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Life in High Def
Academy Award-winning actress Reilly Ransome has a life that others can only dream fame that opens every door, more money than she can ever spend, and freedom to do what (and whom) she pleases. But something is missing, and the harder she seeks to find it, the more evident the absence becomes. She attempts to fill the gap with behavior that becomes increasingly dangerous until one night, she wakes up on a bench at a deserted beach to find that she has committed the unthinkable. Resolved to live the rest of her life doing penance for her mistake, Reilly withdraws from her whirlwind existence and finally finds what she’s been missing. But knowing something and accepting something are two different things. It is only when a transformative experience that no one sees coming occurs, turning her life on its axis, that Reilly can finally forgive herself and fill in that missing piece.
Edited by Jamie May
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2016
7 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Cooper Griffin
15 books72 followersKimberly Cooper Griffin is an award-winning author of contemporary romance novels in the sapphic genre and the award-winning non-fiction Inkslinger series for writers. Born in San Diego, California, Kimberly joined the Air Force, traveled the world, and eventually settled down in Denver, Colorado, where she lives with her wife, the youngest of her three daughters, and a menagerie of dogs and cats.
Her fiction explores the complexities of building relationships and finding balance when life has a tendency to get in the way, and her non-fiction guides writers through the often complex writing process.
You can find her books at:
http://author.to/KimberlyCooperGriffin
Her fiction explores the complexities of building relationships and finding balance when life has a tendency to get in the way, and her non-fiction guides writers through the often complex writing process.
You can find her books at:
http://author.to/KimberlyCooperGriffin
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 31, 2016
If there was a 6th star I would go for it without a doubt! This is not your typical fluffy summer read this is a brilliant, well written, full of shocking moments, anger, love, hot sex scenes, craziness, drugs, death, forgiveness, glamour, fashion, yoga etc ..
It's a mix between a solid romance story with a hint of "orange is the new black" and "wentworth" and the glamour of Hollywood.. It's quite interesting that this is the 1st book by this wonderful author.
Characters were so good and the connection between the 2 main characters was so strong. The supporting characters were also very likeable! I even started liking the mother :)
It's going down as One of my favorites for sure!
It's a mix between a solid romance story with a hint of "orange is the new black" and "wentworth" and the glamour of Hollywood.. It's quite interesting that this is the 1st book by this wonderful author.
Characters were so good and the connection between the 2 main characters was so strong. The supporting characters were also very likeable! I even started liking the mother :)
It's going down as One of my favorites for sure!
December 31, 2016
I think I'm in the minority of not loving this book. I didn't connect to the characters. I expected a lot more on life in prison; Drew is in and out within 8% of the story. I was bored for a great deal of the plot and had to constantly stop myself from skipping chapters.
The story is well edited, except for the repetitive use of the word 'that'. Three to four times in a number of sentences.
^^Not sure I've noticed 'that' in another story, or if I simply noticed it this time because I wasn't engaged in the plot.
As they say, there's an audience for every book, sadly I wasn't it. So, please check out the other reviews, or better yet, buy a copy, read the story and write one of your own.
2 stars for my reading experience +1 for the beautiful cover
copy received via NetGalley
The story is well edited, except for the repetitive use of the word 'that'. Three to four times in a number of sentences.
“And I believe that you have regretted that and everything that led up to that with all of your heart.”
^^Not sure I've noticed 'that' in another story, or if I simply noticed it this time because I wasn't engaged in the plot.
As they say, there's an audience for every book, sadly I wasn't it. So, please check out the other reviews, or better yet, buy a copy, read the story and write one of your own.
2 stars for my reading experience +1 for the beautiful cover
copy received via NetGalley
July 17, 2016
From the very beginning, I got the feeling that this book was different. Darker than the most romances I've read so far, I was very intrigued to see the development. Of course, the fact that the book is written in a very literate and eloquent style has only helped in reading it eagerly.
Somehow, slowly graduating in tension, the author succeeds in evoking the picturesque inner struggle, thoughts, fears, the moments of sadness and regret, the struggle with anger and self-worth... Lots of issues with the characters in the book, and still - none of the issues felt neglected all along, there were no losing the train of thoughts, all of the turmoils are well described and detailed in the book...
I really loved this one, and I can certainly say that it was a refreshment for a keen reader such as myself, to actually read a novel with more substance to it than anything I've read in a while. Major points and thumbs up to Kimberly Cooper Griffin, with the impatient waiting for her next novel. Well done, and, from me - well deserved full 5 stars.
Somehow, slowly graduating in tension, the author succeeds in evoking the picturesque inner struggle, thoughts, fears, the moments of sadness and regret, the struggle with anger and self-worth... Lots of issues with the characters in the book, and still - none of the issues felt neglected all along, there were no losing the train of thoughts, all of the turmoils are well described and detailed in the book...
I really loved this one, and I can certainly say that it was a refreshment for a keen reader such as myself, to actually read a novel with more substance to it than anything I've read in a while. Major points and thumbs up to Kimberly Cooper Griffin, with the impatient waiting for her next novel. Well done, and, from me - well deserved full 5 stars.
January 22, 2019
When I started reading this I wanted to stop after the third maybe fourth bad drunken drug induced decision the main character Riley made. For some reason I kept reading. Then I wanted to stop reading when it got the prison time frame, that was actually cringe worthu and I really could have done without it but hey, but some reason I didnt. And honestly, I am glad I didnt because after that, the book really grew on me. Drew was a nice addition to Riley and so were her Cray and Hank. I didn find that the book didnt really give great timelines and going back and forth between some memories confused me. There was also a lot of missing information in the time gaps, which one is actually addressed or two are actually addressed later on.
Regardless, I overall did enjoy the book and give it 3.79 stars. Plus its a free read with Scribd.
Regardless, I overall did enjoy the book and give it 3.79 stars. Plus its a free read with Scribd.
July 10, 2016
Love at first sight with complications. The first half of the book is a bit dark for me esp. the prison part but don't give up. It's very well written. Wow! Can't stop reading. This is a debut book and I'm really impressed.
March 24, 2017
4,5 rounded up to 5.
November 21, 2016
I recieved this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher and NetGalley.
SYNOPSIS:
Reily Ransome is an academy award winning actress who has everything that she could have ever wanted but something is missing in her life. As she tries to fill the gap that is in her life, her behaviour becomes more dangerous each and every day until the night she wales up at the beach to find out that she has done something unthinkable. As Reily has to live with this guilt for the rest of their life, she withdraws from the public eye and finds out the thing that she has truly been missing.
REVIEW:
This was a book which truly surprised me. I found myself questioning and guessing what was going to happen in many different parts only to be surprised again. This is a book which is nothing like I have read before, it contains sacrifice, anger, love, forgiveness and acceptance. This was a beautiful story and I found myself making a few comparisons as it had a real Orange is the New Black feel to it in some parts.
From the start off this book it was evident that it was going to be different to those typical romance books. It was dark and also quite humorous in some parts. I also loved the fact that it was in third person as you get to read as an observer and still feel like you are there. This is big for me because I normally struggle reading in third person. The plot had lots of twists and turns which were not expected, and I loved the whole air of suspense that surrounded these moments.
The characters in this book were amazing! They were thought out so well and most of them have qualities about them that are extremely likeable. Reily was a character that developed more and more through each and every chapter, at the start you can see how broken she is and as it keeps going you see her growing stronger and stronger. I loved the relationship that she had with Drew from the start was phenomenal. Drew and Reily are a perfect couple, they radiate strength and happiness around each other. I was also so glad to see that this was a very good and well thought out LGBT romance.
I also loved Reily and Drew's friends, they were also equally amazing characters.
There were also plenty of characters which I didn't like that much but they made the story too.
This was written is a great way, it was written in such a way that I felt like I was there. It was extremely heart-breaking, uplifting and beautiful.
I would recommend it 1000 times.
This review also features on https://loadsofbooksreviews.wordpress...
SYNOPSIS:
Reily Ransome is an academy award winning actress who has everything that she could have ever wanted but something is missing in her life. As she tries to fill the gap that is in her life, her behaviour becomes more dangerous each and every day until the night she wales up at the beach to find out that she has done something unthinkable. As Reily has to live with this guilt for the rest of their life, she withdraws from the public eye and finds out the thing that she has truly been missing.
REVIEW:
This was a book which truly surprised me. I found myself questioning and guessing what was going to happen in many different parts only to be surprised again. This is a book which is nothing like I have read before, it contains sacrifice, anger, love, forgiveness and acceptance. This was a beautiful story and I found myself making a few comparisons as it had a real Orange is the New Black feel to it in some parts.
From the start off this book it was evident that it was going to be different to those typical romance books. It was dark and also quite humorous in some parts. I also loved the fact that it was in third person as you get to read as an observer and still feel like you are there. This is big for me because I normally struggle reading in third person. The plot had lots of twists and turns which were not expected, and I loved the whole air of suspense that surrounded these moments.
The characters in this book were amazing! They were thought out so well and most of them have qualities about them that are extremely likeable. Reily was a character that developed more and more through each and every chapter, at the start you can see how broken she is and as it keeps going you see her growing stronger and stronger. I loved the relationship that she had with Drew from the start was phenomenal. Drew and Reily are a perfect couple, they radiate strength and happiness around each other. I was also so glad to see that this was a very good and well thought out LGBT romance.
I also loved Reily and Drew's friends, they were also equally amazing characters.
There were also plenty of characters which I didn't like that much but they made the story too.
This was written is a great way, it was written in such a way that I felt like I was there. It was extremely heart-breaking, uplifting and beautiful.
I would recommend it 1000 times.
This review also features on https://loadsofbooksreviews.wordpress...
June 7, 2016
I really enjoyed this book for several reasons: First and foremost, most of the characters are gay. The MAIN characters are lesbians. That never happens! Gay characters are typically written by straight people, are in sidekick or supporting roles, and are there for comic relief or to give the impression of diversity. Well, we do have The L Word and Orange is the New Black, so I guess I shouldn't say gay main characters "never" happen. But it's still pretty rare. So there's that. Secondly, the book was just well-written. Polished. Professional. The story line moved purposefully toward resolution. The characters were well-developed, likeable, and relatable. The story was believable, with a dollop of serendipity (which is always a worthy cause for sacrificing a tiny bit of believability). This book is a page turner. The plot had lots twists and turns along the way that I actually didn't see coming (and I pride myself on figuring out the twists well in advance - well played, Kim, well played.) Third, this book has some serious sexual tension built in right from the beginning. It was a total hook and kept me reading just to see what happens. Then I found myself interested in the rest of the plot too as it expanded and its meaning became deeper. When I picked up this book, I was expecting a one-dimensional, amateur gay romance novel. This is not what that is. It's so much more than that. It's a story about all the crap that people go through in life - falling in love, breaking up, hiding, coming out, lying, telling the truth, hating, and forgiving - whether you're a Hollywood Star, or just a bum sleeping on the sidewalk.
March 11, 2017
I recieved this book in exchange for an honest review from the publisher and NetGalley.
I'm debating between 3 and 4 stars..... At first I just couldn't get into the story and I started to skip pages. It got more interesting once the main character woke up on a bench at the beach and I feel like at this point the story kind of turned and became more interesting. It is definitely an interesting mix of glamorous Hollywood life mixed with drugs, sex and scandals and prison life. I liked the idea of the story overall but I caught myself skipping some pages because it was too dull at some points.
https://andreazupanc.wordpress.com
I'm debating between 3 and 4 stars..... At first I just couldn't get into the story and I started to skip pages. It got more interesting once the main character woke up on a bench at the beach and I feel like at this point the story kind of turned and became more interesting. It is definitely an interesting mix of glamorous Hollywood life mixed with drugs, sex and scandals and prison life. I liked the idea of the story overall but I caught myself skipping some pages because it was too dull at some points.
https://andreazupanc.wordpress.com
June 11, 2019
Life in high def
I can definitely recommend this read, I was torn between awarding a 4 or 5 stars. It is superbly written, taking you on the journey of Reilly's life, through its trials and tribulations, highs and lows.
I can definitely recommend this read, I was torn between awarding a 4 or 5 stars. It is superbly written, taking you on the journey of Reilly's life, through its trials and tribulations, highs and lows.
January 23, 2020
I truly loved this book and if you're interested in cut above romances with lesbian characters that steps out of the standard formula, this is it. I had a little trouble developing empathy for Reilly in the beginning, which was understandable because she was an ass. It's worth sticking around because once she goes to prison, she starts to become a different person, more well-rounded and infinitely more likable. The story itself is fantastic - I liked that it was darker than a typical romance. The plot ended up surprising me in several places and it kept me interested until the end.
Thumb's up, definitely recommend.
Thumb's up, definitely recommend.
April 24, 2017
I ended up liking Rilley much more than I thought I would at the beginning. This is a personal transformation story about toxic relationships, mistakes, and guilt. Throughout the story Rilley really matures as a character and becomes more likable. The plot through inn a few curve balls and I enjoyed the twist at the end.
Full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.
Full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.
October 26, 2016
Excuse the gushing. But I loved,loved, loved, loved, loved this book.
Not a typical romance book by any stretch of the imagination, gritty, hot sex scenes, drama, crime, crazy moments, love, death, forgiveness, glamour, Hollywood, fashion and so many more topics are covered in this book.
It is defiantly a rollercoaster of a romance story. I was gripped from the front cover to the back. I love the cover art and the description on the back doesn't do this book justice.
I'll try but I know I won't either. So if you what to experience the awesomeness that is this book. Well your just going to have to read it and discover it for yourself.
Riley Ransome is a highflying academy award winning actress. She had everything she could want and more at her finger tips. But something fundamental is missing from Rileys life. Riley can't put her finger on what is missing in her life and the more she try's looking for it the bigger the absence becomes.
Attempting anything and everything to try and fill the void Riley ends up in increasingly more and more dangerous situations. Until one day she wakes up on the beach and she had done the unthinkable.
Riley ends up in prison and the author Kimberley does not shy away or beat around the bush about the horrible things that happen in prison
Rileys prison stint does nothing but make her more popular and is has a new movie, a new love life and glittering success. Although her past is still traumatising her.
I think this a great story about redemption and has a great message at its heart. I made a book related connection with Riley and found that I cared about what happened to her which is testament to authors Kimberleys amazing writing skills.
There are plenty of twist and turns in this book to keep everyone happy, it is also very heavy in the prison parts but try and stick with it as you will be awarded at the end. There are also some great comedic moments in this books with all the celebrity gossip and mishaps. And also a tender, hot and steamy romantic moments in this book too.
I recommend to anyone who is bored with the tried, tested and constantly repeated romantic books that we are all used to and love. This book is great if your looking for something different and new.
I really enjoyed this book and I hope you will too. Special thanks to NetGalley, author Kimberley Cooper Griffin and Night River Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Happy reading everyone.
Not a typical romance book by any stretch of the imagination, gritty, hot sex scenes, drama, crime, crazy moments, love, death, forgiveness, glamour, Hollywood, fashion and so many more topics are covered in this book.
It is defiantly a rollercoaster of a romance story. I was gripped from the front cover to the back. I love the cover art and the description on the back doesn't do this book justice.
I'll try but I know I won't either. So if you what to experience the awesomeness that is this book. Well your just going to have to read it and discover it for yourself.
Riley Ransome is a highflying academy award winning actress. She had everything she could want and more at her finger tips. But something fundamental is missing from Rileys life. Riley can't put her finger on what is missing in her life and the more she try's looking for it the bigger the absence becomes.
Attempting anything and everything to try and fill the void Riley ends up in increasingly more and more dangerous situations. Until one day she wakes up on the beach and she had done the unthinkable.
Riley ends up in prison and the author Kimberley does not shy away or beat around the bush about the horrible things that happen in prison
Rileys prison stint does nothing but make her more popular and is has a new movie, a new love life and glittering success. Although her past is still traumatising her.
I think this a great story about redemption and has a great message at its heart. I made a book related connection with Riley and found that I cared about what happened to her which is testament to authors Kimberleys amazing writing skills.
