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Abandoned
When heartbreak happens over the holidays …
My name is Tierra Owens, and I like to kiss. A lot. It numbs the hollow ache in my chest and—for a few minutes—makes me forget how truly alone I am. My mother is an alcoholic. She hates me and insists I'm the reason she's not married to my father, whom I have never met. My best friend, Kaylee, is the only person who knows the real me. Everyone else sees what I want them to: a happy, confident, popular girl who has the world at her feet.
I am a fraud.
Relationships are forbidden. I avoid them at all costs. Sex? Emotions? Those things make a person vulnerable, and vulnerability always leads to heartbreak. When my childhood crush, Mattie shows up at school my world tumbles off its axis. The shell I surround myself with feels more like a pathetic crutch than a protective barrier, and I find myself wanting things. Daydreaming about what it would be like to have a boyfriend, a relationship—love.
The sad fact is: I'll never have any of those things. I am unworthy—trash. Which is why my mom abandoned me.
*Recommended for readers ages 15+
My name is Tierra Owens, and I like to kiss. A lot. It numbs the hollow ache in my chest and—for a few minutes—makes me forget how truly alone I am. My mother is an alcoholic. She hates me and insists I'm the reason she's not married to my father, whom I have never met. My best friend, Kaylee, is the only person who knows the real me. Everyone else sees what I want them to: a happy, confident, popular girl who has the world at her feet.
I am a fraud.
Relationships are forbidden. I avoid them at all costs. Sex? Emotions? Those things make a person vulnerable, and vulnerability always leads to heartbreak. When my childhood crush, Mattie shows up at school my world tumbles off its axis. The shell I surround myself with feels more like a pathetic crutch than a protective barrier, and I find myself wanting things. Daydreaming about what it would be like to have a boyfriend, a relationship—love.
The sad fact is: I'll never have any of those things. I am unworthy—trash. Which is why my mom abandoned me.
*Recommended for readers ages 15+
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
28 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Elisa Dane
8 books245 followersELISA DANE is a self-proclaimed book junkie. A lover of handbags, chocolate, and reality television, she's a proud mother to three All- Star cheerleaders. Writing is her absolute passion, and it's her mission to create stories that will not only take you on a romantic journey that will warm your heart, but help you find a new respect and interest in the sport of All-Star cheerleading.
Elisa is no stranger to the publishing world. She writes steamy paranormal romance under her real name, Lisa Sanchez. Her adult works include the Hanford Park series (Eve Of Samhain, Pleasures Untold, and Faythe Reclaimed), Obsessed (an erotic suspense), and a paranormal novella, Cursing Athena. Elisa lives in Northern California with her husband, three daughters, and a feisty Chihuahua who stubbornly believes she's human.
You can connect with Elisa at the following places on the web:
Facebook - Elisa Dane, and Lisa Sanchez Romance Author
Twitter - @ElisaDane, and @LisaSanchez3
Website - elisadane.com, and LisaSanchezRomanceAuthor.com
Elisa is no stranger to the publishing world. She writes steamy paranormal romance under her real name, Lisa Sanchez. Her adult works include the Hanford Park series (Eve Of Samhain, Pleasures Untold, and Faythe Reclaimed), Obsessed (an erotic suspense), and a paranormal novella, Cursing Athena. Elisa lives in Northern California with her husband, three daughters, and a feisty Chihuahua who stubbornly believes she's human.
You can connect with Elisa at the following places on the web:
Facebook - Elisa Dane, and Lisa Sanchez Romance Author
Twitter - @ElisaDane, and @LisaSanchez3
Website - elisadane.com, and LisaSanchezRomanceAuthor.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 17, 2016
LOVED this book. Dane has outdone herself. Tierra is my kind of character. Tough and hard to love...yet vulnerable and sensitive. Such a great book!
February 15, 2016
The Why: Full of love, second chances, and a girl who is so strong, but only a guy from her past makes her weak.
Characters:
Tierra: Her mother is a raging alcohol addict and she hasn't allowed anyone to know about her home life except two people- her best friend, Kaylee and a guy from her past. She is a strong girl who has to care for herself. She's had a hard life with her mother abandoning her and her crazy ex boyfriends. Tierra doesn't go any further than kissing her kiss boyfriends, because of the guy from her past, Mattie. All common sense goes out the window when he's around. When she sees him around town he turns her world upside again.
Mattie: Coming back to town, to Tierra he doesn't realizes he breaks her down and turns her world upside down. He makes her feel llve, alive and defines what love is for Tierra. He is a passionate guy who loves ber and is steady as a rock.
Final Thoughts:
This was as emotional as Dane's trilogy. With dark backstory Tierra is a strong girl who wants someone to love and is shown the love from Mattie and his family is the perfect ancedote. Full of emotion, a lot of feels and a guy who makes her give love a second chance.
Characters:
Tierra: Her mother is a raging alcohol addict and she hasn't allowed anyone to know about her home life except two people- her best friend, Kaylee and a guy from her past. She is a strong girl who has to care for herself. She's had a hard life with her mother abandoning her and her crazy ex boyfriends. Tierra doesn't go any further than kissing her kiss boyfriends, because of the guy from her past, Mattie. All common sense goes out the window when he's around. When she sees him around town he turns her world upside again.
Mattie: Coming back to town, to Tierra he doesn't realizes he breaks her down and turns her world upside down. He makes her feel llve, alive and defines what love is for Tierra. He is a passionate guy who loves ber and is steady as a rock.
Final Thoughts:
This was as emotional as Dane's trilogy. With dark backstory Tierra is a strong girl who wants someone to love and is shown the love from Mattie and his family is the perfect ancedote. Full of emotion, a lot of feels and a guy who makes her give love a second chance.
February 11, 2017
In Abandoned, Elisa Dane introduces readers to Tierra Owens, a seventeen-year-old girl who lives with her verbally abusive, alcoholic mother. Tierra has had to raise herself and become a grown-up much too fast in order to make up for her mother’s irresponsibility. While she has a string of “kiss boyfriends” and other acquaintances at school, the only person who truly knows her is her best friend Kaylee. But when Mattie, a boy from her past, moves to town, things begin to change.
Abandoned was a fun, quick read. I immediately connected with Tierra, perhaps because of our similar familial histories, but also because she reflects a little bit in all of us— that fear that we are not enough. Her chemistry with Mattie is undeniable, and their dynamic is something that all of us long for. While the storyline was unrealistic at points (I have a few parts of the ending in mind, but won’t spoil it!), the genuine fun I had reading the story reinvigorated my love for reading and helped get me out of a bit of a slump. Loved it!
**4 STARS!**
Note: I received an ARC of Abandoned from Elisa Dane in exchange for an honest review.
Abandoned was a fun, quick read. I immediately connected with Tierra, perhaps because of our similar familial histories, but also because she reflects a little bit in all of us— that fear that we are not enough. Her chemistry with Mattie is undeniable, and their dynamic is something that all of us long for. While the storyline was unrealistic at points (I have a few parts of the ending in mind, but won’t spoil it!), the genuine fun I had reading the story reinvigorated my love for reading and helped get me out of a bit of a slump. Loved it!
**4 STARS!**
Note: I received an ARC of Abandoned from Elisa Dane in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2017
Hiding behind a facade can be one of the easiest and hardest things in the world to do at the same time. Tierra Owens is one of those who has a facade of a girl who likes to kiss and sleep around with guys. The truth is though that she only kisses and it is her way of getting herself to be distracted from what her reality at home is like. Tierra's mother is a druggie and alcoholic and someone who likes to play around and go from man to man. Tierra's life at home is a living hell, and when her mom goes on her away binges, it's the only time she feels free and safe. However, Tierra is about to discover that life is going to get more difficult when her mother's latest trip turns out to be a lie and Tierra discovers that she has been abandoned and left with no money for power, food, etc. At only seventeen, Tierra has to keep up the image of a healthy home. Otherwise, she will be taken and put in a group home till she turns 18. No-one has ever gotten close to Tierra except for two people in her life - Mattie and Kaylee. Kaylee helps Tierra to be the preppy, popular girl but when Mattie turns up, he starts to turn Tierra's life upside down as her past feelings and friendship with his start to flood back and soon Tierra's perfect facade starts to crack, even more so when her mother disappears for good. Can Tierra keep up her appearances or will someone discover her secret? What happens when Tierra's father shows up with a big secret for her especially when she discovers who her father's family is? I had personally hoped that in this book they would have discussed further her father's family and why her mom left her father and about life leading up to Tierra's birth. If you are in the mood for an Edgy YA Romantic Suspense tale, then check out Abandoned by Elisa Dane today.
February 15, 2016
Elisa does a wonderful job yet again at giving a roller coaster of emotion kind of book. Tierra is a strong, independent woman who finds love in her sweet best friend from her childhood, Mattie. Tierra comes from a negative background with a mother who abandoned her. Tierra is also blamed for her mom's crappy love life, and has a handful of bullies attacking her at the same time. I strongly recommend people read this book simply because it is one of the best i have ever read and also because who doesn't like a love story?
February 19, 2016
4/5 Stars!
I really liked this book! The romance was so cute, the plot-line kept me both on the edge of my seat and entertained, the pacing was excellent, and the suspense was really well crafted!
Video review will be up on my channel soon!
(Also, where can I find a real life Mattie Forrester? Asking for a friend...)
I really liked this book! The romance was so cute, the plot-line kept me both on the edge of my seat and entertained, the pacing was excellent, and the suspense was really well crafted!
Video review will be up on my channel soon!
(Also, where can I find a real life Mattie Forrester? Asking for a friend...)
March 16, 2016
I really liked this book, I enjoyed the characters and the story line. I was on the edge of my seat from the first page to the end. I love suspense thrown in with a love story. It is really well written and I look forward to reading more from this author. I have found a new one to stalk.
Review done by Cat for Cat's Guilty Pleasure
Review done by Cat for Cat's Guilty Pleasure
March 31, 2021
In Elisa Dane's Abandoned, Tierra suffers from a really bad case of emotional and mental abuse from her mother. Its truely heartbreaking. In return she she kisses every guy who comes her way to boost her self esteem, until Mattie comes back in her life. I love this book it's all about rising above what life throws at you and making something of yourself despite of it. Five stars for sure.
May 24, 2016
This book is really good!!! It for sure deserves all 5 stars. It has drama, heartbreak, and of course romance. It has all the qualities of an amazing story.
own-tbr
January 16, 2017Freebie today @ Amazon US.
March 3, 2016
This is the second book I have read by Elisa Dane. I keep returning to her books because I am able to finish them so quickly!! She has this strange ability to suck me into her stories and have me sitting on the edge of my seat. Both books I have read by her have been YA books, so I think the next one I read by her will be one of her adult fiction books. I read on Goodreads that she writes Adult Paranormal Fiction. A fellow bookstagramer told me her Diamond Girls series is really good, but I don't think I could read another YA book right now. I will explain further below.
To start off, here is what I liked:
Elisa Dane knows how to keep you on your seat. Her writing is wonderful and descriptive in all the right ways. I have finished both of her books in a little under 2 days. Last night, I stayed up until 2 am so I could finish "Abandon"! I told you it was captivating...
She sure knows how to write an intimate scene--daaaayyuuummm! I say "intimate" because this is a YA book and they aren't always "sex scenes". Yes, they always reach that point, but not after the main character has decided that this is what she "really wants".
The reader feels like a part of the story. One, due to the fact that I find myself internally screaming at the characters, and two, because Elisa Dane makes the character(s) so real.
Elisa Dane also touches on some really heavy topics in her books, but she does it in a way that shows how to overcome these issues and become a better, stronger person at the end of it all.
Here is what I did not like (aka why it's a 4.5/5 star rating):
Elisa Dane does write descriptively, but sometimes I found myself rolling my eyes at the interactions between Tierra and Mattie. Literally, EVERY interaction has Tierra doing backflips in her mind. I understand the butterfly effect a person can create within you just by being around you, but this felt a little dramatic. I guess I would say this book is categorized as "chick-lit" and thus, that's why there are dramatic interactions. Also, I totally understand that this is fiction and I am probably just being overly critical, but I tend to favor love stories when the characters seem more "normal" or I can correlate with them.
Sooo, Mattie is supposed to be a high school senior, but he comes off as a perfect man that every girl dreams of. He is over 6 ft, muscular, protective, musically inclined, very kind...the list goes on and on. He just seemed too "perfect", too good to be true. I just had a hard time giving this book a 5 star because of this. Some elements were just "too perfect"--I don't like that in a book.
Lastly, the setting is high school so it can be hard at times to read about the stupid drama and popular girls that Tierra deals with. I've graduated college so I haven't dealt with this kind of drama in a while, nor do I want to.
Despite what I mentioned above, I really really enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down because I was on the edge of my seat and had to find out what happened next. Although Mattie did come off as "too perfect", they felt more real than the last couple in Elisa Dane's novel "In the After"--review below. I really liked how they were friends before they became a couple. I really liked seeing the history they had. It made Tierra's feelings more realistic because she actually knew the guy. Instead of this "I love you" crap after a week of knowing each other--that plot line always kills it for me.
Thank you to Elisa Dane for the copy of "Abandoned" for review purposes.
This review is solely my own opinion and not endorsed.
To start off, here is what I liked:
Elisa Dane knows how to keep you on your seat. Her writing is wonderful and descriptive in all the right ways. I have finished both of her books in a little under 2 days. Last night, I stayed up until 2 am so I could finish "Abandon"! I told you it was captivating...
She sure knows how to write an intimate scene--daaaayyuuummm! I say "intimate" because this is a YA book and they aren't always "sex scenes". Yes, they always reach that point, but not after the main character has decided that this is what she "really wants".
The reader feels like a part of the story. One, due to the fact that I find myself internally screaming at the characters, and two, because Elisa Dane makes the character(s) so real.
Elisa Dane also touches on some really heavy topics in her books, but she does it in a way that shows how to overcome these issues and become a better, stronger person at the end of it all.
Here is what I did not like (aka why it's a 4.5/5 star rating):
Elisa Dane does write descriptively, but sometimes I found myself rolling my eyes at the interactions between Tierra and Mattie. Literally, EVERY interaction has Tierra doing backflips in her mind. I understand the butterfly effect a person can create within you just by being around you, but this felt a little dramatic. I guess I would say this book is categorized as "chick-lit" and thus, that's why there are dramatic interactions. Also, I totally understand that this is fiction and I am probably just being overly critical, but I tend to favor love stories when the characters seem more "normal" or I can correlate with them.
Sooo, Mattie is supposed to be a high school senior, but he comes off as a perfect man that every girl dreams of. He is over 6 ft, muscular, protective, musically inclined, very kind...the list goes on and on. He just seemed too "perfect", too good to be true. I just had a hard time giving this book a 5 star because of this. Some elements were just "too perfect"--I don't like that in a book.
Lastly, the setting is high school so it can be hard at times to read about the stupid drama and popular girls that Tierra deals with. I've graduated college so I haven't dealt with this kind of drama in a while, nor do I want to.
Despite what I mentioned above, I really really enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down because I was on the edge of my seat and had to find out what happened next. Although Mattie did come off as "too perfect", they felt more real than the last couple in Elisa Dane's novel "In the After"--review below. I really liked how they were friends before they became a couple. I really liked seeing the history they had. It made Tierra's feelings more realistic because she actually knew the guy. Instead of this "I love you" crap after a week of knowing each other--that plot line always kills it for me.
Thank you to Elisa Dane for the copy of "Abandoned" for review purposes.
This review is solely my own opinion and not endorsed.
April 3, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't the typical YA book. It was little darker and maybe it could have been a reality to someone.
if you want to read my rest of the review head on my blog
http://mytrendingbooks.blogspot.co.nz...
February 7, 2017
Be strong, despite obstacles
This review is from: Abandoned (Kindle Edition)
This is the first book I've read by Ms. Dane, but I can assure you, it want be the last. I've already added a few of her stories to my wishlist. It's currently FREE on Amazon.
I have to add what drew my attention to this book. It was the book cover (on Amazon). Yes, I admit that I'm a "JUDGE" a book by it's cover, kinda' gal. It caught my attention which made me read the book blurb and I knew I had to read it. It fits the story perfectly. You want be disappointed.
What a stunning, yet compelling read that will definitely tug at the heartstrings. It's not often I run across such a story with so much emotional angst, determination, and a will to strive to be a better person despite the troubling obstacles as it unfolded.
Ms Dane creates a believeable world with her rich vivid imagination that will literally suck you into the pages. Her characters are raw and flawed. The pace is steady and flowed well throughout. It brings up all sorts of issues that still affect millions of people to date that can be detrimental. I highly recommend you have tissue because this story will make you cry.
Tierra is a girl who's life is lonely and troubling. Her home life and daily life sucks, but she's determined to strive for something better. She doesn't do relationships and she has rules. A guy from her past will show up unexpectedly and all her rules go out the door which makes her very anxious due to him being her first and only love. She will face many difficult situations alone, and gradually will open up to those few she trusts and knows about her troubles that she has been dealing with. As events unfold, she will be tested and some secrets will be revealed. Want to know what happens next? Get the book, read it, and then you'll know.
I would recommend this book to readers who love inspirational reads that tug at the heart strings.
I chose voluntarily to review this book on my own.
Happy Reading!!
This review is from: Abandoned (Kindle Edition)
This is the first book I've read by Ms. Dane, but I can assure you, it want be the last. I've already added a few of her stories to my wishlist. It's currently FREE on Amazon.
I have to add what drew my attention to this book. It was the book cover (on Amazon). Yes, I admit that I'm a "JUDGE" a book by it's cover, kinda' gal. It caught my attention which made me read the book blurb and I knew I had to read it. It fits the story perfectly. You want be disappointed.
What a stunning, yet compelling read that will definitely tug at the heartstrings. It's not often I run across such a story with so much emotional angst, determination, and a will to strive to be a better person despite the troubling obstacles as it unfolded.
Ms Dane creates a believeable world with her rich vivid imagination that will literally suck you into the pages. Her characters are raw and flawed. The pace is steady and flowed well throughout. It brings up all sorts of issues that still affect millions of people to date that can be detrimental. I highly recommend you have tissue because this story will make you cry.
Tierra is a girl who's life is lonely and troubling. Her home life and daily life sucks, but she's determined to strive for something better. She doesn't do relationships and she has rules. A guy from her past will show up unexpectedly and all her rules go out the door which makes her very anxious due to him being her first and only love. She will face many difficult situations alone, and gradually will open up to those few she trusts and knows about her troubles that she has been dealing with. As events unfold, she will be tested and some secrets will be revealed. Want to know what happens next? Get the book, read it, and then you'll know.
I would recommend this book to readers who love inspirational reads that tug at the heart strings.
I chose voluntarily to review this book on my own.
Happy Reading!!
February 16, 2016
Just finished my review copy of Abandoned on the plane home last night, and boy was it an emotional roller coaster! Tierra Owens is a girl down on her luck and just trying to make it through the high school until she can audition for NYCDA. She has a terrible relationship with a verbally and psychologically abusive mother who's been so unloving and hateful wit her that she believes she's trash and the reason why Mom's life was ruined. Luckily, she's got a best friend named Kaylee, whose family adores her. In a shocking moment, the first and only boy she ever loved years ago, Mattie Forrester, reappears in her life. Why did Mattie leave without trying to contact her? Tierra believed it's because she's trash and completely worthless. And then suddenly, her mother leaves, not caring what happens to Tierra. Tierra must find her self-worth as her survival skills are put to the test.
May 30, 2016
This book was great. It dealt with some really hard topics, and the romance within it was handled very well. I really enjoy Elisa's writing, and I thought this was a great book!
June 9, 2017
Tierra has spent her life living with a drunken whore of a mother who told her she ruined her life and her father never wanted her. Her childhood was an awful time until Mattie moved to her school. They became friends after she beat Mattie up for trying to steal her chocolate chip cookie in the third grade. His family treated her as one of their own, taking her on trips and including her in everything. After the eighth grade he moved away, taking her heart with him. She keeps her emotions behind a mask and a bubble around her for insulation. Her mother constantly berates her and the only one who knows how bad her home life truly has become is her best friend Kaylee. Kaylee's family is wealthy and are always bestowing little gifts on her and Kaylee is always giving her expensive hand me downs or buying her brand new things. Melissa, her mother, expects her to buy her vodka, do the grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning. Every week she gets a new boyfriend.
T is shocked when she sees Mattie at her school and dumps her current kissing buddy. She never lets a guy go past kissing. Mattie is as happy to see her, and calls her freckles, a nickname she got when she drew freckles on her face after watching The Parent Trap. T threatens to beat him as bad as she did when he tried to steal her cookie in elementary school if he tells their friends why he calls her freckles. She can feel her mask and bubble she keeps around herself starting to slip.
Melissa's latest boyfriend is a parolee named Angelo. T as her friends call her, heard her mother throwing him out and then the sounds of him hurting her. T beats him with an aluminum bat, breaking his ribs, so he will let go of her mother, who is being choked against the wall.
The next week T finds a note telling her that Melissa is going to take care of her mother while she has pneumonia and will be gone for a week or two.
Nothing Melissa says is true and she has to open her heart up to the chance of it being broken again, telling Mattie and Kaylee what is going on, including Angelo harassing her.
Will she and Mattie be able to become a couple, or will CPS find she is living alone, or worse will Angelo do all the sick things he promises to do to her for breaking his ribs?
T is shocked when she sees Mattie at her school and dumps her current kissing buddy. She never lets a guy go past kissing. Mattie is as happy to see her, and calls her freckles, a nickname she got when she drew freckles on her face after watching The Parent Trap. T threatens to beat him as bad as she did when he tried to steal her cookie in elementary school if he tells their friends why he calls her freckles. She can feel her mask and bubble she keeps around herself starting to slip.
Melissa's latest boyfriend is a parolee named Angelo. T as her friends call her, heard her mother throwing him out and then the sounds of him hurting her. T beats him with an aluminum bat, breaking his ribs, so he will let go of her mother, who is being choked against the wall.
The next week T finds a note telling her that Melissa is going to take care of her mother while she has pneumonia and will be gone for a week or two.
Nothing Melissa says is true and she has to open her heart up to the chance of it being broken again, telling Mattie and Kaylee what is going on, including Angelo harassing her.
Will she and Mattie be able to become a couple, or will CPS find she is living alone, or worse will Angelo do all the sick things he promises to do to her for breaking his ribs?
March 8, 2017
Wonderful story! The loneliness of Tierra comes across so real. It makes you really think of some of the things that some teenagers face in daily life. Elisa Dane really captured the heartache of loneliness in this book. She makes you want to find the characters and wrap them in warm comforting hugs, just so you can explain that life is always so hard and all people are always so terrible.
I highly recommend reading this book. It is a very touching story that makes you think and feel and even makes you smile.
I highly recommend reading this book. It is a very touching story that makes you think and feel and even makes you smile.
January 1, 2018
This book made me laugh, cry and love. There are very few books out there that give me the legendary "book hangover" but this is one of them. You feel every emotion possible that the characters are portraying which is just evident of the author's amazing writing style. This book is definitely one of those hidden gems you will read over and over again for years to come. I know I will. I cannot wait to see what else this author has in store and I'm sure that she has one amazing future in store for her.
August 17, 2017
This is a very emotional and heartbreaking story. It is difficult to read at times because of how emotional it can be, but it is worth the read. Ms. Dane does a superb job of drawing all emotions from the reader. The subject matter of this is book is a difficult subject but Ms. Dane does a wonderful job of keeping you focused on the characters and their journey. Great book by a wonderful author.
February 5, 2017
Young love....
I read a lot - not normally romance. Maybe, it was the title... Really enjoyed this book. Some people should never be parents. Tierra's story was sad and scary.
I read a lot - not normally romance. Maybe, it was the title... Really enjoyed this book. Some people should never be parents. Tierra's story was sad and scary.
Read
March 11, 2017Self note-
Dnf 5%.
Because.
Dnf 5%.
Because.
November 27, 2021
Young adult romance
This was a good book. Some major drama and what might be som triggers overall a good book. A standalone with a HEA
This was a good book. Some major drama and what might be som triggers overall a good book. A standalone with a HEA
February 7, 2017
Smaller, unknown and indie authors and publishers can be very hit or miss. After reading Abandoned, I came to the conclusion that Elisa Dane is a hit!! This ya/new adult contemporary romance is well written and has a wonderfully thought out plot. Due to mature subject matter, I would recommend this for an older reader.
February 26, 2017
Tierra is great at pretending.
From the outside, she has it all...beauty, talent, popularity and confidence. Only her best friend Kaylee knows the truth. Every night, Tierra goes home to a verbally abusive, alcoholic mother and her endless stream of loser boyfriends. She copes by cultivating a flawless shell of perfection and not trusting her heart to anyone. A high school senior on the cusp of adulthood, Tierra knows she is almost free.
Then, a blast from her past threatens Tierra's emotional balancing act. Mattie was her childhood best friend and safe harbor before moving away three years ago. The years have changed both of them. Tierra longs for the closeness she once had with Mattie, but is terrified of opening her heart. After all, how can she deserve the honest affection he offers when even her own mother can't love her?
The characters were well developed and respond appropriately based on their age and life experience. How Tierra reacts to the threat posed by her mother's violent ex is not an adult response...but makes sense. Her survival has always depended on projecting perfection. Getting police involved would threaten that facade...and in her mind, possibly impact her ability to escape after graduation.
Likewise, her friend Kaylee is a sheltered, kind girl from a loving home. She helps her best friend in the only way she knows how...by being there and helping to maintain the outward image of perfection.
Mattie is a bit idealized, but watching how he and Tierra reconnect after three years is satisfying. You just want something good to come out of all the bad and know that these two have a real chance at happiness.
From the outside, she has it all...beauty, talent, popularity and confidence. Only her best friend Kaylee knows the truth. Every night, Tierra goes home to a verbally abusive, alcoholic mother and her endless stream of loser boyfriends. She copes by cultivating a flawless shell of perfection and not trusting her heart to anyone. A high school senior on the cusp of adulthood, Tierra knows she is almost free.
Then, a blast from her past threatens Tierra's emotional balancing act. Mattie was her childhood best friend and safe harbor before moving away three years ago. The years have changed both of them. Tierra longs for the closeness she once had with Mattie, but is terrified of opening her heart. After all, how can she deserve the honest affection he offers when even her own mother can't love her?
The characters were well developed and respond appropriately based on their age and life experience. How Tierra reacts to the threat posed by her mother's violent ex is not an adult response...but makes sense. Her survival has always depended on projecting perfection. Getting police involved would threaten that facade...and in her mind, possibly impact her ability to escape after graduation.
Likewise, her friend Kaylee is a sheltered, kind girl from a loving home. She helps her best friend in the only way she knows how...by being there and helping to maintain the outward image of perfection.
Mattie is a bit idealized, but watching how he and Tierra reconnect after three years is satisfying. You just want something good to come out of all the bad and know that these two have a real chance at happiness.
February 26, 2017
Wow
I had this book on my kindle for a while now and I finally decided to give it a chance. I. Regret. Not. Giving. This. A. Read. Earlier. I'm I. Love. Cried like three time.
I had this book on my kindle for a while now and I finally decided to give it a chance. I. Regret. Not. Giving. This. A. Read. Earlier. I'm I. Love. Cried like three time.
February 15, 2017
This was kind of a sad read. I felt so bad for the heroine, Tierra. Being told she was 'garbage' and 'never wanted' by her mom her whole life, she's just trying to hold on until she graduates from high school. There's barely ever any food in the house, no money, and definitely no affection. In fact, the only love Tierra has ever felt is from her 'BFF', Kaylee, and her best friend from grade school, Mattie. Tierra never told Mattie that she loved him so, when he moved away 3 years ago, she was devastated. To try and compensate for the lack of affection in her life, Tierra makes out with a lot of boys. She's careful to never go too far, though and won't allow herself to commit to them for fear of being hurt again. One day, she wakes up and her mom is gone. There's no food, the bills aren't paid, and Tierra is still a minor. She hides her predicament from everyone in fear of being put in a home. Then, Mattie comes back. Tierra tries to avoid him, she's not the same girl he knew but, between trying to protect her heart, her mom's creepy ex-boyfriend stalking her, and hiding the fact that she's living all alone, Tierra has to trust someone. Really good read with a very satisfying ending.
*At the time of this review, Abandoned is FREE on Amazon.com*
*At the time of this review, Abandoned is FREE on Amazon.com*
February 22, 2016
This book Abandoned by Elisa Dane is an amazing story. Tierra Owens, Doesn’t have a good home life, it is really bad. She is lucky that she has an awesome friend who helps her out. Tierra’s Mother is an alcoholic and blames everything on Tierra. Tierra is determined to be an actress and to get of the town they live in. She is lucky that she has the looks, and she can act. No one knows about her miserable home live except her BFF Kaylee. Tierra will only kiss guys, she doesn’t want to do anything else with a guy. She doesn’t want a relationship, she a little fun, but not too much. All she every thinks about is the boy from when she was younger, he left in 8th grade and then she moved to the town she is living in now. Now of course this story has some twists, there is the jealous popular girl, who tries to cut Tierra down, she of course doesn’t know how bad Tierra has it. Then a new guy comes to school. Of course the jealous girl has her claws out for him right away and yet he only has eyes for Tierra.
I really thought this was an awesome story, Tierra is incredible strong, and has her goals set not matter what happens and yet she gets struck down a lot, but she does have some luck on her side. She just hasn’t seen it yet. I think this is a great read for teens. I feel it can show that when your down just keep fighting. Life throws all sorts of stuff to everyone. I really am glad I was able to read and review this book. It had me thinking about to when I was a teen, it is so hard those years and yet we all persevere.
This is a great book to read and the love story in it is awesome, there are a few swear words, and there was implied sex but not graphic.
I want to thank Elisa Dane, Swoon Romance and Chapter by Chapter for providing the Arc.
I really thought this was an awesome story, Tierra is incredible strong, and has her goals set not matter what happens and yet she gets struck down a lot, but she does have some luck on her side. She just hasn’t seen it yet. I think this is a great read for teens. I feel it can show that when your down just keep fighting. Life throws all sorts of stuff to everyone. I really am glad I was able to read and review this book. It had me thinking about to when I was a teen, it is so hard those years and yet we all persevere.
This is a great book to read and the love story in it is awesome, there are a few swear words, and there was implied sex but not graphic.
I want to thank Elisa Dane, Swoon Romance and Chapter by Chapter for providing the Arc.
April 19, 2016
Tierra and Mattie will grip your heart!! Tierra lives at home with her mother who constantly blames Tierra for her father leaving them. Tierra doesn't believe in having relationships. She will only kiss a boy and that is far as she will allow them to go. Her best friend, Kaylee, is her rock and she doesn't know what she would do without her! She is there for her and understands what she goes through every day with her mother. One night when Kaylee and Tierra are headed for a party at Kaylee's boyfriend's house, she sees a glimpse of her childhood crush and best friend, Mattie (Matthew). He left several years ago and Tierra felt abandoned by him. When they get to the party, she finds out that Mattie is there because he is friends with Kaylee's boyfriend. She is stunned and shocked to see him after so many years and she is embarrassed that she is a little drunk. She gets home and stays in the whole weekend. Monday she finds out that Mattie has moved there and is going to their school. Seeing him brings back the memories she felt of abandonment and then when she gets home, she finds a note from her mother saying she is staying with her sick mother. Tierra is alone and feels abandoned by her mom. Suspense, heartache, love, reconnecting, good friends.... Ms Dane gives us a beautiful love story! This book is a great read and Tierra and Mattie will pull close to your heart!
February 9, 2017
Tierra's life has never been fun. Living with a mother who neglects her, drinks all meals, and blames her for everything wrong in their lives makes the 1 friend in Tierra's life the most important person in the world to her. That is until her childhood best friend and crush comes back in her life.
This story was alright for me. I liked the writing, overall, but the way Mattie's condition (for lack of better word and spoilers) was written funny with me on a personal level. It was a cute teenager-in-high-school kind of story but it had interesting conflict points. I felt the ending was a bit rushed but I also thought it was super cute. 3 stars.
This story was alright for me. I liked the writing, overall, but the way Mattie's condition (for lack of better word and spoilers) was written funny with me on a personal level. It was a cute teenager-in-high-school kind of story but it had interesting conflict points. I felt the ending was a bit rushed but I also thought it was super cute. 3 stars.
August 26, 2018
TRIGGER WARNINGS: Verbal Abuse, Assault, Stalking, Car Accident Resulting in Death, Parent with Alcohol Addiction, Abandonment.
I was able to read Abandoned via Instafreebie.
There’s only one point of view within Abandoned, and that view is from Tierra. Tierra’s had a rough childhood, but the story is more so about Tierra’s life in the now. Early on in the story we get to know Tierra and her situation pretty well. We’re given a glimpse into the hell that she lived with for almost 18 years.
As much as I liked the book, there are a few things that I had a problem with. Let me say this though: the story within Abandoned is incredibly lifelike. OK, the thing that bothered me most about this story is how heterosexual-typical it was. It was apparently alright for girls to smack guys when the girls were teased, and it was completely OK for the guys to get all macho to protect the girls.
Only nearing the end of the book, did Tierra’s life turn towards getting better. And by the end of the book, everything was wrapped up in a neat little bow — which I enjoyed reading.
All in all, Abandoned was a pretty quick read. I managed to finish this book within hours of starting it.
I was able to read Abandoned via Instafreebie.
There’s only one point of view within Abandoned, and that view is from Tierra. Tierra’s had a rough childhood, but the story is more so about Tierra’s life in the now. Early on in the story we get to know Tierra and her situation pretty well. We’re given a glimpse into the hell that she lived with for almost 18 years.
As much as I liked the book, there are a few things that I had a problem with. Let me say this though: the story within Abandoned is incredibly lifelike. OK, the thing that bothered me most about this story is how heterosexual-typical it was. It was apparently alright for girls to smack guys when the girls were teased, and it was completely OK for the guys to get all macho to protect the girls.
Only nearing the end of the book, did Tierra’s life turn towards getting better. And by the end of the book, everything was wrapped up in a neat little bow — which I enjoyed reading.
All in all, Abandoned was a pretty quick read. I managed to finish this book within hours of starting it.
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