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Can't fix Crazy
You know those people? You do. We all know someone like it. Those people that aren’t happy unless there is drama in their lives. Unless everyone’s attention and focus is completely and undividedly on them. The ones you roll your eyes at because they’re so obvious, so annoyingly transparent and clearly lacking some desperately needed honesty in their lives.
Yep. Those people.
But, what happens when the unreality becomes startlingly real?
What happens when you realise that you are one of them?
Compulsive liar. Check
Sympathy whore. Check
Drowning in disillusion. Double check.
I say I’m dying. They say I’m lying.
I say I’m innocent. They say otherwise.
Like the little boy that cried wolf, I’m no longer believed.
But just like the lessons learned from that story – they’re about to receive an education.
A wake up call, if you like.
There’s no reasoning with crazy and we’re all about to learn that the hard way.
Yep. Those people.
But, what happens when the unreality becomes startlingly real?
What happens when you realise that you are one of them?
Compulsive liar. Check
Sympathy whore. Check
Drowning in disillusion. Double check.
I say I’m dying. They say I’m lying.
I say I’m innocent. They say otherwise.
Like the little boy that cried wolf, I’m no longer believed.
But just like the lessons learned from that story – they’re about to receive an education.
A wake up call, if you like.
There’s no reasoning with crazy and we’re all about to learn that the hard way.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 28, 2017
14 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 17, 2017
I was lucky enough to get to be a beta reader for this book.
I found the first chapter a little hard to read as it is from the P.O.V of someone with depression, (I have battled depression for several years.) K.A. Duggsy masters the art of writing this subject, it was so well written at times it actually felt like I was reading my own thoughts/feelings.
As the story continued I went onto a roller coaster of emotion. I laughed at several parts, so hard at one part my dog glared at me as I woke him up. (Want to know the part? Read the book and find out!)
This roller coaster of emotion also took me through rage, sadness, loss, regret/remorse and happiness.
I thought I'd figured several of the parts of this book out, oh how wrong I was. There are so many twists and turns that you just can't put it down as you NEED to carry on reading to find out what happens.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, a must read of 2017
I found the first chapter a little hard to read as it is from the P.O.V of someone with depression, (I have battled depression for several years.) K.A. Duggsy masters the art of writing this subject, it was so well written at times it actually felt like I was reading my own thoughts/feelings.
As the story continued I went onto a roller coaster of emotion. I laughed at several parts, so hard at one part my dog glared at me as I woke him up. (Want to know the part? Read the book and find out!)
This roller coaster of emotion also took me through rage, sadness, loss, regret/remorse and happiness.
I thought I'd figured several of the parts of this book out, oh how wrong I was. There are so many twists and turns that you just can't put it down as you NEED to carry on reading to find out what happens.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, a must read of 2017
November 27, 2017
Can't fix crazy by Kelly Duggan
Reviewed by Angi
I went into the story not really know what it was. I have never read anything from Kelly previously. So I really didn't know what to expect. If all if her books are as strongly written as this one is I need to add to my tbr list.
I can't give much away without giving spoilers. But what I will tell you is from page one I was sucked in.
Every time I thought I had a handle on where the story was going I was quickly derailed. There are so many twists and turns.
It took me a little longer to read than most books because I had to stop and process my thoughts. That's what this book does to you. You can feel for this woman. You can see how easily this could be you in the right circumstances.
The emotion I felt when I read the last page cannot even begin to be explained. You will completely understand once you read this story. Or not because well to be perfectly honest I'm still not sure how I feel... am I angry? Do I feel satisfied? Is it a justifiable ending? Oh, the questions!
**This could be a trigger book for some, as it delves into some dark emotional and psychological subject matter.
Reviewed by Angi
I went into the story not really know what it was. I have never read anything from Kelly previously. So I really didn't know what to expect. If all if her books are as strongly written as this one is I need to add to my tbr list.
I can't give much away without giving spoilers. But what I will tell you is from page one I was sucked in.
Every time I thought I had a handle on where the story was going I was quickly derailed. There are so many twists and turns.
It took me a little longer to read than most books because I had to stop and process my thoughts. That's what this book does to you. You can feel for this woman. You can see how easily this could be you in the right circumstances.
The emotion I felt when I read the last page cannot even begin to be explained. You will completely understand once you read this story. Or not because well to be perfectly honest I'm still not sure how I feel... am I angry? Do I feel satisfied? Is it a justifiable ending? Oh, the questions!
**This could be a trigger book for some, as it delves into some dark emotional and psychological subject matter.
November 28, 2017
Absolutely brilliant!!!
This deserves more than 5 stars!
I wasn't too sure reading the first chapter but once I got through that, this story was extremely emotional and totally compulsive.
I won't give spoilers, but it has so many ups and downs, twists and turns, that at times I just had to stop to process what I'd just read. By the time I was quarter of the way through it I knew nothing was as it seemed and I just had to go along for the ride.
Fantastic writing!
This deserves more than 5 stars!
I wasn't too sure reading the first chapter but once I got through that, this story was extremely emotional and totally compulsive.
I won't give spoilers, but it has so many ups and downs, twists and turns, that at times I just had to stop to process what I'd just read. By the time I was quarter of the way through it I knew nothing was as it seemed and I just had to go along for the ride.
Fantastic writing!
November 21, 2018
This book will suck you into a vortex, spin and twist you around and then spit you out. The storyline grabs you right from the start. The words create so much empathy with the characters and the plot twist and turns simply stun you leaving you thinking what have I just read.
November 29, 2017
4.5 rating from Ladies Living in Bookland
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Jeez....what a bloody mind bender this book was!!!! My fist read by this author but not my last!
I knew after falling in love with this cover and blurb it would be one I had to try and read (despite the mounting Xmas arcs!). Alanas story of feeling so desolate and exhausted as being a mother to three children, is one many of us can relate. I found myself totally agreeing with the words from my new hero, and also my ally I wanted to help so badly...
Excerpt:
If you saw the real me, if I let you see, your be scared too. You’d run, and I envy that because I can’t run from myself. I can’t hide from myself, but I can hide it from you.....
So that’s what I do - I lie and pretend, and every time I do, a small piece of me fractures even more.
But then things start to break a little, and we begin to see the damage ensued in her story. In the truth, for not only her, but those around her.
I loved the single perspective of Alana telling us her story, and the way the author almost allowed us access to her deepest and darkest secrets as her memory allows them? The flick between pre and post trauma for Alana, sees two very different women.
My only complaint?! The ending!!! Oh jeez, it killed me. Not what I wanted or expected from this woman. She proved herself to be one heck of a woman, but the ending just didn’t go to prove that for me. Literally my only complaint of the entire book.
A seriously mind-altering, heart-achingly good read that for anyone, with or without mental health issues will just “get”.
Final excerpt:
Life is just puzzle pieces. We each have our own personalised one, sometimes the pieces fit, other you have to persevere with until the right piece slots into the right place. Doing the puzzle can be frustrating, completing it can be impossible and seeing the end result gives me mixed feelings. My puzzle remains incomplete, much like my mind but I can live with that. Not all puzzles are meant to be finished especially with pieces missing or broken.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Jeez....what a bloody mind bender this book was!!!! My fist read by this author but not my last!
I knew after falling in love with this cover and blurb it would be one I had to try and read (despite the mounting Xmas arcs!). Alanas story of feeling so desolate and exhausted as being a mother to three children, is one many of us can relate. I found myself totally agreeing with the words from my new hero, and also my ally I wanted to help so badly...
Excerpt:
If you saw the real me, if I let you see, your be scared too. You’d run, and I envy that because I can’t run from myself. I can’t hide from myself, but I can hide it from you.....
So that’s what I do - I lie and pretend, and every time I do, a small piece of me fractures even more.
But then things start to break a little, and we begin to see the damage ensued in her story. In the truth, for not only her, but those around her.
I loved the single perspective of Alana telling us her story, and the way the author almost allowed us access to her deepest and darkest secrets as her memory allows them? The flick between pre and post trauma for Alana, sees two very different women.
My only complaint?! The ending!!! Oh jeez, it killed me. Not what I wanted or expected from this woman. She proved herself to be one heck of a woman, but the ending just didn’t go to prove that for me. Literally my only complaint of the entire book.
A seriously mind-altering, heart-achingly good read that for anyone, with or without mental health issues will just “get”.
Final excerpt:
Life is just puzzle pieces. We each have our own personalised one, sometimes the pieces fit, other you have to persevere with until the right piece slots into the right place. Doing the puzzle can be frustrating, completing it can be impossible and seeing the end result gives me mixed feelings. My puzzle remains incomplete, much like my mind but I can live with that. Not all puzzles are meant to be finished especially with pieces missing or broken.
November 6, 2017
This story is absolutely brilliant - I went in pretty blind to the story, and didn't really know what to expect. But let me start by saying that it is gripping, emotional and totally different and unique.
There is so much passion and emotion that has obviously been poured into the pages and words of the story. The author has created a story that will have you wondering, and second guessing yourself throughout. My mind was working overtime, and even after thing are revealed, there are yet more surprises and more heart in the mouth moments.
With some huge twists, and revelations which will make you want to keep turning those pages to find out exactly what is going to happen, I really could not put it down and devoured it.
The characters are brilliant. You may love them, you may hate them, or you may just not understand them, but trust me when I say this book will leave you wanting more!!
The writing is flawless, and the author has really developed in the way she writes. You can really feel the passion and the care the author has poured into her writing. The complex and sensitive nature of the subject is so real, and so many readers will be able to relate to all or parts of the story. It certainly resonated with me and I could really understand and feel compassion for some of what the characters went through.
I can't say any more for fear of spoiling anything!! You must go in blind and just read this wonderfully complex and emotional journey!
5 STARS
Lou
4TLOReading
There is so much passion and emotion that has obviously been poured into the pages and words of the story. The author has created a story that will have you wondering, and second guessing yourself throughout. My mind was working overtime, and even after thing are revealed, there are yet more surprises and more heart in the mouth moments.
With some huge twists, and revelations which will make you want to keep turning those pages to find out exactly what is going to happen, I really could not put it down and devoured it.
The characters are brilliant. You may love them, you may hate them, or you may just not understand them, but trust me when I say this book will leave you wanting more!!
The writing is flawless, and the author has really developed in the way she writes. You can really feel the passion and the care the author has poured into her writing. The complex and sensitive nature of the subject is so real, and so many readers will be able to relate to all or parts of the story. It certainly resonated with me and I could really understand and feel compassion for some of what the characters went through.
I can't say any more for fear of spoiling anything!! You must go in blind and just read this wonderfully complex and emotional journey!
5 STARS
Lou
4TLOReading
January 8, 2018
After I read “The End” I had to go back and reread the Prologue. It was like calling to me to reread it and try and understand what all conspired throughout the book. It helped out the pieces back together. I am not even truly sure that my words and do what happened in this book justice.
Do you think you can fix someone who is crazy? How do you know if you are crazy? Do you even know? What if your world might have been manipulated into thinking you are crazy? Are you crazy then?
Holy hell after reading this book I feel like I am going crazy. Just when you have a handle on what is happening you are thrown for a loop - one right after the other. I started the book off feeling sorry and bad for Larn and disliking Alex a lot but then It changed to wait should I be hating her and not Alex. Then once again I was like wait Alex is the one in the wrong - no wait...
Just the ups and downs. The intrigued - I needed answers and when you got them you were left confused once again. Like you didn’t know what was true and not.
What a wild and crazy ride Can’t Fix Crazy is! Seriously my emotions were all over the place. I was saddened by it all. I hurt for everyone involved.
K.A. Duggsy said it right here...
“Choice! That’s what it all comes down to. The choices we make shape the events we live.”
At the end of the day one choice that was made on that fateful day may or may not have shaped every single persons life moving forward. What an amazing and crazy ride this book was! Go in blind and see for yourself.
Do you think you can fix someone who is crazy? How do you know if you are crazy? Do you even know? What if your world might have been manipulated into thinking you are crazy? Are you crazy then?
Holy hell after reading this book I feel like I am going crazy. Just when you have a handle on what is happening you are thrown for a loop - one right after the other. I started the book off feeling sorry and bad for Larn and disliking Alex a lot but then It changed to wait should I be hating her and not Alex. Then once again I was like wait Alex is the one in the wrong - no wait...
