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Invincible: The Complete Series
Enjoy this clean young adult romance from bestselling author Michelle MacQueen.He’s her twin brother’s best friend and she’s the girl who hates him.California McCoy only cares about one thing in Surfing. When she’s out on the water, she doesn’t have to think about her family’s failing diner, the father she never knew, or the fact that her mother is gone.All she has left is her aunt, her twin brother, and a deep desire to get out of Gulf City the moment she graduates high school.When a school project pairs her with Jamie Daniels, her brother’s best friend and her nemesis, she’s sure it’ll be a disaster.The only problem? Jamie wants a truce for the rest of their senior year.She promises herself she won’t fall for the golden-haired playboy, that she’ll keep her head down and her heart locked up tight.But Jamie… he might just be the most thrilling—and painful—wave of her life. Invincible is a duology featuring charming surfers, a tightknit family, and a battle of wills they weren’t prepared for. This is a clean, young adult contemporary romance. Download it now to see why readers love it.There is a trigger warning at the beginning. Make sure you check it out if you need to.
454 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2020
55 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 6, 2020
These books just suck you right in and leave you wanting more!! I’ve read quite a few books by Michelle MacQueen and I have never been disappointed!
I fell in love with the main characters pretty much from the start. The supporting characters were just as real and wonderful. The whole group made a great dynamic that you would want to invite round yours and hang out. There is a character that you could definitely relate to and empathize with.
With an alternating point of views, you get to understand all the sides of the stories. The transition from one character to the other is done with such finesse. The book does bring up issues that are a real issue in these times and I feel like they were dealt with delicately and tastefully.
The twists and turns of this book were amazing. I was holding my breath throughout-and only was able to release it at the very end. I recommend these books to everyone in all honestly. They are a quick, easy to follow read that will hook you in. Perfect for the summer! A fantastic addition to your library.
We join Callie, Colby, Jay, Jamie and Morgan once again in Gulf City 10 years on. They have all grown up and managed to have a life and it’s our chance to see what happens!
An accident brings them all together once again but can love keep them together? The last book leaves us with a major cliffhanger and this book gives us more background of events leading up to that last chapter and then carries on. In this book we also get to catch up with other characters from before as well as meet a handful of wonderful new characters.
The story is beautiful and I couldn’t put it down! I finished it in a matter of hours that’s how hooked I was! The emotional level on this book was even more (if possible) than the last and I had to take a couple minutes to compose myself here and there. The ending is gorgeous and we couldn’t ask for anything else.
A definite must read for this summer and a page turner for sure!
I fell in love with the main characters pretty much from the start. The supporting characters were just as real and wonderful. The whole group made a great dynamic that you would want to invite round yours and hang out. There is a character that you could definitely relate to and empathize with.
With an alternating point of views, you get to understand all the sides of the stories. The transition from one character to the other is done with such finesse. The book does bring up issues that are a real issue in these times and I feel like they were dealt with delicately and tastefully.
The twists and turns of this book were amazing. I was holding my breath throughout-and only was able to release it at the very end. I recommend these books to everyone in all honestly. They are a quick, easy to follow read that will hook you in. Perfect for the summer! A fantastic addition to your library.
We join Callie, Colby, Jay, Jamie and Morgan once again in Gulf City 10 years on. They have all grown up and managed to have a life and it’s our chance to see what happens!
An accident brings them all together once again but can love keep them together? The last book leaves us with a major cliffhanger and this book gives us more background of events leading up to that last chapter and then carries on. In this book we also get to catch up with other characters from before as well as meet a handful of wonderful new characters.
The story is beautiful and I couldn’t put it down! I finished it in a matter of hours that’s how hooked I was! The emotional level on this book was even more (if possible) than the last and I had to take a couple minutes to compose myself here and there. The ending is gorgeous and we couldn’t ask for anything else.
A definite must read for this summer and a page turner for sure!
June 15, 2020
An up past your bedtime series. 2 Books in 1.
You'll break your heart and put it back together and love every minute.
You'll break your heart and put it back together and love every minute.
June 13, 2020
(4,5 ☆)
"Tragedy touches us all. We move on from one to face another. Only kids believe they're untouchable. But maybe that's not what invincible means. Maybe it means that we can be down, but not out. We can rise up from the ashes. Invincibility is not being unbreakable. It's using our brokenness to make us stronger."
It's not easy to review a set of two books without spoilers, but I'll try. This set contains "We Thought We Were Invincible" and "We Thought We Knew It All", with 10 years between them.
Let me just start by saying that Michelle MacQueen has done it again! By this time I've read quite a few of her YA romance books - and they are all VERY GOOD! Realistic and believeable characters who grow up, go through all emotional stages, and have to make life-changing decisions without really knowing who they are or what they want.
I can relate to Callie in this duology. Where she rather spends her time in the ocean surfing the waves, I prefered my books and reading before hanging with friends. Callie has a best friend, though; Jay. Their friendship is very supportive and simple, yet when the first book starts they have started dating each other. This confused me, and I didn't think it was really explained why they took this step. Sure, they love each other, but as friends, not lovers. But this was also the only "bump" in the road for me.
