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Blurred Lines #1
You Make Me
The guy she wants…
Growing up on the coast of Maine with a revolving door of foster siblings, Caitlyn Michaud spent one intense and passionate year falling in love with her foster brother, Heath. Then he left without a word. The betrayal devastated Caitlyn and made her vow to forget the compelling bad boy. But forgetting his sensual touch and their deep all-consuming friendship is easier said than done.
Isn’t the guy she needs…
Determined to move on, in college Caitlyn has risen above her small town impoverished roots and has joined a sorority, reinvented her appearance, and landed the right boyfriend. Pre-law major and frat president, Ethan, is thoughtful and always laughing, and he makes her feel happy, calm. He also gives her the social acceptance she craves.
But the perfect world she tried so hard to attain is ripped apart when Heath appears one night out of nowhere. Caitlyn remembers all the reasons why she loves him, even if they don’t make sense to anyone but her. Out of the military, Heath is as brooding and intense as ever, and he is determined not only to win her back, but to exact revenge on everyone who kept him from her…
And when one love allows her to breathe, but the other feels as essential to her life as air, how does she choose between them?
Growing up on the coast of Maine with a revolving door of foster siblings, Caitlyn Michaud spent one intense and passionate year falling in love with her foster brother, Heath. Then he left without a word. The betrayal devastated Caitlyn and made her vow to forget the compelling bad boy. But forgetting his sensual touch and their deep all-consuming friendship is easier said than done.
Isn’t the guy she needs…
Determined to move on, in college Caitlyn has risen above her small town impoverished roots and has joined a sorority, reinvented her appearance, and landed the right boyfriend. Pre-law major and frat president, Ethan, is thoughtful and always laughing, and he makes her feel happy, calm. He also gives her the social acceptance she craves.
But the perfect world she tried so hard to attain is ripped apart when Heath appears one night out of nowhere. Caitlyn remembers all the reasons why she loves him, even if they don’t make sense to anyone but her. Out of the military, Heath is as brooding and intense as ever, and he is determined not only to win her back, but to exact revenge on everyone who kept him from her…
And when one love allows her to breathe, but the other feels as essential to her life as air, how does she choose between them?
ebook
First published April 15, 2014
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About the author
Erin McCarthy
215 books4,826 followersUSA Today and New York Times Bestselling author Erin McCarthy sold her first book in 2002 and has since written over a hundred novels and novellas in teen fiction, new adult, and adult romance. Erin has a special weakness for high-heeled boots, beaches and martinis. She lives in Ohio with her family, two grumpy cats and a socially awkward dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 528 reviews
April 18, 2014
The book is live if you want to try it out: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J...
4 STARS!!!
There are certain words in blurbs that set off alarms for me, and by alarms I mean the kind that make me stalk the author/publisher/PA etc…to get more info on. In the blurb for You Make Me, the words “foster brother” did it for me. I was extremely interested in seeing how this would play out and I’m really happy to say that I think this is Erin McCarthy’s best work to date: she’s written a stormy, passionate but believable second chance romance with a healthy dose of angst and relatable, level-headed characters.
But first, to answer some questions that were asked: Is there a love triangle? Is there cheating? Is there an HEA? Even before I cracked open the book, I wondered if there was a triangle but my curiosity with the “foster brother” part and Heath being ex-military won me over.
Love triangle:
More details -
Cheating:
More details -
HEA:
More details -
The book starts off with a short but fantastic prologue! Then fast forward four years where Cat is now a well-known, all-around golden girl in college with an equally amazing and popular guy Ethan as her boyfriend. On the night of her junior year Homecoming dance where everything planned goes along accordingly, out of the blue, Heath appears and stuns Cat. Having left her when she was sixteen and never contacting her in the past four years, Cat is shocked, relieved, and angry to see him so naturally I could understand her conflicted feelings: on one hand she’s desperate to reach out to him and on the other, she’s with Ethan, a guy she knows is good for her.
“How could I explain that Heath was the past and Ethan was the future? That one I had chosen and one had chosen me? That Ethan represented everything I had always craved, but Heath was everything I needed?”
And as cliché as it sounds, there will always be a certain allure for “the one that got away,” which is why I totally sympathize, understand, and connect with Cat’s character.
Though this portion of the book was angsty and somewhat frustrating, it was realistic and completely character-driven. I loved how the author made smooth transitions from where Cat was at the beginning to how she thought and perceived everything to the end. Usually when there’s a love triangle (or any hint of one), there’s supposed to be a “decision” where one is chosen and the other is dropped, and I hate that. To me, it always feels like the chosen is second best. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel any of that in this book; all encounters are done quite tastefully and I was totally invested in the story.
I think the strongest and most compelling aspect of the book was the author’s writing. I’ve read her other work (True Believers series) and I’ll be honest, this book is different: both the writing and the approach I mean but it’s a good-different and the writing here simply appeals to me. It’s mostly in present time, but there are a few flashback scenes sprinkled throughout the story. Again, not something I usually like, but in this book it was executed quite nicely and the scenes were informative as well. And most of all, I liked how the author took a common NA premise and turned it into a somewhat unique and different read than others: a love triangle that’s seemingly not a love triangle, characters that are impossible to hate because there is no “bad guy,” and a fluent, transitional writing style.
As much as I loved the book, there were a few things that got on my nerves. One being I wanted more of Heath and Cat’s history. A couple of flashback scenes are not enough for me, and though I wholeheartedly approved of their relationship, it would’ve been better if there were more background info on them so I could be better convinced of their early bond and love. The last 25% was a bit weak on both the emotional and plot aspects. I get that with every new relationship, especially one built on a foundation of deception and heartbreak, comes with many insecurities so I was glad to see the characters address them. However, there is this one argument near the end of the book I just did not get the point of. Like, it could’ve been completely omitted and there wouldn’t have been a difference (for me at least). A little too much drama there and the ending was rushed, but overall, what was on my mind long after reading was that this book is one of the better NA stories I’ve read this year and though I probably won’t re-read it anytime soon, I won’t be forgetting about it anytime either.
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Please note that all quotes are from an advanced copy and may be subject to change in the final edition.
4 STARS!!!
There are certain words in blurbs that set off alarms for me, and by alarms I mean the kind that make me stalk the author/publisher/PA etc…to get more info on. In the blurb for You Make Me, the words “foster brother” did it for me. I was extremely interested in seeing how this would play out and I’m really happy to say that I think this is Erin McCarthy’s best work to date: she’s written a stormy, passionate but believable second chance romance with a healthy dose of angst and relatable, level-headed characters.
But first, to answer some questions that were asked: Is there a love triangle? Is there cheating? Is there an HEA? Even before I cracked open the book, I wondered if there was a triangle but my curiosity with the “foster brother” part and Heath being ex-military won me over.
