Common Ground: Kayla and Taylor's Story

Under Ground

by Alice Rachel

When Taylor Jones moved into the neighborhood, he didn't expect to fall for the feisty girl next door. His life was already complicated enough as it was. Between his difficult relationship with his father and his sister's wedding lurking on the horizon, Taylor had a lot on his mind. But his attraction to Kayla wasn't something he could resist, no matter the consequences.
​
Karen Jones had no desire to marry the man who had forced his way into her life. She had always liked girls, and pretending to be straight was never an option. But Jeff wasn't about to ignore his bruised ego and let her go that easily.
​
Kayla Haynes refused to fall for the handsome man next door. Her previous relationship had been a disaster, and she was done catering to men's needs. But soon, falling for Taylor would be the least of her concerns.

352 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2017

About the author

UNDER GROUND Series Recommended Reading Order:

1 - UNDER GROUND - BOOK 1
2 - LOSING GROUND: A Stephen Richards Novella
3- STANDING GROUND - BOOK 2
4 - HOLDING GROUND: A Stephen Richards Novella 2
5 - COMMON GROUND: Kayla and Taylor's Story
6 - SHIFTING GROUND: A Short Story Collection
7 - DANGEROUS GROUND: Tina and Chase's Story (Out in October 2018)
8- BREAKING GROUND - BOOK 3 (Out in 2019)

Social Media Links:
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Reviews

[Alice Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Taylor Jones moved into the neighborhood, he didn't expect to fall for the feisty girl next door. His life was already complicated enough as it was. Between his difficult relationship with his father and his sister's wedding lurking on the horizon, Taylor had a lot on his mind. But his attraction to Kayla wasn't something he could resist, no matter the consequences.
​
Karen Jones had no desire to marry the man who had forced his way into her life. She had always liked girls, and pretending to be straight was never an option. But Jeff wasn't about to ignore his bruised ego and let her go that easily.
​
Kayla Haynes refused to fall for the handsome man next door. Her previous relationship had been a disaster, and she was done catering to men's needs. But soon, falling for Taylor would be the least of her concerns.

[Maria Vickers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hiding your true self from family, the government, and almost everyone you know. Falling for someone you didn't expect. Finding strength and fighting for what you want. This book has it all and more. It's a must read and will drag you in. Alice Rachel has a way of weaving her words and stories that keep you engrossed. It's hard to put the book down. 4.5 stars and I recommend that you one click this book today! It will leave your head spinning.

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

So pleased to have won this book in a recent Goodreads First Reads giveaway.

I'm surprised as to how much i enjoyed this book, as it isn't a book that i would normally have gone for. It's the first time that i have read any books by this author and hope to read more. Recommended.

[Kandis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Common Ground : Kayla and Taylor’s Story by Alice Rachel is an amazing read! I love how everything I have read by Alice Rachel is not only entertaining but truly thought provoking. I love that I find social terminology that I have to stop and google (Yes I live in a box lol). Her writing inspires me to reach for my dreams and truly be myself. I love Kayla! She won’t apologize for her past or what she believes in. I love love love this series and this book is perfect! I feel so empowered from reading this! This is definitely a 5 Star Read!

[Misty Ziegler · Rating 4 out of 5]

****4 stars****
Common Ground: Kayla and Taylor’s Story by Alice Rachel

Common Ground is another nice installment to the Under Ground series of novels and novellas. I give Alice Rachel’s take on Kayla and Taylor’s story 4 stars. I enjoy getting to know the characters of this series better, especially like with this story showing why Kayla and Taylor chose to join the Underground resistance group. The connection that Taylor and Kayla had was shown very well in this story, as well as the losses and tragedies they both endured that led them to want justice and to seek strength in one another as well as with the help of other people in the Underground.

This story is a good addition to this dystopian series, however it’s not one of my favorites. I don’t know whether I’m starting to actually burn out on this whole long drawn out series or if I just didn’t connect as well to Kayla and Taylor. Each time I see a new item is released from the series I tell myself it’s all coming together now, then I get a few chapters in and think maybe I’m tired of this thing dragging out so slow. Alice Rachel’s writing sucks me back in though, with the social issues she intertwines in every story line. I’m a huge dystopian novel fan and enjoy seeing how each different character has so many differences, but also similarities. The writing was smooth and the characters were well developed as always. I definitely know that I will be here for whatever Alice Rachel decides to give us next.

