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The Very Real World of Emily Adams
2020 Best Indie Book Award® Urban Fantasy Winner
2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards® Fantasy Winner
"Be a rebel. In a world of darkness, become light."
Emily Adams has lost everything. Injured from a fight with her now officially-ex-boyfriend, she's fled to an unfamiliar city with nothing but the change in her pocket and a broken relationship with her father. As hope slips away, she seeks to put a permanent end to her pain...
Until an enchanting encounter with a magic man in a dress changes everything.
Given a new chance at life, Emily embarks on a journey with her new BFF, a mysterious clairvoyant, and a band of musicians to stop the monsters that threaten the world. And she may uncover something even more impossible-if she can let go of the past and believe in herself enough to embrace it.
2021 Next Generation Indie Book Awards® Fantasy Winner
"Be a rebel. In a world of darkness, become light."
Emily Adams has lost everything. Injured from a fight with her now officially-ex-boyfriend, she's fled to an unfamiliar city with nothing but the change in her pocket and a broken relationship with her father. As hope slips away, she seeks to put a permanent end to her pain...
Until an enchanting encounter with a magic man in a dress changes everything.
Given a new chance at life, Emily embarks on a journey with her new BFF, a mysterious clairvoyant, and a band of musicians to stop the monsters that threaten the world. And she may uncover something even more impossible-if she can let go of the past and believe in herself enough to embrace it.
396 pages, Paperback
First published June 9, 2020
2 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Samantha J. Rose
3 books14 followersSamantha Rose is a forever-student at Utah State University, who will one day have her Masters Degree in Psychology. She wrote her first novel in permanent marker on her sister’s vanity chair when she was three-years-old. It wasn’t well received.
She currently resides in the mountains, in a little house full of toys, where she’s enjoying her happily ever after with her Prince Charming and three adorable, little bears.
She currently resides in the mountains, in a little house full of toys, where she’s enjoying her happily ever after with her Prince Charming and three adorable, little bears.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
June 11, 2020
Well this book certainly took me completely by surprise.
The opening chapters consist of introducing Emily who is at absolute rock bottom with her life and considering drastic action until a chance encounter with a stranger on a rooftop changes everything. The first few chapters are heartbreaking and I felt every little bit of Emily's physical and mental pain. I was hooked immediately and needed to keep reading to ensure that Emily was taken care of. Emily was easy to empathise with and I felt she was realistically and well written. When she meets Rick, the man on the roof, I have to say I felt instantly soothed by his presence. He is instantly one of those characters you want as a book best friend.
So..there I was reading what I thought was going to be some seriously heartwarming fiction with maybe a little romance when suddenly...... things took a most wonderful and unexpected turn. The plot deals with some very sensitive and important issues but by telling it through an unusual medium. I don't really want to go into it and give it away as I feel I would have maybe not have been as surprised had I fully known the content but this is really a magical gem of a novel.
I adored this book and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to review it as I'm not sure I'd have come across it otherwise. It's just a wonderfully unique novel and I urge you to try it out for yourselves.
The opening chapters consist of introducing Emily who is at absolute rock bottom with her life and considering drastic action until a chance encounter with a stranger on a rooftop changes everything. The first few chapters are heartbreaking and I felt every little bit of Emily's physical and mental pain. I was hooked immediately and needed to keep reading to ensure that Emily was taken care of. Emily was easy to empathise with and I felt she was realistically and well written. When she meets Rick, the man on the roof, I have to say I felt instantly soothed by his presence. He is instantly one of those characters you want as a book best friend.
So..there I was reading what I thought was going to be some seriously heartwarming fiction with maybe a little romance when suddenly...... things took a most wonderful and unexpected turn. The plot deals with some very sensitive and important issues but by telling it through an unusual medium. I don't really want to go into it and give it away as I feel I would have maybe not have been as surprised had I fully known the content but this is really a magical gem of a novel.
I adored this book and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to review it as I'm not sure I'd have come across it otherwise. It's just a wonderfully unique novel and I urge you to try it out for yourselves.
September 11, 2020
I absolutely LOVED this book! I experienced such a range of emotions as I read it. I laughed a LOT. The characters felt so relatable and real, and Samatha's style is very witty. I adored the love story. I hid under my covers during the suspenseful parts. And of course I cried at the powerful, moving conclusion.
The beginning was difficult for me to follow for some reason, but the story just kept getting better as it progressed. I loved the writing and found myself re-reading phrases just to enjoy them again. I adored the characters, especially Emily, and Rain, and Nothe, and their heartwarming and complex relationship with each other. This book has it all—suspense, adventure, romance, redemption, forgiveness, healing, and unconditional love. Oh, and aliens. :) I would love to read it all over again.
The beginning was difficult for me to follow for some reason, but the story just kept getting better as it progressed. I loved the writing and found myself re-reading phrases just to enjoy them again. I adored the characters, especially Emily, and Rain, and Nothe, and their heartwarming and complex relationship with each other. This book has it all—suspense, adventure, romance, redemption, forgiveness, healing, and unconditional love. Oh, and aliens. :) I would love to read it all over again.
June 12, 2021
I have a like/dislike relationship with this story. the complexity of Emily, her reactions, shyness, trauma all were well done (though quite wordy.) The ramblings of her inner thoughts were complex and real but too prevalent for my taste. It slowed the action down. The info dumps were huge and also slowed the action down. there were beautiful and hilarious moments in the inner thoughts though. and LOL humor in the dialogue.
4 stars for that.
the narration was half brilliant half super annoying. first every male character sounds gay so much so that they blend together so you don't know who's talking. second the narrator was far to chipper sounding as she described all Emily's depressing thoughts. it did not jive. however there were moment of perfect delivery and all the stumbly, stutery moments were so well done and natural feeling.
3 stars for narration
=3.5 rating from me.
4 stars for that.
the narration was half brilliant half super annoying. first every male character sounds gay so much so that they blend together so you don't know who's talking. second the narrator was far to chipper sounding as she described all Emily's depressing thoughts. it did not jive. however there were moment of perfect delivery and all the stumbly, stutery moments were so well done and natural feeling.
3 stars for narration
=3.5 rating from me.
June 11, 2020
UPDATED review with book completion: Stranger Things set in the contemporary day with a little mix of Doctor Who saving characters.
Shamonsters, pop culture references, hearty speeches, magical aliens, personal mental health issues, love, compassion, and a whole lot of power.
I had no clue when I was about to read this book that I would love it as much as I did. I'm not generally a "horror" fan, but this was Stranger Things 2 level horror, and the whole thing is mixed in with heartfelt sentiment and everything I love.
The dialogue was masterful, and witty, and relevant. I LOVED the pop culture references interspersed throughout. They were so clever and made the book feel so alive and "Stranger Things"-esque. I LOVED every single character in this book. Obviously, Nothe and Rain are the coolest, because they're quirky aliens with magical powers and are hilarious. There were literally three times in the past day of reading that I laughed out loud because of something Nothe said. I also felt like Emily was well-rounded, full of issues, but deeply relatable and there were plenty of things for Rain to love about her.
The plot starts out a bit messy maybe, but you can tell the writer grew as she wrote. Because it keeps getting better and better and better. Until I looked forward to the moment at the end of the day where I could sit down and read this book.
The book doesn't skirt away from sensitive issues. It talks about slavery, and abusive relationships, and depression and suicide--but all through a lense of hope and what is right in the world. There were so many lines that I felt were relevant to today's issues, and I think there's a reason for the book's release timing. It was NOT a coincidence because it gives you a lot to think over in regards to suffering and pain and prejudices.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Near the end got a bit gory for my taste, but the romance fell into place perfectly. The last chapter is beautiful. I don’t usually like chapters after the ending, but I did like this one. I truly felt the emotions of this book, and this is yet another IW book that I wish more people knew about.
. It's a brilliant book, and I felt like the author put her heartstrings on her sleeves when writing. It was too real and raw and vulnerable to be totally fiction.
Shamonsters, pop culture references, hearty speeches, magical aliens, personal mental health issues, love, compassion, and a whole lot of power.
I had no clue when I was about to read this book that I would love it as much as I did. I'm not generally a "horror" fan, but this was Stranger Things 2 level horror, and the whole thing is mixed in with heartfelt sentiment and everything I love.
The dialogue was masterful, and witty, and relevant. I LOVED the pop culture references interspersed throughout. They were so clever and made the book feel so alive and "Stranger Things"-esque. I LOVED every single character in this book. Obviously, Nothe and Rain are the coolest, because they're quirky aliens with magical powers and are hilarious. There were literally three times in the past day of reading that I laughed out loud because of something Nothe said. I also felt like Emily was well-rounded, full of issues, but deeply relatable and there were plenty of things for Rain to love about her.
The plot starts out a bit messy maybe, but you can tell the writer grew as she wrote. Because it keeps getting better and better and better. Until I looked forward to the moment at the end of the day where I could sit down and read this book.
The book doesn't skirt away from sensitive issues. It talks about slavery, and abusive relationships, and depression and suicide--but all through a lense of hope and what is right in the world. There were so many lines that I felt were relevant to today's issues, and I think there's a reason for the book's release timing. It was NOT a coincidence because it gives you a lot to think over in regards to suffering and pain and prejudices.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Near the end got a bit gory for my taste, but the romance fell into place perfectly. The last chapter is beautiful. I don’t usually like chapters after the ending, but I did like this one. I truly felt the emotions of this book, and this is yet another IW book that I wish more people knew about.
. It's a brilliant book, and I felt like the author put her heartstrings on her sleeves when writing. It was too real and raw and vulnerable to be totally fiction.
June 9, 2020
This book was absolutely bonkers. My original thoughts were that Samantha Rose must have had a dream of all this, woken up in the middle of the night and scribbled it all down. I didn’t know where the narrative was leading me at all so it was a complete surprise. In the beginning I thought I was reading a contemporary novel - here was our protagonist, struggling with her mental health and here was a boy coming to save her but I soon ate my words there were monsters, aliens, mystery and adventure all rolled into one.
Quite quickly into the novel, Emily is involved in the weirdest situation. I don’t think I have ever read a book that flips the story upside down quite like this one. I enjoyed how the characters and narrative kept me guessing and I liked how when it came to saving the world, the human girl didn’t magically get involved and manage to do what the superhumans couldn’t. Plus on the opposite side of the spectrum - she didn’t constantly need saving either, sometimes humans need to know when to stay out of the way!
The world today doesn’t make sense and I think that’s the message I got from this story. The world of Emily Adams is that little bit more crazy, but that is what she needed to find herself and settle in a new life. When we first meet Emily, she is lost and looking for a way to end her life. When Lipstick Rick appears and helps her out, she is given a chance and she turns her life around and helps out a lot of people in the process. I think it is just trying to tell us that a little nice can go a long way, sometimes you just need someone to ask if you’re okay.
Throughout the book I was happy with how Emily was represented - I empathised with her a lot. It is realistic to feel like you’re doing things wrong and it is common to feel like you are always in the way - without shouting and screaming about abusive relationships and how these can cause mental health issues, Samantha Rose uses good descriptive paragraphs to put you in Emily’s mindset, she uses a lot of words to get you there though. It made me a little uncomfortable at times but it was a good discomfort - it gave me hope that Emily would come out the other side and grow as a person now that she had found better people to become part of - I’m sure a lot of us can understand that. The friends that Emily makes in the novel were sassy and I was all for the sarcastic retorts which often made me laugh.
I guess it’s ironic that Emily Adam’s ‘very real world’ is an accurate representation of the actual world. I don’t want to say too much more here and ruin this for anyone who hasn’t read it because while I can admire the strangeness of the story I did feel little bit disconnected at times - the narrative felt like it jumped around a lot - some situations came from way out of left field and I did get a little tired towards the end. Lipstick Rick’s speeches are so long and while it is a joke within the novel, I just don’t think we needed so many words.
I gave this book 3 Stars - it was okay, I’m happy to have read it but I wouldn’t read it again.
Quite quickly into the novel, Emily is involved in the weirdest situation. I don’t think I have ever read a book that flips the story upside down quite like this one. I enjoyed how the characters and narrative kept me guessing and I liked how when it came to saving the world, the human girl didn’t magically get involved and manage to do what the superhumans couldn’t. Plus on the opposite side of the spectrum - she didn’t constantly need saving either, sometimes humans need to know when to stay out of the way!
The world today doesn’t make sense and I think that’s the message I got from this story. The world of Emily Adams is that little bit more crazy, but that is what she needed to find herself and settle in a new life. When we first meet Emily, she is lost and looking for a way to end her life. When Lipstick Rick appears and helps her out, she is given a chance and she turns her life around and helps out a lot of people in the process. I think it is just trying to tell us that a little nice can go a long way, sometimes you just need someone to ask if you’re okay.
Throughout the book I was happy with how Emily was represented - I empathised with her a lot. It is realistic to feel like you’re doing things wrong and it is common to feel like you are always in the way - without shouting and screaming about abusive relationships and how these can cause mental health issues, Samantha Rose uses good descriptive paragraphs to put you in Emily’s mindset, she uses a lot of words to get you there though. It made me a little uncomfortable at times but it was a good discomfort - it gave me hope that Emily would come out the other side and grow as a person now that she had found better people to become part of - I’m sure a lot of us can understand that. The friends that Emily makes in the novel were sassy and I was all for the sarcastic retorts which often made me laugh.
I guess it’s ironic that Emily Adam’s ‘very real world’ is an accurate representation of the actual world. I don’t want to say too much more here and ruin this for anyone who hasn’t read it because while I can admire the strangeness of the story I did feel little bit disconnected at times - the narrative felt like it jumped around a lot - some situations came from way out of left field and I did get a little tired towards the end. Lipstick Rick’s speeches are so long and while it is a joke within the novel, I just don’t think we needed so many words.
I gave this book 3 Stars - it was okay, I’m happy to have read it but I wouldn’t read it again.
January 23, 2021
The Very Real World of Emily Adams starts out with Emily leaving her boyfriend or maybe she is just running away. Emily hops on a train with no destination in mind. As Emily is riding the train I can only imagine that she was on a different trip in her mind thinking about her life and the people in it and the things she has been through and all the mistakes she believes she has made.
When the train stops at the end of the line Emily steps off while still in her own head and before she knows it she finds herself on top of a building contemplating ending it all right there on top of that building as she stands looking over the side down to the ground below far below. I can only imagine that she is thinking her life is over and she just might as well end it all right there and then. I can see all this playing out in my head.
While Emily is standing there contemplating what she is going to do next she hears a voice. The voice of Lipstick Rick. After her conversation with Lipstick Rick and with just the slightest touch Emily miraculously feels better as she sees a glimpse of hope and now life is headed in a completely different direction for her.
When I started out reading The Very Real World of Emily Adams I thought it was going to be about two people meeting, helping each other turn their lives around, and maybe fall in love in the process but then it took a completely different turn going in another direction entirely. That was one big twist that I enjoyed seeing although I never saw it coming. I really loved all the songs, TV shows and movies that were mentioned and I loved how they were inserted into the story, it worked so well.
The Very Real World of Emily Adams had a lot of big twists, turning one way and then another with never a dull moment in between. The Very Real World of Emily Adams kept me on my toes as the suspense raged on and on until it reached its all-time high and then all at once it slammed me in the face and I came tumbling back down to earth only to be hit with it again and again. I can’t wait to read more of this author’s work.
If you like books with lots of suspense that will keep you rocking and rolling and the pages turning with more big twists than the norm then you are going to love The Very Real World of Emily Adams. If this sounds like a winner to you then I highly suggest that you one-click your copy of The Very Real World of Emily Adams to begin this epic journey!
When the train stops at the end of the line Emily steps off while still in her own head and before she knows it she finds herself on top of a building contemplating ending it all right there on top of that building as she stands looking over the side down to the ground below far below. I can only imagine that she is thinking her life is over and she just might as well end it all right there and then. I can see all this playing out in my head.
While Emily is standing there contemplating what she is going to do next she hears a voice. The voice of Lipstick Rick. After her conversation with Lipstick Rick and with just the slightest touch Emily miraculously feels better as she sees a glimpse of hope and now life is headed in a completely different direction for her.
When I started out reading The Very Real World of Emily Adams I thought it was going to be about two people meeting, helping each other turn their lives around, and maybe fall in love in the process but then it took a completely different turn going in another direction entirely. That was one big twist that I enjoyed seeing although I never saw it coming. I really loved all the songs, TV shows and movies that were mentioned and I loved how they were inserted into the story, it worked so well.
The Very Real World of Emily Adams had a lot of big twists, turning one way and then another with never a dull moment in between. The Very Real World of Emily Adams kept me on my toes as the suspense raged on and on until it reached its all-time high and then all at once it slammed me in the face and I came tumbling back down to earth only to be hit with it again and again. I can’t wait to read more of this author’s work.
If you like books with lots of suspense that will keep you rocking and rolling and the pages turning with more big twists than the norm then you are going to love The Very Real World of Emily Adams. If this sounds like a winner to you then I highly suggest that you one-click your copy of The Very Real World of Emily Adams to begin this epic journey!
November 14, 2020
The Very Real World Of Emily Adams is an enchanting fantasy book with dark, adventurous, and thought-provoking plot.
This is very unique, enthralling read having diverse interesting elements like suspense, adventure, romance, redemption, forgiveness, healing, and unconditional love.
▪ Plot:
Emily Adams has lost everything. Injured from a fight with her now officially-ex-boyfriend, she's fled to an unfamiliar cit. As hope slips away, she seeks to put a permanent end to her pain...
Until an enchanting encounter with a magic man in a dress changes everything.
Given a new chance at life, Emily embarks on a journey with her new BFF, a mysterious clairvoyant, and a band of musicians to stop the monsters that threaten the world. And she may uncover something even more impossible-if she can let go of the past and believe in herself enough to embrace it.
Read out the book to know how she fights for survival and to save the world.
I have never read a story having so many diverse and elements interesting elements, that a story thats flips upside down. The characters and narrative kept me guessing and wondering throughout. The story has great surprises, twists and turns.
The characterisation is very detailed, well crafted with very real and relatable characters. You will love the characters. The story is fast paced, narrations is so beautifully done. This make it a more engaging read.
I am so impressed with the witty writing style and story telling skills of Author Samantha.
Go grab your copy now, you will thoroughly enjoy it.
This is very unique, enthralling read having diverse interesting elements like suspense, adventure, romance, redemption, forgiveness, healing, and unconditional love.
▪ Plot:
Emily Adams has lost everything. Injured from a fight with her now officially-ex-boyfriend, she's fled to an unfamiliar cit. As hope slips away, she seeks to put a permanent end to her pain...
