YA Buddy Readers' Corner ♥ discussion

What does it take to rise from life’s depths, swim against the current, and breathe?

Weighted down by the loss of her parents, Blythe McGuire struggles to keep her head above water as she trudges through her last year at Matthews College. Then a chance meeting sends Blythe crashing into something she doesn’t expect—an undeniable attraction to a dark-haired senior named Chris Shepherd, whose past may be even more complicated than her own. As their relationship deepens, Chris pulls Blythe out of the stupor she’s been in since the night a fire took half her family. She begins to heal, and even, haltingly, to love this guy who helps her find new paths to pleasure and self-discovery. But as Blythe moves into calmer waters, she realizes Chris is the one still strangled by his family’s traumatic history. As dark currents threaten to pull him under, Blythe may be the only person who can keep him from drowning.


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I loved Flat Out love. So I'm excited to try this one. Everyone is welcome to join me and Rachmi.

What book did you forget the prequel of? Just curious. And have you read Flat Out Love yet?

I'm so excited too, Jenna and I've read Flat-Out Love which I love, by the way. I hope this book as good as Flat-Out Love.

It's Insurgent that I'm schedule for tomorrow but I forgot about most of Divergent story. When I read first chapter last night, I thought who is who and what her/his rule is :D I guess Divergent couldn't stick around long enough in my head :D

Loved Flat Out Love too. It is easily one of my top favorites. I need to read Flat Out Matt. Haven't got to that one yet.

And I've not picked up Divergent yet. So far behind on that trend. It is on my shelf and I have to make sure I read it before the movie.

I've read Flat Out Matt and loved it too. Although it's a retelling from Matt POV, it doesn't like any companion book like Losing Hope, for example. It's a novella so it's quite a short read. Too bad since I want to read more about Matt :D

I liked and enjoyed Divergent but it didn't go as I expected. I mean people compare it to The Hunger Games which I really loved so I have high expectation when I read it. But it was quite slow and I only got the feel for last few chapters. I guess that is why it didn't stick around in my head. Yet, when I saw the movie teaser I really want to read Insurgent. I guess I just haven't had the mood now :D

Yeah. I need to read Flat Out Matt soon then. Love that whole family!

The movie trailer got me pumped too. That and how everyone was adding Four--I think--to their book boyfriend list. Hunger Games was amazing. So, that makes since about comparing. It has been a while since I've read HG so maybe it won't bug me too bad.

Okay, I'm starting chapter one of Drowning now. What times is it there?

12:02 pm I'm having lunch now and still have 6 hours at office but I try to read it between my works :D

I already love the dedication page, though :D Always love when author dedicates her/his book to everyone in common, not only someone she/he knows.

It's 1 AM here! Haha. But I am just now on chapter two.

I missed that! But just backed up and read it! I love when authors do that too. Specially for books that can show you how to push forward.

Agree, specially for books that can motivate me.

So, when I'm working you're sleeping :D How is it so far?

Kinda slow -- er maybe well paced is a better word. (Of course I could just be tired). I like it so far though. I feel like the build up is important.

Just read an interesting scene. Read this when you get finished with chapter three (view spoiler)[ are there really guys as sweet as Chris in the world? He should be creeped out by her breakdown, but he handles it beautifully. (hide spoiler)]

Glad to know that you like it so far and you make me want to read it soon, like now :D But maybe you need to put it down and go to sleep now.

Haha..your right. Hope you enjoy the book when you pick it up later!

Apparently I didn't pay attention to the blurb. When I read chapter 2 somehow I thought that Sabin will be Blythe love interest, intead of Chris. I love the way Sabin and Blythe meet for the first time. It's an awkward-unusual first meeting but also funny at the same time. I think he can be an interesting character if Jessica Park decides to write his own story. As for Chris, I agree with you, he's so sweet. I never thought he will act that way.

I get the feeling that (view spoiler)[ actually they've met each other and wondering whether Chris somehow involve with Blythe's past, the day her parents died, as her hero as she said on chapter 3 (hide spoiler)].

I was wondering that too. That seems to be a theme in NA novels. But (view spoiler)[ the hero would be a nice change from the guy who caused it. (hide spoiler)]

How far are you?

Yes, it would be a very nice change. I think YA/NA become more predictable these days. But Blythe is quite unusual for the heroine, with her drinking problem. I don't think I've read female main character who has drinking problem before, they usually good girls who meet bad boys.

I didn't read much last night since there was something I have to do. I was on chapter 6 before too sleepy to read. I'll try to read more on my way to office. How about you?

I'm only on chapter four. That other book jumped into my view. But I'm curious about Blythe too. And why her brother refuses to talk to her.


So I'll def get some more reading done tonight.

I think it's because somehow he thinks that it was Blythe fault that caused their parents' death and (view spoiler)[ his injury, I think, since I haven't yet gotten enough description about him (hide spoiler)].

It's Chris' problem that I'm more curious about. (view spoiler)[maybe he has some kind of mental issue (hide spoiler)] <--- don't read if you haven't yet read until chapter 8, at least.

Oh, is it Tall, Tattered and Tempting that other book that jumped into your view?

Yeah, I peaked at and ended up reading for a hour. It is soooo good so far. I am always a sucker for a book with lots of brothers. Anyway, that's on hold for a bit till I can get through this one.

What chapter are ya on now?

I'm a sucker for characters with issue, illness and whatnot. That's why I really really want to read Tall, Tatted and Tempting after reading its blurb. This sentence drawn me to read it Logan’s not disabled; but he hasn’t spoken in eight years. He hasn’t needed to. I'll definitely read it soon :D

I only managed read 3 chapters this morning so I'm on chapter 9 now.

Okay, I should catch you then.

Books like that get me too (i own almost all of Lurlene Mcdaniels for this reason). That was the thing that hooked me into TTT. It is interesting how the author handled his not speaking. At least so far in the first few chapters! The family was a bonus. A bonus That made me really happy. I also love the elemental series and the outsiders for that reason. Haha, I'm a nerd. Yep. You should pick it up soon.

How was work today?

I'm quite busy today but I think I can manage to read a chapter or two after I finish half of my work :D Do you mean The Elemental series as in Elemental series by Brigid Kemmerer? if it's what you mean than we have another common because I love it too. But I haven't read Lurlene McDaniels books, though I've had for so long. I bought it simply because of its cover and it was on sale, like 70% off. Have you read it? what do you think?

Yeah! The one by Brigid Kemmerer! Love those books! I need to read the newest full length one. I always have trouble justifying spending so much on one book. I know it'll be worth it though. Her books always are. And Breathless with pretty awesome.

Actually I've read that one. But I think I read them separately. That's a two in one right? I cannot really remember that one that well. McDaniel books are some of the first books that ever got me really into reading. They all (or at least the older ones) feature characters dealing with sickness and/or death just in different settings. So it'll probably pull at your heart strings.

But my absolute favorite is actually about travel -- the Angel of Mercy series. I think the first is and then . They're about traveling to Africa. I've read both of those multiple times. Just talking about it makes me want to reread them. Haha! Sorry, I can gush and gush about McDaniel. Different book or series are better than others. It depends on what you like and which book you pick up Another one of my favorite series by her is . Been a while since then too. But these one always makes me cry. Of course, I really enjoy stories set in Amish country too.

Annnd...sorry -- one question ended up being a whole long answer. I really love her! At least her older stuff. I've gotten around to picking up her newer books.

I haven't yet read either. Maybe we can buddy read it? And Breathless left me breathless, literally, because it isn't enough. I want more of Nick and wish that Quinn has her own happy ending. I also really look forward of Micheal story, argh...I think I'll never enough of Merrick brothers :D

Yes, the one that I had is two stories in one book. Actually I didn't know about it when I bought it and then checked it on Goodreads. I think I'll try to read it first and if I like it, I'll read her other books, those series that you loved.

Don't worry about it, Jenna. I like reading your long answer :) I'm sure I'll do that too if you ask me about my fave authors :D

I'm still stuck at chapter 9 of Left Drowning. Still don't have time to read it. How about you?

Maybe we can buddy read Spirit. I love the Merrick's so much that I wanted more of their story instead of Hunters. Hunter is cool though. I need to read Fearless too.
Breathless was awesome. I actually really felt for Quinn and want to read more about their friendship. And I can only imagine what Gabe is going to say when he finds out that (view spoiler)[ (I don't know why I'm putting this in a spoiler box, but I am.)..... Nick is gay. I cannot wait for Nick's full book! (hide spoiler)]
And Michael's book! Did you read ? I am ready for him to have his on HEA too.

If you get around to reading it, let me know what you think. I may find my copies somewhere and flip through them too.

Haha...good cause that was a full blown author bunny trail! hehe :)


I'm still on chapter four. I keep getting distracted by goodreads, clash of clans, and trying to write a review for cause I finished it earlier today. But I need to pick it up -- if I can just dive into it for a few mins, I'll be good to go.

