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Malaise
Final exams and end of year parties don’t seem so important at your brother’s funeral.
Two short weeks, and Meg would have survived her senior year relatively unscathed. But when her best and only friend—her brother—dies in a questionable road accident, being the loner in her year doesn’t fit as well as it used to.
One act of kindness from the man her small town isolated amidst rumors and lies, and her hope for a day where pain won’t overwhelm her doesn’t seem so far-fetched. Brett Carver is trouble with a capital T, but he’s also the only person who can get Meg to let go and smile.
Some good things are never meant to last.
Arrested for a crime he didn’t commit, the man who finally found a way to bring light back to her dark days is ripped away when she needs him most. Determined not to lose the only good thing to have come out of her year from hell, Meg sets out to prove Brett isn’t guilty. But first, she must accept the ugly truth …
… that the people who can prove his innocence are the same people who will do all it takes to keep them apart.
Two short weeks, and Meg would have survived her senior year relatively unscathed. But when her best and only friend—her brother—dies in a questionable road accident, being the loner in her year doesn’t fit as well as it used to.
One act of kindness from the man her small town isolated amidst rumors and lies, and her hope for a day where pain won’t overwhelm her doesn’t seem so far-fetched. Brett Carver is trouble with a capital T, but he’s also the only person who can get Meg to let go and smile.
Some good things are never meant to last.
Arrested for a crime he didn’t commit, the man who finally found a way to bring light back to her dark days is ripped away when she needs him most. Determined not to lose the only good thing to have come out of her year from hell, Meg sets out to prove Brett isn’t guilty. But first, she must accept the ugly truth …
… that the people who can prove his innocence are the same people who will do all it takes to keep them apart.
ebook
First published October 11, 2016
41 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
Max Henry
52 books1,010 followersFacebook -> http://bit.ly/2F4XrG3
Instagram -> http://bit.ly/2ruERF3
Newsletter -> http://www.maxhenryauthor.com/newsletter
Born and raised in Canterbury, New Zealand, Max now resides with her family in beautiful and sunny Queensland, Australia. Life with two young children can be hectic at times and, although she may not write as often as she would like, Max wouldn’t change a thing.
An avid lover of stories from a young age, she enjoys nothing more than to get lost in the pages while the characters dictate what direction she takes. Her favourite genre to write is new adult and the events in her stories may or may not be related to real life experiences (only she will ever know for sure).
In her down time, Max can be found at her local gym brainstorming through a session with the weights. If not, she’s probably out drooling over one of many classic cars on show that she wishes she owned.
Instagram -> http://bit.ly/2ruERF3
Newsletter -> http://www.maxhenryauthor.com/newsletter
Born and raised in Canterbury, New Zealand, Max now resides with her family in beautiful and sunny Queensland, Australia. Life with two young children can be hectic at times and, although she may not write as often as she would like, Max wouldn’t change a thing.
An avid lover of stories from a young age, she enjoys nothing more than to get lost in the pages while the characters dictate what direction she takes. Her favourite genre to write is new adult and the events in her stories may or may not be related to real life experiences (only she will ever know for sure).
In her down time, Max can be found at her local gym brainstorming through a session with the weights. If not, she’s probably out drooling over one of many classic cars on show that she wishes she owned.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
October 9, 2016
Meg is 17 and in her last year of school. Little does she know that her whole world is about to change...and not for the better. While working her shift at the grocery store, she receives a message from her mom...
"Come straight home after work. It's urgent."
When she arrives home all is not as it seems. Her brother, Den, who was also her best friend and whole world, has been killed in an accident on his way home.
"Den's dead"
"Den's dead"
To say her parents are devastated is an understatement. A huge argument starts and F bombs are dropped, tempers are lost, and Meg runs out.
In the flip of a second, her whole life has changed.
She does the only thing she can to drown out her sorrow, she gets drunk at a bonfire with some kids from school. It's here she meets the town bad boy, Brett Carver, or just Carver as she calls him.
"He's drool-worthy at a distance through the workshop door, but he's a twelve out of ten in close proximity."
Meg's life continued to unravel, going from worse to shit in an instant. She would drown her sorrows at the bottom of a bottle and at every opportunity. She is a bit of an outcast at school and always getting picked on by the popular girls. She's different, doesn't wear the popular labels or look like a barbie. And to put the final nail in the coffin her parents throw her out, leaving her with no where to go.
Brett Carver is there to save her though, with a place to stay, a roof over her head and also a lot of swoon worthy sexual tension. So begins the start of a relationship that saves her and gives her the strength to go on.
My heart broke for Meg. She was a strong yet broken heroine and life threw a lot at her all at once. And don't get me started on her so called "parents"! I wanted to crawl through my kindle and strangle them on more than one occasion.
Brett was a great hero, he was bossy, protective, and very sweet. He didn't have the easiest life, but he made the most of what life gave him.
Together they were something pretty amazing. They didn't always have money or people to help them, but they had each other.
"Come straight home after work. It's urgent."
When she arrives home all is not as it seems. Her brother, Den, who was also her best friend and whole world, has been killed in an accident on his way home.
"Den's dead"
"Den's dead"
To say her parents are devastated is an understatement. A huge argument starts and F bombs are dropped, tempers are lost, and Meg runs out.
In the flip of a second, her whole life has changed.
She does the only thing she can to drown out her sorrow, she gets drunk at a bonfire with some kids from school. It's here she meets the town bad boy, Brett Carver, or just Carver as she calls him.
"He's drool-worthy at a distance through the workshop door, but he's a twelve out of ten in close proximity."
Meg's life continued to unravel, going from worse to shit in an instant. She would drown her sorrows at the bottom of a bottle and at every opportunity. She is a bit of an outcast at school and always getting picked on by the popular girls. She's different, doesn't wear the popular labels or look like a barbie. And to put the final nail in the coffin her parents throw her out, leaving her with no where to go.
Brett Carver is there to save her though, with a place to stay, a roof over her head and also a lot of swoon worthy sexual tension. So begins the start of a relationship that saves her and gives her the strength to go on.
My heart broke for Meg. She was a strong yet broken heroine and life threw a lot at her all at once. And don't get me started on her so called "parents"! I wanted to crawl through my kindle and strangle them on more than one occasion.
Brett was a great hero, he was bossy, protective, and very sweet. He didn't have the easiest life, but he made the most of what life gave him.
Together they were something pretty amazing. They didn't always have money or people to help them, but they had each other.
March 18, 2017
I found this to be a beautiful and heartbreaking story. One that pulls you in and has you truly yearning for a happy ending. Meg and Carver are two very similar souls that happen to find each other when they need it the most. Both have been considered outcasts within school and their hometown, both have experienced loss in their families and just have been dealt a crappy hand in the way of parental role models. Max is like 6-7 years older then Meg but the connection they have is beautiful and I love how caring he is to her. Nice story.
October 12, 2016
This was my first Max Henry book and I can say that after this one I am now going to keep my eye out for more. My chest was aching throughout this whole book and I wanted to kick some major butt on several characters throughout this book. Your heart will absolutely shatter for Meg and all the pain she is about to face in this book. At the same time your heart gets lighter after she meets Carter aka Brett. He helps her so much throughout this book, not only with coping with it all but with growing into the person she is going to be. Their love isn't going to be one that is accepted by most but I couldn't imagine two more perfect people than these two. It won't stop many from trying to keep them apart though.
Be prepared to ride a crazy emotional ride. This is a must read and I really, really think that you will love it. This isn't your typical romance with a ton of sex but it is one that you will love and not be able to put it down. Max did an amazing job giving us a romance that doesn't need all the sex to make it something that is enjoyable and worth it to read!
Be prepared to ride a crazy emotional ride. This is a must read and I really, really think that you will love it. This isn't your typical romance with a ton of sex but it is one that you will love and not be able to put it down. Max did an amazing job giving us a romance that doesn't need all the sex to make it something that is enjoyable and worth it to read!
October 16, 2016
5* read.
First thing to say is I LOVE this cover and this author so this book was a definite must read before I'd even read the blurb.
Meg goes through so much in this book that my heart broke in places for her and I was an emotional wreck reading it. When Brett comes into her life i was rooting for them to have a happily ever after after everything shes gone through. I don't want to say to much but this a must read for any reader out there. I couldn't put it down till I'd read every last word and when I was finished I wanted to reread it straight away again.
First thing to say is I LOVE this cover and this author so this book was a definite must read before I'd even read the blurb.
Meg goes through so much in this book that my heart broke in places for her and I was an emotional wreck reading it. When Brett comes into her life i was rooting for them to have a happily ever after after everything shes gone through. I don't want to say to much but this a must read for any reader out there. I couldn't put it down till I'd read every last word and when I was finished I wanted to reread it straight away again.
March 9, 2019
"It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog."
This was my first read by this author and it's been on my tbr for so long that I almost forgot about it until I saw randomly someday available on Kindle Unlimited. I didn't need anything else to borrow it.
This book is filled with tension and emotional situations.
Megan is seventeen that works in a supermarket and it's saving money so she can finally leave that small town she lives. On the last week of school, when Meg thinks her freedom is just within reach, a tragedy occurs and she sees her world crumbling down. Make is lonely, different and a target at school for bullies. She only has one best friend, her big brother, Den. After a work shift, she receives a message from her mom saying to come home with urgency. Something terrible happened. There was an accident and Den was killed. Meg is immediately lost in life, she has no one left and her parents are doing a terrible job at helping her through that rough time. Until she meets the one that she didn't know she needed.
Brett Carver has a reputation. His family is the one labeled as a criminal and other terrible stuff but this one family is the one that will help Meg get on her feet after losing everything.
But happiness does not come easily to those chastised by the town. After a wrongful accusation, Brett is arrested and the people that could help him get free, are the ones that will not put their face on the show because of a troubled guy.
Meg will have to be strong but she's not ready to lose the one person that helped her out of the darkness.
This was a really interesting book. Really different than what I usually read but really good too. I couldn't stop reading because I needed to know what'd happen to Brett and Meg. They were so sweet, there was so much love between them, it was beautiful.
I loved reading this, it was exciting and sweet. I'll definitely check this author's work.
This was my first read by this author and it's been on my tbr for so long that I almost forgot about it until I saw randomly someday available on Kindle Unlimited. I didn't need anything else to borrow it.
This book is filled with tension and emotional situations.
Megan is seventeen that works in a supermarket and it's saving money so she can finally leave that small town she lives. On the last week of school, when Meg thinks her freedom is just within reach, a tragedy occurs and she sees her world crumbling down. Make is lonely, different and a target at school for bullies. She only has one best friend, her big brother, Den. After a work shift, she receives a message from her mom saying to come home with urgency. Something terrible happened. There was an accident and Den was killed. Meg is immediately lost in life, she has no one left and her parents are doing a terrible job at helping her through that rough time. Until she meets the one that she didn't know she needed.
Brett Carver has a reputation. His family is the one labeled as a criminal and other terrible stuff but this one family is the one that will help Meg get on her feet after losing everything.
But happiness does not come easily to those chastised by the town. After a wrongful accusation, Brett is arrested and the people that could help him get free, are the ones that will not put their face on the show because of a troubled guy.
Meg will have to be strong but she's not ready to lose the one person that helped her out of the darkness.
This was a really interesting book. Really different than what I usually read but really good too. I couldn't stop reading because I needed to know what'd happen to Brett and Meg. They were so sweet, there was so much love between them, it was beautiful.
I loved reading this, it was exciting and sweet. I'll definitely check this author's work.
October 11, 2016
5 Forever and always stars
I certainly finished that with a happy sigh, I loved the journey Max Henry took me on with Malaise.
I was quickly drawn into the story of Meg and her loss in the first chapters that tells of her grief and how she copes or rather doesn't cope with the loss of her brother and best friend Den by drowning in alcohol.
The same night Meg's brother dies, like a guardian angel in a rough and sexy exterior she meets Carver. Carver is from one of those families with a bad reputation that the whole town shuns and it seems mistakes of the father are cast upon the whole family. Carver is anything but bad, a little lost maybe but he certainly redeems himself from any reputation that may have been put on him when he meets Meg.
Malaise is a beautiful story, I was captivated and couldn't wait to see how everything was going to end but at the same time didn't want it to end.
Meg certainly had her share of bad luck and was at an all time low but proved she was a 17 year old girl with backbone and bravery and Carver also know as Brett who was 7 years older than her held her up along the way to self discovery.
Meg: Why me how did I get so lucky to have this constant in such unstable times? Was it fate that we crossed paths? Was I supposed to get to know him so I'd get to know what Den was doing that day?
Carver was the boy with a bad rep and a heart of gold I loved his character and hated the fact that the town and even Meg's parents were such narrow minded people.
Carver was Megs support in her numb times at the loss of her brother
"As long as i've got you babe I'll make sure you never stop feeling a damn thing"
Carver was the lighthouse in her storm
Meg: I realise that even in the darkest hour I seem to have found my star to guide me.
Basically I loved carver and I loved Malaise a good story of overcoming and carrying on no matter what life throws at you and proving there's always someone who will also shoulder your hurt help to ease the burdens and let you lean on them and even in chaos you can find love.
I am certainly looking forward for more from Max Henry and hope for Tanya and Wolf's story.
Arc recieved for review: bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookboyfriends
http://www.bbbfsizzlereads-bestbookbo...
I certainly finished that with a happy sigh, I loved the journey Max Henry took me on with Malaise.
I was quickly drawn into the story of Meg and her loss in the first chapters that tells of her grief and how she copes or rather doesn't cope with the loss of her brother and best friend Den by drowning in alcohol.
The same night Meg's brother dies, like a guardian angel in a rough and sexy exterior she meets Carver. Carver is from one of those families with a bad reputation that the whole town shuns and it seems mistakes of the father are cast upon the whole family. Carver is anything but bad, a little lost maybe but he certainly redeems himself from any reputation that may have been put on him when he meets Meg.
Malaise is a beautiful story, I was captivated and couldn't wait to see how everything was going to end but at the same time didn't want it to end.
Meg certainly had her share of bad luck and was at an all time low but proved she was a 17 year old girl with backbone and bravery and Carver also know as Brett who was 7 years older than her held her up along the way to self discovery.
Meg: Why me how did I get so lucky to have this constant in such unstable times? Was it fate that we crossed paths? Was I supposed to get to know him so I'd get to know what Den was doing that day?
Carver was the boy with a bad rep and a heart of gold I loved his character and hated the fact that the town and even Meg's parents were such narrow minded people.
Carver was Megs support in her numb times at the loss of her brother
"As long as i've got you babe I'll make sure you never stop feeling a damn thing"
Carver was the lighthouse in her storm
Meg: I realise that even in the darkest hour I seem to have found my star to guide me.
Basically I loved carver and I loved Malaise a good story of overcoming and carrying on no matter what life throws at you and proving there's always someone who will also shoulder your hurt help to ease the burdens and let you lean on them and even in chaos you can find love.
I am certainly looking forward for more from Max Henry and hope for Tanya and Wolf's story.
Arc recieved for review: bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookboyfriends
http://www.bbbfsizzlereads-bestbookbo...
October 9, 2016
Angst 3
Tears 3
Storyline 4.5
Panty Schorching 3
Value 4.5
Overall Rating 4.5
I just love Max Henry. Her stories are amazing. This one is very very different from her others and it was great! I lived how the story flowed and the characters become so immersed with one another. This isn't a pretty story all wrapped in a nice neat bow. It's about the rough people. The ones on the wrong side of the tracks. And how people judge when they couldn't walk a mile in their shoes.
Meg is a lost girl looking to find herself. Her parents are dicks and the only other person who cared about her is gone. She really struggles with this. Her inner turmoil broke my heart so much. I wanted to jump through the pages and hug life back into her. She's a sweet soul. She's honest. She's beautiful. She's different. Her parents can't accept that she doesn't fit into their cookie cutter mold. When she finally gets enough and moves on to make herself happy it's beautiful. And she finds happiness with a man from the wrong side of the tracks.
Carver is a little hottie. This man! I love him! He hasn't had life easy. Honestly it's been pretty fucking brutal for him. And he still takes it on stride and does what he has to do. When he meets Meg in a very bad place he realized why his life had been empty. He didn't have her. He's the type of man who would do anything to see those he care's about happy and living with a smile. He's a deep individual. He's learned from past mistakes and moved forward. Even when the odds are against him.
I loved this book. There wasn't any super hot steamy scenes. And that's okay. This story didn't need all that to be great. It was about two young people finding their stride in the world with odds against them. It was a great read and I love Max even more for writing this book.
Tears 3
Storyline 4.5
Panty Schorching 3
Value 4.5
Overall Rating 4.5
I just love Max Henry. Her stories are amazing. This one is very very different from her others and it was great! I lived how the story flowed and the characters become so immersed with one another. This isn't a pretty story all wrapped in a nice neat bow. It's about the rough people. The ones on the wrong side of the tracks. And how people judge when they couldn't walk a mile in their shoes.
Meg is a lost girl looking to find herself. Her parents are dicks and the only other person who cared about her is gone. She really struggles with this. Her inner turmoil broke my heart so much. I wanted to jump through the pages and hug life back into her. She's a sweet soul. She's honest. She's beautiful. She's different. Her parents can't accept that she doesn't fit into their cookie cutter mold. When she finally gets enough and moves on to make herself happy it's beautiful. And she finds happiness with a man from the wrong side of the tracks.
Carver is a little hottie. This man! I love him! He hasn't had life easy. Honestly it's been pretty fucking brutal for him. And he still takes it on stride and does what he has to do. When he meets Meg in a very bad place he realized why his life had been empty. He didn't have her. He's the type of man who would do anything to see those he care's about happy and living with a smile. He's a deep individual. He's learned from past mistakes and moved forward. Even when the odds are against him.
I loved this book. There wasn't any super hot steamy scenes. And that's okay. This story didn't need all that to be great. It was about two young people finding their stride in the world with odds against them. It was a great read and I love Max even more for writing this book.
October 10, 2016
The loss of a sibling is something I have dealt with and it's never easy even with time so I felt for Megan. I had tears in my eyes as I read her feelings of losing her brother, her only sibling and best friend. When she slept in her brother's hoodie and bed my tears flowed.
The cruelty of her parents was a 'what the fuck moment', I was pretty disgusted with how her parents treated her, times like these are supposed to bring you closer but her parents were complete assholes.
Luckily for her she has friends that helped her, the bad boy Carver and Tanya thankfully they were her shining light I don't know if I could have taken much more heartache.
Great read but get the tissues out.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
For more reviews, news and giveaways, check out Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner at;
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The cruelty of her parents was a 'what the fuck moment', I was pretty disgusted with how her parents treated her, times like these are supposed to bring you closer but her parents were complete assholes.
Luckily for her she has friends that helped her, the bad boy Carver and Tanya thankfully they were her shining light I don't know if I could have taken much more heartache.
Great read but get the tissues out.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
For more reviews, news and giveaways, check out Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner at;
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest |
February 6, 2017
Wow, what a book!!! Max is a new author to me and by hell she certainly made an impression.
Malaise was such a heartbreaking yet beautiful story that you couldn't help but get swept away by it.
I had tears, I had laughter and I was left with a bittersweet sigh and smile on my face.
I loved Meg and Carter. They found each other at one of the lowest times for Meg. When those who were supposed to care for her abandoned her, he was there holding her up. Telling her to keep going, to keep living. Between him and his sister Tanya they were her rock through the pain, loss and betrayal.
And her parents...don't get me started on her parents!!! Ohhhhhh I wanted to smack them so many times.
Don't get me wrong I completely understand people deal with grief differently but what they did and how they acted was complete bollocks!!!
Anyway...
I really did enjoy this book and I had so much hope that Meg and Carter would catch a break. After all the Shit that came their way, they deserved some peace.
This may have been my first Max Henry book but it certainly won't be my last. I'm looking forward to discovering what other beauties she has created.
Malaise was such a heartbreaking yet beautiful story that you couldn't help but get swept away by it.
I had tears, I had laughter and I was left with a bittersweet sigh and smile on my face.
I loved Meg and Carter. They found each other at one of the lowest times for Meg. When those who were supposed to care for her abandoned her, he was there holding her up. Telling her to keep going, to keep living. Between him and his sister Tanya they were her rock through the pain, loss and betrayal.
And her parents...don't get me started on her parents!!! Ohhhhhh I wanted to smack them so many times.
Don't get me wrong I completely understand people deal with grief differently but what they did and how they acted was complete bollocks!!!
Anyway...
I really did enjoy this book and I had so much hope that Meg and Carter would catch a break. After all the Shit that came their way, they deserved some peace.
This may have been my first Max Henry book but it certainly won't be my last. I'm looking forward to discovering what other beauties she has created.
October 10, 2016
This story evoked so many emotions for me... Meg was a totally relatable character who is just trying to navigate her way through her last year of high school all the while trying to be invisible from the would be bullies! When the unthinkable happens and a grieving Meg is cast aside by the people who are supposed to care about her the most, she must learn to survive on her own. In walks Brett Carver the town outcast bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks... The two of them together share a connection of loss and being outsiders, but they also bring out the good in each other as they band together to fight against those that threaten to tear them and their love apart. I was fascinated by this story; Max has created an insightful, beautiful yet emotionally hard story I would totally recommend to anyone.
October 9, 2016
What a brilliant book, God I dont think a book has ever taken me through so many emotions before. I was heartbroken through the majority of this book. I just couldn't believe what I was reading. My heart was aching for Meg and all that she had to go through.
The story is a sad tale to say the least but through it you see, small patches of silver linings and hope. I cried a lot reading this book but I smiled more than I thought I would. The chemistry between Meg and Carver and Meg And Tanya is great to see. Their bonds with her carried her through her pain, loss and the betrayal by those who were supposed to care for her.
I really enjoyed this book and I recommend it so much. I am a little sad that it wasn't a higher rating but it just fell a little short for me. But never the less it was an awesome read.
The story is a sad tale to say the least but through it you see, small patches of silver linings and hope. I cried a lot reading this book but I smiled more than I thought I would. The chemistry between Meg and Carver and Meg And Tanya is great to see. Their bonds with her carried her through her pain, loss and the betrayal by those who were supposed to care for her.
I really enjoyed this book and I recommend it so much. I am a little sad that it wasn't a higher rating but it just fell a little short for me. But never the less it was an awesome read.
October 16, 2016
The lost of a sibling is something I have dealt with and it's never easy even with time so I felt for Megan. I had tears in my eyes as I read her feelings of losing her brother, her only sibling and best friend. When she slept in her brother's hoodie and bed my tears flowed.
The cruelty of her parents was a 'what the fuck moment', I was pretty disgusted with how her parents treated her, times like these are suppose to bring you closer but her parents were complete assholes.
Luckily for her she has friends that helped her, the bad boy Carver and Tanya thankfully they were her shining light I don't know if I could have taken much more heartache.
Great read but get the tissues out.
The cruelty of her parents was a 'what the fuck moment', I was pretty disgusted with how her parents treated her, times like these are suppose to bring you closer but her parents were complete assholes.
Luckily for her she has friends that helped her, the bad boy Carver and Tanya thankfully they were her shining light I don't know if I could have taken much more heartache.
Great read but get the tissues out.
October 14, 2016
A complete emotional and heartbreaking story with a beautiful ending. This book shows a story of two people who meet by chance at the worst time but end up being the right people for each other in every single way!!!!!! Check out my full review @www.laineysbookreviews.com
October 14, 2016
4.5
Finished, loved!
That cover... is everything!
Review- 4.5 Stars, Brilliantly written, raw and powerful. Max is truly a gifted author, be sure to check this one out!
Finished, loved!
That cover... is everything!
Review- 4.5 Stars, Brilliantly written, raw and powerful. Max is truly a gifted author, be sure to check this one out!
Want to read
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August 21, 2017
4 Stars!
This is a real love story about real young people finding their way in life against what feels like impossible odds. It's somewhat gritty in the familial aspects and speaks to the dysfunction found in families across the social spectrum.
Malaise is the perfect title to define 80% of this story. I often felt the discomfort and despondency as described in Meg's POV as she deals with death, depression, bullying, and parental conflict. It's while she gets to know Brett Carver that she can start to see a positive light in the darkness that envelops her. Brett Carver is a wonderful Hero, but not without his own dark past and present faults. It's in this new relationship that they both find a future worth fighting for.
I found this story compelling with a need to see a true happy ending that both MC's deserve. I struggled emotionally with the darker parts, but only because it came across as authentic - a testament to the author's writing. There were moments I felt the romance progressed too quickly, but I'm willing to overlook that when considering the age and circumstances of the main characters. Also, I was frustrated with some of the law enforcement details. I can't hold that against the author, since this story takes place in New Zealand and their laws governing criminal investigations, arrests and detainment are probably different than the U.S. Regardless, I'm thrilled with the happy ending and wonderful epilogue. (This is my voluntary and honest review of a complimentary copy of Malaise via ebook Discovery)
This is a real love story about real young people finding their way in life against what feels like impossible odds. It's somewhat gritty in the familial aspects and speaks to the dysfunction found in families across the social spectrum.
Malaise is the perfect title to define 80% of this story. I often felt the discomfort and despondency as described in Meg's POV as she deals with death, depression, bullying, and parental conflict. It's while she gets to know Brett Carver that she can start to see a positive light in the darkness that envelops her. Brett Carver is a wonderful Hero, but not without his own dark past and present faults. It's in this new relationship that they both find a future worth fighting for.
I found this story compelling with a need to see a true happy ending that both MC's deserve. I struggled emotionally with the darker parts, but only because it came across as authentic - a testament to the author's writing. There were moments I felt the romance progressed too quickly, but I'm willing to overlook that when considering the age and circumstances of the main characters. Also, I was frustrated with some of the law enforcement details. I can't hold that against the author, since this story takes place in New Zealand and their laws governing criminal investigations, arrests and detainment are probably different than the U.S. Regardless, I'm thrilled with the happy ending and wonderful epilogue. (This is my voluntary and honest review of a complimentary copy of Malaise via ebook Discovery)
August 4, 2017
Malaise is not a story to enjoy and savour, but rather one that makes you grit your teeth and push through to the end, because the story line is good but the circumstances are tragic. This sad tale speaks of a small minded community where judgements are made on appearances rather than the quality of a person’s character. Meg's family appear to be socially acceptable on the surface but there are severe cracks below the facade. When Meg's brother and best friend dies in a tragic accident, the cracks widen and the facade crumbles. Brett's family, on the other hand are rough, tough and scandal ridden. However, when the chips are down they can depend on one another and they not only rescue Meg when she is caught in a bad place, but continue to nurture her and show her just how special she is. My heart was aching through most of this book, although it did come to a happy and satisfactory end. Not for the fainthearted. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
July 19, 2023
“Most of all,” I blubber, wiping my nose with the back of my wrist. “Most of all I’m sorry that it was Den who died, and not me. It’s clear who you would have preferred to have been left with, and it’s sure as fuck not me.”
It’s been a while since I’ve read one of this authors books and I was flicking through my backlist when Malaise popped out to me. Books that leave their mark are far and few, but Malaise has some poignant messages in a tragically beautiful story. Amazing characters who are flawed but real, victims of their circumstances, struggling to get through each day and find salvation in the unexpected. Well written, with a twisted storyline that’s unpredictable, tragic but redeeming and had me not wanting to put it down. Honestly this book is one to go in blind and without expectations. Promise you won’t be disappointed.
It’s been a while since I’ve read one of this authors books and I was flicking through my backlist when Malaise popped out to me. Books that leave their mark are far and few, but Malaise has some poignant messages in a tragically beautiful story. Amazing characters who are flawed but real, victims of their circumstances, struggling to get through each day and find salvation in the unexpected. Well written, with a twisted storyline that’s unpredictable, tragic but redeeming and had me not wanting to put it down. Honestly this book is one to go in blind and without expectations. Promise you won’t be disappointed.
October 27, 2016
Malaise
Max Henry is one of my favorite authors and I love her books but this one is by far my absolute favorite, Meg and Carved both won my heart he comes off as a total badass but well everything I say will be a spoiler so just know he's amazing. Meg brings out my mommy instincts her part in this book literally gutted me there were so many times I wanted to crawl through that book and strangle her parents this book will stay with me for a long time it made me think of things long buried when a book can make you feel like you're a part of it and you're living it you've got an amazing story don't take my word for it check the book out yourself and I'm sure you'll agree with me
Max Henry is one of my favorite authors and I love her books but this one is by far my absolute favorite, Meg and Carved both won my heart he comes off as a total badass but well everything I say will be a spoiler so just know he's amazing. Meg brings out my mommy instincts her part in this book literally gutted me there were so many times I wanted to crawl through that book and strangle her parents this book will stay with me for a long time it made me think of things long buried when a book can make you feel like you're a part of it and you're living it you've got an amazing story don't take my word for it check the book out yourself and I'm sure you'll agree with me
September 1, 2017
What an emotional read. This story not only has characters that you will fall in love with but also shows how much the human spirit really can endure. How love really can be a life saver.
When tragedy strikes and Meg loses her older brother in a terrible accident she has no one to turn to. Brett, the local "Bad Boy" enters her life just when Meg desperately needs someone to love her. Both Meg and Brett begin to have feelings they have never felt before. Can two lost souls survive heartache and past hurt to find true love?
I highly recommend this beautifully written emotionally moving novel.
"I received a copy of this book from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily reviewed this book and this is my honest review"
When tragedy strikes and Meg loses her older brother in a terrible accident she has no one to turn to. Brett, the local "Bad Boy" enters her life just when Meg desperately needs someone to love her. Both Meg and Brett begin to have feelings they have never felt before. Can two lost souls survive heartache and past hurt to find true love?
I highly recommend this beautifully written emotionally moving novel.
"I received a copy of this book from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily reviewed this book and this is my honest review"
August 8, 2017
A deeply moving story about beating the odds. The loss of her brother and her parents' reaction when Meg goes off the rails with grief and finds help from an unexpected direction, shows how deeply prejudice impacts and directs the lives of people who are looked down on by those who consider themselves better for whatever reason. There are those who finally give up when life keeps knocking them down, and then there are some with the strength and determination to fight their way to a better place. This book held my attention from page 1.
I received a copy of this book from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
I received a copy of this book from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
June 1, 2018
Loved it
This is a lovely story about overcoming other people’s perceptions about what a person should be based on their history and family.
Meg is a strong young lady who has the worst parents ever! She has to deal with the death of her brother and with the help of Brett she finds the strength to find her way.
Brett is really up against it with his family history but he is a good guy at heart.
The pair really do make each other stronger and together they fight to be together.
A good book.
This is a lovely story about overcoming other people’s perceptions about what a person should be based on their history and family.
Meg is a strong young lady who has the worst parents ever! She has to deal with the death of her brother and with the help of Brett she finds the strength to find her way.
Brett is really up against it with his family history but he is a good guy at heart.
The pair really do make each other stronger and together they fight to be together.
A good book.
January 8, 2019
Such an emotional, raw, angst filled read. Max Henry has written a brilliant story about the struggles that can happen when your world falls apart and sometimes the person to put you back together is totally unexpected.
I loved this story and couldn’t put it down, I was hooked from page one. The connection you feel from the characters and the heartbreak they go through you feel every moment of happiness and torment they feel.
The connection between Carver and Meg is strong and full of chemistry and heat, they will be eachothers home/safety.
I loved this story and couldn’t put it down, I was hooked from page one. The connection you feel from the characters and the heartbreak they go through you feel every moment of happiness and torment they feel.
The connection between Carver and Meg is strong and full of chemistry and heat, they will be eachothers home/safety.
August 1, 2017
In all honesty this is a brilliant book and a definite must read!!! Max Henry's work only recently came into my life but I have now read quite a few of her books and I have loved every single one. Malaise blew me away with its raw intensity. It was refreshing to read as it showed a different side to Max's emotional style of writing so prepare yourself to feel every real emotion possible. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 1, 2017
I received a copy of this book from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
Wow this book had my emotions going through the gauntlet. Carver was a great hero and he really was amazing to Meg. Meg was harder for me to like just due to her immaturity being new adult, which is the whole part of her character. I really enjoyed this book and had a pretty easy time following the kiwi terms. I definitely recommend this book.
Wow this book had my emotions going through the gauntlet. Carver was a great hero and he really was amazing to Meg. Meg was harder for me to like just due to her immaturity being new adult, which is the whole part of her character. I really enjoyed this book and had a pretty easy time following the kiwi terms. I definitely recommend this book.
August 13, 2017
Max Henry you have out did yourself once again. Congratulations on a epic story line. Meg and Carver had me on an emotional coaster ride with all the ups and downs going on in their lives. In the end love conquors all. Anyone wanting to read this book will be hooked once opening up the first page.
June 7, 2018
This book was so emotional. Everything in these two main characters lives were so hard it made the book heavy on emotions. I loved that Meg and Brett pull each other up when everyone around them does the opposite. This was another good one from Max Henry.
June 28, 2018
Malaise captures the atmosphere of depression and loss perfectly.
Max Henry writes about troubled characters with such skill she makes them real, and it's so refreshing to read an author who writes about depression and loss with such empathy.
Max Henry writes about troubled characters with such skill she makes them real, and it's so refreshing to read an author who writes about depression and loss with such empathy.
October 11, 2016
First off I have to say Hat's Off to Mrs. Henry for writing something that's completely different than from what she usually writes. Although this book is still kind of dark in its own right, its not like the dark in her Butcher Boy's series or Fallen Aces' series. But there are still dark undertones to this book.
I fell in love with Meg I really did. I felt her pain and anger. I felt for her and everything she went through. Meg loses her big brother Den in an accident and than basically outcasted by her parents. Man I just wanted to smack some sense into her parents. But I'm glad she found Brett and his sister Tanya. I thought she was sweet, caring, independent, and strong.
I loved Brett Carver, or better yet just Carver (as Meg calls him). He's the outcast of the town, the one everyone in the town calls the trouble maker. And I just think he was misunderstood by all, just because of who his family is.
I really liked this story. It took me through so many emotions. I loved that the character's, well most of the character's, were likable and re-lateable.
I'm giving this book 4.5 Stars Out of 5!!!!
***I received an ARC of this book from the author for my honest review***
I fell in love with Meg I really did. I felt her pain and anger. I felt for her and everything she went through. Meg loses her big brother Den in an accident and than basically outcasted by her parents. Man I just wanted to smack some sense into her parents. But I'm glad she found Brett and his sister Tanya. I thought she was sweet, caring, independent, and strong.
I loved Brett Carver, or better yet just Carver (as Meg calls him). He's the outcast of the town, the one everyone in the town calls the trouble maker. And I just think he was misunderstood by all, just because of who his family is.
I really liked this story. It took me through so many emotions. I loved that the character's, well most of the character's, were likable and re-lateable.
I'm giving this book 4.5 Stars Out of 5!!!!
***I received an ARC of this book from the author for my honest review***
July 14, 2017
Had me captivated from the beginning to end.
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