Until an enchanting encounter with a magic man in a dress changes everything.
Given a new chance at life, Emily embarks on a journey with her new BFF, a mysterious clairvoyant, and a band of musicians to stop the monsters that threaten the world. And she may uncover something even more impossible-if she can let go of the past and believe in herself enough to embrace it.
Read out the book to know how she fights for survival and to save the world.
I have never read a story having so many diverse and elements interesting elements, that a story thats flips upside down. The characters and narrative kept me guessing and wondering throughout. The story has great surprises, twists and turns.
The characterisation is very detailed, well crafted with very real and relatable characters. You will love the characters. The story is fast paced, narrations is so beautifully done. This make it a more engaging read.
I am so impressed with the witty writing style and story telling skills of Author Samantha.
Go grab your copy now, you will thoroughly enjoy it.
September 4, 2020
An enchanting dark fantasy.
The Very Real World Of Emily Adams is an out of the ordinary fantasy book with dark, adventurous, and thought-provoking plot that takes the reader by surprise.
The author deals with a diverse range of emotions, from making readers laugh out loud to leaving them in tears and a whirlpool of thoughts.
Samantha sucks the readers in as she navigates the plot with all its twist and turns.
Dexterous characterization with relatable and realistically portrayed characters along with witty, fast paced, and utterly original writing style makes it an engrossing read.
'A thought provoking book with enchantingly unique storytelling.'
This book deserves 5 stars. Highly recommended to readers and lovers of fantasy, unique and thought-provoking books. Beautiful format of the book is worth mentioning.
Looking forward to Samantha J Rose's next book.
The Very Real World Of Emily Adams is an out of the ordinary fantasy book with dark, adventurous, and thought-provoking plot that takes the reader by surprise.
The author deals with a diverse range of emotions, from making readers laugh out loud to leaving them in tears and a whirlpool of thoughts.
Samantha sucks the readers in as she navigates the plot with all its twist and turns.
Dexterous characterization with relatable and realistically portrayed characters along with witty, fast paced, and utterly original writing style makes it an engrossing read.
'A thought provoking book with enchantingly unique storytelling.'
This book deserves 5 stars. Highly recommended to readers and lovers of fantasy, unique and thought-provoking books. Beautiful format of the book is worth mentioning.
Looking forward to Samantha J Rose's next book.
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June 7, 2020What I love love loved about this book is how unexpected everything was. Before I started it I had a certain idea of what kind of book it would be, like "oh look another girl trying to find herself and find love." Oh boy was I wrong!! I was so delighted with every twist and turn and reveal about the characters!
I adored that this book was different and deeper than I was expecting. I would giggle like a maniac on one page and then shriek in horror at the next, or cry at one of Rain's speeches. I feel like Emily's very real world is very much like the real world in that way: so full of darkness and light, and entirely full of the unexpected. Get ready to feel all the emotions!
I adored that this book was different and deeper than I was expecting. I would giggle like a maniac on one page and then shriek in horror at the next, or cry at one of Rain's speeches. I feel like Emily's very real world is very much like the real world in that way: so full of darkness and light, and entirely full of the unexpected. Get ready to feel all the emotions!
June 14, 2020
I would be lying if I didn’t say this book surprised me, it wasn’t what I was expecting it to be.
.
It was an enjoyable book to read, the characters were very relatable and you can’t help but feel bad for poor Emily who clearly is very depressed from previous traumatic events that she has been through.
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Luck is on her side when she meets her very magic man when turns all that around for her.
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This book is full of surprises and I don’t want to say too much as I would hate to spoil it for others.
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I’d like to think this book could help others who are also in a very dark place and see they can make it to the other side with the right support.
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It was an enjoyable book to read, the characters were very relatable and you can’t help but feel bad for poor Emily who clearly is very depressed from previous traumatic events that she has been through.
.
Luck is on her side when she meets her very magic man when turns all that around for her.
.
This book is full of surprises and I don’t want to say too much as I would hate to spoil it for others.
.
I’d like to think this book could help others who are also in a very dark place and see they can make it to the other side with the right support.
July 14, 2021
3 1/2 stars
First let me state that I am not the target audience for this book. It is described as a dark fantasy which is a genre that I have never read before. I was stepping out of my comfort zone and my expectations were not high. I was pleasantly surprised though. The characters really drew me into the story and I couldn't put it down even if I had wanted to. I loved the relationship between Rick and Emily and found the fantasy aspects pretty intriguing. For that reason, the story would have been a 4 star for me. I did find the 'dark' part of it a little too graphic for my tastes which knocked my review down 1/2 a star.
First let me state that I am not the target audience for this book. It is described as a dark fantasy which is a genre that I have never read before. I was stepping out of my comfort zone and my expectations were not high. I was pleasantly surprised though. The characters really drew me into the story and I couldn't put it down even if I had wanted to. I loved the relationship between Rick and Emily and found the fantasy aspects pretty intriguing. For that reason, the story would have been a 4 star for me. I did find the 'dark' part of it a little too graphic for my tastes which knocked my review down 1/2 a star.
July 6, 2020
A well paced story full of feels!
What a great read! This story is so full of emotion! There characters grab you by the throat and hold on for dear life. I literally couldn't put this book down, I just wanted to know what was happening next!
What a great read! This story is so full of emotion! There characters grab you by the throat and hold on for dear life. I literally couldn't put this book down, I just wanted to know what was happening next!
June 8, 2020
A wonderful read. I know the characters and can hardly wait to read the next book. It will be just like catching up with old friends.
June 10, 2020
I love this book from beginning to end! It is full of surprises, clever dialogue, relatable characters and lots of heart, making this book one I’ll read again and again!
May 26, 2020
Samantha has a way with words! Her writing is quirky and lovable. The characters are both unique and relatable. This is the kind of book that makes you literally smile while you read. It also pulls you into some pretty intense scenes. It's both deep and easy to read. 7 pages in I was already sucked in and invested in the characters. Do yourself a favor and give this book a try!
May 30, 2020
This is a fun book to read that has a lot of adventure and heart.
September 3, 2021
I just finished reading this book again. I still love it. (September 2, 2021)
—
Well, I love this book. It’s the book I‘ve been searching for.
I would go to book stores, I’d search the book sections of Target and Wal-Mart, just looking for that *one* right book, and I’d always leave disappointed. I’d buy books from all of these places and yet, feel empty. And then one day, it hit me:
I’m looking for *my* book.
So I wrote it. I wrote a book full of my kind of weird, and my kind of romance, with the messages I wanted to read. And I love it. And I found it in a Barnes and Noble the other day. I can die happy now.
—
Well, I love this book. It’s the book I‘ve been searching for.
I would go to book stores, I’d search the book sections of Target and Wal-Mart, just looking for that *one* right book, and I’d always leave disappointed. I’d buy books from all of these places and yet, feel empty. And then one day, it hit me:
I’m looking for *my* book.
So I wrote it. I wrote a book full of my kind of weird, and my kind of romance, with the messages I wanted to read. And I love it. And I found it in a Barnes and Noble the other day. I can die happy now.
July 7, 2020
The Very Real World of Emily Adams is funny, entertaining, and modern. This story is mixed with elements of fantasy that are brilliantly interweaved alongside issues highly relevant to our society today. I absolutely love that Samantha Rose had the courage to bring about an epic tale that is dark at times but will not deprive readers of the need for a happy ending. She is a talented author and I can’t wait to see what else she has in store.
December 17, 2020
A quirky, thoroughly enjoyable read that I couldn’t put down once I picked it up!
June 13, 2020
I received The Very Real World of Emily Adams by Samantha Rose for free in exchange for an honest review as part of a blog tour for Love Books Tours. This review is also available on my blog - Book, Blog & Candle. (https://www.bookblogandcandle.co.uk/p...)
TW/CW: domestic abuse, baby loss, self harm, suicidal thoughts, gaslighting
In The Very Real World of Emily Adams we join our main character Emily as she runs away after her boyfriend pushes her down the stairs. With nowhere to go and isolated from her family, convinced that she can't go to them for help after everything she has done, she is certain that she is done with life. She heads towards the roof of a building where, in a strange turn of fate, she meets an eccentric and witty man who gives her hope again.
Emily is sweet, kind and insecure. Rick, also known as Rain, is fun, adventurous and brings Emily out of her shell. He is very philosophical and tends to make long and pensive speeches to make people feel better and also reminds Emily to let go and have fun. Together they make a great pair...even if he is an alien.
I must admit this book was not what I was expecting! I thought it was going to be a contemporary romance but turns out I was in for a WILD ride. I did like the addition of aliens, they had a very interesting backstory and it made for a good shock twist in the story. Plus wouldn't it be so cool if there really were aliens out there among us?
There were a lot of great pop culture references throughout the book which I particularly enjoyed! The author has great taste in films and music - anybody who likes David Bowie is immediately awesome to me. Plus it made for a great playlist to listen to whilst reading!
The author definitely doesn't shy away from difficult subjects but adds the fun of aliens and fantasy.
TW/CW: domestic abuse, baby loss, self harm, suicidal thoughts, gaslighting
In The Very Real World of Emily Adams we join our main character Emily as she runs away after her boyfriend pushes her down the stairs. With nowhere to go and isolated from her family, convinced that she can't go to them for help after everything she has done, she is certain that she is done with life. She heads towards the roof of a building where, in a strange turn of fate, she meets an eccentric and witty man who gives her hope again.
Emily is sweet, kind and insecure. Rick, also known as Rain, is fun, adventurous and brings Emily out of her shell. He is very philosophical and tends to make long and pensive speeches to make people feel better and also reminds Emily to let go and have fun. Together they make a great pair...even if he is an alien.
I must admit this book was not what I was expecting! I thought it was going to be a contemporary romance but turns out I was in for a WILD ride. I did like the addition of aliens, they had a very interesting backstory and it made for a good shock twist in the story. Plus wouldn't it be so cool if there really were aliens out there among us?
There were a lot of great pop culture references throughout the book which I particularly enjoyed! The author has great taste in films and music - anybody who likes David Bowie is immediately awesome to me. Plus it made for a great playlist to listen to whilst reading!
The author definitely doesn't shy away from difficult subjects but adds the fun of aliens and fantasy.
June 10, 2024
This wasn't what I was expecting, but then again, I'm not sure what I was expecting. However, it surprised me with all the twists, turns, out of left field scenarios, and jaw drops. It was a feel-good story. Throughout, I felt that the characters were driven by their internal struggles, growth, and relationships. You could truly feel for them as the book explored and displayed complicated themes of mental healing, loneliness, and search for meaning while feeling like a broken individual. Conversations the protagonist had with their new friends reflected their experience and the possibility of change. I thought the writing was incredible with lots of imagery, wit, humor, and pop culture references. With how good this was, it's hard to believe it hasn’t received the exposure it deserves. One of my favorite things about this book was that each chapter was titled after a song from various genres and decades, capturing the mood and feel of the chapter (something I personally do with some of my reviews). I would listen to that song after each chapter and reflect on what I had read. That was one of the things that kept me engaged. I gave it 5 stars, rounding up from 4.5. Not to sound hipster, but there were way too many pop culture references, which I think is a bit niche, especially when they’re very specific.
Birds of a Feather - Billie Eilish
Birds of a Feather - Billie Eilish
September 25, 2021
This took me by surprise as it wasn't at all what I was expecting. This was a unique and quite different story. It was a good read and a bit cheesy sometimes as well, but a good kind of cheesy. This book made me laugh, cry and get angry - it was an emotional rollercoaster ride of sorts for me and it was a bit hard for me to read some of it as it hit close to home with some of my personal experiences in life. This story is a great one about life, learning, finding yourself, forgiveness, hope, and healing. I would love to say more, but I don't want to give anything away or possibly ruin anything. I would recommend giving this a read and checking it out.
The audio for this book was pretty well done also. The narrator did a good job reading the story and bringing life to the characters, story, and the world. I am hoping there will maybe be another installment to the story because there was an open ending, and it could go either way with continuing or the story being done.
Thanks to Immortal Works, StoryOrigin, and the author for letting me listen and review this interesting read. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
The audio for this book was pretty well done also. The narrator did a good job reading the story and bringing life to the characters, story, and the world. I am hoping there will maybe be another installment to the story because there was an open ending, and it could go either way with continuing or the story being done.
Thanks to Immortal Works, StoryOrigin, and the author for letting me listen and review this interesting read. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
February 1, 2021
The Very Real World of Emily Adams is a mysterious, exciting and provocative story from the ordinary fantasy novel that takes the reader by surprise.
For someone who struggled with dark thinking and depression, the film sounded like a perfect story. As with her 'magic guy,' Emily has been able to struggle through her dark days to find a life worth living.
🤗Between the characters, there are inside jokes, which make you feel in your small community and help you to stay in this universe. The main thing which I liked is the unpleasantness among the principal characters.
🤗The Very Real World of Emily Adams kept me standing on my shoulders as the anticipation started to climb to its all-time peak, then it hit me across the face all at once and I fell back to the earth to be struck again and again. This author's work, I cannot wait to read more.
🤗You'll love the Very Real World of Emily Adams if you like books with lots of suspense that keep you rolling and rolling and the pages turning more twisting than normal.
For someone who struggled with dark thinking and depression, the film sounded like a perfect story. As with her 'magic guy,' Emily has been able to struggle through her dark days to find a life worth living.
🤗Between the characters, there are inside jokes, which make you feel in your small community and help you to stay in this universe. The main thing which I liked is the unpleasantness among the principal characters.
🤗The Very Real World of Emily Adams kept me standing on my shoulders as the anticipation started to climb to its all-time peak, then it hit me across the face all at once and I fell back to the earth to be struck again and again. This author's work, I cannot wait to read more.
🤗You'll love the Very Real World of Emily Adams if you like books with lots of suspense that keep you rolling and rolling and the pages turning more twisting than normal.
September 29, 2020
The Very Real World of Emily Adams is a dark urban fantasy by the author Samantha Rose. The protagonist of the story is Emily Adams. Emily with broken arm and soul ran away from her officially ex-boyfriend. All she wanted is to go back to her dad and listen to his advice going forward. His dad was right about his ex-boyfriend that he is not good for Emily. Now Emily is homeless and she couldn't go back to her hometown. Emily's encounter with Richard aka Rick on the roof made the story more gripping. By seeing Emily, Rick immediately saw the pain in her eyes.
Written in 339 pages although it was a long read but I didn't realized when it got finished. The story was so intense. The twists and turns in the story made it more interesting. It is a well written story with clear and smooth narrative. Cover of the book is decent and title is also apt.
I highly recommend this book to dark urban fantasy readers. Much excited to read more books by Samantha.
Written in 339 pages although it was a long read but I didn't realized when it got finished. The story was so intense. The twists and turns in the story made it more interesting. It is a well written story with clear and smooth narrative. Cover of the book is decent and title is also apt.
I highly recommend this book to dark urban fantasy readers. Much excited to read more books by Samantha.
June 8, 2020
This is a fantasy book, set in a modern day setting. It is about finding yourself at rock bottom, and climbing back up with the help and support of new friends.
What I loved about this book is that not only are the characters relatable, even if they may be from out of this world, but I found myself smiling, laughing out loud, and I even shed a few tears. There are inside jokes between the characters that make you feel included in their little group and it helps keep you in this world. The main thing I loved is the sheer awkwardness between the main characters getting closer to each other. We have all been there, right?
This book is an emotional roller coaster, in a good way. The world building, and description is perfect. Not too much, and not too little. I would recommend this book if you want a little love story thrown in with your aliens.
What I loved about this book is that not only are the characters relatable, even if they may be from out of this world, but I found myself smiling, laughing out loud, and I even shed a few tears. There are inside jokes between the characters that make you feel included in their little group and it helps keep you in this world. The main thing I loved is the sheer awkwardness between the main characters getting closer to each other. We have all been there, right?
This book is an emotional roller coaster, in a good way. The world building, and description is perfect. Not too much, and not too little. I would recommend this book if you want a little love story thrown in with your aliens.
November 7, 2021
I had this as a review audible and loved the plot and depth of the character. I did have problems with the narrator. Her range for male voices is very narrow to the point of them sounding pretty much the same. That said, This is still an audible I would recommend.
When the worst has happened to you, when you have betrayed your family for an abuser, sometimes the only thing you want to do is stop hurting. Fortunately, Emily is rescued at the last moment by Rayn/Rick, and healing begins. Life takes on new meaning, the good and the bad, but I will leave that for you to discover for yourself. Her life still contains highs and lows, and of course, self-examination, but it is never boring.
Take a plunge and spend some time with a story that will make you hope, cry, and enjoy the depth of characters involved.
When the worst has happened to you, when you have betrayed your family for an abuser, sometimes the only thing you want to do is stop hurting. Fortunately, Emily is rescued at the last moment by Rayn/Rick, and healing begins. Life takes on new meaning, the good and the bad, but I will leave that for you to discover for yourself. Her life still contains highs and lows, and of course, self-examination, but it is never boring.
Take a plunge and spend some time with a story that will make you hope, cry, and enjoy the depth of characters involved.
February 26, 2021
Emily is the type of character that I think a lot of people can relate to. Someone at her wits end and pushed to her breaking point. All is not lost... there is hope... there is Lipstick Rick!
Samantha J. Rose drew me into this amazing story right from the start. She is so creative and imaginative. I hope we see more.
This was the first narration by Bodine Boling that I’ve listened to. I was not disappointed. A very enjoyable performance.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
Samantha J. Rose drew me into this amazing story right from the start. She is so creative and imaginative. I hope we see more.
This was the first narration by Bodine Boling that I’ve listened to. I was not disappointed. A very enjoyable performance.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
November 13, 2025
I have respect for any author that can complete a big novel like this. I believe this is a debut title. However, the stream of consciousness, painfully awkward protagonist was not for me. I found her super annoying with sayings like “my heart and my stomach did a high five, and my brain was annoyed with both.”
There was some decent, but uneven action, and some sweet romance, but I couldn’t overcome the cheese of the narrator.
There was some decent, but uneven action, and some sweet romance, but I couldn’t overcome the cheese of the narrator.
February 23, 2021
This Audible book was a Excellent listen/read, very Unique and riveting. I plowed through this book in a very short time, because I could not put it down. Narrator did a good job with the storyline. I have never listened/read this author before and now zi will keep my eyes out for more of her work!! I highly recommend this book, it is filled with magic.
January 1, 2021
🏆 2020 BIBA® Urban Fantasy Winner!
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