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The World Breaks Everyone
A Gripping Cat-and-Mouse Suspense Novel
Every day, I wake up certain of only three things:
I am responsible for my mother’s death.
My father has vanished.
Someone wants me dead.
I’m on the run. It’s me against the world.
I cannot let it break me.
When sixteen-year-old Olivia Jacobs and her celebrity chef father are brutally attacked after his French Quarter restaurant opening, the shell-shocked Olivia finds herself on the run on the streets of New Orleans.
Who wants her dead? And why?
Every day, I wake up certain of only three things:
I am responsible for my mother’s death.
My father has vanished.
Someone wants me dead.
I’m on the run. It’s me against the world.
I cannot let it break me.
When sixteen-year-old Olivia Jacobs and her celebrity chef father are brutally attacked after his French Quarter restaurant opening, the shell-shocked Olivia finds herself on the run on the streets of New Orleans.
Who wants her dead? And why?
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2018
187 people are currently reading
744 people want to read
About the author
Laura McNeill
11 books528 followers*Laura McNeill also writes under the pen name "Lauren Clark" (The World Breaks Everyone" (August 2018 release, suspense)*
ACCLAIM FOR CENTER OF GRAVITY (July 14, 2015)
"A bold and poignant look into an imploding marriage, told in a chorus of assured voices. Center of Gravity is a compelling, fierce, and ultimately hopeful tale, and McNeill is a writer to watch."
- Josilyn Jackson, author of Someone Else's Love Story
“McNeill’s debut is a heart stopping, nail-biting suspense novel that held me captive until I read the last page."
--Colleen Coble, author of The Inn at Ocean’s Edge and the Hope Beach novels
"A breathless, gut-wrenching, satisfying page turner about the real superheroes of the world who stand up to evil and won’t back down."
--Erin Healy, author of The Baker's Wife
Laura McNeill has been a voracious reader since the age of four and would rather be stranded at the library than on a desert island. In her former life, she worked as an anchor and producer for CBS affiliates in Upstate New York and Alabama. Lauren adores her family, yoga, her new Electra bike, and flavored coffee. Center of Gravity is her first novel with Harper Collins/Thomas Nelson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 6, 2026
Olivia Jacobs, sixteen years old, is on the run. But this is not some typical teenager-on-the-run thing - her life, and everyone she knows is in danger.
"Stop the detective work. Ignore this and die."
Her loving stepfather, Theo Jacobs, is beaten and jailed on the eve of his restaurant-opening, right before Olivia's eyes.
He begs her to run, and so Olivia does.
Meanwhile, Victoria (Olivia's grandmother) spreads slander about her son-in-law (Theo) and his girlfriend (Kate), undermining their motives and priming herself (and her husband, Lawrence) to take custody of Olivia, when (or if) she ever comes back.
"She can't survive on the streets...Either she'll come to her senses or Darwin's Theory is likely to kick in."
Olivia has to stay hidden, but around every corner is a trap, and if she makes a wrong move, the next body that shows up could be hers.
Absolutely gripping!
"She thought back to the voice. To the tone.
...You'll end up - just like your mother."
I thought the author did a fantastic job of fleshing out her characters. In particular, Olivia's thoughts and feelings - especially when it concerned her deceased mother - felt so raw and real.
And the plot was excitingly fast-paced! I really did not know where it was going and absolutely enjoyed the ride.
"Like standing in the center of a carousal, Olivia watched the people in her life moving arond her like painted horses on golden posts."
However, there were gaps in logic that were a bit much for me.
This is mostly because Olivia comes off as such a strong and independent character...which is why some of her decisions are so confusing.
For example, from the very beginning we learn that:
So, Olivia already has plans to run away (to Baja) with her boyfriend, on the eve of her father's restaurant launch.
"Olivia sucked in a breath. It was almost as if Theo was reading her mind. That he knew, on some level, that she would disappear. College could wait. She'd get her GED. Then, after a year or two, she'd decide about the future."
This tells me two things: A) What a jerk to take your father's big day, the one he's waited for, for literally years, and turn it all about you and B) She should have been waaaay more prepared when it came to the whole running-away thing.
Then, there was the police problem - which is why she didn't call the police at any point.
"My dear, if there's one thing Victoria's family knows how to do - it's run away from problems." He paused. "And make poor decisions."
So, instead of using the evidence on her phone (or at least taking the battery out so she couldn't be traced and saving the evidence)...she decides to make it easier for her potential murderer?
"She couldn't call Gabe or her family. She had to protect them. She exhaled, hard, then wiped the phone's memory, watching the last few years of her life erase from the small devise. All the photos, the contacts, apps, and messages."
I could understand some sheltered, naïve kid from the 60s acting like that but this is 2018 (or at the very least the 2010s (someone uses an Uber)) - there have been so many people who were caught and brought to justice via phone evidence.
So, the story was constantly marred by me thinking - all of these problems could literally be solved if she'd just go to the police.
Ahh well, the characters were well-done (and reading all of Theo's recipes made me hungry), the grandmother was delightfully (if a bit illogically) hateful and above all - this book kept me hooked. Cover-to-cover!
With thanks to the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
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November 20, 2018
Laura McNeill/Lauren Clark is back with an exceptional new thriller! I read this with Berit and Mackenzie! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Lauren Clark wrote two novels, Center of Gravity and Sister Dear, published by Harper Collins under the name Laura McNeill. Both were two of the most tense, gripping domestic suspense books I’d read at the time, and since then, about two years, I’ve been eagerly awaiting a new book, and here it is!
Olivia is a teenager living in New Orleans with her single chef father, Theo, who is opening a new restaurant. Olivia unfortunately feels responsible for her mother’s death, and when her father is missing, and someone is in hot pursuit of her, she blames herself for that, too. Why is Olivia on the run? And who can be trusted?
The tension I felt once Olivia was running was palpable. I had the hardest time putting the book down, and that’s becoming unusual for me past a certain hour. 😂 Olivia was in danger, and I felt like I had to see her through it! But it kept going!
And then red herring after red herring was dangled. Who had come up with this scheme and why, and most importantly, where was Theo? Were Olivia’s wealthy grandparents responsible? Her politician uncle? Her dad’s rough, tough best friend? Her father’s new, secret girlfriend? I didn’t know which way was up, and the easy-flowing writing kept me flipping the pages quickly.
The World Breaks Everyone is another original and well-written thriller from Lauren Clark/Laura McNeill. The characters are well-developed, and I felt empathy towards the innocent ones, like Olivia, and anger and frustration towards some of the others for what transpired. If you love engaging domestic suspense, don’t miss out on Lauren’s books! I’m awaiting her next and am ecstatic to know she’s already at work!
I bought this book, and all opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
Lauren Clark wrote two novels, Center of Gravity and Sister Dear, published by Harper Collins under the name Laura McNeill. Both were two of the most tense, gripping domestic suspense books I’d read at the time, and since then, about two years, I’ve been eagerly awaiting a new book, and here it is!
Olivia is a teenager living in New Orleans with her single chef father, Theo, who is opening a new restaurant. Olivia unfortunately feels responsible for her mother’s death, and when her father is missing, and someone is in hot pursuit of her, she blames herself for that, too. Why is Olivia on the run? And who can be trusted?
The tension I felt once Olivia was running was palpable. I had the hardest time putting the book down, and that’s becoming unusual for me past a certain hour. 😂 Olivia was in danger, and I felt like I had to see her through it! But it kept going!
And then red herring after red herring was dangled. Who had come up with this scheme and why, and most importantly, where was Theo? Were Olivia’s wealthy grandparents responsible? Her politician uncle? Her dad’s rough, tough best friend? Her father’s new, secret girlfriend? I didn’t know which way was up, and the easy-flowing writing kept me flipping the pages quickly.
The World Breaks Everyone is another original and well-written thriller from Lauren Clark/Laura McNeill. The characters are well-developed, and I felt empathy towards the innocent ones, like Olivia, and anger and frustration towards some of the others for what transpired. If you love engaging domestic suspense, don’t miss out on Lauren’s books! I’m awaiting her next and am ecstatic to know she’s already at work!
I bought this book, and all opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
November 25, 2018
A suspenseful and thrilling game of cat and mouse, set in the Big Easy...
This book kept me on the edge of my seat and quickly turning those pages... I stayed in bed this morning long after the alarm went off because I had to finish, I had to find out what happens two Olivia.... this is my first book from Lauren Clark but it definitely will not be my last! A huge thank you to one of my book besties Jennifer for recommending this book and introducing me to this wonderful author! This was a buddy read with Jennifer, Mackenzie, and myself and we were all riveted! We are all also now planning a vacation to New Orleans! I wish!
Olivia is 16 almost 17 and has seen a lot of grief in her young life... not only did she lose her mother, but she also blamed herself for her death... Theo, Olivia‘s father is an up-and-coming chef who has just opened his dream restaurant.... Olivia is certain her life will change after the restaurant opening, but just not the way that it did.... murder, a kidnapping, political goings-on, money,are just a few things behind Olivia’s troubles... Olivia is on the run, but from who? And why? Who do you trust when nobody seems to be telling the truth?
Olivia was such a likable and sympathetic character, I really was rooting for her throughout this book! The city of New Orleans itself really was A character... The ambience, the food, the magic, the food, The history... I really thought all the characters in this book were so well-developed, not all of them likable, but you really got a sense of who they were.... The pace of this book was pure perfection! So many twists and turns and U-turns and detours.... I really had no idea where we were going to ultimately end up, but it was definitely a wild ride! With a satisfying ending! The powdered sugar on my beignets....
Absolutely recommend to anyone who enjoys a twisty compulsive read that will make your heart race....
This book kept me on the edge of my seat and quickly turning those pages... I stayed in bed this morning long after the alarm went off because I had to finish, I had to find out what happens two Olivia.... this is my first book from Lauren Clark but it definitely will not be my last! A huge thank you to one of my book besties Jennifer for recommending this book and introducing me to this wonderful author! This was a buddy read with Jennifer, Mackenzie, and myself and we were all riveted! We are all also now planning a vacation to New Orleans! I wish!
Olivia is 16 almost 17 and has seen a lot of grief in her young life... not only did she lose her mother, but she also blamed herself for her death... Theo, Olivia‘s father is an up-and-coming chef who has just opened his dream restaurant.... Olivia is certain her life will change after the restaurant opening, but just not the way that it did.... murder, a kidnapping, political goings-on, money,are just a few things behind Olivia’s troubles... Olivia is on the run, but from who? And why? Who do you trust when nobody seems to be telling the truth?
Olivia was such a likable and sympathetic character, I really was rooting for her throughout this book! The city of New Orleans itself really was A character... The ambience, the food, the magic, the food, The history... I really thought all the characters in this book were so well-developed, not all of them likable, but you really got a sense of who they were.... The pace of this book was pure perfection! So many twists and turns and U-turns and detours.... I really had no idea where we were going to ultimately end up, but it was definitely a wild ride! With a satisfying ending! The powdered sugar on my beignets....
Absolutely recommend to anyone who enjoys a twisty compulsive read that will make your heart race....
November 25, 2018
Seriously unputdownable—I am buzzing with energy over my obsession with The World Breaks Everyone by Lauren Clark! Can I gush for a moment? This book was one of my favorite of 2018 (and I have read some AMAZING books in 2018). I picked this one up to do a mini book club read with my besties Jennifer and Berit. We got this about a month ago, and I’ve been going along with my scheduled reads until all three of us could read this together. And can I just say, I was expecting to enjoy it, but I ended up blown away! We were literally texting late into the night about how we couldn’t put this book down! For a virtual book club, a book that can bring that level of excitement across the country (east coast, Midwest, and west coast representing here) is truly an amazing experience. If you are a thriller lover, choose The World Breaks Everyone for your next book club pick—you won’t regret it!
About the Book
Olivia is on the cusp of her 17th birthday, but fading away from her life…
Just two years ago her mother passed away, and Olivia can barely cope with the knowledge that it was her fault. Now, her father Theo is truly making it in the culinary world of New Orleans with his much-anticipated restaurant opening. On the night of the opening, Olivia plans to take a break from her life for good—she’s heading to Baja with her boyfriend Gabe. That is the plan, anyways. But when an attack on herself and her father occurs, Olivia finds herself on the run.
Kate is excited to finally meet her boyfriend Theo’s daughter…
On the night of Theo’s restaurant opening, Kate arrives as scheduled, but finds herself caught in the middle of a drunken fight and ends up with a black eye. When Theo and his staff rush to take care of her, Olivia finds out about their relationship in the worst possible way. Kate leaves for work at the crisis center, only to learn about the attack on Theo and Olivia later that evening.
Theo tells Olivia to run…
In the wake of the attack, Olivia runs. She doesn’t know who to trust, or where to go. But she does know one thing—someone is after her and her father, and they are willing to take out whoever is in their path to get to them. And though Olivia doesn’t know Kate, she may be the one person Olivia can trust.
Reflection
I mentioned this was a book club read with two of my besties, Berit and Jennifer. What I didn’t mention is that Jennifer is already a big fan of this author. In fact, Jennifer is the one to recommend this book to us. I cannot be more excited that she did, because I absolutely loved this twisty cat-and-mouse thriller! This is the best part about the book community—I took a chance on something new that a friend told me about, and now I have a new favorite author to follow!
The tension that Clark built in this story is the reason that thrillers are a top genre. From the moment Olivia ran that night, I couldn’t stop reading. I felt uneasy when she was alone, and paranoid when someplace she turned for help didn’t feel quite right. I felt tempted to trust characters and not trust others, based on their words and actions. It felt like I was on the run along with Olivia!
And then the alternating storyline with Kate was fantastic. I absolutely loved Kate as a character. First, Kate is a psychologist and that alone gave me an initial connection. But Kate is so much more than that—she has a vulnerability and damage to her, that through her authenticity and raw emotions displays a strength of character I admired. Kate feels jealousy, but admits her irrationality. She isn’t perfect. She isn’t without basic human mistakes. But Kate is also humble and strives to constantly be more empathetic by reframing her thoughts to understand what others are going through. She’s a beautiful person and a joy to read about. Her chapters were so important, not just because of how great she is, but because she kept us informed of the search of Theo and Olivia.
I can’t say much more without spoilers, but I want to say that the twists through the characters and plot delighted me! I trusted and mistrusted every single character as events unfolded, switching back and forth. I was right along with Olivia as she followed her gut instinct, in the absence of a trusted advisor or even a good night’s sleep to make rational decisions with. What a ride!
