kyle's best friend.
Chase is everything. I fell in love with him as quickly as I did with Kelsey. When he reveals his secret it was so sad but at the same time it made me love him more. I felt so sorry for him. Losing Kelsey was as bad for him as losing Kyle.
Watching these two find their comfort in each other is beautiful. They are so perfect for each other, even in their brokenness.
If you are looking for an emotional read that will stay with you for a long time, I highly suggest you pick this up. This is kind of how I still feel:
Erin Butler has a new fan in me. I cannot wait to read more from her!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews