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Moving the Chains #2
Second Down
The hardest hits aren’t always on the field.
She doesn’t remember the best and worst day of her life.
Eva Papageorgiou has no memory of the brutal attack she suffered at the hands of her would-be rapist—the last few days of her life wiped away completely. But the scars she bares hint at the trauma she endured.
She feels powerless and alone, no longer able to trust her own mind. The only certainty in her life is that everything is different. Until a friend reveals a secret, filling the holes of her memory.
Now Eva is determined to reclaim her life and her control over it.
The day he dreamed of was the one that cost him everything.
Rob Falls is stuck in a perpetual nightmare, unable to move past the horrific event that changed his and Eva’s lives forever. While friends and family urge him to overcome the tragedy, he withdraws, consumed with guilt and regret no one else—not even Eva—understands.
He may never earn the redemption he longs for, but he vows to help her feel safe once again.
Now Rob will do whatever he can to protect the girl he loves from anyone who might hurt her—even himself.
Eva longs to remember.
Rob wishes he could forget.
Even after everything that has come between them, they’re still drawn together.
Can two damaged souls build a future even as the secrets of the past carve new scars?
She doesn’t remember the best and worst day of her life.
Eva Papageorgiou has no memory of the brutal attack she suffered at the hands of her would-be rapist—the last few days of her life wiped away completely. But the scars she bares hint at the trauma she endured.
She feels powerless and alone, no longer able to trust her own mind. The only certainty in her life is that everything is different. Until a friend reveals a secret, filling the holes of her memory.
Now Eva is determined to reclaim her life and her control over it.
The day he dreamed of was the one that cost him everything.
Rob Falls is stuck in a perpetual nightmare, unable to move past the horrific event that changed his and Eva’s lives forever. While friends and family urge him to overcome the tragedy, he withdraws, consumed with guilt and regret no one else—not even Eva—understands.
He may never earn the redemption he longs for, but he vows to help her feel safe once again.
Now Rob will do whatever he can to protect the girl he loves from anyone who might hurt her—even himself.
Eva longs to remember.
Rob wishes he could forget.
Even after everything that has come between them, they’re still drawn together.
Can two damaged souls build a future even as the secrets of the past carve new scars?
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2016
170 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
Kata Čuić
21 books471 followersKata Čuić lives in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and writes romance stories with a dash of humor, a dollop of spice, and a heaping helping of heart. With a background in Linguistics and a minor in Religious Studies, her writing style marries lit fic with delicious tropes. He falls first and harder, anyone?
From angst-filled new adult series to standalone rom-coms, and even a touch of paranormal, Kata's diverse storytelling offers something for every romance reader palate. Because she gets bored writing the same things all the time, okay?
When she's not writing, Kata emotionally eats to cope with the endless news cycle, binge reads series because sleep is for the weak, and probably drinks too much whiskey.
Subscribe to Kata's newsletter for a free second-chance, HS reunion novella ➜ https://www.subscribepage.com/katacui...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
August 10, 2017
Kata Čuić's writing is flawless and intoxicating. She just manages to capture me instantly with this well written and believable story. Since I finished the first book, First and Goal I'd been thinking a lot about Rob and Evie and what was to come since it ended with a crazy cliffhanger. Let me tell you all, the first couple of chapters were intense. My emotions were on high alert.
I love Rob and Evie. First and Goal laid a strong foundation for their friendship. It only made my connection to the two of them stronger this time around. My heart literally broke for Rob and Evie when I read Second Down. It was an emotional and gloomy journey to be a part of but what can one expect when they experienced such a horrific trauma.
How they both were affected and behaved were beautifully written. It was believable and just what I would have expected since I've come to know these two fantastic characters. Their love and bond they have was pure and real. How they'd come to relying on each other only proved how important they both were to each other's recovery.
Evie was strong as hell. Fighting with everything she had to regain some normalcy in her life. It was the opposite with Rob. He pretended to be strong but was slowly falling apart. It was excruciating to witness how this tough and sweet guy was blaming himself and also how the trauma affected him. I was totally surprised by his reactions from the trauma but I appreciated the choice the author chose to show that a trauma not only affects the victim but also the people who witness it.
Their journey and recovery is far from over. I really don't know what to expect from the next book and I like that. I'm on this path with Rob and Evie and I'm so excited to see where it leads. Kata Čuić keeps on surprising me and she definitely did with Second Down. This author is definitely one to watch and read.
4 BadAssDirtyMyFirstStars
Arc generously provided by the author for an honest review
I love Rob and Evie. First and Goal laid a strong foundation for their friendship. It only made my connection to the two of them stronger this time around. My heart literally broke for Rob and Evie when I read Second Down. It was an emotional and gloomy journey to be a part of but what can one expect when they experienced such a horrific trauma.
How they both were affected and behaved were beautifully written. It was believable and just what I would have expected since I've come to know these two fantastic characters. Their love and bond they have was pure and real. How they'd come to relying on each other only proved how important they both were to each other's recovery.
Evie was strong as hell. Fighting with everything she had to regain some normalcy in her life. It was the opposite with Rob. He pretended to be strong but was slowly falling apart. It was excruciating to witness how this tough and sweet guy was blaming himself and also how the trauma affected him. I was totally surprised by his reactions from the trauma but I appreciated the choice the author chose to show that a trauma not only affects the victim but also the people who witness it.
Their journey and recovery is far from over. I really don't know what to expect from the next book and I like that. I'm on this path with Rob and Evie and I'm so excited to see where it leads. Kata Čuić keeps on surprising me and she definitely did with Second Down. This author is definitely one to watch and read.
4 BadAssDirtyMyFirstStars
Arc generously provided by the author for an honest review
September 27, 2016
Meh...
After reading the first book, I thought we'd finally get to the romance in book two. No, not even a little! My goodness, so much not being said, no communication, a lot of inner dialogue, but nothing really gets resolved, or talked about for a very, very long time. I got frustrated waiting for the h&h to voice their concerns, worries, self doubts to each other, but it just kept going. I found myself skimming ahead a lot. Quite frankly at this point, I don't care if they finally resolve everything and get together. No book three for me. I mean it's a romance, but the romance part was almost non existent.
After reading the first book, I thought we'd finally get to the romance in book two. No, not even a little! My goodness, so much not being said, no communication, a lot of inner dialogue, but nothing really gets resolved, or talked about for a very, very long time. I got frustrated waiting for the h&h to voice their concerns, worries, self doubts to each other, but it just kept going. I found myself skimming ahead a lot. Quite frankly at this point, I don't care if they finally resolve everything and get together. No book three for me. I mean it's a romance, but the romance part was almost non existent.
March 18, 2017
This book was very long and drawn out. I was very disappointed that there was no ending there is a third book. At this point in Rob and Eva relationship I think it would be better if they weren't together at all.
March 17, 2022
"Second Down" is a hard read and the relationship between Rob and Evie is a heartbreaker. Senior year is ending and I'm onto Book 3 in this emotional series to see what transpires as they both leave the home nests and begin their college experiences.
September 6, 2022
Hoping for a miracle that do not happens
August 25, 2017
Okay, so I'm trying to figure out a good way to write this review w/o spoilers. Everyone hates spoilers, right? So...
First off, this is book #2 of a series that MUST BE READ IN ORDER! This not a standalone series, where you can pick up any book and know what's going on. Each book builds on the other, and you have to begin with book #1.
Second Down begins right where First and Goal ends. A couple of hours later, and BAM! that's where we are. I can't say what happens at the end of book #1 though. Which is difficult, because that one thing defines THIS book.
Evie has no memory of the end of book #1, but Robb does. He remembers everything, and to save Evie from the horrors of the end of book #1, he refuses to tell her. Her therapist says she may regain her memory on her own, but Robb, honestly, doesn't want her to. She knows from others what happened. For Robb, that's more than enough.
So this book is about Robb trying to help her and avoid her at the same time. He believes his presence could somehow trigger her memories to return. He's so consumed with guilt and fear, that he let's that guilt and fear define him in this book. Robb is this intelligent, super-talented athlete, but he has self-image issues. This event brings all those personal issues to the surface for him, and like most teenage boys, he doesn't have a clue how to handle the strong emotions associated with those fears.
Evie is just confused about Robb. She knows he's hurting and that he still has feelings for her, but she can't understand why he's acting the way he is.
Remember all those warm fuzzies you had while reading book #1? Yeah, they're not so fuzzy in book #2. Book #2 is definitely darker and gives you just-kicked-in-the-gut feelings. You feel for both of them, struggling with things people of their age shouldn't have to struggle with. As a mom, it makes me want to just hold them close and take away their burdens.
I'm looking forward to book #3, because book #2 gave some shocking revelations at the end. At the time of writing this, I think the last book in the series is on the horizon.
First off, this is book #2 of a series that MUST BE READ IN ORDER! This not a standalone series, where you can pick up any book and know what's going on. Each book builds on the other, and you have to begin with book #1.
Second Down begins right where First and Goal ends. A couple of hours later, and BAM! that's where we are. I can't say what happens at the end of book #1 though. Which is difficult, because that one thing defines THIS book.
Evie has no memory of the end of book #1, but Robb does. He remembers everything, and to save Evie from the horrors of the end of book #1, he refuses to tell her. Her therapist says she may regain her memory on her own, but Robb, honestly, doesn't want her to. She knows from others what happened. For Robb, that's more than enough.
So this book is about Robb trying to help her and avoid her at the same time. He believes his presence could somehow trigger her memories to return. He's so consumed with guilt and fear, that he let's that guilt and fear define him in this book. Robb is this intelligent, super-talented athlete, but he has self-image issues. This event brings all those personal issues to the surface for him, and like most teenage boys, he doesn't have a clue how to handle the strong emotions associated with those fears.