[Robin Rankin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Common Ground by Alice Rachel was a good book but I had a hard time reading it. Some of the things Taylor and Kayla dealt with are things that could be our future if we aren't careful and that scared me to be honest. I don't if that is what Ms. Rachel was to say with this book or not but that is what I took from it. I don't want to get political but the way women, minorities, the poor and homosexuals were treated in this book was horrible and I'm afraid of it becoming a reality. I loved that they fought for what they believed in.

Kayla and Taylor meet by chance but their relationship takes them to places they never could have imagined when that first day. There is so much pain and unhappiness for both Kayla and Taylor, but they also find love with one another. Love is love and that is all that really matters.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Common Ground was an intense story about Taylor and Kayla becoming a part of the rebel group the Underground in addition it had the story of Morgan and Karen two women who were also affected by the government's prejudices. This book would be best read after the other books such as Under Ground and Standing Ground to better appreciate it plus all the cameos were wonderful :). It was really nice to learn about the characters and how the laws came into being and how everyone was affected by them and not just the ones who got killed on the spot. What I love about Alice Rachel's writing is that she can convey emotion and thoughts with so many characters and make you fall in love with the ones you are supposed to fall in love with and thoroughly hate the ones you are supposed to hate. Sad part is though this dystopian could potentially happen. 5 out of 5 stars because of these points

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again a captivating, heartbreaking, disturbing dystopian YA story that made me think long and hard about conventions and laws and where this world is going. I fell in love with Taylor and Kayla, I can't wait to read more about Morgan, my heart went out to the victims (prepare to cry. A lot!) and I was so happy for the good things happening... but that last sentence? That made me afraid. Very afraid. So: Give me more!

[Stacey Schneller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Alice. I am so thankful that I was able to read this. I absoulty loved how we got to read about Kayla and Taylor again. Kayla was my favorite in this story. I enjoyed getting to know these two more and watch them fall in love.

Alice just does an Awsome job with her writting and I felt very close to Kayla and there world. I can't wait to see what happens next in this seriers. So much goodness in this story I want more.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Alice Rachel for sending me a copy. :)

The beginning was like a bomb which has instantly got my full attention. Though the I-have-to-fight-back attitude is something that I have expected from the characters, their courage and willingness to fight still never failed to amaze me. Perhaps these character’s conviction and how they fight for the things that matters are the main reason why I love this book. But there’s also a voice in my head that pushes me to admit the real reason why I love Common Ground, and that is because of the main characters, Taylor and Kayla. Their love is just incomparable. Kayla and Taylor’s story has deeply changed how I look at them. Before I look at them as a couple, now I look at them as if they symbolize something-courage, love and faithfulness. These characters were beautifully written that I can’t help but fall in love with them.
The pacing was great. The plot was amazing.
I highly recommend this book. This book deserves to be read by readers all over the world!!!
Oh, and I couldn’t believe I waited this long to start reading this book. It’s amazzzzzingg!!! 4/5 stars! Go read it!

[Jenny (ofproseandspells) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Common Ground by Alice Rachel is a prequel that can be read before the rest of the series, Under Ground. The story focused on the backstory of the two main characters Taylor Jones and Kayla Haynes before they decided to join the rebellion. It let us understand and know more about the characters and what their lives were before.

To be honest, I find it hard to review this book without giving too many details or spoilers. The plot is set in a dystopian society where New York State is divided into three classes: the upper, the middle, and the lower class. The resources and laws that people will get and need to abide are based on their status. The readers also had the witness some of the issues in Taylor and Kayla's society which we are even now facing such as the problems of equality, sexuality, and racism. The way the author built such a clear, oppressive world made me think how cruel it would be if this happened to us. One thing I know is I do not want to live in this kind of world.

However, I think this book is more of a romantic one. It is so cute to witness two people falling in love despite the cruel society they are in. The love between Taylor and Kayla is sweet and real. I like how Taylor and Kayla's faced both happy and dark moments of their lives supporting each other.

