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Second Chances #1
No Reverse
Librarian's note: This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN: B00EF3V27I.
A girl who needs to undo the past. A boy who wants to forget it. In love, there’s no way back.
Back in high school, Cassie O’Malley and Josh MacBride were the poster couple for quarterback/cheerleader romance until they starred in their own tale of teen pregnancy. No need to say their shotgun wedding was low-key. Five years later, Josh is set to kick off a political career on Capitol Hill, sponsored by his new girlfriend’s father. First, he must take care of a tiny legal matter: Technically, he’s still married to the girl who broke his heart.
Meanwhile, Cassie has been waiting tables back home to pay for her sick grandmother’s care. On the day of the old lady’s funeral, Cassie is served with two sets of papers. Josh is asking for a divorce. Her heart squeezes, but, well, he moved on a long time ago. The second envelope shakes Cassie to the core. So she leaves home and heads for the glitzy life of the boy who once loved her.
But no matter if her first—and only—love keeps thrusting the divorce papers under her nose, Cassie needs him to save the only person she loves more than Josh, more than life itself…
No Reverse is a heart-breaking love story with slow-burnt sexual chemistry. If you like contemporary romances about sacrifices, trust, and redemption with a sweet and badass hero, you will love Josh and Cassie’s journey back to each other.
Download No Reverse to experience a beautiful story about first love and second chance.
** NO REVERSE is the first book in the Second Chances Series. **
A girl who needs to undo the past. A boy who wants to forget it. In love, there’s no way back.
Back in high school, Cassie O’Malley and Josh MacBride were the poster couple for quarterback/cheerleader romance until they starred in their own tale of teen pregnancy. No need to say their shotgun wedding was low-key. Five years later, Josh is set to kick off a political career on Capitol Hill, sponsored by his new girlfriend’s father. First, he must take care of a tiny legal matter: Technically, he’s still married to the girl who broke his heart.
Meanwhile, Cassie has been waiting tables back home to pay for her sick grandmother’s care. On the day of the old lady’s funeral, Cassie is served with two sets of papers. Josh is asking for a divorce. Her heart squeezes, but, well, he moved on a long time ago. The second envelope shakes Cassie to the core. So she leaves home and heads for the glitzy life of the boy who once loved her.
But no matter if her first—and only—love keeps thrusting the divorce papers under her nose, Cassie needs him to save the only person she loves more than Josh, more than life itself…
No Reverse is a heart-breaking love story with slow-burnt sexual chemistry. If you like contemporary romances about sacrifices, trust, and redemption with a sweet and badass hero, you will love Josh and Cassie’s journey back to each other.
Download No Reverse to experience a beautiful story about first love and second chance.
** NO REVERSE is the first book in the Second Chances Series. **
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2013
49 people are currently reading
3122 people want to read
About the author
Marion Croslydon
8 books352 followersMarion loves to share happy vibes, talk book crush, fictional boyfriends and sexual chemistry with like-minded people. And because she spends most of her days on her own deep inside her writing cave, you are welcome to come and say “hello” from time to time. Just to make sure she doesn’t sink into insanity.
Her friends, family and arch-enemies (there are quite a few) will be forever grateful for your help.
That’s where you can find her:
Website: www.marioncroslydon.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/mcroslydon
Facebook: www.facebook.com/marioncroslydon
Her friends, family and arch-enemies (there are quite a few) will be forever grateful for your help.
That’s where you can find her:
Website: www.marioncroslydon.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/mcroslydon
Facebook: www.facebook.com/marioncroslydon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
August 12, 2013
Spoiler Alert >>> Read at Your Own Caution
What drew me to read No Reverse was the beautifulness of the cover, well it should have come with an advice: “don’t be fooled by the cover”. What a mess!!! Under developed characters and a bad soap opera is a master piece compared to the drama that the author uses as an excuse of a plot-line. I don’t even think the characters are even under half construction and forgot about character developing. Let me start with Cassie, she is one of the most unlikable female characters I have the displeasure to read. The author tried really hard to portrait her as a selfish martyr, but it didn't work, it could have worked better if the author just wrote; “she is so unselfish, believe me please”. The reasons behind why she gave up her son are just ridiculous, she had a husband, a home and a job, but she took the easiest way not for her love Josh, like the author really tried to convince the reader but it came as a girl who didn't want the responsibility, period. The funniest thing is that she will have never told Josh about the existence of the son if it wasn't because the poor kid once again was an orphan. Now let’s talk about Josh, well he loves Cassie so much than in less than a year he was messing around with everything that had a vagina because she broke his heart, but thanks to Eleanor he found some peace and he has been in a relationship with her for the last four years. He is super smart, that’s another thing the author really tried to convince the reader by mentioning some of the smartest decisions Josh took when Cassie came back into the picture; he is engaged but he is still married. He didn't tell Eleanor he is married. He leaves Eleanor, who is the only half decent character in the story and one day later he is having sex with Cassie. The drama; Cassie travels to Europe to tell Josh about the son she gave up and now wanted back, and she wanted Josh to fake they are a real family so she could have Lucas (the son) back. She stalks him to the point to ruin the decent life he builds with Eleanor so she can now play mom. Eleanor suggested to Josh they could adopt Lucas together and that she will be a mom to him because it’s Josh’s son (like I mentioned before, she is the only half decent character), but no, Josh decided to give a second chance to the woman who got rid of her son with the help of his parents and never told him, so bye bye Eleanor. He sleeps with Cassie because no one that was not her was enough to then later being dumped by Cassie again because she is so unselfish that she will give custody to Eleanor because Josh really loves her. Really? I think it shows how much Josh loves Eleanor when he lie to her or when he was having sex all night with his wife. It shows also how unselfish Cassie is, right? Please, she doesn’t want the freaking responsibility. I was praying that the poor kid got adopted and he could be free from these two losers. Well, Josh goes back to Eleanor and they decide they will adopt Lucas together, but when Josh goes back to town he knows that Cassie is the love of his life so he goes back to Eleanor to break her heart for the third time. /HaHa/ I can’t forget to mention that as soon as Cassie got to England she was in a bar where she magically got a job and room to stay. The most beautiful thing (my sarcasm speaking) that happened in this poor excuse of subplot is that the guy who gives her a job goes to the town she lives in to ask her to marry him. He knows her for 5 hot minutes and he knows she is married. I think he is like Josh in that department. The ending: Josh asks Cassie to give them a second chance and then BOOM!!! Someone is calling Cassie to offer her to tour with a band (she always wanted to be a singer) and she is speechless. She tried really hard (like the author really tried to let the reader believe Cassie was so unselfish) that her dream is not singing, but has Lucas and Josh in her life. Really? The son she gave up, not once in the story, but two times. Then Josh is trying to convince her to follow her dream because they can make it work, yeah because it worked for them in all those years. The author leaves this sorry excuse of a book like that, without wrapping up the story properly because sequel and spin-offs here I come. To summarize, I finished reading the story because I truly believed that at some point maybe the author can fix the story, but I was wrong. Also about the sequel and spin-off well I must say: “Thanks but NO thanks”. No Reverse a waste of time with horrible under developed characters with a terrible plot-line and a hideous story continuity.
What drew me to read No Reverse was the beautifulness of the cover, well it should have come with an advice: “don’t be fooled by the cover”. What a mess!!! Under developed characters and a bad soap opera is a master piece compared to the drama that the author uses as an excuse of a plot-line. I don’t even think the characters are even under half construction and forgot about character developing. Let me start with Cassie, she is one of the most unlikable female characters I have the displeasure to read. The author tried really hard to portrait her as a selfish martyr, but it didn't work, it could have worked better if the author just wrote; “she is so unselfish, believe me please”. The reasons behind why she gave up her son are just ridiculous, she had a husband, a home and a job, but she took the easiest way not for her love Josh, like the author really tried to convince the reader but it came as a girl who didn't want the responsibility, period. The funniest thing is that she will have never told Josh about the existence of the son if it wasn't because the poor kid once again was an orphan. Now let’s talk about Josh, well he loves Cassie so much than in less than a year he was messing around with everything that had a vagina because she broke his heart, but thanks to Eleanor he found some peace and he has been in a relationship with her for the last four years. He is super smart, that’s another thing the author really tried to convince the reader by mentioning some of the smartest decisions Josh took when Cassie came back into the picture; he is engaged but he is still married. He didn't tell Eleanor he is married. He leaves Eleanor, who is the only half decent character in the story and one day later he is having sex with Cassie. The drama; Cassie travels to Europe to tell Josh about the son she gave up and now wanted back, and she wanted Josh to fake they are a real family so she could have Lucas (the son) back. She stalks him to the point to ruin the decent life he builds with Eleanor so she can now play mom. Eleanor suggested to Josh they could adopt Lucas together and that she will be a mom to him because it’s Josh’s son (like I mentioned before, she is the only half decent character), but no, Josh decided to give a second chance to the woman who got rid of her son with the help of his parents and never told him, so bye bye Eleanor. He sleeps with Cassie because no one that was not her was enough to then later being dumped by Cassie again because she is so unselfish that she will give custody to Eleanor because Josh really loves her. Really? I think it shows how much Josh loves Eleanor when he lie to her or when he was having sex all night with his wife. It shows also how unselfish Cassie is, right? Please, she doesn’t want the freaking responsibility. I was praying that the poor kid got adopted and he could be free from these two losers. Well, Josh goes back to Eleanor and they decide they will adopt Lucas together, but when Josh goes back to town he knows that Cassie is the love of his life so he goes back to Eleanor to break her heart for the third time. /HaHa/ I can’t forget to mention that as soon as Cassie got to England she was in a bar where she magically got a job and room to stay. The most beautiful thing (my sarcasm speaking) that happened in this poor excuse of subplot is that the guy who gives her a job goes to the town she lives in to ask her to marry him. He knows her for 5 hot minutes and he knows she is married. I think he is like Josh in that department. The ending: Josh asks Cassie to give them a second chance and then BOOM!!! Someone is calling Cassie to offer her to tour with a band (she always wanted to be a singer) and she is speechless. She tried really hard (like the author really tried to let the reader believe Cassie was so unselfish) that her dream is not singing, but has Lucas and Josh in her life. Really? The son she gave up, not once in the story, but two times. Then Josh is trying to convince her to follow her dream because they can make it work, yeah because it worked for them in all those years. The author leaves this sorry excuse of a book like that, without wrapping up the story properly because sequel and spin-offs here I come. To summarize, I finished reading the story because I truly believed that at some point maybe the author can fix the story, but I was wrong. Also about the sequel and spin-off well I must say: “Thanks but NO thanks”. No Reverse a waste of time with horrible under developed characters with a terrible plot-line and a hideous story continuity.
December 17, 2013
There were so many ways to love someone,
but there was only one way to love Cassie.
Only one way Cassie could love.
Fiercely.
I Fiercely loved this book!!!! It was brilliant.
And now I want the second book like fucking now, luckily it comes out in A WEEK :D
No Reverse made me feel so many emotions. Felt as if I was reading something GOOD after ages! *sigh*
I'm glad a GR friend recommend this book to me.
I loved the frustration this book made me feel, I literally wanted to smack everyone.. except SAM :P
A+ for the cover and a 5 Stars for this book.
READ IT PEOPLE :D :D
December 17, 2013
Title: No Reverse
Series: Second Chances #1
Author Marion Crosyldon
Release Date: August 2013
Rating: 4 stars
Cliffhanger: rather to be continued than cliffhanger
HEA:
No Reverse took me on agonizing journey full of pain, regret and bad decisions. I was constantly on the verge of tears. My heart was breaking, falling apart and then it was glued together only to be once again terribly destroyed.
I was hooked in the exact same time I’ve finished reading prologue. In it, Josh is standing at the altar, waiting for his seventeen year old wife-to-be, Cassie. Cass is pregnant with his baby and Josh knows he has to start a family with her. He loves her very much. They knew each other from the time they were babies. So despite of what Josh’s father is saying, he will do what’s right. Cassie and Josh get married. But some very bad things happened and there was no longer a baby. So Cassie let Josh go.
Now, almost six years later, Josh wants a divorce. He finally moved on and have a great life in England where he is engaged. While he has fantastic ‘new’ life, Cassie still lives in the same small town and as a high school dropout waits tables.
But Cassie cannot let Josh go without telling him the entire truth. Even if it hurts pretty damn bad. She packs her things and in an instant is in England to tell Josh what had happened to their baby.
This emotional roller coaster showed me how beautiful and yet extinguishing love can be. The only thing I feel like saying now is wow. There are simply no words that could picture the depth, the pain and loneliness of this story. The author really did play on the strings of my soul. I was moved, I was touched by Cass and Josh’s story and their second chance, and I will definitely read more by Marion Crosyldon.
Read
October 25, 2013This story is really special to me. I hope people will fall in love with Josh and Cassie too...
Please note that No Reverse is the first book in the Second Chances series. The second and final chapter titled Fast Forward will be out on December 19th!
You can download the first FIVE chapters of Fast Forward here: http://ow.ly/q9ZPM
Please note that No Reverse is the first book in the Second Chances series. The second and final chapter titled Fast Forward will be out on December 19th!
You can download the first FIVE chapters of Fast Forward here: http://ow.ly/q9ZPM
February 23, 2016
4 Emotional and Tear Filled Stars
Cassie used to make me feel. She also used to keep me from thinking straight. Some things didn't change.
I knew going into this book that it would not be all happy go-lucky, rainbows and unicorns. But damn, I was simply not expecting the range of emotions this story would bring out in me. Typically, any time I read about an even implied love triangle, I have one and only one reaction
But something about this book just called to me. I simply had to read it, and I was so happy that I gave it a chance even if it did put me through the emotional ringer.
Five years ago Cassie and Josh were inseparable and thought their love was forever. Until an accidental pregnancy shook their world and changed everything. Being desperately in love, Josh saw only one alternative; marriage. Everything should have worked out, except it didn't. The last thing he expected was for Cassie to betray him and shatter his heart.
Now five years later, Josh is moving on. He's engaged, he's graduating Oxford, and he's looking forward to starting his new job at a lobbying group owned by his fiance's father. There's just one problem; he's still married.
Cassie hasn't had it quite to easy. Still living in the small town that she was dreaming of leaving after high school and having just buried her grand, the only family she had left, the last thing she expects is to be served with divorce papers. Especially since she never got over the boy that owned her heart in high school.
But Cassie has also kept a big secret from Josh. A secret that she has no other choice but to tell him now. So without a second thought she boards a plane to England and hopes for the best. She doesn't expect to see the new Josh; the one that's moved on, has a beautiful fiance, and the world at his fingertips.
Cassie was a character that I loved right off that bat. My heart absolutely broke for her. The things that she's been through and the decisions that she's had to make in her young life were devastating to read. She was incredibly selfless with a core of strength that you couldn't help but admire.
Josh was a bit of an emotional roller coaster for me. There were times I wanted to love him, but hated the decisions he made. And times where I wanted to hate him, yet understood why he did the things that he did.
His struggle between being in love with his fiance and the feeling that he still had for Cassie was incredibly emotional to read.
Cassie's side of things were just gut wrenching to read.
The one thing that I absolutely loved is that the author never villainized Josh's fiance. She was clearly a girl that loved him with everything that she had.
I'm typically not a fan of flashbacks in books. But the way that the author wove together the present with flashbacks from the past was absolutely flawless.
This was a book about lost love, mistakes, regrets, and the possibility of second chances. I loved every single emotional and tearful page of it. I think I cried through pretty much the entire story. Emotional, painful, and beautifully written, this is a book that's not to be missed. I may need a break to get my feels right before book 2, but I cannot wait to read the conclusion of Cassie and Josh's story.
On a side note, I was so happy to see that the mysterious Sam would soon be getting his own book. I can't wait to read all about him.
**ARC courtesy of author to the Dirty Girl Romance blog in exchange for an honest review**
For more reviews visit
Cassie used to make me feel. She also used to keep me from thinking straight. Some things didn't change.
I knew going into this book that it would not be all happy go-lucky, rainbows and unicorns. But damn, I was simply not expecting the range of emotions this story would bring out in me. Typically, any time I read about an even implied love triangle, I have one and only one reaction
But something about this book just called to me. I simply had to read it, and I was so happy that I gave it a chance even if it did put me through the emotional ringer.
Five years ago Cassie and Josh were inseparable and thought their love was forever. Until an accidental pregnancy shook their world and changed everything. Being desperately in love, Josh saw only one alternative; marriage. Everything should have worked out, except it didn't. The last thing he expected was for Cassie to betray him and shatter his heart.
Now five years later, Josh is moving on. He's engaged, he's graduating Oxford, and he's looking forward to starting his new job at a lobbying group owned by his fiance's father. There's just one problem; he's still married.
Cassie hasn't had it quite to easy. Still living in the small town that she was dreaming of leaving after high school and having just buried her grand, the only family she had left, the last thing she expects is to be served with divorce papers. Especially since she never got over the boy that owned her heart in high school.
But Cassie has also kept a big secret from Josh. A secret that she has no other choice but to tell him now. So without a second thought she boards a plane to England and hopes for the best. She doesn't expect to see the new Josh; the one that's moved on, has a beautiful fiance, and the world at his fingertips.
Cassie was a character that I loved right off that bat. My heart absolutely broke for her. The things that she's been through and the decisions that she's had to make in her young life were devastating to read. She was incredibly selfless with a core of strength that you couldn't help but admire.
Josh was a bit of an emotional roller coaster for me. There were times I wanted to love him, but hated the decisions he made. And times where I wanted to hate him, yet understood why he did the things that he did.
His struggle between being in love with his fiance and the feeling that he still had for Cassie was incredibly emotional to read.
Cassie's side of things were just gut wrenching to read.
The one thing that I absolutely loved is that the author never villainized Josh's fiance. She was clearly a girl that loved him with everything that she had.
I'm typically not a fan of flashbacks in books. But the way that the author wove together the present with flashbacks from the past was absolutely flawless.
This was a book about lost love, mistakes, regrets, and the possibility of second chances. I loved every single emotional and tearful page of it. I think I cried through pretty much the entire story. Emotional, painful, and beautifully written, this is a book that's not to be missed. I may need a break to get my feels right before book 2, but I cannot wait to read the conclusion of Cassie and Josh's story.
On a side note, I was so happy to see that the mysterious Sam would soon be getting his own book. I can't wait to read all about him.
**ARC courtesy of author to the Dirty Girl Romance blog in exchange for an honest review**
For more reviews visit
August 15, 2015
DNF at 46%
I wanted to like this book. I LOVE books about second chances and this one sounded like everything I would love, but it was not.
I really tried to understand why Cassie did what she did and I understood some of it but a lot did not make sense. I think the author was trying to portray Cassie as selfless, but the more I got to know her in the story...not sure Cassie made the best decisions. I hated that she was talking to Josh's girlfriend, Eleanor, or "Lenor" as Josh likes to call his girlfriend. It felt wrong.
And Josh, the hero, I don't think I could dislike a hero more. He came from the same town as Cassie but now that he has college and the "money bags" girlfriend well he is an A$$. I think I have liked heroes in books who have repeatedly cheated on the heroines more then I liked Josh in this book. Even in the flashbacks, I felt like at any minute "jerk Josh" was going to come out. Maybe the author should have written the story from start to finish without the flashbacks. Maybe I would have grown to like the younger Josh if I met him right away. I don't know. I really did not like Josh. I think at the point where I stopped reading, no matter if Josh professed his undying love for Cassie, I would have not believed it. Too many scenes with Lenor and all the "hate" scenes he had with Cassie, I knew there was no turning back.
I wanted to like this book. I LOVE books about second chances and this one sounded like everything I would love, but it was not.
I really tried to understand why Cassie did what she did and I understood some of it but a lot did not make sense. I think the author was trying to portray Cassie as selfless, but the more I got to know her in the story...not sure Cassie made the best decisions. I hated that she was talking to Josh's girlfriend, Eleanor, or "Lenor" as Josh likes to call his girlfriend. It felt wrong.
