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Antony Falls
Sometimes you meet the right person at the right time in your life to split the world wide open.
Antony loves his life in New York.
He loves living with his mother and wearing designer clothes. He loves his private tutors for home school. It’s practically necessary since his mom travels the world as a reporter.
When an assignment overseas gives her the opportunity of a lifetime, she sees it as a chance for Antony to get to know his dad - a guy strange enough to live on a boat. Near dreary Seattle.
Antony’s sure that the next few months will feel like a lifetime. He and his dad can’t even fill up a five minute conversation on his birthday call.
When he meets Amber, the girl from five boats down, his prospects perk up, but when it becomes very clear, very fast, that all she’s after is friendship, Antony wonders if he’ll survive the next three months.
He is absolutely. Completely. Totally. Displaced.
And then tragedy hits.
Antony Falls deals with loss, first love, and how when we meet the right person, we work hard to become the best version of ourselves, helping us to re-find the focus of our lives.
Antony loves his life in New York.
He loves living with his mother and wearing designer clothes. He loves his private tutors for home school. It’s practically necessary since his mom travels the world as a reporter.
When an assignment overseas gives her the opportunity of a lifetime, she sees it as a chance for Antony to get to know his dad - a guy strange enough to live on a boat. Near dreary Seattle.
Antony’s sure that the next few months will feel like a lifetime. He and his dad can’t even fill up a five minute conversation on his birthday call.
When he meets Amber, the girl from five boats down, his prospects perk up, but when it becomes very clear, very fast, that all she’s after is friendship, Antony wonders if he’ll survive the next three months.
He is absolutely. Completely. Totally. Displaced.
And then tragedy hits.
Antony Falls deals with loss, first love, and how when we meet the right person, we work hard to become the best version of ourselves, helping us to re-find the focus of our lives.
208 pages, Paperback
First published July 11, 2012
7 people are currently reading
1092 people want to read
About the author
Jolene Perry
47 books851 followersHiker. Occasional Yogi. Equestrian. Couch potato. Music lover. Mediocre guitar player. Sailor. Tailor. Home body. Traveler. Enjoys suffering from being interested in everything. Owner, editor and teaacherr at Waypoint Author Academy. (www.waypointauthors.com)
Also.
I only rate books I loved.
Also.
I only rate books I loved.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
July 25, 2012
This is my first book by Jolene Perry. It was recommended to me by a good author friend, who thought I would like Jolene's work. Well, she was right! The blurb does a great job of explaining what the story is about, so I'm going to focus on the characters.
I'll be honest, when you first meet Antony, he seems like he's a spoiled kid who takes advantage of the fact that he's lead a privileged life. Really though, he's just a good guy. I truly loved the relationship he had with his mother. They were so close and shared many different adventures with each other. It was really endearing to see that. I felt like he was a little tough on his dad, but only because he really didn't know him like he thought he did. I enjoyed seeing how their relationship changed and was glad to see his father step up and really be there for Antony.
As for Amber...I liked her immediately. I did get frustrated with her at times, because of her fears. Although, I understood why she felt like she needed to guard herself from Antony. He lived a different life than she did and had more experience. However, I loved that she was so open in accepting him and befriending him. Amber truly was a solid support for Antony. I loved their dialogue, their chemistry, and their trust in each other.
This really was such a great story. I read it one evening with my friend Valerie from Stuck in Books. Because there were some difficult situations in the book, it was really nice to have someone to read along and share with. If you are looking for a well written, heart felt story, be sure to check this one out!
I'll be honest, when you first meet Antony, he seems like he's a spoiled kid who takes advantage of the fact that he's lead a privileged life. Really though, he's just a good guy. I truly loved the relationship he had with his mother. They were so close and shared many different adventures with each other. It was really endearing to see that. I felt like he was a little tough on his dad, but only because he really didn't know him like he thought he did. I enjoyed seeing how their relationship changed and was glad to see his father step up and really be there for Antony.
As for Amber...I liked her immediately. I did get frustrated with her at times, because of her fears. Although, I understood why she felt like she needed to guard herself from Antony. He lived a different life than she did and had more experience. However, I loved that she was so open in accepting him and befriending him. Amber truly was a solid support for Antony. I loved their dialogue, their chemistry, and their trust in each other.
This really was such a great story. I read it one evening with my friend Valerie from Stuck in Books. Because there were some difficult situations in the book, it was really nice to have someone to read along and share with. If you are looking for a well written, heart felt story, be sure to check this one out!
February 14, 2016
I love this book. Yeah. As simple as that.
This book makes me want to start crying and feel lonely. It's like shredding your heart because you can't take it that you've lost someone forever.
"The apartment’s mine. The car’s mine. It’s all mine. I feel the way I knew I would. I don’t want any of it. I want Mom."
First of all, being in Antony's head is really making me crazy! All that pain that he keeps pushing away because he can't deal with it is just too much to take. I can't imagine losing someone like that. I mean can you imagine that one person you have and love all your life and then she just suddenly dies and gone forever? Sure it makes you feel so alone at first and i know that you can move on someday. But, being in that phase of feeling alone is sooooo scary and soooo breaking my heart.
“I probably suck at taking care of people, but I want to take care of you. Though, I can’t imagine you needing anything I have to give.”
hearing this is just too sweet. You know that feeling when you feel like you don't deserve that person because you don't know how you can give her something that will make her feel happy or make you feel that that person deserves you? That is just so hard. Sometimes you feel that what your giving is not enough. But sometimes, the funny thing is that you don't even have to try because by just being present is enough for others.
This book makes me want to start crying and feel lonely. It's like shredding your heart because you can't take it that you've lost someone forever.
"The apartment’s mine. The car’s mine. It’s all mine. I feel the way I knew I would. I don’t want any of it. I want Mom."
First of all, being in Antony's head is really making me crazy! All that pain that he keeps pushing away because he can't deal with it is just too much to take. I can't imagine losing someone like that. I mean can you imagine that one person you have and love all your life and then she just suddenly dies and gone forever? Sure it makes you feel so alone at first and i know that you can move on someday. But, being in that phase of feeling alone is sooooo scary and soooo breaking my heart.
“I probably suck at taking care of people, but I want to take care of you. Though, I can’t imagine you needing anything I have to give.”
hearing this is just too sweet. You know that feeling when you feel like you don't deserve that person because you don't know how you can give her something that will make her feel happy or make you feel that that person deserves you? That is just so hard. Sometimes you feel that what your giving is not enough. But sometimes, the funny thing is that you don't even have to try because by just being present is enough for others.
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May 31, 2012I've spent a lot of time sailing on the ocean, and felt like it HAD to be part of one of my books. I adore Antony to pieces, but being on a sailboat for him wasn't nearly as fun as it is for me.
I'll just do my quote thing:
I know what to do with girls who smile through thick lashes and bit their lip. I don't know what to do with girls who wear running shoes, faded jeans, and read on kindles.
"Please call me later on, okay?" I ask. I'm completely pathetic. Just like a girl. Please call me, don't forget. Bats lashes. And as she steps into the still night, I start to get it. She knows I think like this. She can see through me, and it scares her. Maybe I'm just an incurable asshole, which really sucks, 'cause I've always thought of myself as one of the nice guys.
I stare at my shoes in the sand and don't answer. I've already let this girl in on way too much, which means I'm hurting too much. Something's gotta give or I'm going to break apart.
I'll just do my quote thing:
I know what to do with girls who smile through thick lashes and bit their lip. I don't know what to do with girls who wear running shoes, faded jeans, and read on kindles.
"Please call me later on, okay?" I ask. I'm completely pathetic. Just like a girl. Please call me, don't forget. Bats lashes. And as she steps into the still night, I start to get it. She knows I think like this. She can see through me, and it scares her. Maybe I'm just an incurable asshole, which really sucks, 'cause I've always thought of myself as one of the nice guys.
I stare at my shoes in the sand and don't answer. I've already let this girl in on way too much, which means I'm hurting too much. Something's gotta give or I'm going to break apart.
May 22, 2017
Perry has a fantastic way of creating characters that at first you might not like but as they grow throughout the book so do your feelings towards them. Antony was so annoying to me at first but when his life took an unexpected turn his entire attitude changed. He started to see that there was more to life than where he lived or how much his clothes cost. It was fantastic to watch. I also loved how he started to realize the differences between his feelings for Amber versus Helena.
This book also made me cry on a couple occasions, thanks for that lol!
This book also made me cry on a couple occasions, thanks for that lol!
December 24, 2012
I needed a good emotional read before the craziness of the holidays and this book just did the trick.
Once again, Jolene Perry quiets the voice inside me burning for a good read that is intense yet real. It's one of those books that when you begin reading, you know will change you.
I loved the plot. It had many plot turns and twists that I can say caught me off guard. I even cried, way more than I expected too, but that okay. A good book that can bring up that much emotion in me is what I read for.
The characters are another part of the book that simply amazes me. Told from a young man's point of view, I like that he isn't afraid to be vulnerable. He makes mistakes and isn't afraid to be open. Well, scratch that. He is afraid to be open just not around her. She changes everything in his life and even though he has no idea how to handle it, he lets her guide him into love that he never wants to let go.
I love that the book talks and shows good relationships. Being brought up differently, he has a different view of relationships.
Spill Over is great book that is full of good emotional depth. It's a story that brings out love when you need it the most. Totally enjoyed it and can't wait to read more stories like this one.
Once again, Jolene Perry quiets the voice inside me burning for a good read that is intense yet real. It's one of those books that when you begin reading, you know will change you.
I loved the plot. It had many plot turns and twists that I can say caught me off guard. I even cried, way more than I expected too, but that okay. A good book that can bring up that much emotion in me is what I read for.
The characters are another part of the book that simply amazes me. Told from a young man's point of view, I like that he isn't afraid to be vulnerable. He makes mistakes and isn't afraid to be open. Well, scratch that. He is afraid to be open just not around her. She changes everything in his life and even though he has no idea how to handle it, he lets her guide him into love that he never wants to let go.
I love that the book talks and shows good relationships. Being brought up differently, he has a different view of relationships.
Spill Over is great book that is full of good emotional depth. It's a story that brings out love when you need it the most. Totally enjoyed it and can't wait to read more stories like this one.
June 9, 2013
This was my first Jolene Perry book and it definitely wont be my last.
I was not expecting what I got, I hadn't really read the blurb or many reviews and am glad I didn't cause I was really surprised by the "tragedy".
This is not your run of the mill YA cutesy romance, though that is in there too. It deals with an issue that I personally am lucky enough to have not experienced yet but will inevitably come in time.
At first I really didn't like Antony, being in his head wasn't the nicest place to be as he was a spoiled, conceited little shit but as the story develops I really started to like him, though he still did some really stupid things...but hey...don't we all...especially at that age!
I'm looking forward to reading more by this author :)
I was not expecting what I got, I hadn't really read the blurb or many reviews and am glad I didn't cause I was really surprised by the "tragedy".
This is not your run of the mill YA cutesy romance, though that is in there too. It deals with an issue that I personally am lucky enough to have not experienced yet but will inevitably come in time.
At first I really didn't like Antony, being in his head wasn't the nicest place to be as he was a spoiled, conceited little shit but as the story develops I really started to like him, though he still did some really stupid things...but hey...don't we all...especially at that age!
I'm looking forward to reading more by this author :)
July 15, 2012
I LOVED this book. I had a hard time putting it down. I loved that the main character was a boy and struggling with his emotions and growth as a person in a relationship...his ability to see how much he wanted to change himself because of what he really wanted. I loved this. I LOVED Antony and Amber--her innocence and honesty. I LOVED Antony's father because he was a casual father figure who seemed to just *know* how to father an 18 year old boy for the first time. I wonder how that would go over in real life? I love the freedom he allowed his son, yet reigned it in and showed the responsibility he needed to when Antony truly needed it...
LOVED this!
LOVED this!
July 13, 2012
I think Antony was amazing. Though he had to face heartbreak to realize the potential he had in not only being a writer, but in also growing to be someone better than who he was. I fell in love with him immediately and was glad to read the book and watch him grow in the short time, the only thing I didn't like about the book is the sudden ending. I wish it could have continued and explored the relationship that came of Antony and Amber...
Once again Joleen Perry put an awesome book out there and I couldnt be more excited for her!
Once again Joleen Perry put an awesome book out there and I couldnt be more excited for her!
August 2, 2012
WARNING---This book contains lots of swearing. I stopped reading when the F word was used. I did like the premise but I wish there was a content warning. (so I made one).
August 24, 2012
The language was a big turn off. The book had a lot of promise, so this was disappointing.
August 2, 2012
4.5/5 stars
By now you should know that any book I read by Jolene Perry is going to be fantastic, and Spill Over is no exception. Spill Over is told from a male POV and I usually have a problem with that but not when it comes to Perry. This is the second book by her I read that has a male POV (Night Sky being the first) and I loved every single page of it! Jolene always excels in making her characters dynamic, real, and just full of life and emotions that you instantly fall in love with them.
Here we've got Antony, the son of a single working mother. He and his mom are very close and travel the world because of his mom's job. He's never known his dad. But when his mom tells him he's spending the next couple of months with his dad, who lives on a boat in the middle of no where, his world turns upside down. At the beginning, Antony was portrayed as a spoiled rich kid, and that he was. But you could still tell he's not one of those materialistic womanizing jerks. When he moves to the boat he meets Amber. Now here's when some of the drama begins. I honestly felt that Antony was so real and just so transparent and honest with Amber. He himself even wondered what she's turning him into. He was so adorable the way he fell for her. However Amber was so cautious and just so innocent that it frustrated me at times. I get that she's afraid of what Antony represents: A rich kid who always gets what he wants. However over time I was getting tired of her always doubting what she has but boy Antony totally had his issues too. Especially with the mysterious Héléna. I loved that it was sit on a dock, close to the water.
I love different settings in contemporary novels and this was excellent. I also loved Antony's POV and seeing everything through his eyes. He was a very honest and enjoyable character and even through his thick headedness at times, I still found him very likable, along with Amber. His relationship with his mom and then his dad was also great. Jolene Perry did a fantastic job portraying Antony's struggles, his life, and his relationships. I would definitely recommend it to all contemporary fans! Be sure to check this out as well as her older and upcoming contemporary novels!
By now you should know that any book I read by Jolene Perry is going to be fantastic, and Spill Over is no exception. Spill Over is told from a male POV and I usually have a problem with that but not when it comes to Perry. This is the second book by her I read that has a male POV (Night Sky being the first) and I loved every single page of it! Jolene always excels in making her characters dynamic, real, and just full of life and emotions that you instantly fall in love with them.
Here we've got Antony, the son of a single working mother. He and his mom are very close and travel the world because of his mom's job. He's never known his dad. But when his mom tells him he's spending the next couple of months with his dad, who lives on a boat in the middle of no where, his world turns upside down. At the beginning, Antony was portrayed as a spoiled rich kid, and that he was. But you could still tell he's not one of those materialistic womanizing jerks. When he moves to the boat he meets Amber. Now here's when some of the drama begins. I honestly felt that Antony was so real and just so transparent and honest with Amber. He himself even wondered what she's turning him into. He was so adorable the way he fell for her. However Amber was so cautious and just so innocent that it frustrated me at times. I get that she's afraid of what Antony represents: A rich kid who always gets what he wants. However over time I was getting tired of her always doubting what she has but boy Antony totally had his issues too. Especially with the mysterious Héléna. I loved that it was sit on a dock, close to the water.
I love different settings in contemporary novels and this was excellent. I also loved Antony's POV and seeing everything through his eyes. He was a very honest and enjoyable character and even through his thick headedness at times, I still found him very likable, along with Amber. His relationship with his mom and then his dad was also great. Jolene Perry did a fantastic job portraying Antony's struggles, his life, and his relationships. I would definitely recommend it to all contemporary fans! Be sure to check this out as well as her older and upcoming contemporary novels!
July 17, 2012
Spill Over was a very cute and relatively clean YA Romance. It hooked me in the beginning with the quick dose of conflict provided by Antony being forced to live temporarily with his father while his mother was working overseas. It was soon followed by tragedy and a young man’s path to finding himself and what is really important in life.
In the beginning, Antony came off as a spoiled, selfish, city boy. He was not all that kind to his father but I understood that to an extent because they had not had very much contact. I felt like his dad was really trying especially after the incident that would forever change Antony and I did begin to warm up to Antony after he warmed up to his father. In all seriousness, Antony and his father probably had a normal father son relationship as it applies to teenage boys. Antony has experimented with girls and drugs but begins to find a deeper relationship with Amber. Amber is different from girls in New York City. In Antony’s own words, “I don’t know what to do with girls who wear running shoes, faded jeans, and read on Kindles”.
Amber has lived on a boat for much longer than Antony. This combined with homeschooling has left her with less of a teenage experience than Antony has had. She is smart, kind and caring and turns out to be everything Antony needs during his adjustment period on the boat. She encouraged him when he needed encouragement and grounded him when he needed grounding. One of the sweetest moments came when she read him a story from her kindle when he couldn’t sleep due to the tragedy in his life. Their romance was a very sweet, believable teenage romance!
The only thing this book was missing for me is a stronger second half. There was so much happening in the first half and then the second half lacked some of the drama and angst of the first half.
In the beginning, Antony came off as a spoiled, selfish, city boy. He was not all that kind to his father but I understood that to an extent because they had not had very much contact. I felt like his dad was really trying especially after the incident that would forever change Antony and I did begin to warm up to Antony after he warmed up to his father. In all seriousness, Antony and his father probably had a normal father son relationship as it applies to teenage boys. Antony has experimented with girls and drugs but begins to find a deeper relationship with Amber. Amber is different from girls in New York City. In Antony’s own words, “I don’t know what to do with girls who wear running shoes, faded jeans, and read on Kindles”.
Amber has lived on a boat for much longer than Antony. This combined with homeschooling has left her with less of a teenage experience than Antony has had. She is smart, kind and caring and turns out to be everything Antony needs during his adjustment period on the boat. She encouraged him when he needed encouragement and grounded him when he needed grounding. One of the sweetest moments came when she read him a story from her kindle when he couldn’t sleep due to the tragedy in his life. Their romance was a very sweet, believable teenage romance!
The only thing this book was missing for me is a stronger second half. There was so much happening in the first half and then the second half lacked some of the drama and angst of the first half.
July 16, 2012
This book surprised me in a couple of ways. first off, it was not at all what I expected. Not sure what I expected, but this wasn't it. Secondly it was so very different than Knee Deep or My Heart For Yours, but in a good way.
I guess I expected something a little lighter this time, but once again I got a book with some real depth and meat to sink your teeth into. Ms. Perry continues to surprise, how she can weld a touching romance into explorations of some the worst parts of life (death, abuse, growing apart) and still leave you always feeling hopeful and grateful for what you have I don't understand, but I do love.
She has entered my "must-read" authors list. I'd suggest you do the same with her books.
I guess I expected something a little lighter this time, but once again I got a book with some real depth and meat to sink your teeth into. Ms. Perry continues to surprise, how she can weld a touching romance into explorations of some the worst parts of life (death, abuse, growing apart) and still leave you always feeling hopeful and grateful for what you have I don't understand, but I do love.
She has entered my "must-read" authors list. I'd suggest you do the same with her books.
July 29, 2012
It's been a while since I've liked a book enough to review it. Spill Over got me off my duff in a hurry. I LOVED THIS BOOK! I suggest you read it immediately! In Spill Over, Antony is a player, a slick New York boy with a famous journalist mother. When she gets an assignment in a dangerous part of the world, she ships him off to live in a houseboat with the dad he barely knows. There he meets Amber, a girl from a very different background, and Amber, of course, is his undoing.
I loved being in Antony's head and experiencing all the torture that Amber puts him through. It's a pleasure to witness his journey as he is transformed by love. Amber and Antony are a great couple, who you root for throughout. Don't miss it!
I loved being in Antony's head and experiencing all the torture that Amber puts him through. It's a pleasure to witness his journey as he is transformed by love. Amber and Antony are a great couple, who you root for throughout. Don't miss it!
July 27, 2012
I really enjoyed this one. Jolene writes a boy POV VERY well. It was so emotional being in Antony's head. He lost so much. Heartbreaking, but very real.
I LOVED how the story unfolded and how much Antony changed throughout the book.
I loved the love story. Amber was awesome and REAL. She had Antony wrapped around her little finger before he knew what was happening. It's amazing how one girl can change a boy like that. ;)
Overall, an awesome story. I love Jolene and her books. My favorite is still Knee Deep, but I would definitely recommend this one too! :D
Content: There is mature content in the book. Quite a bit of swearing and a few adult situations.
I LOVED how the story unfolded and how much Antony changed throughout the book.
I loved the love story. Amber was awesome and REAL. She had Antony wrapped around her little finger before he knew what was happening. It's amazing how one girl can change a boy like that. ;)
Overall, an awesome story. I love Jolene and her books. My favorite is still Knee Deep, but I would definitely recommend this one too! :D
Content: There is mature content in the book. Quite a bit of swearing and a few adult situations.
April 27, 2016
Original review at Gabic Reads
Let me start this out with Antony got on my nerves. A lot. He had his moments, but for the most part he was a jerk and not very likable. And while I liked Amber well enough, she too got on my nerves often. Antony's parents were enjoyable though and I felt they had a good back story. Spill Over never really caught my attention though. I could easily put it down for several days and not mind at all.
Let me start this out with Antony got on my nerves. A lot. He had his moments, but for the most part he was a jerk and not very likable. And while I liked Amber well enough, she too got on my nerves often. Antony's parents were enjoyable though and I felt they had a good back story. Spill Over never really caught my attention though. I could easily put it down for several days and not mind at all.
July 30, 2012
I'm a massive Jolene Perry fan and love all her books so I couldn't wait for Spill Over all that being said I really don't like books told from only a guy's POV but Jolene Perry did the unthinkable she made me LOVE a book told from the guy's pov and I just couldn't stop reading. I love the characters the pace is perfect and pulls you in to the story line. I did see a few things happening before they did but it didn't take away from the story. I can't wait for her next book.
August 16, 2013
The writing level for this was very grade school. I used to watch the old "Tammy" films, about an unsophisticated country girl living on a houseboat, and I thought it would be interesting to read about a spoiled kid from New York being forced to live on a houseboat with his dad all summer. But, sadly, the characters and everything else fell flat. And I wouldn't even recommend it for pre-teens, because it has drugs and sex in it.
July 17, 2012
This book was fantastic. I was reduced to a pile of mush by the middle, and I haven't had such an emotional work out in awhile. But amidst all the sadness was a happier thread, a hopeful one, and it really made the pay-off at the end worth every minute. This is the first of Jolene Perry's books I've read, but I'm already on my way to reading the second. I highly recommend it.
July 30, 2012
Wow.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I bought this book. After reading the description, I thought it sounded decent. But I wasn't prepared for the emotional roller coaster I went on.
The author had me in hears throughout the book and I was quite impressed with the book.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I bought this book. After reading the description, I thought it sounded decent. But I wasn't prepared for the emotional roller coaster I went on.
The author had me in hears throughout the book and I was quite impressed with the book.
July 11, 2012
Another great story by Jolene B. Perry.
July 11, 2012
More excellence from Jolene Perry!
April 5, 2015
This is such an amazing book!!! It'll make you cry, laugh and scream out of happiness!!
October 22, 2013
This is my second book of Perry’s that she didn’t happen to co-write. I read Dizzy and Out of Play which were 4 star material. The prose was good and the plot very chick-lit. Its more of….a light read. The type of books you pass time with. It won’t make you angry or sad, just light and I guess keep you in a good mood.
After reading her co-written books, I thought I’d take a chance with fallen. It was mild. I hated Craig. I didn’t like Dana. She was willingly having an affair with a married guy who happened to have kids! That is when I realized that Perry liked to take risks with her writing. She basically willingly put a character that people wouldn’t favor. The only person I’ve ever saw successfully do this was Tarryn Fisher. I respected her effort which is why I decided to read Spilling Over.
Antony Preston’s mom is the star of the Today show. This meant traveling the world with his mom ever since he can remember. Home schooling is the only option because they never are around long enough for something as horrid as public school. On the rare occasion that his mom travels to some place dangerous, Antony isn’t allowed to travel with her. Instead he stays with whomever. This time Antony’s mom decides that its time Antony finally spends time with his dad. The weird guy who lives on a bout that Antony can count on one hand how many times he’s seen him. Antony leaves the world of diamonds, penthouses. Private jets and thousand dollar clothing to enter some “podunk.” He meets Amber, the girl he can’t get out of his mind. She’s the daughter of the chick his dad on and off meets. While Antony is stuck on a boat, tragedy strikes and he has no idea how to deal. His world turns upside down. Suddenly there is only writing and Amber.
Here’s the thing, I’m a feminist at heart but fuck if I can stand a girl rambling about some guy and swooning over an asshole and trying to decide what to where….
Maybe’s its just because of Harry Potter but I love reading from a guy’s POV. Everything is sooo much more interesting so maybe that’s what pushed me to read Perry’s book.
I think that Perry needs to work on not rushing everything. Antony’s pain needed to be conveyed more. I’m glad she started the book on a happy note and ended with a bitter-sweet one but she needed something more. Amber is a great heroine. She’s strong and intelligent and she had depth but we still needed to know more about her. Especially when Antony is always thinking of himself.
I’d love to give this book five stars but that would be wrong. Maybe four and a half? I don’t really do halves but hey, I’ll make an exception...
After reading her co-written books, I thought I’d take a chance with fallen. It was mild. I hated Craig. I didn’t like Dana. She was willingly having an affair with a married guy who happened to have kids! That is when I realized that Perry liked to take risks with her writing. She basically willingly put a character that people wouldn’t favor. The only person I’ve ever saw successfully do this was Tarryn Fisher. I respected her effort which is why I decided to read Spilling Over.
Antony Preston’s mom is the star of the Today show. This meant traveling the world with his mom ever since he can remember. Home schooling is the only option because they never are around long enough for something as horrid as public school. On the rare occasion that his mom travels to some place dangerous, Antony isn’t allowed to travel with her. Instead he stays with whomever. This time Antony’s mom decides that its time Antony finally spends time with his dad. The weird guy who lives on a bout that Antony can count on one hand how many times he’s seen him. Antony leaves the world of diamonds, penthouses. Private jets and thousand dollar clothing to enter some “podunk.” He meets Amber, the girl he can’t get out of his mind. She’s the daughter of the chick his dad on and off meets. While Antony is stuck on a boat, tragedy strikes and he has no idea how to deal. His world turns upside down. Suddenly there is only writing and Amber.
Here’s the thing, I’m a feminist at heart but fuck if I can stand a girl rambling about some guy and swooning over an asshole and trying to decide what to where….
Maybe’s its just because of Harry Potter but I love reading from a guy’s POV. Everything is sooo much more interesting so maybe that’s what pushed me to read Perry’s book.
I think that Perry needs to work on not rushing everything. Antony’s pain needed to be conveyed more. I’m glad she started the book on a happy note and ended with a bitter-sweet one but she needed something more. Amber is a great heroine. She’s strong and intelligent and she had depth but we still needed to know more about her. Especially when Antony is always thinking of himself.
I’d love to give this book five stars but that would be wrong. Maybe four and a half? I don’t really do halves but hey, I’ll make an exception...
April 29, 2014
Antony has it pretty good. He's home-schooled, lives in a nice apartment in Manhattan and often gets to travel around the globe when his mother is on a reporting assignment for NBC. When she tells him her next one is too dangerous for him to accompany her, he does his best to talk her out of sending him to live on a houseboat in Seattle with his father. No luck, so off to the west coast he goes, dreading the change. His dad writes quick-read novels, but has never been as successful as Antony's mother. They split when he was much younger and Antony really has no clue what to say or how to feel when he arrives.
His new living arrangement becomes even stranger when he discovers that Amber, the very attractive girl who lives on a nearby boat and is also home-schooled, is the daughter of his dad's girlfriend. He's intrigued by her, but unsettled by her manner, the guy who wants to be her boyfriend and the thought of having a relationship with someone whose mother is kissing his dad.
He's in the process of working to get his head wrapped around all this when he receives news that his mother has been killed in a plane crash. Totally grief-stricken, Antony feels really lost. Amber understands some of what he feels because her father has never even given her the time of day and when she tracked him down, he rejected her completely.
Readers get to follow along as these two teens learn how to break walls of pain and mistrust, partly through snarky exchanges that dissolve, in part when Amber has a chance to read some of Antony's writing about kids he's met in third world countries when he was with his late mother on assignment. Healing for them and their parents isn't easy, but is very satisfying to experience. Antony finds a project that will not only honor his mother's memory, but will help him reach the end of his grief. Unlike a lot of YA stories, this one is wrapped up quite nicely. There is strong language in the story, but mature teens won't find that any more upsetting than what they hear while walking down high school hallways. It's a good book for those who like a nice edgy romance or who have experienced a major emotional loss.
His new living arrangement becomes even stranger when he discovers that Amber, the very attractive girl who lives on a nearby boat and is also home-schooled, is the daughter of his dad's girlfriend. He's intrigued by her, but unsettled by her manner, the guy who wants to be her boyfriend and the thought of having a relationship with someone whose mother is kissing his dad.
He's in the process of working to get his head wrapped around all this when he receives news that his mother has been killed in a plane crash. Totally grief-stricken, Antony feels really lost. Amber understands some of what he feels because her father has never even given her the time of day and when she tracked him down, he rejected her completely.
Readers get to follow along as these two teens learn how to break walls of pain and mistrust, partly through snarky exchanges that dissolve, in part when Amber has a chance to read some of Antony's writing about kids he's met in third world countries when he was with his late mother on assignment. Healing for them and their parents isn't easy, but is very satisfying to experience. Antony finds a project that will not only honor his mother's memory, but will help him reach the end of his grief. Unlike a lot of YA stories, this one is wrapped up quite nicely. There is strong language in the story, but mature teens won't find that any more upsetting than what they hear while walking down high school hallways. It's a good book for those who like a nice edgy romance or who have experienced a major emotional loss.
June 1, 2013
This book came unexpected. It came along with another one of Jolene Perry's books and I'm so happy I got it.
Antony is a rich spoiled 17 year old who has traveled the world with his mom who is a famous news reporter. Even though Antony has everything and can have pretty much anything he still seems mellow and cool (not a snob). His mom gets an assignment in Africa for 3 months and isn't taking Antony. Instead she is sending him to his dad's in Washington who lives on a boat. As you can imagine he isn't thrilled about leaving his past pace life in NY to live on a boat with a man he barely knows.
As Antony tries to adjust to his new life on the boat he meets the beautiful and sweet, Amber. Amber doesn't give him any kind of hint that she is interested which Antony isn't used to. They slowly become friends and study partner's since they are both homeschooolers in their final year.
In the mist of this whole new world Antony finds out that something horrible happened to his mother. Now he has a whole new thing added to his shoulders that he can barely swallow.
I'm a fan of words. If you can evoke strong emotions from me through your words, than you win my heart. This was one of those books. I felt every emotion Antony felt. I can't imagine going through what he went through but he still came out so strong and I think I fell in love with him.
Amber was so strong. She didn't let anything get in her way. She was determined and didn't let anything slide. I loved that she knew when to just be there for Antony and when his old ways showed their ugly head she still stuck to ger guns.
I also loved the relationship he had with his mom and then later on built with his father. He learned to see past his hurt and hold on to the good.
Great story. Everyone should really give this book a try.
Antony is a rich spoiled 17 year old who has traveled the world with his mom who is a famous news reporter. Even though Antony has everything and can have pretty much anything he still seems mellow and cool (not a snob). His mom gets an assignment in Africa for 3 months and isn't taking Antony. Instead she is sending him to his dad's in Washington who lives on a boat. As you can imagine he isn't thrilled about leaving his past pace life in NY to live on a boat with a man he barely knows.
As Antony tries to adjust to his new life on the boat he meets the beautiful and sweet, Amber. Amber doesn't give him any kind of hint that she is interested which Antony isn't used to. They slowly become friends and study partner's since they are both homeschooolers in their final year.
In the mist of this whole new world Antony finds out that something horrible happened to his mother. Now he has a whole new thing added to his shoulders that he can barely swallow.
I'm a fan of words. If you can evoke strong emotions from me through your words, than you win my heart. This was one of those books. I felt every emotion Antony felt. I can't imagine going through what he went through but he still came out so strong and I think I fell in love with him.
Amber was so strong. She didn't let anything get in her way. She was determined and didn't let anything slide. I loved that she knew when to just be there for Antony and when his old ways showed their ugly head she still stuck to ger guns.
I also loved the relationship he had with his mom and then later on built with his father. He learned to see past his hurt and hold on to the good.
Great story. Everyone should really give this book a try.
March 13, 2015
I READ THIS ON WATTPAD!!! GO EVERYONE AND READ IT THERE! GO GO GO!
Now, review. (Sigh) The thing about guys in books is that they are unbearably perfect. On real life when you got a handsome neighbor if you spy on him he is not gonna turn on you and say "hey, I think you are a bit crepy but on a sexy way" No ma'am this isn't gonna happen, he is gonna turn you on the police or he is gonna see you weird and close his curtains the rest of his life. That's it.
But guys on books? Nope, they are the mysterious, handsome and polite specimen that can tolerate everything. Maybe this guy is not like that, but my point is that he is too much perfect for his own good. He is handsome, popular, lady-killer, home-schooled-brilliant and his mother is this awesome famous person. Oh, and he is an awesome writer who can finish a novel on some months (I'm still working on that NaNoWriMo project from two years ago, that's not fair you fictional character!).
The only non-perfect thing and what makes this guy human is "the accident". He goes frome awesome perfect guy to Angsty-awesome-perfect guy. Yep, like that.
I liked his father and tha side characters (except Helena or it was Elena? Alina? Damn memory). They were leaking so many things that you know that they were real. They existed on some random place on our real world. You can feel them. But the main guy? Nope, he was fictional perfect.
The thing that I liked was that for a change the main was a guy and not a girl. Thank Jolene Perry for that small miracle.
And that's all people, gotta go and search more on that Wattpad thing. Farewell!
Now, review. (Sigh) The thing about guys in books is that they are unbearably perfect. On real life when you got a handsome neighbor if you spy on him he is not gonna turn on you and say "hey, I think you are a bit crepy but on a sexy way" No ma'am this isn't gonna happen, he is gonna turn you on the police or he is gonna see you weird and close his curtains the rest of his life. That's it.
But guys on books? Nope, they are the mysterious, handsome and polite specimen that can tolerate everything. Maybe this guy is not like that, but my point is that he is too much perfect for his own good. He is handsome, popular, lady-killer, home-schooled-brilliant and his mother is this awesome famous person. Oh, and he is an awesome writer who can finish a novel on some months (I'm still working on that NaNoWriMo project from two years ago, that's not fair you fictional character!).
The only non-perfect thing and what makes this guy human is "the accident". He goes frome awesome perfect guy to Angsty-awesome-perfect guy. Yep, like that.
I liked his father and tha side characters (except Helena or it was Elena? Alina? Damn memory). They were leaking so many things that you know that they were real. They existed on some random place on our real world. You can feel them. But the main guy? Nope, he was fictional perfect.
The thing that I liked was that for a change the main was a guy and not a girl. Thank Jolene Perry for that small miracle.
And that's all people, gotta go and search more on that Wattpad thing. Farewell!
October 23, 2012
I had no idea what this book was about when I bought it. I didn't even read the summary. Crazy? Nope. I'll read anything by author Jolene Perry. I don't need to know what it's about.
I was pleasantly surprised that this is a male POV. I love a male POV! I want it to be the new trend. It's so different and I love being in the guys head. I'm a girl and I already know how girls think. I like to pretend I'm in the guys head and see things in a different way. It's awesome! Antony exudes coolness. I'm pretty sure we wouldn't have been friends in high school. I wasn't exactly popular. But that doesn't make him unrelated or unlikable. He seems that way at first but he had so many facets that you find his struggles are similar to yours. Even if you've never gone through what Antony has, you will identify with him in some way.
Amber and Antony are similar in many ways. They are both home schooled, they live on a boat and want to go to the same University, etc. But that is really where the similarities end. They are pretty much polar opposites. Antony is confident and experiences. Amber is quiet and...well, hasn't had many of life's experiences. It makes for an exciting relationship because you never really know how the other is going to react. Or what they are thinking.
I really loved this setting. I mean they live on a boat people!!!! One of my dreams! So amazing. Really fun story. Even if there are sad parts that make you hurt it is great to see how a life changes and when happiness is obtained. I'm such a fan of author Jolene Perry and this is another great one!
I was pleasantly surprised that this is a male POV. I love a male POV! I want it to be the new trend. It's so different and I love being in the guys head. I'm a girl and I already know how girls think. I like to pretend I'm in the guys head and see things in a different way. It's awesome! Antony exudes coolness. I'm pretty sure we wouldn't have been friends in high school. I wasn't exactly popular. But that doesn't make him unrelated or unlikable. He seems that way at first but he had so many facets that you find his struggles are similar to yours. Even if you've never gone through what Antony has, you will identify with him in some way.
Amber and Antony are similar in many ways. They are both home schooled, they live on a boat and want to go to the same University, etc. But that is really where the similarities end. They are pretty much polar opposites. Antony is confident and experiences. Amber is quiet and...well, hasn't had many of life's experiences. It makes for an exciting relationship because you never really know how the other is going to react. Or what they are thinking.
I really loved this setting. I mean they live on a boat people!!!! One of my dreams! So amazing. Really fun story. Even if there are sad parts that make you hurt it is great to see how a life changes and when happiness is obtained. I'm such a fan of author Jolene Perry and this is another great one!
July 16, 2012
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS AT READING, EATING AND DREAMING I WAS BLAIR WALDORF
Spill Over by Jolene Perry is a great book for young adults. Told from Antony's point of view, Spill Over is an honest, heartfelt story about loss, love, and growing up. Antony's character will capture readers hearts. His struggles are realistic and heartbreaking. I definitely teared up a few times while reading about his emotional journey. Spill Over was a little bit younger than the books that I typically read, but it was still a very good story.
At the beginning of this novel, Antony is a little spoiled and a tab bit stuck up. After a horrible loss, Antony makes some startling discoveries about his life. He falls in love for the first time. And, he realizes that he might not have all the answers after all.
The romance in this novel was sweet and innocent. I felt really connected to Antony's character, but I never really felt like I got to know Amber. I absolutely loved the male point-of-view, but I wish Ms. Perry would have included Amber's perspective as well so I could have gotten to know her character better.
I gave Spill Over by Jolene B. Perry 4 STARS (3.5 STARS). I recommend this novel to young adults who are looking for a sweet romance with a bit of an emotional punch.
-XOXO
READING, EATING AND DREAMING
Spill Over by Jolene Perry is a great book for young adults. Told from Antony's point of view, Spill Over is an honest, heartfelt story about loss, love, and growing up. Antony's character will capture readers hearts. His struggles are realistic and heartbreaking. I definitely teared up a few times while reading about his emotional journey. Spill Over was a little bit younger than the books that I typically read, but it was still a very good story.
At the beginning of this novel, Antony is a little spoiled and a tab bit stuck up. After a horrible loss, Antony makes some startling discoveries about his life. He falls in love for the first time. And, he realizes that he might not have all the answers after all.
The romance in this novel was sweet and innocent. I felt really connected to Antony's character, but I never really felt like I got to know Amber. I absolutely loved the male point-of-view, but I wish Ms. Perry would have included Amber's perspective as well so I could have gotten to know her character better.
I gave Spill Over by Jolene B. Perry 4 STARS (3.5 STARS). I recommend this novel to young adults who are looking for a sweet romance with a bit of an emotional punch.
-XOXO
READING, EATING AND DREAMING
May 21, 2016
I have very mixed feelings about this book.
On one hand - I could feel the grief. Good development of father-son bond. The rocky beginning of abeautiful friendship strong relationship.
On the other - There is a clear split in the book.
Part 1 aka Before
- Solid and interesting. Somewhat predictable drama to set the plot moving (I knew right away what goes down, not many options there really).
Part 2 aka After, aka In comes Helena
- Also known as The Great Divide. I had a What happened? moment - and my suspension of disbelief came to a grinding halt. Was it the looming deadline? Some life crisis? Something else?
Before was enjoyable. After turned out to be a terrible disappointment. There's NO WAY a single talk could revamp a person so completely. NO WAY.
Not to mention that the ending was terribly rushed. And had a sleazy feel of a horrible Happily Ever After.
(Not that I'm terribly against HEA. But one has to draw a line somewhere. It's one thing when there's a feeling of Possibility lurking on the horizon. And quite another matter when HEA is sugary sweet to the point of inducing nausea or so detailed there's no space for Possibility or -heaven forbid!- Imagination.)
FINAL VERDICT: A LET-DOWN
On one hand - I could feel the grief. Good development of father-son bond. The rocky beginning of a
On the other - There is a clear split in the book.
Part 1 aka Before
- Solid and interesting. Somewhat predictable drama to set the plot moving (I knew right away what goes down, not many options there really).
Part 2 aka After, aka In comes Helena
- Also known as The Great Divide. I had a What happened? moment - and my suspension of disbelief came to a grinding halt. Was it the looming deadline? Some life crisis? Something else?
Before was enjoyable. After turned out to be a terrible disappointment. There's NO WAY a single talk could revamp a person so completely. NO WAY.
Not to mention that the ending was terribly rushed. And had a sleazy feel of a horrible Happily Ever After.
(Not that I'm terribly against HEA. But one has to draw a line somewhere. It's one thing when there's a feeling of Possibility lurking on the horizon. And quite another matter when HEA is sugary sweet to the point of inducing nausea or so detailed there's no space for Possibility or -heaven forbid!- Imagination.)
FINAL VERDICT: A LET-DOWN
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