As for the two main characters, they are strong, independent people with kind hearts. They are well-developed and interesting in some ways. Although the two main characters have gone through heartbreaks and tragedies, they both remained true to themselves and this just rekindles their determination to be the catalysts for change.

Overall, Common Ground is a fast-paced, romantic book set in a dystopian society. I give this book 4 stars!

Thank you, Alice Rachel, for providing me an ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Common Ground tells the story of two characters from the Under Ground series Kayla and Taylor. In Common Ground we find out more about who they are and what made them the way they are now. It tells of their lives before they joined the Under Ground and the story of how they met.

Tayor moves across the street from Kayla and when she gets her first look at him and sees how handsome he is just swears up and down that she will not fall in love with him. Kayla has had her fill of men as the last guy she dated was a duce bag.

Tayor is a very great guy with a big heart. Taylor’s sister Karen is being forced by their father to marry this guy but Karen is not into guys no she likes girls. Things turn bad when the man she is to marry won’t take no for an answer. Karen moves in with Taylor and meets a nice young girl, Morgan who is Kayla’s best friend.

In Taylor and Karen’s world women have no rights. They are not allowed to own property or have a career of any kind. Women have to stay home and the man takes care of her and run their lives. It is against the law for girls to like girls or boys to like boys.

Common Ground is not the first book in the Under Ground series that I have read. I fell in love with all the characters and world of the Under Ground in the first book Under Ground. I the love the world that the author has created for the Under Ground series although I do get so upset with how the women are treated and how lesbians and gays are treated. Everyone should have the right to love who they love. No one can help who they love. This world is amazing and so very intriguing.

Common Ground will grab you from the first and pull you until you are lost in its world. The characters will pull at your heart strings. It will keep you coming back for more. As I have said before I love this series and will keep coming back for more every chance I get. This is one series that would make a great movie.

I highly recommend Common Ground to all fans of the dystopia genre.

[Fran Zoch, LSoR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the Prequel for the Underground series and is about Taylor and Kayla , these two are neighbors and she did not want to fall for him but we all know life never goes as planned, Kayla has had a bad run when it come to relationships and being with Taylor has changed that.

Then we have Karen who is gay but has to hide the fact and her father has a man lined up for her to marry and she doesn't want that at all, the bad thing is her fiancee is not gonna take no for an answer

[Bookablereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Addictive. Intriguing scenes. Page turner. Unexpected plot twist. Feel good and cute romance are the words to describe Common Ground. 

For the benefit of others, Common Ground, is a standalone and prequel in the Under Ground series.  It is about the story of Taylor and Kayla. Where  it talks about how they met, how they cope up from the tragedies that they have encountered and how the author well describe the society that they live. It also talks about a little background from the different characters that you will see in the other books. 

Upon reading it, it makes me furious, happy, and to be contented. 

Furious. Furious how ugly their government is. I hate why does the government allow that they have lower and upper class. That the lower class are not allowed to certain privileges while the other class have all the privileges. 

Happy. Happy that even though Kayla is in the upper class they do not forget to help people. People that do not have the capacity to have the necessary things that they need like enough food and enough money to provide their everyday living. I'm also happy that she accept Morgan and Karen and doesn't judge them no matter what their preferences is.  

Contented. Contented and thankful for what the things I have now. That I have enough money to eat three times or more for a day. That I have a sturdy shelter to come home not like the people Kayla's family are helping.

What I love from the characters are no matter what their status are, they don't use it for bad but they used it as an instrument to help people who can't afford things they can afford. They also are a strong characters. That no matter what happens they will still stand up and fight for what is wrong and right.

The author's writing style is incredible. Incredible in a way that you don't notice that you are reading a prequel. All along I thought I was reading the first book in the series but no. And that is awesome because if you enjoyed and find the prequel freaking good, how much more if you are reading the actual or first book. Alice describe well what really happens to today's society. That lots of people were in favor for being a gay or lesbians and some are still not in favor of them. 

If you are looking for some feel good and fast paced story. I highly recommend you to read Common Ground. 

