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Invincible #1
We Thought We Were Invincible
California “Callie” McCoy feels most alive when her feet are planted firmly on her surfboard on a big swell. And one day, she dreams of riding that wave out of her small town. Away from everyone.
Her plan is simple: graduate high school. With Callie's best friend gone away to college, she plans on spending her senior year skating by. She isn’t looking for friends, and especially not for love - all she needs are her waves and her twin brother. Even if he comes with an annoying best friend, Jamie Daniels, who she can’t stand.
Jamie is a care-free, easy-going surfer who has everything. On the surface, his life appears perfect, but reality is far from it. He has his share of secrets, including one that burns deeper than any other. It’s a good thing Callie hates him because if she didn’t, Jamie knows there’s no way he’d be able to stay away.
And then, one night, everything changes. And nothing will ever be the same.
Her plan is simple: graduate high school. With Callie's best friend gone away to college, she plans on spending her senior year skating by. She isn’t looking for friends, and especially not for love - all she needs are her waves and her twin brother. Even if he comes with an annoying best friend, Jamie Daniels, who she can’t stand.
Jamie is a care-free, easy-going surfer who has everything. On the surface, his life appears perfect, but reality is far from it. He has his share of secrets, including one that burns deeper than any other. It’s a good thing Callie hates him because if she didn’t, Jamie knows there’s no way he’d be able to stay away.
And then, one night, everything changes. And nothing will ever be the same.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 8, 2017
116 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
February 17, 2017
(I received an advance copy of this book for free. Thanks to author Michelle Lynn.)
This was a YA contemporary story about a girl called California.
Callie was an okay character, and I felt quite sorry for her in the way she had lost her mother at such a young age. It was nice that she had a twin brother and best friend for support though, especially when things got tough. Jamie was a bit of a tormented character at times, and I liked that we got to see things from his point of view as well as Callie's.
The storyline in this was about Callie's life working at her dead mother's cafe, and we got a romance developing between Callie and Jamie - her best friend's brother, and her brother's best friend. To start off they weren't really friends, but things changed, and it became clear how they felt about each other, and they did make a really cute couple, even if it did look like there'd be trouble because of their siblings and their feelings.
We did get quite a shocking storyline in here though, which could be a bit of a sensitive subject for some people The story was enjoyable overall though, although the pace did seem a little slow in places.
The ending to this was not really a happily ever after, but it was an interesting end to the story. The author's note does promise a sequel though!
6.5 out of 10
"I didn't even like her in that moment, but something drew me to her. That mouth. So sweet. It wasn't the first time my lips acted independently of my mind. In fact, that was how I usually operated. But not with her. Now with my best friend's sister, the girl my brother loved."
This was a YA contemporary story about a girl called California.
Callie was an okay character, and I felt quite sorry for her in the way she had lost her mother at such a young age. It was nice that she had a twin brother and best friend for support though, especially when things got tough. Jamie was a bit of a tormented character at times, and I liked that we got to see things from his point of view as well as Callie's.
The storyline in this was about Callie's life working at her dead mother's cafe, and we got a romance developing between Callie and Jamie - her best friend's brother, and her brother's best friend. To start off they weren't really friends, but things changed, and it became clear how they felt about each other, and they did make a really cute couple, even if it did look like there'd be trouble because of their siblings and their feelings.
We did get quite a shocking storyline in here though, which could be a bit of a sensitive subject for some people The story was enjoyable overall though, although the pace did seem a little slow in places.
The ending to this was not really a happily ever after, but it was an interesting end to the story. The author's note does promise a sequel though!
6.5 out of 10
February 28, 2017
Growing up is hard to do and for one group of teens, it was the end of their innocence about life, love and the invincibility of youth. Get ready to feel the angst, the confusion, the love and the intensity of youth with Michelle Lynn’s WE THOUGHT WE WERE INVINCIBLE. I promise you, you will find something you can identify with in this group of friends who find that life is not all laughter and fun as they learn the value of loyalty, the strength to make daring moves and face some hard truths about life and how each path can converge, split and re-converge, but will never be the same as the times of innocence.
I have never experienced a story quite like Michelle Lynn’s tale of teens in crisis. Callie is a loner with a sharp tongue and a wise countenance sometimes far beyond her years, but there is a blank in her life that needs to be filled, she is determined to know who her father was and why he wasn’t in her life. She also wants and needs someone in her life to be more than a friend. Enter her twin brother’s best friend, Jamie, the boy she has never gotten on with, with his cocky attitude, his mutual dislike and something dark that brews within him. What she discovers is a boy who has never known a loving home, a touch that didn’t bring pain and a kindred soul who understands her need to be in the water, riding the crest of a wave, to feel the world through her surfboard, the one her late mother owned.
Jamie gets her, period, but that is because he, too needs to feel free from a guilt he never earned, self-loathing he didn’t deserve and a life that has brought him nothing but pain. Together they almost complete each other. And then it happened, a nightmare of death and destruction that will forever scar their youth and their lives.
Wonderfully flawed characters, misunderstandings and vows made that may never be kept. As the world awaits, these teens must choose their own paths, but will they bring more heartache or will they realize the joy of what awaits them together? Incredible reading, astounding writing that came straight from the author’s very soul and it shows.
I received this copy from Michelle Lynn in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Creativia; 1 edition (February 8, 2017)
Publication Date: February 8, 2017
Genre: YA Mystery | Coming of age
Print Length: 246 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
I have never experienced a story quite like Michelle Lynn’s tale of teens in crisis. Callie is a loner with a sharp tongue and a wise countenance sometimes far beyond her years, but there is a blank in her life that needs to be filled, she is determined to know who her father was and why he wasn’t in her life. She also wants and needs someone in her life to be more than a friend. Enter her twin brother’s best friend, Jamie, the boy she has never gotten on with, with his cocky attitude, his mutual dislike and something dark that brews within him. What she discovers is a boy who has never known a loving home, a touch that didn’t bring pain and a kindred soul who understands her need to be in the water, riding the crest of a wave, to feel the world through her surfboard, the one her late mother owned.
Jamie gets her, period, but that is because he, too needs to feel free from a guilt he never earned, self-loathing he didn’t deserve and a life that has brought him nothing but pain. Together they almost complete each other. And then it happened, a nightmare of death and destruction that will forever scar their youth and their lives.
Wonderfully flawed characters, misunderstandings and vows made that may never be kept. As the world awaits, these teens must choose their own paths, but will they bring more heartache or will they realize the joy of what awaits them together? Incredible reading, astounding writing that came straight from the author’s very soul and it shows.
I received this copy from Michelle Lynn in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Creativia; 1 edition (February 8, 2017)
Publication Date: February 8, 2017
Genre: YA Mystery | Coming of age
Print Length: 246 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
February 9, 2017
Love, love, loved it!
Callie: Loner. Has one friend who moves away to college. Is facing her last year of high school on her own.
What I loved about Callie was even though she was a loner, she didn't whine about it. She preferred it, even. No woe is me self-pity like so many other books of this genre. She was just waiting for her chance to get out into the real world and leave her small town behind her.
Enter best friend's brother, Jamie.
Jamie: OMG Jamie. I ... I don't even know what to say. You just remain you, okay? Because I love you.
Plot: Jamie and Callie, who've known each other their whole lives but basically hate each other (although, you find out how one-sided that hate really is not far into the book) make a pact to have their last year of high school count. To make it epic.
Only, the thing that makes it epic is not so great. Spoiler free review here so I'm not going to go into it.
This book had everything: humour, angst, love, tragedy, and a promise of redemption that will have to wait for book 2. Which I demand be released at once!
Great read.
Callie: Loner. Has one friend who moves away to college. Is facing her last year of high school on her own.
What I loved about Callie was even though she was a loner, she didn't whine about it. She preferred it, even. No woe is me self-pity like so many other books of this genre. She was just waiting for her chance to get out into the real world and leave her small town behind her.
Enter best friend's brother, Jamie.
Jamie: OMG Jamie. I ... I don't even know what to say. You just remain you, okay? Because I love you.
Plot: Jamie and Callie, who've known each other their whole lives but basically hate each other (although, you find out how one-sided that hate really is not far into the book) make a pact to have their last year of high school count. To make it epic.
Only, the thing that makes it epic is not so great. Spoiler free review here so I'm not going to go into it.
This book had everything: humour, angst, love, tragedy, and a promise of redemption that will have to wait for book 2. Which I demand be released at once!
Great read.
April 12, 2017
Michelle Lynn is one of my favorite authors out there and she should be yours too. I've read quite a few of her books through diverse genres and her writing style is just so beautiful and compelling, I can't get enough! Ok I'll stop gushing now. I loved the story of California McCoy and Jamie Daniels and I'm so excited that there's a second book. The author made me fall in love with both characters within seconds. I really liked the alternating point of view between the two main characters as it really drew me into their story. I don't like giving away too much in my reviews so I won't go into the plot other than to say it's a beautiful coming of age/love story. It'll make you laugh and cry and keep turning the pages. Stop reading reviews and go buy the book already!
October 18, 2017
2.5 Stars
I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
We Thought We Were Invincible tells the story of Callie McCoy as she struggles with finding herself and navigating relationships and moving forward in life, when you don't know where you want to go.
PROS:
-Callie. I loved seeing Callie grow as a character. We are introduced to a young girl who is withdrawn and isolates herself after losing her mom at a young age. Through the story and challenges she faces, Callie grows more confident in herself and begins to rely on herself and overcomes her own fears.
-Creative Writing Class. I loved the creative writing class and the project was so fun. It was a great was to get the characters to do something they normally wouldn't and connect to themselves and examine their ouw lived. I wished we got more time there.
CONS:
-Cliches. I felt like the story moved from one cliche point to the next. We see a loner girl, a popular jock, an abusive father, a bullied teen, a school shooting, a family secret, a breakup, a military enlisting, and a secret child. It seemed like none of these serious issues were given the weight they deserved because there were so many and we needed to get to the next plot reveal in the story.
-Flow. I felt like we were often TOLD what was happening in a scene and didn't get to EXPERIENCE it alongside the characters. This could have been because I found the writing moved fairly fast without taking the time to address what was happening and let the character have moments of reflection or pause in the story. I feel like more detail would have immersed me into the story and helped me connect.
-Weak Reveals. I found some of the reveals to be weak. They didn't carry much weight to me - I wan't to feel what the characters and follow them as they process and grow. Because if found the story to move from one difficult topic to the next without fully fleshing them out, their initial reveals didn't have an impact because we moved to the next issue too soon.
Overall the story is not bad, just underdeveloped. I want MORE in the story and I want to care.
I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The waves roses up to shake our solid ground. Our peace torn away. What was once still raged like an angry storm. Destroying. Drowning. Dragging our refuge to the depths. Then all was calm once again, and we knew. We were never invincible.
We Thought We Were Invincible tells the story of Callie McCoy as she struggles with finding herself and navigating relationships and moving forward in life, when you don't know where you want to go.
PROS:
-Callie. I loved seeing Callie grow as a character. We are introduced to a young girl who is withdrawn and isolates herself after losing her mom at a young age. Through the story and challenges she faces, Callie grows more confident in herself and begins to rely on herself and overcomes her own fears.
-Creative Writing Class. I loved the creative writing class and the project was so fun. It was a great was to get the characters to do something they normally wouldn't and connect to themselves and examine their ouw lived. I wished we got more time there.
CONS:
-Cliches. I felt like the story moved from one cliche point to the next. We see a loner girl, a popular jock, an abusive father, a bullied teen, a school shooting, a family secret, a breakup, a military enlisting, and a secret child. It seemed like none of these serious issues were given the weight they deserved because there were so many and we needed to get to the next plot reveal in the story.
-Flow. I felt like we were often TOLD what was happening in a scene and didn't get to EXPERIENCE it alongside the characters. This could have been because I found the writing moved fairly fast without taking the time to address what was happening and let the character have moments of reflection or pause in the story. I feel like more detail would have immersed me into the story and helped me connect.
-Weak Reveals. I found some of the reveals to be weak. They didn't carry much weight to me - I wan't to feel what the characters and follow them as they process and grow. Because if found the story to move from one difficult topic to the next without fully fleshing them out, their initial reveals didn't have an impact because we moved to the next issue too soon.
Overall the story is not bad, just underdeveloped. I want MORE in the story and I want to care.
June 16, 2017
This book was one of those stories that took me by surprise. I knew it would be emotional from the cover, but never expected in what ways. This wasn’t all angst and romance. Yes, there was romance, but also great depth. Lynn never allows this story to become about one problem, but the overarching problems in life. Which makes this book real, because rarely do we face only one obstacle at a time. The author touches on so many intense situation and issues with beautiful grace and realism.
The main character, Callie, isn’t likeable. At least not originally. But I don’t think she’s meant to be super likeable, she doesn’t even like herself much. But I came to like her as I she learned to love herself and let people in. Jamie seems shallow at the beginning, but shows a lot of depth as the story moves on.
There were a few situations or dialogue that seemed unlikely. I thought Callie would be more determined to discover the truth about her father earlier and a minor character, Morgan confused me at the end. I just didn’t understand how her and Callie became so tight again….it felt like they just suddenly were. Don’t get me wrong, I was glad for it, I just didn’t see how it happened. The ending of this book was realistic and I think it really brings to light the tough choices teens are forced to make concerning their futures. Essentially this book is high-school drama…the real, gritty drama of high school.
The main character, Callie, isn’t likeable. At least not originally. But I don’t think she’s meant to be super likeable, she doesn’t even like herself much. But I came to like her as I she learned to love herself and let people in. Jamie seems shallow at the beginning, but shows a lot of depth as the story moves on.
There were a few situations or dialogue that seemed unlikely. I thought Callie would be more determined to discover the truth about her father earlier and a minor character, Morgan confused me at the end. I just didn’t understand how her and Callie became so tight again….it felt like they just suddenly were. Don’t get me wrong, I was glad for it, I just didn’t see how it happened. The ending of this book was realistic and I think it really brings to light the tough choices teens are forced to make concerning their futures. Essentially this book is high-school drama…the real, gritty drama of high school.
March 8, 2017
In Gulf City, Florida, a group of high school friends are starting their last year of high school. The two viewpoint characters are Callie (California) McCoy, and Jamie Daniels. Callie and her twin brother Colby live with their Aunt Kat, working in the diner they inherited from their mother, Allison, when she died six years ago. They know nothing about their father. Callie, like her mother, is an enthusiastic and very good surfer. She is not otherwise either very social, or very interested in school.
Jamie Daniels is the younger son of a state senator with higher ambitions. The older brother, Jayden, is the apple of his father's eye, and also Callie's boyfriend, or so it appears to everyone except Callie and Jay. Jamie has a bad relationship with his father for reasons that no one outside the family knows. Jamie is also rather a troublemaker.
With the end of the summer, Jay is gong off for his first year of college. Callie, Colby, Jamie, Colby's girlfriend Morgan and her sister Parker are going through their momentous final year of high school together.
There are unsuspected, explosive secrets in the McCoy family. There are explosive secrets in the Daniels family.
And there's an ordinary boy, Matthew Franklin, who is the target of endless bullying at school. Callie is troubled by it, and Matthew's grandfather, Seth, is a regular at the diner, but she has no idea what to do that would make a difference.
All three families are heading toward a shocking climax to the school year.
These kids are intelligent, flawed, basically good kids, going through what's always a challenging time, with some extra challenges thrown at them.
This feels very real to my own memories of that time in my life. While I was more like Colby in my love of schoolwork, I completely relate to Callie's feelings of social disconnection--and while it didn't end the same way, I remember when the bullied kids was not Matthew, but me.
An excellent read for young adults and for people who remember that time in their lives. Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley of this book, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
Jamie Daniels is the younger son of a state senator with higher ambitions. The older brother, Jayden, is the apple of his father's eye, and also Callie's boyfriend, or so it appears to everyone except Callie and Jay. Jamie has a bad relationship with his father for reasons that no one outside the family knows. Jamie is also rather a troublemaker.
With the end of the summer, Jay is gong off for his first year of college. Callie, Colby, Jamie, Colby's girlfriend Morgan and her sister Parker are going through their momentous final year of high school together.
There are unsuspected, explosive secrets in the McCoy family. There are explosive secrets in the Daniels family.
And there's an ordinary boy, Matthew Franklin, who is the target of endless bullying at school. Callie is troubled by it, and Matthew's grandfather, Seth, is a regular at the diner, but she has no idea what to do that would make a difference.
All three families are heading toward a shocking climax to the school year.
These kids are intelligent, flawed, basically good kids, going through what's always a challenging time, with some extra challenges thrown at them.
This feels very real to my own memories of that time in my life. While I was more like Colby in my love of schoolwork, I completely relate to Callie's feelings of social disconnection--and while it didn't end the same way, I remember when the bullied kids was not Matthew, but me.
An excellent read for young adults and for people who remember that time in their lives. Recommended.
I received a free electronic galley of this book, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
May 6, 2020
Oh my how I loved this read!! I’ve read quite a few books by M Lynn and I have never been disappointed! This book definitely holds its own and has become one of my favourites of hers!
The two main characters are absolutely wonderful! I fell in love with them pretty much from the start. The other supporting characters were just as real and wonderful. The whole group made a great dynamic that you could definitely relate to.
With an alternating point of view you get to understand both sides of the story. The transition from one character to the other is done with such finesse. The book does bring up issues that are a real issue in these times and I feel like they were dealt with delicately and tastefully.
The twists and turns of this book were spot on and that ending!! I was holding my breath throughout-and only was able to release it at the very end. I am thrilled that there is another book! CAN NOT WAIT!!
I recommend this book to everyone honestly. It is a quick, easy to follow read that will hook you in.Perfect for the summer!
The two main characters are absolutely wonderful! I fell in love with them pretty much from the start. The other supporting characters were just as real and wonderful. The whole group made a great dynamic that you could definitely relate to.
With an alternating point of view you get to understand both sides of the story. The transition from one character to the other is done with such finesse. The book does bring up issues that are a real issue in these times and I feel like they were dealt with delicately and tastefully.
The twists and turns of this book were spot on and that ending!! I was holding my breath throughout-and only was able to release it at the very end. I am thrilled that there is another book! CAN NOT WAIT!!
I recommend this book to everyone honestly. It is a quick, easy to follow read that will hook you in.Perfect for the summer!
February 13, 2017
I am a true fan of Michelle Lynn as I have read every single one of her books, but this book takes top honors on my favorites list.
Callie and Jamie are written beautifully. I fell in love with their characters and relationship. They come across as real teens with all the angst associated with those turbulent years, yet they are much more complex than that. This book tackles a lot of dark issues, and Lynn does it with tact and perfection.
I laughed, I cried, and I was left wanting more. I can't wait for the next book. Amazing job!
***I received an Arc version of this book. This is my honest review***
Callie and Jamie are written beautifully. I fell in love with their characters and relationship. They come across as real teens with all the angst associated with those turbulent years, yet they are much more complex than that. This book tackles a lot of dark issues, and Lynn does it with tact and perfection.
I laughed, I cried, and I was left wanting more. I can't wait for the next book. Amazing job!
***I received an Arc version of this book. This is my honest review***
March 7, 2017
Vivid characters, vivid setting, and vivid emotions.
Read my full review at YA Books Central: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yaindie...
Read my full review at YA Books Central: http://www.yabookscentral.com/yaindie...
March 24, 2021
Wow. You've drawn me in and it's the middle of the night.....I need book 2.....my book friends need me!!!
August 2, 2019
Not your typical high school romance
Not your typical high school romance
I was very surprised by the twists and turns this book had to offer. I started it expecting the typical story, girl falls for the guy she wasn’t expecting to like, who had been her enemy in the past. She thinks she knows him and finds a totally different person when she is forced into spending time with him due to a school project. Then this book takes some interesting and surprising turns along with some sad and shocking themes. Let me break it down for you…
5 stars for character development…
California “Callie” to her friends is our main character, she is entering her senior year of high school has a twin brother Colby who is popular and a sports jock gaining scholarships and college offers for his skills in soccer while Callie is the loner girl. She likes to surf and enjoys hanging out with her best friend, Jay, yes a boy. He is a year older than her and the book starts with him heading off to college.You meet all the characters at the end of summer bonfire on the beach in Gulf City, Florida as they prepare to start the school year.
With Jay leaving for college, Callie and Colby just have the younger brother, Jamie, best friend of Colby to hang out with. These two sets of siblings have known each other for years and Callie and Jamie, while both liking to surf have spent that time arguing more than talking. At the bonfire, after rescuing her from the unwanted attention of a drunk classmate, Jamie makes Callie promise that they will make this final year epic...and she decides it might be a good thing to try to change a little.
Callie and Colby are raised by their aunt after losing their mom six years earlier. They never knew their dad and handled that loss in different ways, Colby by going outside himself to spend time with others and Callie to hide her feelings inside and stay by herself. You get to meet Morgan who becomes a new friend to Callie while dating Colby and her sister Parker who works at the skydiving park and their younger brother Troy throughout this story.
Jamie and Callie are forced together for a creative writing project where they have to do something they have never done before then write the experience as fictional characters. Callie thinks she knows Jamie and is envious of the complete family she sees, a State Senator dad, beautiful mom and nice home but there are secrets that have been hidden and as she discovers what it's really like for Jamie things change.
They go skydiving for their project and feelings start to shift...Enter the romance portion of the story with them falling for each other but keeping it a secret from her brother and her best friend… until the night of the winter formal when Callie decides to make things public and kisses Jamie in front of everyone after reading Jamie’s story about the skydiving activity and realizing that he really loves her.
5 stars for perspective changes, plot twists and shocking themes.
You get to see each of these characters grow and learn how they think and feel throughout the book. I enjoyed the trade off of the story from Callie and Jamie’s perspectives to help you get a sense of them each.
This story introduces some difficult themes such as abuse, bullying, school shootings and suicide. You find out their hidden secrets right along with the characters, you feel with them, cry with them and rage with them. You watch and feel them going through each thing that happens in this book and you see them come out the other side a better person for the experience. I don’t want to give away any spoilers but suffice it to say this book takes you on a wild and emotional ride.
I would recommend this book for late teen and older due to the sensitive themes presented along with underage drinking, sex and partying. These are some mild language use but it wasn't excessive and worked with the story line.
I am interested and excited to read the next book in the series when it comes out as the book ends with some exciting foreshadowing for the future.
I received an advanced copy for my honest review and I am so glad I got the opportunity to read this book.
Not your typical high school romance
I was very surprised by the twists and turns this book had to offer. I started it expecting the typical story, girl falls for the guy she wasn’t expecting to like, who had been her enemy in the past. She thinks she knows him and finds a totally different person when she is forced into spending time with him due to a school project. Then this book takes some interesting and surprising turns along with some sad and shocking themes. Let me break it down for you…
5 stars for character development…
California “Callie” to her friends is our main character, she is entering her senior year of high school has a twin brother Colby who is popular and a sports jock gaining scholarships and college offers for his skills in soccer while Callie is the loner girl. She likes to surf and enjoys hanging out with her best friend, Jay, yes a boy. He is a year older than her and the book starts with him heading off to college.You meet all the characters at the end of summer bonfire on the beach in Gulf City, Florida as they prepare to start the school year.
With Jay leaving for college, Callie and Colby just have the younger brother, Jamie, best friend of Colby to hang out with. These two sets of siblings have known each other for years and Callie and Jamie, while both liking to surf have spent that time arguing more than talking. At the bonfire, after rescuing her from the unwanted attention of a drunk classmate, Jamie makes Callie promise that they will make this final year epic...and she decides it might be a good thing to try to change a little.
Callie and Colby are raised by their aunt after losing their mom six years earlier. They never knew their dad and handled that loss in different ways, Colby by going outside himself to spend time with others and Callie to hide her feelings inside and stay by herself. You get to meet Morgan who becomes a new friend to Callie while dating Colby and her sister Parker who works at the skydiving park and their younger brother Troy throughout this story.
Jamie and Callie are forced together for a creative writing project where they have to do something they have never done before then write the experience as fictional characters. Callie thinks she knows Jamie and is envious of the complete family she sees, a State Senator dad, beautiful mom and nice home but there are secrets that have been hidden and as she discovers what it's really like for Jamie things change.
They go skydiving for their project and feelings start to shift...Enter the romance portion of the story with them falling for each other but keeping it a secret from her brother and her best friend… until the night of the winter formal when Callie decides to make things public and kisses Jamie in front of everyone after reading Jamie’s story about the skydiving activity and realizing that he really loves her.
5 stars for perspective changes, plot twists and shocking themes.
You get to see each of these characters grow and learn how they think and feel throughout the book. I enjoyed the trade off of the story from Callie and Jamie’s perspectives to help you get a sense of them each.
This story introduces some difficult themes such as abuse, bullying, school shootings and suicide. You find out their hidden secrets right along with the characters, you feel with them, cry with them and rage with them. You watch and feel them going through each thing that happens in this book and you see them come out the other side a better person for the experience. I don’t want to give away any spoilers but suffice it to say this book takes you on a wild and emotional ride.
I would recommend this book for late teen and older due to the sensitive themes presented along with underage drinking, sex and partying. These are some mild language use but it wasn't excessive and worked with the story line.
I am interested and excited to read the next book in the series when it comes out as the book ends with some exciting foreshadowing for the future.
I received an advanced copy for my honest review and I am so glad I got the opportunity to read this book.
June 7, 2019
Read this review and more on my blog.The Book Return Blog
*I received this book for free from the Author (via YA Books Central) in exchange for an honest review.
This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Callie is trying to survive high school and get out of her small Florida town. When her best friend moves away to college, Callie believes she is stuck alone.
I really love me some books set in Florida. Especially when it gives a glimpse into small-town Florida.
I really liked Callie and her relationship with her twin brother. Being a mom to boy/girl twins myself, I love seeing older twins that have a close relationship.
Callie’s spunky and fun personality is relatable and her hate to love relationship with Jaime was definitely swoon-worthy. I also loved that their family ran a diner.
I kind of figured out the twist that was coming but it was still shocking. It really brought out the realities of modern-day high-school.
I thought that the Hurricane threat was an interesting part of the story and is dead on what it’s like living in Florida during hurricane season.
I thought Callie’s aunt’s relationship in the story was super sweet.
The story ended on a cliff-hanger with a glimpse into the next story, ‘We Thought We Were Invincible’, which I can’t wait to read and find out what the future holds next for Callie and Jaime.
Read this review and more on my blog.The Book Return Blog
*I received this book for free from the Author (via YA Books Central) in exchange for an honest review.
This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Callie is trying to survive high school and get out of her small Florida town. When her best friend moves away to college, Callie believes she is stuck alone.
I really love me some books set in Florida. Especially when it gives a glimpse into small-town Florida.
I really liked Callie and her relationship with her twin brother. Being a mom to boy/girl twins myself, I love seeing older twins that have a close relationship.
Callie’s spunky and fun personality is relatable and her hate to love relationship with Jaime was definitely swoon-worthy. I also loved that their family ran a diner.
I kind of figured out the twist that was coming but it was still shocking. It really brought out the realities of modern-day high-school.
I thought that the Hurricane threat was an interesting part of the story and is dead on what it’s like living in Florida during hurricane season.
I thought Callie’s aunt’s relationship in the story was super sweet.
The story ended on a cliff-hanger with a glimpse into the next story, ‘We Thought We Were Invincible’, which I can’t wait to read and find out what the future holds next for Callie and Jaime.
Read this review and more on my blog.The Book Return Blog
June 12, 2019
This book took me completely off guard. I think I may have inhaled it honestly. I'd just finished another book and thought I'd start We Thought We Were Invincible - y'know read a few chapters before going to bed. I looked up at the clock, at about the 52% point, and realized it was after midnight. I swear if I could have managed a sick day, I would have kept reading.
I like that Callie is not your conventional protagonist. I like that Callie and Jamie have sort of this slow burn, can't quite recognize what's staring them right in the face, relationship. I also like that they are wholly independent of each other.
The end of book 1 - man, Ms MacQueen - where are we going next?
I like that Callie is not your conventional protagonist. I like that Callie and Jamie have sort of this slow burn, can't quite recognize what's staring them right in the face, relationship. I also like that they are wholly independent of each other.
The end of book 1 - man, Ms MacQueen - where are we going next?
March 27, 2017
"Sweet dreams always end too abruptly, ripping the dreamer from a world that was infinitely better than their own."
- We Thought We Were Invincible.
You know a book is great when I quote directly from it.
This book from Michelle Lynn gives readers more highs, lows, rides and splashes much like the surfing in the story.
I can't say it was a quick read for me. The changing character perspective demanded I keep attention to what was happening in the story. Fortunately, the author showed in her earlier books how well she can command the required pace and narrative, and it is evermore present in her latest offering.
There are a strong cast of characters. It's hard not to like Callie, but I think the book works because of a great supporting cast of her beau - or not - Jamie. Then there's Jay, plus Republic leaning senator Jamie's father, and my personal favourite, Morgan.
Each has a pivotal role in this superb coming of age story. At the story's close, there is clearly more to come, and it's fair to say that the second half is far stronger than the first. But this is an author who has got her groove, knows what her audience expects, and she delivers.
I think there's a real maturity to the author's writing here. Her other contemporary series, the New Beginnings series worked well because the romance was realistic and never smaltzy, sickly-sweet. But I can see an honest depiction of a relationship here between Callie and Jamie.I also loved the ending of the book which shows where the characters may be headed.
It sets up the second book in the series beautifully, but this book totally works on its own.
- We Thought We Were Invincible.
You know a book is great when I quote directly from it.
This book from Michelle Lynn gives readers more highs, lows, rides and splashes much like the surfing in the story.
I can't say it was a quick read for me. The changing character perspective demanded I keep attention to what was happening in the story. Fortunately, the author showed in her earlier books how well she can command the required pace and narrative, and it is evermore present in her latest offering.
There are a strong cast of characters. It's hard not to like Callie, but I think the book works because of a great supporting cast of her beau - or not - Jamie. Then there's Jay, plus Republic leaning senator Jamie's father, and my personal favourite, Morgan.
Each has a pivotal role in this superb coming of age story. At the story's close, there is clearly more to come, and it's fair to say that the second half is far stronger than the first. But this is an author who has got her groove, knows what her audience expects, and she delivers.
I think there's a real maturity to the author's writing here. Her other contemporary series, the New Beginnings series worked well because the romance was realistic and never smaltzy, sickly-sweet. But I can see an honest depiction of a relationship here between Callie and Jamie.I also loved the ending of the book which shows where the characters may be headed.
It sets up the second book in the series beautifully, but this book totally works on its own.
August 21, 2018
Teen drama? No, teen real life.
If you want one of those stories where the biggest issue is whether or not Buffi (with a heart dotting the i) scores the head cheerleader spot, this is not the book for you.
This is real teens, with real problems, trying their best to find real solutions. (There's also a real cliffhanger, but the second book is available - I'll be downloading it next). Twin siblings Callie and Colby, and their best friends are late in high school. They have a slew of family drama between all of them, and yet it feels genuine, not contrived or too much. There's romance, heartbreak, secrets, surfing, and healing, balanced with sarcastic humor where needed.
The dual POV writing is mainly solid, but can use better editing - my main objection for this is that it jars the reader out of An otherwise compelling narrative. An example of the writing:
"None of us said it, but the real reason we were there was because we couldn't bear to be alone.
Colby flipped through channels, settling on an old John Wayne movie on TMC and the three of us sat together all night, knowing full well that although one night stole away our peace, it'd take a lot more to bring it back - if that was even possible."
If you want one of those stories where the biggest issue is whether or not Buffi (with a heart dotting the i) scores the head cheerleader spot, this is not the book for you.
This is real teens, with real problems, trying their best to find real solutions. (There's also a real cliffhanger, but the second book is available - I'll be downloading it next). Twin siblings Callie and Colby, and their best friends are late in high school. They have a slew of family drama between all of them, and yet it feels genuine, not contrived or too much. There's romance, heartbreak, secrets, surfing, and healing, balanced with sarcastic humor where needed.
The dual POV writing is mainly solid, but can use better editing - my main objection for this is that it jars the reader out of An otherwise compelling narrative. An example of the writing:
"None of us said it, but the real reason we were there was because we couldn't bear to be alone.
Colby flipped through channels, settling on an old John Wayne movie on TMC and the three of us sat together all night, knowing full well that although one night stole away our peace, it'd take a lot more to bring it back - if that was even possible."
February 9, 2017
Wow. This book.
This author drew me in with her New Beginnings Series. After reading the last book, I was definitely left waiting for her next release. I just didn't know when or what the book would be about. I only knew more than likely I would like it. And I was right. I loved it!
This book was just so good.
The heroine, Callie feels somewhat disconnected from everyone and at a crossroads. Her best friend is leaving, she's starting her senior year, and she really doesn't know what she wants to do with her life.
Then we have Jamie. I loved Jamie. He's carefree with a side of cockiness. But there's more to his character that meets the eye. He holds secrets that shape who he is as a person.
The trials and tribulations these characters go through will have you flipping the pages. I smiled, I cried, and I cried some more. And when the book ended, I was left with a book hangover but wanting more. Seriously. I need book two like yesterday.
Rumor has it; the wait will not be long. I'll be patient because I know I’ll be rewarded with another great read. Michelle's flawless writing style and her ability to produce wholehearted stories are worth the wait.
This author drew me in with her New Beginnings Series. After reading the last book, I was definitely left waiting for her next release. I just didn't know when or what the book would be about. I only knew more than likely I would like it. And I was right. I loved it!
This book was just so good.
The heroine, Callie feels somewhat disconnected from everyone and at a crossroads. Her best friend is leaving, she's starting her senior year, and she really doesn't know what she wants to do with her life.
Then we have Jamie. I loved Jamie. He's carefree with a side of cockiness. But there's more to his character that meets the eye. He holds secrets that shape who he is as a person.
The trials and tribulations these characters go through will have you flipping the pages. I smiled, I cried, and I cried some more. And when the book ended, I was left with a book hangover but wanting more. Seriously. I need book two like yesterday.
Rumor has it; the wait will not be long. I'll be patient because I know I’ll be rewarded with another great read. Michelle's flawless writing style and her ability to produce wholehearted stories are worth the wait.
December 3, 2017
I loved these characters so much. I actually wish this book was longer because I felt like we didn't get to delve far enough into the Matthew storyline and there was so much there. I heart Jaime and Callie and Colby and Jay and all of them. the second book is already on my Kindle.
July 19, 2019
M. Lynn’s books may be in the romance genre but that is very misleading. They are really closer to literary fiction. She often takes on weighty subjects masked in entertaining, heart-moving stories. This series is no exception! In this first book she tackles child abuse, peer pressure, and school shootings! I couldn’t put this one down, and immediately upon finishing, I HAD to read book two. Don’t miss this series, no matter your preferred genre!
Callie and her twin Colby are starting their senior year of high school. They couldn’t be more different. They lost their mother when they were twelve, so they had a great and loving childhood until then. Both twins love their Aunt Kat, who took over their raising, but the twins lives took different paths when their mother died.
Colby is friendly, outgoing and popular. Callie withdrew and has retained only one true friend for most of her life. Now that friend is going off to college and she feels more isolated than ever. Her best friend’s younger brother, Jamie, is her brother’s best friend. But Callie and Jamie seem to do nothing but clash. So, Callie is surprised when Jamie proposes they help each other have an epic senior year. Everyone close to her except Callie herself recognizes that Jamie has had a crush on Callie for years.
Will the two discover each other? When tragedy strikes their high school, how will the students survive? Can two broken people build a life together?
Callie and her twin Colby are starting their senior year of high school. They couldn’t be more different. They lost their mother when they were twelve, so they had a great and loving childhood until then. Both twins love their Aunt Kat, who took over their raising, but the twins lives took different paths when their mother died.
Colby is friendly, outgoing and popular. Callie withdrew and has retained only one true friend for most of her life. Now that friend is going off to college and she feels more isolated than ever. Her best friend’s younger brother, Jamie, is her brother’s best friend. But Callie and Jamie seem to do nothing but clash. So, Callie is surprised when Jamie proposes they help each other have an epic senior year. Everyone close to her except Callie herself recognizes that Jamie has had a crush on Callie for years.
Will the two discover each other? When tragedy strikes their high school, how will the students survive? Can two broken people build a life together?
August 22, 2019
Prepare yourself for a ping pong game of emotions. A reluctance & denial of feelings. And a storyline that shows two people who have their own personal fights against the norm and life. They are both trying to find their place in the world, each having only one best friend, that are an important part of their lives and mean the world to them. But When the lines blur, will their best friends bale? M.Lynn who I normally read as a fantasy writer, has proven she can transfer her never ending distinguished writing ability to another genre flawlessly. This is no fantasy, this is real life. Real life situations, real life problems and real life doubts and insecurities. Michelle McQueen also touched on a sensitive and somewhat hidden abuse, which was both heartbreaking but approached and handled with a sensitive pen. This added another layer of understanding to one of the characters. These two characters end up as life buoys clinging and breathing life into each other. It’s a memorising read, and a storyline that won’t be forgotten. The ending was absolutely “ BRILLIANT” and I can’t wait to join in and watch the fireworks in the next book. Be aware though this book requires tissues. The intensity of emotions overwhelmed me at times. This author is an extraordinary superb writer and Is now on my top author list.
July 14, 2019
We Thought We Were Invincible by Michelle MacQueen is a contemporary, enemies to lovers, young adult romance told in first person dual POV.
Callie is a high school senior with a twin brother, Colby. Unlike her popular, jock brother, she is a loner who likes to surf. Her best friend Jay has just gone away to college leaving Callie, Colby, and his brother Jamie behind. The two sets of siblings have grown up together - Jamie and Colby are also best friends.
Despite sharing a love for surfing, Callie and Jamie have spent most of their time arguing over the years. They decide to call a truce for their senior year promising to make it epic. As they spend time together they learn a lot about each other, secrets are revealed, feelings develop, and they begin to date in secret. They also experience a tragic, life-altering event that has far-reaching effects.
This story was such a page-turner! I read it in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed the ride. The characters were well-developed and likeable with realistic flaws. Some very difficult subject matter is explored, and the author handled it with sensitivity and respect. Full of depth, emotion, and heartbreaking twists - I can't wait to read the sequel.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
Callie is a high school senior with a twin brother, Colby. Unlike her popular, jock brother, she is a loner who likes to surf. Her best friend Jay has just gone away to college leaving Callie, Colby, and his brother Jamie behind. The two sets of siblings have grown up together - Jamie and Colby are also best friends.
Despite sharing a love for surfing, Callie and Jamie have spent most of their time arguing over the years. They decide to call a truce for their senior year promising to make it epic. As they spend time together they learn a lot about each other, secrets are revealed, feelings develop, and they begin to date in secret. They also experience a tragic, life-altering event that has far-reaching effects.
This story was such a page-turner! I read it in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed the ride. The characters were well-developed and likeable with realistic flaws. Some very difficult subject matter is explored, and the author handled it with sensitivity and respect. Full of depth, emotion, and heartbreaking twists - I can't wait to read the sequel.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
May 18, 2020
This one I just couldn't fully get into. I wanted to love it, but the story seemed to lack a plot direction. of course, slice of life is a legitimate genre, but it still needed to go somewhere besides just family drama and coming of age. There were some moments sprinkled in that were decent and most of the characters were likable, but from a writing perspective, it seemed largely oversaturated with too many potential plot directions. Any one of the twists could have made for a better story on its own, but heaping everything together felt like the author might have just been trying too hard to pull on too many different heartstrings at once. The result was a cacophonous blend of too many good ideas. Solid attempt though, and I did enjoy a bit of the romance - the scenes that had enough building up to them, that is. Some of the romantic moments lacked context to make them meaningful to the reader in my opinion. I did enjoy other work by this author though, so I'm sure it's just this particular story that fell a little flat.
July 16, 2019
This book was just WOW. The main characters Callie and Jamie seemingly had nothing in common and couldn't stand each other, until Callie bothered to get to know her best friend Jay's brother, Jamie. Although it may sound like just another contemporary young adult romance, it's not! There's so much more to this book than simple high school romance. It's hard to explain without spoiling anything, but let's just say things can happen to completely turn a teen's world around and there's nothing they can do but hold on. The book also talks about family issues, growing up, and making hard choices. Overall, a very well written book with lovable characters.
December 14, 2019
The author's understanding of the teenage mind is astounding as she presents Callie McCoy and her eclectic group of friends during their last few years at their small town Florida high school. Those last few years as irresponsible young adults soon disappear as reality shatters their sheltered lives. This narrative shows the events that ultimately help shape the adults Callie and her friends would soon become. I was mesmerized by this intriguing story and captivated and amazed by the strength and resilience of the characters playing a major role in this tale. I can't wait to see if Callie and Jamie will finally get their happily ever after. Really Deserves Five Big Fat Stars!!!!!
July 27, 2019
I thought this book would take some different turns than it did, but the ending certainly did not disappoint me. I loved this book. It had a pretty even flow, a variety of characters, Callie was extremely relatable, and it was very REAL. Actually, I just realized how it reminds me of a novel I’ve been working on, and it made me like it even more.
This is a great read for high schoolers and maybe mature middle schoolers. I definitely recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is a great read for high schoolers and maybe mature middle schoolers. I definitely recommend!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2019
I wanted to cry. This was a beautiful story. I felt for Callie and Jamie. I would say this is a feel good story. It's more about things that happen in life. The things that can break you and the things that can heal you. I love the ending because it left room for more; more of Jamie and Callie. I hope they get their happy ending. Maybe it won't be pretty, but hopefully it will be an ending they deserve.
September 15, 2019
He is my brother best friend and such a pain. She hates him and she wishes he was not around. He has always loved her but she is his best friend sister. It is not allowed but he will do anything to prove to her he is the one for him. Will he be able to? Will she admit she likes him even a little? could it even work? See how they get on
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 7, 2020
This book broke my heart so many times, but had such sweet moments! I loved Calli, Jaimie, and all the supporting characters! There’s an interesting twist at the end and I hope it’s what I think it is 😍!
Thank you to the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2019
2 AM and crying. This book is addictive and heartbreaking and I need book 2 to fix me, I hope.
(When the book keeps me up this late you don't get coherent reviews.)
(When the book keeps me up this late you don't get coherent reviews.)
August 3, 2020
The book was pretty good. I did not appreciate the fact that the author was talking about a certain political party in the book so I gave it two stars.
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