Jamie is a rather misunderstod character. Callie hates him, but he's Jay's brother and her own twin's best friend, so she has to put up with him being around. Jamie, on the other hand, has always liked Callie, and he loves fighting with her. He seems carefree, but beneath the surface he's having a rough time and my heart goes out to him.
It's been an emotional ride reading this duology. From joy to anger, with heartbreaking sorrow, curiosity, frustration chock and surprise in between. There's also a lot of humor in some of the dialogues, and it helps lighten up the more heavy parts of the story.
I really liked that the second book played out 10 years later than the first. It took a while to bridge the gap in time in my mind, but I think the author did a very good job with maturing her characters and yet make you recognise them. Usually you only get a short epilogue to give us a glimpse of what happens with the characters, but here we get a whole book! And I promise, you want to read the second book once you've finished the first one!
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm happy to give an honest review. *
"Tragedy touches us all. We move on from one to face another. Only kids believe they're untouchable. But maybe that's not what invincible means. Maybe it means that we can be down, but not out. We can rise up from the ashes. Invincibility is not being unbreakable. It's using our brokenness to make us stronger."
It's not easy to review a set of two books without spoilers, but I'll try. This set contains "We Thought We Were Invincible" and "We Thought We Knew It All", with 10 years between them.
Let me just start by saying that Michelle MacQueen has done it again! By this time I've read quite a few of her YA romance books - and they are all VERY GOOD! Realistic and believeable characters who grow up, go through all emotional stages, and have to make life-changing decisions without really knowing who they are or what they want.
I can relate to Callie in this duology. Where she rather spends her time in the ocean surfing the waves, I prefered my books and reading before hanging with friends. Callie has a best friend, though; Jay. Their friendship is very supportive and simple, yet when the first book starts they have started dating each other. This confused me, and I didn't think it was really explained why they took this step. Sure, they love each other, but as friends, not lovers. But this was also the only "bump" in the road for me.
Jamie is a rather misunderstod character. Callie hates him, but he's Jay's brother and her own twin's best friend, so she has to put up with him being around. Jamie, on the other hand, has always liked Callie, and he loves fighting with her. He seems carefree, but beneath the surface he's having a rough time and my heart goes out to him.
It's been an emotional ride reading this duology. From joy to anger, with heartbreaking sorrow, curiosity, frustration chock and surprise in between. There's also a lot of humor in some of the dialogues, and it helps lighten up the more heavy parts of the story.
I really liked that the second book played out 10 years later than the first. It took a while to bridge the gap in time in my mind, but I think the author did a very good job with maturing her characters and yet make you recognise them. Usually you only get a short epilogue to give us a glimpse of what happens with the characters, but here we get a whole book! And I promise, you want to read the second book once you've finished the first one!
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm happy to give an honest review. *
June 28, 2020
Make sure to get the tissues ready for this one! I read the first one months ago but never got around to reading the second one until now. I was a little confused in the beginning but thankfully as the book goes on everything started coming back and I remembered things from the first book.
I really liked Callie as a character and it was great to see her as a mother. I also loved that the second story brought everyone back including some new characters so you could see where everyone is 10 years later.
Jamie has been through a lot in 10 years and nobody was really happy to see him back. I wish him and Callie didn't have so many problems and didn't fight so much but of course there was tons of drama in the second book because of Dylan and things that had happened in the past. I was really rooting for Jamie though and I was surprised that things actually didn't go the way I thought they would when it came to Jackson. I am so glad though that Callie turned her life around and was able to stand up for herself and put her heart on the line like that.
I have to say that this isn't my favorite set of books by this author and I wasn't sure which rating to give these two books but in the end I felt they deserved 5 stars. I would definitely recommend her books; this set just touches on tough topics and is a major tearjerker.
I really liked Callie as a character and it was great to see her as a mother. I also loved that the second story brought everyone back including some new characters so you could see where everyone is 10 years later.
Jamie has been through a lot in 10 years and nobody was really happy to see him back. I wish him and Callie didn't have so many problems and didn't fight so much but of course there was tons of drama in the second book because of Dylan and things that had happened in the past. I was really rooting for Jamie though and I was surprised that things actually didn't go the way I thought they would when it came to Jackson. I am so glad though that Callie turned her life around and was able to stand up for herself and put her heart on the line like that.
I have to say that this isn't my favorite set of books by this author and I wasn't sure which rating to give these two books but in the end I felt they deserved 5 stars. I would definitely recommend her books; this set just touches on tough topics and is a major tearjerker.
June 30, 2020
This book was really good and had some tuff issues that played out in it . Witch I think were done very well done. I just wished Jamie would’ve talked to California before he sighed up for the Army .
I can’t believe that boy kissed her after being a no show for 10 years . Then wants to question her choirs yet I totally don’t agree with the ways she handed things especially keeping it quiet while they hung out . He ex husband is a complete idiot. I wished they some more children to add to there family.
I can’t believe that boy kissed her after being a no show for 10 years . Then wants to question her choirs yet I totally don’t agree with the ways she handed things especially keeping it quiet while they hung out . He ex husband is a complete idiot. I wished they some more children to add to there family.
November 12, 2020
I absolutely loved this book and honestly binge-read it in less than 24 hours. Would definitely recommend it. :)
September 19, 2020
It’s been a few months since I finished reading this duology, and it still sticks with me, whereas most books fade after a few days. This one is a unique second chance romance in that we get to see them fall in love as teens and adults. I cried so hard during both books.
In the first book, Callie is dealing with her boyfriend going off to college. She lives with her aunt because her mom is dead and she doesn’t know who her father is. Her boyfriend has been her refuge. Now that he’s gone, Jamie, his younger brother inserts himself in her life. They begin surfing together and growing close until they fall in love. Then a shocking even happens at a school dance, that forever changes them.
They’ve never been ones to plan for the future, and neither of them want to go to college. They have to do what’s best for them, which may be the worst for their relationship. This hit home for me because I made the same decision he did before falling in love. My husband and I (boyfriend at the time) made it work, but the day I left was heartbreaking.
Book 2, starts ten years later. Jamie and Callie are back in their hometown, both changed from their decisions. Jamie has PTSD, and Callie is alone once again, but now with far greater responsibilities. I’ll be vague, but the urge to spoil is great. Callie has a secret, one she’s not even sure about, and waiting for the answer killed me. I wanted it to go the other way, but I understand the author’s choice, and it was less heartbreaking for all the characters, so in the long-run it was good.
The second book introduced new characters and adult struggles. All the swoonyness from book one, and lots of humor. You also get to see some of the old side characters. I kinda want a book about them too. But yeah, this is one of those books that will break your heart them slowly mend it back together. It’s one I doubt I’ll ever be able to think about without wanting to cry. It has a happy ending that all good romances, but it’s earned. I was put through the ringer.
I really hope you’ll check this one out. It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read, and I’ve probably read 500.
In the first book, Callie is dealing with her boyfriend going off to college. She lives with her aunt because her mom is dead and she doesn’t know who her father is. Her boyfriend has been her refuge. Now that he’s gone, Jamie, his younger brother inserts himself in her life. They begin surfing together and growing close until they fall in love. Then a shocking even happens at a school dance, that forever changes them.
They’ve never been ones to plan for the future, and neither of them want to go to college. They have to do what’s best for them, which may be the worst for their relationship. This hit home for me because I made the same decision he did before falling in love. My husband and I (boyfriend at the time) made it work, but the day I left was heartbreaking.
Book 2, starts ten years later. Jamie and Callie are back in their hometown, both changed from their decisions. Jamie has PTSD, and Callie is alone once again, but now with far greater responsibilities. I’ll be vague, but the urge to spoil is great. Callie has a secret, one she’s not even sure about, and waiting for the answer killed me. I wanted it to go the other way, but I understand the author’s choice, and it was less heartbreaking for all the characters, so in the long-run it was good.
The second book introduced new characters and adult struggles. All the swoonyness from book one, and lots of humor. You also get to see some of the old side characters. I kinda want a book about them too. But yeah, this is one of those books that will break your heart them slowly mend it back together. It’s one I doubt I’ll ever be able to think about without wanting to cry. It has a happy ending that all good romances, but it’s earned. I was put through the ringer.
I really hope you’ll check this one out. It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read, and I’ve probably read 500.
June 25, 2020
I received an eARC of this book via the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
This is the second contemporary series I’ve read from Michelle MacQueen, and it is everything I love about contemporary romance: sweet to steamy chemistry, emotional rollercoaster, and an HEA. Invincible: The Complete Series is a heart-wrenching read, full of the heart ache of first loves, the ups and downs of high school life, and the decision to come home again. Two separate stories are told in this set, but follow the same couple, one during their senior year of high school and the other ten years later.
California “Callie” McCoy is a loner, always ready to be on the water surfing instead of in class. But this is senior year and with her best friend off at college, Callie is feeling lost. She doesn’t know where she fits in or if she wants to fit in. High school isn’t easy for the introverts, and MacQueen shows that beautifully through Callie and her choices. These choices will follow her into adulthood, leading her to leave her small town in search of the father she never knew. She lives an entirely different life than the one she imagined before returning ten years later.
Jamie is the opposite of Callie in every way. He’s the popular boy at school, the senator’s kid, and her best friend’s brother. He also happens to be best friends with Callie’s twin. Jamie is severely misunderstood, and that is clear from the first POV chapter we get. He’s been in love with Callie, who is off-limits for more than the obvious reasons, for as long as he can remember. Now with Jay off at college, he might have a shot at becoming her friend at least. My heart bled for Jamie. His life is not at all what I imagined, or what Callie believed. He hides it well under the anger and lashes out, pushing anyone that would choose to be close to him away. Despite his feelings for Callie or maybe because of them, he sets out to make a better life for himself, only to return ten years later with all the heartbreak he left behind.
I love this set! The first book deals with Callie and Jamie in their senior year of high school before the second book flashes forward ten years bringing them together again. The romance and relationship develop naturally and realistically. I cried with them, laughed with them, and swooned over their stolen kisses. But the story doesn’t follow just them, even if it is focused on their relationship and told from their POV. It also follows Jay, Morgan, and Colby as they experience the same things. It’s interesting to see how Callie and Jamie affect the dynamic of their group.
Overall, I really enjoyed Invincible: The Complete Series. It tells the complete story of Jamie and Callie’s love. But there is so much more to this series than a romance. The author touches on abuse, mass shootings, PTSD, and everything you can imagine coming from those situations. It is all handled with sensitivity to the subject matter while bringing awareness to the reader. Beautiful! If you enjoy YA contemporary, you are in for a treat.
This is the second contemporary series I’ve read from Michelle MacQueen, and it is everything I love about contemporary romance: sweet to steamy chemistry, emotional rollercoaster, and an HEA. Invincible: The Complete Series is a heart-wrenching read, full of the heart ache of first loves, the ups and downs of high school life, and the decision to come home again. Two separate stories are told in this set, but follow the same couple, one during their senior year of high school and the other ten years later.
California “Callie” McCoy is a loner, always ready to be on the water surfing instead of in class. But this is senior year and with her best friend off at college, Callie is feeling lost. She doesn’t know where she fits in or if she wants to fit in. High school isn’t easy for the introverts, and MacQueen shows that beautifully through Callie and her choices. These choices will follow her into adulthood, leading her to leave her small town in search of the father she never knew. She lives an entirely different life than the one she imagined before returning ten years later.
Jamie is the opposite of Callie in every way. He’s the popular boy at school, the senator’s kid, and her best friend’s brother. He also happens to be best friends with Callie’s twin. Jamie is severely misunderstood, and that is clear from the first POV chapter we get. He’s been in love with Callie, who is off-limits for more than the obvious reasons, for as long as he can remember. Now with Jay off at college, he might have a shot at becoming her friend at least. My heart bled for Jamie. His life is not at all what I imagined, or what Callie believed. He hides it well under the anger and lashes out, pushing anyone that would choose to be close to him away. Despite his feelings for Callie or maybe because of them, he sets out to make a better life for himself, only to return ten years later with all the heartbreak he left behind.
I love this set! The first book deals with Callie and Jamie in their senior year of high school before the second book flashes forward ten years bringing them together again. The romance and relationship develop naturally and realistically. I cried with them, laughed with them, and swooned over their stolen kisses. But the story doesn’t follow just them, even if it is focused on their relationship and told from their POV. It also follows Jay, Morgan, and Colby as they experience the same things. It’s interesting to see how Callie and Jamie affect the dynamic of their group.
Overall, I really enjoyed Invincible: The Complete Series. It tells the complete story of Jamie and Callie’s love. But there is so much more to this series than a romance. The author touches on abuse, mass shootings, PTSD, and everything you can imagine coming from those situations. It is all handled with sensitivity to the subject matter while bringing awareness to the reader. Beautiful! If you enjoy YA contemporary, you are in for a treat.
May 28, 2020
This duology is comprised of two contemporary young adult romances that I truly enjoyed. I have never read anything by MacQueen prior to this, but I will definitely be on the lookout for more.
We Thought We Were Invincible
This story follows the lives of a group of teenage friends during their Senior year of high school. California (Cali) and Colby are twins who lost their mother and live with their Aunt Kat. Jay is Cali's best friend and brother to Jamie, Colby's best friend. Morgan is Colby's girlfriend going into Senior year. Throughout Senior year the group finds themselves pulling apart because they all know they are each doing something different after graduation.
After being paired for a Creative Writing project, Jamie and Cali have to work together. Did I mention that they despise each other, or do they? While working on the project, they begin to learn about and understand each other. I don't want to give too much away, but things really start to make sense between these two characters. For their project they go skydiving and it is at this climactic moment that I believe they realize that there has always been a little bud of love between them. Now we just need that bud to bloom.
With all teenage romances there are ups and downs, but then there was the school shooting. I normally don't like to give too much away when reviewing a novel, but this novel came to me with a trigger warning and I respect that. I want readers to know there is a school shooting in the story, but it does not last long and is not gory. At first I thought the shooting was unnecessary, but MacQueen uses it to further the story in a way that makes sense. Lessons are learned and it became apparent why she wrote it.
After the school shooting, the romance between Cali and Jamie slowly dies and after graduation and a final rendezvous, they are over...or are they?
We Thought We Knew It All
The second novel in the duology takes place ten years after high school. Cali went to find her father, got married, and had some kids. Now she is freshly divorced and moving back to Florida. Jamie became a ranger in the Army, was injured, discharged, and now back in Florida.
There is a lot of hot and cold between them throughout the book because Jamie stopped contacting everyone. Many years of no contact makes it look like you do not care. The group took that to heart, especially Cali. I do not want to give too much away, but if you enjoyed high school Cali and Jamie, you will definitely enjoy them trying to get back to each other.
MacQueen did a great job with creating a Young Adult romance series that isn't just romance. There was a deeper story thread throughout the novels. I will definitely recommend these to students. If I am 100% honest, I might like the first book more from a teenager standpoint and the second book from an adult standpoint. Mainly because of the ages of the characters. I teach high school so I believe they will like both books regardless.
Simply a fantastic duology!
We Thought We Were Invincible
This story follows the lives of a group of teenage friends during their Senior year of high school. California (Cali) and Colby are twins who lost their mother and live with their Aunt Kat. Jay is Cali's best friend and brother to Jamie, Colby's best friend. Morgan is Colby's girlfriend going into Senior year. Throughout Senior year the group finds themselves pulling apart because they all know they are each doing something different after graduation.
After being paired for a Creative Writing project, Jamie and Cali have to work together. Did I mention that they despise each other, or do they? While working on the project, they begin to learn about and understand each other. I don't want to give too much away, but things really start to make sense between these two characters. For their project they go skydiving and it is at this climactic moment that I believe they realize that there has always been a little bud of love between them. Now we just need that bud to bloom.
With all teenage romances there are ups and downs, but then there was the school shooting. I normally don't like to give too much away when reviewing a novel, but this novel came to me with a trigger warning and I respect that. I want readers to know there is a school shooting in the story, but it does not last long and is not gory. At first I thought the shooting was unnecessary, but MacQueen uses it to further the story in a way that makes sense. Lessons are learned and it became apparent why she wrote it.
After the school shooting, the romance between Cali and Jamie slowly dies and after graduation and a final rendezvous, they are over...or are they?
We Thought We Knew It All
The second novel in the duology takes place ten years after high school. Cali went to find her father, got married, and had some kids. Now she is freshly divorced and moving back to Florida. Jamie became a ranger in the Army, was injured, discharged, and now back in Florida.
There is a lot of hot and cold between them throughout the book because Jamie stopped contacting everyone. Many years of no contact makes it look like you do not care. The group took that to heart, especially Cali. I do not want to give too much away, but if you enjoyed high school Cali and Jamie, you will definitely enjoy them trying to get back to each other.
MacQueen did a great job with creating a Young Adult romance series that isn't just romance. There was a deeper story thread throughout the novels. I will definitely recommend these to students. If I am 100% honest, I might like the first book more from a teenager standpoint and the second book from an adult standpoint. Mainly because of the ages of the characters. I teach high school so I believe they will like both books regardless.
Simply a fantastic duology!
May 26, 2020
*** 4.5 Stars ***
Invincible: The Complete Series by Michelle MacQueen contains two contemporary romances that follow the same couple and are told in first person, dual POV. Book One, We Thought We Were Invincible, is an enemies to lovers, young adult romance. Book 2, We Thought We Knew It All, is a second chance romance and the conclusion to the Invincible duet. I've reviewed each book separately below.
We Thought We Were Invincible - ** 5 Stars **
Callie is a high school senior with a twin brother, Colby. Unlike her popular jock brother, she is a loner who likes to surf. Her best friend Jay has just gone away to college, leaving Callie, Colby, and his brother Jamie behind. The two sets of siblings have grown up together - Jamie and Colby are also best friends.
Despite sharing a love for surfing, Callie and Jamie have spent most of their time arguing over the years. They call a truce for their senior year, promising to make it epic. As they spend time together, they learn a lot about each other, secrets are revealed, feelings develop, and they begin to date in secret. They also experience a tragic, life-altering event that has far-reaching effects.
This story was such a page-turner! I read it in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed the ride. The characters were well-developed and likeable with realistic flaws. Some very difficult subject matter is explored, and the author handles it with sensitivity and respect. Full of depth, emotion, and heartbreaking twists.
We Thought We Knew It All - ** 4 stars **
The story takes place ten years after the events of book one.
Callie is going through a divorce. So she moves with her three children from L.A. back to her hometown in Florida. Jamie is also back in town for his father's funeral. But he may be sticking around longer because of an injury that resulted in his discharge from the army. Over the past ten years, Jamie has not kept in contact with Callie, Colby, or Jay; and tensions run high when they all meet again.
Why did Jamie cut everyone out of his life? Why did Callie marry so quickly after moving to California? Will everyone be able to forgive Jamie for being out of contact for so long? Will Callie and Jamie be able to rekindle their relationship? Or are some things better left in the past?
I enjoyed the conclusion to Callie and Jamie's love story. Like the first book, it tackles some sensitive subjects. The story explores themes of forgiveness, healing, and starting over. It was an emotional, entertaining, and satisfying ending.
Out of both books, I'm partial to book one, but as a whole, the entire duet is a great read. Highly recommended.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
Invincible: The Complete Series by Michelle MacQueen contains two contemporary romances that follow the same couple and are told in first person, dual POV. Book One, We Thought We Were Invincible, is an enemies to lovers, young adult romance. Book 2, We Thought We Knew It All, is a second chance romance and the conclusion to the Invincible duet. I've reviewed each book separately below.
We Thought We Were Invincible - ** 5 Stars **
Callie is a high school senior with a twin brother, Colby. Unlike her popular jock brother, she is a loner who likes to surf. Her best friend Jay has just gone away to college, leaving Callie, Colby, and his brother Jamie behind. The two sets of siblings have grown up together - Jamie and Colby are also best friends.
Despite sharing a love for surfing, Callie and Jamie have spent most of their time arguing over the years. They call a truce for their senior year, promising to make it epic. As they spend time together, they learn a lot about each other, secrets are revealed, feelings develop, and they begin to date in secret. They also experience a tragic, life-altering event that has far-reaching effects.
This story was such a page-turner! I read it in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed the ride. The characters were well-developed and likeable with realistic flaws. Some very difficult subject matter is explored, and the author handles it with sensitivity and respect. Full of depth, emotion, and heartbreaking twists.
We Thought We Knew It All - ** 4 stars **
The story takes place ten years after the events of book one.
Callie is going through a divorce. So she moves with her three children from L.A. back to her hometown in Florida. Jamie is also back in town for his father's funeral. But he may be sticking around longer because of an injury that resulted in his discharge from the army. Over the past ten years, Jamie has not kept in contact with Callie, Colby, or Jay; and tensions run high when they all meet again.
Why did Jamie cut everyone out of his life? Why did Callie marry so quickly after moving to California? Will everyone be able to forgive Jamie for being out of contact for so long? Will Callie and Jamie be able to rekindle their relationship? Or are some things better left in the past?
I enjoyed the conclusion to Callie and Jamie's love story. Like the first book, it tackles some sensitive subjects. The story explores themes of forgiveness, healing, and starting over. It was an emotional, entertaining, and satisfying ending.
Out of both books, I'm partial to book one, but as a whole, the entire duet is a great read. Highly recommended.
*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
January 10, 2024
I was sent an advanced copy of this set.
The story of Callie and Jamie is a good representation of a hate to love relationship between teenagers. Not everything is always as it seems right of the bat, that sort of thing. Callie’s misinterpretation of Jamie was believable and well developed. Jamie was an extremely relatable character for me. I loved how fleshed out his life with his family was.
A small problem I had with the story was the pacing. I found myself thinking I was at the end of the first book when I was actually still in the thick of things. I was reading a PDF copy that had both stories in one file, so I didn’t know the length of each book.
Specifically, during the school shooting arc, I thought the book was going to leave it at the end of the shooting after The Nine were found, and I was going to read what happened next in the second book. I was quite surprised to find that I still had more chapters to read.
Actually the first book wrapped things up quite nicely (pre epilogue). Left a little to the imagination, and I liked how I didn’t know how Callie and Jamie’s relationship ended up after. Of course, I knew there was a second book, so I didn’t have to wonder what really did happen, cause I just had to read it to find out.
The epilogue which showed us 10 years later, was the perfect way to get someone hooked into reading the second book. It left me wondering why Jamie never contacted anyone after he enlisted and how Callie could’ve moved on so quickly.
I liked that I got to read the second book in the set and see where everything went 10 years later. It was a shocker in some cases for where the character development went, but it was all believable.
At the beginning of the first book, there is a trigger warning for the school shooting incident. I feel like that was very smart, it could be traumatic for some to read about something like that happening. I’m glad it didn’t go into gorey detail about the whole thing, and I found it all to seem very real from Jamie and Callie’s perspective.
I liked getting both their inputs on the shooting.
Callie seemed to talk a lot more about it, she was more effected by it long term which lead to some plot points in the second book.
Overall, I liked this book, I’m glad I read it, I’m grateful that I was sent the complete set, and I’m now looking forward to picking up more from this author.
The story of Callie and Jamie is a good representation of a hate to love relationship between teenagers. Not everything is always as it seems right of the bat, that sort of thing. Callie’s misinterpretation of Jamie was believable and well developed. Jamie was an extremely relatable character for me. I loved how fleshed out his life with his family was.
A small problem I had with the story was the pacing. I found myself thinking I was at the end of the first book when I was actually still in the thick of things. I was reading a PDF copy that had both stories in one file, so I didn’t know the length of each book.
Specifically, during the school shooting arc, I thought the book was going to leave it at the end of the shooting after The Nine were found, and I was going to read what happened next in the second book. I was quite surprised to find that I still had more chapters to read.
Actually the first book wrapped things up quite nicely (pre epilogue). Left a little to the imagination, and I liked how I didn’t know how Callie and Jamie’s relationship ended up after. Of course, I knew there was a second book, so I didn’t have to wonder what really did happen, cause I just had to read it to find out.
The epilogue which showed us 10 years later, was the perfect way to get someone hooked into reading the second book. It left me wondering why Jamie never contacted anyone after he enlisted and how Callie could’ve moved on so quickly.
I liked that I got to read the second book in the set and see where everything went 10 years later. It was a shocker in some cases for where the character development went, but it was all believable.
At the beginning of the first book, there is a trigger warning for the school shooting incident. I feel like that was very smart, it could be traumatic for some to read about something like that happening. I’m glad it didn’t go into gorey detail about the whole thing, and I found it all to seem very real from Jamie and Callie’s perspective.
I liked getting both their inputs on the shooting.
Callie seemed to talk a lot more about it, she was more effected by it long term which lead to some plot points in the second book.
Overall, I liked this book, I’m glad I read it, I’m grateful that I was sent the complete set, and I’m now looking forward to picking up more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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August 17, 2020*I was sent a copy of this duology by the author in exchange for an honest review after expressing interest on a Facebook group. All thoughts and opinions are my own*
DNF @ 41%
Let me start this off by saying that there is absolutely nothing wrong with this book. When I was able to get myself to pick the book up and read it, it was great. However, I started reading this book on June 1, 2020 and only managed to get about halfway through the first book of this duology. I'm not sure whether this is just not something that I can fully dedicate my time to, or if I'm just not the right reader for this book, but I just can't get myself to read it and I don't want that to reflect poorly on a book without me having finished the book. I may pick this back up in the future, but I think that right now is just not the time.
Going off of what I've read, if you're looking for a hard-hitting contemporary romance, or a series that can go rather quickly, than I would say give this a shot. There is a content warning for a school shooting that takes place, so keep that in mind if that is something that you would find triggering, but that was first mentioned a little over halfway through "We Thought We Were Invincible", which is book one, and I am not sure if that takes up a lot of the plot for the rest of this series.
DNF @ 41%
Let me start this off by saying that there is absolutely nothing wrong with this book. When I was able to get myself to pick the book up and read it, it was great. However, I started reading this book on June 1, 2020 and only managed to get about halfway through the first book of this duology. I'm not sure whether this is just not something that I can fully dedicate my time to, or if I'm just not the right reader for this book, but I just can't get myself to read it and I don't want that to reflect poorly on a book without me having finished the book. I may pick this back up in the future, but I think that right now is just not the time.
Going off of what I've read, if you're looking for a hard-hitting contemporary romance, or a series that can go rather quickly, than I would say give this a shot. There is a content warning for a school shooting that takes place, so keep that in mind if that is something that you would find triggering, but that was first mentioned a little over halfway through "We Thought We Were Invincible", which is book one, and I am not sure if that takes up a lot of the plot for the rest of this series.
May 31, 2020
Let me just start with Wow! This series was incredible. It starts with a group of friends in a small town in FL. Though most of the story is told from Cali's perspective, several chapters are from Jamie! I loved this about the series, it gave it different views without being confusing. I dont want give any spoilers away, so I'm going to try to be vague about the story line... The friends are starting their senior year in high-school and some pretty big changes happen to their dynamics. Some truths are found out, some great and fun things happen and some really bad things happen to them. I felt the author handled the situations very well. I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat at times, and other times yelling at the characters! At the end of the first book the friends go their different ways to find themselves after highschool. The second book in the series takes place 10 years later with some dramatic changes to the mix. Throughout the second book, I enjoyed seeing how the characters had grown and made their places in life. It really was a great story. Loved everything about it and how there was closure at the end. Must read! I didnt want tye story to end.
June 17, 2020
ONE EYE OPENING ADVENTURE!!!
Heart stopping! Michelle knocked the brakes off this little number, riding high and letting loose, kicking this gem into overdrive, breaking it down, blowing it into a tailspin with shocking results. A swirling whirlwind of surprising circumstances and unsettling mishaps run rampant with intense drama, spiraling intrigue, secrets and electrifying suspense, blasting this little fella to life spectacularly. Rushing full speed ahead, dodging stunning twists and striking turns, bridging the gap and mixing it up. Illustrating incredible, well rounded scenario's that punch dead center, ramping up the exuberance and gusto with such intensity and precision, testing our characters in ways they could have never anticipated. The characters are authentic and original with qualities and traits that transforms into amazing personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions, as to give you a full understanding and realism that flows smoothly. Remarkable job Michelle, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
Heart stopping! Michelle knocked the brakes off this little number, riding high and letting loose, kicking this gem into overdrive, breaking it down, blowing it into a tailspin with shocking results. A swirling whirlwind of surprising circumstances and unsettling mishaps run rampant with intense drama, spiraling intrigue, secrets and electrifying suspense, blasting this little fella to life spectacularly. Rushing full speed ahead, dodging stunning twists and striking turns, bridging the gap and mixing it up. Illustrating incredible, well rounded scenario's that punch dead center, ramping up the exuberance and gusto with such intensity and precision, testing our characters in ways they could have never anticipated. The characters are authentic and original with qualities and traits that transforms into amazing personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions, as to give you a full understanding and realism that flows smoothly. Remarkable job Michelle, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
May 25, 2020
Holy moly. I'm not sure where to start with this review. These books take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Callie and Jamie have a complicated love story but you will always find yourself rooting for them. There are so many twists and turns throughout both books you won't want to put them down. Real love is messy and complicated and sometimes it doesn't go exactly how we plan and I think Michelle embodies that perfectly with this duet. While the main story is about Callie and Jamie's romance it is also about the friendships they build outside of that relationship and how every individual deals with tragedy in different ways. The secondary characters felt just as real and complex as the two main characters and you fall in love with them along with Jamie and Callie.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
June 10, 2020
Invincible is a story of young love, growth, finding ones self and every other aspect of life as a teenager along with dealing with the complications of devastation and loss. This is a duet and what a beautiful duet it is. book one is all about the teenagers, their lives and relationships and book two is the same characters ten years later. I loved the way the author portrayed the characters and their growth. She really hit home with the development, loss and emotional impact of tragedy and really made these characters jump off the page. These stories are so realistic I dare a reader to on be impacted and fall in love with them all. I don't want to give too much here, but this is a important duet for teenagers and adults alike. I received an ARC and am leaving an honest review.
