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Sweet Home #2
Sweet Fall
Même univers, autres personnages.
Avec cette nouvelle romance dans l’université d’Alabama, Tillie Cole nous offre encore une fois une histoire difficile. Lexi et Austin sombrent tous les deux sous l’assaut de leurs démons, et rien ne semble pouvoir empêcher leur chute... si ce n’est leur rencontre. Une belle romance, qui des ténèbres cherche à rejoindre la lumière. L’auteure aborde toujours avec beaucoup de lucidité des sujets graves, ici la pauvreté et ce qu’elle conduit à faire, et une maladie qui touchent énormément de jeunes femmes. C’est l’histoire d’une reconstruction, qui transite par la relation passionnée des personnages.
Qui se ressemble s’assemble
Tu t’es un jour demandé si les étoiles nous regardaient. Est-ce qu’elles ressentent de la pitié pour des ratés comme nous ? Mais maintenant, je vois la vérité. Maintenant, c’est moi qui ai pitié des étoiles. Oui, les humains foirent tout, tout le temps. Mais il nous arrive aussi de tomber amoureux.
Lexi est en dernière année à l’université d’Alabama. Elle semble avoir une vie parfaite, mais derrière ce masque heureux se cache une funambule au bord du gouffre. Austin est footballeur dans l’équipe de l’université. S’il pouvait être recruté par la ligue professionnelle, il réussirait enfin à subvenir aux besoins de sa famille. En attendant, le crime est sa seule source de revenus : le voilà prisonnier d’un gang.
Ces deux êtres que la vie n’a pas épargnés pourront-ils surmonter ensemble leurs épreuves ? Ne risquent-ils pas de tomber ensemble ?
391 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2014
495 people are currently reading
11938 people want to read
About the author
Tillie Cole
61 books26.1k followersAmazon & USA Today Best Selling Author, Tillie Cole, is a Northern girl through and through. She originates from a place called Teesside on that little but awesomely sunny (okay I exaggerate) Isle called Great Britain. She was brought up surrounded by her English rose mother -- a farmer's daughter, her crazy Scottish father, a savagely sarcastic sister and a multitude of rescue animals and horses.
Being a scary blend of Scottish and English, Tillie embraces both cultures; her English heritage through her love of HP sauce and freshly made Yorkshire Puddings, and her Scottish which is mostly demonstrated by her frighteningly foul-mouthed episodes of pure rage and her much loved dirty jokes.
Having been born and raised as a Teesside Smoggie, Tillie, at age nineteen, moved forty miles north to the 'Toon', Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, where she attended Newcastle University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts honours degree in Religious Studies. She returned two years later to complete a Post-Graduate Certificate in Teaching High School Social Studies. Tillie, regards Newcastle to be a home from home and enjoyed the Newcastle Geordie way of life for seven 'proper mint' and 'lush' years.
One summers day, after finishing reading her thousandth book on her much loved and treasured Kindle, Tillie turned to her husband and declared, "D'you know, I have a great idea for a story. I could write a book." Several months later, after repeating the same tired line at the close of another completed story, she was scolded by her husband to shut up talking about writing a novel and "just bloody do it!" For the first time in eleven years, Tillie actually took his advice (he is still trying to get over the shock) and immediately set off on a crazy journey, delving deep into her fertile imagination.
Tillie, ever since, has written from the heart. She combines her passion for anything camp and glittery with her love of humour and dark brooding men (most often muscled and tattooed – they’re her weakness!). She also has a serious side (believe it or not!) and loves to immerse herself in the complex study of World Religions, History and Cultural Studies and creates fantasy stories that enable her to thread serious issues and topics into her writing -- yep, there's more to this girl than profanity and sparkles!
After six years of teaching high school Social Studies and following her Professional Rugby Player husband around Europe, they have finally given up their nomadic way of life and settled in Calgary, Alberta where Tillie spends most of her days (and many a late night) lost in a writing euphoria or pursuing a dazzling career as a barrel-racing, tasselled-chap wearing, Stetson-sporting cowgirl... Ye-haw!
Being a scary blend of Scottish and English, Tillie embraces both cultures; her English heritage through her love of HP sauce and freshly made Yorkshire Puddings, and her Scottish which is mostly demonstrated by her frighteningly foul-mouthed episodes of pure rage and her much loved dirty jokes.
Having been born and raised as a Teesside Smoggie, Tillie, at age nineteen, moved forty miles north to the 'Toon', Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, where she attended Newcastle University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts honours degree in Religious Studies. She returned two years later to complete a Post-Graduate Certificate in Teaching High School Social Studies. Tillie, regards Newcastle to be a home from home and enjoyed the Newcastle Geordie way of life for seven 'proper mint' and 'lush' years.
One summers day, after finishing reading her thousandth book on her much loved and treasured Kindle, Tillie turned to her husband and declared, "D'you know, I have a great idea for a story. I could write a book." Several months later, after repeating the same tired line at the close of another completed story, she was scolded by her husband to shut up talking about writing a novel and "just bloody do it!" For the first time in eleven years, Tillie actually took his advice (he is still trying to get over the shock) and immediately set off on a crazy journey, delving deep into her fertile imagination.
Tillie, ever since, has written from the heart. She combines her passion for anything camp and glittery with her love of humour and dark brooding men (most often muscled and tattooed – they’re her weakness!). She also has a serious side (believe it or not!) and loves to immerse herself in the complex study of World Religions, History and Cultural Studies and creates fantasy stories that enable her to thread serious issues and topics into her writing -- yep, there's more to this girl than profanity and sparkles!
After six years of teaching high school Social Studies and following her Professional Rugby Player husband around Europe, they have finally given up their nomadic way of life and settled in Calgary, Alberta where Tillie spends most of her days (and many a late night) lost in a writing euphoria or pursuing a dazzling career as a barrel-racing, tasselled-chap wearing, Stetson-sporting cowgirl... Ye-haw!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,333 reviews
August 23, 2022
5+ devastating stars!!!
Do you ever read a book thats so beautiful, yet so tragic and painful when your done you just don’t know what to do with yourself? Your heart is happy- but it still hurts so much. So you just sit and think about the book, cry some more and try to move on with a new read… that was my Sweet Fall experience. I did not expect this book to hit me so hard. I didn’t just cry a few tears, it was a river.
I loved the first two books in Tillie Cole’s Sweet Home series, but she really surprised me with this book. It was so different than the first two, and it was by far my favorite of the three. Austin and Lexi’s story had a profound effect on me. It’s a story I won’t soon forget.
Lexi is a girl with some serious issues. Those who know anyone with an eating disorder, know it’s like addiction. You are never completely healed. You’re just in some sort of remission. Lexi has been okay the last 3 years of college. Her new friends know noting about her past. Her black hair and ‘war paint’ is the mask she wears. She hides anything bad- always cheerful and happy. But her disorder is back with a vengeance.
Then there is Austin. Austin has a wonderful (yet very sick) mother, but had a rough upbringing. Being introduced to the gang world early in life, he’s made his way out. He’s the wide receiver for the Tide and he’s on the fast track to the NFL. When his mother’s condition worsens, Austin is forced to make some tough choices. Choices for him and his brothers. Things he thought he would never do again. Family is all Austin has. He has to do what he has to do for them. But he meets a broken girl named Lexi. And it changes everything.
Austin and Lexi make the most unlikely pair. At first, their relationship is very strained. Lexi see’s something she shouldn’t have, and Austin isn’t happy about it. They try to keep their distance, but they are drawn together. They both are a mess. They both have secrets. But they both understand each other.
Both are living such different lives than what is perceived. Both have issues- have scars.
Everything is a mess in both of their lives. The only solace they find is in each other. They both have found that one person who see’s their demons, their scars and accepts them. The one person they can talk to freely. Neither one can go to their friends about these issues. But they have each other.
Until something bigger happens, then they don’t.
Both characters in this story were completely broken and flawed, yet somehow they were able to be strong for the other person. Austin looks so dangerous with his tattoo’s and his tough exterior, but the way he cares about Lexi and treats her is inspiring. His mom and the way he was with his brothers- I just fell in love with him even more. He may not have always made the right choices, but what he did, he did out of loyalty and love.
Lexi’s story broke me. Her inner thoughts and the voice- I just couldn’t handle it at times. It was so hard to read. I admire her strength. I can’t imagine dealing with something like that inside myself. It was beyond difficult to get through some scenes. The tears just kept dripping down my face. My god I was so happy she had Austin. I love that he saw the real beauty in her.
I’m glad this story was in dual pov. I feel like we got so much out of it by being able to be in both Lexi and Austin’s head. This book really effected me- it moved me, it broke my heart and it pieced me back together. I know Ally’s story is next in the Sweet Home series, but I have the highest of hopes that Tillie will write us a Levi book. I adored that kid and would love to read a story about him!
Overall- this was one of the best books I’ve read this year. If your looking for a heartbreakingly beautiful book with damaged characters, fantastic writing and one that will change your outlook on a lot of things, pick this up!
Do you ever read a book thats so beautiful, yet so tragic and painful when your done you just don’t know what to do with yourself? Your heart is happy- but it still hurts so much. So you just sit and think about the book, cry some more and try to move on with a new read… that was my Sweet Fall experience. I did not expect this book to hit me so hard. I didn’t just cry a few tears, it was a river.
I loved the first two books in Tillie Cole’s Sweet Home series, but she really surprised me with this book. It was so different than the first two, and it was by far my favorite of the three. Austin and Lexi’s story had a profound effect on me. It’s a story I won’t soon forget.
Lexi is a girl with some serious issues. Those who know anyone with an eating disorder, know it’s like addiction. You are never completely healed. You’re just in some sort of remission. Lexi has been okay the last 3 years of college. Her new friends know noting about her past. Her black hair and ‘war paint’ is the mask she wears. She hides anything bad- always cheerful and happy. But her disorder is back with a vengeance.
Then there is Austin. Austin has a wonderful (yet very sick) mother, but had a rough upbringing. Being introduced to the gang world early in life, he’s made his way out. He’s the wide receiver for the Tide and he’s on the fast track to the NFL. When his mother’s condition worsens, Austin is forced to make some tough choices. Choices for him and his brothers. Things he thought he would never do again. Family is all Austin has. He has to do what he has to do for them. But he meets a broken girl named Lexi. And it changes everything.
Austin and Lexi make the most unlikely pair. At first, their relationship is very strained. Lexi see’s something she shouldn’t have, and Austin isn’t happy about it. They try to keep their distance, but they are drawn together. They both are a mess. They both have secrets. But they both understand each other.
“We all have secrets, Austin. Some people’s are just bigger than others, that’s all.”
Both are living such different lives than what is perceived. Both have issues- have scars.
“So you see, Pix, I have scars too. It’ just mine are on the outside where everyone can see.”
Everything is a mess in both of their lives. The only solace they find is in each other. They both have found that one person who see’s their demons, their scars and accepts them. The one person they can talk to freely. Neither one can go to their friends about these issues. But they have each other.
Until something bigger happens, then they don’t.
I’m lost without you. I can’t breathe without you. Without you here, all I can do is fall.
Both characters in this story were completely broken and flawed, yet somehow they were able to be strong for the other person. Austin looks so dangerous with his tattoo’s and his tough exterior, but the way he cares about Lexi and treats her is inspiring. His mom and the way he was with his brothers- I just fell in love with him even more. He may not have always made the right choices, but what he did, he did out of loyalty and love.
Lexi’s story broke me. Her inner thoughts and the voice- I just couldn’t handle it at times. It was so hard to read. I admire her strength. I can’t imagine dealing with something like that inside myself. It was beyond difficult to get through some scenes. The tears just kept dripping down my face. My god I was so happy she had Austin. I love that he saw the real beauty in her.
I’m glad this story was in dual pov. I feel like we got so much out of it by being able to be in both Lexi and Austin’s head. This book really effected me- it moved me, it broke my heart and it pieced me back together. I know Ally’s story is next in the Sweet Home series, but I have the highest of hopes that Tillie will write us a Levi book. I adored that kid and would love to read a story about him!
Overall- this was one of the best books I’ve read this year. If your looking for a heartbreakingly beautiful book with damaged characters, fantastic writing and one that will change your outlook on a lot of things, pick this up!
“Pix… you’re so fuckin’ beautiful. You, like this… perfection.”
“I’m beautiful with you.”
February 5, 2016
Just as good the second time around 2/4/16...
Felt like re-reading this for some reason...2/3/16
WOW. 5++++ Stars
I'm gonna keep this short. Might contain spoiler-ish info.
This book was both an awesome and kinda rough (at times) experience for me.
I have struggled with (and required treatment on and off for) an eating disorder since the age of 12 - the same year my mother died of Cancer.
Needless to say, I really connected to both Lexi and Austin in this story. Eating disorders really are no joke and they seem to grab on to you and hold on for dear life.
Like a bitchy wet cat.
Lexi and Austin's relationship and the development of that relationship was really beautiful and I really liked how they came together.
I thought Cole did an excellent job with some pretty heavy subject matter. Also, I've been reading her since Eternally North and Sweet Home and you can really see her hit her writing stride with this one.
My hat goes off to Tillie Cole.
Felt like re-reading this for some reason...2/3/16
WOW. 5++++ Stars
I'm gonna keep this short. Might contain spoiler-ish info.
This book was both an awesome and kinda rough (at times) experience for me.
I have struggled with (and required treatment on and off for) an eating disorder since the age of 12 - the same year my mother died of Cancer.
Needless to say, I really connected to both Lexi and Austin in this story. Eating disorders really are no joke and they seem to grab on to you and hold on for dear life.
Like a bitchy wet cat.
Lexi and Austin's relationship and the development of that relationship was really beautiful and I really liked how they came together.
I thought Cole did an excellent job with some pretty heavy subject matter. Also, I've been reading her since Eternally North and Sweet Home and you can really see her hit her writing stride with this one.
My hat goes off to Tillie Cole.
November 16, 2014
Title: Sweet Fall
Series: Sweet Home #3
Author: Tillie Cole
Release Date: 26 August, 2014
Rating: 4.5 stars
Cliffhanger:. No
HEA:
Sweet Fall is powerful experience; it’s gritty and raw and so true. It’s incredibly painful read, full of angst, sorrow and agonizing loneliness. Reading it is bitter sweet. The story behind our two main characters will make your heart clench and hurt; the angst, the pain, all the emotions that Tillie Cole’s perfectly captured will make you hangover for weeks.
"We were both just too messed up to ever be with each other in the way we needed to be. Two shooting stars that burned out too quickly, never quite reaching each other's skies."
Lexi is faking everything in her life. Her happiness, her good health, being strong. Behind the dark make up and black dyed hair, she’s scared, fragile and broken. With her friends she chooses to wear a mask of the happy girl she was once, but when she’s alone… she’s ugly and sad. She’s suffering from disorder that slowly eats her alive. And although she's dealing with her anorexia with the help of her parents and doctor, no one else knows how she sees herself in the mirror.
After few years of not cheering, she decides it’s finally time to go back to doing something she loves so much. Even if it means, she has to deal with people looking at her… ‘fat’ body.
Austin is a wide receiver for Crimson Tide’s football team. He’s doing everything he can to make it to NFL and help his family. Thanks to Rome and his brother - Axel, he had opportunity to leave Heighters, the gang he was in. But now that his mother is even worse than before, and his brothers are dealing coke on his campus, he’s really damn close to being expelled…
That’s when he meets Lexi, dark little pixie in not the best circumstances, things seem to get even more complicated.
"I have fallen in love with you. The broken boy who has only ever known trouble and strife. Yet the broken boy who managed to put this broken girl back together, at least for a while."
Sweet Fall is written in dual point of view, and thank god for that! Seeing both Lexi and Austin completely bare before me, with all their heartbreaking secrets was something that really moved me. The effect wouldn’t be the same if that was not the case. Being able to sneak a peek into their souls… hurt. I won’t be sugar-coating; what both of them had to live through is not a walk in the park. It’s horrible and gut-wrenching. And every reader needs to be ready for lots of emotional moments and very high level of angst. The fluffy kind of love we got in Sweet Home doesn’t exist in Lexi and Austin’s novel. They are too broken, too scared to have an easy relationship.
There were moments when I felt mentally overwhelmed; especially when Lexi’s issues started showing its ugly head. I’ve been very uncomfortable then. Seeing her starving herself was just too much sometimes. I felt like someone was cutting my heart into pieces. I was mad at her for acting so stupid, though I knew that she was doing her best. She was a fighter and I admired her for that, but sometimes… ugh, I just felt so overcame with it.
Austin was great, strong character who also made quite some mistakes along the way. I adored him, I really did, but I also found him rough around the edges and standoffish. Which I guess made him more appealing, as he was very real, not-so-perfect hero. There were situations when my heart was bleeding for him, so so much. I was on the verge of tears more times I could count.
Sweet Fall is nothing like the previous book in this series, we all fell in love with, Austin and Lexi will quickly make you forget about Rome and Molly. Their story is just too laud, too captivating to be able to think about something else. It’s dark and real and it hurts to read it, but it’s worth it!
ARC kindly provided by the author, Tillie Cole, in exchange for an honest review
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December 30, 2014
4.5 stars!!
Goodreads really needs half stars because this book was more than a 4 but not quite a 5 star read. Nevertheless, this book made me lose my marbles and break down and ugly cry…definitely one of the more heavy and dark NA romances I’ve read this year. Whatever expectations I had, I didn’t count on this book being so gutwrenchingly emotional. The characters were yanking at my heartstrings right from the beginning, and little by little, the emotion built up until it exploded in the last 20% of the book and basically nuked my heart. Thanks Tillie Cole.
But I’m getting ahead of myself again. Back to the beginning…
On the outside, Lexi Hart is a perfect college student who seems to have it all: loving family, supportive friends, and a spot on the cheer squad. But underneath, every day is a struggle for her and she’s barely keeping up. Unknown to most, Lexi is anorexic. Her body image worries and thoughts hurt her deeper than any blade could and ashamed of herself, she concocts a mask to hide behind when she’s with friends. Only alone, can she be her true self. Only alone, can she be free to give into her anorexic temptations.
Austin Carillo has a boatload of problems, all invisible to most. Coming from a poor and unstable home life with a sick mother and two brothers to look after, Austin sees football as his only way out of his shithole life. But it isn’t enough and with gang problems giving him trouble, Austin is cornered between pursuing his football dream and living like a lowlife like he’s perceived to be, all in the name of providing for his family.
Austin and Lexi’s romance seemed improbable at the beginning because they were so different. Aside from their circle of friends knowing each other, there is literally no overlap that should’ve happened between them so the fact that their romance did happen was totally unexpected and made it all the more intriguing. Perhaps it was because they were both broken and felt like they were shouldering the world that they had this deep, intense connection, but whatever the reason they’re able to let down their guard and be open with each other.
Reading about these characters individually and what they had to go through with all the problems in their lives gave my heart a big squeeze, but that was nothing compared to the scenes where they were a couple.
“Why the war paint, Pix?”
“Why the tattoos?”
I’m not even going to sugarcoat it – I felt overwhelmed. Reading about Lexi’s anorexia hurt, like in my chest kinda hurt, and it was all portrayed in such a raw and gritty manner I couldn’t help but be moved. Reading about Austin’s poor home life, his very real and heartbreaking struggle to keep his family together while trying so hard to make his football dream come true…all of that combined was a lot to process and emotionally digest down. And as mentioned before, all of this culminated and completely exploded in the last 20% of the book, leaving me a sobbing mess.
But at the same time, I didn’t fully love the romance part. I mean, it was very clear to me that these two characters belonged and complemented each other perfectly, but because there was just SO much going on – Lexi’s illness, Austin’s home life – plus tons of external conflict ranging from gang business to side character drama, I felt like the actual romance wasn’t given enough attention, hence I had to deduct half a star.
Regardless, this is a book that is guaranteed to make you FEEL and ultimately, that’s what I was looking for when I decided to read this book so overall, this one’s a winner for me!
Sweet Fall is a NA romance standalone and the 3rd book in the Sweet Home series. It can be read without reading the first two books and the events in this book run parallel to those in the first one, Sweet Home.
Goodreads really needs half stars because this book was more than a 4 but not quite a 5 star read. Nevertheless, this book made me lose my marbles and break down and ugly cry…definitely one of the more heavy and dark NA romances I’ve read this year. Whatever expectations I had, I didn’t count on this book being so gutwrenchingly emotional. The characters were yanking at my heartstrings right from the beginning, and little by little, the emotion built up until it exploded in the last 20% of the book and basically nuked my heart. Thanks Tillie Cole.
But I’m getting ahead of myself again. Back to the beginning…
On the outside, Lexi Hart is a perfect college student who seems to have it all: loving family, supportive friends, and a spot on the cheer squad. But underneath, every day is a struggle for her and she’s barely keeping up. Unknown to most, Lexi is anorexic. Her body image worries and thoughts hurt her deeper than any blade could and ashamed of herself, she concocts a mask to hide behind when she’s with friends. Only alone, can she be her true self. Only alone, can she be free to give into her anorexic temptations.
Austin Carillo has a boatload of problems, all invisible to most. Coming from a poor and unstable home life with a sick mother and two brothers to look after, Austin sees football as his only way out of his shithole life. But it isn’t enough and with gang problems giving him trouble, Austin is cornered between pursuing his football dream and living like a lowlife like he’s perceived to be, all in the name of providing for his family.
Austin and Lexi’s romance seemed improbable at the beginning because they were so different. Aside from their circle of friends knowing each other, there is literally no overlap that should’ve happened between them so the fact that their romance did happen was totally unexpected and made it all the more intriguing. Perhaps it was because they were both broken and felt like they were shouldering the world that they had this deep, intense connection, but whatever the reason they’re able to let down their guard and be open with each other.
Reading about these characters individually and what they had to go through with all the problems in their lives gave my heart a big squeeze, but that was nothing compared to the scenes where they were a couple.
“Why the war paint, Pix?”
“Why the tattoos?”
I’m not even going to sugarcoat it – I felt overwhelmed. Reading about Lexi’s anorexia hurt, like in my chest kinda hurt, and it was all portrayed in such a raw and gritty manner I couldn’t help but be moved. Reading about Austin’s poor home life, his very real and heartbreaking struggle to keep his family together while trying so hard to make his football dream come true…all of that combined was a lot to process and emotionally digest down. And as mentioned before, all of this culminated and completely exploded in the last 20% of the book, leaving me a sobbing mess.
But at the same time, I didn’t fully love the romance part. I mean, it was very clear to me that these two characters belonged and complemented each other perfectly, but because there was just SO much going on – Lexi’s illness, Austin’s home life – plus tons of external conflict ranging from gang business to side character drama, I felt like the actual romance wasn’t given enough attention, hence I had to deduct half a star.
Regardless, this is a book that is guaranteed to make you FEEL and ultimately, that’s what I was looking for when I decided to read this book so overall, this one’s a winner for me!
Sweet Fall is a NA romance standalone and the 3rd book in the Sweet Home series. It can be read without reading the first two books and the events in this book run parallel to those in the first one, Sweet Home.
May 23, 2015
ONLY .99 currently
4.5 Heartbreaking Stars
Wow! This is story is so much different then the other books in the series. Sweet Fall is such an emotional read, their stories broke my heart.
Lexi Hart is a senior cheerleader for the University of Alabama, and Austin Carillo is the star wide receiver - sounds like the perfect college life, right? This is the perfect story of things not being as they seem. Lexi may be a varsity cheerleader, but that doesn’t change fact that she battles with an eating disorder. While Austin is the star on the field he is barely surviving off the field with his family's gang relation and dying mother.
This story blew me away and broke my heart! I had no idea the internal battle and thoughts of someone with an eating disorder. Now, I will say this Tillie Cole does state that these are not everyone’s thoughts and she isn’t a doctor. Okay, back on track. My point being until you have lived that life you can’t imagine what they go through. I have had friends with eating disorders, watched Lifetime movies, and read about them, but I have never really thought about the constant battle they face. I am so glad Ms. Cole was brave enough to write about this, it definitely makes me more sympathetic and caution of the possible signs.
The story of Austin’s struggles was just as heart breaking and beautiful. Struggling with knowing what is right, but what you have to do for survival. I loved how Austin was with his mother, brothers and Lexi.
Since this story is told in dual POV you are able to grasp the challenges and heartbreak both characters feel.
If I could go back in time, I would find you. I would search the world to seek you out and make you fall in love with me once more.
I loved this story, and highly recommend!
4.5 Heartbreaking Stars
Wow! This is story is so much different then the other books in the series. Sweet Fall is such an emotional read, their stories broke my heart.
Lexi Hart is a senior cheerleader for the University of Alabama, and Austin Carillo is the star wide receiver - sounds like the perfect college life, right? This is the perfect story of things not being as they seem. Lexi may be a varsity cheerleader, but that doesn’t change fact that she battles with an eating disorder. While Austin is the star on the field he is barely surviving off the field with his family's gang relation and dying mother.
This story blew me away and broke my heart! I had no idea the internal battle and thoughts of someone with an eating disorder. Now, I will say this Tillie Cole does state that these are not everyone’s thoughts and she isn’t a doctor. Okay, back on track. My point being until you have lived that life you can’t imagine what they go through. I have had friends with eating disorders, watched Lifetime movies, and read about them, but I have never really thought about the constant battle they face. I am so glad Ms. Cole was brave enough to write about this, it definitely makes me more sympathetic and caution of the possible signs.
The story of Austin’s struggles was just as heart breaking and beautiful. Struggling with knowing what is right, but what you have to do for survival. I loved how Austin was with his mother, brothers and Lexi.
Since this story is told in dual POV you are able to grasp the challenges and heartbreak both characters feel.
If I could go back in time, I would find you. I would search the world to seek you out and make you fall in love with me once more.
I loved this story, and highly recommend!
December 20, 2014
4,5 Pixie Stars.
Lexi and Austin met in college and they are perfect on the outside. He’s the hot Italian guy who plays on the football team. She is the goth happy girl who is in the cheerleading team. However, on the inside they are broken. Austin comes from a bad place, his mother is very sick and his brothers are connect to drug dealing gang who are dealing in college. Lexi is anorexic and is trying to hide her battle from everyone and pretending to be happy. What happen when two broken worlds meet? They collide. And what begins to be loving and beautiful is soon haunted for their ghosts and their pasts. How can they heal the other, when they can’t even heal themselves? There are battles that are destined to being lost, and it’s up to them to give up or keep fighting.
Tillie Cole is turning into one of my favorite authors, ever. It’s amazing how she grabs two broken souls and bring them together creating an amazing journey of love and redemption. This book was emotional, raw, beautiful and sometimes downward painful. It messed with my emotions in such way that I know that this one of these books, the ones that will never leave my memory. The only reason I’m not giving it five stars is because if there’s a limit for angst in a book, these book definitely broke it. And the fact that it was a brilliant broken story, doesn’t completely compensate the fact that I finished it wanting to drink an entire bottle of vodka. (I didn’t do it, in case you’re wondering.)
Rating: 4,5 Stars.
Characters Development: How broken and beautiful these two are. I don’t know what he is to suffer from a eating disorder, but it can’t be easy believing that we’re re never good enough, that you’re never going to be beautiful. Tillie Cole did a great work creating Lexi and I loved to see her journey and how she slowly strive away from it. Austin was also an amazing guy and I loved how he acted with Pix even when his own life was a mess. I loved the two of them together, they were beautiful. And I also loved to see more of the others. And seriously… who will be Abby’s love interest in the next book?? Because I have not a single clue!!
Steam: Meh.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Lexi and Austin met in college and they are perfect on the outside. He’s the hot Italian guy who plays on the football team. She is the goth happy girl who is in the cheerleading team. However, on the inside they are broken. Austin comes from a bad place, his mother is very sick and his brothers are connect to drug dealing gang who are dealing in college. Lexi is anorexic and is trying to hide her battle from everyone and pretending to be happy. What happen when two broken worlds meet? They collide. And what begins to be loving and beautiful is soon haunted for their ghosts and their pasts. How can they heal the other, when they can’t even heal themselves? There are battles that are destined to being lost, and it’s up to them to give up or keep fighting.
Tillie Cole is turning into one of my favorite authors, ever. It’s amazing how she grabs two broken souls and bring them together creating an amazing journey of love and redemption. This book was emotional, raw, beautiful and sometimes downward painful. It messed with my emotions in such way that I know that this one of these books, the ones that will never leave my memory. The only reason I’m not giving it five stars is because if there’s a limit for angst in a book, these book definitely broke it. And the fact that it was a brilliant broken story, doesn’t completely compensate the fact that I finished it wanting to drink an entire bottle of vodka. (I didn’t do it, in case you’re wondering.)
Rating: 4,5 Stars.
Characters Development: How broken and beautiful these two are. I don’t know what he is to suffer from a eating disorder, but it can’t be easy believing that we’re re never good enough, that you’re never going to be beautiful. Tillie Cole did a great work creating Lexi and I loved to see her journey and how she slowly strive away from it. Austin was also an amazing guy and I loved how he acted with Pix even when his own life was a mess. I loved the two of them together, they were beautiful. And I also loved to see more of the others. And seriously… who will be Abby’s love interest in the next book?? Because I have not a single clue!!
Steam: Meh.
Sensible Subjects:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
November 10, 2014
4.5 Stars
This book put me through the ringer. It was heartbreaking, painful and it left it's mark. I had to take a few breaks, Sweet Fall is not an easy read.
We were both just too messed up to ever be with each other in the way we needed to be. Two shooting stars that burned out too quickly, never quite reaching each other's skies.
Lexi and Austin both have secrets. She hides behind makeup and fake smiles, while he struggles to escape dangerous ties from his past.
Underneath her mask, Lexi is fragile and broken. One hateful comment has changed her. She has severe self image issues, and for the past few years she seems to have it somewhat under control. But when she decides to start cheering again, she finds herself falling down that dangerous path once again.
Austin, the Crimson Tide's wide receiver, thought he had left his gang ties behind. With NFL hopes, he is doing everything he can to help his family. But with a sick mother and no money to pay for her care, he doesn't have much choice. His brother is selling drugs on campus and the dean has his sights set on Austin.
Bless their hearts. These two have all kinds of problems, their story is truly heartbreaking. Sweet Fall deals with some heavy issues, but I thought it was extremely well done.
“It’s funny. I used to look up at the stars and feel so small and unimportant. But I’ve come to realize that the only thing that can ever make you feel alive and important is the one person who takes you for you.”
This book put me through the ringer. It was heartbreaking, painful and it left it's mark. I had to take a few breaks, Sweet Fall is not an easy read.
We were both just too messed up to ever be with each other in the way we needed to be. Two shooting stars that burned out too quickly, never quite reaching each other's skies.
Lexi and Austin both have secrets. She hides behind makeup and fake smiles, while he struggles to escape dangerous ties from his past.
Underneath her mask, Lexi is fragile and broken. One hateful comment has changed her. She has severe self image issues, and for the past few years she seems to have it somewhat under control. But when she decides to start cheering again, she finds herself falling down that dangerous path once again.
Austin, the Crimson Tide's wide receiver, thought he had left his gang ties behind. With NFL hopes, he is doing everything he can to help his family. But with a sick mother and no money to pay for her care, he doesn't have much choice. His brother is selling drugs on campus and the dean has his sights set on Austin.
Bless their hearts. These two have all kinds of problems, their story is truly heartbreaking. Sweet Fall deals with some heavy issues, but I thought it was extremely well done.
“It’s funny. I used to look up at the stars and feel so small and unimportant. But I’ve come to realize that the only thing that can ever make you feel alive and important is the one person who takes you for you.”
February 26, 2022
4.5 BAMA Stars
"Perfect is relative, Pix. Beauty is relative."
What a heartbreaking story that was so tough to read and I can only imagine the assortment of emotions that went into writing it.
The main character Lexi suffers from anorexia, while Austin a star football player on the Tide deals with his mother's battle with ALS and his brothers gang ties. They recognize the mask that the other wears and thus a bond is formed.
"I'm a Heighter from the boonies with a rap sheet -"
"And I'm an emo-anorexic virgin that can't be touched," she finished off."
"Match made in heaven, huh?" I said with a wink.
"What could possibly go wrong?" Lexi joked."
I was full-blown sobbing during this one it truly hurts to experience Lexi's emotions, thoughts and battle.
"I can't eat! I can't eat! I'm so fat, and he won't let me eat!"
Lexi and Austin are two broken souls who find acceptance in one another.
"Why the war paint, Pix?
"Why the tattoos?"
Overall, this installment in the series deals with very heavy issues realistically and painfully, truly a job well done Tillie Cole!
"Perfect is relative, Pix. Beauty is relative."
What a heartbreaking story that was so tough to read and I can only imagine the assortment of emotions that went into writing it.
The main character Lexi suffers from anorexia, while Austin a star football player on the Tide deals with his mother's battle with ALS and his brothers gang ties. They recognize the mask that the other wears and thus a bond is formed.
"I'm a Heighter from the boonies with a rap sheet -"
"And I'm an emo-anorexic virgin that can't be touched," she finished off."
"Match made in heaven, huh?" I said with a wink.
"What could possibly go wrong?" Lexi joked."
I was full-blown sobbing during this one it truly hurts to experience Lexi's emotions, thoughts and battle.
"I can't eat! I can't eat! I'm so fat, and he won't let me eat!"
Lexi and Austin are two broken souls who find acceptance in one another.
"Why the war paint, Pix?
"Why the tattoos?"
Overall, this installment in the series deals with very heavy issues realistically and painfully, truly a job well done Tillie Cole!
January 19, 2015
5***** VERY REAL STARS!!
Ok Breathe I finished 1. this series the other night after being with these characters for over a week to two and 2. I finished Sweet Fall. This is not just a romance but more about LIFE, HEARTBRAKE and being DIFFERENT in this world and succeeding on being different. I'd say though to me the romance came second to the reason behind the story.
I will also say this is so hard to review being that the subject matter was at times hard to read I had to put it down on occasions take a breather then go back in because this story really does come from the heart, this is Tillies book coming from her own experience so be aware this is no hearts and flowers read, yet I ADORED this more maybe although ROME in sweet home was one of the most gorgeous characters I've read this year so far Austin and Lexi's journey was BEAUTIFUL I find the hardest of journeys worth the time to read it makes us value our own lives and how thankful I am for not having that kind of pain on a daily basis.
Ok I'm digressing... Let me explain!!
What's it about?
Austin aka Romes best friend comes from a dangerous background being part of a street gang which includes dealing class A Drugs, shooting being part of a pack as it were where brothers and family is all that matters but as he grew up he wanted a better life he didn't want to live like that not for himself, not for his 14 year old brother and not for his Momma, so he worked hard and found a way out working towards getting in the NFL, but there's also a fine line between his goal to become a professional football player and having the world and his loyalty to his family. Austin also has an older brother Axe who is very much in the dangerous world Austin has got out of and at any moment could bring him in if he needed him there therefore there's a battle between good and bad, what's right and wrong, what he wants to do and what he's TORN to do.
Lexi has known of Austin because of Rome and Molly and that they are best friends to them but also because Lexi is a cheerleader and Austin is a college football player so they have known of each other for a while yet Lexi is in the wrong place at the wrong time and their first encounter is very unfortunate they are unable to spend time with each other because of circumstances that lexi was as and Austin ran into therefore they have to steer clear of each other yet they are drawn to each other due to the pain that they both see in each others demur.
Lexi has a disorder one where she controls everything that enters her mouth she's Anorexic and has inner thoughts inside her head that stops her from feeling and being happy, the core of the story I'd say would be around both Austin and Lexis journey. Although I loved the free flow and books 1 and 2 sweet fall was a much different journey where your sole focus is not FOOTBALL not FRIENDSHIP but THEM.
Ok where do I start first off this story was about two people who had a façade against the people they were around their close friends didn't know what was going on, only them. (appearances are deceiving right?) and this is especially true in the case of Lexi she smiled over the top and portrayed the perfect cheerleader, the perfect friend and was always smiling to the people that needed to see those emotions in her yet underneath she was slowly loosing it, Austin saw who she truly was from get go as he too was doing the same thing. Austin is tough on the outside people were wary of who he was he was this fantastic footballer and had a bright future yet he had a very difficult home life and cause of that he was actually covering the scars he had on the inside.
So together they found something special they were unique and saw the scars that the other was hiding to the world.
This story is Raw and gritty and VERY REAL. It's about life and survival, I love stories like this because I FEEL something, I suppose its a close subject to me because I have three little girls and one 7 year old that doesn't like eating lots although is getting better but I constantly worry about her nutritional intake and as a mum I'm constantly finding different things to get her to eat properly what I'm saying is that as a girl to a teenager to a young adult and then as an adult as a woman there's so much competition to be perfect the perfect size, the perfect weight, the perfect look PERFECTION life's hard so this book was VERY REAL, you will feel emotional and sit and think and mull on life, expectations being happy sad to be LOVED I felt a whole lot throughout this journey. And I for one will be taking this lesson with me for a while.
The romance was secondary to me as I was so worried about their futures yet when they came together I was rooting for them to be together to get it on and find something in each other something that only they need, on the outside they looked weird but together they looked right, there is heartache and troubles for both Lexi and Austin.
I am loving Tillie's voice her writing is catchy I understood where she was I got pulled into her world straight away, honestly I haven't done much the past week due to not being able to walk away from these books so I need to catch up on life now, this was a story where I couldn't breathe and HAD to keep reading till I finished which is everything I enjoy in a book I cried I thought and I sat back and took breathers so yes it was HARD at times but it was also BEAUTIFUL.
THANKYOU TILLIE <3
To Sum up
Will re-read this? ~ Maybe in the future.
Will I read anything Tillie writes in the future? ~Yes 100%
And will I recommend this book ~ Yes absolutely.
Ok Breathe I finished 1. this series the other night after being with these characters for over a week to two and 2. I finished Sweet Fall. This is not just a romance but more about LIFE, HEARTBRAKE and being DIFFERENT in this world and succeeding on being different. I'd say though to me the romance came second to the reason behind the story.
I will also say this is so hard to review being that the subject matter was at times hard to read I had to put it down on occasions take a breather then go back in because this story really does come from the heart, this is Tillies book coming from her own experience so be aware this is no hearts and flowers read, yet I ADORED this more maybe although ROME in sweet home was one of the most gorgeous characters I've read this year so far Austin and Lexi's journey was BEAUTIFUL I find the hardest of journeys worth the time to read it makes us value our own lives and how thankful I am for not having that kind of pain on a daily basis.
Ok I'm digressing... Let me explain!!
What's it about?
Austin aka Romes best friend comes from a dangerous background being part of a street gang which includes dealing class A Drugs, shooting being part of a pack as it were where brothers and family is all that matters but as he grew up he wanted a better life he didn't want to live like that not for himself, not for his 14 year old brother and not for his Momma, so he worked hard and found a way out working towards getting in the NFL, but there's also a fine line between his goal to become a professional football player and having the world and his loyalty to his family. Austin also has an older brother Axe who is very much in the dangerous world Austin has got out of and at any moment could bring him in if he needed him there therefore there's a battle between good and bad, what's right and wrong, what he wants to do and what he's TORN to do.
Lexi has known of Austin because of Rome and Molly and that they are best friends to them but also because Lexi is a cheerleader and Austin is a college football player so they have known of each other for a while yet Lexi is in the wrong place at the wrong time and their first encounter is very unfortunate they are unable to spend time with each other because of circumstances that lexi was as and Austin ran into therefore they have to steer clear of each other yet they are drawn to each other due to the pain that they both see in each others demur.
Lexi has a disorder one where she controls everything that enters her mouth she's Anorexic and has inner thoughts inside her head that stops her from feeling and being happy, the core of the story I'd say would be around both Austin and Lexis journey. Although I loved the free flow and books 1 and 2 sweet fall was a much different journey where your sole focus is not FOOTBALL not FRIENDSHIP but THEM.
Ok where do I start first off this story was about two people who had a façade against the people they were around their close friends didn't know what was going on, only them. (appearances are deceiving right?) and this is especially true in the case of Lexi she smiled over the top and portrayed the perfect cheerleader, the perfect friend and was always smiling to the people that needed to see those emotions in her yet underneath she was slowly loosing it, Austin saw who she truly was from get go as he too was doing the same thing. Austin is tough on the outside people were wary of who he was he was this fantastic footballer and had a bright future yet he had a very difficult home life and cause of that he was actually covering the scars he had on the inside.
So together they found something special they were unique and saw the scars that the other was hiding to the world.
"Do my scars repulse you?" ...... "No! Why would the scars repulse me? They're not who you are. they're from your past. They don't bother me at all. They don't bother me at all. It tells the story of your life." (.....) "
"just like your weight's no concern to me. You're you because you're you. I don't give a shit about weight or height. I look at true people. Real people. you're real, Pix. You got that shit in spades."
This story is Raw and gritty and VERY REAL. It's about life and survival, I love stories like this because I FEEL something, I suppose its a close subject to me because I have three little girls and one 7 year old that doesn't like eating lots although is getting better but I constantly worry about her nutritional intake and as a mum I'm constantly finding different things to get her to eat properly what I'm saying is that as a girl to a teenager to a young adult and then as an adult as a woman there's so much competition to be perfect the perfect size, the perfect weight, the perfect look PERFECTION life's hard so this book was VERY REAL, you will feel emotional and sit and think and mull on life, expectations being happy sad to be LOVED I felt a whole lot throughout this journey. And I for one will be taking this lesson with me for a while.
The romance was secondary to me as I was so worried about their futures yet when they came together I was rooting for them to be together to get it on and find something in each other something that only they need, on the outside they looked weird but together they looked right, there is heartache and troubles for both Lexi and Austin.
"She's my broken Pixie, and I'm her piece of Trailer trash scum."
I am loving Tillie's voice her writing is catchy I understood where she was I got pulled into her world straight away, honestly I haven't done much the past week due to not being able to walk away from these books so I need to catch up on life now, this was a story where I couldn't breathe and HAD to keep reading till I finished which is everything I enjoy in a book I cried I thought and I sat back and took breathers so yes it was HARD at times but it was also BEAUTIFUL.
THANKYOU TILLIE <3
To Sum up
Will re-read this? ~ Maybe in the future.
Will I read anything Tillie writes in the future? ~Yes 100%
And will I recommend this book ~ Yes absolutely.
February 27, 2018
5 Very Brave Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free
In 2013 Tillie Cole was introduced to me with her book, Sweet Home. My review expressed delight in the experience I had reading it. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Her series continued and time being what it was, fleeting, I hadn't had the chance to catch up with all of her releases. Recently, she produced Sweet Hope to glowing reviews... but there was advisement of reading Sweet Fall first in order to appreciate Sweet Hope. Since I had a little time to tackle both books, I figured I would do what I told for once....
As I started Sweet Fall, not really having a clue about the storyline except the blurb and what I remembered from the first book, I read the intro from Tillie. Her letter to us was profound; it laid bare her life in ways most would never do...she decided to tackle a darkness she had experienced...a pain which riddled her days and nights...and she didn't hold back. She told us to take it as it happened from her experience... no one else's... not claiming her path was the happy ending we all crave... just something she must keep control of at all times.
It made me stop and ask myself if I was up to reading this... if I even wanted to read it knowing it wasn't the lighter fare I was in the mood for... The question was answered in a heartbeat because if she was brave and willing to share this with us...who was I to turn away.... and oh, I am so glad I did not.
All of us have demons... we all have things we fight within ourselves. It starts with things when we were young...sometimes it is outside influences which cause us to doubt ourselves... or sometimes we are just managing the insecurities of young adolescences...something which isn't as life threatening as this story. Whatever the fear, doubt or question...each has weight in our development... and it is a crap shoot as to how one comment or action can trigger a lifetime of behavior due to the way it was processed. I truly think it is almost a chemical thing in how we are wired and how our lives up to that moment impact how we take all these things in...There is no judgement; it could be any one of us...and that is the importance of this tale.
We have two characters living lies with masks on at all times....one hiding the constant drain of being that happy girl cheerleader. Being friends and letting all think everything was a-ok when actually she was fighting 24/7 the pull to return and relinquish her life to the pursuit of perfect....perfect size, rib count....and weight. It has taken over her life before...isolating her and providing her with another doing the same battle, Daisey.... but she's left our girl ....and now Lexie is all alone with no one to confide in who understands this perfection and pull.
Our other character who is playing at being his own type of perfect as best he can; he is the wide receiver to Rome's Quarterback. He comes from a life where gangs are the parents and shields.... where his mother endured what no woman should have from her husband.... and then God laughed and gave her ALS. This was the motivator to hustling like his brother... the need for the medications for his sick mother...There was a once in a lifetime chance for him to make it out of that hell....a scholarship to play for the Tides. Even the older brother knew this was Austin's only chance... and he manipulated the gang to release him.
We have these two characters who have been circling each other through friends on the campus.... never really interacting but aware of who they are. A moment happens which brings them both crashing into each other at the worst time....Threats are made...additional fear is laid out for both with this new situation....Neither has any control of what could happen if the wrong elements get involved. They try to stay clear of each other....but fate wanted to lead these two to be together and they end up locked in a summerhouse overnight hiding from the dean and campus police.
It is during this time when things shift...comments are made... air is cleared and people recognizing the masks in place... like birds of the same species seeing they are the same in away....and it opens the mind and heart. For these two see through the pretend and talk to each other as real....not pushing too hard... for each has their pain and scars.
This story is so brave....it had me tearing during most of it. Austin's family and all of the drama surrounding it; the hopelessness of the situation and cruelty it imparted. There were times I was so frustrated by ego and stubbornness of the male characters not accepting financial assistance from their wealthy best friend. I got the need for men to be men and provide for their family but when it could be at the expense of others' healthcare... it is hard to accept.
Lexie's arc was heartbreaking. Women are constantly told how they should look and behave. Media tears down singers, actresses and even the First Lady of our country regarding size and weight. It is a wonder if a girl grows into a healthy adult today and not have a body issue.
The love Austin showed Lexie was pure and sweet. The mistakes in thoughts after their connection were unfortunate but understandable because of her history. The friends rallied for both Austin and Lexie when it was important and we got what was needed in the end.
The other characters were living and breathing off the page. We felt them all and the foundation for them came from the first book, Sweet Home. We knew of all of them and met more in depth Austin's brothers and mother. This family of strong Italians was tragic.... yet with beauty too. Each son brought something to the story and it is this family we are so interested in....
Tillie Cole placed a part of her soul on these pages sharing all the trauma and pain she personally has experienced with the hope of affecting at least one other person to get the assistance they may need...for them to see they are not alone in this world fighting this fight. Her writing affected me greatly and I am gratefully she wrote this book. I may not have suffered from the demons she did... but as I mentioned earlier... I don't think there is a person on this planet who hasn't felt not enough at one time or another...
I am now able to read Sweet Hope.... and am flying to the first page...you should, too.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * * Spoiler Free
In 2013 Tillie Cole was introduced to me with her book, Sweet Home. My review expressed delight in the experience I had reading it. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Her series continued and time being what it was, fleeting, I hadn't had the chance to catch up with all of her releases. Recently, she produced Sweet Hope to glowing reviews... but there was advisement of reading Sweet Fall first in order to appreciate Sweet Hope. Since I had a little time to tackle both books, I figured I would do what I told for once....
As I started Sweet Fall, not really having a clue about the storyline except the blurb and what I remembered from the first book, I read the intro from Tillie. Her letter to us was profound; it laid bare her life in ways most would never do...she decided to tackle a darkness she had experienced...a pain which riddled her days and nights...and she didn't hold back. She told us to take it as it happened from her experience... no one else's... not claiming her path was the happy ending we all crave... just something she must keep control of at all times.
It made me stop and ask myself if I was up to reading this... if I even wanted to read it knowing it wasn't the lighter fare I was in the mood for... The question was answered in a heartbeat because if she was brave and willing to share this with us...who was I to turn away.... and oh, I am so glad I did not.
All of us have demons... we all have things we fight within ourselves. It starts with things when we were young...sometimes it is outside influences which cause us to doubt ourselves... or sometimes we are just managing the insecurities of young adolescences...something which isn't as life threatening as this story. Whatever the fear, doubt or question...each has weight in our development... and it is a crap shoot as to how one comment or action can trigger a lifetime of behavior due to the way it was processed. I truly think it is almost a chemical thing in how we are wired and how our lives up to that moment impact how we take all these things in...There is no judgement; it could be any one of us...and that is the importance of this tale.
We have two characters living lies with masks on at all times....one hiding the constant drain of being that happy girl cheerleader. Being friends and letting all think everything was a-ok when actually she was fighting 24/7 the pull to return and relinquish her life to the pursuit of perfect....perfect size, rib count....and weight. It has taken over her life before...isolating her and providing her with another doing the same battle, Daisey.... but she's left our girl ....and now Lexie is all alone with no one to confide in who understands this perfection and pull.
Our other character who is playing at being his own type of perfect as best he can; he is the wide receiver to Rome's Quarterback. He comes from a life where gangs are the parents and shields.... where his mother endured what no woman should have from her husband.... and then God laughed and gave her ALS. This was the motivator to hustling like his brother... the need for the medications for his sick mother...There was a once in a lifetime chance for him to make it out of that hell....a scholarship to play for the Tides. Even the older brother knew this was Austin's only chance... and he manipulated the gang to release him.
We have these two characters who have been circling each other through friends on the campus.... never really interacting but aware of who they are. A moment happens which brings them both crashing into each other at the worst time....Threats are made...additional fear is laid out for both with this new situation....Neither has any control of what could happen if the wrong elements get involved. They try to stay clear of each other....but fate wanted to lead these two to be together and they end up locked in a summerhouse overnight hiding from the dean and campus police.
It is during this time when things shift...comments are made... air is cleared and people recognizing the masks in place... like birds of the same species seeing they are the same in away....and it opens the mind and heart. For these two see through the pretend and talk to each other as real....not pushing too hard... for each has their pain and scars.
This story is so brave....it had me tearing during most of it. Austin's family and all of the drama surrounding it; the hopelessness of the situation and cruelty it imparted. There were times I was so frustrated by ego and stubbornness of the male characters not accepting financial assistance from their wealthy best friend. I got the need for men to be men and provide for their family but when it could be at the expense of others' healthcare... it is hard to accept.
Lexie's arc was heartbreaking. Women are constantly told how they should look and behave. Media tears down singers, actresses and even the First Lady of our country regarding size and weight. It is a wonder if a girl grows into a healthy adult today and not have a body issue.
The love Austin showed Lexie was pure and sweet. The mistakes in thoughts after their connection were unfortunate but understandable because of her history. The friends rallied for both Austin and Lexie when it was important and we got what was needed in the end.
The other characters were living and breathing off the page. We felt them all and the foundation for them came from the first book, Sweet Home. We knew of all of them and met more in depth Austin's brothers and mother. This family of strong Italians was tragic.... yet with beauty too. Each son brought something to the story and it is this family we are so interested in....
Tillie Cole placed a part of her soul on these pages sharing all the trauma and pain she personally has experienced with the hope of affecting at least one other person to get the assistance they may need...for them to see they are not alone in this world fighting this fight. Her writing affected me greatly and I am gratefully she wrote this book. I may not have suffered from the demons she did... but as I mentioned earlier... I don't think there is a person on this planet who hasn't felt not enough at one time or another...
I am now able to read Sweet Hope.... and am flying to the first page...you should, too.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
December 26, 2015
***5 Beautiful Stars***!
This book was just superb. You know a book is good when days later the characters are still lingering with you! From the moment I opened this I was hooked. It usually takes time for me to warm up to the story, but from the very beginning I found myself completely invested and rooting for the characters. And now that I've read the last page and the book is done....the story still haunts me.
Austin is a footballer with dreams of making it to the NFL, but his awful family life circumstances threatens to wreak havoc on everything he's working hard to achieve. Then there's the heroine Lexi, who struggles with her own inward battles. These two find each other in the most unlikely of ways...I absolutely LOVE unlikely romances and unusual characters that end up falling in love.
I don't like to give too much of the story away, but this was an epic love story.
I cried
I empathized
I was angry
I was happy.
My emotions were pretty much all over the place.
Would I recommend this book? A thousand times YES!!
This book was just superb. You know a book is good when days later the characters are still lingering with you! From the moment I opened this I was hooked. It usually takes time for me to warm up to the story, but from the very beginning I found myself completely invested and rooting for the characters. And now that I've read the last page and the book is done....the story still haunts me.
Austin is a footballer with dreams of making it to the NFL, but his awful family life circumstances threatens to wreak havoc on everything he's working hard to achieve. Then there's the heroine Lexi, who struggles with her own inward battles. These two find each other in the most unlikely of ways...I absolutely LOVE unlikely romances and unusual characters that end up falling in love.
I don't like to give too much of the story away, but this was an epic love story.
I cried
I empathized
I was angry
I was happy.
My emotions were pretty much all over the place.
Would I recommend this book? A thousand times YES!!
August 18, 2014
4.5--Pixie--Stars!!!
Sweet Fall is a much heavier, darker, grittier read than Sweet Home. Both Lexi and Austin carry so much heartache and pain. Both putting on a facade. Hiding who they are from their friends. Pretending to be someone they aren't.
Lexi lives every day in fear. Of the demon that lurks in her head. The one that tells her she's not good enough. Not pretty enough. Not skinny enough.
Austin lives every day for someone else. A family he's trying to protect. Trying to free himself from the chains of his past. To save a brother from a life that will kill him. To help the mother that gave him everything.
Two people brought together by fate.
Lexi tries to be stronger than the voice. To not let it bring her down. She hides from her friends. Her family. She denies the depth of her pain. She just wants to be normal. To not be ruled by what she sees and what she hears.
Football is Austin's way out. His ticket to redemption. It's his only hope at a better life. For him and his family. A family tragedy brings Austin face to face with his past. A past that could take everything away. His future, Lexi, his friends, his family.
For Austin, Lexi gives him something that is worth fighting for. To be the person she needs. And Austin gives Lexi hope. Hope that maybe Austin can silence the voice in her head. Hope that she can be beautiful for him.
My heart broke for Lexi and Austin and what they both went through. It was so hard to read about the demons that took over Lexi. I wanted to punch him , that voice in her head that ruled her life. Austin was the calm in Lexi's storm. He gave Lexi just a little bit of quiet.
Austin's dedication and love for his family was inspiring. He was willing to give up everything to save his family, in the only way he knew how. He was proud, he was fierce, he was honorable. Lexi saw more than the bad-boy from the wrong side of the tracks.
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
Sweet Fall is a much heavier, darker, grittier read than Sweet Home. Both Lexi and Austin carry so much heartache and pain. Both putting on a facade. Hiding who they are from their friends. Pretending to be someone they aren't.
"Why the war paint, Pix?"
"Because I can't stand the girl underneath..."
"Why the tattoos?"
"Because I can't bear seeing the scars of my past."
Lexi lives every day in fear. Of the demon that lurks in her head. The one that tells her she's not good enough. Not pretty enough. Not skinny enough.
"We all have secrets, Austin. Some people's are bigger than others, that's all."
Austin lives every day for someone else. A family he's trying to protect. Trying to free himself from the chains of his past. To save a brother from a life that will kill him. To help the mother that gave him everything.
"So you see, Pix, I have scars too. It's just mine are on the outside where everyone can see."
Two people brought together by fate.
Lexi tries to be stronger than the voice. To not let it bring her down. She hides from her friends. Her family. She denies the depth of her pain. She just wants to be normal. To not be ruled by what she sees and what she hears.
"All of this started with the rejection of a boy I liked....I want it to end with the acceptance of the boy I love."
Football is Austin's way out. His ticket to redemption. It's his only hope at a better life. For him and his family. A family tragedy brings Austin face to face with his past. A past that could take everything away. His future, Lexi, his friends, his family.
"We were both just too messed up to ever be with each other in the way we needed to be. Two shooting stars that burned out too quickly, never quite reaching each other's skies."
For Austin, Lexi gives him something that is worth fighting for. To be the person she needs. And Austin gives Lexi hope. Hope that maybe Austin can silence the voice in her head. Hope that she can be beautiful for him.
My heart broke for Lexi and Austin and what they both went through. It was so hard to read about the demons that took over Lexi. I wanted to punch him , that voice in her head that ruled her life. Austin was the calm in Lexi's storm. He gave Lexi just a little bit of quiet.
Austin's dedication and love for his family was inspiring. He was willing to give up everything to save his family, in the only way he knew how. He was proud, he was fierce, he was honorable. Lexi saw more than the bad-boy from the wrong side of the tracks.
"We all have secrets. Secrets well buried. Until we find the one soul who makes the burden of such secrets just a little bit easier to bear."
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
March 18, 2018
5 “Dark Soul” Stars
Is it normal that I wanna re-read it already??????????
Buddy-reading this with the sweetest squishy ever! Sharing this reading with someone made me love the book way more.
HOLY SHIT! I AM NOT KIDDING YOU THIS BOOKS GOT TO THE DEEPEST PARTS OF MY SOUL. IS PAINFUL, IS UGLY, IS TRIGGERING, IS RAW, IS BEAUTIFUL.
I WAS NOT READY FOR THE FEELS, A SECURITY CAMERA CAUGHT ME IN THIS GIF:
WARNING: Eating disorder, anxiety, emotions all over the freaking place.
When you start reading a novel and you are just at the dedication but you already feel your soul has been shaken, is because shit is gonna break you and you are gonna love this book. AKA ME. My friends, I was at chapter 6 and I was already tearing up, I don’t cry even in the most emotional books ever. This has to tell you something.
If you are looking for a fluffy, swooning, romantic, sexy NA book, sorry you are not gonna get that here.
THINGS I LOVED:
⇝DARKNESS/ UGLINESS
Tillie Colle touched upon ugly aspects of life, and she didn’t contain herself, she kept throwing arrows to tear me apart. She touches on anorexia, gang life, poverty, sickness, sorrow, anxiety, and insecurities. I loved how even in the sweetest scenes none of this fades because, in reality, it just doesn’t disappear.
⇝WRITING
It was beautiful, and I felt every single word deep in my bones. Even the curse words, because fuck yeah it added meaning and completed the characters personalities. The voice addition brought so much impact on the eating disorders storyline, is very much scary, because is like having an enemy 24/7 inside your head. I loved the parts where Tillie incorporated Italian. Fuck Austin talking Italian made me want to squish him and maybe lick him honestly. Also, the scenes with Austin’s mom were on point, I felt the struggle and devastation.
⇝CHARACTERS
Austin: He is my ultimate crush on the bad boy, tortured soul, wanna protect you to death, type of character. He was in a gang, violence will always be part of his past but he honest to god is just a person who cares too much for everyone around him, trying to protect them even that means destroying himself. He was so tough but also a character full of sorrow and vulnerability. Every time he broke down, I broke down with him. I loved how even he was involved in all the deep shit, and stereotypical stuff, he wasn’t a playboy who slept with everyone crossing his path.
Lexi: My god, this girl’s mind brought me to my knees with pain. I felt for her but also for all the people out there who have to undergo similar thought processing, I could relate. She really showed me that people could be wearing a huge armor and disguise and that what we get is not always true.
I felt like a mama bear trying to protect this two of all the shitty things life was throwing at them.
Axel: FUCK YOU. I really don’t know how Tillie is gonna make me redeem him in the next book.
Levi: Too precious, needs to be protected at all cost. A soul who lost his innocence too young.
⇝RELATIONSHIP
The romantic relationship is slow. Is almost like a hate-love, but it goes from fear-confidants-friendship-lovers. There is no immediate attraction or love at first sight, so thanks to the above for that. I loved how love didn’t alter the ugly reality the characters were living, it wasn’t the main thing. Also, the sex-scenes were on point. It wasn’t hot or smut but heartbreaking because of all the complications. I loved how Austin always asked if what he did was okay for our mc, it was sweet and caring. To be honest, I usually don’t root for to damaged characters to get together, but I completely wanted it in this story. I AM TRASH WHATEVER.
⇝MEANING
This book was close to the heart and experience of the author and I really appreciated it. The dedication and author's note had me expecting the whole story way more.
⇝CHAPTER 6 & 10 My favs. I will just say have tissues beside you because your heart will shatter.
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:
⇜ IT ENDED. There were no more chapters to read and my heart broke because I need it, is air to me, necessary.
“We were both just too messed up to ever be with each other in the way we needed to be. Two shooting stars that burned out too quickly, never quite reaching each other’s skies.”
“Why the war paint, Pix?
Because I can't stand the girl underneath...
"Why the tattoos ?"
Because I can't bear seeing the scars of my past.”
Is it normal that I wanna re-read it already??????????
Buddy-reading this with the sweetest squishy ever! Sharing this reading with someone made me love the book way more.
HOLY SHIT! I AM NOT KIDDING YOU THIS BOOKS GOT TO THE DEEPEST PARTS OF MY SOUL. IS PAINFUL, IS UGLY, IS TRIGGERING, IS RAW, IS BEAUTIFUL.
I WAS NOT READY FOR THE FEELS, A SECURITY CAMERA CAUGHT ME IN THIS GIF:
WARNING: Eating disorder, anxiety, emotions all over the freaking place.
When you start reading a novel and you are just at the dedication but you already feel your soul has been shaken, is because shit is gonna break you and you are gonna love this book. AKA ME. My friends, I was at chapter 6 and I was already tearing up, I don’t cry even in the most emotional books ever. This has to tell you something.
If you are looking for a fluffy, swooning, romantic, sexy NA book, sorry you are not gonna get that here.
THINGS I LOVED:
⇝DARKNESS/ UGLINESS
Tillie Colle touched upon ugly aspects of life, and she didn’t contain herself, she kept throwing arrows to tear me apart. She touches on anorexia, gang life, poverty, sickness, sorrow, anxiety, and insecurities. I loved how even in the sweetest scenes none of this fades because, in reality, it just doesn’t disappear.
⇝WRITING
It was beautiful, and I felt every single word deep in my bones. Even the curse words, because fuck yeah it added meaning and completed the characters personalities. The voice addition brought so much impact on the eating disorders storyline, is very much scary, because is like having an enemy 24/7 inside your head. I loved the parts where Tillie incorporated Italian. Fuck Austin talking Italian made me want to squish him
⇝CHARACTERS
Austin: He is my ultimate crush on the bad boy, tortured soul, wanna protect you to death, type of character. He was in a gang, violence will always be part of his past but he honest to god is just a person who cares too much for everyone around him, trying to protect them even that means destroying himself. He was so tough but also a character full of sorrow and vulnerability. Every time he broke down, I broke down with him. I loved how even he was involved in all the deep shit, and stereotypical stuff, he wasn’t a playboy who slept with everyone crossing his path.
Lexi: My god, this girl’s mind brought me to my knees with pain. I felt for her but also for all the people out there who have to undergo similar thought processing, I could relate. She really showed me that people could be wearing a huge armor and disguise and that what we get is not always true.
I felt like a mama bear trying to protect this two of all the shitty things life was throwing at them.
Axel: FUCK YOU. I really don’t know how Tillie is gonna make me redeem him in the next book.
Levi: Too precious, needs to be protected at all cost. A soul who lost his innocence too young.
⇝RELATIONSHIP
The romantic relationship is slow. Is almost like a hate-love, but it goes from fear-confidants-friendship-lovers. There is no immediate attraction or love at first sight, so thanks to the above for that. I loved how love didn’t alter the ugly reality the characters were living, it wasn’t the main thing. Also, the sex-scenes were on point. It wasn’t hot or smut but heartbreaking because of all the complications. I loved how Austin always asked if what he did was okay for our mc, it was sweet and caring. To be honest, I usually don’t root for to damaged characters to get together, but I completely wanted it in this story. I AM TRASH WHATEVER.
⇝MEANING
This book was close to the heart and experience of the author and I really appreciated it. The dedication and author's note had me expecting the whole story way more.
⇝CHAPTER 6 & 10 My favs. I will just say have tissues beside you because your heart will shatter.
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:
⇜ IT ENDED. There were no more chapters to read and my heart broke because I need it, is air to me, necessary.
“We were both just too messed up to ever be with each other in the way we needed to be. Two shooting stars that burned out too quickly, never quite reaching each other’s skies.”
September 25, 2014
*****FOUR STARS*****
(BR with Mel and Dee)
So far, I have to say this series has been very enjoyable.
I've now read four of Tillie Cole's books, and I can safely say the woman knows how to write a good story.
This one was a bit on the sad side.
Very depressing subject matter. One that hits close to home with me having had close friends that suffered from Anorexia and also since I am in a constant struggle myself over losing weight and staying in shape. I don't really know any woman who is 100% satisfied with how they look. Society places so much importance on looks and it's sad to say but I don't see that this will ever change.
We met Lexi Hart and Austin Carillo, in books 1 & 2. Lexi is the goth cheerleader that is one of Molly's friends and sorority sisters. Austin is the wide receiver for the Crimson Tide and also best friend to Rome. These two have their own heartbreaking stories.
Lexi suffers from anorexia. She started when she was about 16 in High School and almost lost her life to the disease.
She's been in recovery for a few years. She had to be home schooled for quite a while and just recently was allowed to attend the university and join the Sorority and Cheer Squad.
I have to say I thought it was odd that her parents were hardly present in the story. They were portrayed as loving parents who really cared for her, so I am surprised they were hardly present in her life. You would think in reality, parents with a child who is suffering from this disease would be keeping a close eye on them. To make sure there weren't any signs of a relapse.
How her therapist wasn't taking her weight loss a little more seriously was also a little off for me. But I guess to build up the angst I can see why they may have been left out of the story.
Austin is the guy who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. Living with his mom and two brothers in a trailer park.
His momma is a beautiful saint of a woman, who struggled through life, trying to provide for her three boys, after their father abandoned them all.
She is suffering from ALS, and without any healthcare benefits or money, the boys turn to a life of crime to come up with the money to pay for their mother's medication.
His older brother, Axel, joins a street gang, and gets Austin and his little brother Levi, sucked into the gang life as well. I really HATED Axel and I don't care what he did towards the end, in my book it's not enough to make amends. I am an older sibling, and I'd never let my little sister get involved in anything dangerous or illegal. Sorry, he's a character I didn't like and still don't care for.
One night while walking alone on campus, Lexi sees a drug exchange go down between Axel and a student. Axel is threatening her but Austin happens to show up at that moment and intervenes. Austin and Lexi get off on the wrong foot because of this situation. I had a hard time liking him in the beginning of the story because of how mean he was to Lexi. I couldn't see the appeal to Austin at all to be honest. The tattoos on his face just didn't make him sound attractive to me. I was thinking of Mike Tyson!! LOL
I don't approve of bullying and that's what he seemed to be doing to Lexi and I get he was trying to protect his family and his status at the University but to scare a timid and fragile looking girl, is just not ok with me.
Ultimately circumstances will eventually have these two falling for each other.
I was able to get on board with this and, OH MY, did I love every time Austin spoke in Italian to Lexi and his momma. My God that language just sounds so beautiful. I bet "honey take out the trash" even sounds romantic in Italian!! LOL
There were a couple of sexy time scenes but they weren't very steamy. Their first time was actually very heartbreaking.
"And you have destroyed me, Pix, but never how I thought. You destroyed the fence I'd built up to keep people out. You destroyed the hard-ass persona I wore like a shield. But even more than that, you destroyed any reluctance I had to find comfort in someone else. You fuckin' bulldozed me, Pix. You, my tiny dark pixie, made all my defenses crumble to dust."
There's a bit of angst and Rome and the rest of the crew get involved. I was happy to get more of Rome!!
Lexi and Austin seemed to be two utterly broken souls whose love ended up being what saved them in the end.
I love you. I love you deeply, whole-heartedly, without hesitation, free of condition. I have fallen in love with you. The broken boy who has only ever known trouble and strife. Yet the broken boy who managed to put this broken girl back together, at least for a while.
I loved Austins' letter to Lexi and the ending. The epilogue was BEAUTIFUL!
I know after today, I will never be alone with my fears. I know after today, my heart will be complete, joined eternally to the only man who has ever known how to love me in the way I needed to be loved.
He saved me. I saved him.
Well done, Tillie Cole!!!
(BR with Mel and Dee)
So far, I have to say this series has been very enjoyable.
I've now read four of Tillie Cole's books, and I can safely say the woman knows how to write a good story.
This one was a bit on the sad side.
Very depressing subject matter. One that hits close to home with me having had close friends that suffered from Anorexia and also since I am in a constant struggle myself over losing weight and staying in shape. I don't really know any woman who is 100% satisfied with how they look. Society places so much importance on looks and it's sad to say but I don't see that this will ever change.
We met Lexi Hart and Austin Carillo, in books 1 & 2. Lexi is the goth cheerleader that is one of Molly's friends and sorority sisters. Austin is the wide receiver for the Crimson Tide and also best friend to Rome. These two have their own heartbreaking stories.
Lexi suffers from anorexia. She started when she was about 16 in High School and almost lost her life to the disease.
She's been in recovery for a few years. She had to be home schooled for quite a while and just recently was allowed to attend the university and join the Sorority and Cheer Squad.
I have to say I thought it was odd that her parents were hardly present in the story. They were portrayed as loving parents who really cared for her, so I am surprised they were hardly present in her life. You would think in reality, parents with a child who is suffering from this disease would be keeping a close eye on them. To make sure there weren't any signs of a relapse.
How her therapist wasn't taking her weight loss a little more seriously was also a little off for me. But I guess to build up the angst I can see why they may have been left out of the story.
Austin is the guy who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. Living with his mom and two brothers in a trailer park.
His momma is a beautiful saint of a woman, who struggled through life, trying to provide for her three boys, after their father abandoned them all.
She is suffering from ALS, and without any healthcare benefits or money, the boys turn to a life of crime to come up with the money to pay for their mother's medication.
His older brother, Axel, joins a street gang, and gets Austin and his little brother Levi, sucked into the gang life as well. I really HATED Axel and I don't care what he did towards the end, in my book it's not enough to make amends. I am an older sibling, and I'd never let my little sister get involved in anything dangerous or illegal. Sorry, he's a character I didn't like and still don't care for.
One night while walking alone on campus, Lexi sees a drug exchange go down between Axel and a student. Axel is threatening her but Austin happens to show up at that moment and intervenes. Austin and Lexi get off on the wrong foot because of this situation. I had a hard time liking him in the beginning of the story because of how mean he was to Lexi. I couldn't see the appeal to Austin at all to be honest. The tattoos on his face just didn't make him sound attractive to me. I was thinking of Mike Tyson!! LOL
I don't approve of bullying and that's what he seemed to be doing to Lexi and I get he was trying to protect his family and his status at the University but to scare a timid and fragile looking girl, is just not ok with me.
Ultimately circumstances will eventually have these two falling for each other.
I was able to get on board with this and, OH MY, did I love every time Austin spoke in Italian to Lexi and his momma. My God that language just sounds so beautiful. I bet "honey take out the trash" even sounds romantic in Italian!! LOL
There were a couple of sexy time scenes but they weren't very steamy. Their first time was actually very heartbreaking.
"And you have destroyed me, Pix, but never how I thought. You destroyed the fence I'd built up to keep people out. You destroyed the hard-ass persona I wore like a shield. But even more than that, you destroyed any reluctance I had to find comfort in someone else. You fuckin' bulldozed me, Pix. You, my tiny dark pixie, made all my defenses crumble to dust."
There's a bit of angst and Rome and the rest of the crew get involved. I was happy to get more of Rome!!
Lexi and Austin seemed to be two utterly broken souls whose love ended up being what saved them in the end.
I love you. I love you deeply, whole-heartedly, without hesitation, free of condition. I have fallen in love with you. The broken boy who has only ever known trouble and strife. Yet the broken boy who managed to put this broken girl back together, at least for a while.
I loved Austins' letter to Lexi and the ending. The epilogue was BEAUTIFUL!
I know after today, I will never be alone with my fears. I know after today, my heart will be complete, joined eternally to the only man who has ever known how to love me in the way I needed to be loved.
He saved me. I saved him.
Well done, Tillie Cole!!!
March 17, 2015
4.5 "Why the war paint, Pix?" STARS
This was a heartbreakingly beautiful story! My emotions are all over the place.
Knowing Ms. Cole, I expected heart and soul in this story and to be moved but I never expected the depth of darkness and truth that would be bared. Both main characters deal with some very real, harsh and life threatening issues.
Lexington "Lexi" Hart: "She sees...no beauty in...herself."
Austin Carillo:"One broken boy carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders."
Each of them seems to fix or soothe or calm or erase the inner demons or darkness within the other.
"Sometimes, someone could stumble unannounced into the train wreck that is your life and begin to pull you out of the heavy rubble weighing down on you chest."
"That moment where you look at the same set of eyes you've gazed upon thousands of times before, only this time you see something more within their depths. This one time, it's as if you are looking down the lens of a spyglass and you can see into another's soul...and it seems to solder itself to yours."
In reading this, you just know that this was not an easy story to tell nor was it easy at times to read, but this was beautifully done!!
This was a heartbreakingly beautiful story! My emotions are all over the place.
Knowing Ms. Cole, I expected heart and soul in this story and to be moved but I never expected the depth of darkness and truth that would be bared. Both main characters deal with some very real, harsh and life threatening issues.
Lexington "Lexi" Hart: "She sees...no beauty in...herself."
Austin Carillo:"One broken boy carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders."
Each of them seems to fix or soothe or calm or erase the inner demons or darkness within the other.
"Sometimes, someone could stumble unannounced into the train wreck that is your life and begin to pull you out of the heavy rubble weighing down on you chest."
"That moment where you look at the same set of eyes you've gazed upon thousands of times before, only this time you see something more within their depths. This one time, it's as if you are looking down the lens of a spyglass and you can see into another's soul...and it seems to solder itself to yours."
In reading this, you just know that this was not an easy story to tell nor was it easy at times to read, but this was beautifully done!!
![Profile Image for [~Ami~]♥Sexy Dexy♥ .](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1388500902i%2F22427047._UY200_CR8%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
August 14, 2014
4 stars
Austin and Lexi with their own secrets find comfort in each other. But are they both able to fight their own demons?
Austin. This sweet understanding troubled tattooed Italian guy. Swooon! Together they were just so right for each other. But I'm afraid where everything else was great I couldn't help but be annoyed at Lexi and her inner voice.
I can see this being a tear jerker for a lot of readers. It was quite emotional, the romance was really adorable and no insta love always earns extra points for me. Really liked it.
Note: Set in the same time frame as Sweet Home, there are some spoilers if you have yet to read book 1. Dual POV.
ARC provided by the Author
Austin and Lexi with their own secrets find comfort in each other. But are they both able to fight their own demons?
Austin. This sweet understanding troubled tattooed Italian guy. Swooon! Together they were just so right for each other. But I'm afraid where everything else was great I couldn't help but be annoyed at Lexi and her inner voice.
I can see this being a tear jerker for a lot of readers. It was quite emotional, the romance was really adorable and no insta love always earns extra points for me. Really liked it.
Note: Set in the same time frame as Sweet Home, there are some spoilers if you have yet to read book 1. Dual POV.
ARC provided by the Author
March 2, 2017
Yup. Still just as awesome.
March 5, 2018
Trigger warnings: main character deals with anorexia.
God, this book was good. I stayed up past 4am to read this and now my nose is blocked from all the crying.
God, this book was good. I stayed up past 4am to read this and now my nose is blocked from all the crying.
August 6, 2024
5☆ They found love in a hopeless place 💔
➳ I’m a Heighter from the boonies with a rap sheet—”
“And I’m an emo-anorexic virgin that can’t be touched,” she finished off.
“Match made in heaven, huh?” I said with a wink.
“What could possibly go wrong?”
👏👏👏 That was a LOT—devastating, sweetly romantic, and frighteningly real. Please read the Foreword and trigger warnings. 😮💨🫶 The tenderly heartbreaking way TC wrote about these topics was hard to read at times, though there wasn’t a chance in hell I was putting it down.
➳ Sometimes, someone could stumble unannounced into the train wreck that is your life and begin to pull you out of the heavy rubble weighing down on your chest. Although our respective issues were poles apart in nature, we were kindred spirits in the fight to not let these issues destroy us as people.
I fell head over heels for Austin and Lexi’s rocky, poignant, unlikely romance and deep friendship. It was unique and seemed so impossible at times.
➳ But then I felt her soft lips brush against my sternum, and I just about lost my mind. Slowly guiding her head up with my hand, my lips ghosted across her hair and down along her cheek. “Pix, I need you,” I rasped out once more. Tilting her chin, she replied, “I think… I think I might need you too.”
I cried over the boys’ relationship and desperate attempts to help their amazing mother. I loved her character. 😭
➳❦ I wasn’t a twenty-one-year-old gangbanger and potential NFL player at this moment. I was a helpless young kid whose mamma was slowly dying.
It was amazing how all of these beaten-down underdogs showed up for each other, providing support, self-sacrifice, and understanding without judgement. The author’s empathy for and expressions of the human experience really got to me.
➳❦ Why is it that when you’re faced with the billion tiny lights of the galaxy, you feel a comforting sense of unimportance, like your problems are nothing? That there’s more to life, to the world, than what you think, like humans are all part of some big plan, a grand design God set out for us to play out. But as soon as you look away from that blanket of diamonds, all your problems slam home once more, and any shit you’re going through crushes you. All issues you have stab you in your chest, and everything’s illuminated.
The third act almost broke me. ⚠️ Like that was rough, and I wanted to shake Austin, their friends, and Lexi’s parents to open their eyes. Kindle got thrown, luckily onto my bed. 😅 Tillie did a good job of showing how insidiously and skillfully secretive eating disorders can force people to become though. 🥺 I was very grateful for all the moments of comedic relief from the larger-than-life Cass and JD, and the romantic vibes between Austin and his forbidden ‘dark little pixie’ were irresistible. The ending gave a sweet payoff; nothing was perfect and everything was beautiful. I have no doubt I’ll be haunted by this story for a long time. 🥹
➳ I’m a Heighter from the boonies with a rap sheet—”
“And I’m an emo-anorexic virgin that can’t be touched,” she finished off.
“Match made in heaven, huh?” I said with a wink.
“What could possibly go wrong?”
👏👏👏 That was a LOT—devastating, sweetly romantic, and frighteningly real. Please read the Foreword and trigger warnings. 😮💨🫶 The tenderly heartbreaking way TC wrote about these topics was hard to read at times, though there wasn’t a chance in hell I was putting it down.
➳ Sometimes, someone could stumble unannounced into the train wreck that is your life and begin to pull you out of the heavy rubble weighing down on your chest. Although our respective issues were poles apart in nature, we were kindred spirits in the fight to not let these issues destroy us as people.
I fell head over heels for Austin and Lexi’s rocky, poignant, unlikely romance and deep friendship. It was unique and seemed so impossible at times.
➳ But then I felt her soft lips brush against my sternum, and I just about lost my mind. Slowly guiding her head up with my hand, my lips ghosted across her hair and down along her cheek. “Pix, I need you,” I rasped out once more. Tilting her chin, she replied, “I think… I think I might need you too.”
I cried over the boys’ relationship and desperate attempts to help their amazing mother. I loved her character. 😭
➳❦ I wasn’t a twenty-one-year-old gangbanger and potential NFL player at this moment. I was a helpless young kid whose mamma was slowly dying.
It was amazing how all of these beaten-down underdogs showed up for each other, providing support, self-sacrifice, and understanding without judgement. The author’s empathy for and expressions of the human experience really got to me.
➳❦ Why is it that when you’re faced with the billion tiny lights of the galaxy, you feel a comforting sense of unimportance, like your problems are nothing? That there’s more to life, to the world, than what you think, like humans are all part of some big plan, a grand design God set out for us to play out. But as soon as you look away from that blanket of diamonds, all your problems slam home once more, and any shit you’re going through crushes you. All issues you have stab you in your chest, and everything’s illuminated.
The third act almost broke me. ⚠️ Like that was rough, and I wanted to shake Austin, their friends, and Lexi’s parents to open their eyes. Kindle got thrown, luckily onto my bed. 😅 Tillie did a good job of showing how insidiously and skillfully secretive eating disorders can force people to become though. 🥺 I was very grateful for all the moments of comedic relief from the larger-than-life Cass and JD, and the romantic vibes between Austin and his forbidden ‘dark little pixie’ were irresistible. The ending gave a sweet payoff; nothing was perfect and everything was beautiful. I have no doubt I’ll be haunted by this story for a long time. 🥹
January 5, 2015
Do you ever read a book thats so beautiful, yet so tragic and painful when youre done you just don’t know what to do with yourself? Your heart is happy- but it still hurts so much. So you just sit and think about the book, cry some more and try to move on with a new read… that was my Sweet Fall experience. I did not expect this book to hit me so hard. I didn’t just cry a few tears, it was a river.
Then you finish the book way past your bedtime. Text your bestie and ask her ..,,,
WHY DO YOU HATE ME?!!! Why do you have my tear ducts marked for death ?!!! Why would you let me read this book alone ?!!!!! Why why why why do you think I look good when I look sucker punched ??!
I can't breathe. Everything hurts.
Christy Baldwin, yes I plagiarized your review and yes I hate you, you torturous bestie bitch ❤️
Paybacks. Remember. Paybacks.
Then you finish the book way past your bedtime. Text your bestie and ask her ..,,,
WHY DO YOU HATE ME?!!! Why do you have my tear ducts marked for death ?!!! Why would you let me read this book alone ?!!!!! Why why why why do you think I look good when I look sucker punched ??!
I can't breathe. Everything hurts.
Christy Baldwin, yes I plagiarized your review and yes I hate you, you torturous bestie bitch ❤️
Paybacks. Remember. Paybacks.
October 23, 2014
Words that come to mind after reading Sweet Fall...
Beautiful...
Heart Breaking...
Meaningful...
Intense...
Tragic...
Hope...
this book... this story.. insanely beautiful. It gripped my heart so hard and I sobbed.. but it also made me smile so big and feel so much joy. I loved it... Every. Single. Word. Tillie Cole is one of those writers that can grab hold of your heart with her words and squeeze it so tightly that you actually ache.. Such an amazing story.
Beautiful...
Heart Breaking...
Meaningful...
Intense...
Tragic...
Hope...
this book... this story.. insanely beautiful. It gripped my heart so hard and I sobbed.. but it also made me smile so big and feel so much joy. I loved it... Every. Single. Word. Tillie Cole is one of those writers that can grab hold of your heart with her words and squeeze it so tightly that you actually ache.. Such an amazing story.
November 11, 2014
4 "I'm beautiful... with you..." Stars!
(BR with Patty & Dee)
-"What you see on the surface isn't always the reality."
-"We all have...secrets. Secrets well buried. Until we... find the one soul who... makes the burden... of such... secrets just that little bit... easier to... to... to bear."
Lexington Hart aka Lexi/Pix is a 21 yr. old senior attending the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL. She is a goth looking girl who is insecure & is constantly fighting the pressure to be perfect. She battles dark thoughts & her inner voice telling her she isn't good enough. Lexi keeps her secrets well hidden, and her friends don't truly know her. They aren't aware of her issues or poor self image. Everyone thinks she's a happy, normal college girl.
In an effort to gain back control of her life & face her demons, Lexi joins the varsity cheer squad. She is a flyer for the Crimson Tide, & this helps take her out of her comfort zone. She wanted a new life and to reinvent herself. After one of the games Lexi talks with one of the football players. His name is Austin Carillo aka Superstar. He's #83 for the Tide, & one of the most promising wide receivers in the SEC. He's considered the Italian bad boy of UA.
-"It's about fuckin' time, by the way!"
-"Are you talking to me?"
-Austin smirked in a deliciously dark way and gestured to my hair and face. "Yeah, I'm talking to you. It's about time a pompom chick 'round here broke the mold. It's good to have another one of us freaks on this team."
Austin is a gorgeous, ex-gang member from the wrong side of the tracks. His family is in a bad place, & his potential NFL draft dreams is their only hope for a way out. He carries too much on his shoulders, & is just trying to survive.
-Austin was strong, he belonged to a dangerous gang, he had a dark past, but beneath his armor of tattoos, I sensed he also had a pure soul, and it was in distress.
-He was beautiful... and there was so much more to him than I ever imagined.
One evening Austin & Lexi cross paths again under bad circumstances, & become more tangled in each others lives. As they get to know each other they realize they are both under pressure, ashamed of who they are, & hide behind a mask pretending to be something they aren't. He was like her, darker & quieter, & kept to himself.
They end up growing closer, and finding comfort in each other. They finally have someone who they can share their secrets with & they feel understands them. They are both broken, but help each other heal. They could just be themselves with each other. They trusted each other & looked at one another & saw more. Austin gave Lexi hope for the future, & made her feel beautiful. Together they weren't so messed up, & they saved each other with their love.
-"I do want to know you more. Lord help me, but I do."
-Austin Carillo, the Italian boy from the wrong side of the tracks, kissed me. And it was magical. He made me feel safe and, for one glorious night, he made me feel beautiful.
-He was precious to me.
-Austin was the one person I could be my complete self with. There was no fakery, no acting around him; it was just me and him.
-Lexi looked up at me through long black lashes, and I felt as though my chest had ripped open and my heart was on display. It was that moment people talk about. That moment where you look at the same set of eyes you've gazed upon thousands of times before, only this time you see something more within their depths.
-"You're safe in my arms, where you fuckin' belong."
-You are the most beautiful person I know, inside and out.
-I'd found a girl who got me heart and soul...
-She's everything to me.
-I knew in my heart what she meant to me... every-fuckin'-thing.
-I need you so much that I can't breathe.
-I'll always be there.
-BAMA VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0Cb7...
(BR with Patty & Dee)
-"What you see on the surface isn't always the reality."
-"We all have...secrets. Secrets well buried. Until we... find the one soul who... makes the burden... of such... secrets just that little bit... easier to... to... to bear."
Lexington Hart aka Lexi/Pix is a 21 yr. old senior attending the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL. She is a goth looking girl who is insecure & is constantly fighting the pressure to be perfect. She battles dark thoughts & her inner voice telling her she isn't good enough. Lexi keeps her secrets well hidden, and her friends don't truly know her. They aren't aware of her issues or poor self image. Everyone thinks she's a happy, normal college girl.
In an effort to gain back control of her life & face her demons, Lexi joins the varsity cheer squad. She is a flyer for the Crimson Tide, & this helps take her out of her comfort zone. She wanted a new life and to reinvent herself. After one of the games Lexi talks with one of the football players. His name is Austin Carillo aka Superstar. He's #83 for the Tide, & one of the most promising wide receivers in the SEC. He's considered the Italian bad boy of UA.
-"It's about fuckin' time, by the way!"
-"Are you talking to me?"
-Austin smirked in a deliciously dark way and gestured to my hair and face. "Yeah, I'm talking to you. It's about time a pompom chick 'round here broke the mold. It's good to have another one of us freaks on this team."
Austin is a gorgeous, ex-gang member from the wrong side of the tracks. His family is in a bad place, & his potential NFL draft dreams is their only hope for a way out. He carries too much on his shoulders, & is just trying to survive.
-Austin was strong, he belonged to a dangerous gang, he had a dark past, but beneath his armor of tattoos, I sensed he also had a pure soul, and it was in distress.
-He was beautiful... and there was so much more to him than I ever imagined.
One evening Austin & Lexi cross paths again under bad circumstances, & become more tangled in each others lives. As they get to know each other they realize they are both under pressure, ashamed of who they are, & hide behind a mask pretending to be something they aren't. He was like her, darker & quieter, & kept to himself.
They end up growing closer, and finding comfort in each other. They finally have someone who they can share their secrets with & they feel understands them. They are both broken, but help each other heal. They could just be themselves with each other. They trusted each other & looked at one another & saw more. Austin gave Lexi hope for the future, & made her feel beautiful. Together they weren't so messed up, & they saved each other with their love.
-"I do want to know you more. Lord help me, but I do."
-Austin Carillo, the Italian boy from the wrong side of the tracks, kissed me. And it was magical. He made me feel safe and, for one glorious night, he made me feel beautiful.
-He was precious to me.
-Austin was the one person I could be my complete self with. There was no fakery, no acting around him; it was just me and him.
-Lexi looked up at me through long black lashes, and I felt as though my chest had ripped open and my heart was on display. It was that moment people talk about. That moment where you look at the same set of eyes you've gazed upon thousands of times before, only this time you see something more within their depths.
-"You're safe in my arms, where you fuckin' belong."
-You are the most beautiful person I know, inside and out.
-I'd found a girl who got me heart and soul...
-She's everything to me.
-I knew in my heart what she meant to me... every-fuckin'-thing.
-I need you so much that I can't breathe.
-I'll always be there.
-BAMA VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0Cb7...
September 24, 2014
**** 4 Beautiful Broken Stars****
(BR with Mel and Patty)
This third book on the Sweet Home series was very emotional to say the least; Austin and Lexi have very complicated issues and both can relate with each other in always feeling lonely even though they are never alone…
Lexi is part of the cheer squad for the Crimson Tide and Austin is the star Wide Receiver of the team, they seen each other at games and around campus but one faithful night they will be forced together in a less than desirable situation. What starts with anger and fear soon turns into a relationship that will become their safe place, their escape from everything they are hurting from. Both Austin and Lexi feel like outcasts, even though they have a great group of friends who love them, they feel misunderstood and are constantly hiding behind walls but without knowing, the Pixy girl and the Bad Boy will come together and save each other in a Sweet Fall.
"Leaning forward, I kissed the tear away. And that's how we fell. Fell into sleep. Fell into trust. Fell for each other."
When I first opened this book and read the authors note, I immediately knew this was going to be hard read, Tillie Cole bares her heart open to her readers with this story, which is in a way is her own story of struggle. Im sure this was no easy task and I commend her for being brave, for believing that from her pain someone can benefit or even be saved, if we all would use our pain to help others, we would live in a much better world, so THANK YOU!!!! Ms. Cole.
This book was very different from Rome and Mol's story, it was heavier, darker but still beautiful. This is one very talented author, I've read a few of her books now and she always manages to ignite my senses and emotions, so I highly recommend any of her books to anybody who's not afraid to have their hearts squeezed in the name of a great love story…
This book was full of amazing music and there is a playlist at the end of the book, and this were my favorite songs:
*Beautiful With You by Halestorm
*All I Need by Within Temptation
*Shake it Out by Florence and The Machine
*Sky Full Of Stars By Coldplay
*That I would Be Good by Alanis Morissette.
(BR with Mel and Patty)
This third book on the Sweet Home series was very emotional to say the least; Austin and Lexi have very complicated issues and both can relate with each other in always feeling lonely even though they are never alone…
Lexi is part of the cheer squad for the Crimson Tide and Austin is the star Wide Receiver of the team, they seen each other at games and around campus but one faithful night they will be forced together in a less than desirable situation. What starts with anger and fear soon turns into a relationship that will become their safe place, their escape from everything they are hurting from. Both Austin and Lexi feel like outcasts, even though they have a great group of friends who love them, they feel misunderstood and are constantly hiding behind walls but without knowing, the Pixy girl and the Bad Boy will come together and save each other in a Sweet Fall.
"Leaning forward, I kissed the tear away. And that's how we fell. Fell into sleep. Fell into trust. Fell for each other."
When I first opened this book and read the authors note, I immediately knew this was going to be hard read, Tillie Cole bares her heart open to her readers with this story, which is in a way is her own story of struggle. Im sure this was no easy task and I commend her for being brave, for believing that from her pain someone can benefit or even be saved, if we all would use our pain to help others, we would live in a much better world, so THANK YOU!!!! Ms. Cole.
This book was very different from Rome and Mol's story, it was heavier, darker but still beautiful. This is one very talented author, I've read a few of her books now and she always manages to ignite my senses and emotions, so I highly recommend any of her books to anybody who's not afraid to have their hearts squeezed in the name of a great love story…
This book was full of amazing music and there is a playlist at the end of the book, and this were my favorite songs:
*Beautiful With You by Halestorm
*All I Need by Within Temptation
*Shake it Out by Florence and The Machine
*Sky Full Of Stars By Coldplay
*That I would Be Good by Alanis Morissette.
August 12, 2014
Five Heartbreaking & Soul-crushing Stars
“Why the war paint, Pix?”
“Because I can’t stand the girl underneath,” she whispered
“Why the tattoos?” Lexi asked
“Because I can’t bear seeing the scars of my past.”