I received a paperback copy from the author in exchange of my honest review. With this, my thoughts and opinion will not affect my review in any way.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Common Ground: Kayla and Taylor's Story by Alice Rachel is part of her Underground series. This is a series that can be read as a standalone but you will get to see characters from other books in this series in each story. One of the things I love most about this author is that she creates stories that are in different perspectives of the characters. I love how she can pull me into this underground world of different laws and where status makes a difference. Her characters are creative, connectable and true to life. They will take you on a roller coaster ride of various emotions from laughter to anger. In this installment of her Underground series is Kayla and Taylor's story. Taylor and Kayla are neighbors that never expected to fall for each other. Taylor's life is all that easy for him. His sister is about to get married. Kayla has not had the best of relationships in the past, she was determined to not fall in love with Taylor. She was done putting up with men's stuff but when other forces step in will she have more to be concerned about then falling in love? Then you have Karen, Taylor's sister who doesn't want to get married to the man her father chose for her. Her problem is that she is more attracted to women then men. What will happen when her fiance is determined to marry her no matter what? There is three stories going on in one with this book. They are all linked together in one or another and each of their lives have other forces that could change them. These are some strong characters, they are feisty and they are not afraid to break rules. They bring attraction, passion and heat to this story. I loved that we get to see what their lives where life before we met them in other books. They will pull at your heart strings but you won't want to put this story down. I couldn't put this book down and read from beginning to end in one sitting. I highly recommend this book as I know you will want to see what Taylor and Kayla's story is. You don't want to miss this one!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice Rachel created another five plus star read with this prequel to the Under Ground series. In Common Ground we get a backdrop so to speak of for what is coming in the Under Ground series that follows this. While this is a prequel and can be read as a stand-alone I would not recommend it. Alice Rachel has such a vivid dystopian world that is described down to every last detail, she leaves nothing out, that it would be a shame to read them out of order. I must say, and usually do when I read and review Alice Rachel’s books that I never read Dystopian. I was never a fan and could not get into it, until I picked up one of the novellas in the Under Ground series. If you could really imagine the worst-case scenario happening in our world today, the worst of the worst because we didn’t have the fight or the money, or power, or balance of law, which is questionable at best lately, this is the world that Alice Rachel has created. Common Ground tells the story of how the resistance or two of the big leaders in the resistance came be not only together in love, but together in the fight for humanity. It was really neat to read about how Taylor and Kayla got to where they are in Under Ground. It is so hard to describe much more of the books actual details without giving away too much so I will leave it with this. These two should not be together. Nor should the ones they care about. This is bound to be a breeding ground for a good story. Just don’t get too swept away to miss the fact that some of these things you are reading are happening right now, in your neighborhood, in your schools, in your government. Alice Rachel’s work is a powerful statement and one hell of a ride to follow and read. I cannot wait to see what is to come next in the world she has created, especially with a closing paragraph like the one at the end of this!

[Nica · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a free copy in exchange of an honest review.*

Common Ground is a prequel to Under Ground. In this book, readers will get to know Kayla and Taylor before they joined the rebellion.

Kayla has been one of my faves when I started reading the series. She's a strong girl and she knows how to take care of herself but reading this book made me admire her more. She's a badass! And Taylor. Oh. My. God. I loved getting to know him in this book. I was able to see the soft side of this stern leader. He's such a caring brother. I also got to see how he was broken.

Seriously, the characters in this series have heartbreaking pasts :(

There are also a few times when a character would show up and I stopped reading to ask myself, "Is this _____". It was kind of fun because I felt like I know most of the characters by heart.

While reading this, I was also furious about how their government works. We get to know more about the Deviant Act, as well as how unfair the rules are for all females. Why aren't they allowed to have their own property? Also, why can't girls wear the clothes they want if it seems a little revealing? The problem is not in the girls' clothes but  in the guys' minds. *sigh* I also got to see how the characters get discriminated because of their skin color. 

I also thought that the book would only make me angry with all the unfairness in the law. But it also broke my heart a few times.

I don't want to end my review in a sad note. So, I'd like to say that Kaylor is another favorite OTP of mine. (aside from Tylia *wink*). I like the banters and the sassiness between Kayla and Taylor.

This book was such an enjoyable read!

[Tracy Antonelli Manderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Common Ground: Kayla and Taylor's Story by Alice Rachel
5 out of 5 stars
Ms. Rachel’s has not disappointed me with her stories in the Under Ground Series and I think I’ve read all of the Under Ground books. I simply love her work. She has this unique way of telling her story that has you stepping into her world and the characters are well developed.
Taylor Jones moves into a new neighborhood, he didn't expect to fall for the feisty girl next door Kayla. His life was already complicated enough as it was. Between his difficult relationship with his father and his sister's wedding lurking on the horizon, Taylor had a lot on his mind. But his attraction to Kayla wasn't something he could resist, no matter the consequences.
Karen Jones has no desire to marry the man who had forced his way into her life. She had always liked girls, and pretending to be straight was never an option. But Jeff wasn't about to ignore his bruised ego and let her go that easily.
What happens when she is forced to marry because of social standing and not love?
Kayla Haynes refused to fall for the handsome new man next door. Her previous relationship had been a disaster, and she was done catering to men's needs. But soon, falling for Taylor would be the least of her concerns

I highly recommend this story/series and you need to read them in-order to get the full effect of the series and get to know all the characters… I just simply love these characters and story line. I can’t get enough of this series….
By
Tracy Manderson

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Common Ground by Alice Rachel is a very different but enjoyable read. I really like the genre, how it had more of a post apocalyptic feeling. The story is great, I was never bored and was always on the edge waiting for what was to come next.

This book is romantic, following the love between Taylor and Kayla, but also has some very dark sad moments. At this day in age, being gay is unacceptable, there are rules for procreating, and all rules are different between the lower class and the high class. The different classes are not equal; the lower class does not get as many privileges as the upper class does. There are also racial issues that have resurfaced.

I can’t say too much without giving anything away. The love between Taylor and Kayla is so sweet, and I love that Kayla is a darker skinned female and that Taylor is so in love with her. Kayla is wary of Taylor at first but slowly grows to love him as well. Kayla, her sister Rosie and her parents visit the “slums” to deliver milk and some hard to come by items that the lower class can’t acquire. I liked that most of the upper class citizens are expected to act a certain way but Kayla’s family refuses to conform and they are against all of the ridiculous laws being put into place.

When some terrible events occur that rip not only Taylor’s world but also Kayla’s to pieces, they are ready to join an underground group whose purpose is to rebel and fight against the government. Overall this was a 5 star read for me and I really can’t wait to see where the next book takes our two main characters.

[Germs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Common Ground is a prequel in the Under Ground series by Alice Rachel. Because it is a prequel it can be read as a stand alone. The Underground series takes place in a dystopian society. This series is addicting and Common Ground will reel you in for sure. This series and this book are so original and things don’t happen as you would expect. This book keeps you guessing and intrigued about what’s to come. The author’s writing style is great and every character introduced is inventive but still keeps you guessing at who can and cannot be trusted. The author does a great job of describing the dystopian society where the series takes place.

Common Ground is the story of Taylor and Kayla, how they meet and an introduction to what the country has become. Having read other books in the series it was good to be able to see where Taylor and Kayla’s story started. The author does a great job setting the backstory for each character, showing us the tragedies and obstacles they have faced and what motivated and brought them to the position they hold in the Under Ground. Taylor and Kayla have chemistry from the moment they see each other, Kayla is definitely one of my favorite characters in the series. I found myself rooting for them and anticipating the next event that would be taking place in their uprising.

Common Ground was a fast paced story I didn’t want to stop reading. The Under Ground series is addicting and I was happy to have this story of Taylor and Kayla included.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Common Ground: Kayla and Taylor’s Story by Alice Rachel is part of her Underground series and you should really read them in an order. I know, it might be a bit confusing having had read the main first book and then reading the novella but in some ways it makes total sense! All these novellas/short stories that Alice is gracing us with give deeper insight into her dystopian world and helps you to understand some of the characters’ motivation and background better.
As the title says, this is the story of Kayla and Taylor who we know are leaders of the Resistance from reading the first book. I loved to learn about how they first met and how they built the trust between them and how experience of loss cemented their relationship further. Apart from Kayla and Taylor we learn more also about other characters we have come across the series …
This novella is another amazing example of the chilling world that the writer has created, it leaves us feeling disturbed especially considering the political environment we are living in! I was telling to a stranger today about the-forced-sterilization-of-lower-classes-law and permission-to-kill-the-homosexuals-at-sight law and she was blown away … is that the future awaiting for us? Keep writing Ms Rachel!

[Kaitlynn Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Common Ground- Alice Rachel

5 star review

Common Ground by Alice Rachel is a phenomenal read! A definite 5 star book! Common Ground is part of the Under Ground series and it follows Kayla and Taylor. While there are many books in this series this is the first that I have read and it sure made a lasting impression. While it was easy enough to read as a standalone I would suggest reading them in order to get the full picture.

Right from the beginning I was completely intrigued by Kayla and Taylor, so much so, I couldn’t put it down until it was finished. This story is 100% original and truly unique. It’s a mind-blowing story with never a dull moment. It’s chaotic, surprising, heart breaking and so unforgettable! It’s so twisted and filled with so many unexpected moments that will leave you shocked.

Kayla was a phenomenal main character, she’s stubborn, opinionated, sarcastic and witty constantly wanting to challenge everyone. And Taylor was incredible, he was a strong man with a caring attitude and such a good leader. I absolutely loved this story and would recommend it to others. I’ll be diving into the rest of the series ASAP. Alice Rachel provided a must read story that’s not to be missed!!

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

What another great short story from Alice Rachel! Common Ground is a part of her Underground series, which I am so happy that I took a chance on this series because each book has been better than the last. Common Ground is about Kayla and Taylor, and how the perceptions of those we meet and fall in love with may get in the way of our emotions. Kayla has always liked girls and so falling for a man was never in her sights, especially with her past experiences of dating men, but it seems like Taylor is different from day one, and those differences make him unforgettable. Taylor didn’t think twice when he fell for Kayla, and he wasn’t going to let life or the past get in the way of his feelings. What I love so much about Rachel’s writing is that each story is short, so falling into them isn’t hard; and that each story is so different so it’s near impossible to get in a funk with her writing. Because each story is different they can be read as standalones, but after reading all of the books to date I would recommend reading them in order (which is posted on goodreads) so that all the pieces fall into place like Rachel intended for them to.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Common Ground: Kayla and Taylor's Story
Author: Alice Rachel
FIVE STARS
This story is by far my favorite so far of the many books in this series by Alice Rachel. The depths that she go to to describe and explain how Taylor and Kayla came to be part of the Underground. Taylor and Kayla have been a mystery so far up to this point and oh my gosh how Alice Rachel has opened my eyes as to the reasons Taylor and Kayla are so passionate about everything in the previous books.
Alice Rachel is very good at describing emotions and detail about all aspects in these books. Good read and this contains the stories of both Kayla and Taylor and how they met and came to be a couple. Their journies through their lives and the things they endured in their households. I am in love with Kayla and Taylor as individuals and as a couple and find that they are a perfect couple. It is hard to get into much discussion in a review of one of Alice Rachels short storys because they are to intensely focus on that person and the events that lead up to "why" they are the way they are.
Kelli Harper

[Natalie Hanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Common Ground by Alice Rachel tells us more of the backstory of Taylor and Kayla, prominent characters in the first Under Ground novel. Taylor and Kayla first appeared to us in Under Ground as leaders of the Resistance and it was fascinating to see what led them to this. This story is a prequel to Under Ground and as such has similar themes weaved through the narrative.
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters better and finding out what had made them join the resistance, and what their lives had been like before that. I enjoyed watching them fall in love and it introduced another couple of minor characters from the series, namely Morgan- Kayla’s best friend, and Chase – Taylor’s 2nd in command, who I imagine will have novellas of their own too. Can’t wait!
This book took me deeper into Alice Rachel’s world and was a welcome addition to the series. I finished it with a lot more empathy for what had been minor characters and when I started the next book I had more of a connection with Taylor and Kayla. Fab book for fans of dystopian fiction. Bring on the next one!

