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Rough Around The Edges
"Fresh, fab and funny. The characters leap off the page and swear at you until you love them while the sweet romance quietly captures your heart." CLARE ASHTON.
Roxanne Mackenzie is not exactly living her best life. After moving to London to follow her dream of becoming a writer, she thought things would be different – better. Instead, they’re a whole lot worse.
Meeting Josie Calhoun – the woman who has everything together, including the top button of her shirt – makes Roxy question how she’s been living her life.
Josie can’t bear lies and values trust above all else, so what will she make of Roxy’s scandalous truth?
Crystal Chard’s debut romance takes us on a crazy ride of laughs and tears with many mojitos along the way.
Roxanne Mackenzie is not exactly living her best life. After moving to London to follow her dream of becoming a writer, she thought things would be different – better. Instead, they’re a whole lot worse.
Meeting Josie Calhoun – the woman who has everything together, including the top button of her shirt – makes Roxy question how she’s been living her life.
Josie can’t bear lies and values trust above all else, so what will she make of Roxy’s scandalous truth?
Crystal Chard’s debut romance takes us on a crazy ride of laughs and tears with many mojitos along the way.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2020
199 people are currently reading
459 people want to read
About the author
Crystal Chard
2 books63 followersCrystal loves travelling, driving around in her Fiji green Z3, and singing (wailing) along to power ballads. Her early experience in the field of psychotherapy began an ongoing fascination with human behaviour and a need to understand what makes people ‘tick’. She enjoys exploring this through her characters. Crystal hopes to sell heaps of books, so she can quit her day job, packing toilet parts in a dusty warehouse, which is really not that glamorous.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
November 29, 2020
4.5* – A debut novel and a new narrator, both excellent surprises.
Roxanne is working at a strip club in order to afford the comfortable home where her mother is living her last days. Roxie’s plans to become a writer fell apart with her mom’s diagnosis and she let go of her university dreams, despite the scholarship she had secured. But she’s not complaining and takes life as it comes. Meeting Josie, a lecturer at London University, changes everything. The attraction is instantaneous and mutual but while Josie is pretty open from the start, including on her hatred of lies, Roxie struggles with the secrets she keeps.
I liked both MCs immediately. They have distinct voices and relatable personalities, they’re flawed and sweet at the same time. Roxie is brave yet somewhat broken and Josie’s love and the way she believes in her help her start to heal. Despite appearing much more together, Josie has also had to endure painful experiences (hence her unequivocal need for honesty) and I was dreading the moment she would find out Roxanne’s secrets.
The secondary characters are very good too, especially Roxie’s mother and her roommate/colleague/friend Clara. Katheryn Siggers’ narration is excellent, every character is easy to recognize, each voice unique. I love the different accents and everything.
Both the book and the narrator deserved a better recording though. The sound was a bit up and down and some sort of white noise could be heard here and there. It surprised me at first then I got too involved in the story to care anymore. Go in prepared to not always have the best sound quality but do not let it stop you from listening.
Roxanne is working at a strip club in order to afford the comfortable home where her mother is living her last days. Roxie’s plans to become a writer fell apart with her mom’s diagnosis and she let go of her university dreams, despite the scholarship she had secured. But she’s not complaining and takes life as it comes. Meeting Josie, a lecturer at London University, changes everything. The attraction is instantaneous and mutual but while Josie is pretty open from the start, including on her hatred of lies, Roxie struggles with the secrets she keeps.
I liked both MCs immediately. They have distinct voices and relatable personalities, they’re flawed and sweet at the same time. Roxie is brave yet somewhat broken and Josie’s love and the way she believes in her help her start to heal. Despite appearing much more together, Josie has also had to endure painful experiences (hence her unequivocal need for honesty) and I was dreading the moment she would find out Roxanne’s secrets.
The secondary characters are very good too, especially Roxie’s mother and her roommate/colleague/friend Clara. Katheryn Siggers’ narration is excellent, every character is easy to recognize, each voice unique. I love the different accents and everything.
Both the book and the narrator deserved a better recording though. The sound was a bit up and down and some sort of white noise could be heard here and there. It surprised me at first then I got too involved in the story to care anymore. Go in prepared to not always have the best sound quality but do not let it stop you from listening.
November 9, 2021
On cancer, trust and dreams.
Okay, I cried. I don't know if it was a wise move for me to read this book right now but I did it, and boy, was it hard because it touched on a heavy topic that is cancer. But I think the story was also extra hard at one point due to the characters' own silliness and insecurities. And I got a bit emotional, urgh.
This is a beautiful love story about two women brought together by unfortunate circumstances. Roxy's mother is placed in palliative care at a home where Josie volunteers to read to her regularly. When Roxie is introduced to Josie, there's an instant connection between them and the chemistry is great. But beyond the attraction is also the bond that they forge on a different level through common experiences and that to me is special. I love the character development too. This book is about trust, and I like how both characters learn to trust and earn that trust, albeit the hard way, but they do come around eventually. This story is also about pursuing dreams because it's never too late to do it.
I would like to point out that this book has a side character who stands out and Clara totally deserves a mention. She's intriguing, she's a great friend and if she somehow has a book of her own in future, I want to be the first to read that.
This book hit me on an emotional level. Special thanks to
Statum for this KU recommendation.
Okay, I cried. I don't know if it was a wise move for me to read this book right now but I did it, and boy, was it hard because it touched on a heavy topic that is cancer. But I think the story was also extra hard at one point due to the characters' own silliness and insecurities. And I got a bit emotional, urgh.
This is a beautiful love story about two women brought together by unfortunate circumstances. Roxy's mother is placed in palliative care at a home where Josie volunteers to read to her regularly. When Roxie is introduced to Josie, there's an instant connection between them and the chemistry is great. But beyond the attraction is also the bond that they forge on a different level through common experiences and that to me is special. I love the character development too. This book is about trust, and I like how both characters learn to trust and earn that trust, albeit the hard way, but they do come around eventually. This story is also about pursuing dreams because it's never too late to do it.
I would like to point out that this book has a side character who stands out and Clara totally deserves a mention. She's intriguing, she's a great friend and if she somehow has a book of her own in future, I want to be the first to read that.
This book hit me on an emotional level. Special thanks to
Statum for this KU recommendation.
October 17, 2020
A gorgeous kindle unlimited read with pain, hope, and love.
I loved the MC's and their issues. They both had a lot of emotional baggage to get through in order to find themselves and also eachother. It was done in a beautiful and realistic way, that had me all emotional right until the end with tears in my eyes.
It wasn't an easy book, as it has confronting storylines - dealing with a Mother dying from cancer, and a main character who is a stripper to make ends meet in order to keep her mother in the hospice care home she is in. You felt real empathy for Roxy and her situation, but she was frustrating too because she has a tendency to sabotage herself, and thinking down about herself and where she came from. But it was done in a realistic and sympathetic way. I never felt less of her, or felt it was contrived or forced.
The love interest Josie isn't perfect either, she has been hurt in the past and has her issues despite being a psychologist lecturer at a university. She has a lot of positivity about her, and has gone through the loss of her own mother to cancer. But has felt betrayed by her father and lies from a previous relationship, making her cautious of the roguish Roxy.
But they have an undeniable connection and attraction, which was lovely to see. I enjoyed seeing them open up to eachother and become passionate people again who challenged each others views and have good discussions and banter.
There is a black moment nearer the end, and I usually do hate them - however in this instance it actually made sense and the characters needed that time to work on themselves and Roxy herself had to get over her grief, and get themselves into places where both could offer the best of themselves to the other.,, And when they did it was marvelous.
Have the tissues handy, and check it out on kindle unlimited.
I loved the MC's and their issues. They both had a lot of emotional baggage to get through in order to find themselves and also eachother. It was done in a beautiful and realistic way, that had me all emotional right until the end with tears in my eyes.
It wasn't an easy book, as it has confronting storylines - dealing with a Mother dying from cancer, and a main character who is a stripper to make ends meet in order to keep her mother in the hospice care home she is in. You felt real empathy for Roxy and her situation, but she was frustrating too because she has a tendency to sabotage herself, and thinking down about herself and where she came from. But it was done in a realistic and sympathetic way. I never felt less of her, or felt it was contrived or forced.
The love interest Josie isn't perfect either, she has been hurt in the past and has her issues despite being a psychologist lecturer at a university. She has a lot of positivity about her, and has gone through the loss of her own mother to cancer. But has felt betrayed by her father and lies from a previous relationship, making her cautious of the roguish Roxy.
But they have an undeniable connection and attraction, which was lovely to see. I enjoyed seeing them open up to eachother and become passionate people again who challenged each others views and have good discussions and banter.
There is a black moment nearer the end, and I usually do hate them - however in this instance it actually made sense and the characters needed that time to work on themselves and Roxy herself had to get over her grief, and get themselves into places where both could offer the best of themselves to the other.,, And when they did it was marvelous.
Have the tissues handy, and check it out on kindle unlimited.
December 1, 2020
3.75 Stars - I cried so much during this book... ugh
If you have experienced the passing of a loved one, especially your mom, this book will make you cry. Just a heads up.
I liked this book a lot. I really loved both MC's and enjoyed their falling in love story. I wanted to throttle Roxy for not just freaking TELLING Josie about her profession. You can see it's going to be the big "thing" that breaks them up from a mile away so it did take a bit of the shine off the romance as you wait for the other shoe to drop. My heart hurt through the last part of the book and the author does not put you out of your misery until the very end but it's with a BGRG (big grand romantic gesture), so I forgive her.
If you have experienced the passing of a loved one, especially your mom, this book will make you cry. Just a heads up.
I liked this book a lot. I really loved both MC's and enjoyed their falling in love story. I wanted to throttle Roxy for not just freaking TELLING Josie about her profession. You can see it's going to be the big "thing" that breaks them up from a mile away so it did take a bit of the shine off the romance as you wait for the other shoe to drop. My heart hurt through the last part of the book and the author does not put you out of your misery until the very end but it's with a BGRG (big grand romantic gesture), so I forgive her.