Even before I begin writing this review, I already know expressing my feelings in words is going to be difficult.
This story, my God, this story…
I’m going to be straight up honest with you guys. This was not an easy read. This was emotional, raw and truly heartbreaking. Yes, this is a love story, but it was so much more than boy meets girl and fall in love. Oh no…it was so much more than that.
“I don’t look up at the stars to feel inferior, Austin. All I have to do is open my eyes and look at myself in the mirror.”
Lexi is hiding a dangerous secret behind her cheerful smile and Goth makeup. She’s fought so hard to be where she is today - back in college, and even cheering for the Tide. But everyday she fights to keep her secret - to keep the voice at bay. She will never be fully cured. Her triggers are always present and it doesn’t take much for her to fall, especially when a boy from the wrong side of the tracks enters her life.
All anyone ever saw when they looked at me was the white trash ex-gang member from the Heighterfamed trailer park across town.
But not her.
Fuck knows why, but Pix only ever saw more.
Austin Carillo is so close to achieving his dream of making the NFL and finally being able to help his family get out of their tragic situation. He’s known as the star wide receiver for the Tide with a dangerous past. So far Austin has been able to stay clear of his drug-dealing-ex-gang past, but things are starting to spiral out of control again. His mother is extremely sick and his brothers are desperate to amend the situation, even to go as far as dealing in his own campus. His decent back is jeopardizing everything he’s fought for, especially when the one person that can bring it all down is the same person who can also be his salvation.
I will cherish the sweetest, most beautiful fall…With Austin Carillo, my home.
This story opened up my mind and thoroughly shredded my heart. Austin and Lexi’s story is one that I won’t be forgetting. This is a dual POV and being inside their respective heads was certainly painful at times. The constant struggles to just keep their head above water, and their need to fight their demons was tough to intake. As I said before, this was not an easy read. This had a darker vibe than the first two books but that’s only because Austin and Lexi are a bit darker than the other characters in the series. With that said, this can actually be read as a standalone, though there are spoilers from the first two books.
Thank you, Tillie, for sharing this story. The topics addressed are rooted deep and the strength it took to write it shines through the pages. Bravo!
-----
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“Why the war paint, Pix?”
“Because I can’t stand the girl underneath,” she whispered
“Why the tattoos?” Lexi asked
“Because I can’t bear seeing the scars of my past.”
Even before I begin writing this review, I already know expressing my feelings in words is going to be difficult.
This story, my God, this story…
I’m going to be straight up honest with you guys. This was not an easy read. This was emotional, raw and truly heartbreaking. Yes, this is a love story, but it was so much more than boy meets girl and fall in love. Oh no…it was so much more than that.
“I don’t look up at the stars to feel inferior, Austin. All I have to do is open my eyes and look at myself in the mirror.”
Lexi is hiding a dangerous secret behind her cheerful smile and Goth makeup. She’s fought so hard to be where she is today - back in college, and even cheering for the Tide. But everyday she fights to keep her secret - to keep the voice at bay. She will never be fully cured. Her triggers are always present and it doesn’t take much for her to fall, especially when a boy from the wrong side of the tracks enters her life.
All anyone ever saw when they looked at me was the white trash ex-gang member from the Heighterfamed trailer park across town.
But not her.
Fuck knows why, but Pix only ever saw more.
Austin Carillo is so close to achieving his dream of making the NFL and finally being able to help his family get out of their tragic situation. He’s known as the star wide receiver for the Tide with a dangerous past. So far Austin has been able to stay clear of his drug-dealing-ex-gang past, but things are starting to spiral out of control again. His mother is extremely sick and his brothers are desperate to amend the situation, even to go as far as dealing in his own campus. His decent back is jeopardizing everything he’s fought for, especially when the one person that can bring it all down is the same person who can also be his salvation.
I will cherish the sweetest, most beautiful fall…With Austin Carillo, my home.
This story opened up my mind and thoroughly shredded my heart. Austin and Lexi’s story is one that I won’t be forgetting. This is a dual POV and being inside their respective heads was certainly painful at times. The constant struggles to just keep their head above water, and their need to fight their demons was tough to intake. As I said before, this was not an easy read. This had a darker vibe than the first two books but that’s only because Austin and Lexi are a bit darker than the other characters in the series. With that said, this can actually be read as a standalone, though there are spoilers from the first two books.
Thank you, Tillie, for sharing this story. The topics addressed are rooted deep and the strength it took to write it shines through the pages. Bravo!
-----
♥♥♥ FOLLOW ME ♥♥♥
Blog: www.sweetspotbookblog.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SweetSpotBookBlog
Twitter:@thessamari
March 4, 2015
Title:Sweet Fall
Series:Sweet Home #3
Author:Tillie Cole
Release date: August 26, 2014
Rating:4 stars
Cliffhanger:No
HEA:
Sweet Fall is darker than what I was expecting. Sweet Home was...sweet. It was a feel good book about a romantic College romance with a star athlete and an intellectual girl who didn't really fit in. So it came as a surprise how different this book turned out to be. This book is about the outcasts. One because of where he was born, the other because of a disease that eats away at her mind. This isn't a fluff filled New Adult story filled with hooking up, flirting, and meaningless conflicts. This book is raw, real, and contains serious life issues. It isn't always pretty, and it's characters don't always do what society deems right. Sometimes choices are taken from you. Sometimes life takes you places you never want to visit again. Sometimes you fall.
Lexi puts on a dark mask. In every sense of the word.
She uses it to cover up all the hurt, everything she wants to hide from the world. She's just been deemed "recovered" from Anorexia. A disease that ripped her life apart and changed her forever. She escaped with her life despite the voice nagging her in her mind that she's not enough. That voice that continues to taunt her no matter how much she tries to ignore it. That same voice that took her best friend away, and she's not sure she can avoid the same fate.
She's not your typical cheerleader...she has the whole goth painted face and wears all black. She seems scary on the outside, but on the inside, she's very breakable and very alone.
She seemed so small. Seemed so fragile. Like the littlest thing could destroy her.
Austin was a hardcore, edgy guy who's whole life has only experienced hardship and scorn. His mother is the only positive thing in his life and she's slipping away from him through a disease that he and his brothers can't afford to fight. He grew up in poverty, falling into gang life, but managed to escape through his talent in football. But the taint never went away. He'll always be the guy who can't be trusted. To stay far away from. Lexi and Austin get tangled up in the worst possible way-she's a witness to his brother's crime on campus and she's the one person who could crush his entire future.
They begin with fear, hate, and intimidation.
He hated me, and I feared him. But I did care. I cared so deeply that he'd seen the real me. The girl who didn't measure up. The girl with too many flaws.
But neither can deny that they see likeness in each other's eyes. They see understanding. But most of all, they see acceptance. Something that they both need like air to breathe.
Ain't no one ever looked upon me with such grace, with such trust before, and I felt humbled that she chose to gift it to me.
They have to meet in secret. Being publicly together could end in disaster. Dangerous. So they are each other's secret place of comfort. They can unload their burdens on each other and for the first time, feel free to be their true selves.
When Austin tries to push Lexi away and protect her from the choices that he's being forced to make, they both lose their grip and their security. This book was difficult to read in parts because of what this couple has to live through. Lexi is overcome with doubts, crippling insecurities, and her small shoulders are heavy with the weight of it all. Austin is living through the hell of seeing his mother suffer and the having to choose between his entire future or doing things, things he never wanted to be a part of again and ease her pain. The last section of the book is tense and difficult-I was really hurting for these two broken souls.
The one thing that bothered me was the scene where Lexi's father accepts Austin based on reading Lexi's diary and seeing how deeply she feels about him. I'm sorry, I didn't see that ever happening. He accepts him solely based on the fact that he made her happy? Even though he's covered in tats and piercings from head to toe, has dealings with a gang, and the absolute worse reputation? And he knows exactly what he's been doing in that gang? As a parent, I can tell you, it wouldn't be that easy to accept him for my daughter, no matter what the circumstances.
This book was much more than I was expecting to get. It was bravely written by the author about a topic that is very much a part of her and that honesty can be seen shining through the story. This disease is a true battle every day and I can't imagine living and struggling with it. If you want to read a book that will hit your heart and make you feel, look no further. It's a great story of healing and redemption and acceptance. It's not an easy love story but a story that's gritty and genuine. Another great read by Tillie Cole.
**ARC provided for blog tour in exchange for an honest review**
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February 2, 2016
4.5 heart-shattering stars
After reading (and LOVING) Sweet Home, I was really excited to continue on with this series and thought I knew exactly what to expect. Oh, how wrong I was. Tillie Cole stunned me with the depth and emotional intensity of this book. She made me fall in love with two broken souls, both struggling with the demons of their past and desperately trying to find some happiness, and then she broke my heart, ripped it from my body and stomped all over it before putting it all back together again. She has given us a beautiful, insightful story with a heartachingly gorgeous romance that held me absolutely captivated - I read it in one sitting, unable to put it down – and I absolutely loved it.
Lexi and Austin were both introduced in Sweet Home. Lexi is the quiet but perky goth girl who is friends with Molly, and Austin is the tattooed and pierced football-playing best friend of Rome. The timeline of this story matches up with events in Sweet Home, so Molly and Rome’s storyline is playing out in the background of everything that is happening with Lexi and Austin, so I’d recommend starting with that one first. But if you think from that book you can guess Lexi and Austin’s history, or predict how their story will play out, guess again.
Lexi’s cheery personality is a façade that she puts on to hide her deadly secret . She hides behind goth make-up and shapeless clothes, putting on a cheerful front so that nobody knows the horror that she lives with, and nobody sees the real her – the girl that she loathes. After years of therapy, she has put herself out there for the first time since she was 16 and has fulfilled her dream of attending college and being a cheerleader. And though she is technically ‘cured’, her demons continue to plague her. Her recovery is a day-by-day effort, and every day is a mental struggle that she must fight to remain healthy. And bravo to Tillie Cole for writing Lexi the way that she did, and for putting so much heart into this brave but terrified girl and her often misunderstood illness. Her battle is realistically and hauntingly written, and gives a chilling insight into people struggling with the disorder.
Austin’s home life was always difficult. He is the middle of three brothers, and was raised by a wonderfully loving mother after their father left; but they were dirt poor, living in a trailer in a bad neighbourhood and when their mother became ill, Austin’s older brother, Axel was drawn into a notorious and violent gang, dealing drugs and doing whatever else was necessary in order to make money to keep a roof over their heads and pay for their Mamma’s treatments. Soon Austin was sucked into the life, but was able to escape to attend college and play football on a scholarship - a future in the NFL would secure his family’s future. But now, with him close to graduation and his mother only getting sicker, Austin’s younger brother Levi is being pulled into the gang, and Austin himself is never far enough away from the lifestyle and the danger that surrounds it, and suddenly all that he has worked for is under threat.
Lexi and Austin are thrust into each other’s lives in the worst of circumstances. Lexi sees something she shouldn’t, immediately becoming the one person who can destroy Austin’s family, and in order to protect them, he has to be the big badass who threatens her to keep quiet. It’s an awful beginning for them, and when their friends hook up, it leads to lots of awkward encounters, but things slowly start to shift. Lexi and Austin recognise something in each other – a hidden pain that is sadly familiar – and as their private lives unexpectedly begin to intersect more often, they start to open up to each other. And in each other they find comfort, understanding and acceptance that neither of them realised they needed, somebody to talk to and take comfort from. And as they grow closer, feelings start to develop, and I fell right along with them.
Their relationship develops naturally and realistically, and I loved every moment of it! And it’s not all emo and broody, they have fun together too and they cherish those lighter, happy moments. Austin’s circumstances mean that their relationship has to be kept quiet in order to keep Lexi safe, and that added a really nice sense of ‘specialness’ as they exist in their little bubble, being each other’s touchstone and support in the mayhem of their lives. They are both hiding terrible and painful secrets, yet they are so open with each other, and I love that they were able to find something so important, unexpected and special, despite all that they were dealing with.
But privately, things are deteriorating, and fighting off their demons becomes near impossible.
OMG, the feels! You know what’s coming, and you know it’s going to be bad, but when it happened, it just gutted me! I was in tears for the last few chapters of the book, devastated by everything that happened and the emotion that Cole managed to pour into it all.
Waaaaaaaaail!!!!!
Part of Lexi and Austin’s struggles with their pasts is hiding who they really are, sometimes not even acknowledging it to themselves, and I thought the slow reveal of everything that they are, and everything that they feel was really well written, and a wonderful way to reflect their deepening relationship. This book is as much a story of Lexi and Austin’s personal journeys as it is a story of them together, and I thought the balance of personal growth and the healing that comes from finding love, true acceptance, and somebody to depend on, was really well done
This is a beautifully written story. Full of drama, angst, torment and heartache, it’s also incredibly uplifting, with an amazing love story, and an epilogue that finishes everything off beautifully.
I loved it – 4.5 stars
After reading (and LOVING) Sweet Home, I was really excited to continue on with this series and thought I knew exactly what to expect. Oh, how wrong I was. Tillie Cole stunned me with the depth and emotional intensity of this book. She made me fall in love with two broken souls, both struggling with the demons of their past and desperately trying to find some happiness, and then she broke my heart, ripped it from my body and stomped all over it before putting it all back together again. She has given us a beautiful, insightful story with a heartachingly gorgeous romance that held me absolutely captivated - I read it in one sitting, unable to put it down – and I absolutely loved it.
“We all have secrets … Some people’s are bigger than others, that’s all.”
Lexi and Austin were both introduced in Sweet Home. Lexi is the quiet but perky goth girl who is friends with Molly, and Austin is the tattooed and pierced football-playing best friend of Rome. The timeline of this story matches up with events in Sweet Home, so Molly and Rome’s storyline is playing out in the background of everything that is happening with Lexi and Austin, so I’d recommend starting with that one first. But if you think from that book you can guess Lexi and Austin’s history, or predict how their story will play out, guess again.
Sometimes, someone could stumble unannounced into the train wreck that is your life and begin to pull you out of the heavy rubble weighing down on your chest.
Lexi’s cheery personality is a façade that she puts on to hide her deadly secret . She hides behind goth make-up and shapeless clothes, putting on a cheerful front so that nobody knows the horror that she lives with, and nobody sees the real her – the girl that she loathes. After years of therapy, she has put herself out there for the first time since she was 16 and has fulfilled her dream of attending college and being a cheerleader. And though she is technically ‘cured’, her demons continue to plague her. Her recovery is a day-by-day effort, and every day is a mental struggle that she must fight to remain healthy. And bravo to Tillie Cole for writing Lexi the way that she did, and for putting so much heart into this brave but terrified girl and her often misunderstood illness. Her battle is realistically and hauntingly written, and gives a chilling insight into people struggling with the disorder.
“I don’t need to look up at the stars to feel inferior, Austin. All I have to do is open my eyes and look at myself in the mirror.
Austin’s home life was always difficult. He is the middle of three brothers, and was raised by a wonderfully loving mother after their father left; but they were dirt poor, living in a trailer in a bad neighbourhood and when their mother became ill, Austin’s older brother, Axel was drawn into a notorious and violent gang, dealing drugs and doing whatever else was necessary in order to make money to keep a roof over their heads and pay for their Mamma’s treatments. Soon Austin was sucked into the life, but was able to escape to attend college and play football on a scholarship - a future in the NFL would secure his family’s future. But now, with him close to graduation and his mother only getting sicker, Austin’s younger brother Levi is being pulled into the gang, and Austin himself is never far enough away from the lifestyle and the danger that surrounds it, and suddenly all that he has worked for is under threat.
“You see, Pix, I have scars too. It’s just mine are on the outside where everyone can see.
Lexi and Austin are thrust into each other’s lives in the worst of circumstances. Lexi sees something she shouldn’t, immediately becoming the one person who can destroy Austin’s family, and in order to protect them, he has to be the big badass who threatens her to keep quiet. It’s an awful beginning for them, and when their friends hook up, it leads to lots of awkward encounters, but things slowly start to shift. Lexi and Austin recognise something in each other – a hidden pain that is sadly familiar – and as their private lives unexpectedly begin to intersect more often, they start to open up to each other. And in each other they find comfort, understanding and acceptance that neither of them realised they needed, somebody to talk to and take comfort from. And as they grow closer, feelings start to develop, and I fell right along with them.
“Pix, I need you”…
“I think…I think I might need you too.”
Their relationship develops naturally and realistically, and I loved every moment of it! And it’s not all emo and broody, they have fun together too and they cherish those lighter, happy moments. Austin’s circumstances mean that their relationship has to be kept quiet in order to keep Lexi safe, and that added a really nice sense of ‘specialness’ as they exist in their little bubble, being each other’s touchstone and support in the mayhem of their lives. They are both hiding terrible and painful secrets, yet they are so open with each other, and I love that they were able to find something so important, unexpected and special, despite all that they were dealing with.
“You fuckin’ bulldozed me, Pix. You, my tiny dark pixie, made all my defences crumble to dust.”
But privately, things are deteriorating, and fighting off their demons becomes near impossible.
I’m lost without you.
I can’t breathe without you.
Without you here, all I can do is fall…
OMG, the feels! You know what’s coming, and you know it’s going to be bad, but when it happened, it just gutted me! I was in tears for the last few chapters of the book, devastated by everything that happened and the emotion that Cole managed to pour into it all.
When you’re ready, look up. I am waiting for you, baby. I’ll always be there, waiting for you.
Waaaaaaaaail!!!!!
Part of Lexi and Austin’s struggles with their pasts is hiding who they really are, sometimes not even acknowledging it to themselves, and I thought the slow reveal of everything that they are, and everything that they feel was really well written, and a wonderful way to reflect their deepening relationship. This book is as much a story of Lexi and Austin’s personal journeys as it is a story of them together, and I thought the balance of personal growth and the healing that comes from finding love, true acceptance, and somebody to depend on, was really well done
“We all have secrets. Secrets well buried. Until we find the one soul who makes the burden of such secrets just that little bit easier to bear.”
This is a beautifully written story. Full of drama, angst, torment and heartache, it’s also incredibly uplifting, with an amazing love story, and an epilogue that finishes everything off beautifully.
I loved it – 4.5 stars
August 27, 2014
4.5 STARS
Sweet Fall is the third book in Tillie Cole’s Sweet Home series. Full of angst, gritty and raw, this it’s not your typical romance. Very different from Sweet Home, the first book in the series, Sweet Fall tells the story of two people who try to fight their own demons. Together they will fight, they will love, they will fall.
Lexington Hart (Lexi) is faking everything in her life. She is scared, she is broken and she lives every day in fear. Insecurities haunt her each and every day and she doesn’t know if she’s strong enough to stop the voices. The voices are controlling, negative and they never stop. She’s never skinny enough and she’s never good enough. Lexi is trying to fight this agonizing disorder,anorexia, but she fears every day. She fears the voices will get what they want. Hinding behind her makeup and her goth look, Lexi is playing just a role.
Austin Carillo is a wide receiver for the Crimson Tide. He wants to make it to NFL, to have a future, to help his family, but with his past nothing it's for sure. Living in a trailer all his life in an ill-famed neighborhood, Austin's family is poor. He manage to stay away from The Heighters, his ex-gang for two years.
With his mother, who is very sick and with a constant pressure from his ex-gang his future is uncertain, he doesn’t know where he will be - with The Heighters or in the NFL.
Lexi and Austin meet under unfortunate circumstances. They are drown to each other from the beginning and soon after they became friends. Austin is the only one who figures out that Lexi’s makeup is her shield, because his tattoos are his. They form a bond and even if they are so different, they are similar too. They trust each other and they confide their past and fears. They found solace in one another and in the end they save each other.
Sweet Fall was a beautiful, emotional, gut wrenching story. The realness of this story is so heartbreaking and like me you will be emotionally overwhelmed after reading this. Reading this you will FEEL.
The premise of this story was new to me. Even if I knew that it will be an emotional read, I never expected to be so moved by this story and by these characters. My heart broke so many times reading this. It broke for Lexi and Austin, it broke for Levi, it broke for Austin’s mother.
The characters are so unique and so well developed in this story. I loved both Lexi and Austin. Austin is a great hero. Loyal to his family, tender with his mother, supportive, caring and patient with Lexi, he melted my heart. I loved him for the fact that he sees Lexi how she really is, beautiful and that he respects her boundaries. Lexi is such a strong woman. She is a fighter and I admired for that. She has such a big heart. To read her story was difficult and frustrating at times, maybe because I was never anorexic, but there were so many times when I wanted to give her a hug.
Overall, this book was amazing. Beautifully written, Sweet Fall will definitely touch your heart! I highly recommend reading this book!
"We all have secrets, Austin. Some people’s are bigger than others, that's all."
Sweet Fall is the third book in Tillie Cole’s Sweet Home series. Full of angst, gritty and raw, this it’s not your typical romance. Very different from Sweet Home, the first book in the series, Sweet Fall tells the story of two people who try to fight their own demons. Together they will fight, they will love, they will fall.
Lexington Hart (Lexi) is faking everything in her life. She is scared, she is broken and she lives every day in fear. Insecurities haunt her each and every day and she doesn’t know if she’s strong enough to stop the voices. The voices are controlling, negative and they never stop. She’s never skinny enough and she’s never good enough. Lexi is trying to fight this agonizing disorder,anorexia, but she fears every day. She fears the voices will get what they want. Hinding behind her makeup and her goth look, Lexi is playing just a role.
"So you see, Pix, I have scars too. It's just mine are on the outside where everyone can see."
Austin Carillo is a wide receiver for the Crimson Tide. He wants to make it to NFL, to have a future, to help his family, but with his past nothing it's for sure. Living in a trailer all his life in an ill-famed neighborhood, Austin's family is poor. He manage to stay away from The Heighters, his ex-gang for two years.
All anyone ever saw when they looked at me was the white trash ex-gang member from the Heighter-famed trailer park across town.
With his mother, who is very sick and with a constant pressure from his ex-gang his future is uncertain, he doesn’t know where he will be - with The Heighters or in the NFL.
Lexi and Austin meet under unfortunate circumstances. They are drown to each other from the beginning and soon after they became friends. Austin is the only one who figures out that Lexi’s makeup is her shield, because his tattoos are his. They form a bond and even if they are so different, they are similar too. They trust each other and they confide their past and fears. They found solace in one another and in the end they save each other.
“We all have secrets. Secrets well buried. Until we find the one soul who makes the burden of such secrets just that little bit easier to bear.”
Sweet Fall was a beautiful, emotional, gut wrenching story. The realness of this story is so heartbreaking and like me you will be emotionally overwhelmed after reading this. Reading this you will FEEL.
The premise of this story was new to me. Even if I knew that it will be an emotional read, I never expected to be so moved by this story and by these characters. My heart broke so many times reading this. It broke for Lexi and Austin, it broke for Levi, it broke for Austin’s mother.
The characters are so unique and so well developed in this story. I loved both Lexi and Austin. Austin is a great hero. Loyal to his family, tender with his mother, supportive, caring and patient with Lexi, he melted my heart. I loved him for the fact that he sees Lexi how she really is, beautiful and that he respects her boundaries. Lexi is such a strong woman. She is a fighter and I admired for that. She has such a big heart. To read her story was difficult and frustrating at times, maybe because I was never anorexic, but there were so many times when I wanted to give her a hug.
Overall, this book was amazing. Beautifully written, Sweet Fall will definitely touch your heart! I highly recommend reading this book!
August 15, 2015
4.5 un piccolo folleto Stars.
Meet Austin and Lexi.
Lexi Hart is a cheerleader for the Tide football team, she has returned to the squad after 4 years. She has a secret which she hides beneath her baggy clothes and heavy make up. She's pretty emo and she constantly fights a voice in her head telling her she needs to reach perfection by not eating, that she needs to be thinner.
Austin Carillo is the heavily tattooed wide receiver on the college football team. Born to Italian parents, he has a strong connection to his Mamma, and his 2 brothers, but when he finds out that his former gang the "Heighters" have recruited his baby brother, he realises he would do anything to protect his family.
When Lexi oversees Austin's brother doing a drug deal on campus, Austin scares the crap out of her, threatening bad things if she tells a soul. If he gets kicked off the team because of his brother, he won't be able to step up and get his family the hell out of there.
After discovering his Mamma is dying, Lexi turns out to be the only person he can talk to. He gets close to no-one, but he is drawn to Lexi like a moth to a flame and she sees something in him that helps the voice keep quiet. They share a love of the stars, and meet in secret to share their secrets.
Their story was heartbreaking, I got really emotional and I applaud the author for writing something that was so personal to her. I felt so many emotions reading this book and I fell in love with both characters. Beautiful <3
Meet Austin and Lexi.
Lexi Hart is a cheerleader for the Tide football team, she has returned to the squad after 4 years. She has a secret which she hides beneath her baggy clothes and heavy make up. She's pretty emo and she constantly fights a voice in her head telling her she needs to reach perfection by not eating, that she needs to be thinner.
Austin Carillo is the heavily tattooed wide receiver on the college football team. Born to Italian parents, he has a strong connection to his Mamma, and his 2 brothers, but when he finds out that his former gang the "Heighters" have recruited his baby brother, he realises he would do anything to protect his family.
When Lexi oversees Austin's brother doing a drug deal on campus, Austin scares the crap out of her, threatening bad things if she tells a soul. If he gets kicked off the team because of his brother, he won't be able to step up and get his family the hell out of there.
After discovering his Mamma is dying, Lexi turns out to be the only person he can talk to. He gets close to no-one, but he is drawn to Lexi like a moth to a flame and she sees something in him that helps the voice keep quiet. They share a love of the stars, and meet in secret to share their secrets.
Their story was heartbreaking, I got really emotional and I applaud the author for writing something that was so personal to her. I felt so many emotions reading this book and I fell in love with both characters. Beautiful <3
Ti amo, Pix. Ti amo tantissimo
November 25, 2015
Don’t let the fact that Sweet Fall is a sports romance set on a college campus deceive you. This isn’t a New Adult romantic comedy – at all. It deals with some heavy subject matter, but it still manages to be… well… sweet.
Lexi and Austin are two college seniors who are each living inauthentic lives. To their friends, Lexi is the perky emo cheerleader, and Austin is the strong NFL-bound football player. In reality, they both wear masks to protect their insecurities, fears, and dark secrets. Their friendship gets off to a rocky start when they meet, but soon they recognize a kindred spirit with concealed pain. Safe from judgments, they begin to let their masks slip around each other.
The book is well written and quite thought provoking. Outward appearances can be so deceiving. How well do we really know what goes on inside someone’s life? I won’t delve into the secrets both characters are hiding, but Sweet Fall is very eye opening in its frank examination of stigmatized social issues. While the romance between Lexi and Austin is featured heavily, it’s the social issues and the importance of family that are the focal points of the story.
Sweet Fall is a continuation of the Sweet Home series and although it can be read as a standalone, it is more meaningful if you read Sweet Home first.
Lexi and Austin are two college seniors who are each living inauthentic lives. To their friends, Lexi is the perky emo cheerleader, and Austin is the strong NFL-bound football player. In reality, they both wear masks to protect their insecurities, fears, and dark secrets. Their friendship gets off to a rocky start when they meet, but soon they recognize a kindred spirit with concealed pain. Safe from judgments, they begin to let their masks slip around each other.
The book is well written and quite thought provoking. Outward appearances can be so deceiving. How well do we really know what goes on inside someone’s life? I won’t delve into the secrets both characters are hiding, but Sweet Fall is very eye opening in its frank examination of stigmatized social issues. While the romance between Lexi and Austin is featured heavily, it’s the social issues and the importance of family that are the focal points of the story.
Sweet Fall is a continuation of the Sweet Home series and although it can be read as a standalone, it is more meaningful if you read Sweet Home first.
October 19, 2014
“It’s funny. I used to look up at the stars and feel so small and unimportant. But I’ve come to realize that the only thing that can ever make you feel alive and important is the one person who takes you for you."
What an amazing quote to really drive home the meaning behind Lexington Hart and Austin Carillo's story. Two characters from opposite worlds with tragic backgrounds defining them. They wear facades for all to see while secretly knowing their personal truths. From everyone in their lives...they hide...
"Why the tattoo's Austin?"
A single question posed to a roughneck "Heighter's for life" man. A football superstar trying to make a life for his famiglia. He is hard and strong, yet vulnerable and so good hearted. He is different from the norm around 'Bama football, a freak perhaps.
"Why the war paint Pix?"
A petite girl with a good heart and terrible self image. She lives everyday in constant battle with a voice inside her head telling her she is not good enough. Conscious of every aspect of her body, she is slowly losing her fight to "live" healthy.
What an unlikey pairing of couples...what a perfectly imperfect love story of epic proportions!
In a strong emotional tale, Lexi and Austin find that when true love exists, the façade slips and only the inner beauty is seen. There is a push to be better, to do better...a true NEED for one another.
In the face of violence, fear, and even death...there is true beauty in strength.
For me this book is profound! It is going right up to the top of my 2014 favorite list! Tillie Cole wrote Lexi's struggle with such honesty and raw emotion that I found myself wiping away tears as I read her innermost thoughts. As for Austin...I find myself a bit speechless when it comes to his character. His loyalty to his friends and family is unmatched, his love and sacrifice for his mother is moving, and the fight for his Pix is amazing.
Thank you Tillie Cole for this truth...If one person struggling to accept their image can grasp onto the hope this inspires then you have surpassed so much more than writing a successful book!
What an amazing quote to really drive home the meaning behind Lexington Hart and Austin Carillo's story. Two characters from opposite worlds with tragic backgrounds defining them. They wear facades for all to see while secretly knowing their personal truths. From everyone in their lives...they hide...
"Why the tattoo's Austin?"
A single question posed to a roughneck "Heighter's for life" man. A football superstar trying to make a life for his famiglia. He is hard and strong, yet vulnerable and so good hearted. He is different from the norm around 'Bama football, a freak perhaps.
"Why the war paint Pix?"
A petite girl with a good heart and terrible self image. She lives everyday in constant battle with a voice inside her head telling her she is not good enough. Conscious of every aspect of her body, she is slowly losing her fight to "live" healthy.
What an unlikey pairing of couples...what a perfectly imperfect love story of epic proportions!
In a strong emotional tale, Lexi and Austin find that when true love exists, the façade slips and only the inner beauty is seen. There is a push to be better, to do better...a true NEED for one another.
In the face of violence, fear, and even death...there is true beauty in strength.
For me this book is profound! It is going right up to the top of my 2014 favorite list! Tillie Cole wrote Lexi's struggle with such honesty and raw emotion that I found myself wiping away tears as I read her innermost thoughts. As for Austin...I find myself a bit speechless when it comes to his character. His loyalty to his friends and family is unmatched, his love and sacrifice for his mother is moving, and the fight for his Pix is amazing.
Thank you Tillie Cole for this truth...If one person struggling to accept their image can grasp onto the hope this inspires then you have surpassed so much more than writing a successful book!
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