May 24, 2020
*All of my reviews are voluntarily written*
I decided to take a break from reading all of the fantasy books I've been reading and read a romantic fiction story. This was the one I read.
This two book set was wonderful to read! In it, Callie and Colby, her twin brother, have sort of dealt with losing their mom 6 years ago. Callie still feels the loss greatly, and doesn't know how to get back to herself.
This is a great story that shows true friendship can heal so many wounds. This feels so much like real life. M. Lynn has a wonderful talent for bringing her characters to life in any book that she writes, whether it's fantasy or not!
I am looking forward to more by this author!
I decided to take a break from reading all of the fantasy books I've been reading and read a romantic fiction story. This was the one I read.
This two book set was wonderful to read! In it, Callie and Colby, her twin brother, have sort of dealt with losing their mom 6 years ago. Callie still feels the loss greatly, and doesn't know how to get back to herself.
This is a great story that shows true friendship can heal so many wounds. This feels so much like real life. M. Lynn has a wonderful talent for bringing her characters to life in any book that she writes, whether it's fantasy or not!
I am looking forward to more by this author!
June 16, 2020
This set was just WOW. The main characters Callie and Jamie seemingly had nothing in common and couldn't stand each other, until Callie bothered to get to know her best friend Jay's brother, Jamie. Although it may sound like just another contemporary young adult romance, it's not! There's so much more to this book than simple high school romance. It's hard to explain without spoiling anything, but let's just say things can happen to completely turn a teen's world around and there's nothing they can do but hold on. The book also talks about family issues, growing up, and making hard choices. Overall, very well written books with lovable characters.
June 16, 2020
I can’t put into words everything I feel about this set. I read the individuals when they came out and reading them this second time was just as good as reading it the first time. I highly recommend this for highschool students, especially now with everything going on. I also recommend it for parents and college age. Not just for the second book, but to remind ourselves what life was like at that age. I have a feeling this one will be re read multiple times.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 28, 2020
The Invincible Series by Michelle MacQueen is such a wonderful ya romance series! It sucked me right in and I read the books in no time. It's about Callie and Jamie, who are friends for years but find each other feeling more than that in senior year. They go through a lot together and it's an emotional rollercoaster to follow their story. It's real life with all the good and bad parts. You have to cry, laugh and fall endlessly in love with the perfectly crafted characters. All in all this series is a must read for all contemporary romance fans!
June 27, 2020
This is a fantastic set that tells the entire story of Callie and Jamie. Well written Its a clean romance full of soccer in the rain, snarky girls living the surfer life, and a family mystery. It’s fast paced and is full of intense drama and emotions and will just grab you from the very start! I found myself laughing with them and also crying as I followed them on their journey from teens to adults, from sweet romance to steamy, from life altering moments to heartbreaking twists, this is a fantastic YA contemporary read!
May 7, 2020
This duology is so super sweet! I adore Callie, Jamie, Jay, and Colby! I devoured this book and felt all the feelings along with the characters. The first brings a lot of heartbreak while the second one brings healing. Both are stories of friendship, family, betrayal, heartbreak, and healing. There’s a HEA in the end and it was just perfect!
Thank you to the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 21, 2020
A fantastic bookset. I love how the Author brings the story out and how well it flows. The characters are so real to me as I read. It like I can literally see the communication through the characters in my mind's eye. I definitely recommend this bookset. The Author has definitely brought more than a five star read to fruition.
Shauna Joesten
Shauna Joesten
June 16, 2020
If you are looking for a feel good, clean romance than this is it. These books have such loveable and relatable characters. The way the story progresses and the different character point of views through out the telling makes this story a real page turner. It is hard to find a good ya romantic book that doesn't require a lot of screening but this has all the good feels and is perfect.
May 21, 2020
I loved these books! Read both in two days. This is an amazing story about how people overcome tragedy and the different ways we all deal. It speaks to the extraordinary power of friendship and how it can get you through anything.
June 15, 2020
Good duo of books that takes your emotions on a journey full of ups and downs. The main character, Callie, is well written and her relationships with the other characters are well done and feel believable.
June 27, 2020
Does she hate? Does she love him? He has always been there as her brother best friend. She is not sure how life would be without him there. She messes up but time. Will she realise he is the one for her? Two takes will help you find out what will happen
June 27, 2020
The Invincible series is my first read by the author Michelle MacQueen. I loved the story of Caillie and Jamie. A great read, I'm so happy that this series introduced me this lovely author. Cannot wait to read more work from Michelle MacQueen.
**I received an ARC from the author for a review**
**I received an ARC from the author for a review**
July 18, 2020
What a wonderful story. The characters, Callie & Jamie are wonderful. Both have their issues in life, will they get together. I had to keep reading to find out.
June 16, 2020
I absolutely loved this heartfelt story. It had such a strong storyline with believable, genuine characters. I've loved all of Michelle's books so far and this is no exception.
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