November 25, 2021
Do you believe in coincidence? That a particular moment in your life was meant to happen, regardless of your actions and will? Do you feel that sort of déjà vu when meeting someone? Like you’ve known them since forever. Do you believe that there’s someone out there that is destined to cross your path and change your life in ways you have never imagined or, maybe, only hoped for? Do you believe in soul mates, that no matter what life throws at you, once your eyes meet those of your true love, everything else disappears, and you just know it. In you heart you know that person is just made for you. You have probably met already in another life and whatever happens in your journey, you’ll end up meeting again, entwining each other’s life? If you believe such love exist, if you believe true love can win over anything, over pain, over sickness, over betrayal, over all the sum of your fears, then Rough Around The Edges is the perfect book for you. A beautiful story with well written main characters and even deeply depicted supporting characters. A story about life, death and redemption. A love at first sight/second chance rollercoaster... the need of "knowing someone". I had to know you. I knew I had to know you. Let me know you, all of you.
After reading Worth The Risk, I’ve been told Rough Around The Edges would be a totally different book, and in some ways I agree. But you see, after reading it, I can still feel that sort of depth of subjects and themes, the almost need to depict real lives, where not everything is as it should be. Because let’s say it frankly, everybody comes with a baggage, everybody has had their fair share of trouble, pain, misery, false hopes. Life cannot always be as the fluffiest romantic comedies want us to believe. Sometimes, the way we are raised, the circumstances in which we had to live have a deep impact on the way we behave, in the way we carry ourselves and the way we face our reality every day. How we cope, how we relate to the others and even to ourselves comes from far away, and Roxie and Josie are great example of all of this.
I loved how Crystal Chard managed to mingle the lives of a broody “pusher” and an optimistic “runner”, in a poetic, dramatic and heartfelt way through sickness and death of a loved one. When Roxie’s life is slowly sliding into darkness, in running from one job to another to pay her share of the facility where her mother is cared for day and night, a kind helping hand lifts her from her misery, showing her that living cannot be only commiserating yourself and dwelling on sorrow. The dead wouldn’t want the living to stop having a life of their own, they would want to see them happy, because that’s the only thing that would make them happy too. And there’s nothing more beautiful than seeing someone who’s been repeatedly crushed by life rising again and climbing their mountain of fears to reach happiness. And what is happiness if not finding love. Not only love for the other but love for yourself. Acknowledging you as a person, are worthy of love, of your love.
Loving yourself could be one of the hardest things someone can do. When we look in the mirror, we only see our faults, our defects, our vices, what we miss, what we wish we could have. I, myself, have always asked what the others see in me. What could possibly be so interesting and how could someone love me? Loving the others has been so much easier than loving myself, for a long time, until I was reminded that if I didn’t love myself, I was in no position to truly love another human being.
I can understand how Roxie might have felt when meeting Josie and feeling that love, experiencing what it feels like to be important to someone, seeing how proud their eyes are when they meet yours, how their kind words caress your self-esteem and raise you hundred feet higher. When someone believe in you, it’s like walking on clouds, you feel like you can do anything, and you never want to disappoint them. This type of feeling is an aphrodisiac, it’s like you can’t get enough of it. If you ever met your Josie, you know that you can’t live a life where they are not part of it. It’s like you finally met the missing piece of a puzzle and you are a complete.
Rough Around The Edges is about letting all your walls down, conquering your fears, listening to the deepest and most honest voice inside of yourself, the one that says: “You can do this”; “If you don’t try, you will never know”, “Better to have tried, than to regret”, “Learn to trust again”, “Don’t run away”, “Live the moment”, “Open yourself”, “Challenge yourself”, “Dare to be happy”.
I think what I liked the most about the book is this relation between words-said, written, whispered, shouted, not said, and the combination of poetry and psychology. On one side Roxy, the over-thinker, the ever questioning to see how the future will be… will I make it? How will I make it? Will I be okay? Will this work? Will us work? And on the other side, Josie, the psychologist, the lecturer, the poetry lover, the dreamer, the constant reminder that things are okay now and that’s what is important. How beautifully these characters are different from each other and how well they fit. They balance their lives. They pull, stretch, and tangle their strings, they make each other a better person. I dare you to be happy with me. I dare you to change. It's never too late to change. It's never too late to fight for what you always wanted. It's never too late to chase your dreams.
After reading Rough Around The Edges, I’m going to read Rumi’s poems and look for a pair of wellies for me and my partner.
And what I wrote long time ago, isn’t true for me either. I’m trying to love myself every day more.
I was born in cold arms
Not knowing what a hug was.
In stillness I lay
Waiting for the night to come.
In the head of the insane
Perfection is peace,
In the head of the sane
Love is a myth.
Sing me a lullaby
and scare away all the monsters.
Hold me in your arms
and let me feel your warmth.
I was born in cold waters,
Not knowing who I was.
In the darkness I saw myself
Waiting for the day to come.
In the land of dryness
My secret tears scattered
like a never-ending torrent.
They almost let me choke.
In the head of the insane,
Happiness is real,
In the head of the sane,
Misery is acceptation.
I wish I could see my reflection
In the stream of tears
And suddenly fall in love
Like Narcissus did.
Why, Oh Why, do I
Care more about you
Than myself?
After reading Worth The Risk, I’ve been told Rough Around The Edges would be a totally different book, and in some ways I agree. But you see, after reading it, I can still feel that sort of depth of subjects and themes, the almost need to depict real lives, where not everything is as it should be. Because let’s say it frankly, everybody comes with a baggage, everybody has had their fair share of trouble, pain, misery, false hopes. Life cannot always be as the fluffiest romantic comedies want us to believe. Sometimes, the way we are raised, the circumstances in which we had to live have a deep impact on the way we behave, in the way we carry ourselves and the way we face our reality every day. How we cope, how we relate to the others and even to ourselves comes from far away, and Roxie and Josie are great example of all of this.
I loved how Crystal Chard managed to mingle the lives of a broody “pusher” and an optimistic “runner”, in a poetic, dramatic and heartfelt way through sickness and death of a loved one. When Roxie’s life is slowly sliding into darkness, in running from one job to another to pay her share of the facility where her mother is cared for day and night, a kind helping hand lifts her from her misery, showing her that living cannot be only commiserating yourself and dwelling on sorrow. The dead wouldn’t want the living to stop having a life of their own, they would want to see them happy, because that’s the only thing that would make them happy too. And there’s nothing more beautiful than seeing someone who’s been repeatedly crushed by life rising again and climbing their mountain of fears to reach happiness. And what is happiness if not finding love. Not only love for the other but love for yourself. Acknowledging you as a person, are worthy of love, of your love.
Loving yourself could be one of the hardest things someone can do. When we look in the mirror, we only see our faults, our defects, our vices, what we miss, what we wish we could have. I, myself, have always asked what the others see in me. What could possibly be so interesting and how could someone love me? Loving the others has been so much easier than loving myself, for a long time, until I was reminded that if I didn’t love myself, I was in no position to truly love another human being.
I can understand how Roxie might have felt when meeting Josie and feeling that love, experiencing what it feels like to be important to someone, seeing how proud their eyes are when they meet yours, how their kind words caress your self-esteem and raise you hundred feet higher. When someone believe in you, it’s like walking on clouds, you feel like you can do anything, and you never want to disappoint them. This type of feeling is an aphrodisiac, it’s like you can’t get enough of it. If you ever met your Josie, you know that you can’t live a life where they are not part of it. It’s like you finally met the missing piece of a puzzle and you are a complete.
Rough Around The Edges is about letting all your walls down, conquering your fears, listening to the deepest and most honest voice inside of yourself, the one that says: “You can do this”; “If you don’t try, you will never know”, “Better to have tried, than to regret”, “Learn to trust again”, “Don’t run away”, “Live the moment”, “Open yourself”, “Challenge yourself”, “Dare to be happy”.
I think what I liked the most about the book is this relation between words-said, written, whispered, shouted, not said, and the combination of poetry and psychology. On one side Roxy, the over-thinker, the ever questioning to see how the future will be… will I make it? How will I make it? Will I be okay? Will this work? Will us work? And on the other side, Josie, the psychologist, the lecturer, the poetry lover, the dreamer, the constant reminder that things are okay now and that’s what is important. How beautifully these characters are different from each other and how well they fit. They balance their lives. They pull, stretch, and tangle their strings, they make each other a better person. I dare you to be happy with me. I dare you to change. It's never too late to change. It's never too late to fight for what you always wanted. It's never too late to chase your dreams.
After reading Rough Around The Edges, I’m going to read Rumi’s poems and look for a pair of wellies for me and my partner.
And what I wrote long time ago, isn’t true for me either. I’m trying to love myself every day more.
I was born in cold arms
Not knowing what a hug was.
In stillness I lay
Waiting for the night to come.
In the head of the insane
Perfection is peace,
In the head of the sane
Love is a myth.
Sing me a lullaby
and scare away all the monsters.
Hold me in your arms
and let me feel your warmth.
I was born in cold waters,
Not knowing who I was.
In the darkness I saw myself
Waiting for the day to come.
In the land of dryness
My secret tears scattered
like a never-ending torrent.
They almost let me choke.
In the head of the insane,
Happiness is real,
In the head of the sane,
Misery is acceptation.
I wish I could see my reflection
In the stream of tears
And suddenly fall in love
Like Narcissus did.
Why, Oh Why, do I
Care more about you
Than myself?
October 19, 2021
5 Stars
I wrote the review below more than 7 months ago, after I read this book for the first time. I just read the book again and I am disappointed in myself for not giving this book the review it deserves. Though minimal, the review I submitted before is accurate. In the past 7 months I have found myself experiencing some of the subject matter this book contains. I feel the need to write a review that is more detailed and truly depicts what this book means to me.
I am still shocked this is a debut novel. Crystal Chard has managed to write a wonderful love story and fill it with content that really tugged at my heart strings. This book is so much more than two women falling in love. It explores the reality of life and how brutal it can really be at times. Chard doesn’t shy away from the tough subjects and writes with such beauty I found myself feeling it was written specifically for me to read. I am so grateful that I did.
Chard has a way with words that has allowed me to process some emotions that I have been struggling with for some time. In an effort to not spoil the contents of the book, I won’t go into great detail here. I will say that this book is very meaningful to me. The struggles I have, as well as many others, with self-worth are very real and valid. For all those who have struggles with self-worth I encourage you to read this book. There are so many other topics in the book that will relate with so many. Again, I don’t want to give away any of the details.
This book is wonderful, and I would like to apologize to Crystal Chard for not giving more of my time while I reviewed it before. Also, thank you for writing such an amazing book that I have now enjoyed twice. I am so excited to read your upcoming novel Worth the Risk.
February 2021
I read this some time ago and I never got around to writing a review. I have to say that this is one of the best debut novels I have ever read. It was excellent. I rate it 5 because I would likely read it again and I would for sure recommend it to others. I am excited for her to come out with a sophomore attempt.
I wrote the review below more than 7 months ago, after I read this book for the first time. I just read the book again and I am disappointed in myself for not giving this book the review it deserves. Though minimal, the review I submitted before is accurate. In the past 7 months I have found myself experiencing some of the subject matter this book contains. I feel the need to write a review that is more detailed and truly depicts what this book means to me.
I am still shocked this is a debut novel. Crystal Chard has managed to write a wonderful love story and fill it with content that really tugged at my heart strings. This book is so much more than two women falling in love. It explores the reality of life and how brutal it can really be at times. Chard doesn’t shy away from the tough subjects and writes with such beauty I found myself feeling it was written specifically for me to read. I am so grateful that I did.
Chard has a way with words that has allowed me to process some emotions that I have been struggling with for some time. In an effort to not spoil the contents of the book, I won’t go into great detail here. I will say that this book is very meaningful to me. The struggles I have, as well as many others, with self-worth are very real and valid. For all those who have struggles with self-worth I encourage you to read this book. There are so many other topics in the book that will relate with so many. Again, I don’t want to give away any of the details.
This book is wonderful, and I would like to apologize to Crystal Chard for not giving more of my time while I reviewed it before. Also, thank you for writing such an amazing book that I have now enjoyed twice. I am so excited to read your upcoming novel Worth the Risk.
February 2021
I read this some time ago and I never got around to writing a review. I have to say that this is one of the best debut novels I have ever read. It was excellent. I rate it 5 because I would likely read it again and I would for sure recommend it to others. I am excited for her to come out with a sophomore attempt.
December 15, 2020
Roxeanne Mackenzie is in a tough spot. Her mom needs round the clock medical attention, which Roxy and her siblings cannot adequately give. She’s proud and with that pride, Roxy is forced to find a job she would have never considered otherwise. With her mom’s health rapidly declining, and the need to pay a 1/3rd of the medical bills, Roxy forgoes her college scholarship and begins stripping. She hates it, she can’t stand the clientele, and she panics on stage regularly, but she also acknowledges that the tips she makes from dancing gives her mom access to 24/7 kind and caring medical professionals.
With Roxeanne’s dreams of becoming a writer and attending school on hold, she falls into a funk. She hides her mom’s illness from almost everyone. She cuts herself off from her old friends, embarrassed about where her life has taken her but also not wanting the pity that comes when acknowledging your parent is terminally ill. One afternoon on her daily visit to her mother’s bedside, Roxy meets, Josie Calhoun, a psychology professor with a love for the Persian poet, Rumi.
Josie has befriended Roxy’s mother, she often brings books to read to the dying woman as they enjoy each other company and banter. Roxy is immediately intrigued with the gorgeous red head. A chance meeting at a nightclub brings them into each other’s orbit once again, and they confess their mutual attraction. Josie needs a relationship that is open and honest, she’s’ has been lied to one-to-many times while Roxy is battling with a secret she may be unwilling to reveal.
Roxy and Josie are so darn likeable. They each capture your heart and you cannot help but root for their happiness. You have to love a character that is so kind, intelligent but also imperfect. Crystal Chard has written a winner with Rough Around The Edges. I cannot believe that this is her debut into the romance genre. A great read, and I cannot wait for whatever this writer takes me next. You can guarantee I will be there for it!
With Roxeanne’s dreams of becoming a writer and attending school on hold, she falls into a funk. She hides her mom’s illness from almost everyone. She cuts herself off from her old friends, embarrassed about where her life has taken her but also not wanting the pity that comes when acknowledging your parent is terminally ill. One afternoon on her daily visit to her mother’s bedside, Roxy meets, Josie Calhoun, a psychology professor with a love for the Persian poet, Rumi.
Josie has befriended Roxy’s mother, she often brings books to read to the dying woman as they enjoy each other company and banter. Roxy is immediately intrigued with the gorgeous red head. A chance meeting at a nightclub brings them into each other’s orbit once again, and they confess their mutual attraction. Josie needs a relationship that is open and honest, she’s’ has been lied to one-to-many times while Roxy is battling with a secret she may be unwilling to reveal.
Roxy and Josie are so darn likeable. They each capture your heart and you cannot help but root for their happiness. You have to love a character that is so kind, intelligent but also imperfect. Crystal Chard has written a winner with Rough Around The Edges. I cannot believe that this is her debut into the romance genre. A great read, and I cannot wait for whatever this writer takes me next. You can guarantee I will be there for it!
June 4, 2024
I accepted and embraced this story in all its “soulmate” journey. It’s usually too corny for me but this was quite nice. Also, including Rumi in the story? Very nice move. For me anyway. I’m just a goner when it comes to Rumi’s poems. However, even without Rumi’s help the story held its own. I can’t imagine how hot their pairing is.
May 28, 2020
Solid debut!
Crystal Chard, everyone! 👏🏼
Crystal Chard, everyone! 👏🏼
December 26, 2021
Kinda flat in the first few chapters and then it got interesting.. more so in the 2nd half of the books.
October 23, 2021
So very good
I totally loved this book. I read it all in one sitting. I can relate to many struggles talked about in the story. I highly recommend this book and this author.
I totally loved this book. I read it all in one sitting. I can relate to many struggles talked about in the story. I highly recommend this book and this author.
March 9, 2022
Fantastically Fabulous!
Roxanne is doing all she can to pay for her mother’s care, even if that means sacrificing her own dreams of being a writer. When she meets Josie while visiting her mother, Roxanne starts to question her situation and wonder if maybe things could be different. As Roxanne and Josie become close, Roxanne worries about telling her the truth about her life and whether their happiness would be short lived as a result.
I loved this, although heartbreaking in some ways, it was actually a lot of fun. The balance of more serious subjects against the humour injected into the story really worked and had me hooked from the very beginning. Despite everything, Roxanne manages to have a lot of fun and quite an upbeat outlook, mostly brought out by Josie’s love and encouragement of her once they realise how they feel about one another, and they real reasons why they have met.
When things got a little more intense, I thought how Roxanne handled things was pretty well. I understood all the decisions she made, and even agreed with her on some of her thoughts and feelings. Josie was so good for her though, really bringing her out of herself and giving her the space to not think about how her life was going in a direction she hadn’t really wanted. When Roxanne’s secrets do come out, Josie didn’t handle them as well, but what happened after that just added to Roxanne’s determination and lead to hopeful place.
I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this, even in the darker, or more sad moments, there was something relatable to make you laugh or feel connected to Josie and Roxanne intimately, or just laugh through your tears. It is brilliantly written and an exciting debut, so I can’t wait to find out what Crystal will write about next!
Roxanne is doing all she can to pay for her mother’s care, even if that means sacrificing her own dreams of being a writer. When she meets Josie while visiting her mother, Roxanne starts to question her situation and wonder if maybe things could be different. As Roxanne and Josie become close, Roxanne worries about telling her the truth about her life and whether their happiness would be short lived as a result.
I loved this, although heartbreaking in some ways, it was actually a lot of fun. The balance of more serious subjects against the humour injected into the story really worked and had me hooked from the very beginning. Despite everything, Roxanne manages to have a lot of fun and quite an upbeat outlook, mostly brought out by Josie’s love and encouragement of her once they realise how they feel about one another, and they real reasons why they have met.
When things got a little more intense, I thought how Roxanne handled things was pretty well. I understood all the decisions she made, and even agreed with her on some of her thoughts and feelings. Josie was so good for her though, really bringing her out of herself and giving her the space to not think about how her life was going in a direction she hadn’t really wanted. When Roxanne’s secrets do come out, Josie didn’t handle them as well, but what happened after that just added to Roxanne’s determination and lead to hopeful place.
I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this, even in the darker, or more sad moments, there was something relatable to make you laugh or feel connected to Josie and Roxanne intimately, or just laugh through your tears. It is brilliantly written and an exciting debut, so I can’t wait to find out what Crystal will write about next!
November 19, 2023
Rough Around the Edges is one of the best books I have read. It will stay with me for a long time. Excellent read, keep a box of tissues handy!!!
June 2, 2020
I can't believe this is a debut novel! So well executed, I'm astounded. I don't read a lot of reviews before picking a book, I mostly read the blurb and choose, and when I chose this one I thought it was a comedy and nothing serious, but I gotta say it's going to stay with me for a while. It was funny for sure, but so much more, the depth of the story captivated me. So glad I read this, can't wait for more of this talented author.
May 8, 2020
Nice debut. I like when a book takes you here and there and you don't know exactly how things will play out.
May 10, 2020
A riveting read for a debut
Its 2am. I just finished the book and headed straight to Twitter. Not to check on feeds, but to find out more about the author. You cannot write a book like this if you have not seen, listened, felt or experienced what
was breathed into each of the characters. It’s surreal how accurately the author depicted their brokenness.
A debut? Then somebody please take my money already for her next offering.
I have so many thoughts after her book that I do not even know where to start. Rox wore shame like a badge after having to work as a stripper to support her dying mum. Like it or not, life gets real. Your dreams fly out of the window faster than you can start building them. But, I loved her courage and strength when she dug it in even when she loathed and disgusted what became of her. So they say, the smallest light brightens the darkest room. And Josie, the light that not only brightened Rox’s life, also threatened to expose all her darkness and secrets when they fell in love. The thing is, nobody’s perfect. Josie had trust issues. And what she needed from a partner was what Rox couldn’t give - the truth.
If you are looking for an honest and compelling book on life, you know what to do.
Its 2am. I just finished the book and headed straight to Twitter. Not to check on feeds, but to find out more about the author. You cannot write a book like this if you have not seen, listened, felt or experienced what
was breathed into each of the characters. It’s surreal how accurately the author depicted their brokenness.
A debut? Then somebody please take my money already for her next offering.
I have so many thoughts after her book that I do not even know where to start. Rox wore shame like a badge after having to work as a stripper to support her dying mum. Like it or not, life gets real. Your dreams fly out of the window faster than you can start building them. But, I loved her courage and strength when she dug it in even when she loathed and disgusted what became of her. So they say, the smallest light brightens the darkest room. And Josie, the light that not only brightened Rox’s life, also threatened to expose all her darkness and secrets when they fell in love. The thing is, nobody’s perfect. Josie had trust issues. And what she needed from a partner was what Rox couldn’t give - the truth.
If you are looking for an honest and compelling book on life, you know what to do.
February 25, 2021
I loved this book, especially because of how real the characters felt.
November 3, 2021
3.5 stars. Solid debut but I'm not a huge fan of the last 20%.
That plot turn was obvious from the very first chapter of the book and I didn't buy the resolution of the conflict.
It also baldy handles tragedy and forgets it as soon as it happens. It felt almost inconsequential and was used to further the conflict between characters, which, in the context, didn't feel appropriate to me. And that is also why I partly didn't buy the fairytale like ending, too much wen't wrong for it to be hand-waved away.
There's still plenty to like about the book, however. The leads are appealing and the chemistry is there. Supporting cast is pretty strong on top of some generally well-done drama and angst. It's a decent read, but Rough Around The Edges... is a bit rough around the edges.
That plot turn was obvious from the very first chapter of the book and I didn't buy the resolution of the conflict.
It also baldy handles tragedy and forgets it as soon as it happens. It felt almost inconsequential and was used to further the conflict between characters, which, in the context, didn't feel appropriate to me. And that is also why I partly didn't buy the fairytale like ending, too much wen't wrong for it to be hand-waved away.
There's still plenty to like about the book, however. The leads are appealing and the chemistry is there. Supporting cast is pretty strong on top of some generally well-done drama and angst. It's a decent read, but Rough Around The Edges... is a bit rough around the edges.
February 1, 2021
Roxanne Mackenzie, a talented writer was on her way to Warwick University with a full scholarship when her life took an abrupt turn. Her mum was diagnosed with cancer and her needs outgrew the care that Roxanne's sister, Emma, who their mum lives were there, was capable of providing. She needs to be admitted into a home. Emma and their brother, Ben, are willing to pay all the costs for the luxurious home that they've identified, but as the oldest sibling, Roxanne feels compelled to contribute her share. Which means she needs to earn a lot of money without any real qualifications -- and ends up becoming a stripper.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
January 13, 2021
Oh wow! Its been a while since I've written a review couldnt help it this book help me in a way I can never imagine.
Its been so long since I've enjoyed reading something.
Roxy the pusher --there are times that her life mirrored mine. She's stuck. It's like she knows what she whats but she doesnt know how to get it. With everything thats been going on around here, she can barely breathe.
Josie the runner -- Josie, she's actually the close to perfect girl until you hurt her. I do get where she's coming from but after the funeral scene I was quite disappointed on how she handled things..
Frankly, at the end I was actually rooting for Clara instead of her. But I'm glad she regained everything.
I really hope that there's an Epilouge it would have been more satisfying 😁😁
4.25
Its been so long since I've enjoyed reading something.
Roxy the pusher --there are times that her life mirrored mine. She's stuck. It's like she knows what she whats but she doesnt know how to get it. With everything thats been going on around here, she can barely breathe.
Josie the runner -- Josie, she's actually the close to perfect girl until you hurt her. I do get where she's coming from but after the funeral scene I was quite disappointed on how she handled things..
Frankly, at the end I was actually rooting for Clara instead of her. But I'm glad she regained everything.
I really hope that there's an Epilouge it would have been more satisfying 😁😁
4.25
November 3, 2021
I read some reviews and I don’t know if my expectations were unrealistic but was hoping for more. Josie was perfect, but I didn’t like her, until she wasn’t perfect and the obvious conflict happen and I could say “aha! I knew it!” because the things she said and the way she acted? Nope. The mom was a good character, that last interaction rubbed me the wrong way, but i get it, that made it more real. Clara wasn’t a character I liked for most of the book but at the very last second I did like her. Rox… I’m not sure how I feel about her character BUT I didn’t hate her, and I was hoping that .
April 1, 2020
Loved this author's debut book!!!
August 25, 2020
Given the sacrifices she has made for her Mum, I had a lot of sympathy for Roxanne and even though she doesn’t make things easy for herself, I was definitely rooting for her, but as the story progressed the more I found myself becoming a bit worried.
Part of the problem is I felt the author was dragging out the big reveal of Roxanne’s job and the only point of the story was to lead to the big bust-up. The longer it went on the more it cast a pall over the whole story and when the moment finally arrived I couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed the author couldn’t have thought of something more original.
Overall it was a decent story and although it wasn’t quite what I hoped for I have given it three stars.
Part of the problem is I felt the author was dragging out the big reveal of Roxanne’s job and the only point of the story was to lead to the big bust-up. The longer it went on the more it cast a pall over the whole story and when the moment finally arrived I couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed the author couldn’t have thought of something more original.
Overall it was a decent story and although it wasn’t quite what I hoped for I have given it three stars.
February 12, 2022
Good storyline, great MCs with nice character development. I enjoyed Chards writing style and the philosophical contemplation she brought out.
January 21, 2022
fantastic
This was my first read of this author having been recommended by a friend and I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
I enjoyed the storyline in general and I was kept attentive throughout the book.
The only reason I haven’t given it 5 stars is I felt a particular part of the story was a little drawn out otherwise, it was really a very good read!
The author done a great job making the MC’s relatable and I enjoyed the dynamic of the various relationships within the story.
I will definitely read more by this author!
This was my first read of this author having been recommended by a friend and I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
I enjoyed the storyline in general and I was kept attentive throughout the book.
The only reason I haven’t given it 5 stars is I felt a particular part of the story was a little drawn out otherwise, it was really a very good read!
The author done a great job making the MC’s relatable and I enjoyed the dynamic of the various relationships within the story.
I will definitely read more by this author!
July 19, 2020
Well the last 20% of the book totally did it for me...this is one of the few books I felt satisfied when I finished it.
June 23, 2020
Word gold!
I would just have to say that Crystal Chard put her foot into this debut! I could not find one fault in this book in the way it was written! Can this be turned into a Sundance film? Pretty please? The characters were top notch and so full of depth! The dialogue was witty, charming, and just sucked you in! I'm so freaking impressed with this novel! Did I forget to mention...DEBUT?!!!!
A lot of good writers spend years trying to measure up and deliver a literary masterpiece, but Crystal Chard bucked the trend and said her masterpiece was going to be perfected right from the jump!
Honestly, 10 out of 10! I absolutely cannot wait for another one! This whole novel was word gold! Cheers!
I would just have to say that Crystal Chard put her foot into this debut! I could not find one fault in this book in the way it was written! Can this be turned into a Sundance film? Pretty please? The characters were top notch and so full of depth! The dialogue was witty, charming, and just sucked you in! I'm so freaking impressed with this novel! Did I forget to mention...DEBUT?!!!!
A lot of good writers spend years trying to measure up and deliver a literary masterpiece, but Crystal Chard bucked the trend and said her masterpiece was going to be perfected right from the jump!
Honestly, 10 out of 10! I absolutely cannot wait for another one! This whole novel was word gold! Cheers!
May 15, 2020
Rough Around the Edges by Crystal Chard is about a journey of self-discovery and love. Roxanne Mackenzie was once an aspiring writer. Currently, Roxy works a job she is embarrassed about, but the money she makes is needed to help support her terminally-ill mother. Meeting Josie, a psychology lecturer who sees her potential, changes her perception of herself. She realizes she is worthy, capable, and deserving of having all she dreams become reality. But as Josie inspires her to be better, Roxy cannot bring herself to share the whole truth about herself, leaving out how she earns money. The inability of Roxy to tell Josie the truth becomes bigger than the actual news she is withholding. The making of the inevitable tumble from happiness is apparent. However, once it arrived, I still found myself distraught and handwringing on how these two would find their happily-ever-after.
This story has all the feels. It has funny and heartbreaking moments, but I especially liked the ahh-fresh-love moments. The new love between Roxy and Josie is warm, genuine, and passionate, just beautifully written and a delight to read. My only caveat is if you have suffered a recent loss, parts of this book may be a bit hard to read. Roxy’s complicated but endearing mother is terminally ill, and when she succumbs, it is heartbreaking, but again beautifully written and dispersed with gentle humor. I have now put Chard on my list of authors to read. This is a terrific debut, and I look forward to her next novel.
This story has all the feels. It has funny and heartbreaking moments, but I especially liked the ahh-fresh-love moments. The new love between Roxy and Josie is warm, genuine, and passionate, just beautifully written and a delight to read. My only caveat is if you have suffered a recent loss, parts of this book may be a bit hard to read. Roxy’s complicated but endearing mother is terminally ill, and when she succumbs, it is heartbreaking, but again beautifully written and dispersed with gentle humor. I have now put Chard on my list of authors to read. This is a terrific debut, and I look forward to her next novel.
May 20, 2020
Emotional rollercoaster
It's very rare I leave a review on a boom, however this book required one.
This book left you feeling so many emotions throughout. Emotional at times I even had a couple of tears. I would genuinely read this book again. I couldn't put it down.
It's very rare I leave a review on a boom, however this book required one.
This book left you feeling so many emotions throughout. Emotional at times I even had a couple of tears. I would genuinely read this book again. I couldn't put it down.
June 12, 2020
For a debut book, this one deserves a praisie. A true praise.
I’m not sure I can live up to 4,000 weeks, but I’m so glad I spent a day among my thousands of weeks reading this this book with nothing but utmost respect to the depth of emotions Chard had poured into writing it. Salute!
I’m not sure I can live up to 4,000 weeks, but I’m so glad I spent a day among my thousands of weeks reading this this book with nothing but utmost respect to the depth of emotions Chard had poured into writing it. Salute!
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