And Josh, the hero, I don't think I could dislike a hero more. He came from the same town as Cassie but now that he has college and the "money bags" girlfriend well he is an A$$. I think I have liked heroes in books who have repeatedly cheated on the heroines more then I liked Josh in this book. Even in the flashbacks, I felt like at any minute "jerk Josh" was going to come out. Maybe the author should have written the story from start to finish without the flashbacks. Maybe I would have grown to like the younger Josh if I met him right away. I don't know. I really did not like Josh. I think at the point where I stopped reading, no matter if Josh professed his undying love for Cassie, I would have not believed it. Too many scenes with Lenor and all the "hate" scenes he had with Cassie, I knew there was no turning back.
August 12, 2013
Read more of my reviews at Nick's Book Blog.
When I went into No Reverse, it was because I wanted an emotional story, but not so emotional that it would suffocate me and make me want to cry. The premise of No Reverse was one that hasn't been attempted before in the New Adult genre, so that was the main reason I wanted to read the book. I didn't imagine that I would love the book, but I truly did. No Reverse was one of those silently beautiful books that packed a ton of emotions.
Cassie had had to go through a lot in her life. From being abandoned by her parents to getting pregnant. But, she was also the sort of protagonist, who went through life with her head held up high despite all the obstacles that she has had to face. There was something about Cassie that I can't really pinpoint that made her endearing. As the book progressed, I began to feel an emotional connection to her because I got to know her better on a personal level. I really liked how Cassie was a gutsy girl, undeterred by all the pain and sorrow she had had to endure. It was clear to me, when reading her POV, that having to lose her baby was painful for her, but she did it so that her boyfriend, Josh could have the future he deserved. It might not have been the most sensible decision, but I admired her for sacrificing her own happiness for Josh's. Josh was also an interesting character. It was fascinating seeing the two different sides that he possessed, the old playful Josh and the new, more mature Josh. I really appreciated how Josh shouldered his responsibility and decided to care for Cassie and her baby when he found out about her pregnancy. The fact that he didn't flee his duties and role made him an instant favorite of mine. What Cassie did to him had ripped him apart and he was completely devastated. Although I didn't approve of him getting engaged to another girl in the UK while still being married to Cassie, I understood his reaction. There was also a great set of secondary characters in No Reverse. I thought I would dislike Eleanor, but I really enjoyed her and couldn't help but feel bad for her either. All the characters were well-crafted and the author gave them depth and personality.
The plot in No Reverse developed at a slow and steady pace, letting the reader fell the full impact of the emotions of the characters. While I wanted nothing more for Cassie and Josh to have their HEA, there were times when I was uncertain on the outcome of the book. Just when I thought that they would finally get together, the author would shove a twist in my face that would throw me off balance and make me fear the ending. Even though the plot in No Reverse was predictable, it didn't fail to make me want to cry my eyes out when the secret behind why Cassie went in search of Josh was revealed. No Reverse was a short read, but it was an emotional read. You know those books that make you get this lump in your throat throughout the book, that was what reading Josh and Cassie's story for me. I also loved the writing style. The reader is treated to dual POVs, that was utilized a little differently than usual. Josh's POV told their story before and during the pregnancy and then later on , while Cassie's POV depicted their story when she reaches the UK. I thought it worked really well and the voices of Josh and Cassie came out strongly. Marion Croslydon also really knew how to make the emotions and feelings of the characters come across as genuine and palpable. The romance too was beautifully portrayed. From the beginning, the reader is aware that Cassie's and Josh's relationship is not going to be rosy all the time, but some of the sweet moments they shared really had me smiling. I did think the book ended a little too fast and I wanted to know more about how they would continue their relationship, but I was happy to find out that there would be a sequel.
No Reverse is one of my favorite New Adult reads this year. I loved its subtle beauty, its wonderfully crafted characters and the painful and at the same time sweet romance. I'm looking forward to reading more from Marion Croslydon.
Want to read
April 21, 2013Wow. My heart's already breaking just reading the description of this. Have some speculations already like Might be something to check out once it's released...
At high school in Steep Hill, Kansas, Cassie O’Malley and Josh MacBride were the poster couple for quarterback/cheerleader romance until they starred in their own tale of teen pregnancy. No need to say: their shotgun wedding was low-key. But when there was no baby anymore, they went their separate ways.
Five years later, Josh has breezed through Georgetown and is about to finish his post-grad degree at Oxford University. He is set to join a lobbying group on Capitol Hill, owned by his new fiancée’s father. For Josh, the sky is now the limit… only he must first take care of a tiny legal matter: technically, he’s still married to the girl who broke his heart.
Meanwhile, Cassie has been waiting tables in Steep Hill to pay for her sick grandmother’s care. On the day of the old lady’s funeral, Cassie is served with two sets of papers. Josh is asking for a divorce. Her heart squeezes, but, well, he moved on a long time ago. But the second envelope shakes Cassie to the core. So, for the first time, she leaves Kansas and heads to good ol’ England.
There, Cassie finds that Josh has not just “moved on,” he’s freakin’ engaged to some blue-blooded heiress. The feelings Cassie had buried deep rush back to her. But no matter if he keeps thrusting the divorce papers under her nose, she needs him to save the only person she loves more than Josh, more than life itself…
At high school in Steep Hill, Kansas, Cassie O’Malley and Josh MacBride were the poster couple for quarterback/cheerleader romance until they starred in their own tale of teen pregnancy. No need to say: their shotgun wedding was low-key. But when there was no baby anymore, they went their separate ways.
Five years later, Josh has breezed through Georgetown and is about to finish his post-grad degree at Oxford University. He is set to join a lobbying group on Capitol Hill, owned by his new fiancée’s father. For Josh, the sky is now the limit… only he must first take care of a tiny legal matter: technically, he’s still married to the girl who broke his heart.
Meanwhile, Cassie has been waiting tables in Steep Hill to pay for her sick grandmother’s care. On the day of the old lady’s funeral, Cassie is served with two sets of papers. Josh is asking for a divorce. Her heart squeezes, but, well, he moved on a long time ago. But the second envelope shakes Cassie to the core. So, for the first time, she leaves Kansas and heads to good ol’ England.
There, Cassie finds that Josh has not just “moved on,” he’s freakin’ engaged to some blue-blooded heiress. The feelings Cassie had buried deep rush back to her. But no matter if he keeps thrusting the divorce papers under her nose, she needs him to save the only person she loves more than Josh, more than life itself…
August 14, 2013
OMG!! this was such a surprise read! I was on a constant emotional rollercoaster o
I was constantly on the verge of crying feeling the pain of Cass.
The sacrifices that she had done and pain she endured to give the life that she thinks that her husband deserves. She made the ultimate sacrifice of any woman would do.
I was constantly on the verge of crying feeling the pain of Cass.
The sacrifices that she had done and pain she endured to give the life that she thinks that her husband deserves. She made the ultimate sacrifice of any woman would do.
September 12, 2013
D-N-F
Almost made it to the end but ultimately decided to stop reading. I was never able to connect with the characters or anything in the story.No Reverse was not for me...
Almost made it to the end but ultimately decided to stop reading. I was never able to connect with the characters or anything in the story.No Reverse was not for me...
August 13, 2013
“There were so many ways to love someone, but there was only one way to love Cassie. Only one way Cassie could love.
Fiercely.”
With that blurb, I already expected that feeling when you're already anticipating the part where the characters fall apart so you can prepare yourself from being caught off guard but ends up putting yourself on edge while reading. I already prepared myself not to be caught off guard but I never expected to feel those intense emotions from the characters as early as 9% in. At that point, I was slightly worried that it might go downhill at the latter part and will be too flat and uninteresting but the author managed to keep my interest until the last page.
This book made me feel involved. Each character and scene managed to leave an impression and made me feel something. Even my copy has lots of notes of my reactions to almost every line. It was interesting for me that I was questioning each motive and was forming theories why something happened or how it happened. There was something with the way this was written that made me easily relate to the characters feelings and made me understand them.
I also love the way the characters were written. Both Josh and Cassie easily made me fall in love with how resilient and strong but at the same time vulnerable they were. I love how the author didn’t write them perfectly and let the readers see their faults and not just their good and pitiful side. Both characters made mistakes and made it a big part of them in the story. Another character I loved was Eleanor. She was sweet and loving but also willing to do anything for the sake of love. She was the kind of the other girl that you can’t just easily hate. Also, props to the author for making me dislike, if not hate Josh’s father and Eleanor’s father even though they were not in most parts of the story. It just took short conversations and few mentions to make me hate their guts.
This book made me feel just after a few chapters. I'm glad it was maintained and didn't go downhill. You just can't help but fall in love with Josh and Cassie and cheer for their happy ending. Few paragraphs left and I was ready to rant about how unsatisfied I was with the ending when I read that there will be a sequel. Now I just can’t wait to see what happens next, not just to Josh and Cassie, and of course Lucas.
This copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
*This and other reviews are also posted on my blog*
August 31, 2013
Review also posted at Ja čitam, a ti?
This is the first time that this is happening to me. That I have read a story that I really liked and enjoyed but then at certain point in the plot everything went downwards. It makes me wish for a time machine so I could go back and stop myself from reading further than 81% of the book.
Up until that point this story was something. It was a NA book that I really enjoyed for multiple reasons. First of it was untypical. A lot of things already happened in the lives of our main characters so that you had to connect some fact from the past to realize why they're such a great enemies in present. This book starts with wedding which is another untypical thing as mostly books end that way as great conclusion to the story. Well here after the wedding comes some serious drama. I don't mean that as a bad things. Cassie and Josh have big history behind them and there is an interesting story about high school sweethearts who once thought have the whole world by only having each other to the great enemies that they have become.
It was really interesting but not flawless. Cassie is only thing that I had problems with. She is smart, strong but for some reasons I really admire her but trust me when I say that people from Abnegation would admire her selflessness. She literary gave up on almost her life for others and not to mention tried to control lives of others by not even asking them. But I could live with that.
Only I couldn't live with that unreasonable proposal that happened at that famous 81% of the book. Don't get me wrong, guy did have noble reasons but proposing a person who you don't even know for a month and with that you barely kissed is idiotic. That was really out of line. It might have moved some things in the story but it added all unnecessary drama as well. From that point it was just adding more drama and then pushing all that until the ending when everything resolved. That was unnecessary as the idea itself was really good and the book is really different from same old NA stories.
This is the first time that this is happening to me. That I have read a story that I really liked and enjoyed but then at certain point in the plot everything went downwards. It makes me wish for a time machine so I could go back and stop myself from reading further than 81% of the book.
Up until that point this story was something. It was a NA book that I really enjoyed for multiple reasons. First of it was untypical. A lot of things already happened in the lives of our main characters so that you had to connect some fact from the past to realize why they're such a great enemies in present. This book starts with wedding which is another untypical thing as mostly books end that way as great conclusion to the story. Well here after the wedding comes some serious drama. I don't mean that as a bad things. Cassie and Josh have big history behind them and there is an interesting story about high school sweethearts who once thought have the whole world by only having each other to the great enemies that they have become.
It was really interesting but not flawless. Cassie is only thing that I had problems with. She is smart, strong but for some reasons I really admire her but trust me when I say that people from Abnegation would admire her selflessness. She literary gave up on almost her life for others and not to mention tried to control lives of others by not even asking them. But I could live with that.
Only I couldn't live with that unreasonable proposal that happened at that famous 81% of the book. Don't get me wrong, guy did have noble reasons but proposing a person who you don't even know for a month and with that you barely kissed is idiotic. That was really out of line. It might have moved some things in the story but it added all unnecessary drama as well. From that point it was just adding more drama and then pushing all that until the ending when everything resolved. That was unnecessary as the idea itself was really good and the book is really different from same old NA stories.
February 4, 2016
ATTENTION.. THIS MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS.. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK..
I have had this book forever... I have made it to that point that I can start reading some of my older books.. I just love this cover.. I loved the book... Cassie and Josh.. Soo loved them.. I understand why Josh was sooo upset with Cassie.. I mean with what she did.. One minute I loved him.. the next I wanted to rip his balls off. The chemistry was still there with Cassie and Josh.. It was undeniable. I think Josh Loved Eleanor (Lenore) but I don't think he was ever IN LOVE with her.. I think he would have went thru with and been with her if Cassie had not showed up.. I felt for her and I hope she finds that one special one for herself.. Then there is Sam... I liked him.. I hope he gets his HEA too.. I am sooo rooting for Cassie and Josh.. and that baby Lucas.. OMG Soooo stinking cute.... LOVE!!! Need to dig into Book 2 :)
I have had this book forever... I have made it to that point that I can start reading some of my older books.. I just love this cover.. I loved the book... Cassie and Josh.. Soo loved them.. I understand why Josh was sooo upset with Cassie.. I mean with what she did.. One minute I loved him.. the next I wanted to rip his balls off. The chemistry was still there with Cassie and Josh.. It was undeniable. I think Josh Loved Eleanor (Lenore) but I don't think he was ever IN LOVE with her.. I think he would have went thru with and been with her if Cassie had not showed up.. I felt for her and I hope she finds that one special one for herself.. Then there is Sam... I liked him.. I hope he gets his HEA too.. I am sooo rooting for Cassie and Josh.. and that baby Lucas.. OMG Soooo stinking cute.... LOVE!!! Need to dig into Book 2 :)
August 10, 2013
Man!!!
This book inspired me to actually sit down and write a review! after soooooo long!!
But that was before i reached the last page!
I would've given this book 10 stars.
Such a welcome change from all those 'predictable-from-page-5-on' books that release these days.
And in the last page they tell me I gotta wait for a sequel to know how the story ends!! WADAFUCK!!
i sit through 39 chapters of an emotional clusterfuck to be left waiting for a year for closure!!
not done dude!
hence the 4 stars
take that you people-who-don't-believe-in-stand-alones-anymore!
ps: the cover sux!!
Josh and Cass, SO MUCH MORE hotter
or SO MUCH MORE prettier
anything but the two on the cover
This book inspired me to actually sit down and write a review! after soooooo long!!
But that was before i reached the last page!
I would've given this book 10 stars.
Such a welcome change from all those 'predictable-from-page-5-on' books that release these days.
And in the last page they tell me I gotta wait for a sequel to know how the story ends!! WADAFUCK!!
i sit through 39 chapters of an emotional clusterfuck to be left waiting for a year for closure!!
not done dude!
hence the 4 stars
take that you people-who-don't-believe-in-stand-alones-anymore!
ps: the cover sux!!
Josh and Cass, SO MUCH MORE hotter
or SO MUCH MORE prettier
anything but the two on the cover
October 5, 2014
There was too much going on for me that I gave this book a 2.5STARS
I didn't really get any feelings from Josh. He just had this aura that I couldn't connect with him. As annoying as Josh was I liked Cassie and I thought her character was more stronger and I felt her presence within this story. Despite what Cassie was doing I wished that Josh kind of just owned up about his feelings and I wasn't too sure if he really was into into Lenor (didn't like her either).
So for Cassie and Josh their story was too rocky too annoying (Josh's part) and a little emotional and teary.
I didn't really get any feelings from Josh. He just had this aura that I couldn't connect with him. As annoying as Josh was I liked Cassie and I thought her character was more stronger and I felt her presence within this story. Despite what Cassie was doing I wished that Josh kind of just owned up about his feelings and I wasn't too sure if he really was into into Lenor (didn't like her either).
So for Cassie and Josh their story was too rocky too annoying (Josh's part) and a little emotional and teary.
August 18, 2013
My Thoughts:
I was really looking forward to reading this book. I loved the synopsis and this sounded up my alley. The story beautifully and seamlessly alternates between past and present. The readers are taken back and shown how much these two young people LOVED each other. Cassie was Josh's world and Josh was Cassie's world. Josh is the star quarterback, perfect student and perfect boyfriend who worships Cassie. His family is wealthy and to the outside world perfect. Cassie was orphaned at a young age and raised by her grandmother. Her life hasn't been roses and cupcakes...but her one shining thing in life has always been Josh. Josh has a bright future and is set to go to Georgetown University. An unplanned pregnancy and marriage to the love of his life doesn't phase him. He's optimistic life will work out for them and that they could have it all.
We are taken back to the present and now this young love is no more. Cassie is still living in their small town waiting on tables. She hasn't seen Josh in six years and there is no more baby. Cassie is alone and you can feel her heartbreak. She has just lost her grandmother and her last ties to this small town. She can finally leave this place that is a constant reminder of her heartbreak. On the day of her grandmother's funeral Cassie receives divorce papers from Josh and news that will force her to seek out Josh and ask for his help!
Sometime one decision in your life can change the course of everything. Cassie more than anyone knows this to be true. She made a decision and kept secrets from the love of her life six years ago. At first I was really annoyed with Cassie. I was annoyed at the decision she made and I was annoyed a bit at how she just came back into Josh's life and rocked it with some big news and expected him to make a decision right away. She even at one point told him to do what was right and all I could think was seriously?? You are joking right girlfriend? LOL. As the story progressed though, I really started to hurt for her. She made decisions that whether they were right or wrong were made with the bestest of intentions meant to give Josh the opportunity to follow his dreams. Her heart was in the right place and I could feel how much losing Josh hurt her. Her love for Josh is very much still there and it was heartbreaking watching her try to be strong watching the man she has always loved moving on without her. There is one scene that was set in the past where Cassie's character completely won me over. When she proposed to him...something in me just finally clicked with her character. From there I was a fan. I cried and my heart broke when she made the most heart wrenching decision again to give the people she loves the best of opportunities.
Josh's heart was broken by Cassie six years ago. She was his world and the decisions she made completely changed him. He is finally ready to move on with his life with a new love. He and his fiancee Lenore are just recently engaged and have a bright future in front of them. He never thought he'd get over Cassie but Lenore has brought some light in his life. When Cassie shows up on his doorsteps after six years and rocks his world with her news his new world comes crashing down on him. He should hate Cassie but finds that he is still very much angry, attracted and cares for her. He wants to hate her but can't. Their connection is still there and still very strong. For the last six years he has shut out everything from his past. He hasn't even told his fiancee that he is still married or anything of his past. I really like Josh's character. All his emotions and reaction to Cassie and what she reveals was so real. It's how I think anyone who hears news like this would react.
This book was pretty emotional. I found myself tearing up several times. Their story really sucked me in and I was engrossed. I felt all their hurts, pain, frustration and happiness. The connection between Josh and Cassie is very strong. You aren't just told that there is a strong connection, the way Marion told the story you could literally feel it. There were times I wasn't sure there would be a happy ending for these two because of the history and lies between them, but alas true love conquers and they do find their way to each other again. The book isn't a cliffhanger but Josh and Cassie's story isn't done. I'm looking forward to reading more about these two. Can't wait to find out how it will all work out in the end for them and where, Marion will take these characters. There are secondary characters in this book who stole my heart too. I hope we hear more from Sam and Lenore. I'd love to see a story for each of them. I can't wait for more from this author. This was angst filled book. Readers will be taken on an emotional journey and you'll come away loving these flawed but real characters.
You can find this review originally on my blog:
http://www.asthepagesturn.com/2013/08...
I was really looking forward to reading this book. I loved the synopsis and this sounded up my alley. The story beautifully and seamlessly alternates between past and present. The readers are taken back and shown how much these two young people LOVED each other. Cassie was Josh's world and Josh was Cassie's world. Josh is the star quarterback, perfect student and perfect boyfriend who worships Cassie. His family is wealthy and to the outside world perfect. Cassie was orphaned at a young age and raised by her grandmother. Her life hasn't been roses and cupcakes...but her one shining thing in life has always been Josh. Josh has a bright future and is set to go to Georgetown University. An unplanned pregnancy and marriage to the love of his life doesn't phase him. He's optimistic life will work out for them and that they could have it all.
We are taken back to the present and now this young love is no more. Cassie is still living in their small town waiting on tables. She hasn't seen Josh in six years and there is no more baby. Cassie is alone and you can feel her heartbreak. She has just lost her grandmother and her last ties to this small town. She can finally leave this place that is a constant reminder of her heartbreak. On the day of her grandmother's funeral Cassie receives divorce papers from Josh and news that will force her to seek out Josh and ask for his help!
Sometime one decision in your life can change the course of everything. Cassie more than anyone knows this to be true. She made a decision and kept secrets from the love of her life six years ago. At first I was really annoyed with Cassie. I was annoyed at the decision she made and I was annoyed a bit at how she just came back into Josh's life and rocked it with some big news and expected him to make a decision right away. She even at one point told him to do what was right and all I could think was seriously?? You are joking right girlfriend? LOL. As the story progressed though, I really started to hurt for her. She made decisions that whether they were right or wrong were made with the bestest of intentions meant to give Josh the opportunity to follow his dreams. Her heart was in the right place and I could feel how much losing Josh hurt her. Her love for Josh is very much still there and it was heartbreaking watching her try to be strong watching the man she has always loved moving on without her. There is one scene that was set in the past where Cassie's character completely won me over. When she proposed to him...something in me just finally clicked with her character. From there I was a fan. I cried and my heart broke when she made the most heart wrenching decision again to give the people she loves the best of opportunities.
Josh's heart was broken by Cassie six years ago. She was his world and the decisions she made completely changed him. He is finally ready to move on with his life with a new love. He and his fiancee Lenore are just recently engaged and have a bright future in front of them. He never thought he'd get over Cassie but Lenore has brought some light in his life. When Cassie shows up on his doorsteps after six years and rocks his world with her news his new world comes crashing down on him. He should hate Cassie but finds that he is still very much angry, attracted and cares for her. He wants to hate her but can't. Their connection is still there and still very strong. For the last six years he has shut out everything from his past. He hasn't even told his fiancee that he is still married or anything of his past. I really like Josh's character. All his emotions and reaction to Cassie and what she reveals was so real. It's how I think anyone who hears news like this would react.
This book was pretty emotional. I found myself tearing up several times. Their story really sucked me in and I was engrossed. I felt all their hurts, pain, frustration and happiness. The connection between Josh and Cassie is very strong. You aren't just told that there is a strong connection, the way Marion told the story you could literally feel it. There were times I wasn't sure there would be a happy ending for these two because of the history and lies between them, but alas true love conquers and they do find their way to each other again. The book isn't a cliffhanger but Josh and Cassie's story isn't done. I'm looking forward to reading more about these two. Can't wait to find out how it will all work out in the end for them and where, Marion will take these characters. There are secondary characters in this book who stole my heart too. I hope we hear more from Sam and Lenore. I'd love to see a story for each of them. I can't wait for more from this author. This was angst filled book. Readers will be taken on an emotional journey and you'll come away loving these flawed but real characters.
You can find this review originally on my blog:
http://www.asthepagesturn.com/2013/08...
August 16, 2013
Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak
Rating: 4.5
If you ask me, the plot of old high school sweethearts reuniting has been totally overused, redefined, and revived over and over again in the literary world - BUT IT NEVER GETS OLD! Who doesn't like an old flame rekindled, an old love coming back, emotional confrontation and of course, the make-up sex?
What makes No Reverse stand out?
It has something to do with the cover, the blurb and everything in between. :)
I truly loved the cover, and I wanted to read it the moment I laid my eyes on it. It's simple and sexy. (The old adage, don't judge the book by its cover doesn't really work with me sometimes.) The blurb is catchy. It would make you think of the ending - will they or will they won't end up together?
Cassie and Josh were the popular couple in high school. He's the school's quarterback and she's a cheerleader. Everything was perfect, until they came face to face with a problem no senior would like to experience: Teen Pregnancy. He proposed - in a highly weird but sweet way. They got married, and I thought they will live happily every after, but when she lost the baby, they went their separate ways.
Five years later, Josh was now successful, engaged and is about to finish his post-graduate degree. He has a great job opportunity waiting for him, thanks to his future father in law. But there is one problem though, he has yet to file for divorce. Technically, Cassie and him were still married. He sent a lawyer to give her the papers, he didn't expect her fly a hundred of miles to come to him.
Next to Mother Theresa, Cassie is a likely candidate for sainthood. Her selflessness could is just legendary (at least for me). She took care of her ailing grandmother until her deathbed by waiting tables in their small town of Steep Hill without any help from anyone. She let go of an old love for him to pursue his dreams even if it broke her heart and soul. After her grandmother's funeral, she received two sets of papers. One from Josh, asking her for a divorce. Something that she was asking for a while, but still shook her. But the second envelop was what made her rush to the other part of the world to go and find Josh.
She expected Josh to moved on, but what surprised her the most is that he's engaged and he seemed to forget to mention anything about her or their past to his fiancee. He wanted her to sign the divorce paper, oh she will, once he'll hear him out and listen to her side. She just want one thing from him, more than a second chance, she wanted him to save the only person who is most important in her life.
At first, I wanted to ask, why does she force him to talk to her when its so obvious that Josh doesn't want anything to do with her? Sometimes its embarrassing (yes, I feel embarrassed for her), and its degrading. But once I found out why she's after him - I understood. Because when you are desperate, you would do anything, just about anything to get what you need the most.
The characters in this book were complex. The fiancee? She was something you would not hate. She was in love, was betrayed, but accepted defeat with grace. Josh can be a complete ass, but for someone who has been hurt and suffered a lot from a broken heart, I think it could be excusable. And why is everyone getting a divorce? First, Cassie and Josh, and then two other couples that is close to them. I thought they would push through with the divorce, especially when Cassie once again did something for the betterment of everyone - geeezz! Can't she just think about herself and her own happiness JUST FOR ONCE?!
No Reverse is a beautiful story of losing and finding love. It's plot may be as old as time, but it will dig you. You will love the characters you didn't expect to love, join the wild ride of Cassie and Josh whether they will finally get together or find their separate ways. Turns, and surprises that you didn't expect will shock you. But in the end, all is good. :)
*ARC Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4.5
If you ask me, the plot of old high school sweethearts reuniting has been totally overused, redefined, and revived over and over again in the literary world - BUT IT NEVER GETS OLD! Who doesn't like an old flame rekindled, an old love coming back, emotional confrontation and of course, the make-up sex?
What makes No Reverse stand out?
It has something to do with the cover, the blurb and everything in between. :)
I truly loved the cover, and I wanted to read it the moment I laid my eyes on it. It's simple and sexy. (The old adage, don't judge the book by its cover doesn't really work with me sometimes.) The blurb is catchy. It would make you think of the ending - will they or will they won't end up together?
Cassie and Josh were the popular couple in high school. He's the school's quarterback and she's a cheerleader. Everything was perfect, until they came face to face with a problem no senior would like to experience: Teen Pregnancy. He proposed - in a highly weird but sweet way. They got married, and I thought they will live happily every after, but when she lost the baby, they went their separate ways.
Five years later, Josh was now successful, engaged and is about to finish his post-graduate degree. He has a great job opportunity waiting for him, thanks to his future father in law. But there is one problem though, he has yet to file for divorce. Technically, Cassie and him were still married. He sent a lawyer to give her the papers, he didn't expect her fly a hundred of miles to come to him.
You've been begging for one for the last six years. Now that I'm ready to give it to you, you change your mind. Have you dedicated your life to ruining mine?
Next to Mother Theresa, Cassie is a likely candidate for sainthood. Her selflessness could is just legendary (at least for me). She took care of her ailing grandmother until her deathbed by waiting tables in their small town of Steep Hill without any help from anyone. She let go of an old love for him to pursue his dreams even if it broke her heart and soul. After her grandmother's funeral, she received two sets of papers. One from Josh, asking her for a divorce. Something that she was asking for a while, but still shook her. But the second envelop was what made her rush to the other part of the world to go and find Josh.
She expected Josh to moved on, but what surprised her the most is that he's engaged and he seemed to forget to mention anything about her or their past to his fiancee. He wanted her to sign the divorce paper, oh she will, once he'll hear him out and listen to her side. She just want one thing from him, more than a second chance, she wanted him to save the only person who is most important in her life.
At first, I wanted to ask, why does she force him to talk to her when its so obvious that Josh doesn't want anything to do with her? Sometimes its embarrassing (yes, I feel embarrassed for her), and its degrading. But once I found out why she's after him - I understood. Because when you are desperate, you would do anything, just about anything to get what you need the most.
Jealousy wasn't about hate or greed. It wasn't violent. Jealousy was that gaping hole deep inside, empty of all the love they shared.
The characters in this book were complex. The fiancee? She was something you would not hate. She was in love, was betrayed, but accepted defeat with grace. Josh can be a complete ass, but for someone who has been hurt and suffered a lot from a broken heart, I think it could be excusable. And why is everyone getting a divorce? First, Cassie and Josh, and then two other couples that is close to them. I thought they would push through with the divorce, especially when Cassie once again did something for the betterment of everyone - geeezz! Can't she just think about herself and her own happiness JUST FOR ONCE?!
No Reverse is a beautiful story of losing and finding love. It's plot may be as old as time, but it will dig you. You will love the characters you didn't expect to love, join the wild ride of Cassie and Josh whether they will finally get together or find their separate ways. Turns, and surprises that you didn't expect will shock you. But in the end, all is good. :)
*ARC Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2013
No Reverse took me by surprise. I had seen a review for the book on a friend's blog and thought it sounded good, so I bought it. I didn't really know what to expect. What I found was a story that I became so completely involved in, that I ended up devouring it in one sitting.
Cassie and Josh fell in love in high school. Their senior year, Cassie got pregnant and they decided to get married. The events that happened after the wedding, spurred a chain of lies and heart ache. See...Josh was the golden boy. He was smart, athletic and was destined for more than what Steep Hill had to offer. But, Josh felt like he could have all his dreams and more, as long as he was with Cassie. He was willing to make it work and he was madly in love with Cassie. However, Josh's dad wasn't going to stand for Cassie 'ruining' his son's life. So, he convinced Cassie to give up their baby for adoption and let Josh go. Cassie never wanted to hold Josh back, so she took the deal. She truly felt like she was making the right choice, even though it killed her.
The web of lies began to spin. She left town to finish out her pregnancy and give the baby up for adoption, but that wasn't exactly what she told Josh. She broke his heart by lying to him about what was really going on. She felt like she needed to in order for him to leave. Well, it worked. He left and never came back. So now, Cassie is dealing with new heart break. Her grandmother passed away, but she also finds out some devastating news about her baby that she had given up for adoption. She knows that it's time to come clean about what happened in the past, so she goes to Josh.
Josh is living in London. He's engaged to a girl he met in college. He's happy and looking forward to his future. When Cassie shows up, he really doesn't know what to do. Then, she tells him the truth about their past and it changes everything. He's conflicted, because he's never stopped loving Cassie, but he also loves his fiancee. But, Cassie and Josh's bond was just too strong to walk away from. Honestly, I was really nervous about how things were going to go. I have to say that Cassie didn't go find him to win him back, she went to him because she really did need his help. It's just that neither one of them ever let go of their feelings for each other, so it was natural for them to just be together.
I know it may seem like a lot is going on, but the story is told in the present with flashbacks to the past. So, the reader sees what's happening now, but we also get a clear picture of how things unraveled. As the story comes to a close, I felt like it could go either way, but I was really happy with how the story ended. I also think that Josh and Cassie have a long road ahead.
Overall, I really enjoyed No Reverse. So much, that I was bummed the second book wasn't available at the time I finished this one. There's just something about second chance love stories that get to me. Then, adding a baby into the mix...I was done for. This is a feels book. My emotions were all over the place and I take that a good sign. I'm really looking forward to reading Fast Forward soon, so I can see where their journey takes them!
Quotes:
~"After you, no one was ever enough."
"After you, there was no one."-pg 170
~I couldn't get enough of that sweet taste of hers. It was like nothing else, no one else. Her taste was mine. I owned it. Right from the start, I'd owned it. I wanted the rest of her to be mine again.-pg 190
~"Gran always used to say that true love did not give second chances. If you were too careless to miss your first chance at it, you weren't worthy of it."-pg 242
Cassie and Josh fell in love in high school. Their senior year, Cassie got pregnant and they decided to get married. The events that happened after the wedding, spurred a chain of lies and heart ache. See...Josh was the golden boy. He was smart, athletic and was destined for more than what Steep Hill had to offer. But, Josh felt like he could have all his dreams and more, as long as he was with Cassie. He was willing to make it work and he was madly in love with Cassie. However, Josh's dad wasn't going to stand for Cassie 'ruining' his son's life. So, he convinced Cassie to give up their baby for adoption and let Josh go. Cassie never wanted to hold Josh back, so she took the deal. She truly felt like she was making the right choice, even though it killed her.
The web of lies began to spin. She left town to finish out her pregnancy and give the baby up for adoption, but that wasn't exactly what she told Josh. She broke his heart by lying to him about what was really going on. She felt like she needed to in order for him to leave. Well, it worked. He left and never came back. So now, Cassie is dealing with new heart break. Her grandmother passed away, but she also finds out some devastating news about her baby that she had given up for adoption. She knows that it's time to come clean about what happened in the past, so she goes to Josh.
Josh is living in London. He's engaged to a girl he met in college. He's happy and looking forward to his future. When Cassie shows up, he really doesn't know what to do. Then, she tells him the truth about their past and it changes everything. He's conflicted, because he's never stopped loving Cassie, but he also loves his fiancee. But, Cassie and Josh's bond was just too strong to walk away from. Honestly, I was really nervous about how things were going to go. I have to say that Cassie didn't go find him to win him back, she went to him because she really did need his help. It's just that neither one of them ever let go of their feelings for each other, so it was natural for them to just be together.
I know it may seem like a lot is going on, but the story is told in the present with flashbacks to the past. So, the reader sees what's happening now, but we also get a clear picture of how things unraveled. As the story comes to a close, I felt like it could go either way, but I was really happy with how the story ended. I also think that Josh and Cassie have a long road ahead.
Overall, I really enjoyed No Reverse. So much, that I was bummed the second book wasn't available at the time I finished this one. There's just something about second chance love stories that get to me. Then, adding a baby into the mix...I was done for. This is a feels book. My emotions were all over the place and I take that a good sign. I'm really looking forward to reading Fast Forward soon, so I can see where their journey takes them!
Quotes:
~"After you, no one was ever enough."
"After you, there was no one."-pg 170
~I couldn't get enough of that sweet taste of hers. It was like nothing else, no one else. Her taste was mine. I owned it. Right from the start, I'd owned it. I wanted the rest of her to be mine again.-pg 190
~"Gran always used to say that true love did not give second chances. If you were too careless to miss your first chance at it, you weren't worthy of it."-pg 242
Want to read
August 21, 2013If I have the time and patience like some of my amazing fellow reviewers who used GIF right here would be one of something exploding - and that explosion would be my emotions.
OH.MY.
Reading the description of this book I knew it was going to affect me I just didn't know how, Books that deal with a death or illness are something if written write will really effect me and I mean that in the best way possible - If a book can make you feel and not just entertain you then you are onto a winner and let me tell you this book effected me.
Cassie and Josh where the poster children for young love, he was the sports star and son of the local mayor and she was the girl 'from the other side of the tracks' living with her grandmother - You couldn't really get two people more different but its true what they say opposites do attract and in a fact paced relationship fuelled by young love they married in a shot gun ceremony only to go their separate ways not long after.
Fast foward 6 years and things have changed dramatically Cassie is still living with her grandmother but is now caring for her - I really connected with Cassie not only is she spending her time looking after her Grandmother but she also has a secret, the baby she was supposed to have but miscarried she actually gave away to give Josh the future he was destined to have, Personally I don't agree with keeping a secret that huge but I can see and understand why she did it and who knows what would happen if I was in the situation.
Josh is now set to be engaged to the daughter of a politician who has just filed for divorce from Cassie - But what will happen when she flies to the UK and they meet again, will sparks fly or will the truth ruin everything between them and what they have so far achieved?
Oh did I also mention there is a hot British Bartender in the Mix? Mhmm I would body shot with him - but then again I would body shot with Josh BOOK SLUT AND PROUD.
This was a really enjoyable read and I highly recommend it!
4/5 stars!
OH.MY.
Reading the description of this book I knew it was going to affect me I just didn't know how, Books that deal with a death or illness are something if written write will really effect me and I mean that in the best way possible - If a book can make you feel and not just entertain you then you are onto a winner and let me tell you this book effected me.
Cassie and Josh where the poster children for young love, he was the sports star and son of the local mayor and she was the girl 'from the other side of the tracks' living with her grandmother - You couldn't really get two people more different but its true what they say opposites do attract and in a fact paced relationship fuelled by young love they married in a shot gun ceremony only to go their separate ways not long after.
Fast foward 6 years and things have changed dramatically Cassie is still living with her grandmother but is now caring for her - I really connected with Cassie not only is she spending her time looking after her Grandmother but she also has a secret, the baby she was supposed to have but miscarried she actually gave away to give Josh the future he was destined to have, Personally I don't agree with keeping a secret that huge but I can see and understand why she did it and who knows what would happen if I was in the situation.
Josh is now set to be engaged to the daughter of a politician who has just filed for divorce from Cassie - But what will happen when she flies to the UK and they meet again, will sparks fly or will the truth ruin everything between them and what they have so far achieved?
Oh did I also mention there is a hot British Bartender in the Mix? Mhmm I would body shot with him - but then again I would body shot with Josh BOOK SLUT AND PROUD.
This was a really enjoyable read and I highly recommend it!
4/5 stars!
January 21, 2014
At this point all I can say is Marion Croslydon is a genius. This is the first NA book I've read in a while that has blown my mind. I thought I'd read just about everything and that the genre was becoming predictable, but Ms.Croslydon proved me wrong. I'd categorize her writing in those with whom I consider to be an elite league of authors like Taryn Fisher, Fisher Amelie, J.A. Redmerski, Laura Spinella, K.A. Tucker and a many others that can write a story that not only has you hooked to the edge of your seat but that makes you seriously think and feel. Their stories aren't perfect and often highlight some of the more serious issues in life, but damn if they aren't amazing, and ones that stick with you.
This book reeled me in emotionally. I was like a fish caught on a baited hook. To give you a sense of how much, I had this heavy feeling in my chest for quite a good portion of this book. I wanted to bawl my eyes out but realized I'd have to stop reading because I wouldn't be able to see and that put an end to that quickly.
Cassie and Josh are fallible. They're normal people who have made choices and mistakes. They're not always likable or at their best but you can't help but want to keep reading and rooting for them. Their story evoked memories of the great O.Henry's story "The Gift of the Magi." I'm trying really hard to make sense and get across what worked for me and why should read it. If I can't convince you, just use the try me feature on amazon or B&N and you'll see why this is book is worth it.
To warn you, the reader, there is a book 2 coming out which continues their story. The book doesn't end on a cliffhanger, at least to me, but if I had a time machine I'd go forward in time and read it asap. I wanna know what happens next! Ms. Croslydon you have a brand new fan!
This book reeled me in emotionally. I was like a fish caught on a baited hook. To give you a sense of how much, I had this heavy feeling in my chest for quite a good portion of this book. I wanted to bawl my eyes out but realized I'd have to stop reading because I wouldn't be able to see and that put an end to that quickly.
Cassie and Josh are fallible. They're normal people who have made choices and mistakes. They're not always likable or at their best but you can't help but want to keep reading and rooting for them. Their story evoked memories of the great O.Henry's story "The Gift of the Magi." I'm trying really hard to make sense and get across what worked for me and why should read it. If I can't convince you, just use the try me feature on amazon or B&N and you'll see why this is book is worth it.
To warn you, the reader, there is a book 2 coming out which continues their story. The book doesn't end on a cliffhanger, at least to me, but if I had a time machine I'd go forward in time and read it asap. I wanna know what happens next! Ms. Croslydon you have a brand new fan!
August 12, 2013
This premise that mentioned an unexpected pregnancy was the thing that made me want to read this book...too bad the kid is pretty much an afterthought. Cassie and Josh and their weirdly twisted relationship is the focus of this story. Six years in between Cassie and Josh's high school relationship, and neither one of them has gotten over the other. Though Josh is engaged to someone else, his heart still belongs to Cassie--and she's never even tried to find someone to replace him. She comes back into his life with shocking news and their past is brought to the present with huge consequences.
This story had so many twists and turns it made me dizzy. Cass wants Josh..no wait, she wants him to be happy and go back to his fiancee...Josh feels a duty to both women and doesn't know who to choose. The storyline between the three of them was very very much like a soap opera, and while I'm OK with that sometimes, this one got too convoluted and the flip-flopping every ten pages was really annoying.
I also truly could not connect with either Cass or josh. I know they each believed they had good reasons for doing what they did, but I found Cass kind of selfish and Josh cold and calculating...until he decides he wants Cass again, then he's all running hot. He seemed almost bipolar in this respect.
The kid is not seen until way after the first half of the story, and by then I'd kind of lost interest. I read to the end to see if Josh and Cass would FINALLY end up together (they deserve each other), but I was met with another twist and a cliffhanger. Unfortunately I can't make myself care enough to read the next book.
This story had so many twists and turns it made me dizzy. Cass wants Josh..no wait, she wants him to be happy and go back to his fiancee...Josh feels a duty to both women and doesn't know who to choose. The storyline between the three of them was very very much like a soap opera, and while I'm OK with that sometimes, this one got too convoluted and the flip-flopping every ten pages was really annoying.
I also truly could not connect with either Cass or josh. I know they each believed they had good reasons for doing what they did, but I found Cass kind of selfish and Josh cold and calculating...until he decides he wants Cass again, then he's all running hot. He seemed almost bipolar in this respect.
The kid is not seen until way after the first half of the story, and by then I'd kind of lost interest. I read to the end to see if Josh and Cass would FINALLY end up together (they deserve each other), but I was met with another twist and a cliffhanger. Unfortunately I can't make myself care enough to read the next book.
August 5, 2013
YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME! I feel all kinds of things after reading this book. I didn’t imagine for it to be so raw and painful but sprinkled with hope and love.
A little warning…because if you are anything like me, you wouldn’t know how to handle your emotions while reading this (and after reading it.) No Reverse was a great book that took me on some ups and downs in a matter of paragraphs. Things would be unicorns and chocolate and then in the next paragraph it would be sad and hurtful. Books like these always become one of my recommended selections because they just don’t have all happiness, they show the grit of the world and the repercussions of mistakes made.
I SERIOUSLY wanted to tell Cassie and Josh just how they needed to live their life. It was like I knew what right choices needed to be made as an outsider and I wanted to make those choices for them. However, things didn’t quite go as I would have chosen and let me tell you I would be come so angry because I knew what would bring them happiness…my choices would bring them happiness. But then in the next chapter things would start to smooth out, only to be wrinkled up again.
A great book, check it out! Also, just a heads up, there will me more books to come on these characters. ~BookWhisperer Reviewer MC~
A little warning…because if you are anything like me, you wouldn’t know how to handle your emotions while reading this (and after reading it.) No Reverse was a great book that took me on some ups and downs in a matter of paragraphs. Things would be unicorns and chocolate and then in the next paragraph it would be sad and hurtful. Books like these always become one of my recommended selections because they just don’t have all happiness, they show the grit of the world and the repercussions of mistakes made.
I SERIOUSLY wanted to tell Cassie and Josh just how they needed to live their life. It was like I knew what right choices needed to be made as an outsider and I wanted to make those choices for them. However, things didn’t quite go as I would have chosen and let me tell you I would be come so angry because I knew what would bring them happiness…my choices would bring them happiness. But then in the next chapter things would start to smooth out, only to be wrinkled up again.
A great book, check it out! Also, just a heads up, there will me more books to come on these characters. ~BookWhisperer Reviewer MC~
August 20, 2013
This was a very different read, in this kind of genre normally you can predict the ending easily but reading this book sometimes I though I knew what the outcome would be but quickly began to doubt my conclusion and so forth (in the end my predictions were right though) ;) It was a nice read and emotional too, Cassie's reasons for her actions were completely unselfish, she didn't want to hinder her husband's future, but as a mother myself, I can't help but put myself in her place and conclude that I could Never do what she did. But let's remember this is a fictional story and on those grounds I have to say I enjoyed reading about Cassie and Josh's journey and was overjoyed by the ending given to them in this book. If you are thinking about getting this book you should know that Cassie and Josh's story will carry on. *This is not a standalone
August 11, 2013
I absolutely loved Cassie and Josh's story in NO REVERSE. This was a very emotional read for me, but the author pulls it off seamlessly. I'm already looking forward to the sequel. I've loved all of Marion Croslydon's novels, and I can't wait for more!
August 30, 2013
Wow what can I say this book really moved me. Have tissues ready. I could feel Cassie pain. I could not put this book down I had to see what was going to happen next with Josh and Cassie. Absolutely love this book!
August 19, 2013
So I really enjoyed this book BUT book. 2 doesn't release until winter 2014. Really that's to long to wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 25, 2013
A decent first novel in the series. It was emotional and heart feeling when it needed to be. Overall I'm impressed and will read the second in the series.
September 16, 2017
Wow! This book has it all: horrible secrets; betrayal; blackmail; intimidation; and unnecessary sacrifices. Cassie O'Malley told Josh a horrible lie so he would walk away and have the awesome future he deserves. But what about Cassie? Doesn't she deserve a good life as well? Although I liked Cassie, I hated that she just let everyone decide how she should live her life. She came off as weak and easily manipulated. Cassie needs to develop a backbone and tell these people to back off, especially Josh's creepy father. Well off to book # 2 since this one ended in a cliffhanger. Yuck!!!!
August 28, 2013
I reviewed this book at MustReadBooksOrDie with my friend Shelley.
So what just happened here? I'll tell you. Emotional EFFING whiplash. I'm still not certain if I know which way is up or down after reading this book. The question of what would happen with Cass, and Josh, and Lenor, and Sam had me up way past my bedtime and downloading the Kindle App on my phone so that I could sneak read during my work day today. Yep, that happened.
I'm glad that you are finally on the dark side doing that, although my boss caught me too many times to count. It's a miracle I didn't get fired...lol...anyways...WOW! This is probably by far one of the best emotionally written books I have read in a long, long time. While I love a lot of things, I don't ever say that lightly...so just still trying to process everything that was No Reverse.
So from the synopsis you know that Cass and Josh got married in high school because she was pregnant. Well, things happen and we find ourselves 6 years down the road and Cass has just lost her only family (her grandmother), is being served divorce papers, and must travel to England to give some news to Josh that she knows he will not appreciate. She's decided that he needs deserves to hear the truth about what really happened 6 years ago. Gosh. Poor Cass. Everything she did, while completely honorable, shattered both her and Josh and I completely understand why she did it...but I also understand his pain and anger with her choices. Those scenes were hard to read because you could feel the pain just oozing through the words.
The emotions that went into every decision that they ever made, while selfless in intent, were some of the hardest that you can imagine. This book is epic because well, have you ever read something that was almost like a love triangle/square...and every person is mostly honorable and would be a good choice, and one decision can't be made without hurting someone else. This was like that and not at the same time. I had clear choices for the way I wanted, no needed things to turn out, but I was definitely preparing myself for whatever was coming with a lot of actual mouth covering/chest clenching. I looked like a complete nutcase reading the last 15%...
Josh. Sigh. What a really great guy. He was completely swooning over Cass. He only had eyes for her, was willing to do anything for her, and was completely gutted by her. Just when Josh felt like he had everything within his grasp--married to the girl he loved and a baby on the way, she tore it all away. He felt that his only choice was to escape his hometown and hyperfocus on success and hating Cass. He finds sweet success in his education and meets Lenor and the pain of his past with Cass begins to ease. Life looks up for Josh, until Cass shows up with news that strikes him to the core.
I wanted to not like him. I really, really did. But I couldn't. Some of the things he did, I totally get. He was reeling from all of the decisions that were made for him. Cassie didn't like that his father had such strong opinions on things, but in reality she did the same exact thing by taking Josh's choices from him. Though, Josh keeps his personal life secret from Lenor for FOUR years. Umm...I would be so, so mad. But again, as he always did, he pulled me back into his spell just like he did Cassie and Lenor and made me love him again.
And here's where my angst for these people goes from level 10 to level a million. Oh.My.Gosh. What is happening here? I like Lenor, then I don't. I like Josh, then I don't. I like Cass, then I curse her. I like Sam..and, well, I always like Sam. But I'm so thrown. Who am I rooting for? Cass? Lenor? Josh? Sam? Who gets the girl? Who gets the boy? Who gets married? SHHHHHEEEEE-it. Let me tell you...this goes on all the way up until the very end. The. Very. End. I mean we get this teeny, tiny glimmer of a resolution and then you swipe the page to move on...and mutha effer...it's 'to be continued'. What the hell??!!!
Hahahaha. My feelings EXACTLY! I said I emotionally felt like I was re-reading the Avoiding Series. (If you haven't read those, well they make some really, really effed up choices, and just had my head spinning and my emotions splattered all over the walls...) So it was like that with no cheating. Everyone made so many big decisions that were the so-called "best" but didn't really communicate well with the person actually needing to hear them. But it kept me on the edge of the cliff, before finally pushing me off the edge...and yes...at the very, very last second. Although there is so much for these people to come, I am at peace with how this book ended.
Normally I am not a huge fan of being this unsettled, but I really REALLY enjoyed this book. It was a page turner and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I will be reading the next installment of this series. It was so good! Like I said earlier, one of the best written emotionally slaying books I've read in a while...and like always it came at the perfect moment in my day!
Shelley: 5 Stars
Courtney: 5 Stars!
