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Silver Strand #1
Lengths
Nineteen-year-old Whit Conrad leaves her conservative Pennsylvania home for sunny California, looking for independence, a fresh start, and a place to stash her grief. She promptly finds a job at a tattoo parlor, a craptastic first apartment, and one friend—Ryan—who is a little less friend, a little more benefits.
Deo Beckett is a soulful surfer with a passion for tattoos and beautiful women. On the eve of his twenty-second birthday, he finds himself living with his grandfather, recently unemployed, and seriously adrift. He doesn’t know much about what he wants out of life, but he does know his current situation isn't cutting it.
When Deo meets Whit, she’s all sexy makeup and fierce, smart-ass fun. It doesn’t take him long to see past her tough shell. And when he gets a good look at what's under all the superficial stuff that usually gets his attention, it leaves Deo wondering if there might be more to life than living fast and free.
Too bad Whit has a past she doesn't plan on sharing—no matter how hot Deo is. She might want him, but she knows better than to let her guard down.
Deo falls for Whit, and falls hard. But everything about her, down to that mysterious tattoo and the way she thrashes in her sleep, tells him that the girl he loves is hiding something. And the more he pushes for answers, the more Whit pulls away.
Having your guard up is one thing, but are the lengths Whit goes to to protect her secret worth throwing away the second chance she has at happiness with Deo?
LENGTHS is a Contemporary New Adult Romance to be released August 2012.
Deo Beckett is a soulful surfer with a passion for tattoos and beautiful women. On the eve of his twenty-second birthday, he finds himself living with his grandfather, recently unemployed, and seriously adrift. He doesn’t know much about what he wants out of life, but he does know his current situation isn't cutting it.
When Deo meets Whit, she’s all sexy makeup and fierce, smart-ass fun. It doesn’t take him long to see past her tough shell. And when he gets a good look at what's under all the superficial stuff that usually gets his attention, it leaves Deo wondering if there might be more to life than living fast and free.
Too bad Whit has a past she doesn't plan on sharing—no matter how hot Deo is. She might want him, but she knows better than to let her guard down.
Deo falls for Whit, and falls hard. But everything about her, down to that mysterious tattoo and the way she thrashes in her sleep, tells him that the girl he loves is hiding something. And the more he pushes for answers, the more Whit pulls away.
Having your guard up is one thing, but are the lengths Whit goes to to protect her secret worth throwing away the second chance she has at happiness with Deo?
LENGTHS is a Contemporary New Adult Romance to be released August 2012.
7 pages, Audio CD
First published August 9, 2012
109 people are currently reading
6993 people want to read
About the author
Steph Campbell
34 books1,139 followersMom.
Wife.
YA Author.
So Cal Native.
Bayou Transplant.
Reluctant Texan.
I hate shows with laugh tracks.
Wife.
YA Author.
So Cal Native.
Bayou Transplant.
Reluctant Texan.
I hate shows with laugh tracks.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 435 reviews
July 31, 2013
Ok, finally finished this one and I still didn't like it. Two stars is being generous. These are some of the things I didn't like:
-Hero, Deo (22 yrs old ) and Grandfather who he lives with get drunk together often.
-Mother to the Hero makes sexual comments to him about his love life.
-The heroine, Whit (19 yrs old) and her casual sex buddy who is not the hero. They have no connection or interaction other than “hey, come on over”, they have sex and one of them leaves.
-The swearing between the Hero and his grandfather/mother.
-Hero gets drunk often, has no job nor is he looking for one and dropped out of college.
This bk made feel gross and grimy and just generally unclean, like I needed to take a shower. I started to skim when I got tired of Whit's see-saw...I want him, I can't, let's be friends, let's don't, sex him, leave him. Whit leaves Deo so many times I lost count. Sure the poor girl had issues (no spoilers) and couldn't address them until the very end of the bk and of course she is only 19 yrs old, but I still couldn't find enough sympathy to care. By the end of the bk I still didn't like either Whit or Deo. There are usually more often than not redeemable side characters in most bks so I’ll admit I did come to like Rocco, the tattoo artist, well enough, but that's it.
Stephanie Campbell's bk Delicate was just so-so. Pretty sure I won't venture near her other bks after this.
-Hero, Deo (22 yrs old ) and Grandfather who he lives with get drunk together often.
-Mother to the Hero makes sexual comments to him about his love life.
-The heroine, Whit (19 yrs old) and her casual sex buddy who is not the hero. They have no connection or interaction other than “hey, come on over”, they have sex and one of them leaves.
-The swearing between the Hero and his grandfather/mother.
-Hero gets drunk often, has no job nor is he looking for one and dropped out of college.
This bk made feel gross and grimy and just generally unclean, like I needed to take a shower. I started to skim when I got tired of Whit's see-saw...I want him, I can't, let's be friends, let's don't, sex him, leave him. Whit leaves Deo so many times I lost count. Sure the poor girl had issues (no spoilers) and couldn't address them until the very end of the bk and of course she is only 19 yrs old, but I still couldn't find enough sympathy to care. By the end of the bk I still didn't like either Whit or Deo. There are usually more often than not redeemable side characters in most bks so I’ll admit I did come to like Rocco, the tattoo artist, well enough, but that's it.
Stephanie Campbell's bk Delicate was just so-so. Pretty sure I won't venture near her other bks after this.
August 20, 2012
I'm giving this book 3 i might lean more towards 2.5 but I didn't flounce so theres that. I wanted to love this book... I really really did. It's New Adult and the last few in that genre I've read, I have absolutely loved, but this fell short for me.
My face
"Nineteen-year-old Whit Conrad leaves her conservative Pennsylvania home for sunny California, looking for independence, a fresh start, and a place to stash her grief. She promptly finds a job at a tattoo parlor, a craptastic first apartment, and one friend—Ryan—who is a little less friend, a little more benefits.
Deo Beckett is a soulful surfer with a passion for tattoos and beautiful women. On the eve of his twenty-second birthday, he finds himself living with his grandfather, recently unemployed, and seriously adrift. He doesn’t know much about what he wants out of life, but he does know his current situation isn't cutting it. "
That sounds like the makings of a perfect story to me.. doesn't it for you? Deo is the slacker, surfer with a hippie mom and a dad who isn't in his life... He's gorgeous and sweet and lovely and a little cocky ... but he has no drive or plans for his future and Whit, she's the complete opposite. She has demons in her past (of course) that cause her to not like the dark, and have nightmares in her sleep.
*Sigh* When you find out what the demon in her past is... I promise it's not going to be all that dramatic. I get the angst and sadness. I get the drive and need to be better, but what I didn't get was her reluctance to tell Deo what was going on. I was stunned to find out that everyone else knew her history (Deo's mom included) but she just couldn't share that information with him.
I felt from the start, the relationship for these two was incredibly forced. Within the time it takes to get a tattoo, and then to walk out the door, he's already kissing her and there didn't seem to be much conversation between them prior.
Another thing that didn't work for me were the time jumps... it was really hard to tell at some points that there was a time jump. At one point I was reading a chapter and then the next it was apparently two weeks later, but there is no indication of that until midway through the next chapter. So that caused a bit of confusion for me.
I think what bothered me most about this book though was the fact that Whit was falling for Deo and liked him a lot - enough for him to practically move in with her... to bond with his mother and share information about herself with her, yet not once did she offer him anything about her past.
I'm sorry, but if you're spilling your guts to my mom, you sure as hell can share a little bit about yourself to me, you know, since I'm sleeping with you.
Plus there's that whole FSoG, lube and vibrator reference that made me cringe... Ugh.
What I Did like... I liked Deo a lot. Like I said, he was sweet and kind and really tried with Whit. In fact, I thought he was the only making an effort at times and quite possibly even job less and as a total slacker was too good for her. So that's saying something.
Deo's grandpa was hilarious and a good addition to the cast of characters. Every scene he was in made me laugh and I really loved the relationship he and Deo had.
What I like about the New Adult Genre is the fact that it's one step up from YA but a step down from Erotica. So we get some action that's hot and lovely, but just enough to whet your appetite for it. Nothing too gory. :)
Like I said, this book was pretty good... there were the few things that really bothered me and that is why I couldn't give it higher stars. I just was expecting a bit more I guess based on my experiences with New Adult.
See this review on my blog
My face
"Nineteen-year-old Whit Conrad leaves her conservative Pennsylvania home for sunny California, looking for independence, a fresh start, and a place to stash her grief. She promptly finds a job at a tattoo parlor, a craptastic first apartment, and one friend—Ryan—who is a little less friend, a little more benefits.
Deo Beckett is a soulful surfer with a passion for tattoos and beautiful women. On the eve of his twenty-second birthday, he finds himself living with his grandfather, recently unemployed, and seriously adrift. He doesn’t know much about what he wants out of life, but he does know his current situation isn't cutting it. "
That sounds like the makings of a perfect story to me.. doesn't it for you? Deo is the slacker, surfer with a hippie mom and a dad who isn't in his life... He's gorgeous and sweet and lovely and a little cocky ... but he has no drive or plans for his future and Whit, she's the complete opposite. She has demons in her past (of course) that cause her to not like the dark, and have nightmares in her sleep.
*Sigh* When you find out what the demon in her past is... I promise it's not going to be all that dramatic. I get the angst and sadness. I get the drive and need to be better, but what I didn't get was her reluctance to tell Deo what was going on. I was stunned to find out that everyone else knew her history (Deo's mom included) but she just couldn't share that information with him.
I felt from the start, the relationship for these two was incredibly forced. Within the time it takes to get a tattoo, and then to walk out the door, he's already kissing her and there didn't seem to be much conversation between them prior.
Another thing that didn't work for me were the time jumps... it was really hard to tell at some points that there was a time jump. At one point I was reading a chapter and then the next it was apparently two weeks later, but there is no indication of that until midway through the next chapter. So that caused a bit of confusion for me.
I think what bothered me most about this book though was the fact that Whit was falling for Deo and liked him a lot - enough for him to practically move in with her... to bond with his mother and share information about herself with her, yet not once did she offer him anything about her past.
I'm sorry, but if you're spilling your guts to my mom, you sure as hell can share a little bit about yourself to me, you know, since I'm sleeping with you.
Plus there's that whole FSoG, lube and vibrator reference that made me cringe... Ugh.
What I Did like... I liked Deo a lot. Like I said, he was sweet and kind and really tried with Whit. In fact, I thought he was the only making an effort at times and quite possibly even job less and as a total slacker was too good for her. So that's saying something.
Deo's grandpa was hilarious and a good addition to the cast of characters. Every scene he was in made me laugh and I really loved the relationship he and Deo had.
What I like about the New Adult Genre is the fact that it's one step up from YA but a step down from Erotica. So we get some action that's hot and lovely, but just enough to whet your appetite for it. Nothing too gory. :)
Like I said, this book was pretty good... there were the few things that really bothered me and that is why I couldn't give it higher stars. I just was expecting a bit more I guess based on my experiences with New Adult.
See this review on my blog
August 16, 2012
The whole reason I picked this up is because Liz Reinhardt collaborates. I’d been looking for something of hers to bring back what I’d loved in Brenna Blixen#1, (that would be a female lead with her head solidly planted on her shoulders; that grounded girl with so many options open to her.) Not to mention the totally surprising moments of those smocking hot sexy times. The two that followed failed to live up to what the first had set… but lo, LENGTHS has brought back that loving feeling. 6$
Sexy
Sometimes sex is just sex; other times sex is all hot and smoking. The fact is both those statements apply to the book at hand. Nobody goes tippy toe, blush-blush around what happens here, they just dive right in. It is what it is… and I appreciated its factual up front presence from page one. The sex is not there to change her world, it’s not used for a world view epiphany producing moment. It’s fun. It’s hot and it is what it is. I repeat: there’s no tippy toeing around it. This is YA with mature content after all, so mature it did get. And unlike other “YA mature content” that could go overboard with the descriptives, this one didn’t. There’s a series that falls under the same category as this that I read without fail; in those there were times things felt like they were going the right direction, except eventually there’d be this key moment pushing things too far…far beyond the sexy toward TMI. The same doesn’t happen here… but only just barely. Anyway, smexy times. Check.
The characters were a kick.
The girl: She’s her reasons for being the way she is and is so fragile as a consequence. But I liked that about her. That she’s her baggage and is dealing with things the way she knows how. I like that the authors go the extra mile of pointing out that it’s how she looks that draws him close, but upon closer inspection she’s shown to be filled to the brim with her issues... and he doesn’t back off! Issues? Yes, she has them… but I love that none of hers have to do with (a) her lack of experience (b) or her wanting/needing a boy. Instead, she has her guilt... and her method of dealing with it (or not dealing with it, as could be validly pointed out).
The boy. Oh, I had fun with him! He’s no boy, but he seemed stuck in that mind set. But, it’s also a big part of his charm: all cocky, self assured… lazy, bumming around, but a good guy nonetheless. He loves his mother, respects his granddad, and is a decent friend. He’s such a good guy, in fact, that he comes up with scenarios that are theoretically sweet and romantic in the grand gesture kind of way. I say 'theoretically' because of the so obvious likelihood of them backfiring... yet, still he keeps to his cool and cocky ways!
So, I enjoyed...
That she doesn’t fall at his feet.
That he really is a good guy, even when he screws up.
That she has her reasons and is sad, sad girl for it.
That they’re fun together!
Sexy
Sometimes sex is just sex; other times sex is all hot and smoking. The fact is both those statements apply to the book at hand. Nobody goes tippy toe, blush-blush around what happens here, they just dive right in. It is what it is… and I appreciated its factual up front presence from page one. The sex is not there to change her world, it’s not used for a world view epiphany producing moment. It’s fun. It’s hot and it is what it is. I repeat: there’s no tippy toeing around it. This is YA with mature content after all, so mature it did get. And unlike other “YA mature content” that could go overboard with the descriptives, this one didn’t. There’s a series that falls under the same category as this that I read without fail; in those there were times things felt like they were going the right direction, except eventually there’d be this key moment pushing things too far…far beyond the sexy toward TMI. The same doesn’t happen here… but only just barely. Anyway, smexy times. Check.
The characters were a kick.
The girl: She’s her reasons for being the way she is and is so fragile as a consequence. But I liked that about her. That she’s her baggage and is dealing with things the way she knows how. I like that the authors go the extra mile of pointing out that it’s how she looks that draws him close, but upon closer inspection she’s shown to be filled to the brim with her issues... and he doesn’t back off! Issues? Yes, she has them… but I love that none of hers have to do with (a) her lack of experience (b) or her wanting/needing a boy. Instead, she has her guilt... and her method of dealing with it (or not dealing with it, as could be validly pointed out).
The boy. Oh, I had fun with him! He’s no boy, but he seemed stuck in that mind set. But, it’s also a big part of his charm: all cocky, self assured… lazy, bumming around, but a good guy nonetheless. He loves his mother, respects his granddad, and is a decent friend. He’s such a good guy, in fact, that he comes up with scenarios that are theoretically sweet and romantic in the grand gesture kind of way. I say 'theoretically' because of the so obvious likelihood of them backfiring... yet, still he keeps to his cool and cocky ways!
So, I enjoyed...
That she doesn’t fall at his feet.
That he really is a good guy, even when he screws up.
That she has her reasons and is sad, sad girl for it.
That they’re fun together!
August 11, 2012
Really enjoyed this book!
Deo is a 22 year old surfer who lives with his hilarious grandpa. He has an eccentric mother and a pretty good best friend, no real responsibilities. Has some issues with his absent dad but besides that no real worries. Until he meets Whit. She is a 19 year old college student who meets Deo at a tattoo parlor where she is employed. Although he persues her she keeps him and everyone at arms length because of the loss of her brother. Somehow Deo finds a way to grow up in most aspects and get Whit to open up. It was a good story with interesting characters and was pretty funny at times. An enjoyable read with a great ending!
Deo is a 22 year old surfer who lives with his hilarious grandpa. He has an eccentric mother and a pretty good best friend, no real responsibilities. Has some issues with his absent dad but besides that no real worries. Until he meets Whit. She is a 19 year old college student who meets Deo at a tattoo parlor where she is employed. Although he persues her she keeps him and everyone at arms length because of the loss of her brother. Somehow Deo finds a way to grow up in most aspects and get Whit to open up. It was a good story with interesting characters and was pretty funny at times. An enjoyable read with a great ending!
August 12, 2012
First of all, I just LOVE this cover! I was sold on the book before I even read the synopsis. Ok...now on to the goods. As some of you know, I'm a fan of Liz Reinhardt's and when she asked if I'd be interested in reading her new book that she wrote with Steph Campbell, not only did I say yes, but HECK YES! This is my first book by Steph Campbell and since this is a collaboration, I tried to see if I could pick out who wrote what. I have a guess, but who knows if I'm right. Anyway, what I found was a story I didn't want to put down and characters that I fell in love with.
We meet Deo first, so I'll start with him. He's twenty-two and really hasn't figured out what he wants to do with his life. All he really thinks about is surfing and girls. However, there is a deeper side to Deo. He has had a bit of a troubled relationship with his father and that has shaped that decisions he's made in his life. His dad took off to pursue his dreams, leaving Deo and his mom behind. Because of that abandonment, Deo tries hard not to be like his father. As a result, he is not exactly an overachiever. Not to say that he isn't smart, because he is. He just lacks some motivation and incentive to get a move on his life. Then he meets Whit.
Whit is a bit of a mystery at first. She's left her life in Pennsylvannia behind to go to school in California. Whit has only allowed herself to open up to two people since she moved to town. She has a story to tell for sure. Whit wasn't at all prepared for Deo. Not only is she a good influence on him, but he made her feel again and because of his honesty and openness with her, she begins to let him in little by little. I won't say anything else about her, because that is a big part of the story. What I will say is that I was glad when we started to see glimpses of her opening her heart to Deo. He really was so sweet and patient with her. I think his hippy upbringing helped to keep him mellow in stressful situations. LOL
I haven't read many collaborations, but I thought that the authors did a great job of keeping the story fluid. I never felt like there was a gap in the storyline. As always, I look forward to reading more of Liz's work and am now anxious to get started on Steph's other books.
Finally, I have to say that I went through so many different emotions in this book. It's sweet, tender, funny, spicy, and a little bit sad. It's a story about a couple finding trust, love, and comfort in each other. Because there is some mature content, I would recommend this book to anyone over 18. Definitely check this one out!
We meet Deo first, so I'll start with him. He's twenty-two and really hasn't figured out what he wants to do with his life. All he really thinks about is surfing and girls. However, there is a deeper side to Deo. He has had a bit of a troubled relationship with his father and that has shaped that decisions he's made in his life. His dad took off to pursue his dreams, leaving Deo and his mom behind. Because of that abandonment, Deo tries hard not to be like his father. As a result, he is not exactly an overachiever. Not to say that he isn't smart, because he is. He just lacks some motivation and incentive to get a move on his life. Then he meets Whit.
Whit is a bit of a mystery at first. She's left her life in Pennsylvannia behind to go to school in California. Whit has only allowed herself to open up to two people since she moved to town. She has a story to tell for sure. Whit wasn't at all prepared for Deo. Not only is she a good influence on him, but he made her feel again and because of his honesty and openness with her, she begins to let him in little by little. I won't say anything else about her, because that is a big part of the story. What I will say is that I was glad when we started to see glimpses of her opening her heart to Deo. He really was so sweet and patient with her. I think his hippy upbringing helped to keep him mellow in stressful situations. LOL
I haven't read many collaborations, but I thought that the authors did a great job of keeping the story fluid. I never felt like there was a gap in the storyline. As always, I look forward to reading more of Liz's work and am now anxious to get started on Steph's other books.
Finally, I have to say that I went through so many different emotions in this book. It's sweet, tender, funny, spicy, and a little bit sad. It's a story about a couple finding trust, love, and comfort in each other. Because there is some mature content, I would recommend this book to anyone over 18. Definitely check this one out!
August 15, 2012
Reviewed at http://toughcriticbookreviews.blogspo...
Steph Campbell and Liz Reinhardt got down and made a little new adult baby! Ms. Reinhardt has a tendency to write steamy words that melt your panties so my vagina was very excited! And that's exactly where I felt this book. HA! I felt Lengths between my legs! (excuse me while I laugh at my accidental double entendre).
When I wasn't feeling it down low, I was laughing at the dialogue. I love me some grandpa!! I also loved me some Deo's mom; what came out of her mouth was almost as good as the things that Deo did with his. He can ride my wave anytime!
I loved the dialogue, I loved the characters, I really loved the naughty, but I never really fell for the plot. It was a good book, but the plot needed...I don't know, something. I needed the plot to make me feel, to make me care. I just never made the big investment!
Overall it was a fun read that definitely kept me entertained. I may not have been a big fan of how it was executed, but I can't deny that there's some big talent to be had from these two authors! READ ON!
Steph Campbell and Liz Reinhardt got down and made a little new adult baby! Ms. Reinhardt has a tendency to write steamy words that melt your panties so my vagina was very excited! And that's exactly where I felt this book. HA! I felt Lengths between my legs! (excuse me while I laugh at my accidental double entendre).
When I wasn't feeling it down low, I was laughing at the dialogue. I love me some grandpa!! I also loved me some Deo's mom; what came out of her mouth was almost as good as the things that Deo did with his. He can ride my wave anytime!
I loved the dialogue, I loved the characters, I really loved the naughty, but I never really fell for the plot. It was a good book, but the plot needed...I don't know, something. I needed the plot to make me feel, to make me care. I just never made the big investment!
Overall it was a fun read that definitely kept me entertained. I may not have been a big fan of how it was executed, but I can't deny that there's some big talent to be had from these two authors! READ ON!
November 16, 2014
I gave it five stars but I think it not fair, becouse this book should get six or even seven stars.
I really enjoyed reading this mature ya book, it was really nice suprise after reading books where some of the ya authors thinks that when a heroine has more than 18 years old and has sex with her boyfriend it's called mature ya, but it's not.\
If you are author and want to learn how to wirte good mature books read this one - Step Campbell and Liz Reinhardt did a great job. They created a world where young people, young adults not only fall in love with all this drama "Omg-do-i-or-do-i-not-love-him", there was something more, something which make it honest.
Whit and Deo's relationship was a roller coaster, becouse of the fact that they didn't understand that you have to love yourself, no matter how hard it is and no matter how many mistakes you made, to love and accept another person. Trying to fix the loved ones and being blind about yourself it's a first thing that have to be change. Deo and Whit are people are at the beginning of the road to understand this.
I really enjoyed reading this mature ya book, it was really nice suprise after reading books where some of the ya authors thinks that when a heroine has more than 18 years old and has sex with her boyfriend it's called mature ya, but it's not.\
If you are author and want to learn how to wirte good mature books read this one - Step Campbell and Liz Reinhardt did a great job. They created a world where young people, young adults not only fall in love with all this drama "Omg-do-i-or-do-i-not-love-him", there was something more, something which make it honest.
Whit and Deo's relationship was a roller coaster, becouse of the fact that they didn't understand that you have to love yourself, no matter how hard it is and no matter how many mistakes you made, to love and accept another person. Trying to fix the loved ones and being blind about yourself it's a first thing that have to be change. Deo and Whit are people are at the beginning of the road to understand this.
August 20, 2012
*I was sent an ARC by the Authors for an honest and unbiased review*
I really enjoyed the story of Deo & Whit. It was fast paced and well written. I loved the messages too; that you cannot take anything for granted, you have to live your life and never let your past dictate your future. Also, never to stop living because you feel guilt from the loss of a lost one, ultimately they would want you to continue living with passion.
Ok so my thoughts on Deo: a funny and cocky bad boy surfer dude who is incredibly romantic and sensitive! He is at a crossroad in his life and has to make a life changing decision if he wants the girl of his dreams to choose him. I felt like we got to know Deo, understand him, his actions and issues. His POV was very strong and well written, he was pretty amazing! More than once his one liners had me laughing out loud. Deo’s relationship with his Mum and Grandfather was fab, it was not only funny but respectful, I loved it (and I loved the grandfather, he had me in stitches!).
Then we have Whit: Whit came across quite tough, edgy and determined. She has a lot of guilt from her past which prevents her from living the life she ultimately wants and needs. She is unable to move on and be truly happy. The walls she has erected around herself made it very hard for me to fully understand her in the beginning. I would have liked her past to be explored more to fully connect with her. Yes, I totally got her emotional distress at what happened to her and how it shaped her actions, however, I wanted to know more of who Whit ultimately was. Once she opened up her heart to Deo (bless this gorgeous boy!!) she came across as sweet and lovable.
What else did I love about this book: I absolutely loved the secondary characters like the Grandfather and Deo’s Mum. Their interactions and dynamics were so well written and had me laughing yet also thinking I wanted to be part of this fabulously crazy family!
Overall I thought Lengths was a funny, sweet and sexy read and I can really recommend it!
I really enjoyed the story of Deo & Whit. It was fast paced and well written. I loved the messages too; that you cannot take anything for granted, you have to live your life and never let your past dictate your future. Also, never to stop living because you feel guilt from the loss of a lost one, ultimately they would want you to continue living with passion.
Ok so my thoughts on Deo: a funny and cocky bad boy surfer dude who is incredibly romantic and sensitive! He is at a crossroad in his life and has to make a life changing decision if he wants the girl of his dreams to choose him. I felt like we got to know Deo, understand him, his actions and issues. His POV was very strong and well written, he was pretty amazing! More than once his one liners had me laughing out loud. Deo’s relationship with his Mum and Grandfather was fab, it was not only funny but respectful, I loved it (and I loved the grandfather, he had me in stitches!).
Then we have Whit: Whit came across quite tough, edgy and determined. She has a lot of guilt from her past which prevents her from living the life she ultimately wants and needs. She is unable to move on and be truly happy. The walls she has erected around herself made it very hard for me to fully understand her in the beginning. I would have liked her past to be explored more to fully connect with her. Yes, I totally got her emotional distress at what happened to her and how it shaped her actions, however, I wanted to know more of who Whit ultimately was. Once she opened up her heart to Deo (bless this gorgeous boy!!) she came across as sweet and lovable.
What else did I love about this book: I absolutely loved the secondary characters like the Grandfather and Deo’s Mum. Their interactions and dynamics were so well written and had me laughing yet also thinking I wanted to be part of this fabulously crazy family!
Overall I thought Lengths was a funny, sweet and sexy read and I can really recommend it!
July 24, 2013
4 Perfect-for-Summer-Time Stars
Lengths is a very easy, short, contemporary read with a little tension.
I really liked how Lengths started. I am a HUGE fan of the Heroine and Hero meeting within the first few pages, so this made me happy. So, first off, you know Whit has issues. She moved away from her family for college and because of her issues, she is kind of guarded.
Deo is your swoon-worthy Hero.
There’s no limit to the lengths I’d go to make you happy, doll
Let me just say this, I LOVED DEO! He was just so freaking wonderful! Good lord, all the things he does for Whit. Deo was kind of like a puppy, just taking whatever scraps Whit was willing to throw his way. I just kind of wanted to say, Deo… forget about Whit, why don’t you talk to me instead? Oh and tats, I know, what is it about a guy with tats, ugg… I simply can’t get enough.
I want … more. I want enough to make the tattoo scalding my ribs and that sweet as hell kiss burned in my memory mean something more than they do.
It all is, suddenly. I realize that every minute I spend with Whit makes me more possessive, and I fucking suck at sharing.
I would say Deo and Whit kind of have that “insta-lust” than “insta-love”. The tension comes from Whit and her issues. I get why she was the way she was, but boy gosh, at times I wanted to just SLAP HER! She didn’t anger me but just frustrated me a bit.
I feel like I keep running right up to the edge of the water, but stopping before my feet dip into the waves. I can’t force myself to jump in, no matter how amazing the water may be.
Overall, Lengths was a very easy read and perfect for summer time.
For more reviews, visit Jacqueline's Reads
October 12, 2012
This book fell short for me. Which is sad, because look at that cover! It's amazing, right?
Someday I'll learn not to let pretty covers entice me...
I wanted to like this, but to be honest, I couldn't get attached to any of the characters, or their supposed "love" story. It was the cliche young stupid girl with problems meets young stupid boy with problems and their love makes everything perfect kind of book. And maybe I've just read it too many times, but it definitely didn't work because I believed none of it. The characters felt under-developed, as did their connection. I wanted more. I wanted to believe, and it just never happened.
Somehow though, I managed to make it through the entire thing, get to 99%, and then they had to go and reference that book. You know what I'm talking about.
Instant flounce.
Someday I'll learn not to let pretty covers entice me...
I wanted to like this, but to be honest, I couldn't get attached to any of the characters, or their supposed "love" story. It was the cliche young stupid girl with problems meets young stupid boy with problems and their love makes everything perfect kind of book. And maybe I've just read it too many times, but it definitely didn't work because I believed none of it. The characters felt under-developed, as did their connection. I wanted more. I wanted to believe, and it just never happened.
Somehow though, I managed to make it through the entire thing, get to 99%, and then they had to go and reference that book. You know what I'm talking about.
Instant flounce.
August 13, 2012
Fantastisch!.....
Das ist ausgezeichnet!!!!
Sorry. Sometimes, when I get too excited I start typing like crazy, and whad’ ya know, it comes out as German!!
I was elated when I received a ARC copy of Lengths. NO! I take that back. I was doing cartwheels. I was Gabby Douglas on the uneven bars. By the way, I totally rocked it. Perfect score.
LENGTHS circles around Deo and Whit.
When they first meet it's obvious that Whit is extremely broken. Her life has been shattered into pieces and she moves away from home for a new, fresh start. She lets no one in. But Deo sees something in her. Whether she wants him to or not. The more Deo tries to move closer, Whit builds a higher wall than before.
How far will Deo go before it's too much for Whit? Before she completely breaks away?
The vibe of this book of this book had me completely infatuated. I grew up in the mid-west, I can count on one hand the amount of times I’ve been boating that didn’t start with the word Lake...
I could picture and feel the excitement. Seriously, if you focus hard enough, you can almost smell the ocean. Basically, your e-reader will become a scratch and sniff.
There are no perfect words to describe DEO. Just like his name, he’s unique, and oh so.. yummy. My allegiance is with this guy. Oh, is it ever!!
He's just so happy, and goes with the flow. Deo has his own personal baggage, but he doesn't let it bring him down.
WHIT is so edgy. She is strong in her opinions and has NO problem telling someone how she feels. The somber note of the book is focused around Whit. She battles a lot of guilt from her past. It haunts her and won't allow her to move on, and to be happy.
Deo brought the laughs. And Whit brought the serious portion of the book. Mixed together
it was perfect!!
Did I mention LENGTHS is New Adult?!? Ah, I love that word. It's steamy, edgy, and completely real. With those three words. I am sold!!
But you know what really sealed the deal with Lengths? The dynamic of the secondary characters. Deo’s interactions with his friend Cohen, his grandpa, his mother, Marigold, were complete perfection. Did I mention hysterical??
Their relationships came off effortlessly. They portrayed how regular relationship actually are.
Lengths is unputdownable!! But... did you expect anything different?
It's THE summer novel to read.
If you're looking for a steamy New Adult, PUH-LEASE pick this up. I'm a guru at novels, I will never steer you wrong!!
Bible! I swear.
I loved it enough to gift it to my sister. And I never gift.
Ever.
Das ist ausgezeichnet!!!!
Sorry. Sometimes, when I get too excited I start typing like crazy, and whad’ ya know, it comes out as German!!
I was elated when I received a ARC copy of Lengths. NO! I take that back. I was doing cartwheels. I was Gabby Douglas on the uneven bars. By the way, I totally rocked it. Perfect score.
LENGTHS circles around Deo and Whit.
When they first meet it's obvious that Whit is extremely broken. Her life has been shattered into pieces and she moves away from home for a new, fresh start. She lets no one in. But Deo sees something in her. Whether she wants him to or not. The more Deo tries to move closer, Whit builds a higher wall than before.
How far will Deo go before it's too much for Whit? Before she completely breaks away?
The vibe of this book of this book had me completely infatuated. I grew up in the mid-west, I can count on one hand the amount of times I’ve been boating that didn’t start with the word Lake...
I could picture and feel the excitement. Seriously, if you focus hard enough, you can almost smell the ocean. Basically, your e-reader will become a scratch and sniff.
There are no perfect words to describe DEO. Just like his name, he’s unique, and oh so.. yummy. My allegiance is with this guy. Oh, is it ever!!
He's just so happy, and goes with the flow. Deo has his own personal baggage, but he doesn't let it bring him down.
WHIT is so edgy. She is strong in her opinions and has NO problem telling someone how she feels. The somber note of the book is focused around Whit. She battles a lot of guilt from her past. It haunts her and won't allow her to move on, and to be happy.
Deo brought the laughs. And Whit brought the serious portion of the book. Mixed together
it was perfect!!
Did I mention LENGTHS is New Adult?!? Ah, I love that word. It's steamy, edgy, and completely real. With those three words. I am sold!!
But you know what really sealed the deal with Lengths? The dynamic of the secondary characters. Deo’s interactions with his friend Cohen, his grandpa, his mother, Marigold, were complete perfection. Did I mention hysterical??
Their relationships came off effortlessly. They portrayed how regular relationship actually are.
Lengths is unputdownable!! But... did you expect anything different?
It's THE summer novel to read.
If you're looking for a steamy New Adult, PUH-LEASE pick this up. I'm a guru at novels, I will never steer you wrong!!
Bible! I swear.
I loved it enough to gift it to my sister. And I never gift.
Ever.
August 21, 2012
“This is part of me now?”
“It can mean whatever you want it to mean. Like, maybe it means that you can’t change the past. You can’t right the wrongs. But, I don’t know, you can try to make something meaningful of the future, you know?”
Sounds deep but I’ll say that perhaps the author was trying to skip around some depressing subjects in a light hearted way. Overall, I’d consider this a typical romance, spiced up by some steamy scenes with two almost likeable characters. Deo seemed sweet over Whit but I still didn’t get that hot damn, swoonable vibe out of him. Then there’s Whit who, well, annoyed me most of the time. Admittedly, most female leads irritate me in some way. Why? Well, in this case, I thought her reasons to avoid a loving relationship with Deo were weak. What Whit!?? You can’t date a guy you actually like because it doesn’t follow your plan to live life to the fullest? Oh! (palm to forehead) That’s right, it does make perfect sense to only want f@ck buddies. F@ck buddies make the world go round while giving you cake and letting you eat it too.
I just couldn’t relate the characters and the “conflict” or the insta-love connection but it was an easy read. Thank goodness for the makeout sessions. Those at least kept the pages turning beyond the fluff. Perfect for something at the beach or that doesn’t require more than one eye open and half brain function.
August 30, 2012
As you probably know by now, I am completely obsessed with New Adult books. Ever since I read Easy by Tammara Webber, I can’t seem to get enough of these books. I’ve found that they are exactly what I am looking for in a book. We get older characters, which doesn’t mean they are more mature. In fact, most of them have some major issues they have to oversome. We also get to deal with more mature issues and one of my favorite things I love about New Adult book is that we don’t have to deal with any high school issues or drama! Of course, my absolute favorite thing is that the author gets to push the envelope a little bit further. I have a new rule: anything that Nyrae Dawn recommends, I will read! When she posted the gorgeous cover of Lengths on her blog, I immediately added it to my TBR list and stalked Goodreads to see when it would be released. I bought it as soon as it was released and was hooked withing the first couple pages.
22 year old Deo is unemployed, has no real direction in life and is living with his grandfather. His mom gifts him a tattoo from one of her “friends” and that is where he meets Whit. She dresses and acts tough but Deo can tell that it’s all an act and he is dying to find out who the real Whit is. Unfortunately, Whit moved to California for a fresh new start and she does not plan on letting anyone get close to her. Having a boyfriend is not in the plans, having a special “friend” however is fine with her. This is how Deo and Whit start off. She convinces herself that their relationship is only based on sex and everytime Deo tries to prove otherwise or tries to get her to open up; she shuts down and pushes him away. But Deo refusing to give up on Whit. He wants something more than a friends-with-benefits relationship and is determined to get Whit to open up and let him be a part of her life. But the more that Deo pushes her, the harder she pushes him away. Will she be able to finally let him in her life before she pushes him away for good?
I really liked this book! Out of all the New Adult books I have read, this is definitely one of the more steamy ones. It also has stronger language which doesn’t bother me but might bother some people. To me, these were all things any normal 22-year old guy might say and act. Whit was just awesome! Yes, she was frustrating at times when she kept refusing to let Deo get close to her but at the same time it was so refreshing to actually see the girl be the one who is scared of commitment and having the guy chasing her! She even had a friend who was basically her booty call. Stephanie Campbell was able to write her in a way that wasn't sleazy or trampy and I really understood why she was scared of letting anyone get close to her. And Deo was just amazing! He was sweet, funny, sarcastic and sexy as hell! Liz Reinhardt sure knows how to write her guys. I haven’t read any other books by her but after reading Lengths, they are now on my TBR list! I also have to add that Deo’s mom and grandfather were too damn funny! His mom is one of those New Age hippy people who says way too many inappropriate things and his grandpa was a classic old guy who says exactly what is on his mind.
Lengths is the second book I have read that is co-written by two authors and like the last book (My Heart For Yours by Stephanie Campbell and Jolene Perry) the writing and transition between chapters was smootha and seamless. If you are looking for a steamy New Adult book, Lengths is the perfect pick!
4.5 out of 5 sparkly stars!
Some of my favorite non-spoiler quotes from Lengths:
-“Snuggling, huh?”
“I’m an awesome snuggler. You have no idea. You know that bear on the fabric softener commercials?”
“Snuggle the bear?” She giggles. I notice she has a whole sweep of freckles on her nose and cheeks.
“That’s the one. I taught that fucker everything he knows, no joke.”
-What happens in the night doesn’t get talked about during the day. That’s they way it works with us.
-She shimmies her dress down her legs and grabs at the elastic waistband of her thong. I put my hands over hers and shake my head, begging her to let me do these sexy-as-fuck things I’ve thought about a million times in my endless morning showers.
-“But what else is there? I know four things about you, and I’m under your spell. Imagine if I knew seven or eight things! I’d be your slave forever.”
-Everything in my pants scream mutiny, but I swallow hard and shake my head. “Not interested in sex. Talking, yeah. Sex, no way.”
She chews on her bottom lip befre she looks at me, a cool, are in her eyes. “Get out then.”
-“You have it all backward. It’s not clinging to someone that ruins everything. It’s never grabbing on in the first place.”
-“What you and I had was the most intense thing I’ve even felt, but if it’s pver for you, just kick me hard enough so I’ll remember the pain and stay out of your way.”
***
Read more of my reviews and author interviews at:
www.MostlyYABookObsessed.com
September 29, 2012
So, those of you who follow me on Twitter know how I felt about this book. I'm going to try to stay coherent in this rant because, as writer myself, I know it sucks when people hate your book. But, well, I really hated this book.
Actually, it wasn't the book I hated, it was the heroine. I just...*hated* her. In found her to be selfish and immature and cruel and a huge, huge coward. I tried to have sympathy for the thing (the reason given) that apparently caused her to be this way (although, as we later find out, she'd always been this selfish and immature) but I just couldn't.
I've read plenty of grief books and I don't think I've ever had this type of visceral hatred toward a grieving character. I mean, I know grief can do things to a person--sometimes it can change them in highly unflattering ways--and I usually can give a little leeway because of that, but I just couldn't give her this. Whit used her grief as an excuse for EVERYTHING, and at times it made sense, but at others it made absolutely none. She constantly blamed everything on everyone else, she ran away, she pulled away, she refused to "deviate from her independence." And she was an absolute b**ch to Deo.
I honestly have no idea what Deo saw in her. He had his faults, yes. He had no ambition, was lazy about getting a job, drank when he was upset, etc, etc. But he was not nearly as annoying or horrible as Whit. I actually sort of liked him, his friend Cohen, his mom, his grandpa, and Rocko. They were all quirky and fun.
Really, my issues were squarely with Whit. Up until the very last couple of pages, she never changed--and I'm not even sure she changed all that much by then. I just...no...I just didn't like her, and the fact that Deo did sort of made me dislike him too. Yes, I found her that horrible.
I realize this is a self-published book, but there were a lot of typos, grammatical errors, and spelling errors. A lot of them would have been easily caught if it had been read through just one more time. And really, I can look past that to an extent when the story is good and characters are engaging, which, unfortunately, this one was not for me.
I know I've done a lot of complaining, but there were a couple of bright spots to this. 1. The sex scenes were hot (helloooooo door sex!). 2. Deo was sweet and sexy at times. 3. Deo's family cracked me up.
And really, that's all. I would not recommend this to friends. Most of them prefer the types of stories I do, and the characters I do, so this would definitely not work for them either.
Actually, it wasn't the book I hated, it was the heroine. I just...*hated* her. In found her to be selfish and immature and cruel and a huge, huge coward. I tried to have sympathy for the thing (the reason given) that apparently caused her to be this way (although, as we later find out, she'd always been this selfish and immature) but I just couldn't.
I've read plenty of grief books and I don't think I've ever had this type of visceral hatred toward a grieving character. I mean, I know grief can do things to a person--sometimes it can change them in highly unflattering ways--and I usually can give a little leeway because of that, but I just couldn't give her this. Whit used her grief as an excuse for EVERYTHING, and at times it made sense, but at others it made absolutely none. She constantly blamed everything on everyone else, she ran away, she pulled away, she refused to "deviate from her independence." And she was an absolute b**ch to Deo.
I honestly have no idea what Deo saw in her. He had his faults, yes. He had no ambition, was lazy about getting a job, drank when he was upset, etc, etc. But he was not nearly as annoying or horrible as Whit. I actually sort of liked him, his friend Cohen, his mom, his grandpa, and Rocko. They were all quirky and fun.
Really, my issues were squarely with Whit. Up until the very last couple of pages, she never changed--and I'm not even sure she changed all that much by then. I just...no...I just didn't like her, and the fact that Deo did sort of made me dislike him too. Yes, I found her that horrible.
I realize this is a self-published book, but there were a lot of typos, grammatical errors, and spelling errors. A lot of them would have been easily caught if it had been read through just one more time. And really, I can look past that to an extent when the story is good and characters are engaging, which, unfortunately, this one was not for me.
I know I've done a lot of complaining, but there were a couple of bright spots to this. 1. The sex scenes were hot (helloooooo door sex!). 2. Deo was sweet and sexy at times. 3. Deo's family cracked me up.
And really, that's all. I would not recommend this to friends. Most of them prefer the types of stories I do, and the characters I do, so this would definitely not work for them either.
August 26, 2012
I'm on the fence with this one, I didn't hate it but I can't say I really liked it either. It was a sexy little romance read, but nothing that will stand out amongst others in the genre.
I really didn't connect with Whit at all, I felt like she was overly dramatic about the things going on in her life when it comes to her behavior towards Deo. From the way she acts and the icy thoughts she has about relationships, I thought the 'secret' she carries around with her was going to be something traumatic with an ex or abuse from a family member. When it's revealed, my thought was "yeah, so??". I mean, yes it's an upsetting event in her past, but it wasn't something that would lead to her behavior now, so she just kind of comes across as bitchy and indecisive to me.
Deo, he cracked me up. The whole beach bum act kind of grated on my nerves after awhile, but he was funny and I loved that his mind was always in the gutter!! He's just a sexy, funny, sweet, devoted guy and he was probably the only thing I really loved about this story. I must say, though, his interactions with his mother and grandfather were just annoying. He's a grown man and his mother openly talks with him about both his and her own sex life, and his grandfather has these guy talks with him as if he's a horny 20-something. I guess it explains Deo's mind being on only one thing most of the time, but it was just weird.
Overall, the steamy scenes were hot, the romance was sweet and spicy enough to keep me interested, and I was happy with the ending. The rest, I could either take it or leave it and that's why I'm left with a 3-star rating.
I really didn't connect with Whit at all, I felt like she was overly dramatic about the things going on in her life when it comes to her behavior towards Deo. From the way she acts and the icy thoughts she has about relationships, I thought the 'secret' she carries around with her was going to be something traumatic with an ex or abuse from a family member. When it's revealed, my thought was "yeah, so??". I mean, yes it's an upsetting event in her past, but it wasn't something that would lead to her behavior now, so she just kind of comes across as bitchy and indecisive to me.
Deo, he cracked me up. The whole beach bum act kind of grated on my nerves after awhile, but he was funny and I loved that his mind was always in the gutter!! He's just a sexy, funny, sweet, devoted guy and he was probably the only thing I really loved about this story. I must say, though, his interactions with his mother and grandfather were just annoying. He's a grown man and his mother openly talks with him about both his and her own sex life, and his grandfather has these guy talks with him as if he's a horny 20-something. I guess it explains Deo's mind being on only one thing most of the time, but it was just weird.
Overall, the steamy scenes were hot, the romance was sweet and spicy enough to keep me interested, and I was happy with the ending. The rest, I could either take it or leave it and that's why I'm left with a 3-star rating.
August 11, 2012
Wow the wait for Lengths just about killed me here are my review updates while I was waiting. July= I can't wait to see what these to authors have come up with
EDIT 27th July 2012= I cant wait I love the cover and premise.NEED NOW!!!!! EDIT 9th Aug 2012= ARGHHHHHH its out a last and on my kindle *happy dance*. So now I have read Lengths I can honestly say the wait was so worth it. Whit and Deo are great characters that you just root for and want them to get together and pull there shit together also. The epilogue rocked gotta love the fifty ref. I love all the New Adult books out there and how indie authors are really bringing to the for front and making YA even better. Liz Reinhardt+Steph Campbell+New Adult= the most freaking awesome novel.
EDIT 27th July 2012= I cant wait I love the cover and premise.NEED NOW!!!!! EDIT 9th Aug 2012= ARGHHHHHH its out a last and on my kindle *happy dance*. So now I have read Lengths I can honestly say the wait was so worth it. Whit and Deo are great characters that you just root for and want them to get together and pull there shit together also. The epilogue rocked gotta love the fifty ref. I love all the New Adult books out there and how indie authors are really bringing to the for front and making YA even better. Liz Reinhardt+Steph Campbell+New Adult= the most freaking awesome novel.
October 13, 2013
This was a good, quick read. Some of the things people didn't like about the book I did (ie: casual sex, drinking). I see what people don't like about it but I liked it because it made it more realistic. I loved all the characters and the story- just wish it was a bit longer. I felt like the character development was a bit rushed. I still enjoyed it.
did-not-finish
February 18, 2016I just couldn't get into this one.
May try it again, may not. Who knows.
May try it again, may not. Who knows.
August 20, 2012
HOLY MOTHER OF. WOW!
I am a big Liz Reinhardt fan, the woman is wicked with words, and by wicked I of course mean WICKEDLY AWESOME! I had the opportunity to reveal the cover for this book, which I love, and was very excited to be asked to review the book!
Steph and Liz have made a beautiful writing baby together. Lengths is the perfect combination of their writing styles and voices, when I was reading it I couldn't even tell apart the parts that they each created. They blend so well, and are really a wonderful team! I am definitely looking forward to some more Liz/Steph books, did you hear that ladies? ;)
This book honestly makes me swoon just thinking about it! It's sexy and fun, but also deep with meaningful characters who have been through a lot. Not only is there heart racing chemistry, there's an intense and dramatic story-line that unfolds.
The character detail is my favorite part of Lengths, the reader doesn't have to guess what Deo or Whit look like; the authors have painted an excellent picture of everything found within the pages. The character contrast between Deo and Whit is another favorite aspect of mine. Opposites attract, right? We're also given an Abby-Travis like relationship/friendship, which was fantastically done, one that is so strong and built up in the best way imaginable. Lengths is one of those love stories that I will go back and reread A LOT!
New Adult is probably my new favorite category. It gives all of us looking for that in between YA and not quite adult a genre to look out for (not that I'm looking for a way out of YA, I love YA, but sometimes I need a little more.. you know, just more). This book is fantabulous and one of my new favorites! I've had Grounding Quinn by Steph Campbell for a while now and haven't read it, it's definitely one of my next reads!
I am a big Liz Reinhardt fan, the woman is wicked with words, and by wicked I of course mean WICKEDLY AWESOME! I had the opportunity to reveal the cover for this book, which I love, and was very excited to be asked to review the book!
Steph and Liz have made a beautiful writing baby together. Lengths is the perfect combination of their writing styles and voices, when I was reading it I couldn't even tell apart the parts that they each created. They blend so well, and are really a wonderful team! I am definitely looking forward to some more Liz/Steph books, did you hear that ladies? ;)
This book honestly makes me swoon just thinking about it! It's sexy and fun, but also deep with meaningful characters who have been through a lot. Not only is there heart racing chemistry, there's an intense and dramatic story-line that unfolds.
The character detail is my favorite part of Lengths, the reader doesn't have to guess what Deo or Whit look like; the authors have painted an excellent picture of everything found within the pages. The character contrast between Deo and Whit is another favorite aspect of mine. Opposites attract, right? We're also given an Abby-Travis like relationship/friendship, which was fantastically done, one that is so strong and built up in the best way imaginable. Lengths is one of those love stories that I will go back and reread A LOT!
New Adult is probably my new favorite category. It gives all of us looking for that in between YA and not quite adult a genre to look out for (not that I'm looking for a way out of YA, I love YA, but sometimes I need a little more.. you know, just more). This book is fantabulous and one of my new favorites! I've had Grounding Quinn by Steph Campbell for a while now and haven't read it, it's definitely one of my next reads!
August 13, 2012
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE REVIEWS AT READING, EATING AND DREAMING I WAS BLAIR WALDORF
So, I just finished Lengths by Steph Campbell and Liz Reinhardt and I have a huge cheesy grin on my face.
I seriously can't stop smiling.
Lengths is a fun, sexy novel about finding yourself, falling in love, and letting go. Told in Whit and Deo's alternating perspectives, Lengths is a heartwarming contemporary romance novel for mature young adults. In my opinion, Lengths has the perfect mix of fun, hot, and serious.
At the beginning of this novel, Whit and Deo are both struggling in their own ways. Whit is running from her past, trying to make a fresh start on her own. She's coping with a huge loss and is burdened with guilt. She is trying to reinvent herself and trying to find herself at the same time. Deo is just a kite flying in the wind. He doesn't really have any direction or drive. But what he lacks in ambition he certainly makes up for in other areas, like with his good looks, charm, and sex appeal.
On the night before his twenty-second birthday, Deo meets Whit for the first time. Whit has walls. Lots of walls. But Deo is drawn to her. He wants her. Whit wants him too, but she can't really build a future with anyone until she deals with her past.
Lengths is a sweet story about letting go, opening your heart, and falling in love. It's about the magic of friendships and how a great friendship can lead to more.
I gave Lengths by Steph Campbell and Liz Reinhardt 4 STARS. I STRONGLY recommend this heartwarming romance novel to MATURE young adults.
-XOXO
READING, EATING AND DREAMING
So, I just finished Lengths by Steph Campbell and Liz Reinhardt and I have a huge cheesy grin on my face.
I seriously can't stop smiling.
Lengths is a fun, sexy novel about finding yourself, falling in love, and letting go. Told in Whit and Deo's alternating perspectives, Lengths is a heartwarming contemporary romance novel for mature young adults. In my opinion, Lengths has the perfect mix of fun, hot, and serious.
At the beginning of this novel, Whit and Deo are both struggling in their own ways. Whit is running from her past, trying to make a fresh start on her own. She's coping with a huge loss and is burdened with guilt. She is trying to reinvent herself and trying to find herself at the same time. Deo is just a kite flying in the wind. He doesn't really have any direction or drive. But what he lacks in ambition he certainly makes up for in other areas, like with his good looks, charm, and sex appeal.
On the night before his twenty-second birthday, Deo meets Whit for the first time. Whit has walls. Lots of walls. But Deo is drawn to her. He wants her. Whit wants him too, but she can't really build a future with anyone until she deals with her past.
Lengths is a sweet story about letting go, opening your heart, and falling in love. It's about the magic of friendships and how a great friendship can lead to more.
I gave Lengths by Steph Campbell and Liz Reinhardt 4 STARS. I STRONGLY recommend this heartwarming romance novel to MATURE young adults.
-XOXO
READING, EATING AND DREAMING
September 9, 2012
First off before I get into my like and dislike of this story I must state that this is for a mature YA. I would say 16+.
Now on to the good,the bad, and the ugly.......
The good I started out loving this book. The minute Whit and Deo meet I felt sparks and couldn't wait to see the relationship evolve. The first intimate moment in his jeep was so Hot!!! One thing I would give 5 stars to and that was the sex!!!! My kindle was smokin! It is obvious Whit is using sex as a coping mechanism. But man her and Deo are so HOT who cares ;) I was reminded along the way of many romances that I love.
Then it happens the bad! I just didn't like the on again off again between Whit and Deo that for me was frustrating.
I understand Whit was dealing with a tragedy and was imploding but the author didn't do enough with her character that allowed me to forgive her the way he does . I also found her interaction with his Mom quite odd I never felt a bond form and it felt a little contrived. I usually love alternating POV's but in this case it didn't work the writing seemed choppy and didn't flow.
The ugly!! I am sad to say this book could have been a 5 star plus but is more like a 3.5. It has some really great moments just not enough of them for me. Deo was hot ,loyal and loving. Whit is great when she's sexing with Deo but on her own I found her blahhhh!!!
Now on to the good,the bad, and the ugly.......
The good I started out loving this book. The minute Whit and Deo meet I felt sparks and couldn't wait to see the relationship evolve. The first intimate moment in his jeep was so Hot!!! One thing I would give 5 stars to and that was the sex!!!! My kindle was smokin! It is obvious Whit is using sex as a coping mechanism. But man her and Deo are so HOT who cares ;) I was reminded along the way of many romances that I love.
Then it happens the bad! I just didn't like the on again off again between Whit and Deo that for me was frustrating.
I understand Whit was dealing with a tragedy and was imploding but the author didn't do enough with her character that allowed me to forgive her the way he does . I also found her interaction with his Mom quite odd I never felt a bond form and it felt a little contrived. I usually love alternating POV's but in this case it didn't work the writing seemed choppy and didn't flow.
The ugly!! I am sad to say this book could have been a 5 star plus but is more like a 3.5. It has some really great moments just not enough of them for me. Deo was hot ,loyal and loving. Whit is great when she's sexing with Deo but on her own I found her blahhhh!!!
August 22, 2012
Other than the strange relationships that Deo[dorant] had with his mother and grandfather - one who would butt in on his sex life, the other who they would insult each other like they were peers - Lengths didn't leave me with any mad love for the characters.
I often don't mind profanity in books because I curse, too.
But in this book's case, a lot of the cursing was incredibly misplaced and unnecessary.
...heavy as a fucking ton of cement on our shoulders...she'll meet some fuckwad...that thought makes me see fucking red...smash the fucking machine into fifty fucking pieces...how the fuck does fucking Louise think Whit is going to figure it out?...she's going to fucking crack...
All this in just 8 paragraphs, some appearing twice in a single sentence.
Shock value, perhaps?
There was such a heavy emphasis on the word that I wouldn't have been surprised if this book's agenda was to give us creative ways on how to use it in conversations, other than the clear psychotic relationship between Deo and Whit that was all about fucking and fighting.
It all became so distracting that I couldn't focus on the story, my eyes just waiting to point out the next F-bomb.
When you have over 20 F-bombs thrown around in a chapter, how can it not distract you from what is happening?
I lost interest in the book, skipping over to the last page.
I often don't mind profanity in books because I curse, too.
But in this book's case, a lot of the cursing was incredibly misplaced and unnecessary.
...heavy as a fucking ton of cement on our shoulders...she'll meet some fuckwad...that thought makes me see fucking red...smash the fucking machine into fifty fucking pieces...how the fuck does fucking Louise think Whit is going to figure it out?...she's going to fucking crack...
All this in just 8 paragraphs, some appearing twice in a single sentence.
Shock value, perhaps?
There was such a heavy emphasis on the word that I wouldn't have been surprised if this book's agenda was to give us creative ways on how to use it in conversations, other than the clear psychotic relationship between Deo and Whit that was all about fucking and fighting.
It all became so distracting that I couldn't focus on the story, my eyes just waiting to point out the next F-bomb.
When you have over 20 F-bombs thrown around in a chapter, how can it not distract you from what is happening?
I lost interest in the book, skipping over to the last page.
June 7, 2013
I read a lor of good reviews about this book and I decided to give it a try. I thought it would a fun and enjoyable read. But after starting to read it, it was anything but fun. I had to FORCE myself to keep reading because it was that boring.
The two main chracters had seemed likeable at first but as the book went on,they go really annoying.
Deo was a complete bum with no prospects in life, and Whit's overwhelming sense of guilt was overdone to the point that it became unbelievable.
The timing of the book was really confusing and way too jumpy. One minute Whit and Deo are only attracted to one another (physically) and then all of a sudden their in love and mean't to be? I would have liked to see the authors put more detail into their relationship instead of just skipping to the future so quick. At one point, I had no idea that the book had already skipped two months ahead because nothing had changed and they had been no character development.
Overall this book was okay, but I would not read it again nor would I recommend it to a friend. I only gave it 2 stars because I'm in a good mood.
The two main chracters had seemed likeable at first but as the book went on,they go really annoying.
Deo was a complete bum with no prospects in life, and Whit's overwhelming sense of guilt was overdone to the point that it became unbelievable.
The timing of the book was really confusing and way too jumpy. One minute Whit and Deo are only attracted to one another (physically) and then all of a sudden their in love and mean't to be? I would have liked to see the authors put more detail into their relationship instead of just skipping to the future so quick. At one point, I had no idea that the book had already skipped two months ahead because nothing had changed and they had been no character development.
Overall this book was okay, but I would not read it again nor would I recommend it to a friend. I only gave it 2 stars because I'm in a good mood.
August 15, 2012
this is more a 3 & 1/2 star
:)
altho i did enjoy this book it felt like it lacked the emotional ride that i need in a book .
the character of Whit sort of gave me whip lash with her on again off again issue
I found the character of Deo more enjoyable & his pov was better written , how ever even tho i found his character loveable & even sexy at times ,i couldnt conect with him as an adult hero . He just came across to me as a teenage boy & i found that hard to see him as a series love interest :(
i luv both Liz & Stephs work normally & that leads me to think that mayb i was just looking for a more intence read at the time so my judgement of this book might be off .....so pls do go take a look at this book coz it might just be my mood lol
I will give the book this much :) it was a light read with a beautiful story where the hero is suprisingly mentally & emotionally strong concidering his surfbum-teenage boy -slackness lol
ok got to go ;)
peace out peeps
:)
altho i did enjoy this book it felt like it lacked the emotional ride that i need in a book .
the character of Whit sort of gave me whip lash with her on again off again issue
I found the character of Deo more enjoyable & his pov was better written , how ever even tho i found his character loveable & even sexy at times ,i couldnt conect with him as an adult hero . He just came across to me as a teenage boy & i found that hard to see him as a series love interest :(
i luv both Liz & Stephs work normally & that leads me to think that mayb i was just looking for a more intence read at the time so my judgement of this book might be off .....so pls do go take a look at this book coz it might just be my mood lol
I will give the book this much :) it was a light read with a beautiful story where the hero is suprisingly mentally & emotionally strong concidering his surfbum-teenage boy -slackness lol
ok got to go ;)
peace out peeps
August 13, 2012
Smart. Witty. Fun and Sweet.
I really enjoyed this read. It was engaging, romantic and I couldn’t get enough of the cleaver writing. Whit and Deo were broken in so many ways but their amazing journey to finding their way together was fresh and exciting. Whit was tough and stubborn and though she let fear keep her feelings hidden, she was gentle and caring. Deo was adorable and so charming in his surfer slacker ways! I can’t imagine anyone not liking his character and finding him completely hilarious with his one liners. I’m definitely a fan of these two authors and I hope they come together to do more great things!
I really enjoyed this read. It was engaging, romantic and I couldn’t get enough of the cleaver writing. Whit and Deo were broken in so many ways but their amazing journey to finding their way together was fresh and exciting. Whit was tough and stubborn and though she let fear keep her feelings hidden, she was gentle and caring. Deo was adorable and so charming in his surfer slacker ways! I can’t imagine anyone not liking his character and finding him completely hilarious with his one liners. I’m definitely a fan of these two authors and I hope they come together to do more great things!
Read
January 14, 2014Couldn't even finish this one....
Read
August 10, 2017Crazy-sweet-funny-hot-surfer named Deo. Need I say more?
January 24, 2021
It was fine, slow, the attitude of Whit I did not like,
August 20, 2012
This review was originally posted on my blog.
All right, so what can I say. It was a light read and I pretty much enjoyed it the whole way through. I thought the flirty behaviour between Deo and Whit was sizzling and the way they first got together was both sweet and exciting.
“Seriously, Whit? I’m considering growing out my toenails so I can get a better grip on the edge of the mattress. I have, like, six inches top. You sleep like a bus wreck.”
Characters. Whit is trying to figure out her life since it took a very wrong turn at one point and now she's trying her hardest to fix things for herself. She blames herself for something terrible and cannot seem to be able to forget it. So she travels all the way to California to set up a new life. Whit has left her parents, is in a 'no strings attached' relationship and attends college without having a major. She's all about living the life to the fullest because she learned her lesson that life is freaking short and it can end at any minute.
Deo is a free spirit. The book begins with his 22 birthday. He doesn't work nor does he study. What Deo does is surf, smoke weed and casual dates with different girls. He kind of has this 'I know I can't make it, so why bother' attitude. Oh, and he's got the coolest Mom (Marigold - what an awesome name that is). She's like a hippie or something. A true nature's child. She gives some of the best advice and I love her caring, free, fun personality. Rocko - Whit's boss (at a tattoo shop where Deo and Whit first meet) and Marigold's boyfriend is also pretty darn awesome and I enjoyed his scenes very much.
There were two characters that caught my eye in addition to the already mentioned ones - Cohen and Deo's Grandfather. Ha. His Grandpa made me smile on so many occasions, he was a cool dude and I think anyone would be delighted to have him as a Granddad. Cohen (brings back memories of Seth freaking Cohen, ugh, loved his character on the O.C.) is Deo's best friend and I gathered that they've been through some of the crazyest things together and it's fun to see such bromance. I'm all about #teambromance. Cohen cracked me up so many times. Like literally he made me laugh for minutes. And it warmed my heart how supportive he was with his words and still managed to be a man through it all. That dude has got some skills, I tell ya.
“If I were Deo Beckett, what would I do?” He studies the bottle in his hand. “Well, I wouldn’t be a fucking bum, first of all. I’d crawl under my bed and pull out all those gold coins I’d been hoarding like Gollum—”
“Is this another Lord of the Rings reference?” I groan.
“If you’d read Tolkien, like I did, maybe you wouldn’t be the unmotivated loser you are today,” Cohen observes.
“Dude, you run your parents’ furniture store,” I point out.
Plot. So I liked the characters. That much I can say. I even liked the plot. It was intriguing, thrilling, sweet, sad, very emotional and yeah, I enjoyed it. Mostly. What I didn't enjoy was the progress of Deo and Whit's relationship. They like each other. They go out. They fight. They're friends. They flirt. They start seeing each other (for two weeks). They have a huge fight over nothing (or sometimes over the secrets Whit's hiding). They break up. They ignore each other. They make up. They break up. They make up. They break up. Repeat cycle. It was like a neverending catastrophe. However, even if it did bother me a little, there were still some of the sweetest, sexiest, most amazing and devastating scenes and it was great to live out my emotions through this book.
Do I recommend? Heck yeah! It's not something original nor is it a master piece, but it was entertaining and the characters sucked me in with their everyday problems, grief, future plans, hilarious oneliners and the make up scenes were 100°C hot. It's a light read suitable for a day at the beach or after an exhausting day at work, for instance. Yeah, it was good.
All right, so what can I say. It was a light read and I pretty much enjoyed it the whole way through. I thought the flirty behaviour between Deo and Whit was sizzling and the way they first got together was both sweet and exciting.
“Seriously, Whit? I’m considering growing out my toenails so I can get a better grip on the edge of the mattress. I have, like, six inches top. You sleep like a bus wreck.”
Characters. Whit is trying to figure out her life since it took a very wrong turn at one point and now she's trying her hardest to fix things for herself. She blames herself for something terrible and cannot seem to be able to forget it. So she travels all the way to California to set up a new life. Whit has left her parents, is in a 'no strings attached' relationship and attends college without having a major. She's all about living the life to the fullest because she learned her lesson that life is freaking short and it can end at any minute.
Deo is a free spirit. The book begins with his 22 birthday. He doesn't work nor does he study. What Deo does is surf, smoke weed and casual dates with different girls. He kind of has this 'I know I can't make it, so why bother' attitude. Oh, and he's got the coolest Mom (Marigold - what an awesome name that is). She's like a hippie or something. A true nature's child. She gives some of the best advice and I love her caring, free, fun personality. Rocko - Whit's boss (at a tattoo shop where Deo and Whit first meet) and Marigold's boyfriend is also pretty darn awesome and I enjoyed his scenes very much.
There were two characters that caught my eye in addition to the already mentioned ones - Cohen and Deo's Grandfather. Ha. His Grandpa made me smile on so many occasions, he was a cool dude and I think anyone would be delighted to have him as a Granddad. Cohen (brings back memories of Seth freaking Cohen, ugh, loved his character on the O.C.) is Deo's best friend and I gathered that they've been through some of the crazyest things together and it's fun to see such bromance. I'm all about #teambromance. Cohen cracked me up so many times. Like literally he made me laugh for minutes. And it warmed my heart how supportive he was with his words and still managed to be a man through it all. That dude has got some skills, I tell ya.
“If I were Deo Beckett, what would I do?” He studies the bottle in his hand. “Well, I wouldn’t be a fucking bum, first of all. I’d crawl under my bed and pull out all those gold coins I’d been hoarding like Gollum—”
“Is this another Lord of the Rings reference?” I groan.
“If you’d read Tolkien, like I did, maybe you wouldn’t be the unmotivated loser you are today,” Cohen observes.
“Dude, you run your parents’ furniture store,” I point out.
Plot. So I liked the characters. That much I can say. I even liked the plot. It was intriguing, thrilling, sweet, sad, very emotional and yeah, I enjoyed it. Mostly. What I didn't enjoy was the progress of Deo and Whit's relationship. They like each other. They go out. They fight. They're friends. They flirt. They start seeing each other (for two weeks). They have a huge fight over nothing (or sometimes over the secrets Whit's hiding). They break up. They ignore each other. They make up. They break up. They make up. They break up. Repeat cycle. It was like a neverending catastrophe. However, even if it did bother me a little, there were still some of the sweetest, sexiest, most amazing and devastating scenes and it was great to live out my emotions through this book.
Do I recommend? Heck yeah! It's not something original nor is it a master piece, but it was entertaining and the characters sucked me in with their everyday problems, grief, future plans, hilarious oneliners and the make up scenes were 100°C hot. It's a light read suitable for a day at the beach or after an exhausting day at work, for instance. Yeah, it was good.
September 1, 2012
This book surprised me. When I first started reading it, I didn't think I was gonna like it as much as I did. The characters really grew on me.
It starts out with Deo. A surfer beach bum slacker with no ambitions in life. No job, no prospects but a lot of personality. He meets Whit. A guilt ridden, closed off girl who is running away from painful memories of the past.
At first I didn't really care for Whit, but as the story went on I understood her more and by the end of the book I really liked her. In fact the person she was at the end of the book was great. Happy and open. I liked seeing the new carefree side of her. It made her a much more likeable character.
Deo was hilarious. His whole family was hilarious, but his wit and humor was great. He was such a one of a kind character. He will stick out in my memory for a long time I think. I loved how youthful this book sounded. It didn't sound like the author was trying to hard, it just sounded natural.
I'd like to read a story about Cohen next. I liked his character. Supportive, but still able to tell his friend what he needs to hear to get him off his lazy butt. I liked the dynamic between the two friends.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FAVORITE QUOTES
This first quote was taken from their first date. Deo drunk dialed her the night before and she commented on how chipper he was for being so drunk the night before.
"My grandpa has a secret recipe," I confess. "When we go out and get sleazy drunk I'll bring you back to my place and give it to you before we...snuggle." I box her against the car and she leans back with a lazy, sweet smile.
"You have pretty high hopes of our supposed future dates." She narrows her big brown eyes at me, but she can't totally tuck away a smile. "Snuggling, huh?"
"I'm an awesome snuggler. You have no idea. You know that bear on the fabric softener commercials?"
"Snuggle the bear?" She giggles. I notice she has a whole sweep of freckles on her nose and cheeks.
"Thats the one. I taught that f***er everything he knows, no joke." Her laugh loosens something good and happy in me. I stretch my arms wide. "You want a little sample?"
~Deo and Whit
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I go still. Stone still. Ice statue still. Han Solo in carbonite still.
~Deo's narrative
This made me laugh.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LOVED his grandpa. He was such a great addition to the story.
"When did you get so old? You need a walker?"
"I need a cane so I can smack you upside the f***ing head with it!" he calls back. "What's your ugly mug doing back here? I thought you were shacked up with that pretty little thing with those miles of legs, staying out of my damn hair. Why don't you bring her over, by the way? Afraid she'll leave you for a real man when she sees me?"
~Deo and his grandfather
It starts out with Deo. A surfer beach bum slacker with no ambitions in life. No job, no prospects but a lot of personality. He meets Whit. A guilt ridden, closed off girl who is running away from painful memories of the past.
At first I didn't really care for Whit, but as the story went on I understood her more and by the end of the book I really liked her. In fact the person she was at the end of the book was great. Happy and open. I liked seeing the new carefree side of her. It made her a much more likeable character.
Deo was hilarious. His whole family was hilarious, but his wit and humor was great. He was such a one of a kind character. He will stick out in my memory for a long time I think. I loved how youthful this book sounded. It didn't sound like the author was trying to hard, it just sounded natural.
I'd like to read a story about Cohen next. I liked his character. Supportive, but still able to tell his friend what he needs to hear to get him off his lazy butt. I liked the dynamic between the two friends.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FAVORITE QUOTES
This first quote was taken from their first date. Deo drunk dialed her the night before and she commented on how chipper he was for being so drunk the night before.
"My grandpa has a secret recipe," I confess. "When we go out and get sleazy drunk I'll bring you back to my place and give it to you before we...snuggle." I box her against the car and she leans back with a lazy, sweet smile.
"You have pretty high hopes of our supposed future dates." She narrows her big brown eyes at me, but she can't totally tuck away a smile. "Snuggling, huh?"
"I'm an awesome snuggler. You have no idea. You know that bear on the fabric softener commercials?"
"Snuggle the bear?" She giggles. I notice she has a whole sweep of freckles on her nose and cheeks.
"Thats the one. I taught that f***er everything he knows, no joke." Her laugh loosens something good and happy in me. I stretch my arms wide. "You want a little sample?"
~Deo and Whit
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I go still. Stone still. Ice statue still. Han Solo in carbonite still.
~Deo's narrative
This made me laugh.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LOVED his grandpa. He was such a great addition to the story.
"When did you get so old? You need a walker?"
"I need a cane so I can smack you upside the f***ing head with it!" he calls back. "What's your ugly mug doing back here? I thought you were shacked up with that pretty little thing with those miles of legs, staying out of my damn hair. Why don't you bring her over, by the way? Afraid she'll leave you for a real man when she sees me?"
~Deo and his grandfather
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