Evie is just confused about Robb. She knows he's hurting and that he still has feelings for her, but she can't understand why he's acting the way he is.
Remember all those warm fuzzies you had while reading book #1? Yeah, they're not so fuzzy in book #2. Book #2 is definitely darker and gives you just-kicked-in-the-gut feelings. You feel for both of them, struggling with things people of their age shouldn't have to struggle with. As a mom, it makes me want to just hold them close and take away their burdens.
I'm looking forward to book #3, because book #2 gave some shocking revelations at the end. At the time of writing this, I think the last book in the series is on the horizon.
nope
July 1, 2017Besides the third book being like this:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
It seems there's another pet peeve of mine. The MISCOMMUNICATION MONSTER I just can't deal with couples who don't talk to each other. I agree with a reviewer who said they're better not be together. If you can't talk to each other what's the point of a relationship?
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
It seems there's another pet peeve of mine. The MISCOMMUNICATION MONSTER I just can't deal with couples who don't talk to each other. I agree with a reviewer who said they're better not be together. If you can't talk to each other what's the point of a relationship?
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
March 23, 2021
1.5 stars.
i wanted to rate this book higher. i truly did because the first one was such a winner, and so my expectations for this book were high. that's probably part of the issue, because this book has very little action. most of the story was unnecessary for the development of the plot.
sequels suck sometimes.
a bit of backstory: evie's still recovering from the brutal almost-murder/rape she suffered at the end of first & goal - an attack she has no memory of (minor head trauma amnesia). rob doesn't want her to remember any of that day, as even though they finally got with each other, he doesn't want to see what remembrance of that day will do to her. her physical scars (oh shit, these really got to me) are quite a reminder. and so rob and evie both wonder if the other actually wants to be with them, and oh god, it really crushed me how they both read each other wrong. like, evie will say something that hints at her wanting to be with rob, and rob will think she's trying to say she wants nothing to do with him. damn, those misunderstandings really sucked.
the thing was, i read the whole book hoping there'd be some romance, some resolution to everything. i didn't get any. there was a shit ton of internal dialoguing and characters saying, "but, i can't do that because . . ." which kind of drove me crazy. in addition, rob's overprotectiveness towards evie is actually quite fucking annoying. i don’t want my boyfriend to beat the shit out of another guy just cause i was talking to him. she's faithful, rob, and you gotta let a woman be free to do what she wants. jesus. rob also makes it clear that any time she's even near another guy (i.e. trevor), whether or not they are friends - friends for fuck's sake! - his fists clench and it's kind of possesive and creepy. do you know how annoying that gets? i get it. he's traumatized because he saw evie get attacked, and now he's got an urge to protect her. but not all men are animals. not all men want to hurt us ladies. i mean, he wasn't this bad in first & goal, so what the hell?
all in all, i hated how rob became this batshit crazy monster, how both rob and evie are constantly putting the other on a pedestal ("i just want to be good for you" "whatever you want me to be" "i'll treat you like a queen . . . i need you so fucking much"). they love each other. i know that. i'm not completely heartless. but i don’t need all the internal dialogue to be about how they worship each other. it's annoying as shit.
that's all though. i guess second down wasn't much of a winner for me, because no matter how hard i tried to like it, i just always found another flaw.
i wanted to rate this book higher. i truly did because the first one was such a winner, and so my expectations for this book were high. that's probably part of the issue, because this book has very little action. most of the story was unnecessary for the development of the plot.
sequels suck sometimes.
a bit of backstory: evie's still recovering from the brutal almost-murder/rape she suffered at the end of first & goal - an attack she has no memory of (minor head trauma amnesia). rob doesn't want her to remember any of that day, as even though they finally got with each other, he doesn't want to see what remembrance of that day will do to her. her physical scars (oh shit, these really got to me) are quite a reminder. and so rob and evie both wonder if the other actually wants to be with them, and oh god, it really crushed me how they both read each other wrong. like, evie will say something that hints at her wanting to be with rob, and rob will think she's trying to say she wants nothing to do with him. damn, those misunderstandings really sucked.
the thing was, i read the whole book hoping there'd be some romance, some resolution to everything. i didn't get any. there was a shit ton of internal dialoguing and characters saying, "but, i can't do that because . . ." which kind of drove me crazy. in addition, rob's overprotectiveness towards evie is actually quite fucking annoying. i don’t want my boyfriend to beat the shit out of another guy just cause i was talking to him. she's faithful, rob, and you gotta let a woman be free to do what she wants. jesus. rob also makes it clear that any time she's even near another guy (i.e. trevor), whether or not they are friends - friends for fuck's sake! - his fists clench and it's kind of possesive and creepy. do you know how annoying that gets? i get it. he's traumatized because he saw evie get attacked, and now he's got an urge to protect her. but not all men are animals. not all men want to hurt us ladies. i mean, he wasn't this bad in first & goal, so what the hell?
all in all, i hated how rob became this batshit crazy monster, how both rob and evie are constantly putting the other on a pedestal ("i just want to be good for you" "whatever you want me to be" "i'll treat you like a queen . . . i need you so fucking much"). they love each other. i know that. i'm not completely heartless. but i don’t need all the internal dialogue to be about how they worship each other. it's annoying as shit.
that's all though. i guess second down wasn't much of a winner for me, because no matter how hard i tried to like it, i just always found another flaw.
September 13, 2016
ARC provided by the author.
Ok, where do I even begin?
Rob... he is such a sweetheart, I don't believe there are guys out there that can be as cute and adorable as him!!!
Evie... it just breaks my heart :(
The book started out amazingly and throughout half of the book I was all in and pretty invested, BUT then comes the second half where they open up to each other and I'm seriously crying for them :'(
I don't think there was a moment where I was not into this book, and I'm glad it didn't end and that we get to follow their journey some more, but I just hate cliffhangers!!!! Granted this cliffhanger wasn't as "bad" as First and Goal, but still. A cliffhanger is a cliffhanger. I will say though that I appreciate Kata Cuic for adding teasers of the next book, so we can see what will kinda happen and not feel too much like hanging on the edge off a cliff. I would recommend this series to everyone that wants to just loose themselves in a story about finding who you are after the mishaps of life and anyone who fancies themselves a utter sweetheart in a hero. Keep writing like this Kata Cuic, amazing work!
Just to top of off with an amazing quote that just got to me on a deep level :'(
"I don't know how to be her rock when I'm lying in my own bed in pieces" -Rob Falls
*sigh* x)
Ok, where do I even begin?
Rob... he is such a sweetheart, I don't believe there are guys out there that can be as cute and adorable as him!!!
Evie... it just breaks my heart :(
The book started out amazingly and throughout half of the book I was all in and pretty invested, BUT then comes the second half where they open up to each other and I'm seriously crying for them :'(
I don't think there was a moment where I was not into this book, and I'm glad it didn't end and that we get to follow their journey some more, but I just hate cliffhangers!!!! Granted this cliffhanger wasn't as "bad" as First and Goal, but still. A cliffhanger is a cliffhanger. I will say though that I appreciate Kata Cuic for adding teasers of the next book, so we can see what will kinda happen and not feel too much like hanging on the edge off a cliff. I would recommend this series to everyone that wants to just loose themselves in a story about finding who you are after the mishaps of life and anyone who fancies themselves a utter sweetheart in a hero. Keep writing like this Kata Cuic, amazing work!
Just to top of off with an amazing quote that just got to me on a deep level :'(
"I don't know how to be her rock when I'm lying in my own bed in pieces" -Rob Falls
*sigh* x)
June 28, 2017
Gah from one emotional book to the next this series is really putting me through the wringer !!!!
I've binged two books in one day and am gonna dive straight into book 3 now I'm absolutely invested in Evie and Robs story and have never rooted for a couple as much as I'm rooting for them, if your looking for an angsty read then I definitely recommend this series and I'm still shocked that it's classed as YA as the writing and story are bloody fantastic and gripping and this is a series that I'm going to recommend to everyone it's just that good !!!!!
I've binged two books in one day and am gonna dive straight into book 3 now I'm absolutely invested in Evie and Robs story and have never rooted for a couple as much as I'm rooting for them, if your looking for an angsty read then I definitely recommend this series and I'm still shocked that it's classed as YA as the writing and story are bloody fantastic and gripping and this is a series that I'm going to recommend to everyone it's just that good !!!!!
September 18, 2017
Now is time for Eve to be strong and Rob to find peace with himself.
Even it's a heavy topic to approach it's done in an effortless way that is romantic and sensitive at the same time.
Both characters develop some deep roots that will accompany them all along.
Seriously this book complements the first one, is a puppy love, a high school true love that you could only dream of.
Even it's a heavy topic to approach it's done in an effortless way that is romantic and sensitive at the same time.
Both characters develop some deep roots that will accompany them all along.
Seriously this book complements the first one, is a puppy love, a high school true love that you could only dream of.
April 23, 2018
This is the second book in the series, you definitely have to have read book one first. This book deals with the aftermath of Evie's assault and the impact it has on all those around her. I felt that this book was not as good as the first one, but that it dealt realistically with all the characters reactions to that awful assault. Rob suffers with his feelings of inadequacy at protecting her, her friends rally round but don't really know how to deal with everything and Evie herself struggles to know how to feel, especially with the loss of good as well as bad memories after the assault. My main issue is the failing in communications between these friends, some things would have been less drawn out without it.
avoid-and-run-away
July 1, 2017My heart can't take it anymore==>
Great review of the third book.
Great review of the third book.
October 6, 2021
Wow, I have no words. This story exceeded my expectations. Evie and Rob story was filled with lots of hurt, sorrow and love.
June 19, 2017
While this was a good read about a very serious incident that is not as rare as we would like it to be I found it was just too much. I did finish the book but was so weighed down by the negativity and the lack of communication between these two that I had a hard time enjoying it. While I wanted to have a more positive review the story just didn't do it for me but I like this author's style and would love to try a different book not related to this series to give her another chance.
February 27, 2024
Sigh. These two just kill me. They’re so in love, but so young and naive. I adore how they always show up for each other no matter what, and this book is so full of character growth for both Rob and Evie. Those moments when they are completely open and honest with each other are so beautiful.
September 25, 2016
*** I was given an ARC for an honest review. ***
**** This book can’t be read as a standalone ***
Second Down was to me, a freaking emotional roller coaster. I went ballistic with that one. That’s the word. BALLISTIC.
For her second book and also the second of the series, the author knew how to shoot this emotional release that slayed me. Once again, I was surprised, went through a lot of emotions. Sometimes, I was totally lost, hardly managing how to deal with it.
Rob and Evie are an item. I was rooting for these two lovebirds from the first book. They made me laugh, smile, swoon but also breaking my heart. How can two people can endure so much? My answer? I don’t freaking know. Kata Cuic was good to play with my heart and driving me insane. EVIL even.
Be prepared to be crushed and bruised, because the story you’re gonna read is not an easy one.
After a tragic and traumatic event, Rob and Evie are more estranged than ever. So close but so far at the same time. Two people trying to survive, just acting instead of living. I lived their pain and sorrow. The author wrote that story with such bluntness, toughness and managing the reader to switch from one emotion to another.
Did I want to cry and stay in my bed? Definitely. Reading this was some kind of torture but I couldn’t put it down, drawn by all these emotions. I was waiting for the next move, to see how far these two were going to go down and to heal finally. But could you really heal after such a tragedy? When one remembered and the other didn’t? How to express your feelings when no one understand you?? I was on the edge all along the story.
In all this mess of emotions, there was some ray of lights, throughly placed, giving some lightness into the story, giving me hope, rooting again for them, because I was kind of slightly sinking with them … and it was so disturbing.
I don’t know how write this review without talking about my feelings. For the ones who loved and read the first book, it was definitely worth it!
This book gave a great part to spotlight some amazing second characters, and I can’t wait to read their stories as well.
There was just something I wasn’t expecting : the end. I wasn’t disappointed but just surprised. It left me hanging on for more.Was it on purpose? After reading two books from Kata Cuic, I really thing it was. I need the third book, like … yesterday ...
September 21, 2016
5+++++ STARS!!!!
I need MORE....more Rob & Evie, more of their circle of friends, more of this amazing story!! I hope you're listening (or rather reading) Author Kata Cuic because I seriously can not get enough of your excellent story telling/writing, of these sweet young characters that have embedded themselves into my heart, of this beautiful heart-melting story that will stay with me FOREVER!!!!
"So many men have hurt this beautiful girl. Me included. What if I'm the one to finally break her? She's already broken me. But, what if I'm the only one who can save her? She's the only one who can save me."
Second Down takes you to right where First and Goal left all our hearts shattered and hanging with fear and hope. Right from the beginning of this 2nd book the heart is on constant alert, being squeezed and pulled to the extreme with emotions that will just overflow for Rob & Eva, for everything that the two of them have endured, for the friends that try to be there for them, for the heartbreaking road that they face. And you will never give up faith and hope that these two sweethearts will overcome all the scars that have been forced on them, stay strong and survive the horrific circumstances that got in the way of finding each other.
The continuing journey of this series had my heart and emotions soaring then plummeting, then taking flight again with that wonderful feeling of young first love that has to be fought for even harder than ever. Rob Falls is absolutely #swoonyAF quarterback that has always been unsure of himself off the field and now has witnessed the worst, most cruel attack on the person he loves above any other and is left with unseen scars that may never be healed. Eva is a beautiful strong girl that has always dealt with self doubt even if no one can tell from appearance who is now branded with scars that she hides and fuels her insecurity but is it a "blessing or curse" that she can't remember the attack that caused them?
"Evie is my happiness. She's real. She's here. She's mine. She's everything."
I can say without a doubt that the Moving the Chains series has became one of my all time unforgettable favorites....My heart is FULL, FULL of Rob & Evie!!!! I can't wait for Third and Long, and I can't wait to be able to get my hands on the gorgeous paperbacks and add them to my collection of precious keepsakes!!!!
I need MORE....more Rob & Evie, more of their circle of friends, more of this amazing story!! I hope you're listening (or rather reading) Author Kata Cuic because I seriously can not get enough of your excellent story telling/writing, of these sweet young characters that have embedded themselves into my heart, of this beautiful heart-melting story that will stay with me FOREVER!!!!
"So many men have hurt this beautiful girl. Me included. What if I'm the one to finally break her? She's already broken me. But, what if I'm the only one who can save her? She's the only one who can save me."
Second Down takes you to right where First and Goal left all our hearts shattered and hanging with fear and hope. Right from the beginning of this 2nd book the heart is on constant alert, being squeezed and pulled to the extreme with emotions that will just overflow for Rob & Eva, for everything that the two of them have endured, for the friends that try to be there for them, for the heartbreaking road that they face. And you will never give up faith and hope that these two sweethearts will overcome all the scars that have been forced on them, stay strong and survive the horrific circumstances that got in the way of finding each other.
The continuing journey of this series had my heart and emotions soaring then plummeting, then taking flight again with that wonderful feeling of young first love that has to be fought for even harder than ever. Rob Falls is absolutely #swoonyAF quarterback that has always been unsure of himself off the field and now has witnessed the worst, most cruel attack on the person he loves above any other and is left with unseen scars that may never be healed. Eva is a beautiful strong girl that has always dealt with self doubt even if no one can tell from appearance who is now branded with scars that she hides and fuels her insecurity but is it a "blessing or curse" that she can't remember the attack that caused them?
"Evie is my happiness. She's real. She's here. She's mine. She's everything."
I can say without a doubt that the Moving the Chains series has became one of my all time unforgettable favorites....My heart is FULL, FULL of Rob & Evie!!!! I can't wait for Third and Long, and I can't wait to be able to get my hands on the gorgeous paperbacks and add them to my collection of precious keepsakes!!!!
October 3, 2016
Im honestly not sure how to feel about this book.
After the first book (which I loved by the way) I was eager to find out how Evie and Rob's story pans out , especially after such a horrific event.
The First 30% of the book
I hurt. Like physically hurt for both Rob/Evie and her Family.
About 50% of the book I became frustrated at the lack of communication between Rob and Eva.
This made the book feel like one big giant inner monologue .(Of issues that could have been worked on with COMMUNICATION
Now do get me wrong everything they went through was completely horrible and the emotions they felt were valid . But I seriously think they should have really sought help. Not only that Freaking Talk to one another. They both were suffering because of their guilt and how they thought it affected the other. But for the life of these two characters they wouldn't open up to each other. The physical and mental toll this took on them still wasn't enough for them to seek comfort in one another ( in something other than a hug).
With this book I was excited to finally get some answers ,not dance around issues. In all honesty what this book did was add problems to two people who can barely handle their emotions let alone others.
Many times throughout this book I found myself skimming through to gain some much needed answers. But NO! what I got was a Cliffhanger.
This book was well written but completely missed the mark 50% in.
September 26, 2016
4.5*
This book really put my heart, and tear ducts, in jeopardy! What a roller coaster of a journey for Rob and Evie, and us the readers. Second Down picks up right where First and Goal left off, with our hearts in our throats and stomachs in knots, not knowing what is going to happen to Evie. Kata Čuić sure knows how to pull at a person's heartstrings...Evie and Rob only had one day together before everything was turned upside down. How much can this young couple deal with? Heck, how much more can I deal with?!?
My heart ached for Evie and Rob, as they both dealt with the aftermath of her attack in their own ways. Rob is still so caring with Evie, but doesn't believe he's the right man for her any longer- he feels like he failed her, that he didn't protect her from Jackson. He completely broke me- it was so hard watching him handle/not handle everything he was feeling and going through, the guilt, the shame, the remorse. He was shouldering the blame for what happened to her, and that wasn't good for either one of them.
Evie really blossomed and grew as an individual in this book. I admit I wasn't a huge fan of hers in the first book, but she really came into her own, and I was impressed with her strength and determination.
Rob and Evie are such a wonderful couple, I want everything to work out for them, for them to finally be able to enjoy just being young and in love...is that too much to ask?!?
I seriously went through just about every emotion while reading this book- I don't think there was one I didn't feel...talk about book hangover. I need the next book, stat!
***Arc received in exchange for an honest review.
October 31, 2016
4.5 stars
Second Down is book two in the Moving the Chains series. It is a YA novel and should be read after reading First and Goal.
"I wonder if I'll ever be fully aware again, or if I even want to be. The way I see it, if I can't wake up from this God-awful nightmare, then I don't want to face it. I can go through the rest of my life in a daze."
With the surprising and cursed ending fate threw us in First and Goal, we now find ourselves in the precarious halls of the unknown in Second Down. The atmosphere is tense and the level of awkward is so different that it causes a deep ache.
"I'm not the same guy you can't remember, Evie. Not anymore. But, if you want, I'll try harder to be the kind of guy you don't want to forget."
Cue the stream of tears that never ceased from page one to the end of this book. My heart was in perpetual phase of brokenness for Evie and Rob as the past tried to claim everything about them. Watching as they attempted to steady themselves for life, each other, friends, and family, I felt each success and digression in their journey. Coming to the final pages, I literally tried to think of every possible tragic thing that could happen so I could steel myself for the unknown. I was relieved that the ending left the door open for love with these two characters and greatly anticipate more.
#TeamEvieAndRob
Second Down is book two in the Moving the Chains series. It is a YA novel and should be read after reading First and Goal.
"I wonder if I'll ever be fully aware again, or if I even want to be. The way I see it, if I can't wake up from this God-awful nightmare, then I don't want to face it. I can go through the rest of my life in a daze."
With the surprising and cursed ending fate threw us in First and Goal, we now find ourselves in the precarious halls of the unknown in Second Down. The atmosphere is tense and the level of awkward is so different that it causes a deep ache.
"I'm not the same guy you can't remember, Evie. Not anymore. But, if you want, I'll try harder to be the kind of guy you don't want to forget."
Cue the stream of tears that never ceased from page one to the end of this book. My heart was in perpetual phase of brokenness for Evie and Rob as the past tried to claim everything about them. Watching as they attempted to steady themselves for life, each other, friends, and family, I felt each success and digression in their journey. Coming to the final pages, I literally tried to think of every possible tragic thing that could happen so I could steel myself for the unknown. I was relieved that the ending left the door open for love with these two characters and greatly anticipate more.
#TeamEvieAndRob
September 24, 2016
Evie and Rob's journey continues in Second Down and it's a rocky one, emotional and full of heartbreak. Already reading the prologue made my heart hurt and than chapter one...poor Rob, I wanted to crawl inside the book, hug him and tell him to not be so hard on himself.
I don't know how to be her rock when I'm lying in my own bed in pieces.
His self doubt is truly heartbreaking, all he wants to do is protect „his girl“ but doesn't know how...
and as much as I love him and get why he acted that way or thought he „had to“, a few times I got a little frustrated with him and I really admire Evie for her patience and strength – it made me finally forgive her for being a little hypocrite in the beginning of „First goal“ ;)
He isn't ready to tell me yet. He still feels too guilty. I can wait.
Kata Cuic truly put my heart through the wringer with this one but I loved it and I can't wait for the next book ♡
Oh and Alex was great – love him for his „You're playing this all wrong“-speech ♡
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
I don't know how to be her rock when I'm lying in my own bed in pieces.
His self doubt is truly heartbreaking, all he wants to do is protect „his girl“ but doesn't know how...
and as much as I love him and get why he acted that way or thought he „had to“, a few times I got a little frustrated with him and I really admire Evie for her patience and strength – it made me finally forgive her for being a little hypocrite in the beginning of „First goal“ ;)
He isn't ready to tell me yet. He still feels too guilty. I can wait.
Kata Cuic truly put my heart through the wringer with this one but I loved it and I can't wait for the next book ♡
Oh and Alex was great – love him for his „You're playing this all wrong“-speech ♡
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
September 28, 2016
Title: Second Down
Series: Moving the Chains
Author: Kata Cuic
Genre: Young Adult Romance
Damn, SuperJock and DreamGirl, back at it again with the angsty romance!!!
First & Goal ends on a HUGE cliffy, and Second Down picks up the ball and runs full force with it from there. (See how I threw the football reference in??)
What I love most about this series is the development of the characters. Rob and Evie are so perfectly flawed and REAL. They’re teenagers and they behave like teenagers, with fears, insecurities, and so many angsty feels. They’re genuine and relatable. You can’t help but ROOT for them from start to finish.
And what I think I enjoyed most in Second Down is the way Kata switched it up. It’s almost as if Rob and Evie swapped spots. Where Rob was relentless in his pursuit of Evie in book one, it’s Evie who does all the chasing—going after her man—in book two. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her take her life back and go after Rob Falls for once.
Now I am (im)patiently waiting for book three.
Series: Moving the Chains
Author: Kata Cuic
Genre: Young Adult Romance
Damn, SuperJock and DreamGirl, back at it again with the angsty romance!!!
First & Goal ends on a HUGE cliffy, and Second Down picks up the ball and runs full force with it from there. (See how I threw the football reference in??)
What I love most about this series is the development of the characters. Rob and Evie are so perfectly flawed and REAL. They’re teenagers and they behave like teenagers, with fears, insecurities, and so many angsty feels. They’re genuine and relatable. You can’t help but ROOT for them from start to finish.
And what I think I enjoyed most in Second Down is the way Kata switched it up. It’s almost as if Rob and Evie swapped spots. Where Rob was relentless in his pursuit of Evie in book one, it’s Evie who does all the chasing—going after her man—in book two. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her take her life back and go after Rob Falls for once.
Now I am (im)patiently waiting for book three.
March 15, 2017
Second Down is another FIVE STAR Win from Kata Cuic.
I'll just say it: Kata Cuic is a reader's Dream Girl. And Second Down is another FIVE STAR win from her.
Do you remember Dream Girl? She's from Kata's debut book ~ First and Goal ~ that glorious introduction to Rob and Evie and their series of missed cues and miscommunications. First and Goal ended on a huge cliffhanger.....Second Down picks up where that story left off and takes you on another, even more complicated, journey for Rob and Evie to recover their friendship and possibly rediscover that there's more.
If you haven't read First and Goal yet, you have to start there. Then move to Second Down. By the end, I guarantee you'll be begging for the next book. But don't worry. I heard Kata is already hard at work to bring us more Rob and Evie.
I'll just say it: Kata Cuic is a reader's Dream Girl. And Second Down is another FIVE STAR win from her.
Do you remember Dream Girl? She's from Kata's debut book ~ First and Goal ~ that glorious introduction to Rob and Evie and their series of missed cues and miscommunications. First and Goal ended on a huge cliffhanger.....Second Down picks up where that story left off and takes you on another, even more complicated, journey for Rob and Evie to recover their friendship and possibly rediscover that there's more.
If you haven't read First and Goal yet, you have to start there. Then move to Second Down. By the end, I guarantee you'll be begging for the next book. But don't worry. I heard Kata is already hard at work to bring us more Rob and Evie.
September 21, 2016
Such a emotional roller coaster! This book started right where First and Goal ended. Rob is suffering and just doesn't know what to do anymore he blames himself for everything. Evie has amnesia and doesn't remember anything. Will Rob help her through everything or will he push her away? Rob and Evie go through a lot in this book. Will Love win after all ? Lots of drama and sadness and stubbornness in this story. I loved this book it showed us what Rob and Evie were feeling made you feel there thoughts after everything. It made me realize that communication can solve many problems. I can't wait to read more of this series. 5/5 stars Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Reads - ARC provided for a honest review ****
September 25, 2016
Emotional overload
This is the second book in the Moving the Chains series. Oh the emotions!! Practically from the beginning, I was in tears, and rarely was I given a break from doing so. I had to take a breather a few times, just to get myself back together. Life can really throw some things at you, how you get through it, and who you become shows your strength and love. I enjoyed this book greatly. It does end in a cliffhanger, but it isn't one of those 'throw your kindle and yell at the Author' type, lol! I will be eagerly awaiting the third book in this series! Recommended to everyone who believes in love and that the guy who is such a sweetheart, should win!!
This is the second book in the Moving the Chains series. Oh the emotions!! Practically from the beginning, I was in tears, and rarely was I given a break from doing so. I had to take a breather a few times, just to get myself back together. Life can really throw some things at you, how you get through it, and who you become shows your strength and love. I enjoyed this book greatly. It does end in a cliffhanger, but it isn't one of those 'throw your kindle and yell at the Author' type, lol! I will be eagerly awaiting the third book in this series! Recommended to everyone who believes in love and that the guy who is such a sweetheart, should win!!
November 12, 2016
This must be read after First and Goal.
This review is so hard to write without spoilers. I started this book the minute I finished First and Goal. I can tell you this...I went into this book wanting to know so much about Evie and Rob. I ended the book wanting to know MORE! It is an intense and emotional page turner. Kata Cuic lays her heart on theses pages. The feeling and depth behind her words is amazing.
I love this series. Thank you, Kata Cuic. I literally cannot wait for more of Evie, Rob, and their friends.
This review is so hard to write without spoilers. I started this book the minute I finished First and Goal. I can tell you this...I went into this book wanting to know so much about Evie and Rob. I ended the book wanting to know MORE! It is an intense and emotional page turner. Kata Cuic lays her heart on theses pages. The feeling and depth behind her words is amazing.
I love this series. Thank you, Kata Cuic. I literally cannot wait for more of Evie, Rob, and their friends.
March 16, 2017
I've had enough
I wish this whole story line would've started in college as I find the ages of the characters don't coincide with attitude and story. More importantly though I can't believe this story is spanning 3 books. Honestly I can't even invest the time into the third because I am reading the same back and forth between the characters over and over. Not to mention the relationship is now so incredibly unhealthy that I can't imagine myself ever coming back to a place where I would be believing in them. Book 3 - nope, no thanks, I'm done.
I wish this whole story line would've started in college as I find the ages of the characters don't coincide with attitude and story. More importantly though I can't believe this story is spanning 3 books. Honestly I can't even invest the time into the third because I am reading the same back and forth between the characters over and over. Not to mention the relationship is now so incredibly unhealthy that I can't imagine myself ever coming back to a place where I would be believing in them. Book 3 - nope, no thanks, I'm done.
April 26, 2017
I am such a masochist.. Why on earth did I read this book?!? The first one was alright, but it was clear to me right from the beginning that I won't enjoy the second one at all.
I hated it not for the obvious reasons but for the fact the there were constant repeats that made the book unnecessarily long. If you cut out all the s*** you will have about 150 pages of teenage drama and PTSD. That I can deal with. But not with the way the book is in reality.
I hated it not for the obvious reasons but for the fact the there were constant repeats that made the book unnecessarily long. If you cut out all the s*** you will have about 150 pages of teenage drama and PTSD. That I can deal with. But not with the way the book is in reality.
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