There are plenty of twist and turns in this book to keep everyone happy, it is also very heavy in the prison parts but try and stick with it as you will be awarded at the end. There are also some great comedic moments in this books with all the celebrity gossip and mishaps. And also a tender, hot and steamy romantic moments in this book too.
I recommend to anyone who is bored with the tried, tested and constantly repeated romantic books that we are all used to and love. This book is great if your looking for something different and new.
I really enjoyed this book and I hope you will too. Special thanks to NetGalley, author Kimberley Cooper Griffin and Night River Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Happy reading everyone.
February 12, 2017
Amazing story, beautifully written! Reilly is a celebrity, an actress with one academy award under her belt at the beginning. She is a real party girl, into alcohol, drugs, sex, whatever is happening at the moment. Her Mother is her manager and is always trying to downplay the fact that Reilly is gay. But, in an instant, everything changes and Reilly's life will never be the same again. A tragic incident occurs and Reilly is blamed for it and goes to prison. When she comes out, she resolves to make something of her life. The story is full of action, love, forgiveness, betrayals, friendship but Reilly finally finds what she has been missing in her life. I did find the one explicit sex scene hard to read. It didn't seem to add anything to the story, but was several pages long. But I would still recommend the book.
August 1, 2019
Me when reading the description: FINALLY.
Me after reading the book: COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND ALIVE ALL AT ONCE.
To call Life in High Def one thing only? I'd say it's intense. Dark, thoughtful, sexy as hell and truly the epitome of LIFE. It was the perfect read for a glass of wine, or two, in the summer sun and I am still thinking about it even months later. Because the way that Kimberly Cooper Griffin writes is so delicately blunt and seductive. She writes the characters as compelling and stunningly complex. I am so in love!
Another word is stylish. I found the writing style to be smooth and it was just so appealing. What makes good romance is the stories core and Life in High Def has one that cannot be contained in a simple review because it was so many things.
All I can say is that it will leave you breathless and wondering: what now?
Me after reading the book: COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND ALIVE ALL AT ONCE.
To call Life in High Def one thing only? I'd say it's intense. Dark, thoughtful, sexy as hell and truly the epitome of LIFE. It was the perfect read for a glass of wine, or two, in the summer sun and I am still thinking about it even months later. Because the way that Kimberly Cooper Griffin writes is so delicately blunt and seductive. She writes the characters as compelling and stunningly complex. I am so in love!
Another word is stylish. I found the writing style to be smooth and it was just so appealing. What makes good romance is the stories core and Life in High Def has one that cannot be contained in a simple review because it was so many things.
All I can say is that it will leave you breathless and wondering: what now?
Read
February 18, 2018I really enjoyed this book. It took me a couple of chapters to get into the story line but I was soon sucked in. It was purposefully written and small minute details become part of the bigger picture in later chapters. The love scenes were quite steamy and realistic but did not overpower the book. I look forward to future books.
June 10, 2016
This is such a great summer read...perfect for the beach or pool!! I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading, but it has everything...mystery, romance, sex, sorrow, drama. The book is written well and I could not put it down. I highly recommend this book!
October 3, 2016
While it becomes clear that Reilly is in need, and eventually experiences a transformation, the ending is something you never see coming. A great suspense novel and one I couldn't put down. I highly recommend this book.
November 13, 2016
This book is sensational! Very well written. Twist and Turns. Can't give away surprise ending. The characters are well developed and the romance is paced perfectly with compassion, vulnerability and humor. I would highly recommend this book!
August 31, 2017
So glad I read this author's second book, Chasing Mercury, before I read this one. What a difference. Chasing Mercury was very good. Interesting, well written, couldn't put it down. Life in High Def to me was the author's writing lessons. The story was boring, I skipped whole chapters at a time and just for sheer interest kept at it but I can say that this book was not worth my time. I will not give up on this author since Chasing Mercury was such a good book.
November 13, 2016
I rec'd a copy from NetGalley. No Synopsis needed. A debut book by Ms. Griffin. It's not your fluffy romance and though it took a bit of time to get into the storyline - I was soon hooked. A full-range emotional up and down but never predictable. Looking forward to more from K.C.G. 5 1/2 stars.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews