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Redemption
Il était mon meilleur ami, mon meilleur "presque" grand frère, et mon plus grand protecteur. Il était tout simplement le meilleur. Et il était à moi.
C'était difficile pour Lane de revenir à la maison. D'une part parce que son oncle adoré, Harry, était décédé soudainement, mais aussi à cause de lui. Kale.
Kale Hunt était son meilleur ami d'enfance, mais ce n'était pas aussi simple que ça. C'est à cause de lui que Lane a quitté sa maison et est partie à New York. Le voir avec quelqu'un d'autre, le voir amoureux d'une autre personne, n'aurait pas dû la blesser autant. Mais ce fut le cas. Cela l'a vraiment, vraiment blessée. Au point de plier bagages pour commencer une nouvelle vie ailleurs et se couper de son passé.
Mais elle est désormais de retour et ses sentiments sont toujours présents, comme si elle n'était jamais partie.
Les émotions sont intenses pour tout le monde, et les tragédies ont une drôle de façon de rassembler les gens. Mais est-ce que Lane interprète les signes correctement ? Sont-ils toujours seulement des amis, ou y a-t-il quelque chose de plus ?
250 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2019
About the author
L.A. Casey
34 books6,175 followersL.A. Casey is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who juggles her time between her mini-me and writing. She was born, raised in Dublin, Ireland, and currently resides in Kildare, Ireland. She enjoys chatting with her readers, who love her humour and Irish accent as much as her books.
Casey's first book, DOMINIC, was independently published in 2014 and became an instant success on Amazon. She is both traditionally and independently published and is represented by Mark Gottlieb from Trident Media Group.
To read more about this author, visit her website at www.lacaseyauthor.com
Casey's first book, DOMINIC, was independently published in 2014 and became an instant success on Amazon. She is both traditionally and independently published and is represented by Mark Gottlieb from Trident Media Group.
To read more about this author, visit her website at www.lacaseyauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,509 reviews
February 9, 2017
**I received a complimentary ARC from the publisher, through Netgalley.com, in exchange for honest feedback.** (That being said, I also checked the Audible edition out as a Kindle Unlimited selection and that is the version that I read/listened to.)
Right from the start, I was intrigued with Lane's story. Returning to her home in England for her Uncle Harry's funeral, it is clear that there are oodles of unresolved issues between her, her family and Kale, the man who broke her heart. The tension was palpable. In fact, I kept thinking that if I were Lane and my family treated me that way, I'd be on the first plane I could get back to New York.
As a heroine, Lane was infuriating at times, but mostly endearing. I liked the fact that she wasn't "perfect" like most female main characters are. I found her flaws to be endearing. It was her imperfections that made her human.
At the same time, I appreciated the way the author didn't make the story all about her "imperfections". Lane had issues with her body image and self-esteem, but while these issues contributed to her character, they weren't the sole focus of the story. I think the author did a good job of balancing this information with other story elements.
From the age of ten, Lane has been in love with Kale. Kale was the slightly older boy that was best friends with her brothers. He was a part of her family and treated her like a little sister.
Of course, as they grow older the lines start to blur. Lane, especially, has a hard time accepting Kale's unwillingness to see her as more than a sister and friend. After a few ill-fated encounters, fueled by alcohol, Lane has finally had enough. She packs up and leaves the country.
Along the way, both Lane and Kale face major hardships and tragedies. Lane, in particular, has allowed her behaviors to be driven by Kale's behavior. At times that was very frustrating and resulted in devastation.
The reasons behind Lane's departure are revealed slowly. Alternating between present and past, the story unfolds bit by bit. I kept waiting for the big reveal that would explain why her family was so angry with her, but it never came.
Therein lies my problem with this story. I couldn't get past how nasty Lane's family was to her, just because she chose to move away. They were horrible!
Similarly, I was put-off by Kale. I kept waiting to fall in love with him, but it didn't happen. He treated Lane poorly and I just couldn't excuse it. I thought his excuses were weak, at best. He certainly didn't provide the requisite groveling that I require of a hero before he is forgiven.
Overall, I give it 3 1/2 stars. I liked it a lot, but there were some things that didn't work for me.
Right from the start, I was intrigued with Lane's story. Returning to her home in England for her Uncle Harry's funeral, it is clear that there are oodles of unresolved issues between her, her family and Kale, the man who broke her heart. The tension was palpable. In fact, I kept thinking that if I were Lane and my family treated me that way, I'd be on the first plane I could get back to New York.
As a heroine, Lane was infuriating at times, but mostly endearing. I liked the fact that she wasn't "perfect" like most female main characters are. I found her flaws to be endearing. It was her imperfections that made her human.
At the same time, I appreciated the way the author didn't make the story all about her "imperfections". Lane had issues with her body image and self-esteem, but while these issues contributed to her character, they weren't the sole focus of the story. I think the author did a good job of balancing this information with other story elements.
From the age of ten, Lane has been in love with Kale. Kale was the slightly older boy that was best friends with her brothers. He was a part of her family and treated her like a little sister.
Of course, as they grow older the lines start to blur. Lane, especially, has a hard time accepting Kale's unwillingness to see her as more than a sister and friend. After a few ill-fated encounters, fueled by alcohol, Lane has finally had enough. She packs up and leaves the country.
Along the way, both Lane and Kale face major hardships and tragedies. Lane, in particular, has allowed her behaviors to be driven by Kale's behavior. At times that was very frustrating and resulted in devastation.
The reasons behind Lane's departure are revealed slowly. Alternating between present and past, the story unfolds bit by bit. I kept waiting for the big reveal that would explain why her family was so angry with her, but it never came.
Therein lies my problem with this story. I couldn't get past how nasty Lane's family was to her, just because she chose to move away. They were horrible!
Similarly, I was put-off by Kale. I kept waiting to fall in love with him, but it didn't happen. He treated Lane poorly and I just couldn't excuse it. I thought his excuses were weak, at best. He certainly didn't provide the requisite groveling that I require of a hero before he is forgiven.
Overall, I give it 3 1/2 stars. I liked it a lot, but there were some things that didn't work for me.
finished-writing
July 14, 2016"Until Harry is like nothing you have ever read from L.A. Casey before. It is a story of love, loss and finding yourself in the darkest of times."
Until Harry releases on July 19th, 2016, and is now available to pre-order on Amazon. Below are the pre-order links as well as a small excerpt from the novel and picture teasers :)
PRE-ORDER ON KINDLE US
PRE-ORDER ON KINDLE UK
PRE-ORDER ON KINDLE CA
PRE-ORDER ON KINDLE AU
Excerpt:
I felt my eyes widen as his voice encircled me like a warm blanket. No matter how many years went by, I would know his voice even if it were a whisper. I slowly turned, but I froze when I saw him standing in the doorway of the parlour, leaning against the panel with his hands jammed into the front pockets of his jeans.
His eyes, my mind whispered. What’s wrong with his eyes?
There were many things that I loved about the man before me, but his eyes were by far my favourite. They were the first things I looked at whenever I saw him. There was always a mischievous glint in his whisky-coloured eyes that only I could see because I looked hard enough. It was a glint that told me his soul was alive and thriving, but what I saw now caused me to shiver.
There was no glint, gleam or light of any sort in his eyes. They were dead and reflected the clouded grey skies that often hung over York. They were as captivating as they were haunting.
Even though I moved thousands of miles away to escape him, every day for the past six years I woke up seeing those hazel eyes and fell asleep hearing that soothing voice. I couldn’t shake him whether I was half a world away or in the next room.
I lived and breathed Kale Hunt, and it was killing me.
“Kale,” I managed to whisper as I stared at the first man to ever break my heart.
He gazed at me then with no trace of emotion he robotically blinked and nodded in greeting. “Welcome home, Laney Baby.”
19.07.16
July 30, 2017
3 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was an ok read. I was in the mood for angsty, and I got it! I thought it was a little OTT drama at times, because a lot of it could've easily been fixed with a little communication. I didn't love it, and I didn't hate it. I had some issues with the pacing and closure (see below spoilers), but it served its purpose and squeezed out a few tears for me. I'd say it was a "just ok" 3 star read.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Lane and Kale's story. They grew up together, as their families were extremely close from before Lane was born. Kale was the same age as her older twin brothers and was their best friend, so she was seen as his little sister too. Through the years their close friendship changed into something more. Some unfortunate circumstances had Lane leaving the country and only returning 6 years later for her beloved uncle's funeral. When she returns, she has a lot of bridges to mend as well as confront her feelings for Kale. They eventually get a HFN ending.
POV: This was told in Lane's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Ok. This consisted of the present tense, where the h has returned to her home town for her uncle's funeral, and many different flashbacks to explain the h and H's relationship before she left. I have always liked this type of storytelling, so that didn't part didn't bother me. What bothered me is that we went through the whole thing and didn't get to ever experience them as a couple! I never skimmed and it flowed well otherwise.
Instalove: No. They had sufficient time to develop feelings.
H rating: 3 stars. Kale. I would've really liked his pov, because I just didn't understand his motives a lot of the time. When his feelings came to light (at the very end), I decided that he just lost his balls somewhere in his childhood ;)
h rating: 3 stars. Lane. She was ok. I wanted her to communicate better and stop running away. She wanted to not be treated like a little sister, but she needed to act like an adult!
Sadness level: Moderate. I cried a few times with this angst-fest!
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Low. There are 2 scenes, and they're just ok.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: No. They don't use condoms (1st time "pull out method", 2nd time she was on birth control). They mention std status after the fact. I don't remember any mention of past practices.
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes and no
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This didn't have nearly enough closure for me. I'd call it a HFN ending.
How I got it: It was part of my kindle unlimited subscription.
Safety: I'd say that this is either Safe or Safe with exception depending on personal preferences.
Overall Opinion: This was an ok read. I was in the mood for angsty, and I got it! I thought it was a little OTT drama at times, because a lot of it could've easily been fixed with a little communication. I didn't love it, and I didn't hate it. I had some issues with the pacing and closure (see below spoilers), but it served its purpose and squeezed out a few tears for me. I'd say it was a "just ok" 3 star read.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Lane and Kale's story. They grew up together, as their families were extremely close from before Lane was born. Kale was the same age as her older twin brothers and was their best friend, so she was seen as his little sister too. Through the years their close friendship changed into something more. Some unfortunate circumstances had Lane leaving the country and only returning 6 years later for her beloved uncle's funeral. When she returns, she has a lot of bridges to mend as well as confront her feelings for Kale. They eventually get a HFN ending.
POV: This was told in Lane's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Ok. This consisted of the present tense, where the h has returned to her home town for her uncle's funeral, and many different flashbacks to explain the h and H's relationship before she left. I have always liked this type of storytelling, so that didn't part didn't bother me. What bothered me is that we went through the whole thing and didn't get to ever experience them as a couple! I never skimmed and it flowed well otherwise.
Instalove: No. They had sufficient time to develop feelings.
H rating: 3 stars. Kale. I would've really liked his pov, because I just didn't understand his motives a lot of the time. When his feelings came to light (at the very end), I decided that he just lost his balls somewhere in his childhood ;)
h rating: 3 stars. Lane. She was ok. I wanted her to communicate better and stop running away. She wanted to not be treated like a little sister, but she needed to act like an adult!
Sadness level: Moderate. I cried a few times with this angst-fest!
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Low. There are 2 scenes, and they're just ok.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: No. They don't use condoms (1st time "pull out method", 2nd time she was on birth control). They mention std status after the fact. I don't remember any mention of past practices.
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes and no
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This didn't have nearly enough closure for me. I'd call it a HFN ending.
How I got it: It was part of my kindle unlimited subscription.
Safety: I'd say that this is either Safe or Safe with exception depending on personal preferences.
July 21, 2016
Review to come (if I can ever get over my distaste for Kale to bother writing it) but I did NOT like Kale. He didn't deserve her. He loved another woman and chose that woman over Lane. Over & over, for years. This was definitely about unrequited love on Lane's part for years. Kale was a weak coward who never fought for Laney.
After 5 starring Aideen I had high hopes for this "love" story but it was a complete & utter fail for me. I looked forward to this author's loyal (faithful) and crazy in love for their woman Hero's. Kale was none of those things. Not even close. He never ever won me over, I never believed him nor in him. Way too little & way too late in those last 4 days when he finally showed some feelings to her. I would've kicked his ass to the curb & never looked back a long time ago, just like he did her when he picked Drew over her (yet again) that final time.
After 5 starring Aideen I had high hopes for this "love" story but it was a complete & utter fail for me. I looked forward to this author's loyal (faithful) and crazy in love for their woman Hero's. Kale was none of those things. Not even close. He never ever won me over, I never believed him nor in him. Way too little & way too late in those last 4 days when he finally showed some feelings to her. I would've kicked his ass to the curb & never looked back a long time ago, just like he did her when he picked Drew over her (yet again) that final time.
August 2, 2016
I really can't believe that this book has an over 4 rating.
This book is a walking cliche, with added drama/angst for the shake of just adding angst, boring talks, and no depth. I'd really love to read something that I haven't read before, but if I do, I'd really like - at least - for it to be beautifully written.
My review can't be spoiler-free, so here it is :
I have absolutely no idea why I didn't DNF. I'm not one to easily DNF, so I guess I just tried my limits with this.
This book is a walking cliche, with added drama/angst for the shake of just adding angst, boring talks, and no depth. I'd really love to read something that I haven't read before, but if I do, I'd really like - at least - for it to be beautifully written.
My review can't be spoiler-free, so here it is :
I have absolutely no idea why I didn't DNF. I'm not one to easily DNF, so I guess I just tried my limits with this.
July 17, 2016
༺**Complimentary Copy**༺ Provided by the author
"L.A. Casey" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: Until Harry
AUTHOR: L.A. Casey
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
CHAPTERS: 18
RELEASE DATE: July 19th 2016
MY RATING:5 STARS
UNTIL HARRY: This is told entirely from the female (Lane) heroine's POV
Straight away you get caught up in the story, the world just ceases to exist. And I love books that grab me from that first page read. AND THEN Oh bugga me, not too far into chapter one and I've got leaky eye syndrome already!! GAH!!
We're first introduced to Lane who has received a letter from her brother informing her that her Uncle Harry has passed away and that she needs to return to the place she turned her back on six years ago. Back to where she was most hurt.
Devastation
Misery
Heartbroken
Distroyed
Empty inside.
From Present Day arriving home to bury her much loved Uncle to six years old when she knew then that she loved 9 year old Kale..God the feels reading how he was her protector, her big brother surrogate figure, to the love she felt for him then but not really understanding what it all meant.
Kale was my best friend in the whole wide world
He was always the one to take my tears away and put a smile on my face.
This moves through the ages effortlessly from Lane at the age of 6 upwards to Present Day, the heartbreak, the love, the healing processes of every day life experiences.
God where to start with this review to give this book the justice it needs.
HERE GOES: I cried, I laughed, I sighed, I swooned, I loved, I inhaled this!! This ticked All my boxes, the feels, the angst, the emotional pull on all my emotions, this book just had it all.
There isn't anything I would change about this book, definitely a book I will highly recommend. Don't sit there whilst your contemplating whether you one click or not, take that leap, dust that one click card, you will not regret this read, all you tear gathering angst hunters will love this book.
My emotions were all over the place reading this. This was so beautifully written..LOVED IT!!
*2 Teasers used off the authors FB page*
"L.A. Casey" in exchange for an honest review..Thank you!!
TITLE: Until Harry
AUTHOR: L.A. Casey
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
CHAPTERS: 18
RELEASE DATE: July 19th 2016
MY RATING:5 STARS
UNTIL HARRY: This is told entirely from the female (Lane) heroine's POV
Straight away you get caught up in the story, the world just ceases to exist. And I love books that grab me from that first page read. AND THEN Oh bugga me, not too far into chapter one and I've got leaky eye syndrome already!! GAH!!
We're first introduced to Lane who has received a letter from her brother informing her that her Uncle Harry has passed away and that she needs to return to the place she turned her back on six years ago. Back to where she was most hurt.
DevastationMisery
Heartbroken
Distroyed
Empty inside.
From Present Day arriving home to bury her much loved Uncle to six years old when she knew then that she loved 9 year old Kale..God the feels reading how he was her protector, her big brother surrogate figure, to the love she felt for him then but not really understanding what it all meant.
Kale was my best friend in the whole wide world
He was always the one to take my tears away and put a smile on my face.
This moves through the ages effortlessly from Lane at the age of 6 upwards to Present Day, the heartbreak, the love, the healing processes of every day life experiences.
God where to start with this review to give this book the justice it needs.
HERE GOES: I cried, I laughed, I sighed, I swooned, I loved, I inhaled this!! This ticked All my boxes, the feels, the angst, the emotional pull on all my emotions, this book just had it all.
There isn't anything I would change about this book, definitely a book I will highly recommend. Don't sit there whilst your contemplating whether you one click or not, take that leap, dust that one click card, you will not regret this read, all you tear gathering angst hunters will love this book.
My emotions were all over the place reading this. This was so beautifully written..LOVED IT!!
*2 Teasers used off the authors FB page*
November 18, 2016
***4,25 “Welcome home, Laney Baby!!!” stars***
This is my second book by L.A. Casey and it was so different from "Frozen" but equal wonderful...
This was an emotional ride full of loss, tragedies, redemption... and second chances!!!
I enjoyed it very much, but i wish it was having a little bit more of explanations... About many things!!!
Laney is returning back home to attend the funeral of her beloved uncle Harry and there she have to deal with her family and Kale with whom are not in good odds since the day she left England, six years ago....
The book is going back and fourth in the past and slowly, it's revealing us the reasons why Laney left everything and everyone behind her...
“Being here is really difficult.”
“I know, honey, but deep down you knew you couldn’t stay away forever.”
“Staying away – that was my plan.”
“Until Harry?”
“Until Harry.”
Layne's biggest problem is Kale who in the past hurt her really badly and who was the reason why she flew away from everything she knew....
Layne was in love with Kale since she was very young...
Kale was hers and her brothers's best friend... They had grew up together and they were very tied... Layne was like a younger sister for Kale and he was protecting her from everything...
But at some point, the lines got blurred and they inevitable hurt each other...
And the result of that??? Layne left everything behind and move in New York!!!
The only person that she stayed in touch with was her dear uncle Harry... And now he is gone!!!
And her heart is bleeding....
“He was my best friend, my best not-really big brother and my best protector. He was my best everything. He was mine.”
Now, she is back and she has to face not only the heartbreaking from Harry's loss, but her family who didn't treat her well and Kale who hurt her badly!!!
Will she manage to go through all this pain and to get clear with everyone around her???
It will be for good or bad???
"It wasn’t good to be back.
It was absolute torture standing here and acting like I wasn’t hurting all over again. Like my heart didn’t kick into overdrive at the mere sight of him, like my palms didn’t itch as they ached to touch him, like my knees didn’t shake to keep from walking to him, like shivers didn’t dance up and down my spine upon hearing his husky voice, like my lips didn’t want to fucking devour his until there was nothing left in existence but the two of us."
Laney was very sweet, but also a very stubborn girl!!!
Even though that she didn't want to admit it to anyone, she was missing home, her family and Kale... but it was too much to being around them.
Slowly, we realized the reasons why she run away from them, but i have to admit that in some points her behaviour was too much reckless... Yeah, i know that she was hurting inside, but still...
“I’m not the same Lane you once knew, pup.”
“My Lane is still in there somewhere,” he said, his tone matter-of-fact. “Only she would call me ‘pup’.”
He called me his. Kale said I was his Lane.
I shook my head at that because I wasn’t his. You could never belong to someone without owning a piece of him or her in return, and I’d learned the hard way that I didn’t own any part of Kale. I had a memory of what owning him was like, but that was it. And that memory was fading. Fast.
Kale from the other hand was an enigma for me through the whole book... I had realize from very soon that he was also having feelings for Layne, but damn him!!!
He wasn't handling the situation very good and that had bad results... He was pushing her away and he was getting himself in bad situations that led him in such tragedies...
"You get in the way of everything, Lane."
I frowned. "I don't understand."
"I can't see past you," he said, and shook his head. "I've never been able to see past you."
Layne and Kale were both very heartbroken from each other, from their choices, from life...
They made so many mistakes and it was such a waste that they were leaving the opportunities to passing them by...
Now, it's the time to get clear!!!
Will they manage to make amends or there is no hope for them???
""I'd never run away from you."
Kale lowered his face dangerously close to mine. "Promise?"
"I promise," I breathed."
My biggest confusion with this book was Layne's bad relationship with her family!!!
Since the first moment that she arrived back home, everyone is seeming very pleasant from that fact... So why in the name of God, they were in such bad terms???
I only saw people who were loving each other deeply.... So why??? Only from stubborness, i think!!!
As for Harry??? This man was so sweet and such a devil!!! I loved him instantly!!!
"They didn’t understand that I needed to be away from home. They knew why I needed to be away – they just didn’t get why. My decision to leave abruptly ended day-to-day communications between us. It sucked not speaking to them. I missed them terribly, but I was just as stubborn as my family and fought their anger and hurt with my own. It resulted in a barrier of silence that only my uncle’s death had been able to break through."
Overall, it was a lovely story and i did enjoy it very much!!!
L.A. Casey, for once again, kept me a wonderful company...
"He was always yours. He just didn’t know it."
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
This is my second book by L.A. Casey and it was so different from "Frozen" but equal wonderful...
This was an emotional ride full of loss, tragedies, redemption... and second chances!!!
I enjoyed it very much, but i wish it was having a little bit more of explanations... About many things!!!
Laney is returning back home to attend the funeral of her beloved uncle Harry and there she have to deal with her family and Kale with whom are not in good odds since the day she left England, six years ago....
The book is going back and fourth in the past and slowly, it's revealing us the reasons why Laney left everything and everyone behind her...
“Being here is really difficult.”
“I know, honey, but deep down you knew you couldn’t stay away forever.”
“Staying away – that was my plan.”
“Until Harry?”
“Until Harry.”
Layne's biggest problem is Kale who in the past hurt her really badly and who was the reason why she flew away from everything she knew....
Layne was in love with Kale since she was very young...
Kale was hers and her brothers's best friend... They had grew up together and they were very tied... Layne was like a younger sister for Kale and he was protecting her from everything...
But at some point, the lines got blurred and they inevitable hurt each other...
And the result of that??? Layne left everything behind and move in New York!!!
The only person that she stayed in touch with was her dear uncle Harry... And now he is gone!!!
And her heart is bleeding....
“He was my best friend, my best not-really big brother and my best protector. He was my best everything. He was mine.”
Now, she is back and she has to face not only the heartbreaking from Harry's loss, but her family who didn't treat her well and Kale who hurt her badly!!!
Will she manage to go through all this pain and to get clear with everyone around her???
It will be for good or bad???
"It wasn’t good to be back.
It was absolute torture standing here and acting like I wasn’t hurting all over again. Like my heart didn’t kick into overdrive at the mere sight of him, like my palms didn’t itch as they ached to touch him, like my knees didn’t shake to keep from walking to him, like shivers didn’t dance up and down my spine upon hearing his husky voice, like my lips didn’t want to fucking devour his until there was nothing left in existence but the two of us."
Laney was very sweet, but also a very stubborn girl!!!
Even though that she didn't want to admit it to anyone, she was missing home, her family and Kale... but it was too much to being around them.
Slowly, we realized the reasons why she run away from them, but i have to admit that in some points her behaviour was too much reckless... Yeah, i know that she was hurting inside, but still...
“I’m not the same Lane you once knew, pup.”
“My Lane is still in there somewhere,” he said, his tone matter-of-fact. “Only she would call me ‘pup’.”
He called me his. Kale said I was his Lane.
I shook my head at that because I wasn’t his. You could never belong to someone without owning a piece of him or her in return, and I’d learned the hard way that I didn’t own any part of Kale. I had a memory of what owning him was like, but that was it. And that memory was fading. Fast.
Kale from the other hand was an enigma for me through the whole book... I had realize from very soon that he was also having feelings for Layne, but damn him!!!
He wasn't handling the situation very good and that had bad results... He was pushing her away and he was getting himself in bad situations that led him in such tragedies...
"You get in the way of everything, Lane."
I frowned. "I don't understand."
"I can't see past you," he said, and shook his head. "I've never been able to see past you."
Layne and Kale were both very heartbroken from each other, from their choices, from life...
They made so many mistakes and it was such a waste that they were leaving the opportunities to passing them by...
Now, it's the time to get clear!!!
Will they manage to make amends or there is no hope for them???
""I'd never run away from you."
Kale lowered his face dangerously close to mine. "Promise?"
"I promise," I breathed."
My biggest confusion with this book was Layne's bad relationship with her family!!!
Since the first moment that she arrived back home, everyone is seeming very pleasant from that fact... So why in the name of God, they were in such bad terms???
I only saw people who were loving each other deeply.... So why??? Only from stubborness, i think!!!
As for Harry??? This man was so sweet and such a devil!!! I loved him instantly!!!
"They didn’t understand that I needed to be away from home. They knew why I needed to be away – they just didn’t get why. My decision to leave abruptly ended day-to-day communications between us. It sucked not speaking to them. I missed them terribly, but I was just as stubborn as my family and fought their anger and hurt with my own. It resulted in a barrier of silence that only my uncle’s death had been able to break through."
Overall, it was a lovely story and i did enjoy it very much!!!
L.A. Casey, for once again, kept me a wonderful company...
"He was always yours. He just didn’t know it."
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
July 15, 2016
♥ ♥ ♥ 4.25 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥
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'I looked at Kale. My heart was singing for him. It was a daunting thought, but I positively knew in that instant, even though I didn't know exactly what real emotion was, that I'd fallen wholeheartedly in love with Kale Hunt.'
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Until Harry is a story about a young woman named Lane who has been fortunate to have a constant in her life in the form of her best friend, Kale. From a very young age, Kale has been there for her as her friend, brother, protector, and partner in crime. As Lane reaches adolescence, her feelings for Kale are becoming so much more. However, the age difference between them is what keeps them apart in their teens. Lane must endure watching Kale with other girls while she pines for him.
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"I'd never run away from you."
Kale lowered his face dangerously close to mine. "Promise?"
"I promise," I breathed.
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On one night, in particular, it appears that her dreams of being with Kale are finally coming true. Kale seems to feel the same way Lane does but that all comes crashing down on her in the harsh light of day. Heartbroken, Lane fears to be near Kale and having this longing for him never go away. So, she does the only thing that she thinks will be right for her, no matter how much that hurts her family, she moves away from England to New York City.
This story was such an emotional journey. It was so much more than just a love story between Kale and Lane. I loved that we get to see moments in their lives that affected them deeply as individuals and as a couple. You see them grow up from little kids to grown adults. You get to see them love, feel pain, laugh, and get angry. So please keep that box of tissues near you because you will definitely be needing it. It was very interesting watching Lane make her way through all of her life's trials and tribulations towards her happiness. I loved the support system she had in her family, it was really sweet to see how much they all cared about one another.
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"You get in the way of everything, Lane."
I frowned. "I don't understand."
"I can't see past you," he said, and shook his head. "I've never been able to see past you."
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I very much loved having Lane back in England, however, the circumstances were definitely unfortunate with her Uncle Harry passing. After so many years, Lane must confront her unresolved feelings for Kale head on. Lane was a very relatable character, she had her flaws but she was human and did make mistakes, as did Kale. They were really good characters despite the bad decisions they made at times, I really liked both of them. I am a huge fan of "Friends-to-lovers" stories, and this one pulled at my heart strings and made me sigh with happiness. I didn't want to put this one down, and probably wouldn't have if real life didn't get in the way. The only thing I can say is I would have really liked to have had Kale's P.O.V., as this is told in Lane's P.O.V. I do recommend this one because it was a really great read, even though the story didn't always revolve around Lane and Kale's romantic relationship, it was still a very enjoyable one.
July 25, 2016
I actually cried whilst reading this book but not because of Lane. I think it was the general circumstance of unrequited love.
I'm not sure if it was the helplessness of the situation which left me reeling or Lane's feelings which were able to convey the sheer intensity of pain she was feeling. Books like this are angsty, and often don't leave me with enough retribution. Retribution is important.
Kale was a coward who belittled Lane's self-worth. He was unworthy of being titled the love of her life. This is a man who claims to be her "best friend" yet always made her feel secondary, choosing anyone and everyone else above her. Her brothers (because he didn't want to lose their friendship), his girlfriend (because she was a nice girl).
I can't express my frustration. Kale is three years older than Lane, and she's had to watch him be with other girls her entire life. It was disgusting to watch how he took away pieces from her — because that's what young love did to her, it chipped away at her self-confidence and would be something she remembered forever. He does notice her...eventually after her puberty hit. Yes, she was whiny, over dramatic, a bit of a cry baby, but I forgave her for it.
Kale took her virginity away whilst he was drunk, at a party, then fell asleep promptly after coming. Worthless. She cleaned herself up, him and then had to hear him tell her the morning after how they should "forget" it, "move on" and still be "best friends" since he couldn't "remember" anyway. He made her feel dirty, like she was his "sister".
Don't f*ck her then! He knew she had feelings for him then manipulated it.
Lane's focus zooms in on Kale through a series of flashbacks. We see how her crush develops, how he shows signs of affections towards her in the "what if" hopeless circumstance, how he reciprocates, making drunken claims of being in love with her and then proceeds to stomp all over her heart getting back together with his on-again-off-again girlfriend, Drew. He simultaneously loves two girls giving his body and attention to his girlfriend, and throwing a piece of meat (his stupid heart!) to Lane in hopes she'd chase after him like a dog with a bone.
She was a doormat. It annoyed me and made me feel sorry for her.
Lane has self-confidence issues after being bullied. At times I did feel she was a little too self-sympathising as she was younger. But later on, after meeting Lavender, her best friend, she grows up. I liked that. So when the bombshell drops one day that Lavender has passed away in a car wreck, and that Kale is going to have a child with his girlfriend, Lane runs away to New York for head space. For six years.
That was one of the sane decisions she made. She was in a toxic environment. Her support system has passed away, and the situation Kale put her in, constantly choosing Drew over her, constantly chipping away at her, claiming to be in love with her whilst he was drunk but pushing her away whilst he was sober was exhausting. He was a coward, and didn't deserve a happily ever with her. I find it disgusting that male heroes are put on a pedestal where they are allowed to be manwhores and have children with women other than our heroine.
No, Kale wasn't without pain because he did really love her and had to watch her leave him so he could be with his girlfriend and raise his son which brought its own complications. But he was selfish and I refuse to believe that Lane couldn't find a perfectly suitable man in New York who she fell in love with. I find it unacceptable that she returned home to questions and unsympathetic family members who couldn't understand her torment and shouted at her for running away. I found it sad that she ended up with Kale after six years because he was a man who didn't deserve her.
She deserved better. Retribution, remember? There was no problem with the writing, and it even made me cry, but the unfairness—not on.
2 stars. **
I'm not sure if it was the helplessness of the situation which left me reeling or Lane's feelings which were able to convey the sheer intensity of pain she was feeling. Books like this are angsty, and often don't leave me with enough retribution. Retribution is important.
Kale was a coward who belittled Lane's self-worth. He was unworthy of being titled the love of her life. This is a man who claims to be her "best friend" yet always made her feel secondary, choosing anyone and everyone else above her. Her brothers (because he didn't want to lose their friendship), his girlfriend (because she was a nice girl).
I can't express my frustration. Kale is three years older than Lane, and she's had to watch him be with other girls her entire life. It was disgusting to watch how he took away pieces from her — because that's what young love did to her, it chipped away at her self-confidence and would be something she remembered forever. He does notice her...eventually after her puberty hit. Yes, she was whiny, over dramatic, a bit of a cry baby, but I forgave her for it.
Kale took her virginity away whilst he was drunk, at a party, then fell asleep promptly after coming. Worthless. She cleaned herself up, him and then had to hear him tell her the morning after how they should "forget" it, "move on" and still be "best friends" since he couldn't "remember" anyway. He made her feel dirty, like she was his "sister".
Don't f*ck her then! He knew she had feelings for him then manipulated it.
Lane's focus zooms in on Kale through a series of flashbacks. We see how her crush develops, how he shows signs of affections towards her in the "what if" hopeless circumstance, how he reciprocates, making drunken claims of being in love with her and then proceeds to stomp all over her heart getting back together with his on-again-off-again girlfriend, Drew. He simultaneously loves two girls giving his body and attention to his girlfriend, and throwing a piece of meat (his stupid heart!) to Lane in hopes she'd chase after him like a dog with a bone.
She was a doormat. It annoyed me and made me feel sorry for her.
Lane has self-confidence issues after being bullied. At times I did feel she was a little too self-sympathising as she was younger. But later on, after meeting Lavender, her best friend, she grows up. I liked that. So when the bombshell drops one day that Lavender has passed away in a car wreck, and that Kale is going to have a child with his girlfriend, Lane runs away to New York for head space. For six years.
That was one of the sane decisions she made. She was in a toxic environment. Her support system has passed away, and the situation Kale put her in, constantly choosing Drew over her, constantly chipping away at her, claiming to be in love with her whilst he was drunk but pushing her away whilst he was sober was exhausting. He was a coward, and didn't deserve a happily ever with her. I find it disgusting that male heroes are put on a pedestal where they are allowed to be manwhores and have children with women other than our heroine.
No, Kale wasn't without pain because he did really love her and had to watch her leave him so he could be with his girlfriend and raise his son which brought its own complications. But he was selfish and I refuse to believe that Lane couldn't find a perfectly suitable man in New York who she fell in love with. I find it unacceptable that she returned home to questions and unsympathetic family members who couldn't understand her torment and shouted at her for running away. I found it sad that she ended up with Kale after six years because he was a man who didn't deserve her.
She deserved better. Retribution, remember? There was no problem with the writing, and it even made me cry, but the unfairness—not on.
2 stars. **
August 6, 2016
In the interest of full disclosure, I'm gonna tell how and why I was able to read this book even though previous books from this author (the ones I read, obviously), failed to impress me.
It's kinda embarrassing but I thought I was requesting a book by Elle Casey.
It was a mistake, okay. I must have been drunk or half-asleep when I requested this on Netgalley because I totally thought I was requesting a book by another author. After I realized my mistake, I still went and read it. I mean, I already have the copy so why not?
I should've listened to my gut and left this book alone because it really did nothing but proved again that this author and her books just aren't my cup of tea.
I disliked the heroine, hero, and practically everybody else in the book. The only person I liked was Harry. That's it. Everything else, from the characters' motivation to the dialogue, this book just failed to illicit anything from me.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2016
This book is full of everything that made me fall in love with Kale and Lane to begin with. It shows flashes back to them as they were growing up and facets of their lives that made the couple and the individuals. Perfect people these are not, by a long shot, which is why they are so close to my heart already. I can identify with them in so very many ways, all of them, not just the heroine. If love a good romantic story with depth and intense feelings, this book is for you.
ARC kindly provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
ARC kindly provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
April 20, 2019
MEEEEEEH!!!!
Odio las sinópsis tricky que te hacen creer algo que no es.
Según esto es un Friends to lovers donde ella no es correspondida y se aleja de él cuando la rechaza porque ama a otra y va a ser papá.
Pero resulta que si era correspondida y las cosas que los separaron fueron absurdas.
Pero lo que más odié fue la actitud de ella tan INFANTIL y tonta.
Y de él pues no se que decir porque no lo odié pero tampoco fue lo máximo .
Es un libro que posiblemente me hubiera gustado pero las situaciones y la prota no ayudaron.
Odio las sinópsis tricky que te hacen creer algo que no es.
Según esto es un Friends to lovers donde ella no es correspondida y se aleja de él cuando la rechaza porque ama a otra y va a ser papá.
Pero resulta que si era correspondida y las cosas que los separaron fueron absurdas.
Pero lo que más odié fue la actitud de ella tan INFANTIL y tonta.
Y de él pues no se que decir porque no lo odié pero tampoco fue lo máximo .
Es un libro que posiblemente me hubiera gustado pero las situaciones y la prota no ayudaron.
June 21, 2016
Until Harry by L.A. Casey
L.A. Casey has written a one of the best books I have read this year! This book is a must read, Until Harry is heart breaking, traumatic, cry your eyes out kind of book and have to say it is truly an amazing story. The writing is suburb and you won't be able to put this book down. ( unless your wiping your tears away.) First thing to do before you start reading Until Harry is get your Kleenex ready.
This is a story about a young girl Lane and her best friend Kale, growing up together, sharing secrets, protecting each other ...... even if its from monster in the closet. But life has it curves and things change, growing apart due to the age difference, hidden feelings and just plain old growing up. This is one of those stories where you love someone from afar never saying it out loud, scared things will change, scared you could lose something that you want to be yours!
Lane's story is told in her own POV, it begins in the present but goes into the past so the reader can understand and feel all she goes through. Its heart wrenching at times. This story is so much more then just a romance novel. Coping with losing loved ones, death, despair, trying to move on or should I say pretending to move on.
Lane and Kale story is not an easy one to read, but it is worth every minute it takes to finish reading Until Harry.
I have rated Until Harry 5 stars and if I could go higher I surely would. This is one of those novels I will keep around so I can read it again.
***ARC provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
L.A. Casey has written a one of the best books I have read this year! This book is a must read, Until Harry is heart breaking, traumatic, cry your eyes out kind of book and have to say it is truly an amazing story. The writing is suburb and you won't be able to put this book down. ( unless your wiping your tears away.) First thing to do before you start reading Until Harry is get your Kleenex ready.
This is a story about a young girl Lane and her best friend Kale, growing up together, sharing secrets, protecting each other ...... even if its from monster in the closet. But life has it curves and things change, growing apart due to the age difference, hidden feelings and just plain old growing up. This is one of those stories where you love someone from afar never saying it out loud, scared things will change, scared you could lose something that you want to be yours!
Lane's story is told in her own POV, it begins in the present but goes into the past so the reader can understand and feel all she goes through. Its heart wrenching at times. This story is so much more then just a romance novel. Coping with losing loved ones, death, despair, trying to move on or should I say pretending to move on.
Lane and Kale story is not an easy one to read, but it is worth every minute it takes to finish reading Until Harry.
I have rated Until Harry 5 stars and if I could go higher I surely would. This is one of those novels I will keep around so I can read it again.
***ARC provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
February 9, 2020
This book had so much potential, but the hero was not redeemable for me. The heroine made stupid choices, but I understood her, she was young and naive. The hero was selfish and weak. He took the heroine’s virginity, made out he was drunk and it was a mistake, all because she is his best friends little sister. He apparently is in love with the heroine, but has a girlfriend for years who he gets pregnant. He also tells the heroine later on that he loves her, when he is really drunk, and is offended she doesn’t believe him and fall into his arms! After this declaration the heroine’s best friend dies, and to top it off the hero decides to tell her that he is having a child with the ow! Then he wonders why she wants to escape. He didn’t fight for the heroine or anything, if he loved her so much he could have been single and waited, no kept his girlfriend on the go, who he also apparently loved! So the heroine is gone for years, only retuning for her Uncle Harry’s funeral. When she returns she finds out that the hero’s baby died. This is tragic and sad of course, but does not excuse his behaviour, and also does not mean that the heroine should have been around to support him! Which he and she believe she should have, so she was meant to be his counsellor when he lost his child he was having with another woman? I honestly did not see any reason for these two to get together and saw nothing strong or interesting in the hero for the heroine to be so besottted with him! The heroine’s family were also extreme. What I did not understand was their anger at her going to New York in the first place. She is a young woman, with so many prospects, they should have been delighted she was living her life, not wanting her kept boxed in and close by because it suited them. He was constantly treated like a child (thought sometimes she didn’t act any better than one). I also found her brothers too involved when it suited them, but not concerned or judgemental at other times. I also didn’t find it ridiculous that the heroine was upset that her brother was in a relationship with a girl that used to bully her. The girl used to caller fat and disgusting and made her cry as teens. People can change, but the only reason the girl apologised in my eyes was because she was dating the brother, she had years to apologise previously, but never did. I also found it contradictory that the brothers were all so worried about protecting the heroine, but didn’t see the big deal about the girl who bullied the heroine? Ok then. This is not a love story in my book, and even through the heroine was annoying, she deserved better in my book. The author is lovely and has a good writing style, however, I cannot get on with her other books such as The Slater Brothers Series, somthink she is just not for me.
“Ally Day?” I quizzed. “The Ally Day who convinced me, along with her evil friend, that I was fat and ugly when I was younger . . . that Ally Day?” Everyone froze as they looked at me. “People change, Lane,” Layton murmured, making sure to keep his arm tightly around me, like he was afraid I would bolt. “She’s not the mean girl she was when she was a kid.”
‘He was right; I was being bratty and rude. It was uncalled for and not needed, but I was hurt they could just forget what Ally had done to me. They’d seen first-hand what I’d gone through because of her;’
‘Lochlan turned away from me and shook his head, and I couldn’t help but shake my own at him. He was a huge pain in my arse, but only because he loved me so much. He felt that I was his responsibility because I was the baby of the family, and it was why he had been more overbearing than Layton. Sometimes even our father wasn’t as harsh as he was.’
“Why would Kale hate you, darling?” I swallowed. “Because I wasn’t here for him when he needed me the most. I wouldn’t blame him if he hated me.” My father clucked his tongue. “Lane, you couldn’t have predicted what happened any better than the rest of us could.” That didn’t excuse my absence. “I should have been here for him,” I said, frowning. “If I wasn’t so stubborn and hadn’t told Uncle Harry not to tell me about what any of you were up to, maybe he could have—”
“We can’t be friends after this,” he whispered, swaying into me. “We can’t ever be just friends anymore.” I lifted my hands and gripped onto his T-shirt. “I don’t want to just be your friend.” He blinked. “You really want me?” “Hell. Yes.” His eyes lit with fire then, and he applied more pressure against my body. “Think carefully about this,” he said firmly, groaning when I moved, causing my hip to brush over his hardened length.’
“You’re sure about this?” Kale asked as he stumbled towards me. I caught him just as he was about to trip over his own two feet. “I’m sure, but are you?” I asked. “You’ve had a bit to drink, and I don’t want to take advantage—” “Let me stop you right there,” he said, laughing. “You aren’t taking advantage of me, Laney Baby –trust me.”
‘I flung my hands over my face when Kale started to laugh. “Laney Baby, your innocence is killing me.”
“Oh, Jesus,” he panicked. “Oh, Christ.” I frowned at him. “What’s wrong?” Kale snapped his gaze to me. “What’s wrong? Are you fucking serious?” I was taken aback by his sudden anger. “I don’t understand why you’re so mad,” I replied, my temper rising to match his. “You were fine a few hours ago!” He shook his head in dismay. “I was drunk a few hours ago, Lane.” Sickness attacked my stomach, and hurt gripped my heart. “Wh-What are you saying?” I whispered, not wanting to hear the answer to my question. Kale looked at me once more and frowned deeply. “I’m so sorry. Please, forgive me.” Forgive him? “For what?” I asked, my eyes welling up with tears. He grunted. “You know what for . . . We had sex, Lane.” I was instantly gutted when I saw the regret on his face. “You . . . you’re sorry we had sex?” I asked, trying my hardest not to allow my voice to crack. He placed his head in his hands. “Of course I am. You’re my best friend, you’re only seventeen and I don’t even remember sleeping with you. Oh, fuck, what have I done? Did I hurt you? Did I use a condom?” I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t think.’
“Kale, you weren’t that drunk,” I stated. “You were tipsy at most.” He moved away when I reached for him, and it really hurt my feelings. “I don’t know what to tell you, Lane. I was drunk. I’m just not a messy drunk, I guess, but that doesn’t mean I remember shit.”
“How could you know?” I questioned. “You never gave me a chance to explain. You came in here pointing your stupid fat finger and jumped to your own conclusion. Typical Lochlan.” The tension that had left Lochlan’s body came back tenfold. “I know you, Lane, and you have a way of starting trouble out of nothing,” he sneered. He might as well have kicked me in the face. It would have hurt less. “You’re wrong, dear brother,” I mocked. “You don’t know me; you haven’t known me for a long time.”
I shook my head. “For years you never let older boys near me, and now you’re shacked up with someone the same age as me? The exact age as your little sister, Lochlan. This is just bloody brilliant.” “You don’t know what you’re talking about,” he growled. I ignored him. “Maybe I should take a leaf out of your book and scare her away from you. It seemed to work out well when you did it to me all those years ago.”
‘I solemnly nodded. “I understand.” “Do you?” Kale prompted. “Do you understand how much it hurt that I needed you, but I couldn’t have you?” “Yeah, Kale, I understand exactly how much that hurts.” He stared at me, his eyes swimming with different emotions. “I’m so sorry for hurting you,” he whispered. I smiled and said lightly, “I hurt myself, Kale –you did nothing wrong.” “But I did,” he pressed. “I could have gone after you and brought you home.”
“Stay away from Kale, do you hear me, Lane?” Drew said, the venom in her voice not going amiss. I reared back. “Or what?” “You don’t want to know what I’ll do,” she said through gritted teeth.
“Have you had much to drink?” I asked, pulling back from him. He nodded, his eyes bloodshot. “To celebrate your uncle’s birthday I had some Jack –or a lot of Jack.” I needed him to leave. “Everyone is asleep, so maybe you should go on home—” “I love you,” he interrupted. I blinked. “Excuse me?” “I said,” he chuckled, “I love you. I love you so much.” “Stop it.” I frowned at him. “You are drunk. You say and do stuff you don’t mean when you’re drunk.”
“Love you.” He beamed. “Be mine.” “No,” I snapped, and pushed his hand away. “No, you don’t love me –you love Drew.” Pain and awareness flashed across his face. “I love both of you.” I laughed humourlessly. “Aren’t you lucky having two girls on the go?” Kale scowled at me, stumbling to the left. “Stop that. Don’t be hurtful.” “You’re being hurtful!” I retorted. “This is evil what you’re doing, I’m not doing this with you.” “I love you,” he repeated as if I’d never spoken. “Be with me.”
“Drew, she’s . . . she’s pregnant,” he blurted out. I stopped breathing. “She’s having my baby.” He swallowed audibly. “I’m going to be a dad, Lane.” I felt the blood drain from my face, and in that moment I was thankful I’d already puked today, because otherwise vomit would be covering Kale’s polished-up shoes. “Lane?” he prompted. “Say something, please?” I only knew one thing to say that was acceptable. “Congratulations,” I whispered. Kale took a step closer to me. “I didn’t want to tell you today of all days, but . . . but with what happened back there between us, I felt like you should know.”
“I’m so sorry. I know how you feel about me, or felt about me, so I know this isn’t what you want to hear,” he divulged. “Hurting you is the last thing I ever want to do.”
“I can’t be here anymore, Uncle Harry,” I cried. “I can’t do it anymore.” I felt my uncle’s gaze on me. “Do you really want to move away?” he asked. I nodded. “It hurts too much being here; it’s killing me.” “Then do what you feel is right for you, sweetheart,” he said after a lengthy silence. I wasn’t surprised by his support; I knew he’d give it to me.’
‘Do I have everything? I thought to myself as I scanned my parents’ sitting room for the millionth time. I was flying out to America today to start a new life, and I was a nervous wreck. I was so emotional. Breaking the news to my family had been an utter disaster. I couldn’t lie: it hurt that they didn’t even want to say goodbye to me, but I knew how upset and worried they were for me.’
“I’m with Drew, and I love her. She is an amazing woman, and she’s stood by me for as long as I can remember.” I looked up as he spoke, even though it was killing me. “I’m going to have a baby with her, I’m going to marry her one day. But I don’t think I’ll ever be able to look at her and feel the way you made me feel.”
‘She shook her head. “He was yours. He just didn’t know it. I knew it, though, and I fought tooth and nail to have him when I knew I should have let him go to be with you. He chose you over me, and I know that if I’d never gotten pregnant with Kaden, he wouldn’t have stayed with me as long as he did. Kaden bonded us together, but our son was never going to keep us together. We loved each other, but he loved you more.”
“You . . . you really aren’t going back to America?” he asked, the hope in his voice almost breaking me. I shook my head. “No, darling, no matter the outcome of this conversation, I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying right here where I belong, with my family, and with you in any capacity. You’re my best friend. I’ll give up everything before I lose that, lose you, again.”
‘I pointed my finger at him. “You walked away from me, Kale.” “And you made damn sure of that, didn’t you, sweetheart?” he bellowed, his tone taking me by surprise. “You told me everything I wanted to hear a year too fucking late.”
“You didn’t give me time after that admission,” he snapped. “I realised the day after you left that I wanted you and not Drew, but you were gone, and I had a responsibility to step up with her.”
“When Kaden was born, all I wanted was for you to be his mum so you could experience how brilliant he was right along with me. How horrible of a person does that make me? Wishing Drew was you? When I lost him, I wanted you there to make losing him easier. When I had Drew, I wanted her to be you. Every decision I make, no matter how small or stupid, is always accompanied with the thought of you. I incorporate you into everything without even meaning to do it. You’re my life. You always have been.”
“Lane,” –Kale chuckled –“your brothers have known I have loved you for years.” My jaw fell open. “Yeah,” he said, smiling at my expression, “I told them a few months after Kaden died. I told them what happened between us; I told them what I said to you, what I did to hurt you in order to turn you off me.” “What did they say?” I asked, completely taken back. Kale snorted. “They told me I was a fucking idiot, which I am, for thinking that they would turn their backs on me. They said they would give their left arms to ensure you ended up with someone like me because they knew I’d never treat you badly, and I’d love you more than life itself. They said they’d be happy for us to be together.” “They did? Wow.” Kale nodded. “Even though they knew I loved you, they were sure you wouldn’t come home, so they tried to push me into dating again, but it didn’t interest me.”
‘He took my hands in his. “It’s the truth, darling. I’ve been waiting for you for the last five years. I’d have waited fifty if that’s what it took.”
I am going to be honest The heroine’s brothers are a joke. They find out their best friend destroyed their little sister, but would be delighted for them to be together. Instead of insisiteing he fight for her, they encourage him to date other women? For real? No need to worry about how that will further hurt their sister apprently!
This to me is not a love story, as the hero only seemed to love himself! If he really loved Laney baby, and had given her his heart, than he would not have been able to be with and love Drew. Also, what kind of slime drunkenly tells the women he loves more than anything his feelings, then is shocked they don’t trust them? How could he be in love with she heroine, tell her he wants to be with her, then go back to his girlfriend and continue in a relationship with her? He did not give a shit who he hurt. If he really loved Laney he would have broken up with Drew, he never did! Everything was on his terms, he was listing for the heroine to come back, if he loved her so much why not go and fight for her. The hero is scum in my book, and would not wish him on anyone. He is great if you want a boring, weak ass who cannot even be bothered to pursue you (mind you the douche bag name Kale should have given it away). I cannot believe in a love where the hero betrays the heroine at every turn!
“Ally Day?” I quizzed. “The Ally Day who convinced me, along with her evil friend, that I was fat and ugly when I was younger . . . that Ally Day?” Everyone froze as they looked at me. “People change, Lane,” Layton murmured, making sure to keep his arm tightly around me, like he was afraid I would bolt. “She’s not the mean girl she was when she was a kid.”
‘He was right; I was being bratty and rude. It was uncalled for and not needed, but I was hurt they could just forget what Ally had done to me. They’d seen first-hand what I’d gone through because of her;’
‘Lochlan turned away from me and shook his head, and I couldn’t help but shake my own at him. He was a huge pain in my arse, but only because he loved me so much. He felt that I was his responsibility because I was the baby of the family, and it was why he had been more overbearing than Layton. Sometimes even our father wasn’t as harsh as he was.’
“Why would Kale hate you, darling?” I swallowed. “Because I wasn’t here for him when he needed me the most. I wouldn’t blame him if he hated me.” My father clucked his tongue. “Lane, you couldn’t have predicted what happened any better than the rest of us could.” That didn’t excuse my absence. “I should have been here for him,” I said, frowning. “If I wasn’t so stubborn and hadn’t told Uncle Harry not to tell me about what any of you were up to, maybe he could have—”
“We can’t be friends after this,” he whispered, swaying into me. “We can’t ever be just friends anymore.” I lifted my hands and gripped onto his T-shirt. “I don’t want to just be your friend.” He blinked. “You really want me?” “Hell. Yes.” His eyes lit with fire then, and he applied more pressure against my body. “Think carefully about this,” he said firmly, groaning when I moved, causing my hip to brush over his hardened length.’
“You’re sure about this?” Kale asked as he stumbled towards me. I caught him just as he was about to trip over his own two feet. “I’m sure, but are you?” I asked. “You’ve had a bit to drink, and I don’t want to take advantage—” “Let me stop you right there,” he said, laughing. “You aren’t taking advantage of me, Laney Baby –trust me.”
‘I flung my hands over my face when Kale started to laugh. “Laney Baby, your innocence is killing me.”
“Oh, Jesus,” he panicked. “Oh, Christ.” I frowned at him. “What’s wrong?” Kale snapped his gaze to me. “What’s wrong? Are you fucking serious?” I was taken aback by his sudden anger. “I don’t understand why you’re so mad,” I replied, my temper rising to match his. “You were fine a few hours ago!” He shook his head in dismay. “I was drunk a few hours ago, Lane.” Sickness attacked my stomach, and hurt gripped my heart. “Wh-What are you saying?” I whispered, not wanting to hear the answer to my question. Kale looked at me once more and frowned deeply. “I’m so sorry. Please, forgive me.” Forgive him? “For what?” I asked, my eyes welling up with tears. He grunted. “You know what for . . . We had sex, Lane.” I was instantly gutted when I saw the regret on his face. “You . . . you’re sorry we had sex?” I asked, trying my hardest not to allow my voice to crack. He placed his head in his hands. “Of course I am. You’re my best friend, you’re only seventeen and I don’t even remember sleeping with you. Oh, fuck, what have I done? Did I hurt you? Did I use a condom?” I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t think.’
“Kale, you weren’t that drunk,” I stated. “You were tipsy at most.” He moved away when I reached for him, and it really hurt my feelings. “I don’t know what to tell you, Lane. I was drunk. I’m just not a messy drunk, I guess, but that doesn’t mean I remember shit.”
“How could you know?” I questioned. “You never gave me a chance to explain. You came in here pointing your stupid fat finger and jumped to your own conclusion. Typical Lochlan.” The tension that had left Lochlan’s body came back tenfold. “I know you, Lane, and you have a way of starting trouble out of nothing,” he sneered. He might as well have kicked me in the face. It would have hurt less. “You’re wrong, dear brother,” I mocked. “You don’t know me; you haven’t known me for a long time.”
I shook my head. “For years you never let older boys near me, and now you’re shacked up with someone the same age as me? The exact age as your little sister, Lochlan. This is just bloody brilliant.” “You don’t know what you’re talking about,” he growled. I ignored him. “Maybe I should take a leaf out of your book and scare her away from you. It seemed to work out well when you did it to me all those years ago.”
‘I solemnly nodded. “I understand.” “Do you?” Kale prompted. “Do you understand how much it hurt that I needed you, but I couldn’t have you?” “Yeah, Kale, I understand exactly how much that hurts.” He stared at me, his eyes swimming with different emotions. “I’m so sorry for hurting you,” he whispered. I smiled and said lightly, “I hurt myself, Kale –you did nothing wrong.” “But I did,” he pressed. “I could have gone after you and brought you home.”
“Stay away from Kale, do you hear me, Lane?” Drew said, the venom in her voice not going amiss. I reared back. “Or what?” “You don’t want to know what I’ll do,” she said through gritted teeth.
“Have you had much to drink?” I asked, pulling back from him. He nodded, his eyes bloodshot. “To celebrate your uncle’s birthday I had some Jack –or a lot of Jack.” I needed him to leave. “Everyone is asleep, so maybe you should go on home—” “I love you,” he interrupted. I blinked. “Excuse me?” “I said,” he chuckled, “I love you. I love you so much.” “Stop it.” I frowned at him. “You are drunk. You say and do stuff you don’t mean when you’re drunk.”
“Love you.” He beamed. “Be mine.” “No,” I snapped, and pushed his hand away. “No, you don’t love me –you love Drew.” Pain and awareness flashed across his face. “I love both of you.” I laughed humourlessly. “Aren’t you lucky having two girls on the go?” Kale scowled at me, stumbling to the left. “Stop that. Don’t be hurtful.” “You’re being hurtful!” I retorted. “This is evil what you’re doing, I’m not doing this with you.” “I love you,” he repeated as if I’d never spoken. “Be with me.”
“Drew, she’s . . . she’s pregnant,” he blurted out. I stopped breathing. “She’s having my baby.” He swallowed audibly. “I’m going to be a dad, Lane.” I felt the blood drain from my face, and in that moment I was thankful I’d already puked today, because otherwise vomit would be covering Kale’s polished-up shoes. “Lane?” he prompted. “Say something, please?” I only knew one thing to say that was acceptable. “Congratulations,” I whispered. Kale took a step closer to me. “I didn’t want to tell you today of all days, but . . . but with what happened back there between us, I felt like you should know.”
“I’m so sorry. I know how you feel about me, or felt about me, so I know this isn’t what you want to hear,” he divulged. “Hurting you is the last thing I ever want to do.”
“I can’t be here anymore, Uncle Harry,” I cried. “I can’t do it anymore.” I felt my uncle’s gaze on me. “Do you really want to move away?” he asked. I nodded. “It hurts too much being here; it’s killing me.” “Then do what you feel is right for you, sweetheart,” he said after a lengthy silence. I wasn’t surprised by his support; I knew he’d give it to me.’
‘Do I have everything? I thought to myself as I scanned my parents’ sitting room for the millionth time. I was flying out to America today to start a new life, and I was a nervous wreck. I was so emotional. Breaking the news to my family had been an utter disaster. I couldn’t lie: it hurt that they didn’t even want to say goodbye to me, but I knew how upset and worried they were for me.’
“I’m with Drew, and I love her. She is an amazing woman, and she’s stood by me for as long as I can remember.” I looked up as he spoke, even though it was killing me. “I’m going to have a baby with her, I’m going to marry her one day. But I don’t think I’ll ever be able to look at her and feel the way you made me feel.”
‘She shook her head. “He was yours. He just didn’t know it. I knew it, though, and I fought tooth and nail to have him when I knew I should have let him go to be with you. He chose you over me, and I know that if I’d never gotten pregnant with Kaden, he wouldn’t have stayed with me as long as he did. Kaden bonded us together, but our son was never going to keep us together. We loved each other, but he loved you more.”
“You . . . you really aren’t going back to America?” he asked, the hope in his voice almost breaking me. I shook my head. “No, darling, no matter the outcome of this conversation, I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying right here where I belong, with my family, and with you in any capacity. You’re my best friend. I’ll give up everything before I lose that, lose you, again.”
‘I pointed my finger at him. “You walked away from me, Kale.” “And you made damn sure of that, didn’t you, sweetheart?” he bellowed, his tone taking me by surprise. “You told me everything I wanted to hear a year too fucking late.”
“You didn’t give me time after that admission,” he snapped. “I realised the day after you left that I wanted you and not Drew, but you were gone, and I had a responsibility to step up with her.”
“When Kaden was born, all I wanted was for you to be his mum so you could experience how brilliant he was right along with me. How horrible of a person does that make me? Wishing Drew was you? When I lost him, I wanted you there to make losing him easier. When I had Drew, I wanted her to be you. Every decision I make, no matter how small or stupid, is always accompanied with the thought of you. I incorporate you into everything without even meaning to do it. You’re my life. You always have been.”
“Lane,” –Kale chuckled –“your brothers have known I have loved you for years.” My jaw fell open. “Yeah,” he said, smiling at my expression, “I told them a few months after Kaden died. I told them what happened between us; I told them what I said to you, what I did to hurt you in order to turn you off me.” “What did they say?” I asked, completely taken back. Kale snorted. “They told me I was a fucking idiot, which I am, for thinking that they would turn their backs on me. They said they would give their left arms to ensure you ended up with someone like me because they knew I’d never treat you badly, and I’d love you more than life itself. They said they’d be happy for us to be together.” “They did? Wow.” Kale nodded. “Even though they knew I loved you, they were sure you wouldn’t come home, so they tried to push me into dating again, but it didn’t interest me.”
‘He took my hands in his. “It’s the truth, darling. I’ve been waiting for you for the last five years. I’d have waited fifty if that’s what it took.”
I am going to be honest The heroine’s brothers are a joke. They find out their best friend destroyed their little sister, but would be delighted for them to be together. Instead of insisiteing he fight for her, they encourage him to date other women? For real? No need to worry about how that will further hurt their sister apprently!
This to me is not a love story, as the hero only seemed to love himself! If he really loved Laney baby, and had given her his heart, than he would not have been able to be with and love Drew. Also, what kind of slime drunkenly tells the women he loves more than anything his feelings, then is shocked they don’t trust them? How could he be in love with she heroine, tell her he wants to be with her, then go back to his girlfriend and continue in a relationship with her? He did not give a shit who he hurt. If he really loved Laney he would have broken up with Drew, he never did! Everything was on his terms, he was listing for the heroine to come back, if he loved her so much why not go and fight for her. The hero is scum in my book, and would not wish him on anyone. He is great if you want a boring, weak ass who cannot even be bothered to pursue you (mind you the douche bag name Kale should have given it away). I cannot believe in a love where the hero betrays the heroine at every turn!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2016
I'm going to be repetitive as usual when it comes to this. Friends=lovers, from a very young age, is something I adore... in this case, Kale is 9 & Lane is 6. So, without a doubt I loved it.
Oh, It's meee!
Kale was best friends with Lane even though she had older brothers it was she that he hung with and protected. She was only 6 and crushin' on him big time. Is that possible? At that age I didn't pay attention to boys, it's cute~ish. To each his own I suppose.
No one was to hurt Lane in any way otherwise they would feel Kale's wraith.
"I see a beautiful girl whose smile brightens up a room. I see a beautiful girl whose eyes are so warm and welcoming, they make people feel at ease with one glance. I see a beautiful girl who cares for others and loves so hard it's impossible not to love her back just as hard. I see a beautiful girl who is so stunningly gorgeous, she will break her father's and brothers' hearts when she realizes just how incredible she is and decides to give her heart to another. I see a beautiful girl who just doesn't see how beautiful she really is."
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As they're getting older, Lane sits back and is tormented by watching girls flock to Kale. While he still adores her and she remains his number one girl he doesn't notice the pain it causes her. His love for Lane was beyond words. Then something happens and Lane just can't take it anymore. She has got to get far away.
There's years in between and Lane has to return home to York. Not only does she have to face her family but Kale as well. In their twenties at this point, realization of what they had been thinking, why they made the choices they did, and what happened to make Lane flee. Sometimes no matter how much you love your best friend of the opposite sex... it doesn't mean you can turn it into more.
It's one of those reads that have the secrets, misunderstandings, lies, and hidden feelings that can change everything.
I want to Thank L.A. Casey for graciously providing me an ARC. I couldn't wait for this!
Oh, It's meee!Kale was best friends with Lane even though she had older brothers it was she that he hung with and protected. She was only 6 and crushin' on him big time. Is that possible? At that age I didn't pay attention to boys, it's cute~ish. To each his own I suppose.
No one was to hurt Lane in any way otherwise they would feel Kale's wraith.
"I see a beautiful girl whose smile brightens up a room. I see a beautiful girl whose eyes are so warm and welcoming, they make people feel at ease with one glance. I see a beautiful girl who cares for others and loves so hard it's impossible not to love her back just as hard. I see a beautiful girl who is so stunningly gorgeous, she will break her father's and brothers' hearts when she realizes just how incredible she is and decides to give her heart to another. I see a beautiful girl who just doesn't see how beautiful she really is."
[image error]
As they're getting older, Lane sits back and is tormented by watching girls flock to Kale. While he still adores her and she remains his number one girl he doesn't notice the pain it causes her. His love for Lane was beyond words. Then something happens and Lane just can't take it anymore. She has got to get far away.
There's years in between and Lane has to return home to York. Not only does she have to face her family but Kale as well. In their twenties at this point, realization of what they had been thinking, why they made the choices they did, and what happened to make Lane flee. Sometimes no matter how much you love your best friend of the opposite sex... it doesn't mean you can turn it into more.
It's one of those reads that have the secrets, misunderstandings, lies, and hidden feelings that can change everything.
I want to Thank L.A. Casey for graciously providing me an ARC. I couldn't wait for this!
July 22, 2016
This is what I felt reading this book Honestly everyone in the book got on my nerves there was so much unnecessary drama when it didn't have to happen and the love the hero and heroine had for each other I did not believe it for one minute and when they finally got together it was in the last chapter so I couldn't even invest in them
Also the brother Lochlan What the hell is that dude on steroids or something every time he was mention the guy was screaming and getting mad he really needed a slap in the face
January 29, 2017
No redemption from hero, he didn't love her. Everyone treated h badly including her family
June 25, 2016
Tissue alert! I think I cried for a large part of this book but it was too good to put down.
Lane and Kale have a very long friendship that is filled with love and riddled with trouble and pain. All young men could take a page out of his book with her growing up and all girls should always have someone like him to stand for them. Eventually though life gets too hard and in the way since one is older than the other and their lives as most do move in different directions.
Lane has fallen madly in love with Kale and he finds out, he already loves her but it takes her much longer to find out after a false start for them.
Harry is her dear Uncle who has been by her side the entire time, even when she no longer spoke to her immediate family or Kale, and he has just passed away. This brings her home for the first time in six years and wow what a ride it is.
This is an emotional book and you are going to feel those as you read this. I loved it.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lane and Kale have a very long friendship that is filled with love and riddled with trouble and pain. All young men could take a page out of his book with her growing up and all girls should always have someone like him to stand for them. Eventually though life gets too hard and in the way since one is older than the other and their lives as most do move in different directions.
Lane has fallen madly in love with Kale and he finds out, he already loves her but it takes her much longer to find out after a false start for them.
Harry is her dear Uncle who has been by her side the entire time, even when she no longer spoke to her immediate family or Kale, and he has just passed away. This brings her home for the first time in six years and wow what a ride it is.
This is an emotional book and you are going to feel those as you read this. I loved it.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2016
4 stars
A sweet, emotional & angsty read. Two soulmates who meet again after 6 years after heaps of heartbreak and sadness.
Main characters had an intense connection and i loved the supportive family members. Overall a worth-your-time read.
A sweet, emotional & angsty read. Two soulmates who meet again after 6 years after heaps of heartbreak and sadness.
Main characters had an intense connection and i loved the supportive family members. Overall a worth-your-time read.
August 29, 2016
I hate Kale.
What a weak, selfish and unremarkable hero.
I'm dropping this book at 60%
After Kale and Lane's truly cringe worthy first time together I can't read any more of this book.
Here's why:
Lane has been in love with him for years and HE KNOWS it. When she's 16 and he's 19, he meets her at a party and
WHHHAAAAAT?????
A lot of things bothered me about this story...this is not my kind of romance.
This reviewer says it all: Vasso. V's review
Why didn't I read her review earlier?
Could have saved me money and time :(
What a weak, selfish and unremarkable hero.
I'm dropping this book at 60%
After Kale and Lane's truly cringe worthy first time together I can't read any more of this book.
Here's why:
Lane has been in love with him for years and HE KNOWS it. When she's 16 and he's 19, he meets her at a party and
WHHHAAAAAT?????
A lot of things bothered me about this story...this is not my kind of romance.
This reviewer says it all: Vasso. V's review
Why didn't I read her review earlier?
Could have saved me money and time :(
December 7, 2024
2 Stars = It was okay
Main Characters: Lane & Kale (heroine/hero)
This is why I'm not a fan of the 'brother's best friend' trope. More often than not, I find the hero and the situation in general, very frustrating. Of course, he pushes the heroine away out of guilt. Pff, what's the big deal anyway? They're both adults (only 3 yrs apart), and if he's trustworthy enough to be the brother's best friend, why isn't he good enough for the sister? I mean, who better?! Nothing forbidden about it.
In this story, Kale (an unappealing name, btw), was loved by every single person in Lane's family. He WAS part of the family. So why all the guilt? It was completely unnecessary. In fact, unbeknownst to these two dummies, the family already suspected they had a thing for each other and nobody had ever protested. But these two had to make their lives all complicated and dramatic.
There was a separation of 6 years. Lane left the country because she couldn't be near Kale while he was with someone else. She abandoned her family for that long for a man who rejected her more than once. One of those times was right after they had sex (she was a virgin). To quote Sixteen Candles: Nice manners, babe! The second time, he rejected her for another woman (even though he didn't love that woman more than Lane). So pathetic. This is another reason why I tend to avoid this trope—the heroine is often a weak-ass girl.
To add salt to injury, Kale was a beta. Yep, weak too. God, how these dudes irk me. Until Harry~Harry is her beloved uncle who died and it was because of his passing that she returned home. If he hadn't died, these two wouldn't have gotten together. Kale (I'm picturing the vegetable) certainly had no plans to go after her. The uncle left her everything including his house, but the stipulation was that she had to resolve her issues with Kale or something dumb like that. Basically, they both pined over each other for years and years, until Harry.
Yes, the HEA was sweet and convincing...but I still found the whole story frustrating and boring. Next!
(Kindle Unlimited)
Main Characters: Lane & Kale (heroine/hero)
This is why I'm not a fan of the 'brother's best friend' trope. More often than not, I find the hero and the situation in general, very frustrating. Of course, he pushes the heroine away out of guilt. Pff, what's the big deal anyway? They're both adults (only 3 yrs apart), and if he's trustworthy enough to be the brother's best friend, why isn't he good enough for the sister? I mean, who better?! Nothing forbidden about it.
In this story, Kale (an unappealing name, btw), was loved by every single person in Lane's family. He WAS part of the family. So why all the guilt? It was completely unnecessary. In fact, unbeknownst to these two dummies, the family already suspected they had a thing for each other and nobody had ever protested. But these two had to make their lives all complicated and dramatic.
There was a separation of 6 years. Lane left the country because she couldn't be near Kale while he was with someone else. She abandoned her family for that long for a man who rejected her more than once. One of those times was right after they had sex (she was a virgin). To quote Sixteen Candles: Nice manners, babe! The second time, he rejected her for another woman (even though he didn't love that woman more than Lane). So pathetic. This is another reason why I tend to avoid this trope—the heroine is often a weak-ass girl.
To add salt to injury, Kale was a beta. Yep, weak too. God, how these dudes irk me. Until Harry~Harry is her beloved uncle who died and it was because of his passing that she returned home. If he hadn't died, these two wouldn't have gotten together. Kale (I'm picturing the vegetable) certainly had no plans to go after her. The uncle left her everything including his house, but the stipulation was that she had to resolve her issues with Kale or something dumb like that. Basically, they both pined over each other for years and years, until Harry.
Yes, the HEA was sweet and convincing...but I still found the whole story frustrating and boring. Next!
(Kindle Unlimited)
June 21, 2016
Lane and Kale had grown up together they were best friends. Lane had always loved Kale and as she grew older those feelings increased they didn't diminish. She thinks that Kale would never see her as more than his best friend, she hates seeing him with the girls he dates. But when Kale gets Drew pregnant Lane knows she can't stay and watch him play happy families with another girl so she moves and tries to make a new life in New York leaving everything that's dear to her behind in England. For six long years she doesn't speak to anyone back home except her uncle Harry. When Harry dies she's left with no choice but to return, lots of surprises await her.
This story was not what I was expecting at all, I thought it was a romance, but there's none unless you count the final chapter, throughout this the two main characters are not together. There's loads of flashbacks showing Kale and Lane's lives right up till she leaves for New York, I hate flashbacks. These would have worked better as a prologue for this story IMO.
I also found this a very depressing read, it's mostly doom and gloom, not my thing at all. Had I known that I would not have read this, as it was I struggled to finish it. As to the characters I found them very unsympathetic and difficult to connect to, especially Lane.
ARC via NetGalley
This story was not what I was expecting at all, I thought it was a romance, but there's none unless you count the final chapter, throughout this the two main characters are not together. There's loads of flashbacks showing Kale and Lane's lives right up till she leaves for New York, I hate flashbacks. These would have worked better as a prologue for this story IMO.
I also found this a very depressing read, it's mostly doom and gloom, not my thing at all. Had I known that I would not have read this, as it was I struggled to finish it. As to the characters I found them very unsympathetic and difficult to connect to, especially Lane.
ARC via NetGalley
July 23, 2016
other woman drama + death drama + baby drama + best friends drama + mean girls drama + drunk drama + lost v card drama + drama drama
--------------------------------
É como presenciar um acidente de trem no qual você não consegue desviar os olhos.
Drama que não acaba mais.
Herói transa com a heroína tirando a virgindade dela e depois alega que estava bêbado demais para lembrar. Mais adiante ele diz para ela que ama Drew! WTF!
Mas acabei gostando e lendo até o final.
A história segue o estilo que já conhecemos ser o da autora com explosões de temperamento e muito drama.
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It's like witnessing a train wreck in which you can't divert your eyes. Drama that doesn't end, each page something dramatic happens.
Hero sleeps with the heroine taking her virginity and then claims he was too drunk to remember. Later he says to her that love Drew! WTF!
But I ended up enjoying and reading until the end.
The story follows the style we already know with many explosions of temper, and drama.
--------------------------------
É como presenciar um acidente de trem no qual você não consegue desviar os olhos.
Drama que não acaba mais.
Herói transa com a heroína tirando a virgindade dela e depois alega que estava bêbado demais para lembrar. Mais adiante ele diz para ela que ama Drew! WTF!
Mas acabei gostando e lendo até o final.
A história segue o estilo que já conhecemos ser o da autora com explosões de temperamento e muito drama.
------------
It's like witnessing a train wreck in which you can't divert your eyes. Drama that doesn't end, each page something dramatic happens.
Hero sleeps with the heroine taking her virginity and then claims he was too drunk to remember. Later he says to her that love Drew! WTF!
But I ended up enjoying and reading until the end.
The story follows the style we already know with many explosions of temper, and drama.
June 19, 2016
Until Harry was a beautiful story that was masterfully put together. Raw, intense, and poetic, L.A. Casey weaved a heartfelt tale that has embedded itself into my heart forever. My only wish is that I could read it again, but for the first time so I can go on the emotional ride Casey takes us on.
I’ve read and been devoured by every single one of Casey’s books, but this story… it’s a personal favorite. I’m grateful Casey wrote Until Harry and put so much heart and soul into telling it.
I’ve read and been devoured by every single one of Casey’s books, but this story… it’s a personal favorite. I’m grateful Casey wrote Until Harry and put so much heart and soul into telling it.
July 12, 2016
I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I am a HUGE LA Casey fan and this book proves exactly why I am. Her Slater brother series is one of my favourites of all time and I was so excited to read this standalone.
This book made me ugly cry so hard - it broke me and put me back together again.
Lane has been through so much and has had a lot of loss in her life. Kale is the man she loves who she gave up due to circumstances at the time and who has also been through a great loss of his own - one that I never know how people move on after. After the death of her uncle she returns home and is faced with all the things she left behind. Their journey from start to finish is heartbreaking yet beautiful.
When I thought I couldn't cry no more I did, yet LA Casey manages to sooth you through her words. I really loved this standalone and will definitely be recommending it to others. I was so emotionally invested in this book that it has left me still thinking about hours after reading ad I don't doubt that I will be thinking about it days after also.
I feel there really are no words I can use to give this book justice so please ensure you one click and read - you really won't regret it. It definitely deserves more than the 5 stars we have to rate it. This book reaffirms that LA Casey is still one of my ultimate favourite authors <3 definitely one of my favourite reads of 2016!
Reviewed on behalf of Ever Growing Book Obsession blog
I am a HUGE LA Casey fan and this book proves exactly why I am. Her Slater brother series is one of my favourites of all time and I was so excited to read this standalone.
This book made me ugly cry so hard - it broke me and put me back together again.
Lane has been through so much and has had a lot of loss in her life. Kale is the man she loves who she gave up due to circumstances at the time and who has also been through a great loss of his own - one that I never know how people move on after. After the death of her uncle she returns home and is faced with all the things she left behind. Their journey from start to finish is heartbreaking yet beautiful.
When I thought I couldn't cry no more I did, yet LA Casey manages to sooth you through her words. I really loved this standalone and will definitely be recommending it to others. I was so emotionally invested in this book that it has left me still thinking about hours after reading ad I don't doubt that I will be thinking about it days after also.
I feel there really are no words I can use to give this book justice so please ensure you one click and read - you really won't regret it. It definitely deserves more than the 5 stars we have to rate it. This book reaffirms that LA Casey is still one of my ultimate favourite authors <3 definitely one of my favourite reads of 2016!
Reviewed on behalf of Ever Growing Book Obsession blog
July 25, 2016
The author's storyline and style of of writing was really good but wasn't my cup of tea. Maybe you'll feel differently....happy reading, enjoy!
June 29, 2016
5 Laney baby stars,
I heard him say three words that would haunt my dreams every night for the next six years.
"Goodbye Laney baby"
A childhood love, a friend's to lovers story that will stomp on your heart one minute then sooth it with the beautiful words from L.A Casey the next.
Until Harry is Lane's heartfelt journey from childhood to the present.
Returning home after six years for a funeral Lane is forced to relive the pain the Hurts that she desperately ran from six years ago and realises you can never truly heal unless you deal with the pain and only one person had the healing balm, Kale.
L.A Casey has written a truly beautiful and heartfelt story that I won't be forgetting any time soon.
Told in Lane's pov leading to what I thought could of been a more blissful fairytale ending after all the heartbreak but alas imagination is a beautiful thing.
A recommended read.
Arc gratefully received for honest review Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookboyfriends
FB & Goodreads group
http://www.Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...
I heard him say three words that would haunt my dreams every night for the next six years.
"Goodbye Laney baby"
A childhood love, a friend's to lovers story that will stomp on your heart one minute then sooth it with the beautiful words from L.A Casey the next.
Until Harry is Lane's heartfelt journey from childhood to the present.
Returning home after six years for a funeral Lane is forced to relive the pain the Hurts that she desperately ran from six years ago and realises you can never truly heal unless you deal with the pain and only one person had the healing balm, Kale.
L.A Casey has written a truly beautiful and heartfelt story that I won't be forgetting any time soon.
Told in Lane's pov leading to what I thought could of been a more blissful fairytale ending after all the heartbreak but alas imagination is a beautiful thing.
A recommended read.
Arc gratefully received for honest review Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookboyfriends
FB & Goodreads group
http://www.Bbbf-sizzlereads-bestbookb...
July 21, 2016
3.5 Second Chance Stars
“He was always yours. He just didn’t know it."
Synopsis: (From the blurb:)
Kale Hunt has been her best friend since childhood. But it was never that simple. He was Lane’s reason for leaving home and moving to New York. Seeing him with someone else, in love with someone else, shouldn’t have hurt. But it did. It really, really did. So she upped sticks and left, started a new life and cut herself off from her past.
But now she’s back and all the feelings are right there. As if she had never left.
The best bits: There is so much wrong with this book but I STILL loved it! And that says plenty!
I just love a good second-chance love story, especially when the story spans over many years and has an interesting plot in both the past and present narratives. I'm a sucker for them. And this one reeled me in instantly.
My top three favourite things:
1. I loved the childhood friendship between Kale and Lane. I loved their bond and their absolute devotion to one another. I especially loved the first playground scene when Lane was six years old. But the shopping scene when she was fifteen was hilarious too!
2. I loved that Lane wore glasses. Probably because I wear glasses and it's nice to come across a heroine who is short-sighted once in a while.
3. I loved that Drew (another woman after Kale's heart) wasn't an easy character to hate. She wasn't a skank. She wasn't malicious. She wasn't a villain. She added complexity to the story and made it all the more tragic.
The worst bits: I had three issues with this book.
1. I didn't really like Lane's family. Everyone just seemed so concerned with themselves and how her choice to move away affected THEM that they practically disowned her when she left.
2. The dialogue was unrealistic. Formal. Clinical. And ruined some good build up. In some instances, years and years of conflict were dealt with and resolved in under ten sentences of dialogue.
3. I would have loved a male POV with this story. I often wondered what was going through Kale's head and I think it would have made his character more likeable through some parts of the book. I really needed his justifications for that night .
4. This was only minor (and it didn't really occur to me until I was about half-way through), but Lane cried A LOT. Almost in every single chapter. She had good reason (no less than three characters central to the plot die), but sheesh... how the girl didn't spend her life in a severe state of dehydration is a mystery to me.
5. The last scene.
Recommended for: Lovers of second chance, best-friends-practically siblings, forbidden love stories.
“He was always yours. He just didn’t know it."
Synopsis: (From the blurb:)
Kale Hunt has been her best friend since childhood. But it was never that simple. He was Lane’s reason for leaving home and moving to New York. Seeing him with someone else, in love with someone else, shouldn’t have hurt. But it did. It really, really did. So she upped sticks and left, started a new life and cut herself off from her past.
But now she’s back and all the feelings are right there. As if she had never left.
The best bits: There is so much wrong with this book but I STILL loved it! And that says plenty!
I just love a good second-chance love story, especially when the story spans over many years and has an interesting plot in both the past and present narratives. I'm a sucker for them. And this one reeled me in instantly.
My top three favourite things:
1. I loved the childhood friendship between Kale and Lane. I loved their bond and their absolute devotion to one another. I especially loved the first playground scene when Lane was six years old. But the shopping scene when she was fifteen was hilarious too!
2. I loved that Lane wore glasses. Probably because I wear glasses and it's nice to come across a heroine who is short-sighted once in a while.
3. I loved that Drew (another woman after Kale's heart) wasn't an easy character to hate. She wasn't a skank. She wasn't malicious. She wasn't a villain. She added complexity to the story and made it all the more tragic.
The worst bits: I had three issues with this book.
1. I didn't really like Lane's family. Everyone just seemed so concerned with themselves and how her choice to move away affected THEM that they practically disowned her when she left.
2. The dialogue was unrealistic. Formal. Clinical. And ruined some good build up. In some instances, years and years of conflict were dealt with and resolved in under ten sentences of dialogue.
3. I would have loved a male POV with this story. I often wondered what was going through Kale's head and I think it would have made his character more likeable through some parts of the book. I really needed his justifications for that night .
4. This was only minor (and it didn't really occur to me until I was about half-way through), but Lane cried A LOT. Almost in every single chapter. She had good reason (no less than three characters central to the plot die), but sheesh... how the girl didn't spend her life in a severe state of dehydration is a mystery to me.
5. The last scene.
Recommended for: Lovers of second chance, best-friends-practically siblings, forbidden love stories.
July 18, 2016
Until Harry I didn’t realize how much/often I’d let a book bend and even break my character rules of conduct, folks. The writing in this story was so engaging though I simply couldn’t walk away. I feel a little dazed and confused right now, because I can honestly say I never would have read this book if I knew the full story upfront. But it was like L.A. Casey had me by the back of the shirt and said, “You’re coming with me...now!” I was dragged right onto that plane with Lane as she returned to England to say goodbye to her recently departed, dearly beloved Uncle Harry, and as she came face to face with her estranged family she hadn’t seen in six long years. Including, Kale, of course, who is still very much considered a part of her family.
Another thing this author did was make me cry. Sure, I’ve read some reviews that claimed Lane cried too often, even specifically pointed out examples. It made me think back and realize they probably are right. Normally that’s something I pick up on my own. I’m not sure why it didn’t overly bother me this time around. Maybe because I felt so dang sorry for her seemingly unrequited love for Kale. Even more shocking to me was my own tears near the end when Kale’s son was discussed. It was simply heartbreaking, folks.
**spoilers possible**
For my great posse of Goodreads Romance Safety Gang friends, this book is likely not for you. I’ve put a special disclaimer at the bottom for you to review to help decide for yourself. I can’t help but feel romance sure took a major beating here. Here’s fair warning, it contains some major spoilers. You may not want to read if you plan on reading this book.
Why did I endure a book I normally would never touch? Well, as I just mentioned, the writing, and, frankly, I assumed the majority of it would be the immediate romantic reuniting of this estranged couple with a little dancing around each other, until they resolved their past issues. Instead it was a gut wrenching, mostly blow by blow re-enactment of their complete past, starting when Lane was six and Kale was nine, told in very detailed flashbacks with a much smaller amount of time focused on the present, only up to about a week after the funeral. It was told exclusively from Lane’s point of view, btw. Thrown in was a heart breaking, tragic situation involving Kale and his son, which occurred while Lane lived in New York.
What elements did I have issues with? I’m not a fan of back and forth flashbacks. I prefer to stay in the present and just sum up the past. That’s just how I roll, folks. At least the flashbacks were lengthy and done at what appeared to be regular intervals. I’m scratching my head a little over Lane and her family’s OTT reaction to two mean girls at school calling her fat and a nerd. Yes, the flashbacks involved pretty much all aspects of Lane’s life! Heck, it even talked about Kale holding Lane when she was just a newborn. Yeah, that’s a little weird, huh. Also, I felt Kale got off too easy with his explanation of why he pushed Lane away when she was 17. He was so very extremely hurtful to her then, and I found his explanation years later weak and too little too late.
So, my romance book-loving friends, you’ll have to decide if you are up for this boatload of other woman/girlfriend who becomes his baby mama drama, both of the main couple not speaking up which lead to lots of misunderstandings/their eventual six year-long separation, a hero who pushes the heroine away to the point she is so heartbroken over this hot mess she leaves the country, causing such a huge rift with her family they tell her not to come back…ever. Yeah, hot mess pretty much describes it.
Good luck with your decision. I certainly don’t mean to deter anyone from reading this book. I just wish I had been forewarned. I’ll be looking for more books by this author, because dang I can’t help but respect a writer who takes me out of my comfort zone and keeps me so engaged I keep reading when normally I wouldn’t.
Until next time, happy reading regardless of what you decide about Until Harry.
Romance Safety Gang: After their first intimate encounter when Lane was 17 and a virgin, Kale claims to have been so drunk he doesn’t remember it and tells her it shouldn’t have happened. Begs her to keep it a secret, because he doesn’t want to upset her family. He’s had an on/off again relationship with a girl named Drew, who he eventually gets pregnant. Lane has a front row seat to all of it. She was literally standing right next to Kale when he first meet Drew and went all dreamy eyed when he was nine years old. Yeah, that OW drama has been around that long! Lane was so hurt by Kale’s rejection it’s implied she then started drinking and sleeping around with random OM when she went to college. After being severely beaten and almost raped, she does stop drinking altogether. Kale gets drunk again and comes to Lane professing his love. She naturally assumes history is repeating itself, meaning he’ll deny it tomorrow, so rejects him. Of course, he did actually mean it this time. Much later in the book he professes he loves Drew, though they never marry, but not in the intense way he has always loved Lane.
Title: Until Harry, Author: L.A. Casey, Pages: 319, not a Goodreads Safety Romance read, stand-alone, HEA but it takes years, love triangle, OW drama, baby drama, graphic attempted rape scene where heroine is severely beaten, childhood friends to lovers, flashbacks from past to present, heroine’s POV only, lots of emotional drama/misunderstandings from not speaking up.
(This review is based on NetGalley ARC issued in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. No compensation was made to the reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and/or author/publisher.)
Another thing this author did was make me cry. Sure, I’ve read some reviews that claimed Lane cried too often, even specifically pointed out examples. It made me think back and realize they probably are right. Normally that’s something I pick up on my own. I’m not sure why it didn’t overly bother me this time around. Maybe because I felt so dang sorry for her seemingly unrequited love for Kale. Even more shocking to me was my own tears near the end when Kale’s son was discussed. It was simply heartbreaking, folks.
**spoilers possible**
For my great posse of Goodreads Romance Safety Gang friends, this book is likely not for you. I’ve put a special disclaimer at the bottom for you to review to help decide for yourself. I can’t help but feel romance sure took a major beating here. Here’s fair warning, it contains some major spoilers. You may not want to read if you plan on reading this book.
Why did I endure a book I normally would never touch? Well, as I just mentioned, the writing, and, frankly, I assumed the majority of it would be the immediate romantic reuniting of this estranged couple with a little dancing around each other, until they resolved their past issues. Instead it was a gut wrenching, mostly blow by blow re-enactment of their complete past, starting when Lane was six and Kale was nine, told in very detailed flashbacks with a much smaller amount of time focused on the present, only up to about a week after the funeral. It was told exclusively from Lane’s point of view, btw. Thrown in was a heart breaking, tragic situation involving Kale and his son, which occurred while Lane lived in New York.
What elements did I have issues with? I’m not a fan of back and forth flashbacks. I prefer to stay in the present and just sum up the past. That’s just how I roll, folks. At least the flashbacks were lengthy and done at what appeared to be regular intervals. I’m scratching my head a little over Lane and her family’s OTT reaction to two mean girls at school calling her fat and a nerd. Yes, the flashbacks involved pretty much all aspects of Lane’s life! Heck, it even talked about Kale holding Lane when she was just a newborn. Yeah, that’s a little weird, huh. Also, I felt Kale got off too easy with his explanation of why he pushed Lane away when she was 17. He was so very extremely hurtful to her then, and I found his explanation years later weak and too little too late.
So, my romance book-loving friends, you’ll have to decide if you are up for this boatload of other woman/girlfriend who becomes his baby mama drama, both of the main couple not speaking up which lead to lots of misunderstandings/their eventual six year-long separation, a hero who pushes the heroine away to the point she is so heartbroken over this hot mess she leaves the country, causing such a huge rift with her family they tell her not to come back…ever. Yeah, hot mess pretty much describes it.
Good luck with your decision. I certainly don’t mean to deter anyone from reading this book. I just wish I had been forewarned. I’ll be looking for more books by this author, because dang I can’t help but respect a writer who takes me out of my comfort zone and keeps me so engaged I keep reading when normally I wouldn’t.
Until next time, happy reading regardless of what you decide about Until Harry.
Romance Safety Gang: After their first intimate encounter when Lane was 17 and a virgin, Kale claims to have been so drunk he doesn’t remember it and tells her it shouldn’t have happened. Begs her to keep it a secret, because he doesn’t want to upset her family. He’s had an on/off again relationship with a girl named Drew, who he eventually gets pregnant. Lane has a front row seat to all of it. She was literally standing right next to Kale when he first meet Drew and went all dreamy eyed when he was nine years old. Yeah, that OW drama has been around that long! Lane was so hurt by Kale’s rejection it’s implied she then started drinking and sleeping around with random OM when she went to college. After being severely beaten and almost raped, she does stop drinking altogether. Kale gets drunk again and comes to Lane professing his love. She naturally assumes history is repeating itself, meaning he’ll deny it tomorrow, so rejects him. Of course, he did actually mean it this time. Much later in the book he professes he loves Drew, though they never marry, but not in the intense way he has always loved Lane.
Title: Until Harry, Author: L.A. Casey, Pages: 319, not a Goodreads Safety Romance read, stand-alone, HEA but it takes years, love triangle, OW drama, baby drama, graphic attempted rape scene where heroine is severely beaten, childhood friends to lovers, flashbacks from past to present, heroine’s POV only, lots of emotional drama/misunderstandings from not speaking up.
(This review is based on NetGalley ARC issued in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. No compensation was made to the reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and/or author/publisher.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2016
This wasn't what I thought it was going to be...
It's a good book, and if you like angsty stories or already a fan of Casey then I think you'll like it. Unfortunately ansty isn't my thing. Either are flashback stories. I thought that this book was set in present time where the two main characters were trying to find their way back together. Eh, nope. I also can't stand OW/OM that are in picture a lot of the time. This is a lot of negatives for a book I rated 3 stars. I want to be fair and honest and the negatives is the honesty and the three stars is fair.
I hope ya'll can enjoy it and do not suffer from my hang-ups!
*An arc was received by the author/publishers via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review*
It's a good book, and if you like angsty stories or already a fan of Casey then I think you'll like it. Unfortunately ansty isn't my thing. Either are flashback stories. I thought that this book was set in present time where the two main characters were trying to find their way back together. Eh, nope. I also can't stand OW/OM that are in picture a lot of the time. This is a lot of negatives for a book I rated 3 stars. I want to be fair and honest and the negatives is the honesty and the three stars is fair.
I hope ya'll can enjoy it and do not suffer from my hang-ups!
*An arc was received by the author/publishers via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review*
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