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The Souls Duet #1
When We Crash
Two lost souls, bound by love, unable to let go.
Given a second chance to find his soulmate after a horrific accident takes their lives, a young man returns as a teenager named Dexter Andrews.
But there are rules:
She won't remember him and he'll have to rely on fragmented memories of the life he once knew.
Finding her is one thing; loving her and her self-destructive ways is another.
Given a second chance to find his soulmate after a horrific accident takes their lives, a young man returns as a teenager named Dexter Andrews.
But there are rules:
She won't remember him and he'll have to rely on fragmented memories of the life he once knew.
Finding her is one thing; loving her and her self-destructive ways is another.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2015
24 people are currently reading
469 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia A. Rodriguez
24 books391 followersCynthia hates writing her own bio. In her down-time, you can find her watching movies, ranging anywhere from classic to action flicks (she has a weakness for Marvel adaptations), and reading any novel she can get her hands on.
She loves hearing from her readers! You can reach Cynthia at cynthia.a.rodriguez6@gmail.com. Both her Twitter and Instagram handles are @thecynrodriguez.
She loves hearing from her readers! You can reach Cynthia at cynthia.a.rodriguez6@gmail.com. Both her Twitter and Instagram handles are @thecynrodriguez.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
February 20, 2020
Find this review and others at Carlene Inspired.
Dexter is the anti-alpha, as a high school senior with a serious case of amnesia his only real goal is to find the woman he can't stop thinking of. He doesn't know her name, he doesn't know her voice, but he knows she's out there. He'll shed his previous, popular skin for a chance with her. Noa isn't looking for anyone and she doesn't want anyone to look for her, but she can't deny the changed Dexter. Their first touch lights a spark in both of them, but not even a love like that of soulmates can fix the history that makes up Noa. He knows she must be it, but she's a beautiful mess who hasn't yet learned to even love her own self. When We Crash is the story of two souls and the repeated chances they get through the course of time.
"I didn't know who she was anymore. But what I did know was that there was an ache in my chest where she'd been."
Cynthia A. Rodriguez gives us more than just an angsty romance, it is clear she has poured her own heart and emotions into this book and it is clear from this rambling review that I am completely enamored with this read. When We Crash is a story of heartbreak, loss, forgiveness, addiction, and time...more than anything, it's about time. Dexter and Noa are given time, time to find one another, but time doesn't always fix everything. Time brings distance, changes, new love, loss, death, and life. Though they've been given this chance it is up to them to take advantage and sometimes two souls crash together and even time can't stop the wreck. It's a raw story, completely unpredictable with the pages filled with love so intense, but no secure place for it to hold onto.
"Except...I love you. There it was. The voice that belonged to the person I'd loved in my last life."
I loved the youthful feel of the romance between Dexter and Noa, as well as the centuries old feeling of soulmates that spills from them. It's such a heartbreaking read, but somehow Cynthia still filled it with hope. There's the promise of soulmates, of love transcending time, but the truth is that finding your other half isn't all it takes, especially when one is so naive and insecure about their place in the world. My word does reading this book hurt, the what ifs these two explore are so painful and so powerful, and yet When We Crash is infused with magic. I cried, of course, I smiled a lot, and I fell in love with the souls inside of Dexter and Noa. I can't imagine what is to come in the next novel in this stunning debut, but here Cynthia, here's my heart do with it what you will.
ARC provided.
Dexter is the anti-alpha, as a high school senior with a serious case of amnesia his only real goal is to find the woman he can't stop thinking of. He doesn't know her name, he doesn't know her voice, but he knows she's out there. He'll shed his previous, popular skin for a chance with her. Noa isn't looking for anyone and she doesn't want anyone to look for her, but she can't deny the changed Dexter. Their first touch lights a spark in both of them, but not even a love like that of soulmates can fix the history that makes up Noa. He knows she must be it, but she's a beautiful mess who hasn't yet learned to even love her own self. When We Crash is the story of two souls and the repeated chances they get through the course of time.
"I didn't know who she was anymore. But what I did know was that there was an ache in my chest where she'd been."
Cynthia A. Rodriguez gives us more than just an angsty romance, it is clear she has poured her own heart and emotions into this book and it is clear from this rambling review that I am completely enamored with this read. When We Crash is a story of heartbreak, loss, forgiveness, addiction, and time...more than anything, it's about time. Dexter and Noa are given time, time to find one another, but time doesn't always fix everything. Time brings distance, changes, new love, loss, death, and life. Though they've been given this chance it is up to them to take advantage and sometimes two souls crash together and even time can't stop the wreck. It's a raw story, completely unpredictable with the pages filled with love so intense, but no secure place for it to hold onto.
"Except...I love you. There it was. The voice that belonged to the person I'd loved in my last life."
I loved the youthful feel of the romance between Dexter and Noa, as well as the centuries old feeling of soulmates that spills from them. It's such a heartbreaking read, but somehow Cynthia still filled it with hope. There's the promise of soulmates, of love transcending time, but the truth is that finding your other half isn't all it takes, especially when one is so naive and insecure about their place in the world. My word does reading this book hurt, the what ifs these two explore are so painful and so powerful, and yet When We Crash is infused with magic. I cried, of course, I smiled a lot, and I fell in love with the souls inside of Dexter and Noa. I can't imagine what is to come in the next novel in this stunning debut, but here Cynthia, here's my heart do with it what you will.
ARC provided.
March 24, 2020
4 💙💔💙💔🌟🌟🌟🌟s❣️
When love is so powerful, everything might happen. Either good or bad...
Dexter was given a second chance in life due to his great love with his girlfriend, his soulmate ❣️
Dexter ana Noa’s journey was not effortless. They shared beautiful but also hard moments throughout.
Following the events, they couldn’t but crash leaving me heartbroken...
The writing was amazing, full of emotions, the characters felt real and vivid.
It was a an emotional, remarkable, yet tragic love story 💔
When love is so powerful, everything might happen. Either good or bad...
Dexter was given a second chance in life due to his great love with his girlfriend, his soulmate ❣️
Dexter ana Noa’s journey was not effortless. They shared beautiful but also hard moments throughout.
Following the events, they couldn’t but crash leaving me heartbroken...
The writing was amazing, full of emotions, the characters felt real and vivid.
It was a an emotional, remarkable, yet tragic love story 💔
October 29, 2015
5+ "UNENDING LOVE" STARS.
“I will forever remember these characters as lovers slow dancing in the hottest fire under a sea of stars. Trust me. After all, can anyone survive dancing in fire?”
Crashing Souls by Cynthia a. Rodriguez is hands down, one of the best books I have had the pleasure to read this year.
This book had my feelings all over the place. Once I started reading it I just could not put it down. It was so addictive. I went to bed until I finished and after that I cried until I fell asleep. It was an emotional wreck and I loved it.
This story was magical. It was so much more than finding your soulmate. It was about second chances, about what love really is. The author's writing was utterly amazing, it made me feel everything. She played with my emotions in a unique way.
Noa & Dexter. I Loved & Hated them. Their actions had painful consequences but that is what real life is about. Love, Pain, Loss.
This is a book you definitely have to read, that is why I'm not going to give any details. YOU HAVE TO LIVE THE CRASHING SOULS EXPERIENCE.
Making this short, I FUCKING LOVED THIS BOOK. And it has a permanent place in my heart. So do yourself a favor and read it.
“I will forever remember these characters as lovers slow dancing in the hottest fire under a sea of stars. Trust me. After all, can anyone survive dancing in fire?”
Crashing Souls by Cynthia a. Rodriguez is hands down, one of the best books I have had the pleasure to read this year.
This book had my feelings all over the place. Once I started reading it I just could not put it down. It was so addictive. I went to bed until I finished and after that I cried until I fell asleep. It was an emotional wreck and I loved it.
This story was magical. It was so much more than finding your soulmate. It was about second chances, about what love really is. The author's writing was utterly amazing, it made me feel everything. She played with my emotions in a unique way.
Noa & Dexter. I Loved & Hated them. Their actions had painful consequences but that is what real life is about. Love, Pain, Loss.
This is a book you definitely have to read, that is why I'm not going to give any details. YOU HAVE TO LIVE THE CRASHING SOULS EXPERIENCE.
Making this short, I FUCKING LOVED THIS BOOK. And it has a permanent place in my heart. So do yourself a favor and read it.
November 7, 2015
Advance Readers Copy (ARC) provided for my blog for an honest review from the author via blog tour/release blitz
Title: Crashing Souls
Author: Cynthia A. Rodriguez
Source: eARC
Pages: 328
Genre: Contemporary
Age Group: New Adult
Characters: Dexter Andrews, Noa Cruz
Point of View: Dual - First
Happily Ever After:
Release Date: Oct 28th, 2015
Date Read: November 5th, 2015
Rating: 5+ Stars
"It isn't about what was...it's about what is."
The author wrote the most unique, tragic, but most epic love story I've read this year. It was raw, heartfelt, and moving, just totally unforgettable. The novel was well written had depth and meaning behind the words at one point this novel had me in tears and emotionally wrecked.
"You should want more, Noa. You should want the world."
I couldn't read this fast enough I needed to know how this ended I needed answers but of course even when I finished this I felt the need to read it again even though I don't have all the answers. The author really knows how to pull on your heartstrings.
"She owned my eyes. From the moment i saw her. They found purchase on any bit of her that was visible."
I hope the author continues writing more about Noa and Dexter I just never want their story to end. It's much too beautiful to end before it even got started. This is one of the stories and plots that I wish most authors wrote about. It's just breathtaking work.
Title: Crashing Souls
Author: Cynthia A. Rodriguez
Source: eARC
Pages: 328
Genre: Contemporary
Age Group: New Adult
Characters: Dexter Andrews, Noa Cruz
Point of View: Dual - First
Happily Ever After:
Release Date: Oct 28th, 2015
Date Read: November 5th, 2015
Rating: 5+ Stars
"It isn't about what was...it's about what is."
The author wrote the most unique, tragic, but most epic love story I've read this year. It was raw, heartfelt, and moving, just totally unforgettable. The novel was well written had depth and meaning behind the words at one point this novel had me in tears and emotionally wrecked.
"You should want more, Noa. You should want the world."
I couldn't read this fast enough I needed to know how this ended I needed answers but of course even when I finished this I felt the need to read it again even though I don't have all the answers. The author really knows how to pull on your heartstrings.
"She owned my eyes. From the moment i saw her. They found purchase on any bit of her that was visible."
I hope the author continues writing more about Noa and Dexter I just never want their story to end. It's much too beautiful to end before it even got started. This is one of the stories and plots that I wish most authors wrote about. It's just breathtaking work.
September 17, 2015
Crashing Souls is beyond what I thought it would be. The sweet cadence of this story draws you in. Dexter Andrews is a refreshing change from a market saturated with over the top controlling "heros". This is a love story, and it claims your soul, just like Noa and Dex owned each other. I was left a puddle and I couldn't recommend this book more.
It's slow to start, but all the best books are. Give Cynthia A Rodriguez the time and she'll give richly developed characters that you just have to dive into.
Well Done. Looking forward to more from this Author.
It's slow to start, but all the best books are. Give Cynthia A Rodriguez the time and she'll give richly developed characters that you just have to dive into.
Well Done. Looking forward to more from this Author.
May 11, 2015
I can't put in to words right now what I'm feeling. My emotions were all over the place while reading this beautifully dark epic love story. I had to step away a few times because it was intense. But overall it was amazing, the darkness was so beautiful. Definitely a must read!!!
October 3, 2015
Crashing Souls was wonderfully written - a story very different from what I've read before. The work of art is beautiful, however, I don't agree with some of the aspects of the message being depicted because I choose to look at life very differently. Yes, there are tragedies that occur in life, and my opinion, is that we are responsible for all of it - the good and the bad. I don't see the bad as bad, simply a matter of defining more clearly the things we choose to have in our lives. There is always a choice. Do we choose to be happy or do we choose to be unhappy. Our own happiness is up to us, not anyone else. Others simply can add to or take away our happiness. If they add to it, keep them in your life. If they take away, remove them from you life.
Don't let my personal opionion sway you from reading this story. It just may have a profound impact on you and your life, which I hope it does. May it allow you to see beauty and love and be grateful for what is in you life. If you're not happy with what is, then change it! :)
Don't let my personal opionion sway you from reading this story. It just may have a profound impact on you and your life, which I hope it does. May it allow you to see beauty and love and be grateful for what is in you life. If you're not happy with what is, then change it! :)
Read
February 6, 2020Done. :)
February 25, 2016
Can't decide between a 3.5 or a 4 stars rating, so I'll make a decision once I have my review
February 16, 2020
"I was in love the day that I died."
I am going to start this review off by saying this: If you loved those 2012-2014 angst filled books that left you crushed and emo-fied and you have forever been searching for more of that-- you won't want to miss out on When We Crash.
I thought I loved Dexter. I mean, I did love Dexter but Noa came up and took me by complete surprise. Most of the time when we read these types of stories they have the woman trying to "fix" the man which at times gets to be annoying to me. But Noa. Man. She was a beautiful mess. She needed someone and she needed help. And Dexter was so kind and delicate and patient with her. He was never pushy, never hateful. He was just always so thoughtful of Noa and put her first. I think I loved that the most about him. But by the end of the book it was Noa for me. Noa's progression and development. Noa's well being and her hope. Noa, Noa, Noa... the real MVP of When We Crash.
I thought that the concept was cool. Souls and lives intertwining. As I was reading it made me really think about how in depth souls can really be. Cynthia wrote the book so well that it had me contemplating my own life and my own choices LOL!
Not only did the ending leave me stunned-- the whole book did. Mouth hung wide open catching not only flies but feelings. I was not expecting to feel the way that I did about this story and these characters but I feel like they will stick with me forever. When We Crash was full of angst to the max and not only had me feeling so many feelings and turmoil but left me wondering how deep and truly amazing the universe can be. If that doesn't make for a good book, I don't know what does.
I am going to start this review off by saying this: If you loved those 2012-2014 angst filled books that left you crushed and emo-fied and you have forever been searching for more of that-- you won't want to miss out on When We Crash.
I thought I loved Dexter. I mean, I did love Dexter but Noa came up and took me by complete surprise. Most of the time when we read these types of stories they have the woman trying to "fix" the man which at times gets to be annoying to me. But Noa. Man. She was a beautiful mess. She needed someone and she needed help. And Dexter was so kind and delicate and patient with her. He was never pushy, never hateful. He was just always so thoughtful of Noa and put her first. I think I loved that the most about him. But by the end of the book it was Noa for me. Noa's progression and development. Noa's well being and her hope. Noa, Noa, Noa... the real MVP of When We Crash.
I thought that the concept was cool. Souls and lives intertwining. As I was reading it made me really think about how in depth souls can really be. Cynthia wrote the book so well that it had me contemplating my own life and my own choices LOL!
Not only did the ending leave me stunned-- the whole book did. Mouth hung wide open catching not only flies but feelings. I was not expecting to feel the way that I did about this story and these characters but I feel like they will stick with me forever. When We Crash was full of angst to the max and not only had me feeling so many feelings and turmoil but left me wondering how deep and truly amazing the universe can be. If that doesn't make for a good book, I don't know what does.
February 15, 2020
I was warned this book would hurt, and it did. I loved Noa and Dexter and at times I wanted to punch them. After a fatal accident where a boy and a girl die, the boy pleads with Death to let their souls live. He will send them back but she will not know him. He will have to FIGHT for her love and to win her heart all over again. Little does he know the fight he is in for. This book is hard to read at times. You know this couple is young (for most of it) and you want Dexter to just do the work, but he is in a place where he doesn’t know what that is. Noa is kind of a mess. While we realize she needs to get herself together, I wanted them to realize they were better together. There are so many ups and downs and also so many heartbreaking moments. This ends on a cliffhanger, and what a cliffhanger it was. I need to read the conclusion ASAP. The idea of soulmates transcending time is one of my favorite things and i have a feeling this duet will take my heart.
August 3, 2015
4.5 Stars!
I was fortunate enough to read an ARC of Crashing Souls. I say fortunate, because Crashing Souls is a beautiful book. If you're looking for a light read, this is probably not for you. But if you're not afraid of your own mortality, and like your literature to challenge the way you think or live, then give this book a chance. It's full of raw and real moments.
Rodriguez is a very talented writer, who is really coming into her own. Dex and Noa's story is about a love stronger than death and longer than life. On the surface, this is a book about second chances. But as you get further into the story, you see it's about third, fourth, and fifth ones, too. Because we're human, we're flawed, and we all want that one person who is able to see past our mistakes to the soul underneath.
Rodriguez doesn't shy away from this fact, she revels in it. Her characters' imperfections are carefully crafted and never apologized for. Nor should they be. Her style of writing is refreshing. Not only does she write realistic characters, but there is a distinct lack of fluff and filler. Every line adds value, every paragraph pushes the story forward. Perhaps at times I found the fluidity and transitions between certain chapters more abrupt than I would have liked, but in no way did this take away from the story or writing skill.
One final note about *that* ending - in the beautifully written foreword, Rodriguez asks her readers for trust. Keep that in mind as you reach the emotionally-charged conclusion. Your heart may be taken on a rollercoaster as you read Crashing Souls, but it's ultimately safe in her hands.
I was fortunate enough to read an ARC of Crashing Souls. I say fortunate, because Crashing Souls is a beautiful book. If you're looking for a light read, this is probably not for you. But if you're not afraid of your own mortality, and like your literature to challenge the way you think or live, then give this book a chance. It's full of raw and real moments.
Rodriguez is a very talented writer, who is really coming into her own. Dex and Noa's story is about a love stronger than death and longer than life. On the surface, this is a book about second chances. But as you get further into the story, you see it's about third, fourth, and fifth ones, too. Because we're human, we're flawed, and we all want that one person who is able to see past our mistakes to the soul underneath.
Rodriguez doesn't shy away from this fact, she revels in it. Her characters' imperfections are carefully crafted and never apologized for. Nor should they be. Her style of writing is refreshing. Not only does she write realistic characters, but there is a distinct lack of fluff and filler. Every line adds value, every paragraph pushes the story forward. Perhaps at times I found the fluidity and transitions between certain chapters more abrupt than I would have liked, but in no way did this take away from the story or writing skill.
One final note about *that* ending - in the beautifully written foreword, Rodriguez asks her readers for trust. Keep that in mind as you reach the emotionally-charged conclusion. Your heart may be taken on a rollercoaster as you read Crashing Souls, but it's ultimately safe in her hands.
January 11, 2016
Okay, what kind of ending is that?! I don't even know what to do right now, I'm still in shock. I had some speculations as to how it would end. but didn't think it would actually end that way.... :( I think that I'm such a hard core romance kind of person that I have to have that H.E.A., this doesn't have one... I will say the story was amazing. The ending, not too crazy for. Again, because of me being a romance addict... If you don't mind not having an H.E.A, then I would recommend this book! I loved Dex and Noa, their characters were so interesting and I loved that the first half was Dex and second half was Noa. I did also have alot of confusion with the whole Grim Reaper portion.... I overall really enjoyed this book, but the ending wasn't my biggest cup of tea. I would still recommend this to alot of people, but would warn of the loss of H.E.A... I'll have more thoughts on a full review soon. I need time to process this book...
May 31, 2016
My brain is still enjoying a Cuban cigar with a fifth of vodka after finishing this book.
This book shocked me right off the bat considering it starts with a genre I don't normally read. I'm stupid picky with YA; however, the characters are wise beyond their young years and too intellectual for their own good at times.
I really enjoyed reading from Dexter's POV, it offered a fresh perspective on everything, given his recent circumstances.
Cynthia is a brilliant writer. She creates blunt, flawed, honest characters that readers can easily relate to... Everyone has flaws, everyone has insecurities and everyone wishes they could go back and change their past.
I can't write too much more without revealing the plot and juicy, dramatic details. I guess you'll have to read the book yourself to find out the awesomeness it contains.
This book shocked me right off the bat considering it starts with a genre I don't normally read. I'm stupid picky with YA; however, the characters are wise beyond their young years and too intellectual for their own good at times.
I really enjoyed reading from Dexter's POV, it offered a fresh perspective on everything, given his recent circumstances.
Cynthia is a brilliant writer. She creates blunt, flawed, honest characters that readers can easily relate to... Everyone has flaws, everyone has insecurities and everyone wishes they could go back and change their past.
I can't write too much more without revealing the plot and juicy, dramatic details. I guess you'll have to read the book yourself to find out the awesomeness it contains.
October 28, 2015
Mind...Blown. Just need to process all the epicness that is going on in my head right now. 5 AMAZING STARS! Absolutely love everything about Crashing Souls. Story, brilliant! Great job, Cynthia A. Rodriguez. I so look forward to reading ANYthing else that you have in store in that amazing story telling head of yours. To those that have not read Crashing Souls. Get. On. It. You won't be sorry. Trust me.
August 1, 2015
What a beautiful, intense story of finding love for the second time.
What happens when you die? Does the love you had for someone die too or does it continue in another life? Many people think souls will meet again in another lifetime.
What would you do if you were able to come back to life, as a different person and remember your purpose- to find the one that was made for you all over again?
//HE// was able to come back and find his soulmate. The one that was meant for him. If he had her in one life, he would do anything to find her and be with her again. To continue that love story he felt wasn't finished yet. His soul was placed in a teenager's body after a tragic accident and now he's Dexter Andrews.
Finding his love again won't be easy since she won't remember him. Also, he will know nothing of his new life.
Dexter doesn't know anything, but he noticed that he's been fixing all of (old) Dexter's wrong, while looking for his love. When he meets Noa, he stops at nothing to make her his. He's a man on a mission but being that they're just teenagers, things get complicated. Many people would think he's moving too fast and that he has all the time in the world, but he personally knows that time is precious. He isn't going to waste any of it. Especially after given the chance to come back and reunite with his love.
Noa has her own issues, her own demons to battle. I loved her from the start since I saw a little bit of me in her. Noa is open minded and free spirited, she has this way of thinking about things that makes everything fascinating. She questions things in positive and negative ways, but that made me love her even more. She's doubtful at times, but I understood her.
Dexter was a romantic, sometimes cheesy, but who doesn't like a bit of cheesiness once in a while? He was caring and loving, very understanding. But even though he felt like he couldn't live without finding his love once again, he had power to distort her heart as well.
Noa and Dexter find themselves, battle problems and find out the truth behind certain situations. They take one step forward but two steps back.
This book was a rollercoaster ride of two teenagers who seem to get things wrong. It's a beautiful and intense love that leaves two old souls wondering how to move forward. Even as years pass they seem to get things wrong. It's all about growing up and being able to accept things. They need to move forward and accept all the wrongs that put each other through. Life isn't easy, just like their story. I couldn't put this one down from the moment I began. The very first sentence was captivating and had me hooked on to the very end. There's also a twist I honestly didn't see coming. My emotions were everywhere! I freaked out and wanted to scream in many occasions. It was different. I totally recommend this one, it's such a great book. I already miss them and WANT MORE! Absolutely fucking loved it.
PS- read the ending CAREFULLY and till the very last page.
What happens when you die? Does the love you had for someone die too or does it continue in another life? Many people think souls will meet again in another lifetime.
What would you do if you were able to come back to life, as a different person and remember your purpose- to find the one that was made for you all over again?
//HE// was able to come back and find his soulmate. The one that was meant for him. If he had her in one life, he would do anything to find her and be with her again. To continue that love story he felt wasn't finished yet. His soul was placed in a teenager's body after a tragic accident and now he's Dexter Andrews.
Finding his love again won't be easy since she won't remember him. Also, he will know nothing of his new life.
Dexter doesn't know anything, but he noticed that he's been fixing all of (old) Dexter's wrong, while looking for his love. When he meets Noa, he stops at nothing to make her his. He's a man on a mission but being that they're just teenagers, things get complicated. Many people would think he's moving too fast and that he has all the time in the world, but he personally knows that time is precious. He isn't going to waste any of it. Especially after given the chance to come back and reunite with his love.
Noa has her own issues, her own demons to battle. I loved her from the start since I saw a little bit of me in her. Noa is open minded and free spirited, she has this way of thinking about things that makes everything fascinating. She questions things in positive and negative ways, but that made me love her even more. She's doubtful at times, but I understood her.
Dexter was a romantic, sometimes cheesy, but who doesn't like a bit of cheesiness once in a while? He was caring and loving, very understanding. But even though he felt like he couldn't live without finding his love once again, he had power to distort her heart as well.
Noa and Dexter find themselves, battle problems and find out the truth behind certain situations. They take one step forward but two steps back.
This book was a rollercoaster ride of two teenagers who seem to get things wrong. It's a beautiful and intense love that leaves two old souls wondering how to move forward. Even as years pass they seem to get things wrong. It's all about growing up and being able to accept things. They need to move forward and accept all the wrongs that put each other through. Life isn't easy, just like their story. I couldn't put this one down from the moment I began. The very first sentence was captivating and had me hooked on to the very end. There's also a twist I honestly didn't see coming. My emotions were everywhere! I freaked out and wanted to scream in many occasions. It was different. I totally recommend this one, it's such a great book. I already miss them and WANT MORE! Absolutely fucking loved it.
PS- read the ending CAREFULLY and till the very last page.
August 29, 2015
I am not quite sure what words to say on this one. It was such a unique story, and I'm sure many others will say the same thing. The story of Noa and Dex will forever hold a special place in my heart. The emotions and feels were off the charts. They have a love so strong, even death denied keeping them apart. It wasn't all butterflies and daisies for them. They fought their love, their happiness. Shit went down! The ending was just ... Ugh... My heart dropped. I kept reading. I read it again... And again. Pay attention. Cynthia's words confuse you in the best way. Pay attention. Souls collide can't come fast enough.
September 17, 2015
Do you believe in "The Angel of Death"? Do you believe in 2nd chances? Do you believe in love? How about this, do you believe in soulmates? If you don't, I have no doubt this beautiful book will change your mind! I was lucky enough to be gifted an ARC of Crashing Souls, and I will forever be grateful for it!! I was hooked within the first few pages. I have never felt so emotionally attached to a book. I didn't want it to end. It gave me the best kind of book hangover. It was soulful, beautiful, tragic, heartbreaking and raw. I will gladly read anything Cynthia writes!
August 6, 2015
Wow! What a crazy ride that was. This is a story about true love, two soulmates and their struggle to be together. About second and fourth chances. Life and death. Beautiful, frustrating and such a unique story that I've never read before. The writing is beautiful and it's impossible not to keep reading after that first chapter. Put this book on your list, it's a must read!!
October 30, 2015
Reviewed here first: http://smexybooks.com/2015/10/review-...
I am stumped. I’m not quite sure where or how to begin. The things I want to mention, both good and bad, would most certainly be deemed spoilers, so I need to tread lightly which will be difficult for me.
The goodreads blurb drew me in. I had read another book with a similar premise earlier this year and was intrigued by the soul mates aspect as well as the soul coming back in a different body, real time-not in another lifetime. The opening sets the scene where a young man who has died is begging the Angel of Death to send him back. That he needs to go back to be with the only woman he’ll ever love. They strike a deal, with many limitations, and the soul is sent back to the body of an 18 year old senior named Dexter Andrews.
Dexter awakens and has amnesia, but can remember his deal with the Angel of Death. He doesn’t know the woman who is sitting by his bedside, though he’s told that she is his Aunt Tracey who he lives with because his parents are dead. His friend Ralph comes to visit and he responds positively to him, knowing that he “knows” him but not sure why. Clearly they are friends and Ralph becomes an important link as Dexter navigates his new reality. Dexter is a senior in high school; he is some sort of computer whiz destined to attend MIT in the fall. He is handsome and has all the girls swooning. A young girl, Becca, also shows up to the hospital. She is Dexter’s girlfriend-but since this isn’t really “Dexter” and he has no memory of her he breaks up with her almost immediately. He is on a quest to find his soul mate and he’s not wasting time with a girl he knows is not "the one".
The story moves along with Dexter returning to high school Amazingly he has retained the computer talents of the boy whose body he now resides in; but personality wise, he is nothing like the original Dexter. Prior to the accident, we are led to believe that he was kind of a jerk. He was unkind to his Aunt Tracey who got custody of him when his parents died in a car accident. Tracey is only in her late 20s so she’d given up a lot to step in and “mother” a young man who wasn’t dealing with grief well. While it is clear to the reader the Dexter is different, it’s really played down in the context of the story. He’s a completely different person in the body of someone else. Those differences should have stood out more.
When Dexter bumps into Noa Cruz at school one day and realizes that she is the one, he begins a courtship with determination to make her his. Noa is delightfully unique. Her hair is dyed blue; she’s a talented artist and she and Dexter hit it off but take it slow. I didn’t get the sense that Noa recognized Dexter in the same way he did her, but he does quickly become someone who Noa wants to depend on. So much so that she feels the need to back off, worried that he might become too important to her and worried that he’ll leave when he sees the real her, because Noa has some major baggage.
Dexter and Noa begin a relationship wrought with many obstacles, most brought on by Noa and her insecurities. She has secrets, and she doesn’t share them right away and then when Dexter finds out, it is catastrophic. This becomes a theme with Noa-secrets and lies–through the course of the book. Dexter is not blameless here, he too makes some poor choices, but I often found that in each incident there were outside factors and that he was not entirely in the wrong. Noa’s deceit and withholding of information, time and again, caused more damage in my opinion.
I feel the need to touch upon a few things that I struggled with. In the beginning, when Dexter first awakens, it is clear that they are keeping something from him. Dexter doesn’t really notice, but to me, it was like this big flashing sign and it was frustrating to me. It didn’t build tension in a good way for me; it was like having one puzzle piece left in a 10,000 piece puzzle and it not fitting into the final hole. It is finally revealed a bit past the halfway mark. It was a little anticlimactic–but in all honestly, very fitting to the story.
I also had trouble with the time jump of 7 years. There is an almost tragedy that causes our MCs to part and the story then picks up 7 years later. Dexter and Noa are not together. We see that Noa has done well for herself, her success as an artist allowing her to be independent. I was not surprised when she and Dexter bump into each other at a favorite restaurant of Noa’s one evening. They are soul mates after all. We learn that Dexter did go to MIT and he works in a town in the same state that Noa has been living in. This was the next thing to not sit right with me. Dexter is a computer genius. Noa is a successful artist with a website which uses her real name, not a pseudonym. How is it possible that he did not find her in the 7 years they’ve been parted? A simple search of her name would have revealed her whereabouts and her successes. Are we to assume that he hadn't tried?
Dexter and Noa do reconnect but there are many conflicts and misunderstandings. There is also another big secret that Noa has kept from Dexter which, when revealed, causes them to part ways yet again. Do you sense a pattern? And then it happens again–the exact same thing and it being repeated was almost my undoing. Then, at the moment when you think, finally-it’ll happen now, they’ll fix it and this will be the thing that brings them together rather than tearing them apart; it ends.
There is an epilogue which infers an HEA, but that didn’t work for me. After all the misunderstandings and lies and secrets, I needed Dexter and Noa to come clean and reveal all. They are supposed to be soul mates; they are given a second chance and in spite of everything that happens to them, I expected to be a part of their happy ever after. I needed it and felt short-changed that it was only inferred and I didn’t get to experience it. It was an “are you kidding me?” moment and I was angry.
Upon reflection, I have to wonder if perhaps this was the reaction the author had expected. Ms. Rodriguez’s writing style at times is poetic and lyrical. I loved the flow of her words as she led us through what Noa and Dexter were feeling. There are some beautiful moments where the love between them is crystal clear, until it isn’t.
If I’m understanding the tease at the end of the ARC, she has more planned for Noa and Dexter in a followup book called Souls Collide. While there were moments that I really did enjoy the journey these characters were on, there were equal parts that left me wanting. I’m not sure that I want to do it again.
I am stumped. I’m not quite sure where or how to begin. The things I want to mention, both good and bad, would most certainly be deemed spoilers, so I need to tread lightly which will be difficult for me.
The goodreads blurb drew me in. I had read another book with a similar premise earlier this year and was intrigued by the soul mates aspect as well as the soul coming back in a different body, real time-not in another lifetime. The opening sets the scene where a young man who has died is begging the Angel of Death to send him back. That he needs to go back to be with the only woman he’ll ever love. They strike a deal, with many limitations, and the soul is sent back to the body of an 18 year old senior named Dexter Andrews.
Dexter awakens and has amnesia, but can remember his deal with the Angel of Death. He doesn’t know the woman who is sitting by his bedside, though he’s told that she is his Aunt Tracey who he lives with because his parents are dead. His friend Ralph comes to visit and he responds positively to him, knowing that he “knows” him but not sure why. Clearly they are friends and Ralph becomes an important link as Dexter navigates his new reality. Dexter is a senior in high school; he is some sort of computer whiz destined to attend MIT in the fall. He is handsome and has all the girls swooning. A young girl, Becca, also shows up to the hospital. She is Dexter’s girlfriend-but since this isn’t really “Dexter” and he has no memory of her he breaks up with her almost immediately. He is on a quest to find his soul mate and he’s not wasting time with a girl he knows is not "the one".
The story moves along with Dexter returning to high school Amazingly he has retained the computer talents of the boy whose body he now resides in; but personality wise, he is nothing like the original Dexter. Prior to the accident, we are led to believe that he was kind of a jerk. He was unkind to his Aunt Tracey who got custody of him when his parents died in a car accident. Tracey is only in her late 20s so she’d given up a lot to step in and “mother” a young man who wasn’t dealing with grief well. While it is clear to the reader the Dexter is different, it’s really played down in the context of the story. He’s a completely different person in the body of someone else. Those differences should have stood out more.
When Dexter bumps into Noa Cruz at school one day and realizes that she is the one, he begins a courtship with determination to make her his. Noa is delightfully unique. Her hair is dyed blue; she’s a talented artist and she and Dexter hit it off but take it slow. I didn’t get the sense that Noa recognized Dexter in the same way he did her, but he does quickly become someone who Noa wants to depend on. So much so that she feels the need to back off, worried that he might become too important to her and worried that he’ll leave when he sees the real her, because Noa has some major baggage.
Dexter and Noa begin a relationship wrought with many obstacles, most brought on by Noa and her insecurities. She has secrets, and she doesn’t share them right away and then when Dexter finds out, it is catastrophic. This becomes a theme with Noa-secrets and lies–through the course of the book. Dexter is not blameless here, he too makes some poor choices, but I often found that in each incident there were outside factors and that he was not entirely in the wrong. Noa’s deceit and withholding of information, time and again, caused more damage in my opinion.
I feel the need to touch upon a few things that I struggled with. In the beginning, when Dexter first awakens, it is clear that they are keeping something from him. Dexter doesn’t really notice, but to me, it was like this big flashing sign and it was frustrating to me. It didn’t build tension in a good way for me; it was like having one puzzle piece left in a 10,000 piece puzzle and it not fitting into the final hole. It is finally revealed a bit past the halfway mark. It was a little anticlimactic–but in all honestly, very fitting to the story.
I also had trouble with the time jump of 7 years. There is an almost tragedy that causes our MCs to part and the story then picks up 7 years later. Dexter and Noa are not together. We see that Noa has done well for herself, her success as an artist allowing her to be independent. I was not surprised when she and Dexter bump into each other at a favorite restaurant of Noa’s one evening. They are soul mates after all. We learn that Dexter did go to MIT and he works in a town in the same state that Noa has been living in. This was the next thing to not sit right with me. Dexter is a computer genius. Noa is a successful artist with a website which uses her real name, not a pseudonym. How is it possible that he did not find her in the 7 years they’ve been parted? A simple search of her name would have revealed her whereabouts and her successes. Are we to assume that he hadn't tried?
Dexter and Noa do reconnect but there are many conflicts and misunderstandings. There is also another big secret that Noa has kept from Dexter which, when revealed, causes them to part ways yet again. Do you sense a pattern? And then it happens again–the exact same thing and it being repeated was almost my undoing. Then, at the moment when you think, finally-it’ll happen now, they’ll fix it and this will be the thing that brings them together rather than tearing them apart; it ends.
There is an epilogue which infers an HEA, but that didn’t work for me. After all the misunderstandings and lies and secrets, I needed Dexter and Noa to come clean and reveal all. They are supposed to be soul mates; they are given a second chance and in spite of everything that happens to them, I expected to be a part of their happy ever after. I needed it and felt short-changed that it was only inferred and I didn’t get to experience it. It was an “are you kidding me?” moment and I was angry.
Upon reflection, I have to wonder if perhaps this was the reaction the author had expected. Ms. Rodriguez’s writing style at times is poetic and lyrical. I loved the flow of her words as she led us through what Noa and Dexter were feeling. There are some beautiful moments where the love between them is crystal clear, until it isn’t.
If I’m understanding the tease at the end of the ARC, she has more planned for Noa and Dexter in a followup book called Souls Collide. While there were moments that I really did enjoy the journey these characters were on, there were equal parts that left me wanting. I’m not sure that I want to do it again.
Want to read
February 6, 2020 So excited to read this one.
October 16, 2015
***An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.***
This book... THIS BOOK... I didn't realize it when I first began... But this book has affected me deeply.
The love story of Dexter and Noa is one I will remember forever. Their love is unending, despite the struggles and heartaches. Their love is always.
The whole concept of this book is an idea that I have often thought about: the connectedness of souls extending beyond the physical limits of a human life. Cynthia Rodriguez captures this idea and shares it with readers in such an effortless, almost magical way.
I appreciate so greatly the humanness of these two characters. Both have flaws and make mistakes which affect the course of their relationship. And, as in reality, these heartaches are not easily forgiven or forgotten. This love story is very real, and I admire that so very much.
I admit, I gasped at certain parts, and shed a few tears at others, but don't let that dissuade you from experiencing this incredible work. Do not be afraid of feeling. This book will make you feel.
Lastly, I am beyond ecstatic that there is another book...I cannot wait to resume my love affair with Noa and Dexter.
5 "sink or swim" stars! Thank you, Cynthia Rodriguez, for this beautifully timeless romance.
This book... THIS BOOK... I didn't realize it when I first began... But this book has affected me deeply.
The love story of Dexter and Noa is one I will remember forever. Their love is unending, despite the struggles and heartaches. Their love is always.
The whole concept of this book is an idea that I have often thought about: the connectedness of souls extending beyond the physical limits of a human life. Cynthia Rodriguez captures this idea and shares it with readers in such an effortless, almost magical way.
I appreciate so greatly the humanness of these two characters. Both have flaws and make mistakes which affect the course of their relationship. And, as in reality, these heartaches are not easily forgiven or forgotten. This love story is very real, and I admire that so very much.
I admit, I gasped at certain parts, and shed a few tears at others, but don't let that dissuade you from experiencing this incredible work. Do not be afraid of feeling. This book will make you feel.
Lastly, I am beyond ecstatic that there is another book...I cannot wait to resume my love affair with Noa and Dexter.
5 "sink or swim" stars! Thank you, Cynthia Rodriguez, for this beautifully timeless romance.
October 28, 2015
“Are you always going to be so afraid of life that you don’t live it?"
I always take pleasure in discovering new authors. While I love the lightness and romantic feels most novels give me, I crave a certain depth of emotion and Cynthia A. Rodriguez handed that to me effortlessly.
Crashing Souls was literally a roller-coaster of emotions and realizations, a form of depth I never experienced in other books. It's like a piece of the author's soul was embedded in the story and was wonderfully played out by equally poignant characters. There were bits and pieces of heart-quaking scenes that gave me mini-heart-attacks, and specks of lightness that magnificently sustained the romance. The author knows how to keep a reader's interest with the story getting more and more gripping on every passing page. There were so many moments that I stopped for a while to feel, just feel, the raw emotions of the characters and contemplate on how real they were.
This book was an unexpectedly life-stirring, heart-breaking, soul-piecing, magnificently written and driven book. Yep. The title definitely spoke for itself. I can't wait to drown further on her next book!
May 4, 2015
Ms. Rodriguez has done it again! Although she is a young author, she has a well-developed natural gift for the power of description and imagery. My own words escape me as I try to recount the beauty of this book in a short review. Rarely have I read a book as moving and as profound as this one and the brilliant opening section immediately kept me engaged.
I love Ms. Rodriguez's writing because she makes you love and hate her characters at the same time and it is very hard to pick sides. Her writing has the ability to play with the reader's emotions. Crashing Souls in particular was one that crawled under my skin and reverberated my soul with images of friendship, love, and loss.
For those searching, I encourage you to give Crashing Souls a chance and trust Cynthia.
I love Ms. Rodriguez's writing because she makes you love and hate her characters at the same time and it is very hard to pick sides. Her writing has the ability to play with the reader's emotions. Crashing Souls in particular was one that crawled under my skin and reverberated my soul with images of friendship, love, and loss.
For those searching, I encourage you to give Crashing Souls a chance and trust Cynthia.
December 13, 2015
Heartbreaking Story
A must read unique story that will leave you completely heartbroken. Dexter and No a were truly meant for each other. The author had a brilliant way to suck you into the story with such unique ideas and beautifully written words. I strongly recommend this book!
A must read unique story that will leave you completely heartbroken. Dexter and No a were truly meant for each other. The author had a brilliant way to suck you into the story with such unique ideas and beautifully written words. I strongly recommend this book!
January 25, 2015
I beta read this. Review to come!
October 25, 2015
This book broke my heart! But it was such an amazing and emotional ride. All of you need to get this book and read it!
March 28, 2020
"It isn't about what was...it's about what is.
"You should want more, Noa. You should want the world."
"She owned my eyes. From the moment i saw her. They found purchase on any bit of her that was visible."
"You should want more, Noa. You should want the world."
"She owned my eyes. From the moment i saw her. They found purchase on any bit of her that was visible."
May 8, 2020
This book was so slow to me. I don’t know if it was the concept of soulmates meeting in another time & life that I just didn’t get into or if it was the writing or the characters. Either way I dragged my way through it.
February 20, 2020
This story Is EPIC the most beautiful passionate book with all the feels very deep emotions. The love and struggles are so strong it's nothing I've ever read before and Dexter and Noa will stay with me for a very long time they engrave themselves into your very heart and soul ascwe follow their unending love and let me tell you it was not easy there is alot of pain but also pure happiness. I was not prepared for this story I didn't know what to expect and I'm so glad I got to meet these two.
The writing is outstanding and very vivid and real. I can't say enough how much I loved it and I so can't wait for book two.
The writing is outstanding and very vivid and real. I can't say enough how much I loved it and I so can't wait for book two.
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