Same here, although Hunter is cool somehow I still can't tell my mind that he isn't the bad guy in the series :), I prefer reading about the Merricks than his story. When I read that Nick is gay, I feel sad for Quinn because I really want them to be together. They're cute together in which is my fave so far. But I love the way Brigid Kemmerer wrote , in the end I didn't mind about him being gay and Quinn isn't with him.

Yes, I've read and . the only elemental I haven't read is .

I get easily distracted too now, with my works, browsing the internet, and trying to write something for my blog. That makes me forget about Left Drowning for a while :D

What do you think about ? do you like it? It's on my tbr too.

I need to read Fearless. And I did love Quinn with Nick. But I liked the one bike guy that was actually sweet to her. And Quinn's mom drives me up the wall. I hope Nick and Quinn both get a HEA -- but both in Nick's book.

Okay, in Left Drowning, I just read tht Sabin and Nick are brothers! *gasp* Haha-- for some reason that made me really happy.

I have mixed feelings about Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea. I liked the way it was wrote but at the same time I found it very strange. And very gory. Like a lot of blood-filled scenes. I was looking forward a lot -- it didn't necessarily let me down. But it wasn't what I was expecting at all. I'm still trying to gather my thoughts on that one

Yes, they're brothers but I think what you mean is Chris, not Nick since Nick is one of the Merricks while Chris is the oldest of Shepherd :D

I think you'll love the Shepherds. They have an adorable siblings relationship. I wonder what is Sabin full name. I never read Sabin is used as a boy name before, usually it's Sabine for girls name. Now, I'm talking about names, sorry I have a weird likeness to characters names :D

I don't mind with gory scene in books but I don't like horror story. As long as Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea isn't a horror story, I think I can read it :)

*facepalms* Yeah Chris, not Nick.

And I just met their sister. Love how much she cusses! Ahh...this is getting really good now that I am meeting Chris's family (told ya, sucker for that).

I love names too. I'm always filing them away for feature reference. And I'm aways curious how authors find such great names sometimes. What is some of your favorite names? Hazel Grace is one of mine.

Between the Devil is a horror book. But it didn't scare me really. And I don't do a lot of horror things, because I'm easily scared. It is suspenseful and even a bit dark at places -- but I read it at night and wasn't scared. Creepy yes -- scared...not really.

Hazel Grace is indeed a great name, some of my favorite names are come from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Arwen, Aragorn, Eowyn, Galadriel, even Frodo and Meriadoc sound great and fit for the story.

But it's the fitness for the story that I pay more attention. For me, the authors have to have reason named their characters the name they choose. If they didn't explain it, at least it has to feel fit for the story. I don't quite like YA/NA with unusual characters name these days. It usually make me waiting for the author to reasoning it but if it just left behind and I don't feel it fit for the story, usually it make me couldn't connect to the character.

For example: Barbie Starr from Barbie Girl by Heidi Acosta, at first I feel it's too obvious since Barbie is described as barbie and her last name is double obvious, if it's possible. But then there's a reason why Barbie's mom named her Barbie, in the end I like it and can connect to her story. And there's a book that I'm not yet interested to read because of the main character's name. It's America Singer from The Selection. I know I should give it a try but I haven't had a mood to read a book with America Singer as its character :D It makes me kind of weird, isn't it? :D

Nah, that's not weird. I love names and the meaning behind names. I also like odd names that sounds good and fit personalities though too. I also like nicknames, like in beautiful disaster, trav calls her pigeon a lot.

The character is named America Singer? Didnt know that. And names do hold a lot of power.

I am really, really enjoying Left Drowning now. I made it to chapter twelve but then I had to sleep. I didnt want to put it down. And I'm convinced that (view spoiler)[ they are connected in the past. i saw this college on a shirt. And then she sends him her shirt in that flashback...aye! But what the heck was he doing? And I'm curious as to why their father is so mean. (hide spoiler)] Also, that chapter wrote in the past and in third person and in italics really bugged me. It took me forever to push through it. I hate when authors change POV for no reason. I t is my pet peeve. Especially if it only happens once or out of the blue.

But now I'm super excited to see what is going to happen now that the girls are living together. And I am having a hard time getting a picture of Sabin in my head. I try to picture him a ladies man but super super outgoing and I'm just like....???? What does he look like...haha!

You must be a few chapters ahead now. I stop at chapter 13 last night before I go to sleep. I agree with you, POV changing kind of bother me too, moreover in my e-Reader it's written in a very small font, my eyes kind of hurt reading it.

As for Sabin, he's so adorable, isn't it? now I really hope he has his own story but on second though, I think I want to read the rest of Shepherd own stories too since Estelle and Erik are also interesting characters.

That (view spoiler)[ shirt scene convinced me too. I mean first Blythe talks about her hero in first few chapters and then t-shirt scene, they must be connected. I think it has major connection to their past. I also think that Chris knows or at least remember about Blythe or even their past but somehow she didn't realize it. I wonder whether Chris weird attitude has to do with it. (hide spoiler)]

I've been really busy, so I've not gotten any reading finished. But I'm about to sit down and read for a couple of hours now.

Where are you at?

Chapter 15, the scene when Blythe told her past is really sad Jenna, I feel sad for her but also glad she has Chris with her. Now I'm not sure about (view spoiler)[her hero, her description about him isn't fit with Chris (hide spoiler)]. I'm so curious about it I can't wait to read it again but I think I have another theory :D (view spoiler)[ if it wasn't Chris who saved Blythe, maybe it was his father. I know it sounds crazy knowing that his father isn't a good man and I don't know how it's fit with the whole story but I really do feel they're connected to Blythe past (hide spoiler)]. And I also wonder whether there's (view spoiler)[ story behind Estelle's religious way (hide spoiler)]. There are many questions in my head now :D

Oh man! I need to catch up quick. Be back once I get passed chapter 15!

P.S. glad I'm not the only one gets annoyed when authors switch pOV

POV switch made me have to switch and adjust my mind too, that's what bother me the most.

I think you won't need a lot of time to catch up my reading since I can't read more chapters now. And chapter 13 to 15 are really engaging, make you want to read it in one sitting :D

Up to Chapter 16 now.

Okay...I agree with you. (view spoiler)[ The descreption does not fit Chris. I am wondering if it was his father too. The line that Chris says about heroes letting people down or not always heroes...kinda made me think so. I am pretty sure that the Shepherd's dad is abusive. Also, When Chris said copper wire...I cringed inwardly. So I cant decide if their father is a good man to the world, but a monster at home. OR if he was there because he somehow started the fire. I think Estelles church thing is interesting too. And I'm not sure she's going to a boyfriend's house at night. Or if she is, she feels really guilty. I am curious to see if what she's doing cause she's so secretive. And I think mayb Eric is afraid of hights because of something their father did. And man, Sabe's breakdown was hard to stomach. Glad that Chris kept his cool. And the shower scene was well down. I like how she was washing it away in a sense. And her fire story is so sad. surely, her brother doesn't really blame her? (hide spoiler)]

First of all, I'm so happy buddy reads this book with you because we are really discuss this book. We should try another buddy read soon :D

Okay...so we have same thought about it. I also wondering about (view spoiler)[ Chris father being involved with fire and Eric's phobia. But I'm kind of suspect Estelle has a boyfriend and doing something bad. I think she has a relationship with her professor who's a married guy. That's why she acted that way on chapter 14 because she feels guilty about it (hide spoiler)]. The Shepherd are so secretive about everything makes my mind wandering everywhere and think about theories that possible happen to them :D.

I think in the beginning of the book, James blamed Blythe for what happened to him and their family but he begins to accept it slowly along the story.

I know. It has been cool. I havent got too discuss that much in past buddy reads. Usually because I'm behind the others or get super busy. This has been awesome. I agree, we should do another buddy read soon.

(Have you read Eleanor and Park yet? And this
really needs to be the next book I read. need to read and review. What books do you need to read soon?)

Okay, I didn't even think about (view spoiler)[ Estelle having an affair with a married teacher, but that makes A LOT of sense. I bet that's what is going on. (hide spoiler)]

They are soo secretive. Chris needs to throw Blythe a bone now though cause she spilled her guts. Can't believe we are less than half way through and we know so much already. Makes me nervous for what's going to happen around 70% mark.

And I liked the phono convo that James and her head at Thanksgiving. Hope they can work it out.

Oh...just so you know the next couple of days for me are going to be super busy. My mom is having an outpatient surgery on Thursday -- so I am having to take care of things leading up to that and her afterwards. But I shouldn't get too far behind. Just wanted to get you a heads up.

Me neither, mostly was because I'm left behind the others so I didn't get much involve with the discussion.

I haven't read Eleanor and Park, we surely can buddy read it :) I also want to read Where the Stars Still Shine. I've requested it through NetGalley but they declined me :( so I have to wait until it's released.

My next reading will be , buddy read with Jalyn, Mei and Angela on September 13th. I'm planning to read soon. Got it from NetGalley and can't wait to read it.

Yes...hope Blythe and James relationship getting better. I hope there will be scene when they meet and spend time together. I want to know what really happen with James now (view spoiler)[whether he really is paralyzed or else (hide spoiler)].

Does outpatient surgery mean a treatment post surgery? Fyi, as you can see, my English kind of a mess (my excuse is English isn't my first language hence I'm still learning it :D )

What surgery did she have? hope she's fine

I would LOVE to buddy read Eleanor and Park with you. I just bought it the other day. Maybe sometime next week?

Let me know how the Diviners goes. And that other book is new too me. But looks interesting. Do you blog too?

And your english is really impressive. I wish I was so fluent in another language besides English. Outpatient means that it should only take a couple hours and then they'll send her home. She will not have to stay over night in the hospital. She's having her gallbladder removed.

I took a short break from Left Drowning. It was so heavy, my head was starting to ache. And I just read a couple chapters in Tall, Tatted and Tempting. I mood read. Anyway TTT is sooo good still. Love it!

How was work today?

Next week would be great since I haven't had schedule for next week.

Yes, I have a blog, but I'm a newbie in blogging, like really a newbie I have to trial and error every time I want to do something :D My blog only contains my reviews from Goodreads so far :D though I'm going to write about another things related to books and post pictures too. Hope I can do it within this month so I'm confident enough when I publish it :)

Thanks, but most of the time when I reread what I wrote, I find those weren't right grammatically. So I just wish that you still understand what I mean :D

Oh, that's a new vocabulary for me, so it means when I had my ganglion cyst removed, I had an outpatient surgery. Hope your mom's surgery is going to be fine and her stomach won't hurt anymore.

I'm so tempted to read Tall, Tatted and Tempting before The Diviners :D I'll try to squeeze it between Left Drowning and The Diviners, though I'm a one book at one time kind of reader :D

My work doesn't as busy as yesterday but it's quite difficult for me to concentrate, blame it to PMS :)

Are you working too?

I am going to start it tonight, so I'm not reading any of the posts. Hopefully I'll love it as much as Flat-out love.

OMG Rachmi, you already got Where the Stars Still Shine !! Lucky you!!

Don't worry Samia, we hide our spoiler but if you want to be sure don't read it :D Jenna and I are on chapter 16 now, I think you can catch up us since we won't be able reading much tomorrow.

I really want to read Where the Stars Still Shine but I didn't get it :( Jenna is the one who got it. She's so lucky, isn't she? most of my requests on NetGalley are declined, moreover when I request books from major publisher.

Aww Rachmi, September 24 is just days away, and it will be released, and we will get it!! :D

Rachmi wrote: "Next week would be great since I haven't had schedule for next week.

Yes, I have a blog, but I'm a newbie in blogging, like really a newbie I have to trial and error every time I want to do some..."


Yay cannot wait to read E & P.

I am at the hospital now. And I was doing pre stuff last night. So I havent got much reading. And I'm already super tired. But I should be on later tonight. And I'll probably get some reading but after a nap later. I can catch up to y'all soon. I have tmrw off.

And welcome Samia! I loved Flat-Out Love too.


Also, Rachmi, keep requesting. I get rejected for stuff I feel confident about. And accepted for stuff I don't think I'll get.

And you should def squeeze in TTT, cause what I've read so far, is amazing.

Missed talking to you yesterday. How far did you get?

Miss talking to you too, Jenna. Can't wait to discuss it with you.

When will your mom's surgery? I hope everything will be fine, before, along and after the surgery.

I don't think I can sqeeze TTT since The Diviners buddy reads is schedule for tomorrow. Maybe I'll read it after The Diviners. How far are you now? I really hope we can discuss it too.

Yes, I'll keep sending my request on NetGalley. I think I got 9 approval out of more than 30 books so far :D There are some I didn't like but there is also one book that I really love, I want to read the author other books.

I'm on chapter 28 now, I think it's about 90% (view spoiler)[ my guess about Estelle's relationship was right and keep wondering back and forth about Blythe's hero was, Chris or his father? but I didn't quite like Blythe & Chris second relationship. I don't know, it seems too easy for Chris. I mean he hurts her so bad but he gets her back easier that I wanted to. (hide spoiler)]. I guess I have to wait until the very last page, though I have another guesses about those questions :D

@Samia, yes it only days away. I'm counting down until it released. It sounds like my kind of book :D

Have you started Left Drowning yet? what do you think?