Just the ups and downs. The intrigued - I needed answers and when you got them you were left confused once again. Like you didn’t know what was true and not.
What a wild and crazy ride Can’t Fix Crazy is! Seriously my emotions were all over the place. I was saddened by it all. I hurt for everyone involved.
K.A. Duggsy said it right here...
“Choice! That’s what it all comes down to. The choices we make shape the events we live.”
At the end of the day one choice that was made on that fateful day may or may not have shaped every single persons life moving forward. What an amazing and crazy ride this book was! Go in blind and see for yourself.
November 15, 2017
I solemnly swear to give the best and most accurate review.
No biased reviews or misconceptions will you find here.
I edited this story.
This story was heartbreaking. It didn't know what I was expecting at first because I hadn't read any reviews or even the blurb for that matter. Although I was warned by the Author of it's finer detail.
Child loss.
As a mother who has also suffered at the hands of this heinous and tragic event, I still read it anyway. And all I can say is that the words and the emotion that were poured into this book are so accurate it's scary. I don't think that it lays down to just child loss. I believe that anyone who's suffered at the hands of any sort of mental disorder can relate to Alana's story in some way, even to her. Her struggles for what's real, what's right what's fabrication, and what's wrong have all crossed and narrowed into one. It's amazing how everything unfolds, and you didn't see it coming. The way that K.A has written this, you feel you're living this poor woman's life. You are her somehow. I couldn't put it down. My thirst to know 'How?', 'Why?' And 'Are you real?' Just took over my every thought. And even at the end, I couldn't believe poor Alana's fate. WTF did this poor girl do to deserve such BS of a life. The women deserved so much more. She deserved her happily ever after.
A Must read. It puts a lot of things into perspective. You see things differently. Feel differently after this. It deserves your time.
No biased reviews or misconceptions will you find here.
I edited this story.
This story was heartbreaking. It didn't know what I was expecting at first because I hadn't read any reviews or even the blurb for that matter. Although I was warned by the Author of it's finer detail.
Child loss.
As a mother who has also suffered at the hands of this heinous and tragic event, I still read it anyway. And all I can say is that the words and the emotion that were poured into this book are so accurate it's scary. I don't think that it lays down to just child loss. I believe that anyone who's suffered at the hands of any sort of mental disorder can relate to Alana's story in some way, even to her. Her struggles for what's real, what's right what's fabrication, and what's wrong have all crossed and narrowed into one. It's amazing how everything unfolds, and you didn't see it coming. The way that K.A has written this, you feel you're living this poor woman's life. You are her somehow. I couldn't put it down. My thirst to know 'How?', 'Why?' And 'Are you real?' Just took over my every thought. And even at the end, I couldn't believe poor Alana's fate. WTF did this poor girl do to deserve such BS of a life. The women deserved so much more. She deserved her happily ever after.
A Must read. It puts a lot of things into perspective. You see things differently. Feel differently after this. It deserves your time.
November 16, 2017
A truly heartbreaking memoir that is as unique as it is brilliant, as frustrating as it is amazing and all the emotions in between ! I was lucky to read several versions of this book as a work in progress and I’m in awe of the authors skill.
This memoir, written entirely in the POV of the main character, with flashbacks to days gone by is a tragic tale of loss, heartbreak and severe depression.
It’s a story that thankfully I have never had to endure, but this absolute stunning piece of writing, makes you feel as if you are the one dealing with the consequences of child loss and depression, it made me grab my kids a little tighter and hold on a little longer taking in there scents as if I was going to forget !
I felt as if I was with her, reading this account and knowing how crippling depression can be, it made it all the more real ! The emotion that pours of the page through the good times and the bad, it’s obvious that this was what the author would wanted to accomplish and she has flawlessly !
As the story flowed it left me floored and in tears with the plot twists and the bam moments that I wasn’t expecting and that ending left me wanting more I needed the gaps to be filled it, but understood what had happened and why
There is some truly tender moments and warming moments amongst the darkness ! But please don’t let the subject matter put you off reading. It’s so different it’s worth shouting from the roof tops about !