[Gail Guerrero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Common Ground by Alice Rachel

Four Star

What if one day we wake up and the world wasn’t the same? You wake up and realize you can no longer do what you want or be who you truly are. Or you wake up and you already know that this is as far as you go. That no matter how hard you work your dreams don’t matter. This book made me really sad. To think that after we have moved so far ahead we end up right back where we started. Women with no rights, Gay's hiding from the world and men calling all the shots. Your daughters married off for status and the poor treated as if they’re scum under your boots. This book made you think about all the advantage we have now and how people fought to be free. The author did really well with how she presented her characters. There was too much tragedy for me. I don’t think Kayla should’ve had to go through her heartache to understand or join the cause. Taylor was hot and so mysterious. His character had you constantly guessing on what he would do next or how he would respond. A very interesting read.

[Kerry Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Common Ground by Alice Rachel is another great addition to the fantastic underground series. This book is a prequel to the main series and helps to provide the background on one of the favourite couples in the books.

Taylor is someone we are used to seeing as the leader of the rebellion, the person always in charge that the others turn to. In this book we get to see him take the journey as he falls in love when he least expects it. Moving into a new neighbourhood, with his sister about to get married, he certainly had other things on his mind.

Kayla doesn’t want anything to do with the new handsome stranger who has just moved in. With difficult relationships in the past she doesn’t want to go through the same again.

I loved this couple in the other books so I was excited to get to read more of their story. A great telling that had me excited from the beginning I loved the way the author weaves the storylines together throughout this book while also remaining true to the series as a whole. Another brilliant book that I’m glad was written.

[Sunday · Rating 4 out of 5]

Common Ground by Alice Rachel
Four Stars

Common Ground is the prequel in the Under Ground Series by Alice Rachel. This YA / Dystopian romance is written in the first person POV. I love the detail Ms Rachel gives to the characters and the descriptions of the society are crucial to understanding the story. This story can be read as a stand alone because it is a prequel but I believe you get a better view if you read them in the order the author has provided. I have read quite a few of the short stories in this series before I read this book, and now understand some of the things that happened in them that I didn't at the time. This story is about Taylor And Kayla, about how they met and how this society became the way it is. I love how Ms. Rachel gives each character their voice with the short stories. This was another installment I just couldn’t put down. I read it in one sitting, make sure you have tissues when you read it. You will need them. I highly recommend this book, series and author.

[Samantha Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Common Ground (Kayla and Taylor’s Story)
By Alice Rachel
4 stars

Common Ground by Alice Rachel is a four-star story, it tells the story of how Kayla and Taylor met, before becoming leaders of the resistance, this is a prequel to the Under Ground series.
Kayla Hayes has no interest in falling for any man again, especially her neighbor Taylor Jones. She has had bad experiences with her previous relationships and doesn’t plan to become a servant to anyone. Taylor Jones just moved next door to the very feisty and strong Kayla, he should be avoiding pursuing anything with her, he has enough drama in his life. Karen his sister is about to get married, but she has always been interested in girls so that kind of throws a wrench into the wedding, Taylor has a very strained relationship with his father, so he should have enough family drama.
Can he stay away from Kayla? Will Kayla give Taylor a chance?
This has great characters and the author does a wonderful job of giving backstory on some of the characters from the Under Ground series.

[Nikki LeClair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a fan of Alice Rachel's stories and I was excited to dive into this story. I knew there would be interesting plot twists, characters that I just loved and characters that I would absolutely loathe. For me, this story started off with a bang. I loved learning how Kayla and Taylor, leaders of the resistance from an earlier book, had come together. I have always liked them and after reading this, I realised they may be my absolute favourite characters in this imaginative, dark world Alice Rachel has created.
We get to see how their choices, their hidden pain brought them together and created a love worth fighting and dying for. Of course, I'm not surprised to see that Alice Rachel created several other new characters that i hope get their own books, even if they are shorts.
In conclusion, I couldn't put this book down, much like the others written by Alice Rachel and i hope we get to see more from her soon.