So what just happened here? I'll tell you. Emotional EFFING whiplash. I'm still not certain if I know which way is up or down after reading this book. The question of what would happen with Cass, and Josh, and Lenor, and Sam had me up way past my bedtime and downloading the Kindle App on my phone so that I could sneak read during my work day today. Yep, that happened.
I'm glad that you are finally on the dark side doing that, although my boss caught me too many times to count. It's a miracle I didn't get fired...lol...anyways...WOW! This is probably by far one of the best emotionally written books I have read in a long, long time. While I love a lot of things, I don't ever say that lightly...so just still trying to process everything that was No Reverse.
So from the synopsis you know that Cass and Josh got married in high school because she was pregnant. Well, things happen and we find ourselves 6 years down the road and Cass has just lost her only family (her grandmother), is being served divorce papers, and must travel to England to give some news to Josh that she knows he will not appreciate. She's decided that he needs deserves to hear the truth about what really happened 6 years ago. Gosh. Poor Cass. Everything she did, while completely honorable, shattered both her and Josh and I completely understand why she did it...but I also understand his pain and anger with her choices. Those scenes were hard to read because you could feel the pain just oozing through the words.
The emotions that went into every decision that they ever made, while selfless in intent, were some of the hardest that you can imagine. This book is epic because well, have you ever read something that was almost like a love triangle/square...and every person is mostly honorable and would be a good choice, and one decision can't be made without hurting someone else. This was like that and not at the same time. I had clear choices for the way I wanted, no needed things to turn out, but I was definitely preparing myself for whatever was coming with a lot of actual mouth covering/chest clenching. I looked like a complete nutcase reading the last 15%...
Josh. Sigh. What a really great guy. He was completely swooning over Cass. He only had eyes for her, was willing to do anything for her, and was completely gutted by her. Just when Josh felt like he had everything within his grasp--married to the girl he loved and a baby on the way, she tore it all away. He felt that his only choice was to escape his hometown and hyperfocus on success and hating Cass. He finds sweet success in his education and meets Lenor and the pain of his past with Cass begins to ease. Life looks up for Josh, until Cass shows up with news that strikes him to the core.
I wanted to not like him. I really, really did. But I couldn't. Some of the things he did, I totally get. He was reeling from all of the decisions that were made for him. Cassie didn't like that his father had such strong opinions on things, but in reality she did the same exact thing by taking Josh's choices from him. Though, Josh keeps his personal life secret from Lenor for FOUR years. Umm...I would be so, so mad. But again, as he always did, he pulled me back into his spell just like he did Cassie and Lenor and made me love him again.
And here's where my angst for these people goes from level 10 to level a million. Oh.My.Gosh. What is happening here? I like Lenor, then I don't. I like Josh, then I don't. I like Cass, then I curse her. I like Sam..and, well, I always like Sam. But I'm so thrown. Who am I rooting for? Cass? Lenor? Josh? Sam? Who gets the girl? Who gets the boy? Who gets married? SHHHHHEEEEE-it. Let me tell you...this goes on all the way up until the very end. The. Very. End. I mean we get this teeny, tiny glimmer of a resolution and then you swipe the page to move on...and mutha effer...it's 'to be continued'. What the hell??!!!
Hahahaha. My feelings EXACTLY! I said I emotionally felt like I was re-reading the Avoiding Series. (If you haven't read those, well they make some really, really effed up choices, and just had my head spinning and my emotions splattered all over the walls...) So it was like that with no cheating. Everyone made so many big decisions that were the so-called "best" but didn't really communicate well with the person actually needing to hear them. But it kept me on the edge of the cliff, before finally pushing me off the edge...and yes...at the very, very last second. Although there is so much for these people to come, I am at peace with how this book ended.
Normally I am not a huge fan of being this unsettled, but I really REALLY enjoyed this book. It was a page turner and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I will be reading the next installment of this series. It was so good! Like I said earlier, one of the best written emotionally slaying books I've read in a while...and like always it came at the perfect moment in my day!
Shelley: 5 Stars
Courtney: 5 Stars!
August 13, 2013
Josh MacBride loved Cassie O'Malley with everything that was in him, and Cassie returned that love wholeheartedly. When Cassie got pregnant, she and Josh got married. Josh's dad was not happy about it at all. He considered Cassie to be "white trash." Josh, on the other hand, had a future, a big bright future ahead of him - one which Cassie didn't want to stand in the way of - one which Josh would have easily and willingly given up for her. Cassie thought she was doing the right thing, the best thing for Josh, but wound up breaking his heart. Fast-forward 5 years. Cassie is still in Steep Hill Kansas. She's been waiting tables and taking care of her sick grandmother for the past five years and she and Josh are technically still married. She has just buried her grandmother when she receives divorce papers from Josh. She also receives another letter, a letter which changes everything. She knows she has to talk to Josh, to come clean and tell him everything, which requires her to go to England, spending what little money she has left, but...when she gets there, not only is he not happy to see her, he has moved on and is engaged to someone else.....someone who is worthy of him........someone from an important and wealthy family, someone better than Cassie, someone who can fulfill his dreams, or can she?
I really did enjoy this story, but it was also so heartbreaking. Josh and Cassie, pushed by forces that were against them and not for them, each made choices that they thought were the best thing for the situation they were in at the time. Josh neglected to tell Cassie before they got married that he had been accepted into Georgetown, and she in turn fabricated her own web of deceit, thinking she was doing what was best for Josh. He was angry, hurt, and did everything he could to forget Cassie, and then moved on. Cassie on the other hand, was sort of in limbo. She loved Josh, but she knew she couldn't be with him. Nevertheless, she was going to have to face her demons and do what was best for everyone involved, and to do that she had to travel to England, where Josh was finishing up at Oxford. The series of events that transpires after she arrives is intense and emotional, to say the least. To be honest, Josh was kind of a jerk, and in his defense, he thought he had reason to be, but a jerk nonetheless. Even though he tried, he couldn't deny his feelings that were still there for Cassie, feelings he had tried to forget with alcohol and women, until finally he found a woman he thought he could move on with. "Lenor," bless her heart, was a rich bitch that had her sweet moments to, which made it hard to totally dislike her. Cassie found a temporary job and some new friends, who wind up playing a role in her future. She can't deny her love for Josh anymore than she can deny the fact that she needs air to breathe. I really liked her, but I got aggravated with her, because she believed the lies about herself - that she wasn't worthy or good enough, and because she loved Josh, she was willing to sacrifice whatever was necessary, including her own happiness, in order for him to be happy, but there was one thing he had to agree to, and that my friends, I can't talk about. I liked Cassie, felt bad for her, got aggravated at her, got upset with her, and my heart ached for her and what she was going through.
I continually rooted for this couple throughout the entire book, despite Josh's jerkdom, because he does begin to redeem himself before it is all said and done. I have a feeling I will fall in love with him in the next book though. Their relationship felt like this couple was on an emotional roller coaster that kept changing directions, highs, lows, to the left, to the right, backwards, and forwards. Then, there was a turn I wasn't happy with, another turn when it looked like things were finally going to work out for these two, and the author switches tracks again and leaves us with a bit of a cliffhanger, which sets things up for the sequel. Despite that, I was happy with the point these two found themselves at, and I am excited to find out what Marion Croslydon has in store for these characters in the next book. This story is not easy for these characters. They go through a lot and find that love is something you have to work for, there are consequences and repercussions that result from bad choices and lies, broken hearts and hurt feelings take time to mend, and finally, that honesty and truth are the glue that holds love together. If you enjoy New Adult Contemporary Romance, then No Reverse is something I would recommend checking out.
I really did enjoy this story, but it was also so heartbreaking. Josh and Cassie, pushed by forces that were against them and not for them, each made choices that they thought were the best thing for the situation they were in at the time. Josh neglected to tell Cassie before they got married that he had been accepted into Georgetown, and she in turn fabricated her own web of deceit, thinking she was doing what was best for Josh. He was angry, hurt, and did everything he could to forget Cassie, and then moved on. Cassie on the other hand, was sort of in limbo. She loved Josh, but she knew she couldn't be with him. Nevertheless, she was going to have to face her demons and do what was best for everyone involved, and to do that she had to travel to England, where Josh was finishing up at Oxford. The series of events that transpires after she arrives is intense and emotional, to say the least. To be honest, Josh was kind of a jerk, and in his defense, he thought he had reason to be, but a jerk nonetheless. Even though he tried, he couldn't deny his feelings that were still there for Cassie, feelings he had tried to forget with alcohol and women, until finally he found a woman he thought he could move on with. "Lenor," bless her heart, was a rich bitch that had her sweet moments to, which made it hard to totally dislike her. Cassie found a temporary job and some new friends, who wind up playing a role in her future. She can't deny her love for Josh anymore than she can deny the fact that she needs air to breathe. I really liked her, but I got aggravated with her, because she believed the lies about herself - that she wasn't worthy or good enough, and because she loved Josh, she was willing to sacrifice whatever was necessary, including her own happiness, in order for him to be happy, but there was one thing he had to agree to, and that my friends, I can't talk about. I liked Cassie, felt bad for her, got aggravated at her, got upset with her, and my heart ached for her and what she was going through.
I continually rooted for this couple throughout the entire book, despite Josh's jerkdom, because he does begin to redeem himself before it is all said and done. I have a feeling I will fall in love with him in the next book though. Their relationship felt like this couple was on an emotional roller coaster that kept changing directions, highs, lows, to the left, to the right, backwards, and forwards. Then, there was a turn I wasn't happy with, another turn when it looked like things were finally going to work out for these two, and the author switches tracks again and leaves us with a bit of a cliffhanger, which sets things up for the sequel. Despite that, I was happy with the point these two found themselves at, and I am excited to find out what Marion Croslydon has in store for these characters in the next book. This story is not easy for these characters. They go through a lot and find that love is something you have to work for, there are consequences and repercussions that result from bad choices and lies, broken hearts and hurt feelings take time to mend, and finally, that honesty and truth are the glue that holds love together. If you enjoy New Adult Contemporary Romance, then No Reverse is something I would recommend checking out.
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