Love triangle:
More details -
Cheating:
More details -
HEA:
More details -
The book starts off with a short but fantastic prologue! Then fast forward four years where Cat is now a well-known, all-around golden girl in college with an equally amazing and popular guy Ethan as her boyfriend. On the night of her junior year Homecoming dance where everything planned goes along accordingly, out of the blue, Heath appears and stuns Cat. Having left her when she was sixteen and never contacting her in the past four years, Cat is shocked, relieved, and angry to see him so naturally I could understand her conflicted feelings: on one hand she’s desperate to reach out to him and on the other, she’s with Ethan, a guy she knows is good for her.
“How could I explain that Heath was the past and Ethan was the future? That one I had chosen and one had chosen me? That Ethan represented everything I had always craved, but Heath was everything I needed?”
And as cliché as it sounds, there will always be a certain allure for “the one that got away,” which is why I totally sympathize, understand, and connect with Cat’s character.
Though this portion of the book was angsty and somewhat frustrating, it was realistic and completely character-driven. I loved how the author made smooth transitions from where Cat was at the beginning to how she thought and perceived everything to the end. Usually when there’s a love triangle (or any hint of one), there’s supposed to be a “decision” where one is chosen and the other is dropped, and I hate that. To me, it always feels like the chosen is second best. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel any of that in this book; all encounters are done quite tastefully and I was totally invested in the story.
I think the strongest and most compelling aspect of the book was the author’s writing. I’ve read her other work (True Believers series) and I’ll be honest, this book is different: both the writing and the approach I mean but it’s a good-different and the writing here simply appeals to me. It’s mostly in present time, but there are a few flashback scenes sprinkled throughout the story. Again, not something I usually like, but in this book it was executed quite nicely and the scenes were informative as well. And most of all, I liked how the author took a common NA premise and turned it into a somewhat unique and different read than others: a love triangle that’s seemingly not a love triangle, characters that are impossible to hate because there is no “bad guy,” and a fluent, transitional writing style.
As much as I loved the book, there were a few things that got on my nerves. One being I wanted more of Heath and Cat’s history. A couple of flashback scenes are not enough for me, and though I wholeheartedly approved of their relationship, it would’ve been better if there were more background info on them so I could be better convinced of their early bond and love. The last 25% was a bit weak on both the emotional and plot aspects. I get that with every new relationship, especially one built on a foundation of deception and heartbreak, comes with many insecurities so I was glad to see the characters address them. However, there is this one argument near the end of the book I just did not get the point of. Like, it could’ve been completely omitted and there wouldn’t have been a difference (for me at least). A little too much drama there and the ending was rushed, but overall, what was on my mind long after reading was that this book is one of the better NA stories I’ve read this year and though I probably won’t re-read it anytime soon, I won’t be forgetting about it anytime either.
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Please note that all quotes are from an advanced copy and may be subject to change in the final edition.
January 28, 2018
1.5 stars (writing was readable)
Holy freaking buckets of New Adult shit. The DRAMA, the MELODRAMA, the POSSESSIVENESS, the ANGST, the first person pov from only heroine, just the absolute (personal taste) please go away recent fad of horrible tropes that we don't want younger women/girls to read, y'all.
I read the whole thing (some fast time skimming) but I hope no younger girls do because this is absolutely NOT how relationships should go between couples.
Holy freaking buckets of New Adult shit. The DRAMA, the MELODRAMA, the POSSESSIVENESS, the ANGST, the first person pov from only heroine, just the absolute (personal taste) please go away recent fad of horrible tropes that we don't want younger women/girls to read, y'all.
I read the whole thing (some fast time skimming) but I hope no younger girls do because this is absolutely NOT how relationships should go between couples.
Want to read
May 9, 2015
FREE today on Amazon US (5/8/2015).
http://www.amazon.com/You-Make-Blurre...
FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day, I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 400 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...
April 23, 2016
2.5
Not my cup... heroine annoyed the hell out of me! She was too dramatic that it hurts to continue reading the book. It's either she wants to be with Heath or Ethan and she couldn't make up her damn mind! Top it off that she cheated? ugh. (and yes, in my opinion she did cheat!)
Heath asked her if is she wants him to fight for her, and do you know what she said? Now while she finally decided
I could understand some of her situations and feels. Heath was the love of her life and after all these years seeing him again awakened something in her but let me tell you, being in her mind and literally reading what she thinks was a pure torture! To be honest Heath or Ethan didn't deserve this woman. She was incredibly immature and selfish.. not a heroine I want to read.
Typical NA genre.. I just can't get over with the heroine. so 2.5 stars for me!
Not my cup... heroine annoyed the hell out of me! She was too dramatic that it hurts to continue reading the book. It's either she wants to be with Heath or Ethan and she couldn't make up her damn mind! Top it off that she cheated? ugh. (and yes, in my opinion she did cheat!)
Heath asked her if is she wants him to fight for her, and do you know what she said? Now while she finally decided
I could understand some of her situations and feels. Heath was the love of her life and after all these years seeing him again awakened something in her but let me tell you, being in her mind and literally reading what she thinks was a pure torture! To be honest Heath or Ethan didn't deserve this woman. She was incredibly immature and selfish.. not a heroine I want to read.
Typical NA genre.. I just can't get over with the heroine. so 2.5 stars for me!
October 30, 2014
3 solid stars for the start of this series!
This is a fairly predictable read about first loves and second chances between two characters that to me were hard to really like!
Cat Michaud grew up in an unconventional home with a crazy mom, drunk brother, and foster siblings coming in and out of her life. She found her first love and true loss in the arms of an older foster kid...Heath. one day in love the next left alone.
Fast forward to a new life...away at college, making herself into a New person. Cat is a sorority girl, dating an American dream...Ethan is smart, popular, a good breed! The problem is that his Caitlyn is a different picture of the Cat from old...a Cat he has never known.
When past and present collide Caitlyn finds herself in a loving relationship with Ethan all while never truly falling out of love with Heath. Seems as if Heath's absence wasn't quite what it seemed and His return has "Cat" coming back to life!
So the story moves along pretty much like you would expect! Pick one, hurt the other...want one but should have the other...leave one and welcome the other...fight for one and fight with the other. To me Cat was selfish, but Heath was pushy and harsh. His cynicism downplayed his sex appeal a bit...it took the last few pages to get emotions from him that I felt Cat could really have a future with. My other issue was that I know you never forget your first love, but Cat kinda trampled Ethan at first sight of Heath...and Ethan was just not my cup of tea even with being the ex!
Overall the heat was good, the story predictable, the characters were 'meh....I liked it, I just didn't love it!
This is a fairly predictable read about first loves and second chances between two characters that to me were hard to really like!
Cat Michaud grew up in an unconventional home with a crazy mom, drunk brother, and foster siblings coming in and out of her life. She found her first love and true loss in the arms of an older foster kid...Heath. one day in love the next left alone.
Fast forward to a new life...away at college, making herself into a New person. Cat is a sorority girl, dating an American dream...Ethan is smart, popular, a good breed! The problem is that his Caitlyn is a different picture of the Cat from old...a Cat he has never known.
When past and present collide Caitlyn finds herself in a loving relationship with Ethan all while never truly falling out of love with Heath. Seems as if Heath's absence wasn't quite what it seemed and His return has "Cat" coming back to life!
