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Never #1
It's Never Enough
What happens when just one bite fails to satisfy you?
Mallory’s life imploded when her best friend died. One year later, Mallory tries to press on and deal with the disease that helped to kill her best friend and continues to torment her. She lives in denial, believing she has mastered coping with her bulimia.
On one of her daily visits to her favorite coffee shop she meets Devin. He has emerald green eyes and gives off a sexual vibe that can be felt for miles—especially by Mallory. But for how sweet—and ridiculously hot—Devin is, Mallory still feels he’s hiding something. Then again, so is she.
Can their passion keep their secrets hidden? Or will the truth tear them apart?
Mallory’s life imploded when her best friend died. One year later, Mallory tries to press on and deal with the disease that helped to kill her best friend and continues to torment her. She lives in denial, believing she has mastered coping with her bulimia.
On one of her daily visits to her favorite coffee shop she meets Devin. He has emerald green eyes and gives off a sexual vibe that can be felt for miles—especially by Mallory. But for how sweet—and ridiculously hot—Devin is, Mallory still feels he’s hiding something. Then again, so is she.
Can their passion keep their secrets hidden? Or will the truth tear them apart?
ebook
Published July 26, 2016
5 people want to read
About the author
Susan Soares
7 books82 followersSusan Soares grew up in a small town in Massachusetts, always dreaming of one day being an author. After numerous short stories, poems and plays, those dreams finally became a reality when her first book, My Zombie Ex-Boyfriends was published. (Featherweight Press, 2013)
Susan's second book is a YA contemporary novel- Heart on a String, released June 2014, Susan is also the author of My Rebellion Checklist and Holding My Breath.
Susan received her MA in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University, and is pursuing teaching. When she isn’t writing Susan spends her time reading, experimenting with photography, planning her next Disney World vacation and chasing after her kids.
Susan loves to read YA fiction. Maybe it’s because her inner sixteen-year-old still wants to be prom queen. You can see what Susan’s up to and what she’s reading on her YouTube channel at : http://www.youtube.com/user/shewrites....
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 19, 2016
♥ Find my reviews here: Literary Meanderings
- - -
Synopsis: What happens when just one bite fails to satisfy you?
Mallory’s life imploded when her best friend died. One year later, Mallory tries to press on and deal with the disease that helped to kill her best friend and continues to torment her. She lives in denial, believing she has mastered coping with her bulimia.
On one of her daily visits to her favorite coffee shop she meets Devin. He has emerald green eyes and gives off a sexual vibe that can be felt for miles—especially by Mallory. But for how sweet—and ridiculously hot—Devin is, Mallory still feels he’s hiding something. Then again, so is she.
Can their passion keep their secrets hidden? Or will the truth tear them apart?
- - -
I'm going to just jump right onto this review.
Dislikes:
• Characters. My main concern is that they (Mallory, Devin, and the supporting characters) weren't very well built. Since it is the first in a series, I don't expect every single detail in the first book, but I do want something. I think Mallory was mundane and unlikable, but maybe I just couldn't get to know her well enough from lack of background (aside from the fact that she has an eating disorder). Devin is the same. I know nothing about him other than the fact that he is an ex-military guy with PTSD. But who are these characters? Their disorders define them in this book, and that isn't a good thing. As for the supporting characters, such as Fiona and the dead-best-friend (past tense), Haley—same deal. Not enough. If Mallory is so devastated by Haley's death then I really want to feel why. I want to feel their connection through her flashbacks, and I just don't. Haley is just a name.
• The debacle that is Mallory's eating disorder. It seems she is both anorexic and bulimic. She doesn't eat except a few morsels per day, but binges and purges as well. I am also confused about how she "hides" this from her family and friends, because every time she has a meal with someone else in the book (at least 4-5 times) the author always seemed to skip over the actual act of eating (nor not eating). It was just kind of skipped over. I want to know how she hid it. I want to see it happening. She is a conundrum to me.
• Plot. There isn't one. The romance is lacking. The eating disorder is touched on, but barely (until a big scene in the end of the book). Mallory's family problems are also touched on, but not much. It's a whole lot of barely-there plot subjects, but none of them really get much attention. I just had a question mark over my head at the end. :/
LIKES:
• I only liked one thing about this book, and that is Mallory's confidence. I was surprised and impressed that the author didn't make her into a shy, scared, weakling. Having an eating disorder doesn't make you weak and it doesn't mean you have to have self-esteem issues. Mallory had no problems talking to a guy, dating him, striking up a relationship physically. She just popped her shirt off without a second thought. She was confident even with body dismorphia. I truly appreciated this step outside of the "norm."
OVERALL:
Unfortunately, aside from Mallory's confidence in herself, this book didn't hit home for me. I felt the characters as well as the plot were lacking details, making the book a bit boring and slow. I wouldn't recommend this one.
- - -
Book source: From the author for review
Publisher: Self-published
• For more of my reviews, check out my blog!
• You can also find them via my YouTube channel here!
July 27, 2016
★★★★☆
SPOILERS
*** BETA READ - Thank you to the author for allowing me to beta read this in exchange for an honest review ***
Review originally posted on Aoibh Reads
Following the death of her best friend, Mallory is suffering with bulimia. She is in denial that it has a hold of her and believes she has it all under control.
Devin has a troubled past and is suffering in his own way in an attempt to be the man he is expected to be and take care of his younger brother.
When the pair meet, they instantly have an undeniable connection and neither can stay away. Both of them could learn something from the other, but not if they can't learn to let their guard down and trust.
Plot/Story; I really enjoyed the overall plot going on. The mix of Devin’s PTSD/backstory and then gradually finding out what was going on with Mallory and her battles with bulimia and coping with moving on from the death of her best friend. The casual romance that built between the pair was so lovely and real; it didn’t seem forced or too fast. Devin had a suitable sense of mystery to him and although I guessed he had PTSD, there wasn’t overkill with the symptoms. The reacting to loud sounds was obvious but the more subtle signs like refusing to go into Mallory’s bedroom made his condition seem more in-depth and realistic, beyond the “stereo-typed” indications.
Mallory’s struggles were displayed very well. Her quirks from dealing with bulimia were well intertwined with the story; eg the opening chapter in the café and dealing with the different worker behind the counter, then leading her onto meeting Devin. The tiny strings that brought each story to the next were executed so well that nothing seemed overly coincidental.
The ending wrapped up the story nicely ending on the peaceful note. The fact it was Mallory trying to be more peaceful that resulted in her having proper time with Devin and how non-peaceful the two of them were whilst dealing with their past, it was a sweet culmination to all the drama they’d been through.
Characters; I really love how the characters are written; I think it’s one of the best aspects of the writing. Mallory has obviously had a hard time with bulimia etc and her quirk for baking was so interesting. The amount of detail that is given about her baking makes her so alive and her interests are believable, it’s not just a characteristic that’s thrown in half-heartedly. It also ties in well with her obvious struggle with binge-eating.
Fiona as her friend seems so genuine. Her care and love for Mallory is evident and her reaction when she realises Mallory hasn’t been coping is so heartfelt and real. Yet again I like how the best friend role is filled with a character that clearly has her own feelings and is a person in her own right and shows some tough love. That makes her so real.
Devin; He definitely had a lot of palpable charm at the beginning that drew the reader (& Mallory) in. He had good humour, placing Mallory’s name on the seat, and although described as physically attractive, he definitely had an attractive personality. At times though I felt like he fell apart a little; now if this was due to his PTSD getting worse than that’s totally understandable, however, it seemed like he lost the extent of his humour and wit as time went on. If this is related to his issues maybe it’d be reasonable to have Mallory wonder why he’s changed a little… aside from when he ignores her calls and skips town as that’s pretty obvious he’s harbouring demons by that stage.
Not so keen on;
It wasn’t a huge factor but I didn’t really feel for the story going on with Mallory’s dad and Janet. As a sub-plot it served well but it didn’t seem too necessary or needed. Whilst the miscarriage was a little needed to get Fiona to want to stay with Janet for a while and cause the drama between Fiona and Mallory and ultimately Mallory’s binge, I’m not sure if there needed to be a dynamic where the pair weren’t together but were expecting a child and then once they lose it they get back together and decide to try again. It was clear Mallory was affected by the prospect of a child being brought into the world to a “broken” family as she never got her happy unit herself, but with the romance story, bulimia and Devin’s problems, I’m not too sure if it’s really needed to that plot-twist extent. Maybe would be more suitable to have a scare but she doesn’t lose the baby?
Overall:
This was an enjoyable read. The romance was adorable between the pair and written about beautifully rather than graphically which made the idea of their true feelings for each seem so real. Eating disorders can be somewhat of a taboo topic but this was one of the first novels I’ve read that had one intertwined so well. There was no soft-stepping the issues but it was also clear how “normal” or okay Mallory seemed even though she was finding it harder to cope and how easy it is for people to deceive their loved ones and themselves.
See more of my reviews here
SPOILERS
*** BETA READ - Thank you to the author for allowing me to beta read this in exchange for an honest review ***
Review originally posted on Aoibh Reads
Following the death of her best friend, Mallory is suffering with bulimia. She is in denial that it has a hold of her and believes she has it all under control.
Devin has a troubled past and is suffering in his own way in an attempt to be the man he is expected to be and take care of his younger brother.
When the pair meet, they instantly have an undeniable connection and neither can stay away. Both of them could learn something from the other, but not if they can't learn to let their guard down and trust.
Plot/Story; I really enjoyed the overall plot going on. The mix of Devin’s PTSD/backstory and then gradually finding out what was going on with Mallory and her battles with bulimia and coping with moving on from the death of her best friend. The casual romance that built between the pair was so lovely and real; it didn’t seem forced or too fast. Devin had a suitable sense of mystery to him and although I guessed he had PTSD, there wasn’t overkill with the symptoms. The reacting to loud sounds was obvious but the more subtle signs like refusing to go into Mallory’s bedroom made his condition seem more in-depth and realistic, beyond the “stereo-typed” indications.
Mallory’s struggles were displayed very well. Her quirks from dealing with bulimia were well intertwined with the story; eg the opening chapter in the café and dealing with the different worker behind the counter, then leading her onto meeting Devin. The tiny strings that brought each story to the next were executed so well that nothing seemed overly coincidental.
The ending wrapped up the story nicely ending on the peaceful note. The fact it was Mallory trying to be more peaceful that resulted in her having proper time with Devin and how non-peaceful the two of them were whilst dealing with their past, it was a sweet culmination to all the drama they’d been through.
Characters; I really love how the characters are written; I think it’s one of the best aspects of the writing. Mallory has obviously had a hard time with bulimia etc and her quirk for baking was so interesting. The amount of detail that is given about her baking makes her so alive and her interests are believable, it’s not just a characteristic that’s thrown in half-heartedly. It also ties in well with her obvious struggle with binge-eating.
Fiona as her friend seems so genuine. Her care and love for Mallory is evident and her reaction when she realises Mallory hasn’t been coping is so heartfelt and real. Yet again I like how the best friend role is filled with a character that clearly has her own feelings and is a person in her own right and shows some tough love. That makes her so real.
Devin; He definitely had a lot of palpable charm at the beginning that drew the reader (& Mallory) in. He had good humour, placing Mallory’s name on the seat, and although described as physically attractive, he definitely had an attractive personality. At times though I felt like he fell apart a little; now if this was due to his PTSD getting worse than that’s totally understandable, however, it seemed like he lost the extent of his humour and wit as time went on. If this is related to his issues maybe it’d be reasonable to have Mallory wonder why he’s changed a little… aside from when he ignores her calls and skips town as that’s pretty obvious he’s harbouring demons by that stage.
Not so keen on;
It wasn’t a huge factor but I didn’t really feel for the story going on with Mallory’s dad and Janet. As a sub-plot it served well but it didn’t seem too necessary or needed. Whilst the miscarriage was a little needed to get Fiona to want to stay with Janet for a while and cause the drama between Fiona and Mallory and ultimately Mallory’s binge, I’m not sure if there needed to be a dynamic where the pair weren’t together but were expecting a child and then once they lose it they get back together and decide to try again. It was clear Mallory was affected by the prospect of a child being brought into the world to a “broken” family as she never got her happy unit herself, but with the romance story, bulimia and Devin’s problems, I’m not too sure if it’s really needed to that plot-twist extent. Maybe would be more suitable to have a scare but she doesn’t lose the baby?
Overall:
This was an enjoyable read. The romance was adorable between the pair and written about beautifully rather than graphically which made the idea of their true feelings for each seem so real. Eating disorders can be somewhat of a taboo topic but this was one of the first novels I’ve read that had one intertwined so well. There was no soft-stepping the issues but it was also clear how “normal” or okay Mallory seemed even though she was finding it harder to cope and how easy it is for people to deceive their loved ones and themselves.
See more of my reviews here
July 28, 2016
It's Never Enough is an emotional read. At its core, it is a romance, but this is also a smart and honest look at mental disease that is done quite well.
Both of the main characters, Mallory and Devin, are suffering from mental illness. Mallory is a bullemic and uses food to deal with her emotions and stress. Devin has PTSD after serving overseas in the military. Neither knows the others' issues when they meet. The begin a sweet romance, but eventually signs of their illnesses arise. They care about each other, but it is difficult for them to trust, so it takes time for their romance to really blossom. They need each other, but they need to fix themselves first.
I applaud Susan Soares for her honest portrayal of mental illness. She does it with respect and doesn't over-dramatize it. Too many times, mental illness is used as just a plot device and not given the respect it deserves. So, Susan, thank you for this!
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Both of the main characters, Mallory and Devin, are suffering from mental illness. Mallory is a bullemic and uses food to deal with her emotions and stress. Devin has PTSD after serving overseas in the military. Neither knows the others' issues when they meet. The begin a sweet romance, but eventually signs of their illnesses arise. They care about each other, but it is difficult for them to trust, so it takes time for their romance to really blossom. They need each other, but they need to fix themselves first.
I applaud Susan Soares for her honest portrayal of mental illness. She does it with respect and doesn't over-dramatize it. Too many times, mental illness is used as just a plot device and not given the respect it deserves. So, Susan, thank you for this!
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews