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Blur
Jade Warner is back home. The bad part? Starting over. The best part? Reconnecting with Kyle Malone. Picking up where they left off years ago, it feels just like old times…except for the mutual attraction and questionable feelings, which are all brand new. For Jade and Kyle, it’s unthinkable to hook up given the history of their fail-safe friendship but anything can happen when you live under the same roof… and once that line between platonic and romantic is crossed, all bets are off. What starts as bliss soon turns bleak when the blinders come off. Jade and Kyle have always been opposites, but they soon realize that it’s going to take a lot more than attraction and assumptions to reach happily ever after. The easy choice? Return to what’s left of their friendship. The hard truth? Sometimes you can’t go back.
- GenresRomance
312 pages, Paperback
Published January 15, 2017
8 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Rae Lamar
9 books27 followersRae Lamar is a mild-mannered consultant by day and fiction writer by night who calls Atlanta home. On a perfect day, she can be found on the top floor of a swanky beach resort, sitting on the balcony of an ocean-front suite with a book in her hands and food at her fingertips.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 25, 2017
I love Rae Lamar's work. And here's why (all of these reasons also apply to why I love this book):
First of all, nothing is a foregone conclusion. There is an element to this writer's work that puts you on notice that she isn't going to give you the traditional roller-coaster romance with a comfortable assurance that it'll all end in an HEA no matter what. I am always a little on edge with Rae Lamar because she is a romantic realist who may well decide that the couple is better off apart. And in 'Blur' I was on edge the entire time, truly not knowing whether this volatile couple would, in the author's estimation, earn their happily-ever-after. There were points where I was literally wringing my hands, waiting for one of them to mess up, and blow the whole relationship to smithereens.
Second, the dialogue ... it's unparalleled. There is never a false note, never a moment where you think, 'No one says that.' Rae Lamar has an ear, but lots of writers do. She also has that uncanny ability to translate the cadence, rhythms and mannerisms of natural speech to the page. When I read her characters' dialogue, I literally think that later, say a decade from now, we could read it for a sense of how some Black folks really talked back in the teens of the 21st century. Her dialogue is the kind that makes you skip over the dialogue tags, (he said, she said, he exclaimed, etc.) because you don't even notice them. It gives a flow to her work that some writers can never achieve because the way their characters talk is clunky, and unnatural.
Third, the complex realism of the relationships is refreshing. Rae Lamar did not drink the Kool-Aid. She definitely hasn't succumbed to the tyrannical standards of the romance 'label' which sometimes requires certain attributes of the male and female protagonists; attributes that would never hold up in real life. There is a certain rebellion in the way this author makes her characters mess up, which says, 'I don't give a crap what romance characters are supposed to do'. And so, her characters exasperate, exhaust and sometimes even antagonize the reader. She doesn't care that we may not fall in love with them. And that's refreshing to a reader like me, who cares more about the realism than the romance.
And finally, she doesn't substitute drama for realism. Some writers have bad things happen to their characters just in an effort to infuse "the real world" in their writing. But it rings false, because the characters often don't reflect that ... shallow characters who have bad shit happen does not equal deep characters. Rae Lamar gets that. And she tends to use "bad shit" sparingly, but instead concentrates on how normal people sometimes make mountains out of molehills and get in their own way. Certainly, Kyle and Jade did plenty of that in 'Blur.
My only criticism is that I wish she would write more! If she does, I for one will definitely read it.
First of all, nothing is a foregone conclusion. There is an element to this writer's work that puts you on notice that she isn't going to give you the traditional roller-coaster romance with a comfortable assurance that it'll all end in an HEA no matter what. I am always a little on edge with Rae Lamar because she is a romantic realist who may well decide that the couple is better off apart. And in 'Blur' I was on edge the entire time, truly not knowing whether this volatile couple would, in the author's estimation, earn their happily-ever-after. There were points where I was literally wringing my hands, waiting for one of them to mess up, and blow the whole relationship to smithereens.
Second, the dialogue ... it's unparalleled. There is never a false note, never a moment where you think, 'No one says that.' Rae Lamar has an ear, but lots of writers do. She also has that uncanny ability to translate the cadence, rhythms and mannerisms of natural speech to the page. When I read her characters' dialogue, I literally think that later, say a decade from now, we could read it for a sense of how some Black folks really talked back in the teens of the 21st century. Her dialogue is the kind that makes you skip over the dialogue tags, (he said, she said, he exclaimed, etc.) because you don't even notice them. It gives a flow to her work that some writers can never achieve because the way their characters talk is clunky, and unnatural.
Third, the complex realism of the relationships is refreshing. Rae Lamar did not drink the Kool-Aid. She definitely hasn't succumbed to the tyrannical standards of the romance 'label' which sometimes requires certain attributes of the male and female protagonists; attributes that would never hold up in real life. There is a certain rebellion in the way this author makes her characters mess up, which says, 'I don't give a crap what romance characters are supposed to do'. And so, her characters exasperate, exhaust and sometimes even antagonize the reader. She doesn't care that we may not fall in love with them. And that's refreshing to a reader like me, who cares more about the realism than the romance.
And finally, she doesn't substitute drama for realism. Some writers have bad things happen to their characters just in an effort to infuse "the real world" in their writing. But it rings false, because the characters often don't reflect that ... shallow characters who have bad shit happen does not equal deep characters. Rae Lamar gets that. And she tends to use "bad shit" sparingly, but instead concentrates on how normal people sometimes make mountains out of molehills and get in their own way. Certainly, Kyle and Jade did plenty of that in 'Blur.
My only criticism is that I wish she would write more! If she does, I for one will definitely read it.
January 1, 2017
The first half of Blur was one of my favorites in the Because My Heart Said So compilation and I was not disappointed with the conclusion of this story. Rae Lamar did an excellent job of writing her characters in a way that was authentic yet offering a fresh perspective on a love story that on the surface may have appeared effortless. She explores the complexities of finding balance when friends cross the lines to become lovers. Although Kyle and Jade share a love for one another that is absolute, love is not always easy.
When you first fall in love, it’s like being in a fog. You love everything about that person, their quirks, and flaws and all but after the initial honeymoon period is over the haze clears and the other shoe drops. The moment you realize that all of the things you loved so much about this person that make them so uniquely special are also sometimes the things that get on your last nerve and make you want to choke them.
Kyle and Jade are no different. Their story is a case of opposites attract where Jade is strategic Ms. To Do List and Kyle is spontaneous Mr. Go with the Flow. Rae Lamar shows how although having differing personalities, Kyle and Jade’s love for one another allows them even through conflict to complement each other. This story is a testament to love being a journey opposed to a destination. Blur demonstrates the effort or lack thereof at times for Kyle and Jade to maintain it despite their differences and attempts to find clarity as a couple.
Lamar has a talent for incorporating humor to talk about real issues. One of my favorite characters in the story was Rachel. We all need a friend like her to call you on your BS when you’re losing your way. I found myself wanting to tell Jade “Gitdafuckouttahere!!!” on several occasions. True to life when you are the one in the situation, it’s hard to see how crazy you are acting but your friends and those around you can see things clearly. Rachel was a true sister friend. She gave it to Jade straight no chaser and had me laughing all the way through the book.
Overall, I give Blur 4.5 stars. The only reason I’m not giving it 5 stars is because although I liked the ending and thought it was appropriate there was a part of me that wanted Kyle to work a little harder. In my opinion, both he and Jade had things they needed to work on separately to have a successful relationship together. It wasn’t one-sided and saying what you will or won’t do in the future doesn’t really mean much. Actions speak louder than words. I also wanted to know more about Kyle’s upbringing and relationship with his family as well.
I would recommend Blur to anyone wanting to read a funny and heart-warming story about genuine love between friends who become lovers. This is the third book I’ve read by this author and her writing keeps getting better. After reading Blur, the one thing clear to me is Rae Lamar is easily turning into one of my favorite authors to read.
When you first fall in love, it’s like being in a fog. You love everything about that person, their quirks, and flaws and all but after the initial honeymoon period is over the haze clears and the other shoe drops. The moment you realize that all of the things you loved so much about this person that make them so uniquely special are also sometimes the things that get on your last nerve and make you want to choke them.
Kyle and Jade are no different. Their story is a case of opposites attract where Jade is strategic Ms. To Do List and Kyle is spontaneous Mr. Go with the Flow. Rae Lamar shows how although having differing personalities, Kyle and Jade’s love for one another allows them even through conflict to complement each other. This story is a testament to love being a journey opposed to a destination. Blur demonstrates the effort or lack thereof at times for Kyle and Jade to maintain it despite their differences and attempts to find clarity as a couple.
Lamar has a talent for incorporating humor to talk about real issues. One of my favorite characters in the story was Rachel. We all need a friend like her to call you on your BS when you’re losing your way. I found myself wanting to tell Jade “Gitdafuckouttahere!!!” on several occasions. True to life when you are the one in the situation, it’s hard to see how crazy you are acting but your friends and those around you can see things clearly. Rachel was a true sister friend. She gave it to Jade straight no chaser and had me laughing all the way through the book.
Overall, I give Blur 4.5 stars. The only reason I’m not giving it 5 stars is because although I liked the ending and thought it was appropriate there was a part of me that wanted Kyle to work a little harder. In my opinion, both he and Jade had things they needed to work on separately to have a successful relationship together. It wasn’t one-sided and saying what you will or won’t do in the future doesn’t really mean much. Actions speak louder than words. I also wanted to know more about Kyle’s upbringing and relationship with his family as well.
I would recommend Blur to anyone wanting to read a funny and heart-warming story about genuine love between friends who become lovers. This is the third book I’ve read by this author and her writing keeps getting better. After reading Blur, the one thing clear to me is Rae Lamar is easily turning into one of my favorite authors to read.
January 7, 2017
Blurred Lines
Jade splitting up with Mark was her catalyst to getting back to her old life and friends. Kyle was her brothers best friend before he died. Jade was always the little sister he protected from the fellas. That was just fine until their friendship became more. Over time they each struggled with their busy schedules and differing personalities. Kyle began to resent Jade and started picking fights, just so he could pull back. After breakup number two, I wasn't sure the relationship would survive all the extra drama. Luckily, Kyle and Jade were able to clear the blurred lines in the relationship to mend both their broken hearts. This was an excellent read.
Jade splitting up with Mark was her catalyst to getting back to her old life and friends. Kyle was her brothers best friend before he died. Jade was always the little sister he protected from the fellas. That was just fine until their friendship became more. Over time they each struggled with their busy schedules and differing personalities. Kyle began to resent Jade and started picking fights, just so he could pull back. After breakup number two, I wasn't sure the relationship would survive all the extra drama. Luckily, Kyle and Jade were able to clear the blurred lines in the relationship to mend both their broken hearts. This was an excellent read.
February 5, 2017
No More F*cks To Give!
I was pleased to learn that Jade and Kyle were getting a full length novel. Jade is ending a terrible relationship and moves back home close to family and friends. Kyle is a guy that was best friends with Jade's older brother and has always looked out for Jade because of that. Jade depends on her friends to bring her out of the funk she's in. Kyle takes Jade under her wing and coaches her to stop wasting her time on things and people that don't matter. They finally give in to their mutual attraction and a fast paced relationship begins. This was a great journey that navigates a friends to lovers relationship.
I was pleased to learn that Jade and Kyle were getting a full length novel. Jade is ending a terrible relationship and moves back home close to family and friends. Kyle is a guy that was best friends with Jade's older brother and has always looked out for Jade because of that. Jade depends on her friends to bring her out of the funk she's in. Kyle takes Jade under her wing and coaches her to stop wasting her time on things and people that don't matter. They finally give in to their mutual attraction and a fast paced relationship begins. This was a great journey that navigates a friends to lovers relationship.
December 31, 2016
Speechless Rae!!!
I love this author so very much. Damn what a ride whay a story this book is so me. This book did not end the way I wanted it to, don't get me wrong the ending was great actually perfect for Kyle and Jade. He just broke my heart I'm one of those reader that when I read I feel what my characters feel I'm happy when their happy and I cry with them and get angry with them too. Kyle broke my heart just like he did Jane's. OMG I'm still upset with him. lol. Love you Rae keep the stories coming
I love this author so very much. Damn what a ride whay a story this book is so me. This book did not end the way I wanted it to, don't get me wrong the ending was great actually perfect for Kyle and Jade. He just broke my heart I'm one of those reader that when I read I feel what my characters feel I'm happy when their happy and I cry with them and get angry with them too. Kyle broke my heart just like he did Jane's. OMG I'm still upset with him. lol. Love you Rae keep the stories coming
January 12, 2017
Does Love Conquer All?
Jade and Kyle are lifelong friends who consider one another family. Things change when they cross the lines from friends to lovers, things become complicated. They must consider the implications of falling in love with a friend. In Blur, Rae Lamar examines the friends to lovers phenomena in a brutally honest way that makes you wonder if love is really enough.
Jade and Kyle are lifelong friends who consider one another family. Things change when they cross the lines from friends to lovers, things become complicated. They must consider the implications of falling in love with a friend. In Blur, Rae Lamar examines the friends to lovers phenomena in a brutally honest way that makes you wonder if love is really enough.
January 18, 2017
Wow...
Wow, Jade and Kyle had me on an emotional roller coaster from the beginning to the end of the second part of their story. I definitely would love more from this dynamic couple Rae Lamar, Hint, Hint
Wow, Jade and Kyle had me on an emotional roller coaster from the beginning to the end of the second part of their story. I definitely would love more from this dynamic couple Rae Lamar, Hint, Hint
January 3, 2017
Review APB Perspective Review:
Four authors got together and wrote a book of Novellas with a tag line written in each story " Because My Heart Said So. " I call their writing style Neo ,Sexy and Soulful. Rae Lamar was a new author to me and I am so glad I read this book , I loved it .
January 26, 2017
Enjoyed
I realllllly enjoyed this, I was all into it, had reel in my emotions at some points lol!, I would love to read more about them.
I realllllly enjoyed this, I was all into it, had reel in my emotions at some points lol!, I would love to read more about them.
December 31, 2017
This was a good read. This was real. Loved it. I will definitely read something else by this author.
January 8, 2017
I love, love, love Jade and Kyle's story. This is truly a friends-to-lovers novel with the perfect blend of humor and emotional ups and downs. The couple is very relatable. I got so invested in their relationship that I wanted to shake some sense into them! Also, Jade's best friend, Rachel, should be given an honorable mention. She is the epitome of what a girlfriend should be. Her advice was always on point--straight, no chaser. I highly recommend reading this book. You will not be disappointed. Excellent writing, Ms. Lamar. I am truly a fan of your work.
February 7, 2017
Friends To Lovers
I love a good friends to lovers story. Jade and Kyle had their ups and downs, but that's the way real relationships work. I would like to see more of them and get Rachel's story.
I love a good friends to lovers story. Jade and Kyle had their ups and downs, but that's the way real relationships work. I would like to see more of them and get Rachel's story.
July 27, 2018
👍. I so💘d, 💘d, 💘d this story and the characters as well.
07-issa-no-for-me
June 15, 2017felt a bit contrived. didn't really flow naturally. The match up was obvious and didn't seem organic. felt more like they were being thrown into situations that would lead to a match up instead of it just happening. that kind of takes you out of the story because you read it and are like...really!? you're not even going to try and hide the fact that this is leading to where it's leading.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews