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Too Good Girl
Syra Johnson was thirteen when she died inside. She was sixteen when she ran away from home and not much older when Jack Palmer saved her for the first time. Coping with her grief by shutting down, she became reckless with her life, keeping everyone at arm’s length, including Jack. Now, she’s nineteen, and her need to feel anything other than despair is as exhausting as it ever was. Jack Palmer lives a lonely life, working at night in the streets of the seaside town where they both live. The only thing that keeps his heart beating loud enough is Syra Johnson: his friend and the girl he wishes he could love. However, his attempts to keep her from falling further get thrown back in his face, breaking him a little more each time. Will the darkness that snatched her away drag her deeper than before, or will Syra let Jack save her again and open herself to becoming whole? NB: contains scenes that some readers may find upsetting
- GenresContemporary Romance
262 pages, ebook
Published November 10, 2018
8 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Eleanor Lloyd-Jones
14 books159 followersEleanor Lloyd-Jones is and always has been a perpetual daydreamer. A mum of one and a full-time primary school teacher, she spins plates and chases her tail in order that she can live out the dream she has had since being a little girl: to write stories.
Like lots of indie authors, her dream is to hit the big time, make all the lists and have some hot-shot movie producer pick up one of her books and turn it into the next blockbuster. Until that happens, she is content to type away, bringing her imagination to life, and just hopes that the people who read her words get some sort of enjoyment out of them and love her characters as much as she does.
Like lots of indie authors, her dream is to hit the big time, make all the lists and have some hot-shot movie producer pick up one of her books and turn it into the next blockbuster. Until that happens, she is content to type away, bringing her imagination to life, and just hopes that the people who read her words get some sort of enjoyment out of them and love her characters as much as she does.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
November 22, 2018
A Captivating Train Wreck!!
More tears escaped and I wiped those too. I would wipe them everyday for the rest of my life if she would only show them too me. I would spend my whole life catching them and another lifetime chasing away whatever it was that made them fall.
Frankly, I am surprised I finished reading this dark story. Two chapters in and I was ready to close shop, as this genre is so outside my comfort zone, so outside my taste in romance, but the characters drew me in like the proverbial ‘moth to a flame,’ and I had to see where this train wreck was headed, hoping upon hope there was a HEA. If any book I have ever read needed a happy ending this was it.
The heroine’s lifestyle is totally cringe worthy. The hero is in real need of getting his act together as well. Drugs, crime and sex are the main crux of the storyline. Overcoming the destruction that follows is the goal. This is Syra and Jack’s story of desperation, ruination and manipulation. But most importantly the willpower to conquer them all despite the heavy odds.
There was a long, painful road ahead of us, but we’d travel it together. I wouldn’t let her slip and fall, but if she did, I’d pick her up and carry her. I wouldn’t let her stray from the path, but if she did, I’d follow her and lead her back.
I truly loved how much Jack cherished Syra!!
Ms. Lloyd-Jones sure weaved a harrowing tale and grabbed me by the heart strings compelling me to keep going and root for these imperfect characters.
I normally go in blind with my romances but don’t recommend it this time. Although I know there are much darker reads out there, the nitty-gritty reality and rough nature of the storyline, kept me entranced and shocked all at the same time.
November 13, 2018
Hmm, I am not entirely sure how to rate this book. It really wasn't what I expected after reading the synopsis. For the first 60%, Jack was honestly just a secondary character, and it was mostly just Syra whoring around and making one bad decision after the other. However, the last 40% of this book was fantastic and total 5-Star material. We finally get Jack's POV and the book started to go in a much more enjoyable direction for me. So it wasn't a bad book by any means. It was certainly well written and well paced, and the plot was still engaging and had me turning the pages. I think mainly, I would have just preferred we had gotten to the 60% point a bit sooner. I needed a bit more Jack and a little less of Syra's bad decision parade.
This book really wasn't heavy on secondary characters. I was actually quite intrigued by Doug even with him being a supreme asshole. I would have liked to have seen that storyline fleshed out a bit more. Neither were virgins. The sex scenes were pretty mild. There wasn't any OW drama or any OM drama per se, but Syra got around A LOT. There is also drug use by the heroine. Unfortunately, I can't say that I ever really warmed up to Syra. We get a brief glimpse at the end of a more "likable" heroine, but for most of the book I thought she was a self-centered twat who took the easy way out (drugs, sex, etc.) instead of pulling up her big girl panties and taking the hand of at least two people that were trying to help her. I guess my tolerance is low for "woe is me...I've had such a rough life" heroines today (lol). Jack, on the other hand, was a frigging SAINT. He certainly deserved better than Syra for sure.
Last, it was all wrapped up in an OK happy for now ending. I think I would have liked to have seen some type of epilogue for this couple. A look into the future so I at least could have a feeling that Syra got her life together, and it stayed that way. So yea, a bit of a mixed bag with this one. The first 60% of the story was probably a 3-Star read. The last 40% kicked it up a couple notches making that part a 5-Star read. So I guess I'll go with 4-Stars for now while I marinate on it a bit more.
December 4, 2018
The playlist is what originally sold me on this book. I put it on repeat so many times the hubs finally outlawed it in his presence. When the cover was revealed, I got even more excited. It went straight to my TBR short list—but “short” is relative, and even though I was lucky enough to score an ARC, it was behind several books I’d already committed to reading.
But then fate intervened, and I found myself 30k feet in the air without Wi-Fi. Too Good Girl was one of the only books I’d thought to download, and once I started it, I couldn’t put it down.
This is not a sweet fairytale romance. It’s dark and gritty, and the fearless, unapologetic writing might even make you uncomfortable—but in the best possible way.
But then fate intervened, and I found myself 30k feet in the air without Wi-Fi. Too Good Girl was one of the only books I’d thought to download, and once I started it, I couldn’t put it down.
This is not a sweet fairytale romance. It’s dark and gritty, and the fearless, unapologetic writing might even make you uncomfortable—but in the best possible way.
November 14, 2018
I’ve read one previous book by this author and couldn’t wait to read more. This is a brilliant read.
Syra is a young damaged girl. Her best friend is Jack who has literally saved her. He’s got his own issues but wants to do everything he can to help Syra.
Can love overcome everything?
This is a heart breaking and emotional story that will pull on your heartstrings. It’s raw, gritty and gripping. I absolutely loved this story. I’ll certainly be reading more from this author in the future.
Syra is a young damaged girl. Her best friend is Jack who has literally saved her. He’s got his own issues but wants to do everything he can to help Syra.
Can love overcome everything?
This is a heart breaking and emotional story that will pull on your heartstrings. It’s raw, gritty and gripping. I absolutely loved this story. I’ll certainly be reading more from this author in the future.
November 19, 2018
This was my first read by this author and I was drawn in by the blurb.
This book is seriously gritty. Syra is damaged and self destructive, she uses sex as some form of therapy. Jack is her only friend and keeps looking out for her, but eventually she pushes him away too, leaving her more vulnerable to other people's manipulation.
Although Syra tries to come across as streetwise she is actually naïve and falls into the worst situations.
Not a comfortable read but riviting, with some serious drama and suspense.
This book is seriously gritty. Syra is damaged and self destructive, she uses sex as some form of therapy. Jack is her only friend and keeps looking out for her, but eventually she pushes him away too, leaving her more vulnerable to other people's manipulation.
Although Syra tries to come across as streetwise she is actually naïve and falls into the worst situations.
Not a comfortable read but riviting, with some serious drama and suspense.
October 25, 2018
This book blew my mind. I’m not afraid to admit it. I’ve read everything by this author up to now, and know her penchant for writing real people in gritty situations. She isn’t afraid to write the issues some of us would rather skirt around, and she does so with a finesse that easily betrays her understanding of the human condition. Eleanor doesn’t write fake people—Mary Sue characters that don’t ring true. She writes real people who are flawed, sometimes deeply. People who make mistakes and suffer the consequences, as we all have to do from time to time.
Syra and Jack fall exactly into that category. There were times I wanted to slap them silly for the crappy life choices they made, and others where I wanted to cradle them in my arms and make it all better. In both cases, my emotions were real and my mind utterly engaged in the story, to the point where I would look up from reading and wonder where I was.
Make no mistakes; this isn’t an easy or comfortable read. It will make you think, at times make you intensely uncomfortable, as I believe all the very best books do. I believe literature should challenge us on a personal level as we read, and this book ticks every one of my boxes.
The prose is smooth and runs off the page easily. The dialogue is beautifully written and feels as real as the conversations I have in day to day life. The characters are real and flawed but still intensely likeable, and the story had me on the edge of my seat in suspense at regular intervals. The storyline is as craggy as the coastline it’s set beside, with an ending that had the most wonderful tears streaming down my face.
In short, this book is a masterpiece that takes Eleanor’s writing up to the next level and beyond. As five is all I’m allowed to give, I’ll settle for them, but if I could, I’d give more.
Syra and Jack fall exactly into that category. There were times I wanted to slap them silly for the crappy life choices they made, and others where I wanted to cradle them in my arms and make it all better. In both cases, my emotions were real and my mind utterly engaged in the story, to the point where I would look up from reading and wonder where I was.
Make no mistakes; this isn’t an easy or comfortable read. It will make you think, at times make you intensely uncomfortable, as I believe all the very best books do. I believe literature should challenge us on a personal level as we read, and this book ticks every one of my boxes.
The prose is smooth and runs off the page easily. The dialogue is beautifully written and feels as real as the conversations I have in day to day life. The characters are real and flawed but still intensely likeable, and the story had me on the edge of my seat in suspense at regular intervals. The storyline is as craggy as the coastline it’s set beside, with an ending that had the most wonderful tears streaming down my face.
In short, this book is a masterpiece that takes Eleanor’s writing up to the next level and beyond. As five is all I’m allowed to give, I’ll settle for them, but if I could, I’d give more.
December 25, 2018
I struggled with this story soooo much, I almost DNF several times. I had more problems with the way it was told, not with the story itself. I didn't have problems with Syra sleeping with countless men to fulfill her inner void or always choose wrong decisions. She could be really great character.
What trully bothered me is how the story was delivered - same facts told several times, repeating them through whole book and statements not supported by actions; this caused weak heroine and hero, their relationship seemed disconnected and all other events at the end pointless.
What trully bothered me is how the story was delivered - same facts told several times, repeating them through whole book and statements not supported by actions; this caused weak heroine and hero, their relationship seemed disconnected and all other events at the end pointless.
November 22, 2018
Eu não suportei a personagem feminina desse livro. Sabe uma pessoa que só faz merda atrás de merda? Essa personagem faz pior!! Além do mais eu não me conectei com ela e com nada desse livro. Foi uma leitura nem um pouco prazerosa que só me faz passar raiva.
Não recomendo mesmo esse livro.
Não recomendo mesmo esse livro.
November 4, 2018
Eleanor has written a magnificent and compelling story, Beautifully heartwrenching and all consuming. It touched my heart and I couldn't bring myself to put it down until the end, because it played on my mind, I just had to know what was going to happen.
Sometimes it was hard to read because of the dark subject matter, but that made it all the more real because it made me feel emotion. Jack and Syra's journey is not an easy one so be prepared for a very bumpy ride. But it is so worth it. Proving that a Love so powerful can over come any obstacles in your way. This is such a breathtaking book and Eleanor has definitely excelled herself, I highly recommend it. Amazing.
Sometimes it was hard to read because of the dark subject matter, but that made it all the more real because it made me feel emotion. Jack and Syra's journey is not an easy one so be prepared for a very bumpy ride. But it is so worth it. Proving that a Love so powerful can over come any obstacles in your way. This is such a breathtaking book and Eleanor has definitely excelled herself, I highly recommend it. Amazing.
November 14, 2018
Too Good Girl was an emotional read that dealt with some really dark issues. It's okay not to be okay and it's okay to ask for help. This book portrayed that beautifully, the writing powerful and relentless. I was hooked from the very beginning, desperate to read faster just to know more, yet struggling to do that because I didn't want it to end. I ABSOLUTELY loved this gem of a read.
4.5 Stars
*ARC kindly given in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much*
4.5 Stars
*ARC kindly given in exchange for an honest review, thank you so much*
June 3, 2019
This is raw and gritty - drug abuse, self abuse, and living life on the shady side of the law. It's not a pretty read. It's about mental health and Syra learning to live her life, and finding her self worth. I really enjoyed it. It's the first book I've read by this author, but I'll take a look at her other books.
August 25, 2019
Wow!!
This whole story blew me away. From the minute I started reading this story I was completely hooked and captured by this authors words. It has so many feels and you get so sucked in, I felt like I was there with these characters.
Syra and Jack, well what can I say but how my heart broke for Syra on more than one occasion. I wanted to crawl into the story and help fight along with Jack to help her become the amazing person she had deep inside her. Jack was her Knight in shining armour and I loved him from the get go.
This story had me go through so many emotions and feels, I honestly couldn’t stop reading and just knew I had to see how it ended. The twists and turns the story took me on, had me completely hooked and I didn’t know which way it would go next.
Absolutely amazing 5 ⭐️ read and one that everyone needs to read.
This whole story blew me away. From the minute I started reading this story I was completely hooked and captured by this authors words. It has so many feels and you get so sucked in, I felt like I was there with these characters.
Syra and Jack, well what can I say but how my heart broke for Syra on more than one occasion. I wanted to crawl into the story and help fight along with Jack to help her become the amazing person she had deep inside her. Jack was her Knight in shining armour and I loved him from the get go.
This story had me go through so many emotions and feels, I honestly couldn’t stop reading and just knew I had to see how it ended. The twists and turns the story took me on, had me completely hooked and I didn’t know which way it would go next.
Absolutely amazing 5 ⭐️ read and one that everyone needs to read.
January 1, 2019
FIVE AMAZING STARS!!
I cannot even begin to express how good this book is. Nothing I say will do it justice, you just have to dive in and see for yourself. Although Eleanor is no stranger to me, this was the read book of hers I have read, and I kicked myself as to why I haven’t picked up one of her books before. The words that wrap around these two beautiful broken characters are just magical. The power of the story and the strength between Syra and Jack is something that struck my heart in a way I never expected. Everything about this book is just pure feels, making Too Good Girl crash into my top reads of 2018 and even now, I can’t stop thinking about how much this story got me.
Simply beautiful.
I cannot even begin to express how good this book is. Nothing I say will do it justice, you just have to dive in and see for yourself. Although Eleanor is no stranger to me, this was the read book of hers I have read, and I kicked myself as to why I haven’t picked up one of her books before. The words that wrap around these two beautiful broken characters are just magical. The power of the story and the strength between Syra and Jack is something that struck my heart in a way I never expected. Everything about this book is just pure feels, making Too Good Girl crash into my top reads of 2018 and even now, I can’t stop thinking about how much this story got me.
Simply beautiful.
October 18, 2018
What else can i say except that this a beautiful story! ELJ has created some amazing characters that you just have to love! I was rooting for Syra and Jack from beginning till the end. It’s a heartbreaking and beautifully written story, about a girl trying to get out of the darkness and a boy trying to safe and help the girl that he loves.... it’s a book that i recommend everyone to read! You don’t want to miss it<3
Amazing Job Mrs ELJ....i really loved it <3
Amazing Job Mrs ELJ....i really loved it <3
November 2, 2018
Too Good Girl was an emotional read that dealt with some really dark issues. You can't help but to just fall in love with these characters and want to help them. I loved Jack and his fierce loyalty to Syra. Life just slammed Syra and Jack down from the start. This book also shows you that it's ok to reach out for help. And you never have to feel alone.
February 8, 2019
Wow! This book blew me away! Absolutely brilliant!
This is the 2nd book by Eleanor Lloyd Jones that I’ve read and to be honest I didn’t know what to expect. This book was darker then I expected it to be but dark is my absolute favourite genre so it added to my enjoyment so much.
It’s a definite rollercoaster of a read and an emotional one too.
Most definitely worthy of 5 stars.
This is the 2nd book by Eleanor Lloyd Jones that I’ve read and to be honest I didn’t know what to expect. This book was darker then I expected it to be but dark is my absolute favourite genre so it added to my enjoyment so much.
It’s a definite rollercoaster of a read and an emotional one too.
Most definitely worthy of 5 stars.
November 5, 2018
What a book! It’s a rollercoaster of a read and every word had me hooked. Dealing with very current issues it’s a perfect mix of suspense, heartbreak and a delicious bit of naughtiness thrown in the middle. I’ve never read this author before but I will definitely read her work again! Bravo 💜💜💜💜
December 31, 2018
This book gives it all ~ love, betrayal, forgiveness, suspense, acceptance, turmoil and then peace. I truly enjoyed reading this. I will definitely read more by this author.
November 14, 2018
If Eleanor Lloyd-Jones has a knack for anything, it’s writing real, true-to-life, broken, and gritty characters.
What truly sets her apart from other authors in the romance genre is her ability to deliver a story that will push a reader’s limits.
This book isn’t necessarily dark per se, but it deals with issues many would choose to gloss over or avoid altogether, especially in romance. She adds this level of realness and does it with such research and care, you can’t help but feel like you are experiencing these traumatic events with her characters.
That being said, the tough subjects mentioned in this story don’t make it any less of an enjoyable read.
It fact, it was quite the opposite.
I found myself glued to the pages, my breath held high in my lungs, unable to turn them fast enough to discover what would become of our hero and heroine and whether or not they’d ever get the HEA they deserved.
Syra is a young woman, struggling with every aspect of her life. At times, she drove me mad with the decisions she made, but I found her on par with her age. Her recklessness and her inability to deal and cope with the challenges she faces are as real as they can possibly get. She’s been dealt a crap hand, and without the love, guidance, and support of her parents, she manages the only way she knows how. So many times I wanted to reach into this book, grab her shoulders, and scream at her to stop being so self-destructive, but I also wanted to hold her close and tell she was enough. She was better than this life she thinks she’s destined to live. Syra isn’t a character that everyone will connect with, but that’s what makes her so perfectly written. She’s beautifully flawed, and therefore, so damn real.
Jack. Sigh. Where do I start with Jack? He’s so in love with his best friend, he at times, loses sight of his own life and forgets to put himself and his own needs first. If there is ever a selfless hero who is completely devoted to his heroine, it’s this guy. I don’t want to reveal too much more in regards to his character, because Jack has a story of his own, one that needs to be experienced firsthand.
If you’re looking for a break from the warm and fuzzy romance, and are in search of a truly unique storyline and characters that will stay with you long after you’ve read them, then pick up a copy of Too Good Girl. You won’t be disappointed.
What truly sets her apart from other authors in the romance genre is her ability to deliver a story that will push a reader’s limits.
This book isn’t necessarily dark per se, but it deals with issues many would choose to gloss over or avoid altogether, especially in romance. She adds this level of realness and does it with such research and care, you can’t help but feel like you are experiencing these traumatic events with her characters.
That being said, the tough subjects mentioned in this story don’t make it any less of an enjoyable read.
It fact, it was quite the opposite.
I found myself glued to the pages, my breath held high in my lungs, unable to turn them fast enough to discover what would become of our hero and heroine and whether or not they’d ever get the HEA they deserved.
Syra is a young woman, struggling with every aspect of her life. At times, she drove me mad with the decisions she made, but I found her on par with her age. Her recklessness and her inability to deal and cope with the challenges she faces are as real as they can possibly get. She’s been dealt a crap hand, and without the love, guidance, and support of her parents, she manages the only way she knows how. So many times I wanted to reach into this book, grab her shoulders, and scream at her to stop being so self-destructive, but I also wanted to hold her close and tell she was enough. She was better than this life she thinks she’s destined to live. Syra isn’t a character that everyone will connect with, but that’s what makes her so perfectly written. She’s beautifully flawed, and therefore, so damn real.
Jack. Sigh. Where do I start with Jack? He’s so in love with his best friend, he at times, loses sight of his own life and forgets to put himself and his own needs first. If there is ever a selfless hero who is completely devoted to his heroine, it’s this guy. I don’t want to reveal too much more in regards to his character, because Jack has a story of his own, one that needs to be experienced firsthand.
If you’re looking for a break from the warm and fuzzy romance, and are in search of a truly unique storyline and characters that will stay with you long after you’ve read them, then pick up a copy of Too Good Girl. You won’t be disappointed.
November 18, 2018
If you're looking for a book that is completely out of the box original, then Too Good Girl is the one for you. If you're looking for a story that will totally destroy your emotions, then this story is for you. And finally, if you're looking for a story that will keep you guessing to the very end because an author is a diabolical genius, then Eleanor Lloyd-Jones is the author for you. But let me give you a tiny peak into the description. Syra Johnson is a girl who is filled with pain, and is completely shut down. And when the pain gets to be too much, she has a certain way she deals with it. Jack Palmer, her best friend, has his own set of painful issues, but has her back, until things take a turn, and he has to walk away. And this is where things take an even darker turn. My emotions are completely raw after finishing this story, as it seemed like the hits never stopped coming. I know it looked like Syra seemed to put herself in the position for a lot of them, but seriously, as young as she was when she had to take care of herself, she never really stood a chance to mature normally though she's taking steps & getting help. Now those twists were insanely intense, and they kept the f-bombs dropping right & left, as they kept my head spinning. This story came off realistic in the telling, and it's not for the faint of heart, but it's worth all the feels! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
October 29, 2018
Too Good Girl was the first book I've read by this author and I finished it in less than a day. It was written in a way that compelled me to continue reading. I became so invested in the characters that I had to see how their story ended.
Syra, a nineteen year old who has experienced more than her fair share of tragedy, is the main character. She is suffering, barely getting through life and her self-destructive coping mechanisms are definitely not the norm. Her best friend is a guy named Jack who rescued her from the streets. He gave her a place to live and she credits him with basically saving her life. However, he is far from perfect and has his own baggage. Syra and Jack are two damaged people trying to find their way through life and ultimately to each other. Their journey is often gritty and painful and it shows just how much the actions of others can impact people - both good and bad.
This book isn't a typical "warm and fuzzy" romance. However, it is a beautifully written story about survival, forgiveness and the power of love.
**I was gifted an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
Syra, a nineteen year old who has experienced more than her fair share of tragedy, is the main character. She is suffering, barely getting through life and her self-destructive coping mechanisms are definitely not the norm. Her best friend is a guy named Jack who rescued her from the streets. He gave her a place to live and she credits him with basically saving her life. However, he is far from perfect and has his own baggage. Syra and Jack are two damaged people trying to find their way through life and ultimately to each other. Their journey is often gritty and painful and it shows just how much the actions of others can impact people - both good and bad.
This book isn't a typical "warm and fuzzy" romance. However, it is a beautifully written story about survival, forgiveness and the power of love.
**I was gifted an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
November 12, 2018
A story that flows beautifully, written with an ease that is as simple as if you were in a conversation.
Characters that aren’t from a cookie cutter reality and have an edge and real ness to them that has the desired impact on the story as it’s told ! They aren’t perfect, they are flawed, engaging, emotional, torn and genuine !
This book showcases the authors ease with difficult and challenging subject matters. As readers you can feel uncomfortable and uneasy reading, but the author has a delicate touch that and a finesse to her writing that you understand the necessity of these moments !
The ease of pace allows you to feel the pain and raw emotion seeping through and makes you want to reach in amongst the words and give comfort to the characters that you will fall for !
The journey that Jack and Syra took was emotional and raw and shows that you are never truly alone, you can ask for help and you shouldn’t be frightened by your past or your pain ! And by the end of this tale I had tears pooling and wanted more
Well played Eleanor ! Beautiful x
5 Stars
4TLOReading
Characters that aren’t from a cookie cutter reality and have an edge and real ness to them that has the desired impact on the story as it’s told ! They aren’t perfect, they are flawed, engaging, emotional, torn and genuine !
This book showcases the authors ease with difficult and challenging subject matters. As readers you can feel uncomfortable and uneasy reading, but the author has a delicate touch that and a finesse to her writing that you understand the necessity of these moments !
The ease of pace allows you to feel the pain and raw emotion seeping through and makes you want to reach in amongst the words and give comfort to the characters that you will fall for !
The journey that Jack and Syra took was emotional and raw and shows that you are never truly alone, you can ask for help and you shouldn’t be frightened by your past or your pain ! And by the end of this tale I had tears pooling and wanted more
Well played Eleanor ! Beautiful x
5 Stars
4TLOReading
October 30, 2018
Heart wrenching.
I wanted to start my review in a similar way this story starts. A line to grab your attention. Then delve right into a raw, gritty, and heartbreaking story. ELJ tackles a lot of very tough issues with this one and does it beautifully! Syra is broken, badly. So badly, I don’t even think she knows how much. I wanted to shake her, yell at her, mother her, love her and heal her. I was going through all the emotions as I read through her journey. It was a rough one and one I wasn’t sure she would make it through. She let it consume her on more than one occasion. But with the help and love of Jack (swoon) she finally comes out on the other side.
Jack is not perfect, he has issues of his own. But his heart...It’s in the right place and he is the only one who can really help her at all.
This isn’t your typical love story.
Be prepared to feel so much more. ALL the emotions.
Be prepared for the book hangover that will come with this one.
I wanted to start my review in a similar way this story starts. A line to grab your attention. Then delve right into a raw, gritty, and heartbreaking story. ELJ tackles a lot of very tough issues with this one and does it beautifully! Syra is broken, badly. So badly, I don’t even think she knows how much. I wanted to shake her, yell at her, mother her, love her and heal her. I was going through all the emotions as I read through her journey. It was a rough one and one I wasn’t sure she would make it through. She let it consume her on more than one occasion. But with the help and love of Jack (swoon) she finally comes out on the other side.
Jack is not perfect, he has issues of his own. But his heart...It’s in the right place and he is the only one who can really help her at all.
This isn’t your typical love story.
Be prepared to feel so much more. ALL the emotions.
Be prepared for the book hangover that will come with this one.
December 11, 2018
This book explores real life experiences and the impact grieve can have on someone. The anger, the emptiness, and loneliness are all characteristics of the main heroine character in the book.
Syra is a broken girl who's outlet is to use men to support her lose control and unfeel. They are like her own therapy and they are oblivious to her acting out every emotion they believe she is feeling.
The location of beachy cove had me imagining being there walking with the characters and paddling in the sea. I don't enjoy too much description in books however, this location and the way the author provided glimpses of it through- out the story had me wanting every detail.
This story is akin to the series power however, focus more on the deeper, personal impact that drugs and a lack of support can have on someone. The fear they experience having been neglected their whole lives being let down time and time again.
Syra is a broken girl who's outlet is to use men to support her lose control and unfeel. They are like her own therapy and they are oblivious to her acting out every emotion they believe she is feeling.
The location of beachy cove had me imagining being there walking with the characters and paddling in the sea. I don't enjoy too much description in books however, this location and the way the author provided glimpses of it through- out the story had me wanting every detail.
This story is akin to the series power however, focus more on the deeper, personal impact that drugs and a lack of support can have on someone. The fear they experience having been neglected their whole lives being let down time and time again.
April 7, 2020
This book was absolutely brilliant! I am a sucker for some drama and I was gifted here!
This story follows a young girl haunted by her past and blinded by her greif and self loathing. Syra is such a relatable character which causes such a craving for resolution and her chapters really show raw emotion.
Jack's chapters for me were completely amazing, personally I love a male perspective and this one was just incredible! I just want to give him cookies and hot chocolate! While Syra's chapters are completely relatable in so many ways, Jack's perfectly show the overlap of love and self preservation which I found to be incredibly well written.
Overall this book absolutely stunned me and was so heartwrenching and yet so full of hope that you just need to know the ending! I cannot reccomend it enough and if I could give more than 5 stars I would.
This story follows a young girl haunted by her past and blinded by her greif and self loathing. Syra is such a relatable character which causes such a craving for resolution and her chapters really show raw emotion.
Jack's chapters for me were completely amazing, personally I love a male perspective and this one was just incredible! I just want to give him cookies and hot chocolate! While Syra's chapters are completely relatable in so many ways, Jack's perfectly show the overlap of love and self preservation which I found to be incredibly well written.
Overall this book absolutely stunned me and was so heartwrenching and yet so full of hope that you just need to know the ending! I cannot reccomend it enough and if I could give more than 5 stars I would.
May 15, 2021
A real life issue that isn’t often spoken about—Eleanor Lloyd-Jones gives us a tasteful encounter of someone living on the dark side.
A story of someone trapped in a vicious cycle of pain, grief, drugs and sex.
It’s a tough read but a beautiful one. It’s tough because it’s as gritty as life can get, yet Eleanor Lloyd-Jones has a way with words and turns a painful story into one you can’t put down. From the connection between characters right down to the emotion, none of it is sugar coated, it’s real and angsty and sexy.
There were moments I hated the main character, yet I was still rooting for her. I’ve not read many authors that have had the power to do so.
I’d recommend this book to anyone that wants an angsty real life book. It’s not a fairytale. It’s not for the faint of heart either. It’s for someone wanting to read about a broken character and to see her through all her pain.
A story of someone trapped in a vicious cycle of pain, grief, drugs and sex.
It’s a tough read but a beautiful one. It’s tough because it’s as gritty as life can get, yet Eleanor Lloyd-Jones has a way with words and turns a painful story into one you can’t put down. From the connection between characters right down to the emotion, none of it is sugar coated, it’s real and angsty and sexy.
There were moments I hated the main character, yet I was still rooting for her. I’ve not read many authors that have had the power to do so.
I’d recommend this book to anyone that wants an angsty real life book. It’s not a fairytale. It’s not for the faint of heart either. It’s for someone wanting to read about a broken character and to see her through all her pain.
January 15, 2019
This is an easy 5-star book for me. When I read the last line of the last chapter I was left feeling like I was leaving something really special behind. This one really tugs on the heart sting's and touches on some really tough topics. Possible triggers in this one - just be aware! The journey through the lives of the main characters is built up beautifully. A perfect give and take of friendship, love, betrayal, past hurts vs. moving on, new life... I felt like I was living this one and that doesn't always happen. I have been an emotional mess, hungover if you will, and it's taken me a few weeks to come to a point where I can even write this review. READ THIS BOOK. Seriously, it has it all. It's just that good and you will more than glad that you read it. 5-STARS.
November 21, 2018
*I was provided a review copy of this novel, but that in no way affects my thoughts or opinions as expressed in this review*
This book will rip you apart and put you back together again. Eleanor Lloyd-Jones has a way of writing that grips from page one and does not release until long after the last word is read. The characters are beautifully broken, truly a realistic type of flawed, and that creates the absolute best reading experience because you honestly feel for them as they work their way into your heart. I would certainly recommend. Please note, I cannot be held responsible for the big old ugly tears that you will shed. Have tissues ready.
This book will rip you apart and put you back together again. Eleanor Lloyd-Jones has a way of writing that grips from page one and does not release until long after the last word is read. The characters are beautifully broken, truly a realistic type of flawed, and that creates the absolute best reading experience because you honestly feel for them as they work their way into your heart. I would certainly recommend. Please note, I cannot be held responsible for the big old ugly tears that you will shed. Have tissues ready.
November 12, 2018
Wow... what to say about this story. Deep, emotional, traumatic, maybe a little dark, definitely not on the softer side.
I did enjoy this story and wanted to see the characters through and be there for them.
My goodness my heart broke for Syra, and well Jack is just the best.
These characters had depth and an emotional downward spiral, where you questioned whether they’d ever see a HEA.
Rest assured there is,....but you will be taken on a journey of self destruction with issues dealing with drugs, mental health, grief, loss and other sensitive subjects.
“You are good enough”
I did enjoy this story and wanted to see the characters through and be there for them.
My goodness my heart broke for Syra, and well Jack is just the best.
These characters had depth and an emotional downward spiral, where you questioned whether they’d ever see a HEA.
Rest assured there is,....but you will be taken on a journey of self destruction with issues dealing with drugs, mental health, grief, loss and other sensitive subjects.
“You are good enough”
November 14, 2018
Wow! Wow! Wow!
For me, this was an absolute page-turner of a book. It was so engaging that I really struggled to put it down and adult!
It is raw and gritty, it tackles subjects that others would shy away from, it is uncomfortable to read in parts, it's heartwrenching, it's emotional and it's intense........but make no mistake - the writing is exceptional.
I have read all her books and in my opinion this is ELJ's best book to date!
For me, this was an absolute page-turner of a book. It was so engaging that I really struggled to put it down and adult!
It is raw and gritty, it tackles subjects that others would shy away from, it is uncomfortable to read in parts, it's heartwrenching, it's emotional and it's intense........but make no mistake - the writing is exceptional.
I have read all her books and in my opinion this is ELJ's best book to date!
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