I recommend this book fully and I know readers will love it!
About the Book
Olivia is on the cusp of her 17th birthday, but fading away from her life…
Just two years ago her mother passed away, and Olivia can barely cope with the knowledge that it was her fault. Now, her father Theo is truly making it in the culinary world of New Orleans with his much-anticipated restaurant opening. On the night of the opening, Olivia plans to take a break from her life for good—she’s heading to Baja with her boyfriend Gabe. That is the plan, anyways. But when an attack on herself and her father occurs, Olivia finds herself on the run.
Kate is excited to finally meet her boyfriend Theo’s daughter…
On the night of Theo’s restaurant opening, Kate arrives as scheduled, but finds herself caught in the middle of a drunken fight and ends up with a black eye. When Theo and his staff rush to take care of her, Olivia finds out about their relationship in the worst possible way. Kate leaves for work at the crisis center, only to learn about the attack on Theo and Olivia later that evening.
Theo tells Olivia to run…
In the wake of the attack, Olivia runs. She doesn’t know who to trust, or where to go. But she does know one thing—someone is after her and her father, and they are willing to take out whoever is in their path to get to them. And though Olivia doesn’t know Kate, she may be the one person Olivia can trust.
Reflection
I mentioned this was a book club read with two of my besties, Berit and Jennifer. What I didn’t mention is that Jennifer is already a big fan of this author. In fact, Jennifer is the one to recommend this book to us. I cannot be more excited that she did, because I absolutely loved this twisty cat-and-mouse thriller! This is the best part about the book community—I took a chance on something new that a friend told me about, and now I have a new favorite author to follow!
The tension that Clark built in this story is the reason that thrillers are a top genre. From the moment Olivia ran that night, I couldn’t stop reading. I felt uneasy when she was alone, and paranoid when someplace she turned for help didn’t feel quite right. I felt tempted to trust characters and not trust others, based on their words and actions. It felt like I was on the run along with Olivia!
And then the alternating storyline with Kate was fantastic. I absolutely loved Kate as a character. First, Kate is a psychologist and that alone gave me an initial connection. But Kate is so much more than that—she has a vulnerability and damage to her, that through her authenticity and raw emotions displays a strength of character I admired. Kate feels jealousy, but admits her irrationality. She isn’t perfect. She isn’t without basic human mistakes. But Kate is also humble and strives to constantly be more empathetic by reframing her thoughts to understand what others are going through. She’s a beautiful person and a joy to read about. Her chapters were so important, not just because of how great she is, but because she kept us informed of the search of Theo and Olivia.
I can’t say much more without spoilers, but I want to say that the twists through the characters and plot delighted me! I trusted and mistrusted every single character as events unfolded, switching back and forth. I was right along with Olivia as she followed her gut instinct, in the absence of a trusted advisor or even a good night’s sleep to make rational decisions with. What a ride!
I recommend this book fully and I know readers will love it!
November 2, 2023
✰ 2.25 stars ✰
“Rule One: Play the hand you’re dealt,” she recited.
“Correct, my dear,” Lawrence clapped his hands together. “And that means, in poker and in life, we don't get to choose the cards…or the situations…we're dealt. We simply have to play the ones we do have, and do it to the best of our ability.”
I wish I had some positive thoughts about The World Breaks Everyone that I could share, but truthfully - it was not a very enjoyable read for me. What could have been a fun YA thriller quickly delved into a lackluster story, with less than interesting characters who didn't quite make their way into my heart enough for me to be invested in their conflict nor their plights. The idea behind it was definitely interesting, but the execution was just severely lacking in not originality, but sensibility. The logic behind some of the plot twists came out of nowhere and were so base-less that I couldn't surmise how it had gone unnoticed for so long, and why one would even play the villain card the way that they did. 🤷🏻
“Maybe, just maybe, she was looking in the wrong places for answers. Searching for the logical in the illogical instead of cutting her losses.”
The thing that irritated me was that the writing was not that good - it felt a little too inconsistent and simple for my standards. Attempting to be smart writing, but in the process, ended up not really making any sense. 😮💨 It alternates between two points of view - Olivia, the sixteen-year-old daughter of Theo, who is viciously attacked during the grand opening of his restaurant, and Kate, his girlfriend, who suddenly finds herself under the scrutiny of the police and Olivia's family members, as suspicions arise of how much involved she may be in this heinous crime. It really could have held up as an entertaining thriller - Olivia on the run, Kate trying to piece together the clues, family deceit and treachery rampant on every turn - but the writing was so not appealing to my senses that I couldn't remotely find any passage worthy enough of a mention. ☹️
It was more that the characters had this nonsensical behavior to their actions - almost ridiculing, that transferred to the writing. And there were very few instances where the writing impressed me like, 'Olivia closed her eyes tight and spoke a name out loud. As it dropped from her lips, the word raced with gravity to the ground. Before it bounced or shattered, the wind picked it up and carried it, giving it wings.' Sounds so poetic, right? But, everything else was so dimmed down - I couldn't even appreciate the twists, because they were revealed in not a dull fashion, rather a too sensational one - too outlandish and far-fetched that it made me laugh, instead, at the absurdity of it, rather than be alarmed by it.🤦🏻♀️
“Love in the form of silent support. And acceptance for who she was. A frightened teenage girl with reason to believe that everyone around her was a target.
Kate couldn’t stand to see a girl—or any creature, for that matter—in pain. Especially the child of someone she loved.”
I liked Kate, although she behaved a little too unreasonably emotional, at times, that didn't quite fit her personality. I didn't understand how her reveal fit into the narrative, and even more so when it came into light later on - I was literally scratching my head, like okay, but seriously, this doesn't even make sense? I felt bad for Olivia - being on the run was not easy for her, and she really did try to find a way for her to escape - sadly the powers that had more control than her didn't really let her do more than she could. She was carrying a heavy burden on her own, and possibly that was the only significant storyline worthy of a mention, because of how it served as a catalyst to the actual plot. If the author could have touched upon that a bit more - maybe invested a bit of a more believable and reasonable outcome to that part of Olivia's life - I would have been much more invested in this so-not gripping cat-and-mouse game. It would lead us into characters that came, and then left, never to return again or even offer remotely anything of basis to the story. I'm just visibly frustrated at how disappointing this ended up being. 😩
Suffice to say, I don't think I'll be giving another go with this author. It was a chore just to get through this one, and it shouldn't have been, all things considered. I just kept waiting for that turn that would leave an impression on me, but all it left me was an hour of my time that I'll never get back. 🙎🏻
“Rule One: Play the hand you’re dealt,” she recited.
“Correct, my dear,” Lawrence clapped his hands together. “And that means, in poker and in life, we don't get to choose the cards…or the situations…we're dealt. We simply have to play the ones we do have, and do it to the best of our ability.”
I wish I had some positive thoughts about The World Breaks Everyone that I could share, but truthfully - it was not a very enjoyable read for me. What could have been a fun YA thriller quickly delved into a lackluster story, with less than interesting characters who didn't quite make their way into my heart enough for me to be invested in their conflict nor their plights. The idea behind it was definitely interesting, but the execution was just severely lacking in not originality, but sensibility. The logic behind some of the plot twists came out of nowhere and were so base-less that I couldn't surmise how it had gone unnoticed for so long, and why one would even play the villain card the way that they did. 🤷🏻
“Maybe, just maybe, she was looking in the wrong places for answers. Searching for the logical in the illogical instead of cutting her losses.”
The thing that irritated me was that the writing was not that good - it felt a little too inconsistent and simple for my standards. Attempting to be smart writing, but in the process, ended up not really making any sense. 😮💨 It alternates between two points of view - Olivia, the sixteen-year-old daughter of Theo, who is viciously attacked during the grand opening of his restaurant, and Kate, his girlfriend, who suddenly finds herself under the scrutiny of the police and Olivia's family members, as suspicions arise of how much involved she may be in this heinous crime. It really could have held up as an entertaining thriller - Olivia on the run, Kate trying to piece together the clues, family deceit and treachery rampant on every turn - but the writing was so not appealing to my senses that I couldn't remotely find any passage worthy enough of a mention. ☹️
It was more that the characters had this nonsensical behavior to their actions - almost ridiculing, that transferred to the writing. And there were very few instances where the writing impressed me like, 'Olivia closed her eyes tight and spoke a name out loud. As it dropped from her lips, the word raced with gravity to the ground. Before it bounced or shattered, the wind picked it up and carried it, giving it wings.' Sounds so poetic, right? But, everything else was so dimmed down - I couldn't even appreciate the twists, because they were revealed in not a dull fashion, rather a too sensational one - too outlandish and far-fetched that it made me laugh, instead, at the absurdity of it, rather than be alarmed by it.🤦🏻♀️
“Love in the form of silent support. And acceptance for who she was. A frightened teenage girl with reason to believe that everyone around her was a target.
Kate couldn’t stand to see a girl—or any creature, for that matter—in pain. Especially the child of someone she loved.”
I liked Kate, although she behaved a little too unreasonably emotional, at times, that didn't quite fit her personality. I didn't understand how her reveal fit into the narrative, and even more so when it came into light later on - I was literally scratching my head, like okay, but seriously, this doesn't even make sense? I felt bad for Olivia - being on the run was not easy for her, and she really did try to find a way for her to escape - sadly the powers that had more control than her didn't really let her do more than she could. She was carrying a heavy burden on her own, and possibly that was the only significant storyline worthy of a mention, because of how it served as a catalyst to the actual plot. If the author could have touched upon that a bit more - maybe invested a bit of a more believable and reasonable outcome to that part of Olivia's life - I would have been much more invested in this so-not gripping cat-and-mouse game. It would lead us into characters that came, and then left, never to return again or even offer remotely anything of basis to the story. I'm just visibly frustrated at how disappointing this ended up being. 😩
Suffice to say, I don't think I'll be giving another go with this author. It was a chore just to get through this one, and it shouldn't have been, all things considered. I just kept waiting for that turn that would leave an impression on me, but all it left me was an hour of my time that I'll never get back. 🙎🏻
October 30, 2018
A real thriller. Lauren's newest book is a race to the finish. Lots of plot twists, lots of intrigue. The location is New Orleans. There's been a death and a disappearance. Olivia must find answers. Who can she trust? Will she survive threats on her life.
This is another delicious read from an author I admire and enjoy. I totally enjoyed this book. Looking forward to her next. Get yourself a copy and enjoy.
This is another delicious read from an author I admire and enjoy. I totally enjoyed this book. Looking forward to her next. Get yourself a copy and enjoy.
September 13, 2018
I was very excited when I found out that Lauren Clark had a new book out! I’ve been glued to this book all day...a riveting, unpredictable story about a young girl in danger, running for her life and not knowing who to trust. I was definitely on the edge of my seat, as the twists and turns kept on coming! Fast-paced and thrilling, this book will keep many readers up at night!
September 3, 2018
I love this author’s books. I have never been disappointed by any of them.
This one definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. Who was doing what and to whom. Who would want to see a young teen hurt or possibly worse and was her dad part of it. This book kept me turning the pages. It kept me guessing up until the end. I absolutely loved it and always look forward to books by Lauren Clark.
This book will draw you in. The characters are great and realistic and you will root for some while wanting others to just shut up. It’s well written. Well developed and full of suspense. Just the kind of book I needed.
A big 5 stars from me.
Thank you again Lauren Clark for a great book.
This one definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. Who was doing what and to whom. Who would want to see a young teen hurt or possibly worse and was her dad part of it. This book kept me turning the pages. It kept me guessing up until the end. I absolutely loved it and always look forward to books by Lauren Clark.
This book will draw you in. The characters are great and realistic and you will root for some while wanting others to just shut up. It’s well written. Well developed and full of suspense. Just the kind of book I needed.
A big 5 stars from me.
Thank you again Lauren Clark for a great book.
October 28, 2018
I really wanted to love this book and while I appreciated the constant back and forth of what was actually happening, there was just too much "no" to love it.
There were a lot of inconsistencies and repeated phrases, a lot of the medical information was just off. As someone with PTSD I do appreciate it when authors include that in their books, but I get picky when the information is less-than. Olivia was made out to be starving while on the run but ate often, she was also at times very immature for an almost 17-year-old, but then her know-how would be well beyond her years.
I felt like Kate's "big secret" wasn't as bad as she or Theo made it out to be and she was treated unfairly because of it (as opposed to Theo who kept a huge amount from Kate, so a giant double standard). Victoria was absolutely awful and I wouldn't keep someone like that in my life.
When I take out the things I didn't like about the book, I see the good in it. The author did do a good job of keeping the reader guessing as to what was going on. I also appreciated how the story was told in alternating viewpoints, as that can get tricky sometimes, but the author did well doing this. Overall a decent book that could be a lot better with some editing.
There were a lot of inconsistencies and repeated phrases, a lot of the medical information was just off. As someone with PTSD I do appreciate it when authors include that in their books, but I get picky when the information is less-than. Olivia was made out to be starving while on the run but ate often, she was also at times very immature for an almost 17-year-old, but then her know-how would be well beyond her years.
I felt like Kate's "big secret" wasn't as bad as she or Theo made it out to be and she was treated unfairly because of it (as opposed to Theo who kept a huge amount from Kate, so a giant double standard). Victoria was absolutely awful and I wouldn't keep someone like that in my life.
When I take out the things I didn't like about the book, I see the good in it. The author did do a good job of keeping the reader guessing as to what was going on. I also appreciated how the story was told in alternating viewpoints, as that can get tricky sometimes, but the author did well doing this. Overall a decent book that could be a lot better with some editing.
October 22, 2018
2.75 stars. What really hurt this book was there were a lot of errors and inconsistencies with plot and especially characters. Gosh there were so many issues with the actual characters themselves and the characterization. It's like this book wasn't edited properly because a lot of things were clearly overlooked. As far as plot, it was basic, highly predictable, and not at all plausible. The whole scenario surrounding the character Olivia being on the run doesn't make any sense. Kate's whole plot and background could have been removed honestly as it added nothing. Overall I feel like the story has potential, but there need to be some real edits and reworking done to the plot and characters.
November 30, 2019
I'd never heard of Lauren Clark but had one of her books on my list, so I went to Amazon to buy the other book (the name of which escapes me now) and found it was quite expensive and I'd already spent my budget on the order. Confession time, I recently signed up for Kindle Unlimited - well you all know I read HEAPS so it seemed like good value. And this book was available for free on unlimited so without reading the synopsis I dived right in thinking "how bad can it be?" And anyway it was free.
Well it was nothing like what I expected (I'm not sure what I expected but this wasn't it) in a really good way. It was original, had compelling and had well drawn characters, a really interesting plot with lots of twists and turns and some very devious and very bad people. Oh dear, the things people will do to make a quick buck.
I didn't like 16 (nearly 17 year old) Olivia when we first met her. She came across as whiny and spoilt, even though she'd lost her mother three years ago. She wasn't coping and moaned about having to attend the opening party of her dad's new really upmarket New orleans restaurant. Straight after the party she was going to run away with her boyfriend to California (I presume Baja is in California). But events got in the way. Her father is attacked outside the back door as he's closing up. He just manages to tell Olivia to run, so she does. She runs, and runs and runs, never knowing who to trust. The reader is not sure who to trust. I mean you get an idea but this had some very mixed signals going on. It grabbed me from the start and kept me reading at a furious pace to see how it all turned out. I thought it was a cracker read and will look out for other books by this author.
Well it was nothing like what I expected (I'm not sure what I expected but this wasn't it) in a really good way. It was original, had compelling and had well drawn characters, a really interesting plot with lots of twists and turns and some very devious and very bad people. Oh dear, the things people will do to make a quick buck.
I didn't like 16 (nearly 17 year old) Olivia when we first met her. She came across as whiny and spoilt, even though she'd lost her mother three years ago. She wasn't coping and moaned about having to attend the opening party of her dad's new really upmarket New orleans restaurant. Straight after the party she was going to run away with her boyfriend to California (I presume Baja is in California). But events got in the way. Her father is attacked outside the back door as he's closing up. He just manages to tell Olivia to run, so she does. She runs, and runs and runs, never knowing who to trust. The reader is not sure who to trust. I mean you get an idea but this had some very mixed signals going on. It grabbed me from the start and kept me reading at a furious pace to see how it all turned out. I thought it was a cracker read and will look out for other books by this author.
September 20, 2018
Won this from Goodreads by a author I have read before.
So when I saw this one I knew that I had to read it. I was
not disappointed.
This was a fantastic read and it kept me hocked right from the
first page to end. I had a hard time putting it down because I had
to know what would happen next.
The story is told from present day and also from the past. It is a
historical/fiction. The story shows us how countries destroyed and the
people are pulled apart during the war. It is so torn apart that some small
towns we can not find any record of them today or of the people that lived there.
This is fiction but it shows us what did happen and the destruction. The author
did a wonderful job on researching this time during WW 2
Well worth the read.
So when I saw this one I knew that I had to read it. I was
not disappointed.
This was a fantastic read and it kept me hocked right from the
first page to end. I had a hard time putting it down because I had
to know what would happen next.
The story is told from present day and also from the past. It is a
historical/fiction. The story shows us how countries destroyed and the
people are pulled apart during the war. It is so torn apart that some small
towns we can not find any record of them today or of the people that lived there.
This is fiction but it shows us what did happen and the destruction. The author
did a wonderful job on researching this time during WW 2
Well worth the read.
February 15, 2019
The premise of this novel is interesting right off the bat. It sets a momentum that keeps going throughout the story, which kept me turning the pages and not wanting to stop. I felt myself transported to New Orleans, even though I've never been there. Lauren uses a nice amount of detail to describe everything, without taking away from the narrative. I liked that there were two perspectives and I felt both Olivia and Kate were sympathetic characters. The action in the story kept things suspenseful and had me on the edge of my seat.
Some aspects of the novel felt predictable to me, but that comes from reading a lot of mystery thrillers. There were other parts that were a complete surprise to me, so that balanced things out. I wish there had been another chapter or two before the epilogue. Some of the reasoning felt a bit off to me toward the end and it seemed odd that Lauren brought in certain people that had to do with one character and involved them in the other character's drama instead. I feel this should have been written under Laura McNeill, as it was more fitting with that name. Lauren Clark's books have been of lighter fare until this time.
Overall, I liked the pacing and the mystery and look forward to seeing what this author comes up with next, either as Lauren or Laura.
Movie casting ideas:
Olivia: Nikki Roumel
Theo: Taye Diggs
Kate: Melissa Fumero
Chase: Trevor Donovan
Some aspects of the novel felt predictable to me, but that comes from reading a lot of mystery thrillers. There were other parts that were a complete surprise to me, so that balanced things out. I wish there had been another chapter or two before the epilogue. Some of the reasoning felt a bit off to me toward the end and it seemed odd that Lauren brought in certain people that had to do with one character and involved them in the other character's drama instead. I feel this should have been written under Laura McNeill, as it was more fitting with that name. Lauren Clark's books have been of lighter fare until this time.
Overall, I liked the pacing and the mystery and look forward to seeing what this author comes up with next, either as Lauren or Laura.
Movie casting ideas:
Olivia: Nikki Roumel
Theo: Taye Diggs
Kate: Melissa Fumero
Chase: Trevor Donovan
November 19, 2018
This was a wonderful read!! A young girl struggling with her mothers death finds herself on the run after her and her father were attacked after hours in his restaurant! She continues to run until she finds the answers! Who wants them dead and why? And who can you trust when you can’t trust family?!
Read
April 25, 2019Why do all these book keep popping up on my currently reading? I may have downloaded too many books. I didn't read this one either. I'm sure it's wonderful and I reserve the read to it in the future.
<3
<3
February 4, 2019
I chose this as a Kindle Unlimited Free Read one month.
It is a romantic suspense thriller set in New Orleans among the exciting world of restaurateurs and wealthy philanthropists, but I am not really sure how much the author knows about either.
She sure knows a lot about damsels in distress. There are two in this story, one, Olivia, an older, motherless teen, who falls for the wrong boyfriend, has a psycho uncle, a money obsessed grandmother married to a dishonest medical researcher. And then, there's Kate, who just happens to be involved with Olivia's father, Theo, who thought it was a good idea not to tell Olivia about her.
A mess. I finished it, and it was free, so I gave it three stars.
It is a romantic suspense thriller set in New Orleans among the exciting world of restaurateurs and wealthy philanthropists, but I am not really sure how much the author knows about either.
She sure knows a lot about damsels in distress. There are two in this story, one, Olivia, an older, motherless teen, who falls for the wrong boyfriend, has a psycho uncle, a money obsessed grandmother married to a dishonest medical researcher. And then, there's Kate, who just happens to be involved with Olivia's father, Theo, who thought it was a good idea not to tell Olivia about her.
A mess. I finished it, and it was free, so I gave it three stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2019
This book was okay. For the first 10%, I felt very meh towards it, but then got sucked in. However, the big reveal felt very far fetched and was a bit of a letdown. And the more that I think about it, the more questions I have about things that weren’t explained well or that the author focused on but then didn’t matter. 3/5 stars.
The book is in strong need of an editor, which knocked it down another star. There were words missing and sentence fragments throughout. The biggest issue was with continuity. A character experienced Saturday, went to bed Saturday night, and woke up on ... Saturday morning. Or, early on, Kate says that she knows about Olivia's suicide attempt. Later, a character tells Kate about the suicide attempt and Kate is shocked! Her internal monologue comments on how she didn't realize it had gotten that bad (to which I yelled at my Kindle "yes! You literally said you did earlier!"). Or a character said that the police were on their way. But then it’s the next day and they comment on how they haven’t talk to the police yet.
Speaking of the police presence, for the first half of the book the police are involved and Olivia is all over the news as a missing 16-year-old. But then about halfway through the book, the police just disappeared, including spots where they really should be there. I kept waiting for the book to circle back to them, but it never did.
The book is in strong need of an editor, which knocked it down another star. There were words missing and sentence fragments throughout. The biggest issue was with continuity. A character experienced Saturday, went to bed Saturday night, and woke up on ... Saturday morning. Or, early on, Kate says that she knows about Olivia's suicide attempt. Later, a character tells Kate about the suicide attempt and Kate is shocked! Her internal monologue comments on how she didn't realize it had gotten that bad (to which I yelled at my Kindle "yes! You literally said you did earlier!"). Or a character said that the police were on their way. But then it’s the next day and they comment on how they haven’t talk to the police yet.
Speaking of the police presence, for the first half of the book the police are involved and Olivia is all over the news as a missing 16-year-old. But then about halfway through the book, the police just disappeared, including spots where they really should be there. I kept waiting for the book to circle back to them, but it never did.
December 8, 2019
Great story
I liked the story, but the typos and grammatical errors ruined a lot for me. I didn't think I was petty enough to let something like that bother me but it continuously jolted me out of an otherwise enjoyable book.
I liked the story, but the typos and grammatical errors ruined a lot for me. I didn't think I was petty enough to let something like that bother me but it continuously jolted me out of an otherwise enjoyable book.
November 8, 2020
I was really excited about this book, but I just couldn’t really get into it. There seemed to be a lot of back and forth and some inconsistencies throughout that kept me from enjoying the story.
April 17, 2019
New Orleans, LA. Olivia Jacobs (16, daughter, Ursuline Academy Lions, Catholic girls) was putting a flower on her mother’s Simone Larroque Jacobs (wife/mother, former FeedNOLA executive director, diabetes) vault.
She had 3 other relation long gone.
The Nine of Cups (Tarot card) came out of her backpack, mom’s favorite.
Theo Christopher Jacobs (widower/father, celebrity chef, restaurant owner, retired US Army Rangers; Somalia, Afghanistan), Victoria wife/grandmother, & Lawrence (Victoria’s 2nd husband/step-grandfather) came to see her in the hospital when she tried to commit suicide.
The was the grand opening of Theo Jacobs’ Element’s restaurant.
Everybody who was somebody in the culinary department was there. TV media was a frenzy.
Element’s restaurant (Tchoupitoulas St.) BOOM! 911.
A drunk had hit Kay by accident.
Theo carried Kate Ellis (NOCC Executive Director, wife/stepmother) into the restaurant, badly bruised but still alive.
She was introduced to Olivia as is.
Detective Gautier was doing the interviewing at the crime scene & with Kate.
Gabe (server) was interviewed also.
Mardi Gras. Olivia was to show up at Jackson Square or else.
She had to tell Del (Theo’s BMF, restaurant mgr., retired US Army Rangers; Somalia, Afghanistan).
Fox 8 News. Olivia was missing or presumed kidnapped.
The Times-Picayune dittos’ that also.
It was Olivia’s “Princess” 17th birthday.
Kate was becoming more active in the Crisis Center management.
A consultant for the audit of programs, fundraising, & personnel was brought in.
1-day Uncle Alex Conner (attorney) called & told Olivia (Columbia U) to jump on a plane there was a job offer waiting for her.
New Orleans, LA. Mrs. Victoria Hightower (New Orleans Crisis Center NOCC board president) offered her the position of NOCC Executive Director.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written Cat & Mouse suspense book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great suspense movie, or better yet a mini TV series. This book was kind of hard to follow. That said I will only rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Camellia Press; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons (Washburn; MSW)
She had 3 other relation long gone.
The Nine of Cups (Tarot card) came out of her backpack, mom’s favorite.
Theo Christopher Jacobs (widower/father, celebrity chef, restaurant owner, retired US Army Rangers; Somalia, Afghanistan), Victoria wife/grandmother, & Lawrence (Victoria’s 2nd husband/step-grandfather) came to see her in the hospital when she tried to commit suicide.
The was the grand opening of Theo Jacobs’ Element’s restaurant.
Everybody who was somebody in the culinary department was there. TV media was a frenzy.
Element’s restaurant (Tchoupitoulas St.) BOOM! 911.
A drunk had hit Kay by accident.
Theo carried Kate Ellis (NOCC Executive Director, wife/stepmother) into the restaurant, badly bruised but still alive.
She was introduced to Olivia as is.
Detective Gautier was doing the interviewing at the crime scene & with Kate.
Gabe (server) was interviewed also.
Mardi Gras. Olivia was to show up at Jackson Square or else.
She had to tell Del (Theo’s BMF, restaurant mgr., retired US Army Rangers; Somalia, Afghanistan).
Fox 8 News. Olivia was missing or presumed kidnapped.
The Times-Picayune dittos’ that also.
It was Olivia’s “Princess” 17th birthday.
Kate was becoming more active in the Crisis Center management.
A consultant for the audit of programs, fundraising, & personnel was brought in.
1-day Uncle Alex Conner (attorney) called & told Olivia (Columbia U) to jump on a plane there was a job offer waiting for her.
New Orleans, LA. Mrs. Victoria Hightower (New Orleans Crisis Center NOCC board president) offered her the position of NOCC Executive Director.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written Cat & Mouse suspense book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great suspense movie, or better yet a mini TV series. This book was kind of hard to follow. That said I will only rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Camellia Press; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons (Washburn; MSW)
October 7, 2018
Muddled Medical Info About Diabetes
This is a medical murder mystery with a touch of paranormal. Blink and you’ll miss it. This book has a fascinating storyline and wonderful characters who are easy to empathize with. The murder method was hinted at early, as was the motive, but I eagerly followed the story to the end.
I’m leaving a two star review, because I had problems with the medical sections of this story. I’m not an expert, but I couldn’t believe most of the situations ascribed to diabetes.
I tried to avoid spoilers and tried to be vague, but there are some spoilers in the next section.
SPOILER WARNING.
1. In the situation mentioned in this story, I don’t believe the diabetic shock was due to lack of insulin.
2. Why wasn’t diabetic shock treated by ambulance medics and ER staff? This is a life-threatening emergency.
3. Olivia’s mother had an insulin pump, and due to her wealth and level of education, she probably has the newest pump. These pumps monitor blood sugar levels 24/7, automatically self-adjusts insulin dose to blood sugar, has alarms, and sends data to smart devices and cloud storage. Data is available, so why don’t the doctors know what caused her to go into shock?
4. Olivia’s mother has what doctors describe as wildly fluctuating blood sugar levels. But that’s the reason why she has a pump, which is working.
5. Olivia says her mother needed insulin from the pharmacy. But the insulin pump has a reservoir. Plus there is “so much insulin” in her house.
6. How did the murderer get at the “so much insulin”?
7. How did the murderer manage get access to Olivia’s mother?
This review reflects my opinions which arise from the medical situations. Please don’t let my OCD stop you from reading this book.
This is a medical murder mystery with a touch of paranormal. Blink and you’ll miss it. This book has a fascinating storyline and wonderful characters who are easy to empathize with. The murder method was hinted at early, as was the motive, but I eagerly followed the story to the end.
I’m leaving a two star review, because I had problems with the medical sections of this story. I’m not an expert, but I couldn’t believe most of the situations ascribed to diabetes.
I tried to avoid spoilers and tried to be vague, but there are some spoilers in the next section.
SPOILER WARNING.
1. In the situation mentioned in this story, I don’t believe the diabetic shock was due to lack of insulin.
2. Why wasn’t diabetic shock treated by ambulance medics and ER staff? This is a life-threatening emergency.
3. Olivia’s mother had an insulin pump, and due to her wealth and level of education, she probably has the newest pump. These pumps monitor blood sugar levels 24/7, automatically self-adjusts insulin dose to blood sugar, has alarms, and sends data to smart devices and cloud storage. Data is available, so why don’t the doctors know what caused her to go into shock?
4. Olivia’s mother has what doctors describe as wildly fluctuating blood sugar levels. But that’s the reason why she has a pump, which is working.
5. Olivia says her mother needed insulin from the pharmacy. But the insulin pump has a reservoir. Plus there is “so much insulin” in her house.
6. How did the murderer get at the “so much insulin”?
7. How did the murderer manage get access to Olivia’s mother?
This review reflects my opinions which arise from the medical situations. Please don’t let my OCD stop you from reading this book.
October 11, 2020
I have never read books by this author before and I was very pleasantly surprised!
Well, the first thing that grabbed my attention with this book, was the author's prose.
She writes SO BEAUTIFULLY! Let me give you just one example:
"Olivia felt like confetti left out in the rain, fragile and soaking-wet, a paper-thin afterthought; her former rainbow of colors bleeding into the pavement."
This book has everything a thriller should have but also manages moments of pure poignancy. It is essentially a story about a young girl in danger, running for her life and not knowing who to trust. But the author manages to bring in lots of other aspects that turn this into a book that manages to be charming, gripping and heartbreaking at the same time.
And her descriptions - just wow. You can almost smell and feel the vibrant, distinctive and multicultural city of New Orleans. It really makes me want to visit! The suspense aspect of it kicks in quite quickly and really keeps you guessing and rooting for both Olivia and Kate, her father's new girlfriend. The author also broaches the issues of suicide, trauma and grief very sensitively and draws you into her characters' lives in a way that makes you believe they are real people.
My only minor criticisms would be that the ending felt a little bit rushed (after all the running and hiding etc) and I would have liked to see Kate and Theo interact more. Their relationship was the only one I didn't feel fully invested in.
However, the narrative moves at a pace that really keeps your interest and it is the first time in ages that I haven't guessed the twist and have really struggled to put a book down. I would definitely recommend this book and will be looking to read more by this author.
Well, the first thing that grabbed my attention with this book, was the author's prose.
She writes SO BEAUTIFULLY! Let me give you just one example:
"Olivia felt like confetti left out in the rain, fragile and soaking-wet, a paper-thin afterthought; her former rainbow of colors bleeding into the pavement."
This book has everything a thriller should have but also manages moments of pure poignancy. It is essentially a story about a young girl in danger, running for her life and not knowing who to trust. But the author manages to bring in lots of other aspects that turn this into a book that manages to be charming, gripping and heartbreaking at the same time.
And her descriptions - just wow. You can almost smell and feel the vibrant, distinctive and multicultural city of New Orleans. It really makes me want to visit! The suspense aspect of it kicks in quite quickly and really keeps you guessing and rooting for both Olivia and Kate, her father's new girlfriend. The author also broaches the issues of suicide, trauma and grief very sensitively and draws you into her characters' lives in a way that makes you believe they are real people.
My only minor criticisms would be that the ending felt a little bit rushed (after all the running and hiding etc) and I would have liked to see Kate and Theo interact more. Their relationship was the only one I didn't feel fully invested in.
However, the narrative moves at a pace that really keeps your interest and it is the first time in ages that I haven't guessed the twist and have really struggled to put a book down. I would definitely recommend this book and will be looking to read more by this author.
January 31, 2019
When this author offered me a free copy of her new mystery set in New Orleans, I couldn’t say, “Yes please!” fast enough! I’ve always been fascinated with this beautifully haunted city filled with smokey blues joints and creepy above-ground cemeteries shrouded in Spanish moss. I could do without the half naked, bead-throwing party revelers, but supposedly it’s all a part of the city’s grimy charm. Either way, NOLA is the perfect setting for vampires, shape-shifters and things that go bump in the night. You won’t find anything paranormal in this book, but there are definitely some monsters of the human variety.
It all begins at a swanky restaurant opening in the midst of Mardi Gras week. Everything is champagne and roses until the guests leave and all hell breaks loose. Theo, the sexy restaurateur with a haunted past, disappears and his teenage daughter, Olivia, is forced to go on the run. Meanwhile, Theo’s girlfriend is caught in the middle of some serious family drama involving Olivia’s highfalutin control freak grandmother. They all have secrets that slowly unravel as the chapters progress.
So many sketchy characters, so much drama, so much deception and manipulation! This seriously needs to made into a Lifetime movie—asap! Read the full review on my blog Bubble Bubble Books and Trouble. https://booksandtrouble.com/2019/01/3...
It all begins at a swanky restaurant opening in the midst of Mardi Gras week. Everything is champagne and roses until the guests leave and all hell breaks loose. Theo, the sexy restaurateur with a haunted past, disappears and his teenage daughter, Olivia, is forced to go on the run. Meanwhile, Theo’s girlfriend is caught in the middle of some serious family drama involving Olivia’s highfalutin control freak grandmother. They all have secrets that slowly unravel as the chapters progress.
So many sketchy characters, so much drama, so much deception and manipulation! This seriously needs to made into a Lifetime movie—asap! Read the full review on my blog Bubble Bubble Books and Trouble. https://booksandtrouble.com/2019/01/3...
August 4, 2019
I was sent a copy of the World Breaks Everyone by Create Space Press. I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
What happens when the world does not seem to be the way you thought? What if the very people you referred to as family suddenly became people you didn’t recognize? Then what if it happened to a teenager whose world is totally rocked by their circumstances? In The World Breaks Everyone by Lauren Clark, these circumstances describe Olivia Jacob’s life.
Every day, I wake up certain of only three things: I am responsible for my mother’s death. My father has vanished. Someone wants me dead. I’m on the run. It’s me against the world. I cannot let it break me. When sixteen-year-old Olivia Jacobs and her celebrity chef father are brutally attacked after his French Quarter restaurant opening, the shell-shocked Olivia finds herself on the run on the streets of New Orleans. Who wants her dead? And why?
My Thoughts:
When Lauren Clark switched genres and began writing in the suspense genre, I looked forward to seeing what the story would be like. I loved Sister Dear, but I did not love the World Breaks Everyone. There is a compelling premise to the story, but the pacing of the story was long and drawn out. The story is told in alternating chapters between Kate and Olivia in alternating chapters. The chapters are short and written well.
I love Lauren Clark as an author but will look forward to her next read.
What happens when the world does not seem to be the way you thought? What if the very people you referred to as family suddenly became people you didn’t recognize? Then what if it happened to a teenager whose world is totally rocked by their circumstances? In The World Breaks Everyone by Lauren Clark, these circumstances describe Olivia Jacob’s life.
Every day, I wake up certain of only three things: I am responsible for my mother’s death. My father has vanished. Someone wants me dead. I’m on the run. It’s me against the world. I cannot let it break me. When sixteen-year-old Olivia Jacobs and her celebrity chef father are brutally attacked after his French Quarter restaurant opening, the shell-shocked Olivia finds herself on the run on the streets of New Orleans. Who wants her dead? And why?
My Thoughts:
When Lauren Clark switched genres and began writing in the suspense genre, I looked forward to seeing what the story would be like. I loved Sister Dear, but I did not love the World Breaks Everyone. There is a compelling premise to the story, but the pacing of the story was long and drawn out. The story is told in alternating chapters between Kate and Olivia in alternating chapters. The chapters are short and written well.
I love Lauren Clark as an author but will look forward to her next read.
November 10, 2018
This is the story of a young girl who has lost her mother to illness and has a good but very busy dad. Olivia falls into depression and while trying very hard to come back to everyday life, is still haunted by the loss of her mother. When her father, Theo, is finally able to open the restaurant that was the dream of he and Olivia’s mother, things begin to break loose. It seems as if everyone can be untrue. Who do you trust when so many want something everywhere you look? And even worse…what do they want?
I really had a hard time figuring out who was who at the beginning of this story and I thought it was going to move slowly. Let me tell you, it most certainly did not. It got moving along within a couple of chapters and I had a very hard time taking a break for those chores and things you are supposed to do, right til the end. Once I had the characters figured out as I mentioned, I began to really see their unique personalities. You can’t “see” this or feel it for that matter unless the author has done a good job of giving you the tools to do so. Tools such as excellent descriptions, emotions as well as their surroundings. Lauren Clark had no trouble providing this in her writing.
Lauren Clark has several stand-alone novels. All rated very high.
***This book was provided to me free of charge in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are definitely my own.
I really had a hard time figuring out who was who at the beginning of this story and I thought it was going to move slowly. Let me tell you, it most certainly did not. It got moving along within a couple of chapters and I had a very hard time taking a break for those chores and things you are supposed to do, right til the end. Once I had the characters figured out as I mentioned, I began to really see their unique personalities. You can’t “see” this or feel it for that matter unless the author has done a good job of giving you the tools to do so. Tools such as excellent descriptions, emotions as well as their surroundings. Lauren Clark had no trouble providing this in her writing.
Lauren Clark has several stand-alone novels. All rated very high.
***This book was provided to me free of charge in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are definitely my own.
January 21, 2025
This book was ok with a decent (if not a little obvious) plot. However what ruined it for me was the discontinuity within the storyline, grammatical errors, and heading errors. Some titles are named as if they’re being told from one perspective but the storyline was from the other character. Similarly, the days in the chapter titles were wrong sometimes (e.g., two Tuesdays happening in a row) which made it confusing.
Some plot elements were totally forgotten along the way, like the mothers friend Meredyth - Kate originally says that she found meredyths prominent society figure mother and father on the internet, but twice later meredyth says she was homeless and that her family were junkies and her stepfather was an abusers so she ran away. Not likely for the parents to be either high class and/or able to lead to the daughter then. Also, Kate is surprised when she “learns” of Olivia’s suicide attempt, although early on in the chapters she discusses it in her internal dialogue. Moments like these peppered through frustrated me. The book was in serious need of an editor. The storyline was also pretty unbelievable in some places (eg Kate’s ex “boyfriend”, highly distinguished professor, becomes a mercenary out of revenge?? - ok)
Some plot elements were totally forgotten along the way, like the mothers friend Meredyth - Kate originally says that she found meredyths prominent society figure mother and father on the internet, but twice later meredyth says she was homeless and that her family were junkies and her stepfather was an abusers so she ran away. Not likely for the parents to be either high class and/or able to lead to the daughter then. Also, Kate is surprised when she “learns” of Olivia’s suicide attempt, although early on in the chapters she discusses it in her internal dialogue. Moments like these peppered through frustrated me. The book was in serious need of an editor. The storyline was also pretty unbelievable in some places (eg Kate’s ex “boyfriend”, highly distinguished professor, becomes a mercenary out of revenge?? - ok)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2019
3.5 stars- This action-packed thriller had so many twists and turns it left my head spinning! I loved the alternating perspectives between Kate and Olivia, and the whole side storyline of Rose. There were certain things that I felt could have been omitted from this book that wouldn’t have affected the story in any way (like the characters of Meredith and Evan Foley), but I absolutely loved the writing style of the author (and already bought another book of hers- Sister Dear)! I also loved the backstory of Theo’s history as a sniper with PTSD- it definitely kept me guessing about him throughout the entire book (I still wasn’t sure right up until the very end!), but I did feel that some parts of this story were predictable (Gabe, Chase, Lawrence)-however, I could probably chalk that up to the fact that I read so many thrillers- much more than any other genre. I’m so appreciative to the author for offering me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review- it kept me on the edge of my seat, and I’m looking forward to reading more from her!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2019
This book takes the approach of YA (16 year old Olivia who finds herself on the run), chick lit (Olivia and added adult Kate), and thriller (I've already mentioned Olivia is on the run) mixed in with trendy but crime-ridden New Orleans as Olivia's father, a rising chef and food star, opens an upscale restaurant. Like eating a bag of chips, once I got into the story, I did get interested just to see how the author would play this out. Unfortunately, I found this rather predictable fare, but some of the kookiness offered promise. As such, I'm rating this at 3 stars simply because I did get caught up in the story. However, this seemed too much for my taste like the type of melodrama one sees in tv shows - usually the type of stuff people watch in mid day.
May 6, 2019
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, and I gave an honest review.
How well do you know your family? Your father? Your grandparents? Your family's history?
This is a fast paced story in which during the opening of his new restaurant, Olivia's father is attacked and she is able to flee when the attacker tries to grab her as well. Olivia is on the run with no idea who she can trust, what is fact, and what is fiction. The reader is able to feel her emotions and overall confusion as the story unfolds.
4 stars for this one. I feel at times that there are moments where the story is rambling, but is overall decently paced. The ending was not something that was tremendously unpredictable or shocking, but was an enjoyable read.
How well do you know your family? Your father? Your grandparents? Your family's history?
This is a fast paced story in which during the opening of his new restaurant, Olivia's father is attacked and she is able to flee when the attacker tries to grab her as well. Olivia is on the run with no idea who she can trust, what is fact, and what is fiction. The reader is able to feel her emotions and overall confusion as the story unfolds.
4 stars for this one. I feel at times that there are moments where the story is rambling, but is overall decently paced. The ending was not something that was tremendously unpredictable or shocking, but was an enjoyable read.
November 14, 2021
Overall I found this book to be great. I suspected some things from the beginning but there were also so turns that I was not prepared for. However, I do hope the author or editor or publisher sees this review as there as some critical errors in the writing specifically after Theo is found alive and Olivia is taken to her grandmother's house that need to be addressed. I find it a shame that these errors were not caught in editing. Also Robin is referred to as both a he and a she starting around this same point in the book which is another thing that should have been caught in editing. Again great story overall but some pretty critical errors missed that made the story a bit confusing and almost seeming as a plot twist when it actually was not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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