What do you think?
Rate this book
Tell Me Something Real
“Maybe that’s why when he looks at her, he sees more. Sees everything.” …our fingers fan against one another, eventually threading together, where we grip tightly. “She sees everything, too. In him.” Lincoln Brewer was no stranger to disappointment and heartache. An addict mom, no money, and an autoimmune disease which required far more time and attention than she had, taught Lincoln early on that people like her could only survive—dreams were for other people, the kind to whom the word future meant more than a high school diploma and moving far, far away from the town they had grown up in. Go to school, work, run, repeat. Look for the day she could leave and begin life without the baggage. This was her life. And it was enough. Until him. Ford Slaughter didn’t give a damn about anyone. It was easier that way. Well, had been easier, until it landed him in the middle of a lawsuit/scandal that his parents couldn’t deal with, which then landed him in the middle of Podunk U.S.A., aka Albany, Oregon. Regardless of location, his plan was engage with no one, go to school, and count down the days until he was eighteen and graduated so he could finally be free. What Ford didn’t count on was the girl who literally fell into his lap that first day. He didn’t count on Lincoln Brewer. He didn’t count on falling in love.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2017
136 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Kehoe
15 books150 followersI am the youngest of three daughters and I think this is the reason I enjoy writing about love so much.
I come from a family of high school sweethearts, save myself (thank God), and I have watched how finding love, the real kind, can make a person stronger. My parents have inspired me every day because they found each other at eighteen, got married at nineteen, and never looked back. Now, 35 years later they are still going strong and it makes me realize that love really does aide us in all things.
I write young and new adult books because I think it's the time period in our lives that is the most difficult and I enjoy love stories because we all need hope. Reading about love gives me hope, so I hope my writings about love do the same for any reader who happens to glance at the pages.
I have a daughter, a Great Dane, and a beautiful husband. I love books, coffee, and my family...and shoes. Just saying.
I come from a family of high school sweethearts, save myself (thank God), and I have watched how finding love, the real kind, can make a person stronger. My parents have inspired me every day because they found each other at eighteen, got married at nineteen, and never looked back. Now, 35 years later they are still going strong and it makes me realize that love really does aide us in all things.
I write young and new adult books because I think it's the time period in our lives that is the most difficult and I enjoy love stories because we all need hope. Reading about love gives me hope, so I hope my writings about love do the same for any reader who happens to glance at the pages.
I have a daughter, a Great Dane, and a beautiful husband. I love books, coffee, and my family...and shoes. Just saying.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 3, 2017
*
Read more of my reviews at Whoo Gives A Hoot
*
O-M-F-G! I never realized just how difficult it was going to actually be for me to write this review until I sat down to do it. This story made me feel happy, sad and heartbroken all at the same time - if that even makes sense, which I think it will if you've read this story. Tell Me Something Real was such an emotionally captivating read for me because I have witnessed firsthand the feelings of someone pulling away like Colt did to Lincoln, but fortunately in my experience it wasn't anything like the situation seen in the book. I can't even count on one hand the number of times that I teared up well reading this story, but I can tell you that this is a story worth every single tear.
All of the characters in this story are so relatable to young adults and I think that the author did a phenomenal job with her character development. I felt such a connection with these characters, every single one of them in some way. This was not only a story about Ford and Lincoln, but something so much deeper. This was a story about friendship, family and love. It was about growing up and learning who you are and why things happen the way they do. You know what they say - "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!"
Thank you Kristen Kehoe for writing this story. I think that this is one of those stories that every teen and young adult needs to read because it deals with a lot of issues that teens today are struggling with. I absolutely adored this beautiful read and I cannot wait to see what you come up with next, but can I ask...IS EVIE GETTING A STORY? Please tell me YES!
O-M-F-G! I never realized just how difficult it was going to actually be for me to write this review until I sat down to do it. This story made me feel happy, sad and heartbroken all at the same time - if that even makes sense, which I think it will if you've read this story. Tell Me Something Real was such an emotionally captivating read for me because I have witnessed firsthand the feelings of someone pulling away like Colt did to Lincoln, but fortunately in my experience it wasn't anything like the situation seen in the book. I can't even count on one hand the number of times that I teared up well reading this story, but I can tell you that this is a story worth every single tear.
All of the characters in this story are so relatable to young adults and I think that the author did a phenomenal job with her character development. I felt such a connection with these characters, every single one of them in some way. This was not only a story about Ford and Lincoln, but something so much deeper. This was a story about friendship, family and love. It was about growing up and learning who you are and why things happen the way they do. You know what they say - "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger!"
Thank you Kristen Kehoe for writing this story. I think that this is one of those stories that every teen and young adult needs to read because it deals with a lot of issues that teens today are struggling with. I absolutely adored this beautiful read and I cannot wait to see what you come up with next, but can I ask...IS EVIE GETTING A STORY? Please tell me YES!
June 14, 2017
Tell Me Something Real by Kristen Kehoe is a YA book that reaches out across generations, and shows with raw grit and beauty that each of us has something to learn from one another.
Kehoe creates a storyline based on three main characters that are each fighting their own battles and searching for a peace within themselves.
Ford has been raised with everything he ever wanted at his fingertips, except for what's most important. Love and expectance.
Colt has struggled with not only loss, but with dealing with a lack of guidance and love from the one person who should love him most.
Lincoln battles every day just to live a normal life. She not only has to fight against her own body, but against true poverty and neglect.
Together these three individuals become a unit. A flawed and yet perfect unit of love and support for one another. Even if they don't always see it that way.
Tell Me Something Real is one of those stories that you'll want to share with your friends. It's one of those stories that will strike a cord within your heart and soul. And it's one of those stories you'll carry with you always.
A definite must read for me, and one I'll be recommending to all of my fellow book lovers and friends.
4.5 Stars
Kehoe creates a storyline based on three main characters that are each fighting their own battles and searching for a peace within themselves.
Ford has been raised with everything he ever wanted at his fingertips, except for what's most important. Love and expectance.
Colt has struggled with not only loss, but with dealing with a lack of guidance and love from the one person who should love him most.
Lincoln battles every day just to live a normal life. She not only has to fight against her own body, but against true poverty and neglect.
Together these three individuals become a unit. A flawed and yet perfect unit of love and support for one another. Even if they don't always see it that way.
Tell Me Something Real is one of those stories that you'll want to share with your friends. It's one of those stories that will strike a cord within your heart and soul. And it's one of those stories you'll carry with you always.
A definite must read for me, and one I'll be recommending to all of my fellow book lovers and friends.
4.5 Stars
June 14, 2017
Tell Me Something Real by Kristen Kehoe is such a beautiful story. In fact, it’s one of my top reads this year. This is my first book by this author and believe me it won’t be my last. I look forward to reading more of her books.
This author did a beautiful job showing the struggles three young adults face daily. All these characters have different family issues. Each person faces life obstacles in their own way, trying to get by the best way possible. Some shoulder the problems of others, which helps them see their purpose in life. It’s their way of surviving in a world that hasn’t always treated them fairly.
I loved every single one of these characters. I know Colt suffered from some serious family issues, but I admired his loyalty to Lincoln. Lincoln was my absolute favorite character. She was strong, determined, and beautiful inside and out. Ford happens to be every girls dream. He’s a protector, athletic, smart, and loyal to all his friends and family. He’s the kind of person we all want in our life.
Each character had their issues and this author had a way of making the reader feel their pain. You will want to help them, guide them, and even shake some sense into them. I was surprised by one character, who seemed to have it together as he shouldered his friends troubles. He knew how to give help to others, but wouldn’t place his burdens on his friends. Gosh, I felt his pain. Believe me, you will walk away feeling his struggles. Kehoe addressed these issues delicately, but true. This story needed to be told, but boy my heart shattered for these characters and the struggles they endured. I sure wish I could give this book 10 stars. It’s a true gem.
This author did a beautiful job showing the struggles three young adults face daily. All these characters have different family issues. Each person faces life obstacles in their own way, trying to get by the best way possible. Some shoulder the problems of others, which helps them see their purpose in life. It’s their way of surviving in a world that hasn’t always treated them fairly.
I loved every single one of these characters. I know Colt suffered from some serious family issues, but I admired his loyalty to Lincoln. Lincoln was my absolute favorite character. She was strong, determined, and beautiful inside and out. Ford happens to be every girls dream. He’s a protector, athletic, smart, and loyal to all his friends and family. He’s the kind of person we all want in our life.
Each character had their issues and this author had a way of making the reader feel their pain. You will want to help them, guide them, and even shake some sense into them. I was surprised by one character, who seemed to have it together as he shouldered his friends troubles. He knew how to give help to others, but wouldn’t place his burdens on his friends. Gosh, I felt his pain. Believe me, you will walk away feeling his struggles. Kehoe addressed these issues delicately, but true. This story needed to be told, but boy my heart shattered for these characters and the struggles they endured. I sure wish I could give this book 10 stars. It’s a true gem.
January 21, 2019
"It took one move, one Podunk town-shit, one girl- to realize that we're all just people. Rich, poor, talented,awkward-we're all just people, trying to survive the world that seems hell bent on trying to ruin us before we can find our place."
This story is about Ford, a spoiled rich boy, who is forced to move to the farm and finish off his Senior year living with his grandparents after an accident that embarrassed his dad, and threatened to tarnish his dad's upstanding reputation. Ford is a tough guy, who really doesn't give a shit about anyone or anything, and just wants to get this "punishment" over with. There, he starts off on the wrong foot with his cousin Colt, and Colt's best friend Lincoln. Colt is mad at the world, doesn't really want to let any newcomers into his life, especially not a spoiled rich cousin that he has no desire to get to know. Lincoln is a little more welcoming, she likes to banter back and forth with Ford, and Ford soon realizes she is a little more than meets the eye. Lincoln has type 1 diabetes. She struggles with letting people help her out too much, and she kind of rebels and does things she knows she shouldn't just to prove to people that she is in charge of her own life. Lincoln is poor, and her mom has no desire to take care of her or provide her with the things she needs to stay healthy. You find out that Colt and his grandparents have basically been helping her survive and get the things she needs to keep her health under control. It feels like as Ford and Lincolns relationship blossoms, Colt retreats into himself and distances himself from those around him. The outcome in the store came unexpectedly to me, and it was seriously heartbreaking.
"Pain exists everywhere- zip code and status can't protect people from pain or fear."
I loved watching Lincoln and Ford's love story unfold. They both had stubborn personalities, and when they realized their feelings for each other it was like life stopped. They were exactly what the other needed, and they didn't even realize it. I also enjoyed watching Ford and Colt develop a friendship. It took a while, it took a lot of fists, and it took a lot of name calling, but eventually they became pretty close. Colt was looking for someone that he knew would love Lincoln like he couldn't, someone that would take care of her, and he found that in Ford.
The characters in this book were fantastic. You had the quiet and brooding Ford. You had Lincoln who was stronger than she even knew, and didn't want anyone to think of her as weak. Colt was a little lost, but he was a fierce and loyal friend to those around him. The three of them together had a pretty tight knit friendship. While they didn't always see eye to eye they were there for each other in ways that others around them couldn't even begin to understand.
"Pain like this is life. It's what makes the good parts so great. I hate that balance. Hate that in order for there to be greatness, there has to be sacrifice; in order for there to be light, there has to be dark; in order for there to be love, there has to be hate and destruction."
The end of this book was very hard. Very hard to read, very hard to comprehend. After reading I could see the signs from the very beginning on what was going to happen, but I just didn't realize it as the story was progressing. I was heartbroken, I was mad, I think I went through all the emotions the characters went through. This was a very hard read, but a very fantastic one. I am so glad I came across this book, it was everything I needed to read at this moment.
"You saved me, Lincoln. At a time when I was sinking, you showed me the surface and brought me into a world that's real- one that has both pain and joy, success and suffering, love and hate. Life and death."
Overall, I'm giving this book 5 STARS. I had to. There is no other rating it could have gotten. This was a beautiful story about pain, loss, and love. It was told in a way that made you feel like these characters were your family and friends. I will definitely look into this author and seek out more of her books. Definitely worth the read.
Check out this review and others on my blog!
https://njpennybookreviews.blogspot.com/
This story is about Ford, a spoiled rich boy, who is forced to move to the farm and finish off his Senior year living with his grandparents after an accident that embarrassed his dad, and threatened to tarnish his dad's upstanding reputation. Ford is a tough guy, who really doesn't give a shit about anyone or anything, and just wants to get this "punishment" over with. There, he starts off on the wrong foot with his cousin Colt, and Colt's best friend Lincoln. Colt is mad at the world, doesn't really want to let any newcomers into his life, especially not a spoiled rich cousin that he has no desire to get to know. Lincoln is a little more welcoming, she likes to banter back and forth with Ford, and Ford soon realizes she is a little more than meets the eye. Lincoln has type 1 diabetes. She struggles with letting people help her out too much, and she kind of rebels and does things she knows she shouldn't just to prove to people that she is in charge of her own life. Lincoln is poor, and her mom has no desire to take care of her or provide her with the things she needs to stay healthy. You find out that Colt and his grandparents have basically been helping her survive and get the things she needs to keep her health under control. It feels like as Ford and Lincolns relationship blossoms, Colt retreats into himself and distances himself from those around him. The outcome in the store came unexpectedly to me, and it was seriously heartbreaking.
"Pain exists everywhere- zip code and status can't protect people from pain or fear."
I loved watching Lincoln and Ford's love story unfold. They both had stubborn personalities, and when they realized their feelings for each other it was like life stopped. They were exactly what the other needed, and they didn't even realize it. I also enjoyed watching Ford and Colt develop a friendship. It took a while, it took a lot of fists, and it took a lot of name calling, but eventually they became pretty close. Colt was looking for someone that he knew would love Lincoln like he couldn't, someone that would take care of her, and he found that in Ford.
The characters in this book were fantastic. You had the quiet and brooding Ford. You had Lincoln who was stronger than she even knew, and didn't want anyone to think of her as weak. Colt was a little lost, but he was a fierce and loyal friend to those around him. The three of them together had a pretty tight knit friendship. While they didn't always see eye to eye they were there for each other in ways that others around them couldn't even begin to understand.
"Pain like this is life. It's what makes the good parts so great. I hate that balance. Hate that in order for there to be greatness, there has to be sacrifice; in order for there to be light, there has to be dark; in order for there to be love, there has to be hate and destruction."
The end of this book was very hard. Very hard to read, very hard to comprehend. After reading I could see the signs from the very beginning on what was going to happen, but I just didn't realize it as the story was progressing. I was heartbroken, I was mad, I think I went through all the emotions the characters went through. This was a very hard read, but a very fantastic one. I am so glad I came across this book, it was everything I needed to read at this moment.
"You saved me, Lincoln. At a time when I was sinking, you showed me the surface and brought me into a world that's real- one that has both pain and joy, success and suffering, love and hate. Life and death."
Overall, I'm giving this book 5 STARS. I had to. There is no other rating it could have gotten. This was a beautiful story about pain, loss, and love. It was told in a way that made you feel like these characters were your family and friends. I will definitely look into this author and seek out more of her books. Definitely worth the read.
Check out this review and others on my blog!
https://njpennybookreviews.blogspot.com/
June 27, 2017
5+ Stars
***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.***
This story...
This story is YA at its finest.
It's the real and the sweet, along with the real and the bittersweet and the downright heartbreaking moments.
This story is why I trust Kristen Kehoe as one of those authors who write such real characters that I know I'm going to walk away with a heart swollen with emotions.
This story is about Lincoln and Ford.
It's about Lincoln and Colt.
And it's most definitely about Colt and Ford.
Lincoln and Ford.
Their magnetic chemistry had me from the first page. Every scene they were in I felt the pull pulsating between them. The spoiled rich boy and the girl who can't catch a break in life. Opposites on paper, but their hearts don't care. I loved their banter. I love how Lincoln is the girl we all wish we could be when it comes to her witty lines and how she dishes it right back to anyone who dares to make her feel less than. But still, her vulnerability in those private moments that we get to bear witness to as the reader... perfection.
Then there's Ford.
With the rich boy persona, he could have easily been unlikeable. But he isn't. Not for a second. I love his honesty, his imperfect past and his sweet tenderness. Plus, as we get to see another side to his character (*cough* Clark Kent *cough*), he stole my heart for keeps.
Lincoln and Colt.
I cannot love this relationship anymore- it's physically impossible.
I love the way they love each and protect each other. The way the layers of the story revealed all the reasons for that fierce love and protectiveness --- I knew my heart was in for it. They were truly kindred spirits... the truest form of soulmates that exist in the world. I loved that they found each other and held on to one another.
Colt and Ford.
I won't lie... as much as I love the other two relationships... this one is my favorite in the entire book. Colt and Ford are cousins... estranged cousins but still... cousins. Their relationship comes with the dark and overwhelming shadows of their fathers and the riff that tore them apart. As I read, I had my moments of oh no (for reasons I won't explain because it's better discovered in the story) but I loved the development their relationship took. It made me wince, smile, and gosh it made me feel (and by feel I mean cry my eyes out).
And for days afterward, every time I thought about this book... I thought about Colt and Ford.
As much as it's a love story about Ford and Lincoln, I'll also say it's a life story about Colt and Ford.
And for that, it's definitely one of my top favorite reads of 2017.
Kristen Kehoe,
You've made this fangirl's heart so very full.
Thank you.
***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.***
This story...
This story is YA at its finest.
It's the real and the sweet, along with the real and the bittersweet and the downright heartbreaking moments.
This story is why I trust Kristen Kehoe as one of those authors who write such real characters that I know I'm going to walk away with a heart swollen with emotions.
This story is about Lincoln and Ford.
It's about Lincoln and Colt.
And it's most definitely about Colt and Ford.
Lincoln and Ford.
Their magnetic chemistry had me from the first page. Every scene they were in I felt the pull pulsating between them. The spoiled rich boy and the girl who can't catch a break in life. Opposites on paper, but their hearts don't care. I loved their banter. I love how Lincoln is the girl we all wish we could be when it comes to her witty lines and how she dishes it right back to anyone who dares to make her feel less than. But still, her vulnerability in those private moments that we get to bear witness to as the reader... perfection.
Then there's Ford.
With the rich boy persona, he could have easily been unlikeable. But he isn't. Not for a second. I love his honesty, his imperfect past and his sweet tenderness. Plus, as we get to see another side to his character (*cough* Clark Kent *cough*), he stole my heart for keeps.
Lincoln and Colt.
I cannot love this relationship anymore- it's physically impossible.
I love the way they love each and protect each other. The way the layers of the story revealed all the reasons for that fierce love and protectiveness --- I knew my heart was in for it. They were truly kindred spirits... the truest form of soulmates that exist in the world. I loved that they found each other and held on to one another.
Colt and Ford.
I won't lie... as much as I love the other two relationships... this one is my favorite in the entire book. Colt and Ford are cousins... estranged cousins but still... cousins. Their relationship comes with the dark and overwhelming shadows of their fathers and the riff that tore them apart. As I read, I had my moments of oh no (for reasons I won't explain because it's better discovered in the story) but I loved the development their relationship took. It made me wince, smile, and gosh it made me feel (and by feel I mean cry my eyes out).
And for days afterward, every time I thought about this book... I thought about Colt and Ford.
As much as it's a love story about Ford and Lincoln, I'll also say it's a life story about Colt and Ford.
And for that, it's definitely one of my top favorite reads of 2017.
Kristen Kehoe,
You've made this fangirl's heart so very full.
Thank you.
June 14, 2017
I want to start off by saying that I hate books that make me cry. I hate crying and so I typically don't read them, but I love Kristen and everything she writes, so of course I had to check this one out too and let me tell you it was worth the tears.
Lincoln and Colt have never had it easy in life. They've both struggled for so long and Kristen touches on real life situations that most don't write about. She approached each subject with grace and it was phenomenal.
Ford was the typical rich kid. He never knew the struggles that his cousin Colt or his best friend Lincoln had to suffer through, but he had his own demons that tried to claw their way out of him.
The love, hurt, and struggle was so real that I couldn't help but fall in love with all the characters. The feels hit me hard and I wanted so badly to reach in and hug them all.
Their struggles proved how strong they were and their emotions made it real, so damn real.
This book is worth the tears and I hope like hell you give it a chance and meet Lincoln, Colt, Ford, and Evie.
Lincoln and Colt have never had it easy in life. They've both struggled for so long and Kristen touches on real life situations that most don't write about. She approached each subject with grace and it was phenomenal.
Ford was the typical rich kid. He never knew the struggles that his cousin Colt or his best friend Lincoln had to suffer through, but he had his own demons that tried to claw their way out of him.
The love, hurt, and struggle was so real that I couldn't help but fall in love with all the characters. The feels hit me hard and I wanted so badly to reach in and hug them all.
Their struggles proved how strong they were and their emotions made it real, so damn real.
This book is worth the tears and I hope like hell you give it a chance and meet Lincoln, Colt, Ford, and Evie.
July 14, 2017
This book is real!!! It reminded me of why I love YA reads so much. They reach out to a time in life when young people are going through so many unavoidable things as they approach adulthood. Things they might have endured all their lives. Situations they might be experiencing for the first time. They approach subjects that reach out and grab your attention. They make you sit up and notice.
For me...for this book...it is something real. Kristen Kehoe took topics that hurt. However, her approach makes all the difference. She digs in and makes the reader feel what her characters are feeling. Characters who you have no choices but to love from the first chapter. It isn't about one character or two. It is about a group of young people and the trials in their lives. Their love, laughter, and pain.
“Pain exists everywhere—zip code and status can’t protect people from pain or fear.”
It is truth in a fictional setting with very real topics.
Thank you, Kristen Kehoe. This book touched my heart. I recommend this book to YA romance readers ... absolutely a must read!
For me...for this book...it is something real. Kristen Kehoe took topics that hurt. However, her approach makes all the difference. She digs in and makes the reader feel what her characters are feeling. Characters who you have no choices but to love from the first chapter. It isn't about one character or two. It is about a group of young people and the trials in their lives. Their love, laughter, and pain.
“Pain exists everywhere—zip code and status can’t protect people from pain or fear.”
It is truth in a fictional setting with very real topics.
Thank you, Kristen Kehoe. This book touched my heart. I recommend this book to YA romance readers ... absolutely a must read!
June 22, 2017
I’ve always had a passion for country romance novels, and for me, Tell Me Something Real, was the perfect read. A rural town in Oregon was the setting for the story of three teens, each working to overcome challenges they’d carried over from their childhoods.
Colt, was a nearly orphaned farm boy, who carried a burden no teenager should ever have to face. Lincoln was a neglected, athletic beauty, who had a lot more on her plate than poverty. Miraculously, the duo found each other in elementary school. They’d grown up together in a world that dealt them more cruelty than kindness. They had always relied on each other to get through the tough times. But somehow, “each other” was no longer “enough.”
Ford was a city boy who was given everything he ever wanted. Everything but the love and acceptance he craved from his father. After one insanely reckless night, he was cast off to live on his grandparent’s farm in the small Oregon town. Having lived in Seattle his entire life, he was like a fish out of water. Now, not only did he have to overcome the feeling of being unloved and unwanted. He had to learn a new way of life.
As it turned out, Ford and Colt were estranged cousins. They’d never met until now, and it was not love at first sight. As they fought through those first weeks, little did they know that they would soon find their strength in each other. That between the three teens, each one held the key to another’s escape from the world in which they’d been trapped for so long.
This was a beautiful, authentic story with highly relatable and realistic struggles. Tell Me Something Real was packed with intrigue, conflict, and romance. Never once did my mind drift from the fascinating images that unfolded before me. Ultimately, the plight of each character merged flawlessly to create a deep and moving story that literally brought me to tears. The characters were strong, well developed, and gave great insight into real life circumstances many teenagers and families face in rural farming areas. Ford, Lincoln, and Colt truly tugged at my heart strings. So much so, that it almost burst the last few chapters of the book.
This was definitely a five star read and a book I would easily recommend to anyone who loves a classy, country romance novel with substance. It is a great read for any age.
Colt, was a nearly orphaned farm boy, who carried a burden no teenager should ever have to face. Lincoln was a neglected, athletic beauty, who had a lot more on her plate than poverty. Miraculously, the duo found each other in elementary school. They’d grown up together in a world that dealt them more cruelty than kindness. They had always relied on each other to get through the tough times. But somehow, “each other” was no longer “enough.”
Ford was a city boy who was given everything he ever wanted. Everything but the love and acceptance he craved from his father. After one insanely reckless night, he was cast off to live on his grandparent’s farm in the small Oregon town. Having lived in Seattle his entire life, he was like a fish out of water. Now, not only did he have to overcome the feeling of being unloved and unwanted. He had to learn a new way of life.
As it turned out, Ford and Colt were estranged cousins. They’d never met until now, and it was not love at first sight. As they fought through those first weeks, little did they know that they would soon find their strength in each other. That between the three teens, each one held the key to another’s escape from the world in which they’d been trapped for so long.
This was a beautiful, authentic story with highly relatable and realistic struggles. Tell Me Something Real was packed with intrigue, conflict, and romance. Never once did my mind drift from the fascinating images that unfolded before me. Ultimately, the plight of each character merged flawlessly to create a deep and moving story that literally brought me to tears. The characters were strong, well developed, and gave great insight into real life circumstances many teenagers and families face in rural farming areas. Ford, Lincoln, and Colt truly tugged at my heart strings. So much so, that it almost burst the last few chapters of the book.
This was definitely a five star read and a book I would easily recommend to anyone who loves a classy, country romance novel with substance. It is a great read for any age.
July 5, 2017
Read this book!!
This book gave me all the feels. It made me laugh and think and cry and happy and sad and broken and then put back together not the same but better.
This book gave me all the feels. It made me laugh and think and cry and happy and sad and broken and then put back together not the same but better.
April 1, 2019
So Many Emotions...
I wish I had all the words to adequately describe this story, unfortunately I really don't, I'm so overwhelmed with emotions. This one is going to stay with me for a while, I was so invested in these characters and their lives and truths that I failed to see the heartbreak that was lurking. Honestly it was the connection between the characters, Lincoln and Colt and their amazing bond/friendship, gradually bringing Ford and Evie into their relationship and evolving, relying on others. It was Ford's quiet strength and stoicism that provided comfort during the storm, it was Lincoln testing herself in all the wrong ways and it was just so darn REAL. I loved this, heartbreak and all, there are so many FEELS.
I wish I had all the words to adequately describe this story, unfortunately I really don't, I'm so overwhelmed with emotions. This one is going to stay with me for a while, I was so invested in these characters and their lives and truths that I failed to see the heartbreak that was lurking. Honestly it was the connection between the characters, Lincoln and Colt and their amazing bond/friendship, gradually bringing Ford and Evie into their relationship and evolving, relying on others. It was Ford's quiet strength and stoicism that provided comfort during the storm, it was Lincoln testing herself in all the wrong ways and it was just so darn REAL. I loved this, heartbreak and all, there are so many FEELS.
January 12, 2018
I don't usually read books that are considered young adult. I feel like I am eavesdropping into the lives of my sons. If you ever meet the author you will understand why I had to read her newest release. I thought it would be full of all kinds of warm and fuzzies, and it was, but it was so much more.
Tell Me Something Real told me, no it showed me, so much that I didn't realize was going on. I wanted to reach within the pages and just hug so many of the characters, letting them know there is hope. I wanted to go back to teaching so I could do whatever I could to to help the students struggling with life.
I can't get over how real the author made the characters. I can't say it enough: READ THIS BOOK!!!!! There are so many emotions within the pages. You will FEEL!! You will Cry!! You will rejoice!!! You won't know what or when you are going feel deeply, but every page is worth the up and down rushes.
Tell Me Something Real told me, no it showed me, so much that I didn't realize was going on. I wanted to reach within the pages and just hug so many of the characters, letting them know there is hope. I wanted to go back to teaching so I could do whatever I could to to help the students struggling with life.
I can't get over how real the author made the characters. I can't say it enough: READ THIS BOOK!!!!! There are so many emotions within the pages. You will FEEL!! You will Cry!! You will rejoice!!! You won't know what or when you are going feel deeply, but every page is worth the up and down rushes.
November 13, 2017
Where to begin.
This book reached right down into my soul, broke it into 1000 pieces and then slowly pieced them all back together one by one. Not many people have the ability to do that, let alone through the power of just words. Kristen Kehoe, this is the first book of yours i have read, however i can guarantee it will not be the last.
The gift you have should never be taken for granted, this story has the power to change lives, and gives an insight into minds of not only young people but anyone who has had feelings they are may be too afraid to face.
This is my first real book review, and i feel privileged to have read this story that will no doubt stay with me for a long time to come, i could not walk away from this without leaving something to show the gratitude that i have for you for sharing Lincoln, Colts and Fords stories with us. For anyone reading this review i plead with you to read this book, I couldn't put it down and i doubt you will be able to either. The rollercoaster of emotions i am feeling right now has everything to do with the beauty of this writing and the myriad of feelings that people go through everyday.
All i can say is Thank-you
This book reached right down into my soul, broke it into 1000 pieces and then slowly pieced them all back together one by one. Not many people have the ability to do that, let alone through the power of just words. Kristen Kehoe, this is the first book of yours i have read, however i can guarantee it will not be the last.
The gift you have should never be taken for granted, this story has the power to change lives, and gives an insight into minds of not only young people but anyone who has had feelings they are may be too afraid to face.
This is my first real book review, and i feel privileged to have read this story that will no doubt stay with me for a long time to come, i could not walk away from this without leaving something to show the gratitude that i have for you for sharing Lincoln, Colts and Fords stories with us. For anyone reading this review i plead with you to read this book, I couldn't put it down and i doubt you will be able to either. The rollercoaster of emotions i am feeling right now has everything to do with the beauty of this writing and the myriad of feelings that people go through everyday.
All i can say is Thank-you
September 23, 2017
Write me something real
Kristen Kehoe's ability to create such a beautiful and emotional story in less than three hundred pages, using only written words is rare and extraordinary. She slowly eases us into the book, pushing the reader in little by little- like a young child learning to swim- until you find yourself halfway through the book having been completely swallowed and engulfed by it, now drowning in the characters' lives.
Reading this book, I've felt like I was learning about a real- true story, and Kehoe was some wizard who charmed the pages into being able to project the emotions the characters were feeling.
A magical, yet realistic tale about millions of people's every day problems and demons, this book deserves all the stars the galaxy has to offer.
Kristen Kehoe's ability to create such a beautiful and emotional story in less than three hundred pages, using only written words is rare and extraordinary. She slowly eases us into the book, pushing the reader in little by little- like a young child learning to swim- until you find yourself halfway through the book having been completely swallowed and engulfed by it, now drowning in the characters' lives.
Reading this book, I've felt like I was learning about a real- true story, and Kehoe was some wizard who charmed the pages into being able to project the emotions the characters were feeling.
A magical, yet realistic tale about millions of people's every day problems and demons, this book deserves all the stars the galaxy has to offer.
February 26, 2019
OK as I sit here with tears still in my eyes after reading this story I don't know where to begin . This is my firsts book by this author and it was a touching story . I know this a book that will stick with me . You have Lincoln and colt who haver had one of the roughest life's kids could have . Not only is Lincoln living with an autoimmune disease , she has an addict mom who could care less about anything . Then you have colt who is her best friend who has had it just as bad . Then you have Ford who has had everything a.kid could want except actual parents. They all come together and change ea h other lives . This book was something deep , it pulls at your heart and twist it . you will feel it for days after .
August 23, 2017
I really did enjoy this book because it showed the struggles that these three teens had to face and the challenges that they had to overcome. My heart broke for Colt because I loved his character so much. However, I feel as though linc knew what was going on in his life (especially after Ford told Maggie and talking to Colt that something was wrong) but she didn't try as hard and just let him be alone. I really wish the ending was a little different. I loved that they ended in Seattle together but it ended as they were going to see each other on holidays and long weekends. I wanted something more between them because Ford was amazing and so caring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2017
Wow!!
Wow is really all I can say right now. This story was not what I expected at all to turn out the way it did. Depression is a sad disease in which no one really understands. I don’t understand it. The story that unwinds between Ford, Colt and Lincoln is heartbreaking but also breath taking. I hoped that they all came together in the end. In the end, I’ve never felt so emotion and by emotion, I mean crying, while reading a story. This is an absolutely Goodreads! Recommend everyone to read this story!
Wow is really all I can say right now. This story was not what I expected at all to turn out the way it did. Depression is a sad disease in which no one really understands. I don’t understand it. The story that unwinds between Ford, Colt and Lincoln is heartbreaking but also breath taking. I hoped that they all came together in the end. In the end, I’ve never felt so emotion and by emotion, I mean crying, while reading a story. This is an absolutely Goodreads! Recommend everyone to read this story!
August 19, 2017
Simply real
When I first started reading this book I thought it would be similar to ever other YA book I've read but this one is different. This book was written with raw emotion and real life pain that you could feel exactly what the characters felt. This was a beautiful story and when you read it you can't help but become attached to the characters. This is a week written book and I recommend reading the author's note at the end.
When I first started reading this book I thought it would be similar to ever other YA book I've read but this one is different. This book was written with raw emotion and real life pain that you could feel exactly what the characters felt. This was a beautiful story and when you read it you can't help but become attached to the characters. This is a week written book and I recommend reading the author's note at the end.
August 6, 2017
LOVED this book. I liked every character from start to finish too. I loved the friendships, relationships, family aspect, and romance. I also loved that there was no petty drama, just real-life, this stuff really does happen all the time problems. The author handled the subjects of auto-immune disease and mental health VERY well so major kudos to that.
Would love to have a sequel to this.
Would love to have a sequel to this.
August 20, 2017
It's really hard to review a book that even yourself don't know how to formulate your thoughts on it. It was pretty emotional from start to finish, and gets even more heartfelt all the way through. But despite its topic it was actually pretty great! The fact that it covers certain issues pertaining to life tells so much more a about dealing with everything that comes our way.
December 14, 2017
When I found this book on Amazon, I was searching for high-school/college romance with some twists and HEA, but I got this...
this is so much more than a usual YA.. I cried a lot at the end with soooo many "whys".. so true and raw book. Recommend it to others for "landing on the ground" and to those who are full of "HEAs" and want something more...
I definitely loved it.
this is so much more than a usual YA.. I cried a lot at the end with soooo many "whys".. so true and raw book. Recommend it to others for "landing on the ground" and to those who are full of "HEAs" and want something more...
I definitely loved it.
May 17, 2018
I REALLY wanted to like this book. I did. I liked Lincoln and Ford's story. However, their "love story" seemed a little lackluster. I also hated how they dealt with Colt's storyline. I know some characters were affected by what happened, but it seemed like his cousin was almost content with his decision. Again, I REALLY wanted to like this book, I just didn't.
August 27, 2018
Tragic and beautiful
This is a story of three teens just trying to navigate life and figure out where they belong or if they belong. A very real look into the emotions of these three teens who have been abandoned in different ways. A very bittersweet read. I enjoyed it and cried a bit too.
This is a story of three teens just trying to navigate life and figure out where they belong or if they belong. A very real look into the emotions of these three teens who have been abandoned in different ways. A very bittersweet read. I enjoyed it and cried a bit too.
December 26, 2018
Trigger Warning for Teen Suicide
Beautiful story of truth we’ve either all lived or witnessed if we’ve grown up or survived in the real world. This novel built me up, tore me down, and began building me back up again. I ended the novel with tissues still in hand. This was well worth the read. Thank you, Ms. Kehoe, for allowing your characters out to visit.
Beautiful story of truth we’ve either all lived or witnessed if we’ve grown up or survived in the real world. This novel built me up, tore me down, and began building me back up again. I ended the novel with tissues still in hand. This was well worth the read. Thank you, Ms. Kehoe, for allowing your characters out to visit.
December 28, 2017
Heartbreaking, complicated and real are some of the words that I would use to describe this story!! A couple trying to conquer life’s obstacles and live life the best way they can! Even when life keeps trying to break them down...
September 5, 2017
This book! It was just beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. It was my first experience with this author now I can't stop until I've read every book she has.
September 23, 2017
Excellent read tragic, honest, heartwarming
October 20, 2017
Very compelling story
I do believe this story could be a movie. Sucks you in on page one, and just keeps puking you in. Loved it!!
I do believe this story could be a movie. Sucks you in on page one, and just keeps puking you in. Loved it!!
January 10, 2025
I had no idea what i was getting into when i read this book, i honestly only downloaded it because it was free on KU and i was bored. I was expecting a light and fluffy romance, boy was i surprised.
one of the main characters is a type 1 diabetic, and when i realized that i thought i was going to dnf it because nine times out of ten it is not accurately described, this was an exception. I can tell the author did decent research about the disease and for the most part it was correct. I only have a few gripes about it but you can’t have it all I suppose.
This is an easy read, but it deal with some heavy topics. It had me feeling lots of emotions.
I gave it a four star rating because while i loved the book, the writing was very juvenile at times, and there were several typos. needed more editing in my opinion.
It fell into a lot of the typical YA tropes as well. (fmc is blonde hair blue eyed, constantly described as tiny and delicate, and needs a man to save her from her own disease more often than i’d like)
Overall it was a good read and worth the time. Also love how it was set in the PNW…representation or whatever
one of the main characters is a type 1 diabetic, and when i realized that i thought i was going to dnf it because nine times out of ten it is not accurately described, this was an exception. I can tell the author did decent research about the disease and for the most part it was correct. I only have a few gripes about it but you can’t have it all I suppose.
This is an easy read, but it deal with some heavy topics. It had me feeling lots of emotions.
I gave it a four star rating because while i loved the book, the writing was very juvenile at times, and there were several typos. needed more editing in my opinion.
It fell into a lot of the typical YA tropes as well. (fmc is blonde hair blue eyed, constantly described as tiny and delicate, and needs a man to save her from her own disease more often than i’d like)
Overall it was a good read and worth the time. Also love how it was set in the PNW…representation or whatever
January 3, 2019
I wanted to like this one and I did until about 45%. Then it lost me. I got bored. Even with the tragedy, I ended up not caring for any of the characters st the end. Not sure why we got Evie’s POV (the heroine’s BFF) when she was irrelevant.
Multiple POVs, HS story.
Rich guy, Ford, gets in trouble for crashing his Porsche and is told to live with his grandparents. There he meets his cousin, Colt, and Colt’s female friend, Lincoln (the heroine), Lincoln. Lincoln suffers from Type 1 diabetes. It is hard for her to manage her diabetes since she is poor and her mom an addict with endless boyfriends. This is Ford’s and Lincoln’s story.
I loved the premise. It had a great start, but then I got bored.
Multiple POVs, HS story.
Rich guy, Ford, gets in trouble for crashing his Porsche and is told to live with his grandparents. There he meets his cousin, Colt, and Colt’s female friend, Lincoln (the heroine), Lincoln. Lincoln suffers from Type 1 diabetes. It is hard for her to manage her diabetes since she is poor and her mom an addict with endless boyfriends. This is Ford’s and Lincoln’s story.
I loved the premise. It had a great start, but then I got bored.
May 13, 2025
Better than I ever could have imagined
Personally, the writing style is not my favorite. There were sentences that I had to re-read at times to understand who was saying something or if it was just thought. I was too invested in the story to care though and I was able to move past this.
The story……. I figured the story would go one way, and it completely took me another. I’m happy that it did, because sometimes a basic love story gets old. This was so much more than just a plain love story. Without going into details, just know this is one love story about the ultimate love in so many forms of relationships.
Now excuse me while I go process this and dry the stream of tears up.
Highly recommend!
Personally, the writing style is not my favorite. There were sentences that I had to re-read at times to understand who was saying something or if it was just thought. I was too invested in the story to care though and I was able to move past this.
The story……. I figured the story would go one way, and it completely took me another. I’m happy that it did, because sometimes a basic love story gets old. This was so much more than just a plain love story. Without going into details, just know this is one love story about the ultimate love in so many forms of relationships.
Now excuse me while I go process this and dry the stream of tears up.
Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews