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Chaos and Control
When Wren Hart returns to her sleepy little Midwest town after years on the road, she finds the last thing she'd ever expect—a reason to stay. And that reason has a hard body, a knowledge of vinyl, and a crooked smile that sends her reeling. Preston is a gorgeous, mysterious man, whose life is ruled by routine and order. Yet somehow, he finds Wren and her wild ways captivating. While their relationship grows in a delicate dance of chaos and control, the danger Wren thought she'd left behind during her travels is inching ever closer…and just may destroy them both.
330 pages, Paperback
Published November 24, 2017
28 people are currently reading
862 people want to read
About the author
Season Vining
17 books515 followersSEASON VINING is a romance author, penning adventurous and sexy stories with a dash of humor. She grew up in southern Louisiana where food, culture, and family mean everything. She has lived in Cincinnati, San Diego, and NYC—all of them providing colorful experiences and tons of writing material. She is a graphic designer by day, a complete font snob, and enjoys all forms of art. Her obsessions include live music, tattooed bad boys, vintage cars, and people who know the difference between their, there, and they’re. Season currently lives in Texas with her husband, daughter, and the hungriest corgi that ever lived.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 4, 2017
Sometimes the place we run from is the only place we can run to when life is overwhelming. Sometimes a person finds just what they need when they least expect it.
CHAOS AND CONTROL by Season Vining is a story of a young woman coming back to the town she ran from to gain control over her life. Now Wren is back, because the chaos of an abusive relationship has sent her running to the one place she thought she couldn’t be found, the last place she wanted to go. When Wren walked into her sister’s shop, she didn’t expect to find Preston, a beautiful man with a beautiful and tormented soul.
Preston needs order and control in his life, he has OCD and struggles with life on a daily basis. Wren is anything but ordered in her life, she is a whirlwind of chaos and yet, these two find exactly what they need with each other. As Wren’s old life begins to leach its way into the cocoon of safety she has found with her sister and Preston, she knows the delicate relationship she is forming could be destroyed in an instant. Little did she know, even coming home would hold its monsters in the shadows.
Season Vining has done a beautiful job of creating a world her characters can find their own kind of acceptance. It is isn’t perfect or even universal, but watching Wren and Preston grow closer and seeing how Wren has crossed Preston’s self-imposed boundaries is heart-warming. Preston’s voice truly comes alive through his writing and we get to feel the intensity of their relationship through his eyes. This is truly a tale of need for two people who learn to grow, trust and rely on one another through the good and the bad, but not without pain or struggles. Wonderful storytelling that romantics will feel deep in their souls!
I received an ARC edition from Entangled Embrace. My honest review is voluntary.
Publisher: Entangled: Embrace (December 11, 2017)
Publication Date: December 11, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 278 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
CHAOS AND CONTROL by Season Vining is a story of a young woman coming back to the town she ran from to gain control over her life. Now Wren is back, because the chaos of an abusive relationship has sent her running to the one place she thought she couldn’t be found, the last place she wanted to go. When Wren walked into her sister’s shop, she didn’t expect to find Preston, a beautiful man with a beautiful and tormented soul.
Preston needs order and control in his life, he has OCD and struggles with life on a daily basis. Wren is anything but ordered in her life, she is a whirlwind of chaos and yet, these two find exactly what they need with each other. As Wren’s old life begins to leach its way into the cocoon of safety she has found with her sister and Preston, she knows the delicate relationship she is forming could be destroyed in an instant. Little did she know, even coming home would hold its monsters in the shadows.
Season Vining has done a beautiful job of creating a world her characters can find their own kind of acceptance. It is isn’t perfect or even universal, but watching Wren and Preston grow closer and seeing how Wren has crossed Preston’s self-imposed boundaries is heart-warming. Preston’s voice truly comes alive through his writing and we get to feel the intensity of their relationship through his eyes. This is truly a tale of need for two people who learn to grow, trust and rely on one another through the good and the bad, but not without pain or struggles. Wonderful storytelling that romantics will feel deep in their souls!
I received an ARC edition from Entangled Embrace. My honest review is voluntary.
Publisher: Entangled: Embrace (December 11, 2017)
Publication Date: December 11, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 278 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
December 1, 2017
This just didn't work for me. Here comes the good and the bad.
The Good.
- Preston with his OCD was endearing.
- Wren accepting Preston's condition.
- Wren's character development.
- The story of coming home and realizing that it's not all that bad.
- Loved Preston's poetry.
- Preston dealing with his OCD and making progress.
The Bad.
- Wren's need for honesty. Don't sit in a glass house and throw stones.
- When it comes to her sister she is selfish, self-absorbed.
- She didn't like Crowley yet she came back with her tail tucked between her legs.
- The overused plot with the abusive ex. A plot that has been done repeatedly.
- I skimmed.
It did make me smile and it did make me laugh but it also made me roll my eyes and lose interest.
This book has a lot of potential and I can clearly see why others have given it such high ratings. The writing is good and the author for me is a diamond in the rough.
This is my opinion so take it with a pinch of salt peeps.
The Good.
- Preston with his OCD was endearing.
- Wren accepting Preston's condition.
- Wren's character development.
- The story of coming home and realizing that it's not all that bad.
- Loved Preston's poetry.
- Preston dealing with his OCD and making progress.