5 Stars
Donna
This memoir, written entirely in the POV of the main character, with flashbacks to days gone by is a tragic tale of loss, heartbreak and severe depression.
It’s a story that thankfully I have never had to endure, but this absolute stunning piece of writing, makes you feel as if you are the one dealing with the consequences of child loss and depression, it made me grab my kids a little tighter and hold on a little longer taking in there scents as if I was going to forget !
I felt as if I was with her, reading this account and knowing how crippling depression can be, it made it all the more real ! The emotion that pours of the page through the good times and the bad, it’s obvious that this was what the author would wanted to accomplish and she has flawlessly !
As the story flowed it left me floored and in tears with the plot twists and the bam moments that I wasn’t expecting and that ending left me wanting more I needed the gaps to be filled it, but understood what had happened and why
There is some truly tender moments and warming moments amongst the darkness ! But please don’t let the subject matter put you off reading. It’s so different it’s worth shouting from the roof tops about !
5 Stars
Donna
November 28, 2017
::..Reviewed for Red's Midnight Readers..::
I was very kindly offered an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review, I have given it 5 "crazy" stars.
Wow!
This is the first time I have read anything by K.A. Duggsy and It won't be the last! Going in to Can't Fix Crazy, I wasn't sure what to expect from this author but I need not have worried as she absolutely blew me away with this mind bending tale.
Can't Fix Crazy will take you on a whirlwind ride inside the mind of someone who has slowly lost their grip on reality after tragic event cause her life to spiral out of control. As reality begins to flood back and the story takes on a decidedly darker side, the reader is left questioning their own thoughts.
This is a real roller coaster of emotion from the very beginning as it draws you deeper and deeper into it's murky depths and you begin to wonder what on Earth is actually going on. It's packed full of twists and turns that will leave you shocked to your very core and just when you think you have it all worked out, the author proves you wrong. It's simply brilliant! So well thought out and executed, the amount of effort and passion that is clearly evident in the author's writing makes for a very captivating read that you will not want to put down.
This is a heartbreaking take of betrayal and loss, that does have a few potential triggers but I think it's an absolute must read!
I was very kindly offered an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review, I have given it 5 "crazy" stars.
Wow!
This is the first time I have read anything by K.A. Duggsy and It won't be the last! Going in to Can't Fix Crazy, I wasn't sure what to expect from this author but I need not have worried as she absolutely blew me away with this mind bending tale.
Can't Fix Crazy will take you on a whirlwind ride inside the mind of someone who has slowly lost their grip on reality after tragic event cause her life to spiral out of control. As reality begins to flood back and the story takes on a decidedly darker side, the reader is left questioning their own thoughts.
This is a real roller coaster of emotion from the very beginning as it draws you deeper and deeper into it's murky depths and you begin to wonder what on Earth is actually going on. It's packed full of twists and turns that will leave you shocked to your very core and just when you think you have it all worked out, the author proves you wrong. It's simply brilliant! So well thought out and executed, the amount of effort and passion that is clearly evident in the author's writing makes for a very captivating read that you will not want to put down.
This is a heartbreaking take of betrayal and loss, that does have a few potential triggers but I think it's an absolute must read!
May 4, 2018
K. A. Duggsy masterfully metes out the circumstances of her main protagonist’s past in this dark and chilling memoir of a wife and mother overwhelmed by the lack of love in her daily life and the robotic routine she keeps just to lessen the pain and heartache of a tragic loss.
What seems from the start to be a simple telling of a homemaker’s suspicions about a cheating husband turns into a deep psychological thriller in “Can’t Fix Crazy”. Duggsy’s efficient use of suspense and foreshadowing continuously and efficiently builds throughout the plotline, giving her reader one shock after another as she winds through the landscape of this mind-bending and heartbreaking tale. Readers will feel an intimate connection to each character as the agony of a horrific tragedy unfolds and unspeakable secrets are revealed.
This is a brilliant read, masterfully told by an author whose insight into the human psyche results in a story blending ego and self-doubt with jealousy and insanity.
What seems from the start to be a simple telling of a homemaker’s suspicions about a cheating husband turns into a deep psychological thriller in “Can’t Fix Crazy”. Duggsy’s efficient use of suspense and foreshadowing continuously and efficiently builds throughout the plotline, giving her reader one shock after another as she winds through the landscape of this mind-bending and heartbreaking tale. Readers will feel an intimate connection to each character as the agony of a horrific tragedy unfolds and unspeakable secrets are revealed.
This is a brilliant read, masterfully told by an author whose insight into the human psyche results in a story blending ego and self-doubt with jealousy and insanity.
November 17, 2019
Wow
What did I just read?!
I was confused in the beginning, thoughts plots were chopping about quite a bit, but then things became clearer. I'm glad I stuck it out.
There are so many stories on mental health; but I have never read anything quite like this. It was disturbing, and sad and so, so accurate. My heart goes out to this poor woman and although it's left unsaid, I hope she would have found peace in her mind one day.
Amazing book.
What did I just read?!
I was confused in the beginning, thoughts plots were chopping about quite a bit, but then things became clearer. I'm glad I stuck it out.
There are so many stories on mental health; but I have never read anything quite like this. It was disturbing, and sad and so, so accurate. My heart goes out to this poor woman and although it's left unsaid, I hope she would have found peace in her mind one day.
Amazing book.
February 9, 2018
I read it all in one go because after each breathtaking twist and turn I had to know what happens next. At times it made me smile, made me feel sad. I felt so much sympathy and empathy. A truly great psychological thriller to rival the best, and highly recommended.
December 19, 2017
What a crazy ride! This book sucked me in. Alana was seriously messed up, but then bam! I understood why. This book will fill you with all of the emotions.
October 24, 2018
I love this book how a women been trough so much trauma and forget things from her past and add thing that are happening the storyline is great and well written
September 14, 2019
Very unusual book.
Flashbacks at times, twists and turns.
Marriage in trouble.
Not really a HEA.
No intimate scenes.
Flashbacks at times, twists and turns.
Marriage in trouble.
Not really a HEA.
No intimate scenes.
August 22, 2020
This was a extremely powerful heart felt story with a twist the author is very talented because the book draws you in would definitely recommend this book if your looking for a good read .
November 26, 2017
A truly talented author can draw the reader in no matter what they write or if they switch genres. K.A. Duggsy is a prime example of how to this successfully. 'Can't Fix Crazy' is completely different to her last series but boy it packs a full on punch.
Since reading this I have spent a lot of time reflecting on how it made me feel. I found it unsettling and it kept me on edge throughout. Every time I felt myself starting to relax, something would happen to put me on edge again. I can't even begin to comprehend everything that Alana has been through and continues to go through but she has survived but not unscathed. There is so much going on around her that is set to further destroy her by those who are supposed to have her best interests at heart.
To say that I found this book enjoyable is not quite right. It took me on a journey that was unexpected but it was one that I couldn't and didn't want to stop. K.A. Duggsy showed her immense talent in creating this book. It will not be for everyone as it plays with your mind and is in not the least bit traditional but if you take a chance you will be completely blown away.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
Since reading this I have spent a lot of time reflecting on how it made me feel. I found it unsettling and it kept me on edge throughout. Every time I felt myself starting to relax, something would happen to put me on edge again. I can't even begin to comprehend everything that Alana has been through and continues to go through but she has survived but not unscathed. There is so much going on around her that is set to further destroy her by those who are supposed to have her best interests at heart.
To say that I found this book enjoyable is not quite right. It took me on a journey that was unexpected but it was one that I couldn't and didn't want to stop. K.A. Duggsy showed her immense talent in creating this book. It will not be for everyone as it plays with your mind and is in not the least bit traditional but if you take a chance you will be completely blown away.
***Reviewed for LBM Book Blog***
November 19, 2017
I was asked if I would like to read this book for the blog I run, Surrender to Books. Being open to reading new authors I said yes.
I am.so glad I did too.
when I started the first chapter I was drawn in to the moms life and feelings. Wanting the time on your own as the kids drive you batty, being the one that looks after them when they are ill, even though they have a dad. That's a mum's life. You need your own identity. Not a mum, wife or work colleague. You want to be you again but the guilt eats at you.
What I didn't expect was the story that followes. I was hooked, mesmerized and shocked. I was not expecting the revelations that followed.
The author has written the mental health issues brilliantly. You felt the heartache of the character. The anguish and sorrow. It had me in tears as my heart broke wirh every new memory that followed.
This book was so worthy of the 5 stars and I hope we have more to the story. I can not wait to read more from this author.
I am.so glad I did too.
when I started the first chapter I was drawn in to the moms life and feelings. Wanting the time on your own as the kids drive you batty, being the one that looks after them when they are ill, even though they have a dad. That's a mum's life. You need your own identity. Not a mum, wife or work colleague. You want to be you again but the guilt eats at you.
What I didn't expect was the story that followes. I was hooked, mesmerized and shocked. I was not expecting the revelations that followed.
The author has written the mental health issues brilliantly. You felt the heartache of the character. The anguish and sorrow. It had me in tears as my heart broke wirh every new memory that followed.
This book was so worthy of the 5 stars and I hope we have more to the story. I can not wait to read more from this author.
January 3, 2018
4 1/2 stars Wow I was blown away reading this book full of twists and turns you don't see coming. My first read by this author & I wasn't disappointed. We meet Alana whom we can all relate too if you have children. Unappreciated by both your children and husband and no time for yourself. Alana spots an ad for a mum's retreat at a hotel so she decides to take herself off and go. She needs the break but of course like us all when she's away she misses every little thing her children do. I can't give any more details away as it will spoil the book for you. There are times you think you might guess what's happening but of course, it's not and another twist is thrown into the plot. With an ending, I did not see coming. Alana is my new hero after everything she went through and all the wrongs she was served she still kept going. I was given a copy (thank you) for an honest review for naughty nightie book blog.
November 22, 2017
Oh my goodness, this book is such a mind bender! Seriously, little by little things come to light. New revelations keep cropping up, causing me to change my mind about things. By the end of the book, I was questioning who was the real crazy person and who wasn't. And the end had me questioning how much of this confession to believe and how much not to since the main character had actual blocks of time gone from her memories on and off throughout the book. You start out getting one picture of Alana and those around her, but another completely different one by the end. You definitely have to follow through until the end or you won't fully understand what's going on. And even then you might have some doubts. All I can say is that life was too incredibly harsh on her and so very unfair.
January 4, 2018
This book was so raw. Real. True. How ever you can’t to classify it it, that’s what this book was for the first half. The emotions that Alana felt, I can honestly say I, at some point, have felt something similar. The author did such an amazing job at tapping into the emotions of a wife and mother, that you can’t help but think about your path and how things are around you.
When the story shifts my mind was a mess. I won’t go into details but I’ll admit I had tears, I had anger and I felt hope. Those emotions went over and over until the end. I won’t say how I feel that it’s over because that could spoil the amazing peice of work and the emotions she invoked. I can’t wait to see what she writes next! 5 Stars #2OCCJD
When the story shifts my mind was a mess. I won’t go into details but I’ll admit I had tears, I had anger and I felt hope. Those emotions went over and over until the end. I won’t say how I feel that it’s over because that could spoil the amazing peice of work and the emotions she invoked. I can’t wait to see what she writes next! 5 Stars #2OCCJD
October 22, 2018
This book was twisting my mind. The characters were more than believable from the start and it wasn't till I got into the book that I started to find out about their lives. The story was well written and I was blown away with the way the author could change my view of the characters with just a few words. The twists and turns that this book gives you are almost too quick. I loved the way that the author made you change you allegiance with each new chapter.
The ending, just WOW, how strong is this woman. After everything that she has been through, she chose her own destiny and lived her life how she wanted to live it.
The ending, just WOW, how strong is this woman. After everything that she has been through, she chose her own destiny and lived her life how she wanted to live it.
July 5, 2019
Beautiful...Crazy???
This book wasn't what I expected but I don't mean that in a bad way at all. The book was really good with more than enough twists and turns to keep it interesting.
I felt so sorry for Alana once everything was revealed and wanted to throat punch Alex and Laura for the way they treated her. I loved the way Carson was there for Alana through everything, but hated the way things ended because, lets face it, Alex got what he deserved but Alana most certainly did not. I do wish their had been an epilogue or even a second book allowing us a chance to see Alana earn the freedom she so rightfully deserved.
This book wasn't what I expected but I don't mean that in a bad way at all. The book was really good with more than enough twists and turns to keep it interesting.
I felt so sorry for Alana once everything was revealed and wanted to throat punch Alex and Laura for the way they treated her. I loved the way Carson was there for Alana through everything, but hated the way things ended because, lets face it, Alex got what he deserved but Alana most certainly did not. I do wish their had been an epilogue or even a second book allowing us a chance to see Alana earn the freedom she so rightfully deserved.
July 13, 2019
Can’t Fix Crazy
Wow, yes this book is a sad one to read. Although I could relate to it. It was alittle strange at first until I realized what I was reading, like the first chapter was different. The more I read I began to understand. I think it was messed up by both individuals but we all made mistakes. Love makes us do dumb things, our hearts and feelings get in the way instead of our brains must often. Anger and hate is what comes out when we get hurt. Reality sometimes plays tricks on us too, and at times it’s our brains way of dealing with the hurt and pain. The book was an interesting read.
Wow, yes this book is a sad one to read. Although I could relate to it. It was alittle strange at first until I realized what I was reading, like the first chapter was different. The more I read I began to understand. I think it was messed up by both individuals but we all made mistakes. Love makes us do dumb things, our hearts and feelings get in the way instead of our brains must often. Anger and hate is what comes out when we get hurt. Reality sometimes plays tricks on us too, and at times it’s our brains way of dealing with the hurt and pain. The book was an interesting read.
February 16, 2021
Just wow. So many twists and turns in this book - I was hooked.
As someone who suffers from mental health issues, I could relate to the main character in several parts of the book from certain things which have happened in my past (I won't say which bits as I don't want to spoil it for anyone) but I felt so many emotions reading this book. I literally just finished reading this about ten minutes ago and the last couple of chapters of this book had me in tears - the ending definitely wasn't what I expected!!!
Fantastic writing... can't wait to read more by K.A.Duggan :)
As someone who suffers from mental health issues, I could relate to the main character in several parts of the book from certain things which have happened in my past (I won't say which bits as I don't want to spoil it for anyone) but I felt so many emotions reading this book. I literally just finished reading this about ten minutes ago and the last couple of chapters of this book had me in tears - the ending definitely wasn't what I expected!!!
Fantastic writing... can't wait to read more by K.A.Duggan :)
November 20, 2017
I had the privilege of reading an advanced copy of this novel. I enjoyed it very much. I started reading it and couldn't put it down, I finished it in a few hours. This book had me crying and screaming. The subject matter is serious and not my usual read, however, it was worth it. K.A. Duggsy is a brilliant writer who captures all the nitty gritty stuff one deals with during tragedy and trauma. It's a must-read.
March 8, 2018
Dark, intriguing and a good read.
I gave this book a five star rating, because it engaged me and I didn't want to stop reading it. As I stated in my title, it is a dark book. It's like real life, not always happy and not tied up in a nice, neat bow. My only dislike was the short chapters, I wish she would have connected them together with a nice even flow. I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes suspense murders.
I gave this book a five star rating, because it engaged me and I didn't want to stop reading it. As I stated in my title, it is a dark book. It's like real life, not always happy and not tied up in a nice, neat bow. My only dislike was the short chapters, I wish she would have connected them together with a nice even flow. I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes suspense murders.
November 28, 2017
This book was the first I’ve read by this author and definitely won’t be the last. This book took me through so many emotions. This author writes about depression and how it can affect a person and makes you feel the struggle the character goes through. Such a touching and tragic story.
*Magic Beyond The Covers Book Blog*
*Magic Beyond The Covers Book Blog*
March 13, 2018
This is a beautifully written story of Alana a mum of three and a husband that’s not sure what he wants anymore or is. This is a story that will grab you you’ll believe it all until it’s ripped from you. She just wants a break but when reality takes over and things become confused and twisted. I don’t want to give away to much but it’s a must read that will have you thinking.
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