So the story moves along pretty much like you would expect! Pick one, hurt the other...want one but should have the other...leave one and welcome the other...fight for one and fight with the other. To me Cat was selfish, but Heath was pushy and harsh. His cynicism downplayed his sex appeal a bit...it took the last few pages to get emotions from him that I felt Cat could really have a future with. My other issue was that I know you never forget your first love, but Cat kinda trampled Ethan at first sight of Heath...and Ethan was just not my cup of tea even with being the ex!
Overall the heat was good, the story predictable, the characters were 'meh....I liked it, I just didn't love it!
Read
August 1, 2014DNF @ 55%
Just not in the mood for this one I guess.
Just not in the mood for this one I guess.
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December 21, 2014
12/21/2014 --
This book just didn't make a whole lot of sense. I have real issues when a book is just not realistic.
For instance:
1 -- Foster parents that have one adult on disability and the other eligible for a mental institution. And, these facts are known by the community.
2 -- Foster kids in a household for a short time and being called Foster siblings? What? Flashbacks of all the "Foster Siblings" that have passed through your household over the years. Nutzo!
3 -- A college girl remaking herself -- no money, but part of a sorority. Formal dresses and all the rot. Do you have any idea how much that costs?
4 -- Hopping out of an "I love you" relationship one day and then expecting to be in another "I love you" relationship the VERY NEXT day. But it is quite alright because this is your "soul mate" who left you the morning after you lost your virginity to him. **sigh** Crying about one to the other and then being jealous of the other. Just crazy making and wrong. Very wrong.
i know this is just a story, but I'm not one of those people who think foster situations are always bad. Not like portrayed here.
I read on until I just couldn't handle anymore logic issues. I think this was a book written or conceived during a hangover. You know, when you really think you are in your "right mind", but not?
I wouldn't waste your time on this one. Just wouldn't. Bor-ing!
Happy [don't say I didn't warn you] Reading!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Overall Rating = 1.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 3 / 2 / 2 = 2.5 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 1 Stars
Character / Secondary Character Development = 2 / 2 = 2 Stars
“Did I like” Hero / Heroine = 3 / 1 = 2 Stars
Story / Background Story Development = 2 / 3 = 2.5 Stars
“Did I like the Damned Thing” = 1 Star
Worth the Chili = 2 Stars -- [$Free for me on Amazon $3.99 now]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Mild
291 pages
First sentence: Heath said he would never leave me.
This book just didn't make a whole lot of sense. I have real issues when a book is just not realistic.
For instance:
1 -- Foster parents that have one adult on disability and the other eligible for a mental institution. And, these facts are known by the community.
2 -- Foster kids in a household for a short time and being called Foster siblings? What? Flashbacks of all the "Foster Siblings" that have passed through your household over the years. Nutzo!
3 -- A college girl remaking herself -- no money, but part of a sorority. Formal dresses and all the rot. Do you have any idea how much that costs?
4 -- Hopping out of an "I love you" relationship one day and then expecting to be in another "I love you" relationship the VERY NEXT day. But it is quite alright because this is your "soul mate" who left you the morning after you lost your virginity to him. **sigh** Crying about one to the other and then being jealous of the other. Just crazy making and wrong. Very wrong.
i know this is just a story, but I'm not one of those people who think foster situations are always bad. Not like portrayed here.
I read on until I just couldn't handle anymore logic issues. I think this was a book written or conceived during a hangover. You know, when you really think you are in your "right mind", but not?
I wouldn't waste your time on this one. Just wouldn't. Bor-ing!
Happy [don't say I didn't warn you] Reading!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Overall Rating = 1.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb / Book Title = 3 / 2 / 2 = 2.5 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 1 Stars
Character / Secondary Character Development = 2 / 2 = 2 Stars
“Did I like” Hero / Heroine = 3 / 1 = 2 Stars
Story / Background Story Development = 2 / 3 = 2.5 Stars
“Did I like the Damned Thing” = 1 Star
Worth the Chili = 2 Stars -- [$Free for me on Amazon $3.99 now]
Smexy [HEAT] Rating = Mild
291 pages
First sentence: Heath said he would never leave me.
December 27, 2015
This is a modern re-telling of Wuthering Heights and although it is dark and intense, it does have a HEA ending, so don' worry there's no suicide/death/haunting ending!
Heath and Cat have been inseparable since childhood. Soul mates in every sense of the word. But then one day, the morning after they make love for the first time, Heath leaves town without a word, leaving Cat devastated. She doesn't hear from him again.
Four years later, Cat has rebuilt her life. She's in College, she is a sorority sister, and she's in love with the hottest guy on campus who is about to propose to her.
And then suddenly one night at a College party... she sees a familiar figure and realises that it's Heath and he's staring straight at her...
Best Bit: The love between Heath and Cat is so intense, so passionate and you really get a sense that they are literally "helplessly" in love with one another.
Worst bit: Cat was as insecure and neurotic as Catherine in Bronte's original and is an unlikeable heroine.
Funniest bit: None. This is epic drama all the way.
Recommendation: You have to be in the mood for this one. It is very romantic, (with some heart-melting declarations from Heath), but it's also dark and explores neurotic love more so than your typical romance.
3.5 stars.
Heath and Cat have been inseparable since childhood. Soul mates in every sense of the word. But then one day, the morning after they make love for the first time, Heath leaves town without a word, leaving Cat devastated. She doesn't hear from him again.
Four years later, Cat has rebuilt her life. She's in College, she is a sorority sister, and she's in love with the hottest guy on campus who is about to propose to her.
And then suddenly one night at a College party... she sees a familiar figure and realises that it's Heath and he's staring straight at her...
Best Bit: The love between Heath and Cat is so intense, so passionate and you really get a sense that they are literally "helplessly" in love with one another.
Worst bit: Cat was as insecure and neurotic as Catherine in Bronte's original and is an unlikeable heroine.
Funniest bit: None. This is epic drama all the way.
Recommendation: You have to be in the mood for this one. It is very romantic, (with some heart-melting declarations from Heath), but it's also dark and explores neurotic love more so than your typical romance.
3.5 stars.
August 9, 2016
3 Stars!
This would be one of those I would say "It's not you, it's me." Cause...
I did not like Caitlyn, sigh... And for a while there, I thought the story was gonna destroy Ethan's character as well, but I'm glad it didn't. I liked both Heath and Ethan... they both deserve someone better. I really love the storyline, but did not like how it went down. The problem here is Caitlyn... her reasonings and actions gave me a hell of a headache really. :(
So Caitlyn had a poor life growing up, with a crazy mom and an alcoholic brother and a lot of foster siblings... and she just wants to start a new life... In fact, she did good and proved herself... which she should just be proud of... then getting herself engaged to a great guy, Ethan, whom she said she loves... but Ethan knows nothing about her family or her past.
And... instead of feeling sorry about not being completely open to Ethan, she vehemently justifies her reasoning why she didn't... In fact, she made it sound like Ethan hurt her more than the other way around?! (To wit my husband would say "typical female!" and I completely disagree of course, lol)...
Then there's Heath, another love of her life from years back and still does, her first love, who had left her and just disappeared without a goodbye.... But who also suddenly returned for her the same time she's got engaged! So now, she wants Heath and don't want Heath... gah! I want to rant and say more but it would be a complete spoiler. Heath sounds mysterious and is very demanding.... thought it would have been nicer to know more of him... But that one thing I like about Heath is that he seems to know Caitlyn more than Caitlyn knows herself!
Anyway, I find Caitlyn a brat.... she drove me insane!
I love the blurb, I love the start... did not like what happened after... and yeah, predictable.
It is well written...with all that angst and hotness...
And though this book isn't for me, hey, what doesn't work for me might work for you... :D
My REVIEW and PURCHASE LINKS, are also posted here :
SLITSREAD
This would be one of those I would say "It's not you, it's me." Cause...
I did not like Caitlyn, sigh... And for a while there, I thought the story was gonna destroy Ethan's character as well, but I'm glad it didn't. I liked both Heath and Ethan... they both deserve someone better. I really love the storyline, but did not like how it went down. The problem here is Caitlyn... her reasonings and actions gave me a hell of a headache really. :(
So Caitlyn had a poor life growing up, with a crazy mom and an alcoholic brother and a lot of foster siblings... and she just wants to start a new life... In fact, she did good and proved herself... which she should just be proud of... then getting herself engaged to a great guy, Ethan, whom she said she loves... but Ethan knows nothing about her family or her past.
And... instead of feeling sorry about not being completely open to Ethan, she vehemently justifies her reasoning why she didn't... In fact, she made it sound like Ethan hurt her more than the other way around?! (To wit my husband would say "typical female!" and I completely disagree of course, lol)...
Then there's Heath, another love of her life from years back and still does, her first love, who had left her and just disappeared without a goodbye.... But who also suddenly returned for her the same time she's got engaged! So now, she wants Heath and don't want Heath... gah! I want to rant and say more but it would be a complete spoiler. Heath sounds mysterious and is very demanding.... thought it would have been nicer to know more of him... But that one thing I like about Heath is that he seems to know Caitlyn more than Caitlyn knows herself!
Anyway, I find Caitlyn a brat.... she drove me insane!
I love the blurb, I love the start... did not like what happened after... and yeah, predictable.
It is well written...with all that angst and hotness...
And though this book isn't for me, hey, what doesn't work for me might work for you... :D
My REVIEW and PURCHASE LINKS, are also posted here :
SLITSREAD
April 11, 2014
I can't say enough good things about this book! It was a bit of an emotional roller coaster but I was rooting for Heath throughout the whole book. It's a powerful story about finding and losing your first love and then finding it again years later. The emotion was real, so much so that I sometimes didn't know if I loved or hated Cat and Heath ( I loved them of coarse, but they were frustrating sometimes). The whole story is based on trust and how both Cat and Heath had to trust and grow into their feelings for one another and work through the betrayals of the past; when one starts to doubt the other, the entire relationship becomes jeopardized and they have to fight for themselves, each other and for the future they both crave. This story is a lot different then Erin's usual style but still a winner nonetheless.
August 15, 2017
Caitlyn Michaud had given her heart to her foster brother Heath and when she did he shattered it without a word. Heath is back and the Caitlyn he knew is long gone. Caitlyn is in college, she is dating the It guy on campus, Ethan, and they are beginning a life together. It is all interrupted when Heath tries to insert himself back into Caitlyn's life. Every carefully placed piece in Caitlyn's life is about to implode, now she finds herself leaning on Heath but can she trust him again?
This was interesting but it crossed a plot line I have a hard time with, cheating. I found it really hard to click with Heath, is is kind of aloof and I couldn't quite wrap my head around what he did. Caitlyn, I think she wanted a better life but I think she also lost a part of herself in doing so. Wanted to like but it was just okay for me.
This was interesting but it crossed a plot line I have a hard time with, cheating. I found it really hard to click with Heath, is is kind of aloof and I couldn't quite wrap my head around what he did. Caitlyn, I think she wanted a better life but I think she also lost a part of herself in doing so. Wanted to like but it was just okay for me.
February 4, 2018
The first book in the Blurred Lines series by Erin McCarthy. Caitlyn is in college and her boyfriend proposes to her. Just at the time she says yes, her soulmate, Heath, shows up. But Heath left her 4 years ago without a word.
I have read a few Erin McCarthy's books and have enjoyed them for the most part. I did not realize this was a New Adult when I downloaded it. I think it was a freebie to be honest. Anyway, I didn't care for it much. Too much drama and angst for my personal taste. But it was decent enough for me to give it 3 stars.
I have read a few Erin McCarthy's books and have enjoyed them for the most part. I did not realize this was a New Adult when I downloaded it. I think it was a freebie to be honest. Anyway, I didn't care for it much. Too much drama and angst for my personal taste. But it was decent enough for me to give it 3 stars.
May 12, 2015
2.5 stars
I'm afraid this may be an unfair, on-the-fence review as I disliked the the heroine so much, that it took away any enjoyment of the book so it's important that I make it clear that this 2.5 star rating is based on my personal taste/preferences and does not reflect on the great writing and storytelling that the author has worked hard at.
Yes, the h killed me slowly with irritation but I also GET that she's young and insecure so I really tried my hardest to empathise with her painfully needy and selfish inner voice.... unfortunately, as much as I get it; I really couldn't get invested in the story as much as I would have liked. Maybe I found it hard to relate, maybe I really hated being in her head, maybe I hated the way she approached things, but all-in-all I found myself slowly starting to disengage from the story as it progressed.
Onto the positives: I totally respect that the author didn't make the h unaware of her double standards and neediness. I also appreciate that the author wrote the h's honesty so well, that it got me to emote (even if the emotion was disdain for the h), It actually started to get a little better (tolerable) after 55% in. The other characters were likeable enough and the writing style was clear and easy to understand. Sigh.... I just wish there was more I could add to this review....
Told in h's 1st person POV and standalone story in a series.
I'm afraid this may be an unfair, on-the-fence review as I disliked the the heroine so much, that it took away any enjoyment of the book so it's important that I make it clear that this 2.5 star rating is based on my personal taste/preferences and does not reflect on the great writing and storytelling that the author has worked hard at.
Yes, the h killed me slowly with irritation but I also GET that she's young and insecure so I really tried my hardest to empathise with her painfully needy and selfish inner voice.... unfortunately, as much as I get it; I really couldn't get invested in the story as much as I would have liked. Maybe I found it hard to relate, maybe I really hated being in her head, maybe I hated the way she approached things, but all-in-all I found myself slowly starting to disengage from the story as it progressed.
Onto the positives: I totally respect that the author didn't make the h unaware of her double standards and neediness. I also appreciate that the author wrote the h's honesty so well, that it got me to emote (even if the emotion was disdain for the h), It actually started to get a little better (tolerable) after 55% in. The other characters were likeable enough and the writing style was clear and easy to understand. Sigh.... I just wish there was more I could add to this review....
Told in h's 1st person POV and standalone story in a series.
May 17, 2014
Oddly depressing but uplifting story
I found most of this book, extremely depressing. It seemed as if no one could catch a break in the entire book, and least of all the h and H. Whether they deserved it or not, was a different matter. The most interesting thing about this book was when at the end both Heath and Cat showed their true colors and basically walked out on each other, no matter this great love that was bigger than the ocean. I thought it was very strange that it was all fixed with a kiss in the rain, but I imagine this is where the blurred line theme comes in, and the lack of clear cut resolutions. Just h, love your man and H, love your lady and accept that life will be full of drama forever more. I felt marginally bad for the Hero, who seemed to have a better plan for his life even though he had a tough childhood, and hope that the heroine did not drag him down with her overly dramatic self.
I found most of this book, extremely depressing. It seemed as if no one could catch a break in the entire book, and least of all the h and H. Whether they deserved it or not, was a different matter. The most interesting thing about this book was when at the end both Heath and Cat showed their true colors and basically walked out on each other, no matter this great love that was bigger than the ocean. I thought it was very strange that it was all fixed with a kiss in the rain, but I imagine this is where the blurred line theme comes in, and the lack of clear cut resolutions. Just h, love your man and H, love your lady and accept that life will be full of drama forever more. I felt marginally bad for the Hero, who seemed to have a better plan for his life even though he had a tough childhood, and hope that the heroine did not drag him down with her overly dramatic self.
July 1, 2014
TOO MUCH DRAMA
4 years ago after declaring their love for one another Cat thought that Heath and she were going to be together forever. But Heath disappeared and never contacted Cat again.
Present day Cat has reinvented herself. She's hidden from everyone her poor background and is now quite the sophisticated young woman. Her boyfriend Ethan is probably the most respected and popular guy on campus. Everything is coming up roses, when out of the blue Heath reappears.
I had high hopes for this story about reunited lovers. But I found it so difficult to feel any connection to the main two characters. Cat was a drama queen and Heath was a complete idiot. I felt sorry for Ethan to be honest, although he was well shot of her really. The main reason I kept reading was to find out the big secret, why had Heath just left Cat without a word 4 years earlier and where had he been. Overall I never quite believed in this couple.
4 years ago after declaring their love for one another Cat thought that Heath and she were going to be together forever. But Heath disappeared and never contacted Cat again.
Present day Cat has reinvented herself. She's hidden from everyone her poor background and is now quite the sophisticated young woman. Her boyfriend Ethan is probably the most respected and popular guy on campus. Everything is coming up roses, when out of the blue Heath reappears.
I had high hopes for this story about reunited lovers. But I found it so difficult to feel any connection to the main two characters. Cat was a drama queen and Heath was a complete idiot. I felt sorry for Ethan to be honest, although he was well shot of her really. The main reason I kept reading was to find out the big secret, why had Heath just left Cat without a word 4 years earlier and where had he been. Overall I never quite believed in this couple.
April 21, 2014
Drama-llama story, for sure. Not that that's a terrible thing, but you have to be in the mood for it. Heroine came off whiny and bratty. Hero was ok, but there really wasn't much of a backstory to get a good sense of him. McCarthy has done much better.
September 3, 2024
It sounded more promissing than it actually was. I am dissapointed.
July 21, 2019
4.5 Stars!
I REALLY enjoyed this book. The only reason I didn’t give it the full 5 stars was because there were a few grammatical errors that distracted me from the story, and there were a couple of loose ends i would have preferred to wrap up, though by not being discussed I guess they sort of are?
WHAT I LOVED:
Cat & Heath. Heath & Cat. They felt so real, you could feel the weight of so much history and wanting between them.
Cat was understanding of Heath and all that he’s been through, but she never makes excuses for him when he acts out, and she calls him out on his shit & vice versa.
I appreciated that Cat was so flawed and real, she made bad decisions but was also strong but also insecure at times and her inner conflict was relatable and interesting to watch and see how it unraveled.
I was not expecting this story to go where it did, like at all. It was a pleasant surprise, and ngl, I was totally waiting for the “cheating” hat to drop, but it didn’t, which I was so thankful for.
I was selfishly torn but proud of Cat for being strong and weak in the same breath. Because it takes strength to put aside your pride and be vulnerable and open.
The collision of “Cat” and “Caitlyn’s” one past vs. present life was such an interesting thing to see play out. It was realistic in that, she was and wanted to be “Caitlyn” but also was “Cat,” and the parts of her life that made them both the same person were in the form of two people who inspired both parts of her. Both not knowing the two sides to her.
WHAT I DIDN’T LOVE AS MUCH:
There were some parts that hinted towards and outright displayed domestic violence and it didn’t really sit well with me, it is a very real thing that happens every day, but it doesn’t really get resolved or talked about, but it sort of does? I guess it kind of makes sense when you’re reading it but afterward you look back and you’re like wtf?
While I think Caitlyn is a total people pleaser, I had mixed feelings about some of her actions contradicting her promises, and while I’d like to think that’s just Cat fighting for what she wants, it felt odd to know how deeply she felt about something in her head, then for her to give it up the next time she speaks.
IF YOUR BOYFRIEND COMES INSIDE OF YOU, YOU CAN GET PREGNANT. YES. EVEN IF YOU ARE ON THE PILL. I don’t know who did or didn’t teach her that, but holy fuck.
Overall this book was just the right amount of angst, mystery, drama, sex, love, relatability & was for the most part very realistic. Would definitely recommend if you are looking for a deep, heart pounding, sexy story with high highs and low lows and a satisfying ending!
I REALLY enjoyed this book. The only reason I didn’t give it the full 5 stars was because there were a few grammatical errors that distracted me from the story, and there were a couple of loose ends i would have preferred to wrap up, though by not being discussed I guess they sort of are?
WHAT I LOVED:
Cat & Heath. Heath & Cat. They felt so real, you could feel the weight of so much history and wanting between them.
Cat was understanding of Heath and all that he’s been through, but she never makes excuses for him when he acts out, and she calls him out on his shit & vice versa.
I appreciated that Cat was so flawed and real, she made bad decisions but was also strong but also insecure at times and her inner conflict was relatable and interesting to watch and see how it unraveled.
I was not expecting this story to go where it did, like at all. It was a pleasant surprise, and ngl, I was totally waiting for the “cheating” hat to drop, but it didn’t, which I was so thankful for.
I was selfishly torn but proud of Cat for being strong and weak in the same breath. Because it takes strength to put aside your pride and be vulnerable and open.
The collision of “Cat” and “Caitlyn’s” one past vs. present life was such an interesting thing to see play out. It was realistic in that, she was and wanted to be “Caitlyn” but also was “Cat,” and the parts of her life that made them both the same person were in the form of two people who inspired both parts of her. Both not knowing the two sides to her.
WHAT I DIDN’T LOVE AS MUCH:
There were some parts that hinted towards and outright displayed domestic violence and it didn’t really sit well with me, it is a very real thing that happens every day, but it doesn’t really get resolved or talked about, but it sort of does? I guess it kind of makes sense when you’re reading it but afterward you look back and you’re like wtf?
While I think Caitlyn is a total people pleaser, I had mixed feelings about some of her actions contradicting her promises, and while I’d like to think that’s just Cat fighting for what she wants, it felt odd to know how deeply she felt about something in her head, then for her to give it up the next time she speaks.
IF YOUR BOYFRIEND COMES INSIDE OF YOU, YOU CAN GET PREGNANT. YES. EVEN IF YOU ARE ON THE PILL. I don’t know who did or didn’t teach her that, but holy fuck.
Overall this book was just the right amount of angst, mystery, drama, sex, love, relatability & was for the most part very realistic. Would definitely recommend if you are looking for a deep, heart pounding, sexy story with high highs and low lows and a satisfying ending!
April 17, 2014
Erin McCarthy's latest NA contemporary You Make Me hits the mark.
The Heroine Cat is striving to reinvent herself and make it on her own in college while building the life she's always wanted. In Ethan she sees the perfect future. The loving & doting boyfriend, with a ready made family that even comes with her BFF as a sister! Just as she's ready to take the next step with Ethan, her first true love Heath shows up out of the blue after disappearing abruptly without a word 4 years ago. And he'll stop at nothing to make amends and gain his soul-mate back where she belongs, with him.
If there is one good thing I love in my NA reads is some angst filled drama and ooooooh how Erin McCarthy delivers! With Heath's return, Cat's life is turned upside down as she struggles to wade though the disruption it brings to her reformed 'Caitlyn' persona but the upheaval of past hurts forces her to face who she really is, recognize love, and grow to trust again. McCarthy spins together the story with excellent character development written so well I couldn't help but whole heartedly feel for Cat's dilemma. I felt all of her insecurities, hurts, her regrets, her hopes. I bonded with Cat so easily that I didn't get frustrated when she made a typical heroine mistake, instead it humanized her even more for me. And Heath? Holy hotness Batman!! There's not much needed to be said- a sexy former Marine set out to win his true love, who will stop at nothing until she's back into his arms?! *swoons* I'm sold!
I loved every minute of this book and looking forward to reading the rest of the Blurred Lines series!!!
Favorite Quotes:
Are you threatening me?
No. Just stating facts. You and me? Inevitable.
...Nothing is inevitable. We make choices.
And I will always choose you.
When she took the ring from me, I had a Gollum moment. I wanted to snatch it back and clutch it to me greedily. My precious.
The Heroine Cat is striving to reinvent herself and make it on her own in college while building the life she's always wanted. In Ethan she sees the perfect future. The loving & doting boyfriend, with a ready made family that even comes with her BFF as a sister! Just as she's ready to take the next step with Ethan, her first true love Heath shows up out of the blue after disappearing abruptly without a word 4 years ago. And he'll stop at nothing to make amends and gain his soul-mate back where she belongs, with him.
If there is one good thing I love in my NA reads is some angst filled drama and ooooooh how Erin McCarthy delivers! With Heath's return, Cat's life is turned upside down as she struggles to wade though the disruption it brings to her reformed 'Caitlyn' persona but the upheaval of past hurts forces her to face who she really is, recognize love, and grow to trust again. McCarthy spins together the story with excellent character development written so well I couldn't help but whole heartedly feel for Cat's dilemma. I felt all of her insecurities, hurts, her regrets, her hopes. I bonded with Cat so easily that I didn't get frustrated when she made a typical heroine mistake, instead it humanized her even more for me. And Heath? Holy hotness Batman!! There's not much needed to be said- a sexy former Marine set out to win his true love, who will stop at nothing until she's back into his arms?! *swoons* I'm sold!
I loved every minute of this book and looking forward to reading the rest of the Blurred Lines series!!!
Favorite Quotes:
Are you threatening me?
No. Just stating facts. You and me? Inevitable.
...Nothing is inevitable. We make choices.
And I will always choose you.
When she took the ring from me, I had a Gollum moment. I wanted to snatch it back and clutch it to me greedily. My precious.
April 24, 2014
Ah, I hate to say this because I usually love anything by Erin McCarthy, but I really did not like this book.
The hero/heroine were both just awful.
Cat was a complete Mary Sue and Heath was a cliche. I couldn't find a redeeming quality between them. I don't want to spoil anything so I'll just be vague and say I actually found both their attitudes to Audrey vile and I would not be cool with my boyfriend being so dismissive of my BFF. Why do the men in current young adult romances have to be such controlling sexist dicks and the women be swept away with that? It's not cute.
Ethan deserved better than Cat. He shouldn't be so down about losing her, he dodged a bullet.
I liked Audrey too, I really felt sorry for her and I hope we get something about her and I hope she finds someone worthy of her.
The hero/heroine were both just awful.
Cat was a complete Mary Sue and Heath was a cliche. I couldn't find a redeeming quality between them. I don't want to spoil anything so I'll just be vague and say I actually found both their attitudes to Audrey vile and I would not be cool with my boyfriend being so dismissive of my BFF. Why do the men in current young adult romances have to be such controlling sexist dicks and the women be swept away with that? It's not cute.
Ethan deserved better than Cat. He shouldn't be so down about losing her, he dodged a bullet.
I liked Audrey too, I really felt sorry for her and I hope we get something about her and I hope she finds someone worthy of her.
March 6, 2017
Oh my God I need to vomit. Why do I keep starting books like this? I mean, I know I've had problems (understatement of the century, ha) with New Adult before, but I've read this author and I've liked her! Her heroines are usually not brain-meltingly stupid or crazy jealous or full of ridiculous and offensive double standards, which, you know, led me to believe that she was safe.
This is not safe. This is every disgusting character trait combined into one disgusting piece of shit heroine all in the name of wronged-woman-can-do-no-wrong. What the actual fuck is wrong with this fucking genre?
This is not safe. This is every disgusting character trait combined into one disgusting piece of shit heroine all in the name of wronged-woman-can-do-no-wrong. What the actual fuck is wrong with this fucking genre?
Want to read
April 7, 20144/21/14
no-way-jose
January 19, 2018It would be a torture reading this.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
December 21, 2019
Με νευρίασε λίγο αυτός.
Με νευρίασε πολύ αυτή.
Μέτρια ιστορία...
2 αστέρια
Με νευρίασε πολύ αυτή.
Μέτρια ιστορία...
2 αστέρια
Read
June 14, 2022YOU MAKE ME ft. -
ANDY BERNARD.🖤ANGELA MARTIN.🖤DWIGHT SCHRUTE.
AND WE KNOW WHO IS WHO.
ANDY BERNARD.🖤ANGELA MARTIN.🖤DWIGHT SCHRUTE.
AND WE KNOW WHO IS WHO.
Read
December 30, 2022No rating. Pushed through to finish to see if it got more interesting but it didn’t.
April 30, 2014
Soul Mates.
Are you one of the lucky people (or unlucky?) on this planet to have found the ONE person you know you are meant to be with? The one that makes your heart stop and race out of control all at the same time? That one person whose flaws are just unimportant, because your soul recognizes theirs, and to you, they are perfect?
Cat and Heath are. And I knew it right from the first page. That's how quickly Erin McCarthy drew me into You Make Me. Cat and Heath shared more than youthful attraction, or even lust. Their love was overwhelming and all consuming. You know, the best kind!
Heath said he would never leave me. He promised that nothing, no one, would ever come between us.
They fall in love when they are teens, and it only took me a matter of a few words to be in love right along with them. Right through this whole book, I was wrapped up in the intricacies of navigating Cat's relationships. Cause Heath left. He left without a word, and it broke Cat's heart. And if you know what being crushed by your only love feels like, then you can imagine how she felt. But she picked herself up. She graduated. She went to college. She started going by Caitlyn rather than Cat. She even got a new boyfriend, Ethan. And while Ethan was fabulous in his own way, you know he wasn't Heath. The way he just didn't measure up practically jumped off the page. But Caitlyn, you got to hand it to her, she was trying her best to move on and grow up. Well, until Heath returns. And then all hell pretty much breaks lose.
Heath... he's the type of hero that makes my heart go pitter-patter-thud-thud-CRASH. Dark, dreamy, mysterious. Where has he been? What's he been doing? Cat and I both had these questions! But when it's that ONE guy, the answers don't really matter. All that matters is you are sharing the same space again. Love is best when it's tangible, and having Heath right there. Well, I was happy.... I mean, I was happy for Cat... yeah, that's it. I was happy for Cat.
There is a danger when you leave the past behind, and you reinvent your life, that at some point you'll look at yourself, and no longer recognize who you see.
Ethan is growing insecure about the arrival of Heath, and all I can think is "Go away!!!!" Ethan never really grew on me at all, and it got to the point where I didn't even have sympathy for him. On top of that, his sister Aubrey is Cat's best friend. Aubrey... at first I liked her, but really - by the time it got to a certain point, I didn't care about her either. This book, for me, was like a vacuum full of hearts, soft touches, and Cat and Heath.
So the basic line of this book is this: Cat and Heath are in love, then they are separated. When they are reunited, there is a lot of sticky mess to wade through. There is lots of drama where Ethan is concerned. When Cat and Heath are together, I just really felt like everything is in sync. And then... and then Erin McCarthy made me cuss at her and my kindle. There may have been some "flipping of the bird" along with it.
She tore them apart.
Do I cheer because, oh yay! Angst and heartbreak? Or do I weep and sob openly, for the anguish these two are certainly feeling? As it turns out, it's a mix of emotions. You know it has to happen. You know something needs to happen to remind these two just how exponential their feelings are.
In the end, the book was fabulous. I loved every single page. And the ending? I think it ended perfectly and just how it needed to be.
I've loved you for five years. I've thought about our one and only time together a million times, wishing I had one more chance, just one more kiss, one more touch. It will always be more than good enough with you. It will always be the ultimate, because you're my ultimate." He kissed me."Do you understand?"
Are you one of the lucky people (or unlucky?) on this planet to have found the ONE person you know you are meant to be with? The one that makes your heart stop and race out of control all at the same time? That one person whose flaws are just unimportant, because your soul recognizes theirs, and to you, they are perfect?
Cat and Heath are. And I knew it right from the first page. That's how quickly Erin McCarthy drew me into You Make Me. Cat and Heath shared more than youthful attraction, or even lust. Their love was overwhelming and all consuming. You know, the best kind!
Heath said he would never leave me. He promised that nothing, no one, would ever come between us.
They fall in love when they are teens, and it only took me a matter of a few words to be in love right along with them. Right through this whole book, I was wrapped up in the intricacies of navigating Cat's relationships. Cause Heath left. He left without a word, and it broke Cat's heart. And if you know what being crushed by your only love feels like, then you can imagine how she felt. But she picked herself up. She graduated. She went to college. She started going by Caitlyn rather than Cat. She even got a new boyfriend, Ethan. And while Ethan was fabulous in his own way, you know he wasn't Heath. The way he just didn't measure up practically jumped off the page. But Caitlyn, you got to hand it to her, she was trying her best to move on and grow up. Well, until Heath returns. And then all hell pretty much breaks lose.
Heath... he's the type of hero that makes my heart go pitter-patter-thud-thud-CRASH. Dark, dreamy, mysterious. Where has he been? What's he been doing? Cat and I both had these questions! But when it's that ONE guy, the answers don't really matter. All that matters is you are sharing the same space again. Love is best when it's tangible, and having Heath right there. Well, I was happy.... I mean, I was happy for Cat... yeah, that's it. I was happy for Cat.
There is a danger when you leave the past behind, and you reinvent your life, that at some point you'll look at yourself, and no longer recognize who you see.
Ethan is growing insecure about the arrival of Heath, and all I can think is "Go away!!!!" Ethan never really grew on me at all, and it got to the point where I didn't even have sympathy for him. On top of that, his sister Aubrey is Cat's best friend. Aubrey... at first I liked her, but really - by the time it got to a certain point, I didn't care about her either. This book, for me, was like a vacuum full of hearts, soft touches, and Cat and Heath.
So the basic line of this book is this: Cat and Heath are in love, then they are separated. When they are reunited, there is a lot of sticky mess to wade through. There is lots of drama where Ethan is concerned. When Cat and Heath are together, I just really felt like everything is in sync. And then... and then Erin McCarthy made me cuss at her and my kindle. There may have been some "flipping of the bird" along with it.
She tore them apart.
Do I cheer because, oh yay! Angst and heartbreak? Or do I weep and sob openly, for the anguish these two are certainly feeling? As it turns out, it's a mix of emotions. You know it has to happen. You know something needs to happen to remind these two just how exponential their feelings are.
In the end, the book was fabulous. I loved every single page. And the ending? I think it ended perfectly and just how it needed to be.
I've loved you for five years. I've thought about our one and only time together a million times, wishing I had one more chance, just one more kiss, one more touch. It will always be more than good enough with you. It will always be the ultimate, because you're my ultimate." He kissed me."Do you understand?"
June 2, 2014
This book was originally reviewed on The Book Hookup.
**I received a copy of this book,but that did not influence the review**
A great start to a new series I can’t wait to read more of! I love Erin McCarthy’s True Believers Series so when I heard about a whole new cast of characters I was thrilled to get my hands on this.
This is a story about first love, about “the one that got away”, about that person that never got out from under your skin. It was about two people reconnecting, and finding that they truly were meant to be together, to be one, to be endless. Le sigh. So romantic isn’t it?
I liked Cat, and we got to meet her just as she was truly finding herself. So to do that she had a lot of moments of immaturity. However, that’s what made her so real and I always found myself rooting for her. Her internal dialogue was honest, even though she didn’t always make the right decisions…whether they were impulsive from being angry or too well thought out when she was trying to be practical.
Heath on the other hand was a total straight shooter, and when he was angry he was scary, but in a realllly hot way. He knew what he wanted and was shameless about going for it. There was no game playing. One of the things I loved was when he told Cat he would talk about his time in the military on his own terms and in his own way. It was a really honest way to answer her to help her understand that it wasn’t a secret.
As far as their romance goes, it was pretty awesome. Heath loved Cat’s soul, and she loved his….that is the best way to describe them. They truly were endless and meant to be. Also, sometimes it was pretty steamy if you catch my drift. ;)
As far as secondary characters go, I think so many had lots of potential: Ethan, Aubrey, and Brian. I think they all have major flaws, but none that made me dislike them, in fact the flaws made me want to fix them to make them whole. I am excited to see who is in book 2 and gets their own shot at happiness.
What could have made it better? I think if it had been longer. And I don’t mean longer as in additional scenes, but more fleshing out of the characters and their relationships. So adding in conversations or thoughts to scenes that were already there. I think that sometimes I only felt like we were skimming the surface and I would have liked to gotten to know so many relationships in more detail.
I also don’t know why right away Cat and Heath didn’t hash out why Heath had to leave all those years ago. It came up eventually, kind of, but they should have talked about it in detail much earlier on, then dealt with trust issues as they relearned each other. There was still enough of a story with just their relationship.
Would I rec this? Yes, yes, yes! Ms. McCarthy writes love stories with characters that are so real, with settings that you crave more of…I can’t wait for the next books in this series and will read them all! :)
**I received a copy of this book,but that did not influence the review**
A great start to a new series I can’t wait to read more of! I love Erin McCarthy’s True Believers Series so when I heard about a whole new cast of characters I was thrilled to get my hands on this.
This is a story about first love, about “the one that got away”, about that person that never got out from under your skin. It was about two people reconnecting, and finding that they truly were meant to be together, to be one, to be endless. Le sigh. So romantic isn’t it?
I liked Cat, and we got to meet her just as she was truly finding herself. So to do that she had a lot of moments of immaturity. However, that’s what made her so real and I always found myself rooting for her. Her internal dialogue was honest, even though she didn’t always make the right decisions…whether they were impulsive from being angry or too well thought out when she was trying to be practical.
Heath on the other hand was a total straight shooter, and when he was angry he was scary, but in a realllly hot way. He knew what he wanted and was shameless about going for it. There was no game playing. One of the things I loved was when he told Cat he would talk about his time in the military on his own terms and in his own way. It was a really honest way to answer her to help her understand that it wasn’t a secret.
As far as their romance goes, it was pretty awesome. Heath loved Cat’s soul, and she loved his….that is the best way to describe them. They truly were endless and meant to be. Also, sometimes it was pretty steamy if you catch my drift. ;)
As far as secondary characters go, I think so many had lots of potential: Ethan, Aubrey, and Brian. I think they all have major flaws, but none that made me dislike them, in fact the flaws made me want to fix them to make them whole. I am excited to see who is in book 2 and gets their own shot at happiness.
What could have made it better? I think if it had been longer. And I don’t mean longer as in additional scenes, but more fleshing out of the characters and their relationships. So adding in conversations or thoughts to scenes that were already there. I think that sometimes I only felt like we were skimming the surface and I would have liked to gotten to know so many relationships in more detail.
I also don’t know why right away Cat and Heath didn’t hash out why Heath had to leave all those years ago. It came up eventually, kind of, but they should have talked about it in detail much earlier on, then dealt with trust issues as they relearned each other. There was still enough of a story with just their relationship.
Would I rec this? Yes, yes, yes! Ms. McCarthy writes love stories with characters that are so real, with settings that you crave more of…I can’t wait for the next books in this series and will read them all! :)
December 20, 2014
I have a love-hate relationship with You Make Me. I really enjoy Erin McCarthy will pretty much read anything she writes. You Make Me is the first novel in her second New Adult series and while I’ve read the other series, and now this one, I’m not sure if New Adult is the best platform for her.
You Make Me takes a lot of New Adult stereotypes and places them together in one book. There’s a love-triangle, an indecisive girl, the seemingly prerequisite bad boy, and childhood drama. I get that a lot of people love these tropes and they sell really well, but they’ve all been done and overdone. I really wish that there was just something else with this series.
The book started out strong, I think. The prologue was beautiful. It was two teens so in love, so full of life, so full of knowing they want each other. But then it’s all ripped from them. But then the book truly starts and it’s years later and the leads aren’t together, which is okay, but Cat just seems like she’s settling and that’s not right. She says she’s happy but when Heath comes back into her life she essentially throws everything away, people’s feelings be damned, because she is too hung up on what she think is true love.
I really don’t think what Cat and Heath have is truly love. They are more obsessed with the idea of the other one, the idea of their love, the idea of what they had when they were teens. The entirety of the book was them obsessing over the other. It wasn’t attractive nor was it fun to read. There were many times where I had to stop and just take a few breaths because of their behavior.
None of the characters really had any growth in the novel. They just seemed to be existing through life, doing what they’ve always done. Cat does show a little remorse about her actions but Heath just doesn’t care. All he cares about is Cat, being with her again, and that’s it. None of this is healthy nor is it conducive to a positive, healthy relationship.
You Make Me is a book that I wanted to love. I did. But Heath and Cat are just two characters that I couldn’t relate to. I couldn’t get into their story. I did enjoy some of the other characters and do want to read more about them so I will continue with the series, but it’s going to be a hard sell for me.
You Make Me takes a lot of New Adult stereotypes and places them together in one book. There’s a love-triangle, an indecisive girl, the seemingly prerequisite bad boy, and childhood drama. I get that a lot of people love these tropes and they sell really well, but they’ve all been done and overdone. I really wish that there was just something else with this series.
I don’t exist without you,, you know that, right? You make me who I am.
The book started out strong, I think. The prologue was beautiful. It was two teens so in love, so full of life, so full of knowing they want each other. But then it’s all ripped from them. But then the book truly starts and it’s years later and the leads aren’t together, which is okay, but Cat just seems like she’s settling and that’s not right. She says she’s happy but when Heath comes back into her life she essentially throws everything away, people’s feelings be damned, because she is too hung up on what she think is true love.
I really don’t think what Cat and Heath have is truly love. They are more obsessed with the idea of the other one, the idea of their love, the idea of what they had when they were teens. The entirety of the book was them obsessing over the other. It wasn’t attractive nor was it fun to read. There were many times where I had to stop and just take a few breaths because of their behavior.
None of the characters really had any growth in the novel. They just seemed to be existing through life, doing what they’ve always done. Cat does show a little remorse about her actions but Heath just doesn’t care. All he cares about is Cat, being with her again, and that’s it. None of this is healthy nor is it conducive to a positive, healthy relationship.
You Make Me is a book that I wanted to love. I did. But Heath and Cat are just two characters that I couldn’t relate to. I couldn’t get into their story. I did enjoy some of the other characters and do want to read more about them so I will continue with the series, but it’s going to be a hard sell for me.
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