The Bad.
- Wren's need for honesty. Don't sit in a glass house and throw stones.
- When it comes to her sister she is selfish, self-absorbed.
- She didn't like Crowley yet she came back with her tail tucked between her legs.
- The overused plot with the abusive ex. A plot that has been done repeatedly.
- I skimmed.
It did make me smile and it did make me laugh but it also made me roll my eyes and lose interest.
This book has a lot of potential and I can clearly see why others have given it such high ratings. The writing is good and the author for me is a diamond in the rough.
This is my opinion so take it with a pinch of salt peeps.
December 15, 2017
Reverend Hart's daughter was back, but Wren Hart didn't intend to stay. She was hoping to find a place to hide and seek solace in her sister, Bennie's place. But what or who greeted her was a pleasant surprise. Could mild-mannered, obsessive-compulsive gorgeous Preston be the reason she'd finally remain in Crowley?
I fell in love with Preston, the OCD guy who always counted in even numbers and repeatedly arranged his things until his nerves settled. He lives by routine and he immediately gets frozen when his perfectly controlled world gets disturbed. And that's Wren for you. Wren is a completely different personality, loud, wild, spirited and extreme - a stark contrast to his quiet, balanced ritual.
The ever-present issue of Wren's real reason why she returned to Crowley surfaced time and time again. You start to see the anxiety and fear it has caused her and how she sometimes dismissed her assumptions. I wasn't particularly in favor of Wren's abrupt decisions, but it was her effort to re-establish her connection with her sister that made me like her... That and her incessant hankering with mysterious Preston.. The poetic, enigmatic, loving Preston.
Oh yes let's talk about the words that danced in Preston's mind. So poignant, lyrical, moving and soulful. His words are the kind of poetry that you would go over and over again and still not get tired of hearing them. Preston's words shape up my world.
I loved the fact that even if this story breaks your heart, you're still going to feel completely full and fulfilled after reading the last page. I thought Preston and Wren fit perfectly despite their differences. I'm pleased that all the characters had their own distinct traits, some quite nefarious (I couldn't believe a reverend could do that to his daughters!!) and still others, selfless and big-hearted.
Chaos and Control is a perfectly imperfect book that is clearly well-researched and written passionately. Loved all the points that discussed OCD and how it does not only affect the life of the disabled person but also those that surround him. Season Vining crafted this book with so much heart and devotion, I loved how she made Preston's words mystifying at the same time romantic and indulging. This is definitely one of the best books I've read in 2017! This has been a perfectly imperfect and painfully beautiful read!
4.5 stars
I fell in love with Preston, the OCD guy who always counted in even numbers and repeatedly arranged his things until his nerves settled. He lives by routine and he immediately gets frozen when his perfectly controlled world gets disturbed. And that's Wren for you. Wren is a completely different personality, loud, wild, spirited and extreme - a stark contrast to his quiet, balanced ritual.
The ever-present issue of Wren's real reason why she returned to Crowley surfaced time and time again. You start to see the anxiety and fear it has caused her and how she sometimes dismissed her assumptions. I wasn't particularly in favor of Wren's abrupt decisions, but it was her effort to re-establish her connection with her sister that made me like her... That and her incessant hankering with mysterious Preston.. The poetic, enigmatic, loving Preston.
Oh yes let's talk about the words that danced in Preston's mind. So poignant, lyrical, moving and soulful. His words are the kind of poetry that you would go over and over again and still not get tired of hearing them. Preston's words shape up my world.
I loved the fact that even if this story breaks your heart, you're still going to feel completely full and fulfilled after reading the last page. I thought Preston and Wren fit perfectly despite their differences. I'm pleased that all the characters had their own distinct traits, some quite nefarious (I couldn't believe a reverend could do that to his daughters!!) and still others, selfless and big-hearted.
Chaos and Control is a perfectly imperfect book that is clearly well-researched and written passionately. Loved all the points that discussed OCD and how it does not only affect the life of the disabled person but also those that surround him. Season Vining crafted this book with so much heart and devotion, I loved how she made Preston's words mystifying at the same time romantic and indulging. This is definitely one of the best books I've read in 2017! This has been a perfectly imperfect and painfully beautiful read!
4.5 stars
December 12, 2017
** ARC provided by the author for an honest review **
Chaos and Control, the title really says it all. Season Vining’s latest is all about the perfect balance of both.
Wren is a wild one. She has spent the last few years on the road, but now she is home. She doesn’t have plans to stay in one place, but that changes when she meets Preston. He is the calm and order to her whirlwind of chaos. They shouldn’t work yet they do. But Wren’s past is closing in and it could end in disaster for them both.
Wren was annoying, no she was past annoying. She was like a spoiled child and I couldn’t stand her. She got better as the story went but I just couldn’t connect with her infantile ways. Preston on the other hand, I LOVED him. He was not only hot, but mysterious and quirky. I felt that his OCD made him even more endearing than his adorable personality.
This story really showed that opposites attract. Wren and her selfish, devil may care, tornado ways didn’t seem like they were going to fit with Preston and his precise, in order, everything has a place needs. They were kinda like pineapple on pizza, they shouldn’t be good together but totally are.
While this story was unique it lacked that certain something. It just didn’t have that one thing that grabbed me and pulled me in. The only thing I felt strongly about was how much I adored Preston. Was this a bad book? No. Was this a great book? Again, no. But it was entertaining, and it was good for what it was. It was well written, and Season Vining is obviously a talented writer, there was just something missing.
While this isn’t the grab ahold of you, page turning read of the year, it is still one that I will recommend. It deals with some unique character qualities and brings awareness of how mental health issues are not always debilitating or scary, though some can be. Four stars.
Chaos and Control, the title really says it all. Season Vining’s latest is all about the perfect balance of both.
Wren is a wild one. She has spent the last few years on the road, but now she is home. She doesn’t have plans to stay in one place, but that changes when she meets Preston. He is the calm and order to her whirlwind of chaos. They shouldn’t work yet they do. But Wren’s past is closing in and it could end in disaster for them both.
Wren was annoying, no she was past annoying. She was like a spoiled child and I couldn’t stand her. She got better as the story went but I just couldn’t connect with her infantile ways. Preston on the other hand, I LOVED him. He was not only hot, but mysterious and quirky. I felt that his OCD made him even more endearing than his adorable personality.
This story really showed that opposites attract. Wren and her selfish, devil may care, tornado ways didn’t seem like they were going to fit with Preston and his precise, in order, everything has a place needs. They were kinda like pineapple on pizza, they shouldn’t be good together but totally are.
While this story was unique it lacked that certain something. It just didn’t have that one thing that grabbed me and pulled me in. The only thing I felt strongly about was how much I adored Preston. Was this a bad book? No. Was this a great book? Again, no. But it was entertaining, and it was good for what it was. It was well written, and Season Vining is obviously a talented writer, there was just something missing.
While this isn’t the grab ahold of you, page turning read of the year, it is still one that I will recommend. It deals with some unique character qualities and brings awareness of how mental health issues are not always debilitating or scary, though some can be. Four stars.
December 21, 2017
Preston and Wren - two truly adoring characters. If a book was ever out to prove that opposites attract then it was this one. These two characters could not have been any more different and yet more perfect for each other.
I adored the way that Wren wormed herself into Preston's ordered life. She never judged, only wondered and I thought this was a remarkable trait. Also, I would have never guessed that a lead like Preston could be so endearing. He was remarkable in so many ways.
Still, I am not sure what was missing for the final spark to ignite because all the ingredients were there for a 5 Star book. In any way, I can recommend it as solid and well-developed story with extremely deep characters.
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February 1, 2018
This was one of my favorite reads from Season Vining! Wren and Preston were the perfect couple in this book. Wren's craziness really complimented Preston's personalty. I loved Bennie and how she accepted Wren with all her faults and was willing to help her though anything even after not seeing her for years. This book had a perfect balance of ups and downs as well as keeping you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens.
December 14, 2017
Wren Hart has spent the last three years on the road, but now she's returned home because of reasons that she's unwilling to burden on anyone. However, she never imagined she'd find a reason to stay, yet her sister's employee is tempting her with every moment they spend together. But with everything finally going so right in her life, Wren knows it's only a matter of time before her past catches up with her. Will she be able to handle the danger she knows is headed her way, or will Wren and Preston lose their shot at happy ever after?
Although this story was only told from the heroine's point of view and I'm a fan of a story told from both the hero and heroine's point-of-view, I did really enjoy this book because of the main characters back stories that has Wren's past catching up with her; the dialogue that had me intrigued by the effect the heroine had on the hero because his disorder isn't an easy one to cope with; the poetry at the end of each chapter that show how much Preston liked Wren being in his life; and the obstacles this couple have to overcome to be together had me reading quickly, determined to discover whether they'd get their happy ever after, especially with the moment the heroine feels betrayed by something she had the right to know.
The way this story started drew me into this story, as the heroine has been on the adventure of a lifetime and now she's back in her hometown. Why is she back? What is she running from? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine came face-to-face for the first time that had me completely hooked, as the heroine says whatever is on her mind and it's palpable she's mesmerized by the hero. Moreover, both the hero and heroine were wonderful characters and I really liked their back stories, as the hero hasn't had the easiest time dealing with his disorder and the heroine grew up with parents that didn't care about her because she didn't fall in line with their expectations.
Furthermore, the heroine is independent; strong and brave with everything she has to deal with, especially because of the heartbreaking news she receives and what her ex puts her through; and I liked how determined she was to show the hero that his disorder does not define him. Then again, there's something about Wren that has Preston taking a chance on doing things he wouldn't normally do. While the hero, he's had it tough with his family not being able to understand why he is the way he is, so he's lucky he's found Wren who accepts him for who he is. I also liked how loyal he is to those he cares about, even if it means keeping something secret from the one person he cares about the most. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero is how protective he was of the heroine because she's come to mean everything to him.
Overall, Ms. Vining has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was wonderful; the romance shows how good the heroine is for the hero; and the ending had me a little worried for the heroine's safety because of her past and a little sad for the heroine because of the loss she suffers, but had me glad everything turned out so well for Wren and Preston. I would recommend Chaos and Control by Season Vining, if you enjoy the friends to lovers trope, the mysterious strangers trope, or books by authors Rebecca Shea, Melanie Moreland, KA Tucker and Brenda Rothert.
January 5, 2018
Wow.
Wow. Wow wow wow. I am almost speechless. This book is so good. I mean, SO GOOD. I'm finding it difficult to put all these beautiful emotions into words right now.
When I first heard the inspiration behind this story, I knew I HAD to read it. I fell in love with the cover the moment I saw it. The first chapter sealed the deal. My first smile led to so many more. My first tear was also followed by many more. The last words filled my heart.
All the feels. All the beautiful words. Everything about it is stunning.
Wow. Wow wow wow. I am almost speechless. This book is so good. I mean, SO GOOD. I'm finding it difficult to put all these beautiful emotions into words right now.
When I first heard the inspiration behind this story, I knew I HAD to read it. I fell in love with the cover the moment I saw it. The first chapter sealed the deal. My first smile led to so many more. My first tear was also followed by many more. The last words filled my heart.
All the feels. All the beautiful words. Everything about it is stunning.
December 6, 2017
ARC received for an honest review
3.5 stars
It has been a few years since I have read a Season Vining story, and it was great to get back into her world.
There were a lot of things I liked about Chaos and Control, like the way she dealt with Preston's issues, the way Wren accepted him as he was, the way Wren was the chaos to Preston's control. Wren's character development
However Wren - oy, that girl. She frustrated me no end. She was a spoilt 21 year old brat! After what she has been doing for the past years, I would have been a lot more mature. I did like her by the end of the story, however it took me a long time to get there.
I adore the push/pull between them. I adore Wren's interactions with her sister - well most of the time, when she wasn't being the pot and the kettle!
Preston made this book for me. All his quirks just endeared him to me right from the start.
I look forward to seeing what Ms Vining has for us next.
3.5 stars
It has been a few years since I have read a Season Vining story, and it was great to get back into her world.
There were a lot of things I liked about Chaos and Control, like the way she dealt with Preston's issues, the way Wren accepted him as he was, the way Wren was the chaos to Preston's control. Wren's character development
However Wren - oy, that girl. She frustrated me no end. She was a spoilt 21 year old brat! After what she has been doing for the past years, I would have been a lot more mature. I did like her by the end of the story, however it took me a long time to get there.
I adore the push/pull between them. I adore Wren's interactions with her sister - well most of the time, when she wasn't being the pot and the kettle!
Preston made this book for me. All his quirks just endeared him to me right from the start.
I look forward to seeing what Ms Vining has for us next.
January 11, 2018
Loved this story.
December 20, 2017
Absolutely fell in love with this book.
December 8, 2017
I’ll admit that when I first opened Chaos and Control by Season Vining I was expecting a bit of light fluff. I wasn’t even sure about it when I was given the opportunity to review it. I’d pegged it as one of those books that may be fun to read, but that was about it.
Boy was I wrong! The book’s description in no way prepared me for Preston or the emotional impact of this author’s writing style.
Chaos and Control is largely a character study style story, it is written from the two points of view of the main characters Wren and Preston. Character study stories are my absolutely favourite style of writing. I love a story that delves into the individual personalities of the characters (usually just the main leads) and the relationship between them. When done well you can forge an emotional connection with the characters and this adds a deeper dimension to the story where you feel invested in the highs and lows of their journey.
The formats of the two points of view were presented slightly differently in Chaos and Control. While Wren’s POV was in the normal narrative style, Preston was presented through the poetry he was writing throughout the story. This change from the ‘normal’ style was particularly well suited to Preston who is a damaged individual dealing with a crippling case of OCD. The poetry was perhaps even more descriptive than the narrative style in that it clearly highlighted his internal reaction to incidents in the book which often contrasted to how it was related by Wren’s POV.
Preston’s poetry perfectly matched the entire feel of this book. Season Vining is a talented author who has the ability to weave together the two points of view of the main leads with a flowing, lyrical prose. This is not a fast paced book, the writing is unhurried but it is not drawn out nor is it an arduous read. The almost dreamy quality suits the atmosphere of small town America and ties in well with both Preston’s condition and his poetry.
I would highly recommend Chaos and Control by Season Vining. It has been a while since I’ve been so engrossed in a book, and I haven’t read a story in such a beautifully constructed lyrical style for a long time. Although Season is a new author to me, I will certainly be looking at her other titles.
All my reviews can be found on my blog The Word Nerd Reviews
Boy was I wrong! The book’s description in no way prepared me for Preston or the emotional impact of this author’s writing style.
Chaos and Control is largely a character study style story, it is written from the two points of view of the main characters Wren and Preston. Character study stories are my absolutely favourite style of writing. I love a story that delves into the individual personalities of the characters (usually just the main leads) and the relationship between them. When done well you can forge an emotional connection with the characters and this adds a deeper dimension to the story where you feel invested in the highs and lows of their journey.
The formats of the two points of view were presented slightly differently in Chaos and Control. While Wren’s POV was in the normal narrative style, Preston was presented through the poetry he was writing throughout the story. This change from the ‘normal’ style was particularly well suited to Preston who is a damaged individual dealing with a crippling case of OCD. The poetry was perhaps even more descriptive than the narrative style in that it clearly highlighted his internal reaction to incidents in the book which often contrasted to how it was related by Wren’s POV.
Preston’s poetry perfectly matched the entire feel of this book. Season Vining is a talented author who has the ability to weave together the two points of view of the main leads with a flowing, lyrical prose. This is not a fast paced book, the writing is unhurried but it is not drawn out nor is it an arduous read. The almost dreamy quality suits the atmosphere of small town America and ties in well with both Preston’s condition and his poetry.
I would highly recommend Chaos and Control by Season Vining. It has been a while since I’ve been so engrossed in a book, and I haven’t read a story in such a beautifully constructed lyrical style for a long time. Although Season is a new author to me, I will certainly be looking at her other titles.
All my reviews can be found on my blog The Word Nerd Reviews
December 3, 2017
At 18, Wren left her small town behind in her search for adventure and to see this world. She opts to come back 3 years later after getting involved with the wrong guy. Preston works works at her sister's music store. He happens to grab her attention.
I really liked Preston and I thought he was portrayed very well (from his mannerisms to how he get through each day). Preston has OCD. What kept me reading was Preston. I liked his poetry at the end of each chapter (I think there was 1 that didn't have any).
Wren, on the other hand, was immature. Yes, I did like her by the end of the book, but it took me the whole book to get there. I didn't like how she treated her sister Bennie. She's gone for 3 years, arrives (not having told Bennie) and acted surprised when she didn't have her job/apartment any more. While she on "on the road," her sister had no way to contact her. Wren shrugs it off because she sent post cards! Well, that's just ducky! Wren's expectation of honestly was also annoying because she wasn't honest either. Pot. Calling. Kettle. Black.
Wren *did* get better as the book went on and I did like how she would try to protect Bennie from their toxic parents.
eARC courtesy of Entangled Publishing and NetGalley.
Publishes on Dec 11th
I really liked Preston and I thought he was portrayed very well (from his mannerisms to how he get through each day). Preston has OCD. What kept me reading was Preston. I liked his poetry at the end of each chapter (I think there was 1 that didn't have any).
Wren, on the other hand, was immature. Yes, I did like her by the end of the book, but it took me the whole book to get there. I didn't like how she treated her sister Bennie. She's gone for 3 years, arrives (not having told Bennie) and acted surprised when she didn't have her job/apartment any more. While she on "on the road," her sister had no way to contact her. Wren shrugs it off because she sent post cards! Well, that's just ducky! Wren's expectation of honestly was also annoying because she wasn't honest either. Pot. Calling. Kettle. Black.
Wren *did* get better as the book went on and I did like how she would try to protect Bennie from their toxic parents.
eARC courtesy of Entangled Publishing and NetGalley.
Publishes on Dec 11th
February 9, 2019
4.5 Stars
This was such a beautiful book for so many different reasons. Season Vining treated Preston’s condition with respect and dignity. I loved how accepting of it Wren was - they really were perfect for each other.
Wren’s journey (the figurative one, not the literal one) was also really beautiful. I loved how she went from one frame of mind to a different one concerning her home town and the people in it. Part of that was Preston’s influence; part was her sister’s. But a bigger part was all Wren.
I’ll definitely be checking out more books by this author. She’s an outstanding writer!
This was such a beautiful book for so many different reasons. Season Vining treated Preston’s condition with respect and dignity. I loved how accepting of it Wren was - they really were perfect for each other.
Wren’s journey (the figurative one, not the literal one) was also really beautiful. I loved how she went from one frame of mind to a different one concerning her home town and the people in it. Part of that was Preston’s influence; part was her sister’s. But a bigger part was all Wren.
I’ll definitely be checking out more books by this author. She’s an outstanding writer!
December 8, 2017
I love the “opposites attract” trope, and this book was a fresh take on it. Wren is a flighty and free-spirited whirlwind, while Preston, who has OCD, is ruled by routine.
At the beginning of the book, I found it hard to like Wren. She’s a bit of a bull in a china shop, popping back into her sister Bennie’s life after years away with no communication except for scattered postcards. Wren’s selfishness and brattiness, and her insistence on honesty for everyone but herself, was grating. But as she settled into life in her hometown, and into her relationship with Preston, aspects of her character development endeared her to me. I loved that Wren accepted Preston’s quirks without judgement, and didn’t try to fix him, though she did push his boundaries. Without that aspect of her relationship with Preston, I would have thought a lot more poorly of Wren.
I also loved Wren’s relationship with Bennie. I was especially pleased to see how close they were even though their age difference was in decades instead of years. In some ways, it did feel like Bennie was Wren’s surrogate mother – in the book, there’s even a description of a photo where their mom is holding her Bible and Bennie is holding Wren. It was good to see Wren mature and realize how special her relationship with Bennie was.
I have a particular soft spot for neurodivergent heroes, and Preston was just so sweet. While this is written in first person present tense from Wren’s point of view, each chapter ends with one of Preston’s freeform poems. I am not a poetry girl, but I found this a surprisingly insightful way to get inside Preston’s head. Preston also has a delightfully dirty side!
The romance had a lovely slow build, culminating in the particularly sexy use of a nail gun. The flirting was super hot and quite humorous at times. I loved the give-and-take of their relationship – Preston going outside of his usual routine, and Wren accepting not shaking things up like a snow globe just for the sake of change. In the end, they compliment each other, each being a settling influence on the other.
Overall, this was a fun ride! Definitely recommend for fans of the opposites attract trope, small-town romances, or neurodivergent heroes!
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
"Maybe we’re too different to be together— polar opposites attracted like magnets. He is an anchor to this place, weighing me down with his perfect words and praising lips. We want contradictory lives. I need change and adventure. He thrives on routine and order. He seems happy to make furniture, eat at the diner, and live out the rest of his days in this town. Just the idea of that feels suffocating."
At the beginning of the book, I found it hard to like Wren. She’s a bit of a bull in a china shop, popping back into her sister Bennie’s life after years away with no communication except for scattered postcards. Wren’s selfishness and brattiness, and her insistence on honesty for everyone but herself, was grating. But as she settled into life in her hometown, and into her relationship with Preston, aspects of her character development endeared her to me. I loved that Wren accepted Preston’s quirks without judgement, and didn’t try to fix him, though she did push his boundaries. Without that aspect of her relationship with Preston, I would have thought a lot more poorly of Wren.
I also loved Wren’s relationship with Bennie. I was especially pleased to see how close they were even though their age difference was in decades instead of years. In some ways, it did feel like Bennie was Wren’s surrogate mother – in the book, there’s even a description of a photo where their mom is holding her Bible and Bennie is holding Wren. It was good to see Wren mature and realize how special her relationship with Bennie was.
I have a particular soft spot for neurodivergent heroes, and Preston was just so sweet. While this is written in first person present tense from Wren’s point of view, each chapter ends with one of Preston’s freeform poems. I am not a poetry girl, but I found this a surprisingly insightful way to get inside Preston’s head. Preston also has a delightfully dirty side!
“You’re so scared of missing out on adventure, that you’re ignoring the one right here in front of you.”
The romance had a lovely slow build, culminating in the particularly sexy use of a nail gun. The flirting was super hot and quite humorous at times. I loved the give-and-take of their relationship – Preston going outside of his usual routine, and Wren accepting not shaking things up like a snow globe just for the sake of change. In the end, they compliment each other, each being a settling influence on the other.
Overall, this was a fun ride! Definitely recommend for fans of the opposites attract trope, small-town romances, or neurodivergent heroes!
I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
December 11, 2017
Wren returns to Crowley and she goes to her sister’s Bennie’s record store and goes to her sister. Bennie was the bright spot in Wren’s life. Wren throws herself into Bennie’s wren throws herself into Bennie’s arms. Wren had been gone for three years when Bennie asks Wren how long she would be there she answered she didn’t know why she just felt she should be there. The only communication between Bennie and Wren had been random postcards from Wren and Bennie had no way to get a hold of Wren.It was so strange and familiar being back. Wren thought she would never step foot back in Crowley again. Wren thought she could handle anything but all it took was one possessive abusive boyfriend- Dylan- to show her just how little she was. Bennie’s employee is Preston who is gorgeous in Wren’s opinion but he took over Wren’s job and apartment but he was odd. When emptying her bag her bag Wren finds a gps tracker. Wren tries to not think of Dylan knowing where she is or him coming there. Preston is such a mystery to Wren. Wren does get Preston to take her to Franklin with him as she needed some essentials to add to her wardrobe. Wren thought she saw Dylan but when she looked again he wasn’t there. Preston needs order and control as he has a severe case of OCD and struggles with life everyday. Even though Wren is more of a tornado then the order and control Preston needs to get through the day yet somehow she brought some peace to Preston. But Preston did like Wren and did like being around her and slowly grew feelings for her. Wren was attracted to Preston yet she accepted the way he was and didn’t try to change him.
I enjoyed this book, At times it dragged some for me. It was definitely a different type of book. I did like the plot. I also thought this was well written. I really liked how the romance built slowly and built especially with Preston and wren being such opposites I also really liked how Wren grew as the book went on. I loved preston’s poems at the end of the chapters it gave us insight to what he was thinking and feeling. I also loved how Wren didn’t try to change Preston just accepted him. I love the characters and the ins and outs of this story and i recommend.
I enjoyed this book, At times it dragged some for me. It was definitely a different type of book. I did like the plot. I also thought this was well written. I really liked how the romance built slowly and built especially with Preston and wren being such opposites I also really liked how Wren grew as the book went on. I loved preston’s poems at the end of the chapters it gave us insight to what he was thinking and feeling. I also loved how Wren didn’t try to change Preston just accepted him. I love the characters and the ins and outs of this story and i recommend.
January 8, 2018
I loved this book from start to finish. The chemistry is great! I loved the romance and suspense. I don't get much time to read anymore, but I found myself hiding under the covers every night after my husband went to bed so that I could keep reading this book. <3 Preston <3
December 13, 2017
Chaos and Control is the first book that I've read by the talented & original Season Vining, and I very much LOVED it! Wren Hart hated living in her sleepy little midwestern town, so as soon as she could, she bailed to travel. Now after years on the road, she's home again for a visit, but never thought she would find a reason to stay permanently. Her sister, Bennie, gave her job & apartment to a very gorgeous man, named Preston, who's life is filled with order & routine, while her's is made up of chaos. As they spend more time together, feelings are developing, but can chaos & control coexist together in harmony? Preston & Wren were great together in my opinion, & amazingly enough, both of them together seemed to make up my whole psyche. Of course my OCD tendencies usually win out, because if they don't, then the chaos comes. And this is what made this story such an originally beautiful piece of goodness. Season Vining with her talented writing style tells a story outside the proverbial box, which is refreshing as I read so many books a week. Plus her layered twists & turns keep me on the edge of my seat with f-bombs dropping, making some serious suspense added in! I'm super excited to read more by her, and HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
December 10, 2017
WOW!!!
I am absolutely in LOVE with this book!!!
The characters are so loveable and interesting. I could simply not get enough of Wren and Preston.
Wren had always yearned to travel and experience life to the fullest. She left her small-town life behind after graduation and did not look back. Sending her sister Bennie the occasional postcard of cities she visited, Wren was happy going from one place to the next.
When Wren encounters some trouble along the way, she heads to the one place that's familiar and the safe...home. Looking forward to going back to her job at Bennie's record store (along with her small apartment right next to Bennie's), she is shocked to find that both are already taken.
After Wren had been gone awhile, Bennie hired Preston to help her at her record store, Vinyl.
Wren is fascinated by the differences between her and Preston. While Wren is vivacious and outgoing, Preston is quiet and suffers from obsessive compulsive disorder. At first Wren is only drawn to her physical attraction to Preston, but she soon discovers there is much more to Preston than what everyone sees.
Will Wren be able to accept her hometown life now that she's back, or will she bolt when things shake up? Will Preston and Wren overcome and embrace their vast differences? And what will happen when the past catches up to Wren?
Chaos and Control has so much more to it than just romance. I loved this book so much, I will absolutely read it again.
I received an ARC of this book to provide an honest review.
I am absolutely in LOVE with this book!!!
The characters are so loveable and interesting. I could simply not get enough of Wren and Preston.
Wren had always yearned to travel and experience life to the fullest. She left her small-town life behind after graduation and did not look back. Sending her sister Bennie the occasional postcard of cities she visited, Wren was happy going from one place to the next.
When Wren encounters some trouble along the way, she heads to the one place that's familiar and the safe...home. Looking forward to going back to her job at Bennie's record store (along with her small apartment right next to Bennie's), she is shocked to find that both are already taken.
After Wren had been gone awhile, Bennie hired Preston to help her at her record store, Vinyl.
Wren is fascinated by the differences between her and Preston. While Wren is vivacious and outgoing, Preston is quiet and suffers from obsessive compulsive disorder. At first Wren is only drawn to her physical attraction to Preston, but she soon discovers there is much more to Preston than what everyone sees.
Will Wren be able to accept her hometown life now that she's back, or will she bolt when things shake up? Will Preston and Wren overcome and embrace their vast differences? And what will happen when the past catches up to Wren?
Chaos and Control has so much more to it than just romance. I loved this book so much, I will absolutely read it again.
I received an ARC of this book to provide an honest review.
December 23, 2017
I loved this book so much. One of the best books I’ve ever read. Both characters were amazing and the author did an awesome job of describing both and I never lost the connection to either one. Definitely recommend!
December 12, 2017
Chaos and Control by Season Vinings is a standalone, full length romance novel.
Meet Wren Hart, she´s a spontaneous woman and chaos follows her. She returns to her small home town after years on the road. And she finds a reason to stay in Preston. I can´t say how much I love Preston´s character. Yes he has flaws, many of them, but he´s very very lovable. Preston is a mystery. He´s gorgeous and lives for his routine and order. He´s set in his ways and has OCD. He should stay far away from wild child Wren, but he can´t get her out of his head. He finds peace in her company. But secrets and lies threaten to destroy their relationship.
This story has it all—tension, angst, suspense and heartbreak. I've smiled, laughed, cried and was angry at some point. It is not often I feel so connected to the characters, but Season Vining has accomplished just that. I love the story, the characters and the words. I recommend Chaos and Control and give 5 stars. Thank you, Season Vining !
Meet Wren Hart, she´s a spontaneous woman and chaos follows her. She returns to her small home town after years on the road. And she finds a reason to stay in Preston. I can´t say how much I love Preston´s character. Yes he has flaws, many of them, but he´s very very lovable. Preston is a mystery. He´s gorgeous and lives for his routine and order. He´s set in his ways and has OCD. He should stay far away from wild child Wren, but he can´t get her out of his head. He finds peace in her company. But secrets and lies threaten to destroy their relationship.
This story has it all—tension, angst, suspense and heartbreak. I've smiled, laughed, cried and was angry at some point. It is not often I feel so connected to the characters, but Season Vining has accomplished just that. I love the story, the characters and the words. I recommend Chaos and Control and give 5 stars. Thank you, Season Vining !
December 12, 2017
First book ever I have read written by Season Vining and all I have to say is WOW! I am still on an emotional high from Chaos and Control. The title itself describes the leading characters perfectly. Wren was a wreck and trying to run away from her past and troubles. She is right there with family and there comes Preston like a train wreck. My heart melted for Preston. I was awed how Wren and Preston had nothing for common ground, yet they were perfect for each other.
Preston's words killed me and had me wanting to reach out to him. I loved it all and the intensity. The drama made me feel like the world around me was falling apart. Yet the love and intensity Wren and Preston had was enough to heal it all. I have no idea how I did not read Season Vining books before. I am definitely going to be on the look out for more!
Preston's words killed me and had me wanting to reach out to him. I loved it all and the intensity. The drama made me feel like the world around me was falling apart. Yet the love and intensity Wren and Preston had was enough to heal it all. I have no idea how I did not read Season Vining books before. I am definitely going to be on the look out for more!
December 15, 2017
20 stars please!!!!- This book was simply a thing of beauty and magic. The words of their story brought me into the pages of this book, and I didn't want to get out. This was such an unexpected find, both the author and the story. I fell in absolute love with Preston and his ways of order, perfection, numbers, and his beautiful words. Wren was chaos and fly by the seat of your pants and just jump in kind of girl. But somehow opposites attract, and with that will there be happiness or will someone get in their way? Thank you for this amazing book and allowing me to read and write about it.
December 14, 2017
A sweet book about love, pain, and acceptance. Wren is recovering from an abusive relationship and Preston struggles with personal issues. Their imperfections bond and bind them.
I loved Wren’s acceptance of Preston’s challenges but I found her selfish at times like when it comes to her sister. This was a bit grating as was the repeated references to her ex.
Preston’s poetry. Awesome. I’ve never read a book with a character who faced the challenges he faced. He was so endearing and Wren was tenacious.
Solid story. Two opposites building a world and romance unique to just them. Romance people. That’s what this is.
I loved Wren’s acceptance of Preston’s challenges but I found her selfish at times like when it comes to her sister. This was a bit grating as was the repeated references to her ex.
Preston’s poetry. Awesome. I’ve never read a book with a character who faced the challenges he faced. He was so endearing and Wren was tenacious.
Solid story. Two opposites building a world and romance unique to just them. Romance people. That’s what this is.
December 15, 2017
4 stelle, tutte per Preston!!!
December 13, 2017
Love!
This is Season Vining’s best book yet. I felt like I was right there in Crowley with Wren, Preston, And Bennie. I could not put this book down. The love between Wren and Bennie reminded me of my relationship with my own sister. The electricity between Wren and Preston was amazing. I felt their magnetic pull. Read this book; you will not be disappointed.
This is Season Vining’s best book yet. I felt like I was right there in Crowley with Wren, Preston, And Bennie. I could not put this book down. The love between Wren and Bennie reminded me of my relationship with my own sister. The electricity between Wren and Preston was amazing. I felt their magnetic pull. Read this book; you will not be disappointed.
December 14, 2017
"Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review"
This story gives a powerful and realistic picture of what it’s like to live with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and what’s great about it is that the author doesn’t forget along the narrative that our hero, a “pretty” and generous man called Preston, has this condition and struggles with it every moment.
Preston is indeed a great hero (not a great poet though) – caring, loving, noble – and we see his issues and constant anxiety interwoven in his daily life and interaction with the heroine and the other characters. Kudos Ms. Vining for not healing this “complex and beautiful man”miraculously or just forgetting his issues, as so many other authors do with our beloved wounded heroes!
I found Wren a good heroine too, good and healing for the hero. I liked how she learned to deal with Preston’s issues, how she respects him. She’s a bit self-centered and her relationship with her older sister is a bit unbalanced, but I think that (being selfish) makes her a believable character.
I also loved that this was a slow burn romance and how sweet and sexy they were with each other.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Entangled Publishing/Embrace, and NetGalley for providing a free copy
This story gives a powerful and realistic picture of what it’s like to live with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and what’s great about it is that the author doesn’t forget along the narrative that our hero, a “pretty” and generous man called Preston, has this condition and struggles with it every moment.
Preston is indeed a great hero (not a great poet though) – caring, loving, noble – and we see his issues and constant anxiety interwoven in his daily life and interaction with the heroine and the other characters. Kudos Ms. Vining for not healing this “complex and beautiful man”miraculously or just forgetting his issues, as so many other authors do with our beloved wounded heroes!
I found Wren a good heroine too, good and healing for the hero. I liked how she learned to deal with Preston’s issues, how she respects him. She’s a bit self-centered and her relationship with her older sister is a bit unbalanced, but I think that (being selfish) makes her a believable character.
I also loved that this was a slow burn romance and how sweet and sexy they were with each other.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Entangled Publishing/Embrace, and NetGalley for providing a free copy
December 9, 2017
I absolutely loved this story. Preston and Wren are simply perfectly imperfect together and their story is one of acceptance and unconditional love. She lives her life spontaneously , completely full of chaos. He needs full control to get through each day. They shouldn't work but somehow they do in a beautiful way. This story is wonderfully written and as the story unfolds and we get to know Preston and Wren,you can't help but feel you know them. Really know them. This book was an unexpected treasure for me and I think you will enjoy it too. I highly recommend it.
December 8, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I've been not so patiently waiting to get a new Season Vining book. ;-)
I really enjoyed Wren, Preston at times.....well I was annoyed. Which is a good thing.
I loved the push and pull. Always wondering hmmmm what's going to happen next.
I'm looking forward to see what Season brings us next.
Thanks to #entangledpublishing for providing me this copy.
I really enjoyed Wren, Preston at times.....well I was annoyed. Which is a good thing.
I loved the push and pull. Always wondering hmmmm what's going to happen next.
I'm looking forward to see what Season brings us next.
Thanks to #entangledpublishing for providing me this copy.
December 4, 2017
Chaos and Control was a very well written book and I loved each character. Even though Wren kind of got on my nerves. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat, just waiting to see how things are going to turn out. I look forward to reading more of Season's work.
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