Author: Debra Doxer
Series: Stand Alone
Published: December 8, 2014
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Author (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: NA Contemporary
My Rating: 4 Stars!
Book Description:
I lived in paradise, and I loved Spencer Pierce.
At fourteen, my life was perfect. The beach was my playground, and the boy who stole my heart lived just around the corner. But perfect never lasts. In one horrifying moment, I lost it all. My family was destroyed, and the boy I believed in turned his back on me. Paradise became a nightmare.
That was five years ago. Everything changed when we moved from our home by the sea. I’ve changed, and I don’t like who I’ve become. I miss the smiling, carefree beach girl who disappeared that terrible night. I want to find her again. I want to face the people we ran from so long ago. Most of all, I have to face Spencer. So I can prove that when he broke my heart, he didn’t break me.
But when I see him again, Spencer Pierce is no longer the boy from my memories. He’s now a man who could devastate me if I let him. He watches me when he thinks I’m not looking. There’s regret written on his face when he’s near. Each time I see him, my heart aches for what might have been, and I think his does too. How can I convince myself I’m over him when I suspect he never got over me?
In a genre that is saturated with sameness, it is so refreshing to find something different than the norm. And if there is one author I can count on to deliver such a thing, it is Doxer.
In a genre where anything goes and the same tropes are used over and over again, it is so refreshing finding something not only different, but completely entertaining as well and such is the story of Spencer and Sarah.
While her reads aren't what I would consider a mystery, they are filled with the mysterious. There is always that element of surprise and suspense that keeps you reading and keeps you guessing.
Never knowing how the story will unfold but always hoping for the best.
With the right amount of romance mixed with intrigue and a fast moving plot line, this is one that will be sure to keep you turning the pages.
And while this one is minus the paranormal element of her YA series, it certainly isn't lacking for anything else.
I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of getting to know Spencer and Sarah. Their history, their hardships, their friendship, and their story.
This was so well done and written and had my attention from page one to the very end.
*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author. I was not compensated for this review.*
Finding a unique Contemporary New Adult novel really is like searching for a needle in a haystack. Thanks for doing the legwork for me, and finding the one-off that's worth my attention, Ali!
ReplyDeleteCarmel @ Rabid Reads.
Thanks so much for stopping by Carmel!
DeleteThis sounds like a great second chance story, with just the right touch of intrigue and romance. The author is to me, so thanks for sharing a great NA read to try. :-)
ReplyDeleteI hope you do try her, she is fabulous!
DeleteI've been on a bit of a NA break for just that reason Ali - sameness. So glad this one steps outside the box a bit, and I can't wait to meet Spencer and Sarah. Love the cover too, so soft and pretty - and without the oh-so common almost-kiss!
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely a fun and nice change of pace. ;)
DeleteThis book sounds so good and I just love that cover.
ReplyDeleteGreat review!
It does have a great cover!
DeleteThis is the first time I'm hearing of this author, but I'm up for unique books. I also like the sound of not really knowing what to expect. Those kinds of books are a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteLovely review, Ali!
Thanks so much Nick and I completely agree!
DeleteKindlemom, this just landed on my tbr pile thanks to you ;)
ReplyDeletexo
Yay!
DeleteIt really does have a great cover and I loved that it was something different.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really good Ali and different from the current reads.
ReplyDeleteIt was different and good. :)
DeleteTell me about it! It's so hard to find anything remarkable in a world full of the same old, same old. I'm glad you found that in this book. In fact, you had me convinced, so I'm going to check it out for myself.
ReplyDeleteYay happy to hear that Joy!
DeleteThis sounds good! I'm glad it has something different!
ReplyDeleteMe too and thanks Candace!
DeleteSounds like a great story. It is tough to find a book that stands out these days, especially if you're an avid reader.
ReplyDeleteIt really is, which is sad when you think about it.
DeleteAdding it! I feel "the pull" to this one.
ReplyDeleteGreat review - you have me so intrigued after reading it. Adding this one now.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear that Ellen!
DeleteYou know I strongly dislike the typical NA, now this I can read and enjoy.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely is different and fun.
DeleteHow pretty! It is really nice finding an author with a refreshing feel to them. I think no matter the genre you can really land in the everything seems the same kind of place. Great when an author can break out of that and shine :)
ReplyDeleteI agree completely Anna!
DeleteI love not being able to guess how a book is going to unfold. Sounds pretty awesome.
ReplyDeleteIt was a good solid read for sure. :)
DeleteOh what a beautiful cover! I didn't know about this one but you're right it's nice to have something different mainly with so many books everywhere.
ReplyDeleteIt really is, thanks for stopping by!
DeleteHer reads always do have an element of the mysterious in them. I wanted to read this one when it was offerred to me for review, but I am seriously swamped so I think I passed. I will have to go out and buy a copy for myself now though.
ReplyDeleteI am kicking myself because you said it is something different in NA contemps. I need to read it haha
Great review!
I hope you can get to it soon Michelle, I think you will really like it but I hear you on being swamped. ;)
DeleteI haven't had much luck with new adult titles. This one sounds good though. I like that there's something mysterious in the contemporary and that it's unique. (Face paced is always a plus) I wish there was the paranormal though.
ReplyDeleteI did miss the paranormal aspect that I normally associate with the author but this was still fantastic even without it. :)
DeleteI'm glad this was different and it didn't just do the same old NA tropes. It sounds like a read I'd really enjoy! Thanks for your lovely review :-) Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving holiday!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lauren, you too!
DeleteI don't read a lot of contemporary romances, but I do like the occasional one. This sounds really good. I may have to check it out :) Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by!!
Delete