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Everly After
All truths burn bright and clear. I’m still waiting in the dark.
Everly Monteith has traded her life of glitter, parties, and self-destruction for waitressing at a Parisian café. She’s put the tragedy that sent her across the Atlantic in the past—until her toxic ex shows up and sends her reeling once more. Her fresh start begins slipping away until a smug British war correspondent crashes her party. But falling for Beckett means letting down her guard, something that might pull them both into the dark.
There are beautiful lies in this world, and it takes me being chased through a hallway at a rave to decide this girl is one of them. But even the most beautiful lies aren’t worth chasing.
Twenty-five-year-old Beckett Reid is forced into sabbatical after being kidnapped on assignment in Afghanistan. Back in Paris, he locks himself away to work on a novel, focused on saving his budding journalism career. But when he meets an enigmatic American heiress, his plans are quickly neglected. Everly is the perfect replacement for dangerous war zones, even if she does leave glitter on everything he owns. Reckless and wild, she runs through life making more mistakes than anyone he’s met, but Beckett is determined to fight for her, even if he must face the messy truth that he must fight for himself first.
*This New Adult romance is recommended for readers 18+ due to mature content.*
Everly Monteith has traded her life of glitter, parties, and self-destruction for waitressing at a Parisian café. She’s put the tragedy that sent her across the Atlantic in the past—until her toxic ex shows up and sends her reeling once more. Her fresh start begins slipping away until a smug British war correspondent crashes her party. But falling for Beckett means letting down her guard, something that might pull them both into the dark.
There are beautiful lies in this world, and it takes me being chased through a hallway at a rave to decide this girl is one of them. But even the most beautiful lies aren’t worth chasing.
Twenty-five-year-old Beckett Reid is forced into sabbatical after being kidnapped on assignment in Afghanistan. Back in Paris, he locks himself away to work on a novel, focused on saving his budding journalism career. But when he meets an enigmatic American heiress, his plans are quickly neglected. Everly is the perfect replacement for dangerous war zones, even if she does leave glitter on everything he owns. Reckless and wild, she runs through life making more mistakes than anyone he’s met, but Beckett is determined to fight for her, even if he must face the messy truth that he must fight for himself first.
*This New Adult romance is recommended for readers 18+ due to mature content.*
279 pages, Paperback
First published October 21, 2014
About the author
Rebecca Paula
20 books71 followers **Stay connected. Sign up for Rebecca's newsletter for the latest release news, exclusive excerpts, and giveaways.**
Rebecca writes sexy, emotional contemporary and historical romances about flawed characters brave enough to live outside the lines and embrace the messy and complicated bits of life and love. Also, there’s kissing.
She’s a champion of Byronic heroes, a wanderlust connoisseur, a hopeless romantic, and is epically losing the battle of conquering her TBR pile (okay, TBR closet). Rebecca lives in New Hampshire with her husband and baby daughter.
When not writing or reading, she loves ghost hunting shows, hiking around New England, and scouring stores for a cute dress with pockets.
Rebecca writes sexy, emotional contemporary and historical romances about flawed characters brave enough to live outside the lines and embrace the messy and complicated bits of life and love. Also, there’s kissing.
She’s a champion of Byronic heroes, a wanderlust connoisseur, a hopeless romantic, and is epically losing the battle of conquering her TBR pile (okay, TBR closet). Rebecca lives in New Hampshire with her husband and baby daughter.
When not writing or reading, she loves ghost hunting shows, hiking around New England, and scouring stores for a cute dress with pockets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
August 2, 2015
This is one of those books that messes with your head and shows you how twisted human psyche is.
What we have in this novel is a disaster waiting to happen. Two unbalanced individuals – one on the path of self destruction and the other seeking peace- coming together in what might be the relationship that finally destroys both of them.
To be honest, I don’t really know why I picked this book for review. I think it was the fact that the synopsis hints at a man who’s been in the army and now deals with PTSD. I’ve read several novels on this theme and enjoyed them so I guess I thought I’ll give this one a try. I sure know I wasn’t expecting what I’ve read here.
There aren’t many characters . Just the main ones and a small number of what I call “background characters” and it’s actually easy to keep up with the story.
Everly can be described as the “poor” rich misunderstood girl. She’s had it all but always made the wrong choices which brought her where she is now – on a one way road to an early grave.
She’s immature, spoiled, irresponsible and, as much as she claims the contrary, she doesn’t care at all about anyone else. Case in point, her sick attachment to Beckett.
Beckett is a war journalist who has seen way to much death and almost got killed after being kidnapped and tortured on his last assignment.
He’s now in Paris with his best friend, a soldier on leave, and he’s trying to piece his life together, which is not easy since he can’t stand being around too many people.
At a party where his best friend has dragged him, he has the misfortune to meet our girl, Everly.
Like I said before, she’s even more messed up than him but at least HE has a valid reason.
Now this is going to be a little bit of a rant:
I’ve seen this pattern over and over again in so many novels.
The rich child who’s trying to break away from the mold his/her parents and society have created for him/her and goes on drinking and generally partying all the time, while complaining that he/she is misunderstood.
Hello?!?
If you want to be your own person and show everyone that you’re more than some rich family’s spoiled offspring, that’s the wrong way to do it.
You need to get your things together and start actually doing something with yourself. Something other than partying, that is.
Instead of drinking away your cushy trust fund why don’t you do something else. Like, Get A Bloody Job and start giving back to society.
It’s the same with Everly.
She’s pretty smart and has a degree but all she does is to give in over and over again to her equally rich and careless ex/current boyfriend/sex buddy/whatever-the-hell-he-is like an irresponsible, brainless twit.
And she always justifies her actions by saying he was her first love and, even after every shitty thing he’s done to her and still does, she can’t resist him.
That is nonsense.
Where there’s will, there’s ALWAYS a way.
Thing is, she doesn’t want to change. It’s easier when you have no other worries except finding the next club to party at. This way of thinking and this kind of behavior has no excuse.
Like I said before, if you want others to appreciate you for who you are and do something with your life, that is so NOT the way to achieve your goal.
What Everly and Beckett have together is sick, self destructive and dangerous for both of them because, while Beckett seems to be perfectly aware of the wrongness of what she’s doing, he’s messed up just enough to come back for more. Not sure why it happens in the beginning, if it’s some misplaced desire to set her straight or just infatuation.
I don’t know what was the message the author wanted to spread with this book because I sure as hell didn’t get it.
It was a struggle to finish it and I’m sure I won’t be picking up the next volume.
1,5 * because I really liked Beckett. Well, most of the time.
Happy Reading!
What we have in this novel is a disaster waiting to happen. Two unbalanced individuals – one on the path of self destruction and the other seeking peace- coming together in what might be the relationship that finally destroys both of them.
To be honest, I don’t really know why I picked this book for review. I think it was the fact that the synopsis hints at a man who’s been in the army and now deals with PTSD. I’ve read several novels on this theme and enjoyed them so I guess I thought I’ll give this one a try. I sure know I wasn’t expecting what I’ve read here.
There aren’t many characters . Just the main ones and a small number of what I call “background characters” and it’s actually easy to keep up with the story.
Everly can be described as the “poor” rich misunderstood girl. She’s had it all but always made the wrong choices which brought her where she is now – on a one way road to an early grave.
She’s immature, spoiled, irresponsible and, as much as she claims the contrary, she doesn’t care at all about anyone else. Case in point, her sick attachment to Beckett.
Beckett is a war journalist who has seen way to much death and almost got killed after being kidnapped and tortured on his last assignment.
He’s now in Paris with his best friend, a soldier on leave, and he’s trying to piece his life together, which is not easy since he can’t stand being around too many people.
At a party where his best friend has dragged him, he has the misfortune to meet our girl, Everly.
Like I said before, she’s even more messed up than him but at least HE has a valid reason.
Now this is going to be a little bit of a rant:
I’ve seen this pattern over and over again in so many novels.
The rich child who’s trying to break away from the mold his/her parents and society have created for him/her and goes on drinking and generally partying all the time, while complaining that he/she is misunderstood.
Hello?!?
If you want to be your own person and show everyone that you’re more than some rich family’s spoiled offspring, that’s the wrong way to do it.
You need to get your things together and start actually doing something with yourself. Something other than partying, that is.
Instead of drinking away your cushy trust fund why don’t you do something else. Like, Get A Bloody Job and start giving back to society.
It’s the same with Everly.
She’s pretty smart and has a degree but all she does is to give in over and over again to her equally rich and careless ex/current boyfriend/sex buddy/whatever-the-hell-he-is like an irresponsible, brainless twit.
And she always justifies her actions by saying he was her first love and, even after every shitty thing he’s done to her and still does, she can’t resist him.
That is nonsense.
Where there’s will, there’s ALWAYS a way.
Thing is, she doesn’t want to change. It’s easier when you have no other worries except finding the next club to party at. This way of thinking and this kind of behavior has no excuse.
Like I said before, if you want others to appreciate you for who you are and do something with your life, that is so NOT the way to achieve your goal.
What Everly and Beckett have together is sick, self destructive and dangerous for both of them because, while Beckett seems to be perfectly aware of the wrongness of what she’s doing, he’s messed up just enough to come back for more. Not sure why it happens in the beginning, if it’s some misplaced desire to set her straight or just infatuation.
I don’t know what was the message the author wanted to spread with this book because I sure as hell didn’t get it.
It was a struggle to finish it and I’m sure I won’t be picking up the next volume.
1,5 * because I really liked Beckett. Well, most of the time.
Happy Reading!
October 15, 2014
Everly After by Rebecca Paula is absolutely brilliant. I LOVED this book! It really struck a chord with me, and most of it had to do with how it was written. The writing is gorgeous, Ms. Paula is insanely talented, and her words are mesmerizing. This is evidenced by the amount of highlighting present in my Kindle. I typically don’t highlight as I read, I like to ingest the story as it unfolds without interrupting, but so many parts of this book begged to be remembered!
“All truths burn bright and clear, but they won’t be in the bottom of this cup, no matter how long I sit. I’m still waiting in the dark.”
Ms. Paula’s writing style is descriptive, which can be very difficult to pull off. Poor description oftentimes becomes an information dump, but not so in
Everly After. Impressively, the interesting and beautiful descriptions work perfectly to situate you in the story, putting you in Everly and Beckett’s shoes. Even though I couldn't fully relate to either character or situation, I was with them 100% and lived the book. It was honest, real, and so incredibly true to life.
“A beautiful lie, like I first thought. And yet, here I am, moving closer, allowing myself to touch her because I’m hungry for it. I want her. Despite everything, I still want her, and that’s the trouble.”
Along with the amazing writing was the amazing flow. The story covers a lot of ground, but it does not seem overburdened with plot. Everything develops and unfolds at a natural pace, which enhances the characters and growth. Everly and Beckett feel like actual people in a real relationship – this is not “insta-love” or a cheesy romance trope, but real human emotion! And there are so many! The emotions run the gamut, and nothing is left untouched or unfelt. This actually made it difficult to read all at once – I found myself needing time and space to absorb, process, and live with it. But in the end it was so incredibly worth the tumultuous journey!
“You can’t love somebody whole again. You have to love their pieces, their rough edges. The ugly and bad along with the best bits. You can love them for what they are and mourn what they’ve lost, but you can’t love them and wish they were something other than the person you hold tight.”
If this is Rebecca Paula’s debut novel, I cannot wait to read whatever else she writes! I recommend it to anyone who likes to read ��� honestly, everyone needs to read this book! ~ Alicia, 5 stars.
“All truths burn bright and clear, but they won’t be in the bottom of this cup, no matter how long I sit. I’m still waiting in the dark.”
Ms. Paula’s writing style is descriptive, which can be very difficult to pull off. Poor description oftentimes becomes an information dump, but not so in
Everly After. Impressively, the interesting and beautiful descriptions work perfectly to situate you in the story, putting you in Everly and Beckett’s shoes. Even though I couldn't fully relate to either character or situation, I was with them 100% and lived the book. It was honest, real, and so incredibly true to life.
“A beautiful lie, like I first thought. And yet, here I am, moving closer, allowing myself to touch her because I’m hungry for it. I want her. Despite everything, I still want her, and that’s the trouble.”
Along with the amazing writing was the amazing flow. The story covers a lot of ground, but it does not seem overburdened with plot. Everything develops and unfolds at a natural pace, which enhances the characters and growth. Everly and Beckett feel like actual people in a real relationship – this is not “insta-love” or a cheesy romance trope, but real human emotion! And there are so many! The emotions run the gamut, and nothing is left untouched or unfelt. This actually made it difficult to read all at once – I found myself needing time and space to absorb, process, and live with it. But in the end it was so incredibly worth the tumultuous journey!
“You can’t love somebody whole again. You have to love their pieces, their rough edges. The ugly and bad along with the best bits. You can love them for what they are and mourn what they’ve lost, but you can’t love them and wish they were something other than the person you hold tight.”
If this is Rebecca Paula’s debut novel, I cannot wait to read whatever else she writes! I recommend it to anyone who likes to read ��� honestly, everyone needs to read this book! ~ Alicia, 5 stars.
October 21, 2014
Read my review at
Sinfully Sexy
.
4.5 STARS
Everly After is a smart, heartbreaking character driven story about a broken girl and a broken boy who never wanted to like each other in the first place.
I WAS NOT EXPECTING THIS!!! I love it when a totally amazing book comes out of nowhere. To say I’m impressed in an understatement. I LOVED IT TO PIECES!!! I cannot believe this is a debut offering. Everly After hooked me from chapter one. The writing is wonderfully rich and intelligent. The story has a depth I was not expecting. This is a case of do not judge a book by its cover. I went into this thinking light and fluffy read. Not at all. This has so much substance and character.
“Some people believe in fate. Others, in chance.
I always like to believe in the possibility of chance. It seems more powerful. At least with chance, I can choose the risk. The consequences are easier to stomach when they go wrong.
But sometimes life can be a cruel bitch and throw fate in your face, and it’ll always have the upper hand. Because, a lot like life, fate is going to happen one way or another.”
Reckless heiress, Everly Monteith, has a preference for partying and self-destruction which have made her a favorite in the column gossips columns. She is one hot mess with a capital H, O, and T. Looking for a fresh start and running from a tragedy, Everly leaves behind her life of glitter for a waitressing job in a Parisian café.
Suffering enough heartache and disappointment to fill a small country, Everly has become a master at shutting out the world and barricading her heart. But that becomes next to impossible when the smug, sexy, charming and equally broken Brit, Beckett, finds his way inside. Beckett sees the Everly no one else does – not the tabloids, not her so-called friends, and certainly not her ex-boyfriend, Hudson. Beckett has figured out that Everly isn’t reckless as everyone assumes. She’s entirely trusting which is why she is such a mess.
“I have questions, she has the answers, and I want them all until I know the end of her.
I know she is a horrible idea for me, but I want her anyway because I’m selfish and she’s beautiful. If she’s a beautiful liar, then I’ll find her truths. That’s how I make my living. I can find them without getting in too deep. Without caving in to my want. Without ever kissing her.”
“I get lost in us, the possibility of us. I don’t realize he’s righted me. It’s hard to tell upside down and right side up and in between right now.
Beckett has his own set of issues to deal with, but for some reason he’s drawn to the odd and enigmatic Everly. He has this overwhelming need to fight for her. Hudson is her toxic past that clings to her with a death grip. Everly is torn between her past and finding what she’s always searched for – someone that actually cares for her and about her. Beckett could be her future if she can just close the door on her past. But, it's easy to fall back into what you know even if it’s toxic and destructive.
I had tears perched at the edge of my eyes for pretty much the entire book. And don't think for one minute they didn't spill over on a few occasions. This story is emotional, frustrating, and heartbreaking. Everly may be a broken mess, but the way she is written is phenomenal. Everly surprised me at every turn – she’s strong yet vulnerable.
Everly and Beckett are lost, and they both hide their hurt by blocking out any feeling and anyone. They truly are soul mates. They make the world right for the other and calm the craziness of the past that drags them down. I never once felt sorry for either one of them I just FELT for them. They are burdened with so much of their past that it haunts them almost paralyzing at times. It follows them everywhere. It’s next to impossible not to be drawn to these two wonderfully broken and brave characters.
Rebecca Paula nails the dual POV this is told in. The transitions are smooth with just the right amount of overlap. This is a very character driven story, and Rebecca does an exquisite job painting every subtle detail with perfection. The writing is amazing and strong. And, Rebecca’s writing style just adds something even more special to Everly and Beckett’s already wonderful story.
It’s really hard to believe this is a debut offering. Everly After really gripped me in a way I did not expect. WELL DONE REBECCA!!! Simply put, THIS IS A DAMN GOOD BOOK!!! I can’t wait to see what comes next from Rebecca Paula.
If this wasn't on your radar or you haven't heard of Everly After before now, I'm telling you that you NEED to get it on your list!
****An advance reading copy was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 STARS
Everly After is a smart, heartbreaking character driven story about a broken girl and a broken boy who never wanted to like each other in the first place.
I WAS NOT EXPECTING THIS!!! I love it when a totally amazing book comes out of nowhere. To say I’m impressed in an understatement. I LOVED IT TO PIECES!!! I cannot believe this is a debut offering. Everly After hooked me from chapter one. The writing is wonderfully rich and intelligent. The story has a depth I was not expecting. This is a case of do not judge a book by its cover. I went into this thinking light and fluffy read. Not at all. This has so much substance and character.
“Some people believe in fate. Others, in chance.
I always like to believe in the possibility of chance. It seems more powerful. At least with chance, I can choose the risk. The consequences are easier to stomach when they go wrong.
But sometimes life can be a cruel bitch and throw fate in your face, and it’ll always have the upper hand. Because, a lot like life, fate is going to happen one way or another.”
Reckless heiress, Everly Monteith, has a preference for partying and self-destruction which have made her a favorite in the column gossips columns. She is one hot mess with a capital H, O, and T. Looking for a fresh start and running from a tragedy, Everly leaves behind her life of glitter for a waitressing job in a Parisian café.
Suffering enough heartache and disappointment to fill a small country, Everly has become a master at shutting out the world and barricading her heart. But that becomes next to impossible when the smug, sexy, charming and equally broken Brit, Beckett, finds his way inside. Beckett sees the Everly no one else does – not the tabloids, not her so-called friends, and certainly not her ex-boyfriend, Hudson. Beckett has figured out that Everly isn’t reckless as everyone assumes. She’s entirely trusting which is why she is such a mess.
“I have questions, she has the answers, and I want them all until I know the end of her.
I know she is a horrible idea for me, but I want her anyway because I’m selfish and she’s beautiful. If she’s a beautiful liar, then I’ll find her truths. That’s how I make my living. I can find them without getting in too deep. Without caving in to my want. Without ever kissing her.”
“I get lost in us, the possibility of us. I don’t realize he’s righted me. It’s hard to tell upside down and right side up and in between right now.
Beckett has his own set of issues to deal with, but for some reason he’s drawn to the odd and enigmatic Everly. He has this overwhelming need to fight for her. Hudson is her toxic past that clings to her with a death grip. Everly is torn between her past and finding what she’s always searched for – someone that actually cares for her and about her. Beckett could be her future if she can just close the door on her past. But, it's easy to fall back into what you know even if it’s toxic and destructive.
I had tears perched at the edge of my eyes for pretty much the entire book. And don't think for one minute they didn't spill over on a few occasions. This story is emotional, frustrating, and heartbreaking. Everly may be a broken mess, but the way she is written is phenomenal. Everly surprised me at every turn – she’s strong yet vulnerable.
Everly and Beckett are lost, and they both hide their hurt by blocking out any feeling and anyone. They truly are soul mates. They make the world right for the other and calm the craziness of the past that drags them down. I never once felt sorry for either one of them I just FELT for them. They are burdened with so much of their past that it haunts them almost paralyzing at times. It follows them everywhere. It’s next to impossible not to be drawn to these two wonderfully broken and brave characters.
Rebecca Paula nails the dual POV this is told in. The transitions are smooth with just the right amount of overlap. This is a very character driven story, and Rebecca does an exquisite job painting every subtle detail with perfection. The writing is amazing and strong. And, Rebecca’s writing style just adds something even more special to Everly and Beckett’s already wonderful story.
It’s really hard to believe this is a debut offering. Everly After really gripped me in a way I did not expect. WELL DONE REBECCA!!! Simply put, THIS IS A DAMN GOOD BOOK!!! I can’t wait to see what comes next from Rebecca Paula.
If this wasn't on your radar or you haven't heard of Everly After before now, I'm telling you that you NEED to get it on your list!
****An advance reading copy was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2015
*4 stars!*
"Sometimes there's good in what scares us."Everly After isn't what I'd classify as your typical new adult contemporary read. It had quite a dark and depressing tone during many parts of the book. Mainly because of the heroine, Everly. She's settled into a life that she doesn't find meaningful. She's very much struggling to find a purpose, and it made me sad to see her take one step forward only to go back five. She made a lot of poor decisions which made her a hard character for me to like. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed this book and not only because Beckett swept me off my feet! What I loved most about Everly After was that the main characters didn't fix each other's imperfections. It was more that they helped each other admit to them and move forward as individuals. Rebecca Paula has written a beautiful story about two broken people loving each other enough to support them at their lowest.
Everly After is told in the alternating POVs of Everly and Beckett, both of whom have their own personal struggles. With the alternating chapters, there's just the right amount of overlap to let the story flow nicely. Everly, a former Manhattan socialite, fled to Paris to avoid the media attention after certain events. She's an emotional mess and her unhealthy, complicated relationship her ex doesn't help the matter. Beckett, on the other hand, was a journalist and former war correspondent. He arrived in Paris to attend therapy after the trauma he faced in Afghanistan, but wants nothing more than to return to the field. He meets Everly at a party and BAM, instant attraction.
"I'm not letting you disappear. I'm not letting you go"Beckett brought out the good and calm side of Everly that I liked. They were incredibly adorable and amusing together. There's a quality to Everly's character that draws you in regardless of the flashing warning signs to stay away. And I felt like that's how it was for Beckett, and the reason behind him wanting to help her. Although I didn't find his storyline as intriguing as Everly's, it was admirable how he continually stuck by her side through all the bad choices she made. There weren't many secondaries that played a big role or stood out besides one. I disliked this person from the get-go. There was a part in the novel that kind of threw me for a loop. I knew something bad was bound to happen but I didn't expect that! Everly After was a rollercoaster, as was Everly's character development. My emotions were everywhere! I'd be happy one chapter then close to frustrated tears the next. You can't help but hope that Everly would move in the right direction and I found myself in a love/hate relationship with her.
Another part of this book that I loved was how the ending played out (even if I had a slight urge to throw my phone at one point haha). To be honest I wouldn't have mind, had it ended with the cell phone message because it highlighted how much Everly grew to have made that decision. Everly After was unique and touching. There was an unexpected depth to the plot and characters that I found very gripping. I look forward to reading another one of Rebecca Paula's novels soon!!
"I think the messier bits in life should be worn like a badge of courage sometimes, a sign for you to say you've lived—are living."**Ecopy kindly provided by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
February 29, 2016
This was okay. The story is great in the sense that it's not the bad boy & good girl story, but good guy & bad girl dynamics instead. Sort of. Every is such a broken character and it was really hard to root for her at times due to the brokeness, because it made her do things that just didn't make any sense. I liked Beckett for the most part, but him calling Everly a pet as a endearment? Omg lol. The first time I read the word pet I think I blinked rapidly at least 5 times while thinking "is this some sort of a dark bdsm erotica novel or???" because it's just such a weird endearment and made me cringe a lot. He does explain why he uses it, but just.. nope. I also didn't like how his friend Ollie called girls birds? @.@
I did love the chemistry Every and Beckett had and this book was very sensual, not going to lie. The setting (Paris, for the most part), was well-written and, in general, the writing was gorgeous. Even if I wasn't exactly infatuated with the story at all times, the writing kept me going. The final third of the novel became so dramatic though that it was hard to not eyeroll and I wish that there had been more talks about Everly's past, because it was clearly traumatic for her. It would be for anyone. I just found all the roundabout ways to hint at it and then not really discuss it or have her talk to a therapist or .. anything, really, to just help us understand her more or for her to move on from this with more than just the help of romantic feelings for Beckett and some talks between the two. I must admit, I did skim a few chapters between London and the part where a big incident happened at some lake (?) so they may have talked about it during that period, but seeing as Beckett still had no clue about it a few pages later then probably not.
I liked parts of this and I definitely loved the writing so I'm, for sure, going to try something else by Rebecca Paula. If you want a darker story then this may just be for you!
I did love the chemistry Every and Beckett had and this book was very sensual, not going to lie. The setting (Paris, for the most part), was well-written and, in general, the writing was gorgeous. Even if I wasn't exactly infatuated with the story at all times, the writing kept me going. The final third of the novel became so dramatic though that it was hard to not eyeroll and I wish that there had been more talks about Everly's past, because it was clearly traumatic for her. It would be for anyone. I just found all the roundabout ways to hint at it and then not really discuss it or have her talk to a therapist or .. anything, really, to just help us understand her more or for her to move on from this with more than just the help of romantic feelings for Beckett and some talks between the two. I must admit, I did skim a few chapters between London and the part where a big incident happened at some lake (?) so they may have talked about it during that period, but seeing as Beckett still had no clue about it a few pages later then probably not.
I liked parts of this and I definitely loved the writing so I'm, for sure, going to try something else by Rebecca Paula. If you want a darker story then this may just be for you!
May 12, 2015
Title: Everly After
Series: -
Author: Rebecca Paula
Release Date: November 2014
Rating: 4 stars
Cliffhanger: No
HEA:
3.5 - let's round it up to 4 - "pet" stars
*Everly*
*Beckett*
Everly After must be one of the most depressing books I've read in the past year. A very well-written one, but still very depressing.
Did I enjoy reading it? Honestly I don't know, but what i do know is that i felt compelled to keep reading it. So, i finished the whole book in one sitting (yep, it's been a long night!)
This book is about Everly and Beckett, two "broken" people (God, i hate that word!), each for their own reasons, who meet by chance at a weird party in Paris, even though neither of them is French; Everly is American and Beckett is British.
Everly is an American heiress/socialite. She left Manhattan and her trust-fund behind after a devastating event a year ago. Everly is the definition of "weak". The girl was a hot mess! I really try my best not to judge the MCs characters in my reviews because that's not what's important to me. I don't have to like the MCs to enjoy a story. For example if i read Ted Bundy's biography i'm pretty sure i wouldn't like him - at least i hope i wouldn't! - but i'd still enjoy reading the book. But with Everly all i wanted to do was grab her by her shoulders and shake her until i could put some sense into her!
Beckett was pretty great. Don't get me wrong, he had his issues as well, but he seemed more grounded.
Everly and Beckett together? I swear to God, as i was half way through my read i was gripping my e-reader so hard because i was waiting for it to explode or something. I was pretty sure there'd be some kind of "boom" with these two, and there was but i was expecting something more like a "Hiroshima bombing" and all i got was some "4th July fireworks" instead.
To conclude, this book was not my usual kind of read. I hate reading the word "broken", and i came across it several times in this one - and don't get me started about the "pieces that might or might not fit together"! But any book that makes me want to turn the next page gets a minimum 3 star rating from me and 4 stars if it's well-written, so there you have it :)
Series: -
Author: Rebecca Paula
Release Date: November 2014
Rating: 4 stars
Cliffhanger: No
HEA:
3.5 - let's round it up to 4 - "pet" stars
*Everly*
*Beckett*
Everly After must be one of the most depressing books I've read in the past year. A very well-written one, but still very depressing.
Did I enjoy reading it? Honestly I don't know, but what i do know is that i felt compelled to keep reading it. So, i finished the whole book in one sitting (yep, it's been a long night!)
This book is about Everly and Beckett, two "broken" people (God, i hate that word!), each for their own reasons, who meet by chance at a weird party in Paris, even though neither of them is French; Everly is American and Beckett is British.
Everly is an American heiress/socialite. She left Manhattan and her trust-fund behind after a devastating event a year ago. Everly is the definition of "weak". The girl was a hot mess! I really try my best not to judge the MCs characters in my reviews because that's not what's important to me. I don't have to like the MCs to enjoy a story. For example if i read Ted Bundy's biography i'm pretty sure i wouldn't like him - at least i hope i wouldn't! - but i'd still enjoy reading the book. But with Everly all i wanted to do was grab her by her shoulders and shake her until i could put some sense into her!
Beckett was pretty great. Don't get me wrong, he had his issues as well, but he seemed more grounded.
Everly and Beckett together? I swear to God, as i was half way through my read i was gripping my e-reader so hard because i was waiting for it to explode or something. I was pretty sure there'd be some kind of "boom" with these two, and there was but i was expecting something more like a "Hiroshima bombing" and all i got was some "4th July fireworks" instead.
To conclude, this book was not my usual kind of read. I hate reading the word "broken", and i came across it several times in this one - and don't get me started about the "pieces that might or might not fit together"! But any book that makes me want to turn the next page gets a minimum 3 star rating from me and 4 stars if it's well-written, so there you have it :)
December 2, 2014
When I first started this book I found it a little off putting. I don't mind reading damaged characters, but I was having a hard time relating to Everly and Beckett. However, as I continued reading, my heart grew and my understanding did as well and I ended up loving this one. It was full of heartbreak, loss, guilt, grief and longing. But the one thing that was the biggest shining point was love.
Everly is a young woman who is ultimately lost. After a not so good last few years, and some very unfortunate and soul shattering things, she has run to Paris. However, she is stuck in the same cycles that she was back in the States. Partying, not showing up for work and the worst...engaging in a very toxic relationship with someone from back home. While Everly started off as being wild, unsure and really...crazy, she became such a strong woman. She grew as a person, as a friend, as a lover. She may not have had all the answers, but she was dealing with life in the only way she knew how, and watching her journey and her growth was very inspiring.
Beckett is a journalist, a war correspondent. And after being victim to a very trying and traumatizing situation, he is sent back to Paris where he must deal with the after math of a very hard death in his family. Beckett doesn't want to love Everly, he doesn't think it will work out, but she is magnetic and he can't stay away from her. Beckett, while having his own issues, was the exact thing that Everly needed and vice versa. Their relationship wasn't typical, it wasn't an overly done time line. It was very unique and I really enjoyed watching it blossom.
All in all, this was a great read. The writing was smooth and flowed very well. The characters were well developed, the story line was very new and interesting. I had a great time reading this and it definitely hit me in the feels. A four star read for me, and I am very excited to read this authors next work!
Everly is a young woman who is ultimately lost. After a not so good last few years, and some very unfortunate and soul shattering things, she has run to Paris. However, she is stuck in the same cycles that she was back in the States. Partying, not showing up for work and the worst...engaging in a very toxic relationship with someone from back home. While Everly started off as being wild, unsure and really...crazy, she became such a strong woman. She grew as a person, as a friend, as a lover. She may not have had all the answers, but she was dealing with life in the only way she knew how, and watching her journey and her growth was very inspiring.
Beckett is a journalist, a war correspondent. And after being victim to a very trying and traumatizing situation, he is sent back to Paris where he must deal with the after math of a very hard death in his family. Beckett doesn't want to love Everly, he doesn't think it will work out, but she is magnetic and he can't stay away from her. Beckett, while having his own issues, was the exact thing that Everly needed and vice versa. Their relationship wasn't typical, it wasn't an overly done time line. It was very unique and I really enjoyed watching it blossom.
All in all, this was a great read. The writing was smooth and flowed very well. The characters were well developed, the story line was very new and interesting. I had a great time reading this and it definitely hit me in the feels. A four star read for me, and I am very excited to read this authors next work!
October 16, 2014
I was fortunate enough to read and critique an early version of this before release.
Paula's debut is a gritty punch to the gut and a bold look into the lives of two very flawed - and very real - characters. Everly and Beckett struggle with issues that will resonate with readers, and Paula is unflinching in her portrayal of their pain, fears, and blossoming new love. A brave book that proves Paula will be a rising star in the new adult genre.
Paula's debut is a gritty punch to the gut and a bold look into the lives of two very flawed - and very real - characters. Everly and Beckett struggle with issues that will resonate with readers, and Paula is unflinching in her portrayal of their pain, fears, and blossoming new love. A brave book that proves Paula will be a rising star in the new adult genre.
October 22, 2014
Gossip Girl meets Nicholas Sparks novel in a perfect combo is what comes to mind when I think of Everly After. So to say the least I freaking loved it!!! Everly After has this completely unique and addicting feel to it that will have you flipping through the pages like a madman. But first let me explain why I combo’ed Gossip Girl and Nicholas Sparks and why that mix reminds me of Everly After.
From the start of this novel we are introduced to Everly, a Manhattan socialite princess, party girl, the works. So her character automatically reminded me of Serena from Gossip Girl, and I found myself relating Hudson and Beckett to other Gossip Girl characters too, but god damn, this book made my emotions go hay-wire like no GG episode ever could.
Everly After has this incredibly deep and emotional side to it. A side that doesn’t just tug at your heart strings but manages to completely pull them out of your chest. This novel is not a rainbows and butterflies read. Everly After has sharp and rugged edges. Like everything in life it has an ugly side and a beautiful side to it. I think that’s one of the main things that made me fall for this book.
The character were so complex and unique too. At times I just couldn’t keep up with them, they were straight up hot messes but it completed the story in a perfect way. I didn’t think I could end up liking Everly, let alone loving her but I somehow did. And even though I completely loved Beckett, I disliked him at times too, not for long, but I had my moments. He isn’t perfect and no one is.
You know when an author is an incredible writer when you highlight a sentence in almost every single chapter. The way Rebecca Paula phrases things is just so damn-near perfect I couldn’t help but to highlight!
“You can’t force together two objects whose edges are worn in some spots and jagged in others. We’re not puzzle pieces. We’re two people with a world of shit between us, but my mind is quiet when our gazes meet.”
Cue the swooning over Beckett!
And here’s another little teaser for you guys: ;)
“I’m not sure if it’s worse to be broken in the head or the heart. The madness feels the same.”
So if you are not yet convinced to pick up this book, which released today! I highly, highly recommend you do it right now!
From the start of this novel we are introduced to Everly, a Manhattan socialite princess, party girl, the works. So her character automatically reminded me of Serena from Gossip Girl, and I found myself relating Hudson and Beckett to other Gossip Girl characters too, but god damn, this book made my emotions go hay-wire like no GG episode ever could.
Everly After has this incredibly deep and emotional side to it. A side that doesn’t just tug at your heart strings but manages to completely pull them out of your chest. This novel is not a rainbows and butterflies read. Everly After has sharp and rugged edges. Like everything in life it has an ugly side and a beautiful side to it. I think that’s one of the main things that made me fall for this book.
The character were so complex and unique too. At times I just couldn’t keep up with them, they were straight up hot messes but it completed the story in a perfect way. I didn’t think I could end up liking Everly, let alone loving her but I somehow did. And even though I completely loved Beckett, I disliked him at times too, not for long, but I had my moments. He isn’t perfect and no one is.
You know when an author is an incredible writer when you highlight a sentence in almost every single chapter. The way Rebecca Paula phrases things is just so damn-near perfect I couldn’t help but to highlight!
“You can’t force together two objects whose edges are worn in some spots and jagged in others. We’re not puzzle pieces. We’re two people with a world of shit between us, but my mind is quiet when our gazes meet.”
Cue the swooning over Beckett!
And here’s another little teaser for you guys: ;)
“I’m not sure if it’s worse to be broken in the head or the heart. The madness feels the same.”
So if you are not yet convinced to pick up this book, which released today! I highly, highly recommend you do it right now!
October 25, 2014
First of all, I want to say out loud that I was not prepared for this book in any way. It made me late for work, it made me want to extend my lunch hour, and it made me want to stay home on a Friday night and finish it.
Everly After is the epitome of two broken souls finding their way to each other and navigating life together. Their lives are better when they are together. Apart, they are both a mess.
“”Are you going to kiss me? ‘ He tilts his head closer, his voice warm against my cheek. ‘You won’t have to ask when I finally am.’”
Gah…so I completely loved Everly. She is an American heiress that dropped her life in Manhattan and moved to Paris to get away from it all by working in a Parisian café. I struggled with the fact that I shouldn’t like her; she was a complete hot mess. Her social life always made the headlines on Page Six, and not for a good reason. But, I couldn’t not like her. My heart just broke for her because all she wanted was someone to love her.
“I want to be the girl I am only with you. All the time. I want to stop dreaming her up.”
The one person Everly’s known, Hudson, for almost her whole life is in even hotter mess. He claims to love her, but deep down I don’t even know if he has the ability to love her. Her way to deal with all the crap she’s been through is to literally shut everyone out. Well…and possibly party just a wee bit too much. But, Everly’s a master at playing this role and continues to do so until she meets Beckett.
“Kiss me, pet. Stay with me.”
Beckett is also dealing with his own sorts of problems. He is a traumatized war correspondent on leave after being kidnapped in Afghanistan. He is struggling day-to-day trying writing his novel. Not until Everly and he meet does his life start to turn around. Beckett is different than any man that Everly has ever met, he is not selfish, he wants to know the real her, past all her glitter. But he does hold a lot of himself back at the same time. I also loved him…he was just incredible and oh so swoony.
“You hide from the rest of the world the fact that you’re extraordinary.”
This book had me on edge the whole time. The chemistry between Beckett and Everly was palpable. I seriously needed a shower even before they kissed. I was on edge throughout the book nervous to see where their relationship was going. I knew that they both needed to open to each other and shed their past before they could move forward. I knew that these two were meant for each other, I don’t actually think anyone else could pick up both of their pieces and put them back together.
I am just in utter shock that this is Rebecca’s debut novel. Her writing is entirely flawless and the dual POVs worked together seamlessly. Everly After is a total gem and I cannot wait to read more from this author. If you loved a certain CW show called Gossip Girl like I do, I HIGHLY recommend this book.
Everly After is the epitome of two broken souls finding their way to each other and navigating life together. Their lives are better when they are together. Apart, they are both a mess.
“”Are you going to kiss me? ‘ He tilts his head closer, his voice warm against my cheek. ‘You won’t have to ask when I finally am.’”
Gah…so I completely loved Everly. She is an American heiress that dropped her life in Manhattan and moved to Paris to get away from it all by working in a Parisian café. I struggled with the fact that I shouldn’t like her; she was a complete hot mess. Her social life always made the headlines on Page Six, and not for a good reason. But, I couldn’t not like her. My heart just broke for her because all she wanted was someone to love her.
“I want to be the girl I am only with you. All the time. I want to stop dreaming her up.”
The one person Everly’s known, Hudson, for almost her whole life is in even hotter mess. He claims to love her, but deep down I don’t even know if he has the ability to love her. Her way to deal with all the crap she’s been through is to literally shut everyone out. Well…and possibly party just a wee bit too much. But, Everly’s a master at playing this role and continues to do so until she meets Beckett.
“Kiss me, pet. Stay with me.”
Beckett is also dealing with his own sorts of problems. He is a traumatized war correspondent on leave after being kidnapped in Afghanistan. He is struggling day-to-day trying writing his novel. Not until Everly and he meet does his life start to turn around. Beckett is different than any man that Everly has ever met, he is not selfish, he wants to know the real her, past all her glitter. But he does hold a lot of himself back at the same time. I also loved him…he was just incredible and oh so swoony.
“You hide from the rest of the world the fact that you’re extraordinary.”
This book had me on edge the whole time. The chemistry between Beckett and Everly was palpable. I seriously needed a shower even before they kissed. I was on edge throughout the book nervous to see where their relationship was going. I knew that they both needed to open to each other and shed their past before they could move forward. I knew that these two were meant for each other, I don’t actually think anyone else could pick up both of their pieces and put them back together.
I am just in utter shock that this is Rebecca’s debut novel. Her writing is entirely flawless and the dual POVs worked together seamlessly. Everly After is a total gem and I cannot wait to read more from this author. If you loved a certain CW show called Gossip Girl like I do, I HIGHLY recommend this book.
November 26, 2014
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
I have to say, going into this i judged the book by its cover expecting a lovey dovey hearts and flowers romance in Paris. It's better! It's dark, it's gritty and it's heartbreaking.
'We’re like dominoes, Beckett and I. I’ve tipped us forward until everything is set in motion. I can’t stop us from colliding, so I should enjoy the fall while it lasts.'
This sentence about sums up the majority of this book. It's a train wreck. A world of love, drugs, death, hurt, history, life and everything that's raw in it. It's really, really good! I was shocked to find out this was a debut novel. It's amazing.
The writing is brilliant. The author captures emotions with silence, hurt through drug induced fun and lust through the fear. It's about two people who are so utterly bad for each other but struggle through the pain, because through it all, they may just be able to save each other.
A broken girl and a broken boy trying to put their pieces back together despite the missing shards.. It's depressing, it's honest and it's sad. You just want to reach into the story and shake the ever loving shit out of the characters. They are their own worst enemies amongst a world that's dragging them down.
'Everly takes a long, shuddering inhale that sounds like glass splintering. The noise wedges itself into my heart and splits it open as she exhales a wail and sobs.'
Beckett is great. He's been through a lot but he's strong enough to carry the weight of Everly's pain. Everly on the other hand, even though you can understand her pain, is selfish and weak. So many times I wanted to just slap her and tell her to sort her shit out. It's frustrating in the best way because her despair is so real; tangible through the words. I was completely drawn in and loved every depressing sentence.
I love her, so I stay and wait. And wait. I have the sickest hope that, someday soon, she’s going to break down and realize that she’s not okay and she needs to do something about it.
This book was life at its worst. It was at times so depressing to read, but I carried on in the hopes that love and light would prevail. I'm glad I did. There were some amazing messages to be read in the powerful words.
'When you love someone—love them as much as I love her—they become the scars you carry, the battle wounds from when you took a risk. I think the messier bits of life should be worn like a badge of courage sometimes, a sign for you to say you’ve lived—are living.'
Awesome. Just awesome!
4 'glitter' stars
October 24, 2014
http://guninactone.wordpress.com/2014...
I’m going to start you off with the messages I sent to my friend Christina while reading this book:
Holy shit this book is intense.
This is so much more than I expected!
I don’t even know what to say. I’m totally on edge and am going to have to finish tonight.
And if I read this book for Beckett to die ** ***** I am going to be supremely pissed!
I even tweeted at Rebecca Paula that she had better not break my heart!
So now almost a week later-my heart is recovered from the stress and I can tell you that I loved this book. Everly After is about two very different kinds of romantic love–love that makes two people bring out the best in each other and those that only bring out the worst in each other. This story was a battle of who would win out in the end. Paula did an amazing job of wrapping me up into Beckett and Everly. They felt completely real to me and their emotions were often so raw. I wanted to reach through and shake them both on occasion (ok mostly Everly), but in the end I think things worked out perfectly. I felt like I was right there with them-and my goodness-I felt the heat between them coming out of the book!
I don’t read a lot of New Adult (NA). I expect NA to be fluffier books -romance, some sex and some light drama perhaps. Just not what I gravitate towards first. Everly After-not what I expected of NA and I am so glad I was proved wrong. This was not light and fluffy but it was a book with depth and heart. If this is her debut, I cannot wait to read what else Rebecca Paula is writing.
Thank you Rebecca Paula for this advance copy in exchange for an honest opinion!
Here’s a link to a super fun giveaway including a copy of Everly After
I’m going to start you off with the messages I sent to my friend Christina while reading this book:
Holy shit this book is intense.
This is so much more than I expected!
I don’t even know what to say. I’m totally on edge and am going to have to finish tonight.
And if I read this book for Beckett to die ** ***** I am going to be supremely pissed!
I even tweeted at Rebecca Paula that she had better not break my heart!
So now almost a week later-my heart is recovered from the stress and I can tell you that I loved this book. Everly After is about two very different kinds of romantic love–love that makes two people bring out the best in each other and those that only bring out the worst in each other. This story was a battle of who would win out in the end. Paula did an amazing job of wrapping me up into Beckett and Everly. They felt completely real to me and their emotions were often so raw. I wanted to reach through and shake them both on occasion (ok mostly Everly), but in the end I think things worked out perfectly. I felt like I was right there with them-and my goodness-I felt the heat between them coming out of the book!
I don’t read a lot of New Adult (NA). I expect NA to be fluffier books -romance, some sex and some light drama perhaps. Just not what I gravitate towards first. Everly After-not what I expected of NA and I am so glad I was proved wrong. This was not light and fluffy but it was a book with depth and heart. If this is her debut, I cannot wait to read what else Rebecca Paula is writing.
Thank you Rebecca Paula for this advance copy in exchange for an honest opinion!
Here’s a link to a super fun giveaway including a copy of Everly After
May 21, 2015
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
This was the story of Everly and Beckett, two broken people, trying to find a little happiness in the world. This story was enjoyable enough, especially if you are new to the NA genre. If you’ve read a bunch of these type books, you might (like me) find many of them to basically be on repeat, though.
The book was well written, but seemed to drag in places to me. This may be the result of my lack of connection to Everly, though. I disliked her so much, I just wanted to skip her chapters at times. I had a very difficult time connecting with her, because she makes horrible decision after horrible decision. There comes a time when you have to make different decisions if you want a different result. I know these situations truly exist in the real world, and it is really sad. I guess it is just hard for someone like me, who grew up in a good family and is well-adjusted, to comprehend not being able to make better decisions, so it is frustrating to read a book full of bad judgement.
Beckett was a very likeable character. I just didn’t get what he saw in Everly, other than she was beautiful and stand-offish. There are tons of beautiful, hard-to-get women in the world that are much smarter and healthier choices. He should have cut his losses and moved on.
I would recommend this book for anyone somewhat new to the NA genre who enjoys sadder, tragic stories and doesn’t mind a heroine so broken she can’t get out of her own way. Like I said, the book is well written. It’s definitely worth checking out.
This was the story of Everly and Beckett, two broken people, trying to find a little happiness in the world. This story was enjoyable enough, especially if you are new to the NA genre. If you’ve read a bunch of these type books, you might (like me) find many of them to basically be on repeat, though.
The book was well written, but seemed to drag in places to me. This may be the result of my lack of connection to Everly, though. I disliked her so much, I just wanted to skip her chapters at times. I had a very difficult time connecting with her, because she makes horrible decision after horrible decision. There comes a time when you have to make different decisions if you want a different result. I know these situations truly exist in the real world, and it is really sad. I guess it is just hard for someone like me, who grew up in a good family and is well-adjusted, to comprehend not being able to make better decisions, so it is frustrating to read a book full of bad judgement.
Beckett was a very likeable character. I just didn’t get what he saw in Everly, other than she was beautiful and stand-offish. There are tons of beautiful, hard-to-get women in the world that are much smarter and healthier choices. He should have cut his losses and moved on.
I would recommend this book for anyone somewhat new to the NA genre who enjoys sadder, tragic stories and doesn’t mind a heroine so broken she can’t get out of her own way. Like I said, the book is well written. It’s definitely worth checking out.
October 23, 2014
4 Stars!
I liked this book. It was a different change of pace to the contemporary romance and was written in a brilliant fashion. This was a great story about learning to move on from your past and embracing a bright future. This book has many ups and downs, taking you on an emotional ride that will have you tearing up and smiling at the end (and possibly do a fist pump or two!).
This is Everly and Beckett's story. Everly is a spoiled heiress who is a serious hot mess and living a reckless life. Changing her life, she leaves everything behind and gets a job at a café. She isn't looking for anyone or love for that matter. But sometimes we don't have a choice in who finds us and what our heart wants. When she meets Beckett, he makes her want to break down her walls. Beckett has his own set of issues but he is drawn to Everly. He sees the real Everly like no one else can. But with a past that won't let her go, is it possible to move on and embrace your future? Will Everly truly be able to put her past to rest? Will Beckett and Everly find their happy ending?
I liked both characters. At first, I was on the fence about Everly but as I got to know her and understand her, she totally gripped at my heart. I also liked Beckett. I loved how he drew out the real Everly. He helped her see who she really was and not what everyone else made her believe she was. I loved them together. I love that this was told in dual POV because it was a great way to get to know both Everly and Beckett. I loved knowing what made them tick.
I recommend this book!
Blog Tour---> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2014...
I liked this book. It was a different change of pace to the contemporary romance and was written in a brilliant fashion. This was a great story about learning to move on from your past and embracing a bright future. This book has many ups and downs, taking you on an emotional ride that will have you tearing up and smiling at the end (and possibly do a fist pump or two!).
This is Everly and Beckett's story. Everly is a spoiled heiress who is a serious hot mess and living a reckless life. Changing her life, she leaves everything behind and gets a job at a café. She isn't looking for anyone or love for that matter. But sometimes we don't have a choice in who finds us and what our heart wants. When she meets Beckett, he makes her want to break down her walls. Beckett has his own set of issues but he is drawn to Everly. He sees the real Everly like no one else can. But with a past that won't let her go, is it possible to move on and embrace your future? Will Everly truly be able to put her past to rest? Will Beckett and Everly find their happy ending?
I liked both characters. At first, I was on the fence about Everly but as I got to know her and understand her, she totally gripped at my heart. I also liked Beckett. I loved how he drew out the real Everly. He helped her see who she really was and not what everyone else made her believe she was. I loved them together. I love that this was told in dual POV because it was a great way to get to know both Everly and Beckett. I loved knowing what made them tick.
I recommend this book!
Blog Tour---> http://reneeentress.blogspot.com/2014...
May 12, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was an interesting read with complex characters. Tragic lifestyles that twist their worlds upside down was emotionally turbulent for me as the reader. The start was brilliantly orchestrated giving me the false impression of Everly being less unbalanced but quickly morphed into light showing the troubled individual she really was and the struggles she tried to fight. My feelings for Beckett's character was confusing at times. Liking him to disliking him just the same was an emotion I couldn't grasp until the final outcome was revealed. This is due in part that I felt that Beckett's issues were not emphasized enough for me to see that he was truly struggling as much if not more than Everly all along. Although they were mentioned I thought they were downplayed a little too much. Overall the book was entertaining and well written. Thank you for the opportunity to read this.
This was an interesting read with complex characters. Tragic lifestyles that twist their worlds upside down was emotionally turbulent for me as the reader. The start was brilliantly orchestrated giving me the false impression of Everly being less unbalanced but quickly morphed into light showing the troubled individual she really was and the struggles she tried to fight. My feelings for Beckett's character was confusing at times. Liking him to disliking him just the same was an emotion I couldn't grasp until the final outcome was revealed. This is due in part that I felt that Beckett's issues were not emphasized enough for me to see that he was truly struggling as much if not more than Everly all along. Although they were mentioned I thought they were downplayed a little too much. Overall the book was entertaining and well written. Thank you for the opportunity to read this.
October 27, 2014
Finally! A book that isn't I love you on the first day. A romance that seems real and develops nicely with the read. Truth be told I really enjoyed this read. The writing was beautiful. I'm not one of those readers who likes a lot of description. Lets get to the plot and the action. Paula wrote in a way that the descriptions didn't bog the story down, but instead added a beauty.
I loved the characters too. Like I said earlier, this book develops nicely, as do the characters. There is also a bit of wit and humor, which I love. A great read over all. This is the first book I've read from this author, but I can tell you it won't be the last. This is one of those books every book lover should read.
October 26, 2014
I don't know where to begin, this book was well written, painful heartbreaking.. I wanted Everly to find her way so much, I wanted Beckett to be the game changer...I was looking for the fight to live. This book is full of angst and sorrow. Sometimes life is harder to crawl out of bad situations...
But it is refreshing to read a book that is not all flowers and roses...best part is watching these two broken people fight their way to the top!
Great debut novel;)
But it is refreshing to read a book that is not all flowers and roses...best part is watching these two broken people fight their way to the top!
Great debut novel;)
October 23, 2014
I AM NUMB AND HAPPY AND A MESS BECAUSE OF EVERLY AFTER.
Review link: EVERLY AFTER http://hopelessbooklovers.wordpress.c...
Review link: EVERLY AFTER http://hopelessbooklovers.wordpress.c...
March 5, 2016
DNF. 39 pages.
This is the first book in my life that I've never finished reading. I don't know, I just couldn't get into it and the characters annoyed me.
This is the first book in my life that I've never finished reading. I don't know, I just couldn't get into it and the characters annoyed me.
October 30, 2016
Sloooooooooooooooow
December 19, 2014
I love when genre books surprise me. The sharp edges of this book are delicious.
June 3, 2020
This has an HEA ending, but if you prefer a brutal ride before you get there, read this book. Two very sympathetic and believable characters. I don't usually like first person narrative, or romances that are written from each member of the couple's point of view. But I enjoyed this one!
November 10, 2014
Everly After, Rebecca Paula
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
So, when I looked at this book it had some mixed reviews, seems some loved it and others hated it – but I was intrigued by the description and decided to see for myself. I’m in the “loved it” category though I’m unsure if I’d re read it.
At first it’s easy to just see Everly as this “poor little rich girl” in a sarky way, when we think with all that money she can’t possibly have problems. However though lack of money can and does very often bring problems and arguments, having unlimited funds doesn’t mean happiness, and Everly is the perfect example. She’s lost her beloved brother, and her parents care more about appearances than helping her. For them its not what she does that’s the problem, but that she’s seen doing it...then we learn more about her and it seems it’s not just since her brother died they’ve neglected her, and that she lost her virginity at just 13 to Hudson. He’s an odd guy, possessive and horribly destructive, he’s one of those accident waiting to happen people, with his alcohol and drug addiction, and his living life on the edge of danger without a thought. He drags Everly along with him. I’d dislike him, but then I don’t know what in his background made him like that – maybe he too suffered from lack of parental love and attention? Whatever, he’s no good to Everly, and she’s escaped to Paris after the last drama, where he got images of her going viral on the Net and her parents have closed her trust fund in disgust. She’s been pawning jewels and working at a cafe in Paris since – partying with the usual crown who hang on but aren’t friends, just in for the free loading experience. Its at one of these parties when she’s wondering if life is worth living, drunk and drugged, that she meets Beckett. He’s been brought by a friend. He’s got his own problems, suffering from PTSD, after a bad experience reporting from the Afghanistan. He’s on sick leave and desperate to get back to work, though he won’t recognise his problems. Something in Everly calls to him and they leave the party....
I loved Beckett, he sounds hard and yet he’s not, just struggling with his own demons from his background, his guilt at not being there when his beloved aunt died to the new ones from the kidnapping. He can see Everly needs help too, and one side of him says she’s too much to handle that she’ll drag him down, but the other side of his can’t seem to leave her. I really liked his character, he tried so hard to help her, and I could see the sensual attraction that started with a jump at first meeting growing deeper into real Love. Things seem to be working for them, his book is going well, their relationship has moved forward, and Everly seems to be able to keep off the drink and drugs, and then..... Hudson finds her again, and she’s pulled back into a downward spiral by events beyond her control. Can Beckett get her back? Does he want to? What does she really want?
Its a beautiful story, very cleverly written to show that these two are not damaged and broken but simply fragile and brittle. The slightest wrong thing could tip them into broken beyond repair, but somehow they find a strength in each other and can be each others salvation. We do for others what we won’t do for ourselves sometimes. Its a real bittersweet romance, full of drama and pathos, and yet with some incredible tender and beautiful moments too. I was rooting for them all the way, they need each other but had so many obstacles to overcome, it was clear it wasn’t going to be one of those where Love saves the day, but needed lots of hard work from them both too.
Stars: Five, a wonderful, unusual read.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers.
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
So, when I looked at this book it had some mixed reviews, seems some loved it and others hated it – but I was intrigued by the description and decided to see for myself. I’m in the “loved it” category though I’m unsure if I’d re read it.
At first it’s easy to just see Everly as this “poor little rich girl” in a sarky way, when we think with all that money she can’t possibly have problems. However though lack of money can and does very often bring problems and arguments, having unlimited funds doesn’t mean happiness, and Everly is the perfect example. She’s lost her beloved brother, and her parents care more about appearances than helping her. For them its not what she does that’s the problem, but that she’s seen doing it...then we learn more about her and it seems it’s not just since her brother died they’ve neglected her, and that she lost her virginity at just 13 to Hudson. He’s an odd guy, possessive and horribly destructive, he’s one of those accident waiting to happen people, with his alcohol and drug addiction, and his living life on the edge of danger without a thought. He drags Everly along with him. I’d dislike him, but then I don’t know what in his background made him like that – maybe he too suffered from lack of parental love and attention? Whatever, he’s no good to Everly, and she’s escaped to Paris after the last drama, where he got images of her going viral on the Net and her parents have closed her trust fund in disgust. She’s been pawning jewels and working at a cafe in Paris since – partying with the usual crown who hang on but aren’t friends, just in for the free loading experience. Its at one of these parties when she’s wondering if life is worth living, drunk and drugged, that she meets Beckett. He’s been brought by a friend. He’s got his own problems, suffering from PTSD, after a bad experience reporting from the Afghanistan. He’s on sick leave and desperate to get back to work, though he won’t recognise his problems. Something in Everly calls to him and they leave the party....
I loved Beckett, he sounds hard and yet he’s not, just struggling with his own demons from his background, his guilt at not being there when his beloved aunt died to the new ones from the kidnapping. He can see Everly needs help too, and one side of him says she’s too much to handle that she’ll drag him down, but the other side of his can’t seem to leave her. I really liked his character, he tried so hard to help her, and I could see the sensual attraction that started with a jump at first meeting growing deeper into real Love. Things seem to be working for them, his book is going well, their relationship has moved forward, and Everly seems to be able to keep off the drink and drugs, and then..... Hudson finds her again, and she’s pulled back into a downward spiral by events beyond her control. Can Beckett get her back? Does he want to? What does she really want?
Its a beautiful story, very cleverly written to show that these two are not damaged and broken but simply fragile and brittle. The slightest wrong thing could tip them into broken beyond repair, but somehow they find a strength in each other and can be each others salvation. We do for others what we won’t do for ourselves sometimes. Its a real bittersweet romance, full of drama and pathos, and yet with some incredible tender and beautiful moments too. I was rooting for them all the way, they need each other but had so many obstacles to overcome, it was clear it wasn’t going to be one of those where Love saves the day, but needed lots of hard work from them both too.
Stars: Five, a wonderful, unusual read.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers.
May 26, 2015
I was kindly provided with a copy of Everly After to read and review.
Drawn in to this by the captivating synopsis I couldn't wait to get started on this book thinking I was going for quite a typical romance with two broken damaged souls who struggle to hold themselves and each other together and the inevitable happily ever after. I became stunned pretty quickly when I realised just how different it was from what I was anticipating it to be. It came across more as a descriptive book about the frailities of the human psyche than it was a tale about love and an easy fix. A book built around beautiful, sometimes heartbreaking, quotes has made this one of my favourite books of all time purely based on the hauntingly frail way each scene is depicted.
Whoever heard of a story where two broken people can make each other whole again.
So why did I only give this three stars? Solely for the fact that as beautifully written as it is, I longed for a little more dialogue between Everly and Beckett. It was always more descriptive of their emotions than it was their interactions and with a lack of actual words between the two I found it not only difficult to form a connection with either of them, but also to see how they really fell for and bonded with each other. Amazingly well written but in almost such an impersonal way, Everly and Beckett always felt like two completely seperate people that never quite came together for me.
So overall a dazzling book, remarkably well written with some of the most stunning and memorable quotes I've ever had the joy to read and although I loved this book but it also missed the mark for me, I do still highly recommend reading it. It's not a happy, smiley, feel good about yourself kind of book but it is a stripped to the bone look at how tragic, overwhelming and destructive life can become. Regardless of your upbringing, your wealth, your job or how many people you have around you, life can always find a way of imploding with the most cataclysmic effects. This book serves as a reminder of how human it is to hurt, but also how damaging it is that we all keep our pains under a blanket of "I'm fine". Coming along at the most perfect time in my life, this tale has reminded me that it's ok not to be ok and that hiding behind a mask of fake smiles and "fines" won't make the situation feel any less heart wrenching just because you're hiding it and it certainly won't cure it. So if you're looking for a great, though provoking read with a very slight feel of Breakfast at Tiffany's then this is most definitely the book for you.
You can’t love somebody whole again. You have to love their pieces, their rough edges. The ugly and bad along with the best bits. You can love them for what they are and mourn what they’ve lost, but you can’t love them and wish they were something other than the person you hold tight. You have to love their smiles, their tears, their silences. The way they yell or snap when you get too close to their hurt. You can be there when they fall apart, but they’re the only ones who can put themselves back together. You have to love them enough to fight for them and be patient and believe that they will come through the dark, but you can never love them in hopes your love will fix them. Love is a powerful thing, but it’s not superglue.
Drawn in to this by the captivating synopsis I couldn't wait to get started on this book thinking I was going for quite a typical romance with two broken damaged souls who struggle to hold themselves and each other together and the inevitable happily ever after. I became stunned pretty quickly when I realised just how different it was from what I was anticipating it to be. It came across more as a descriptive book about the frailities of the human psyche than it was a tale about love and an easy fix. A book built around beautiful, sometimes heartbreaking, quotes has made this one of my favourite books of all time purely based on the hauntingly frail way each scene is depicted.
Whoever heard of a story where two broken people can make each other whole again.
So why did I only give this three stars? Solely for the fact that as beautifully written as it is, I longed for a little more dialogue between Everly and Beckett. It was always more descriptive of their emotions than it was their interactions and with a lack of actual words between the two I found it not only difficult to form a connection with either of them, but also to see how they really fell for and bonded with each other. Amazingly well written but in almost such an impersonal way, Everly and Beckett always felt like two completely seperate people that never quite came together for me.
So overall a dazzling book, remarkably well written with some of the most stunning and memorable quotes I've ever had the joy to read and although I loved this book but it also missed the mark for me, I do still highly recommend reading it. It's not a happy, smiley, feel good about yourself kind of book but it is a stripped to the bone look at how tragic, overwhelming and destructive life can become. Regardless of your upbringing, your wealth, your job or how many people you have around you, life can always find a way of imploding with the most cataclysmic effects. This book serves as a reminder of how human it is to hurt, but also how damaging it is that we all keep our pains under a blanket of "I'm fine". Coming along at the most perfect time in my life, this tale has reminded me that it's ok not to be ok and that hiding behind a mask of fake smiles and "fines" won't make the situation feel any less heart wrenching just because you're hiding it and it certainly won't cure it. So if you're looking for a great, though provoking read with a very slight feel of Breakfast at Tiffany's then this is most definitely the book for you.
You can’t love somebody whole again. You have to love their pieces, their rough edges. The ugly and bad along with the best bits. You can love them for what they are and mourn what they’ve lost, but you can’t love them and wish they were something other than the person you hold tight. You have to love their smiles, their tears, their silences. The way they yell or snap when you get too close to their hurt. You can be there when they fall apart, but they’re the only ones who can put themselves back together. You have to love them enough to fight for them and be patient and believe that they will come through the dark, but you can never love them in hopes your love will fix them. Love is a powerful thing, but it’s not superglue.
October 28, 2014
Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak
PURCHASE IT ►►► AMAZON
They were a train wreck waiting to happen. Separately, their baggage is already overloaded and to include another person with the same amount of baggage of more is a little bit crazy. To say that they are complicated, most especially Everly would be a complete understatement. It took some time to understand her, to warm up to her – she was spiraling down, and you are there watching her ruining her life for reasons unknown to you and I don’t even know why in the world is she doing it.
I was in the dark, I was half-confused, half-bored and somewhat wondering when is she finally going to get her head out of her a**. I wanted to ask her if she wants to die. Because what she’s doing is a sure way of ending her life. And I can’t believe that after she’d met him, she has the audacity to sleep with another man. ARGH. She knew he was trouble (her ex), and him showing up had her drowning a little more.
Then there’s Beckett – the journalist who was forced into a sabbatical after being kidnapped on the field. All he wanted to do was to get back on his job, heal on his own, and pretend everything is normal. But his plans were put on hold the moment he met the American heiress. They were in for the ride of their lives. He might be broken, and has his own problems – but he was determined to save her in any way he can. I was crossing my fingers for them both, hoping they can survive this ordeal – hoping Beckett has enough strength to get through for the both of them.
I would have liked it, seriously. But I found the beginning of the story pretty much slow and didn’t pick up until I reached the middle. There were a lot of WTF, and are-you-really-doing-that-moments that almost had me stop reading. I should have finished this in one day, but every now and then I had to stop.
Thank goodness this wasn’t one of those love-at-first-sight kind of things, their relationship developed, went through a whole lot of things, before the both of them had finally discovered healing and love. There were so many emotions involve, and how I wished it didn’t take that long for it to pick up. The journey was long, filled with a lot of bumps but the ending was worth it. It was like I was finally able to breathe normally the moment I found myself at the end of the book. For a debut novel, this one is okay.
•Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.•
More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
PURCHASE IT ►►► AMAZON
They were a train wreck waiting to happen. Separately, their baggage is already overloaded and to include another person with the same amount of baggage of more is a little bit crazy. To say that they are complicated, most especially Everly would be a complete understatement. It took some time to understand her, to warm up to her – she was spiraling down, and you are there watching her ruining her life for reasons unknown to you and I don’t even know why in the world is she doing it.
I was in the dark, I was half-confused, half-bored and somewhat wondering when is she finally going to get her head out of her a**. I wanted to ask her if she wants to die. Because what she’s doing is a sure way of ending her life. And I can’t believe that after she’d met him, she has the audacity to sleep with another man. ARGH. She knew he was trouble (her ex), and him showing up had her drowning a little more.
Then there’s Beckett – the journalist who was forced into a sabbatical after being kidnapped on the field. All he wanted to do was to get back on his job, heal on his own, and pretend everything is normal. But his plans were put on hold the moment he met the American heiress. They were in for the ride of their lives. He might be broken, and has his own problems – but he was determined to save her in any way he can. I was crossing my fingers for them both, hoping they can survive this ordeal – hoping Beckett has enough strength to get through for the both of them.
I would have liked it, seriously. But I found the beginning of the story pretty much slow and didn’t pick up until I reached the middle. There were a lot of WTF, and are-you-really-doing-that-moments that almost had me stop reading. I should have finished this in one day, but every now and then I had to stop.
Thank goodness this wasn’t one of those love-at-first-sight kind of things, their relationship developed, went through a whole lot of things, before the both of them had finally discovered healing and love. There were so many emotions involve, and how I wished it didn’t take that long for it to pick up. The journey was long, filled with a lot of bumps but the ending was worth it. It was like I was finally able to breathe normally the moment I found myself at the end of the book. For a debut novel, this one is okay.
•Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.•
More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com
June 7, 2017
I received a free copy of this book.
'Everly After' is the story of Everly and Beckett. Both have gone through a lot in their past and eventually lost themselves. When they first meet each other in Paris both try to run from everything that hurts and just want to hide. Slowly, they learn that hiding can't be the answer to their problems. They fall in love and play a dangerous games because falling head over heels into a new relationship won't help them either.
I had a difficult time to sum up what this book is about. It was honestly not what I expected to read and while the first 40% highly annoyed and brought me more than once to the point of just not finishing it I still had problems getting into the story later.
What I expected of the book was a emotional story between two people who ran away from their problems in the past and now learn to stand up for themselves. I like those kind of stories. Unfortunately, this was not what was delivered.
I don't think it should take about the first half of a book to draw me in. Usually, I get excited quite quickly with stories and I relate to characters a lot. Everly was a mystery for me. I honestly couldn't stand her self-destructive behavior. It was painful to read and I couldn't even find a connection later. Her way of proving to do the right things was just stupid.
Unfortunately, another problem of mine was Beckett. I liked his character in some situations while he annoyed me in others. I get the whole running-away-thing but believing in such a destructive relationship that much was understandable for me.
The other characters in the book were rather boring and I was sometimes confused as to what has happened in the past.
I thought the story was and plot twists were easy to guess. No real surprise here which isn't bad per se but just added to my general state of boredom. Despite my negative remarks I loved how they implemented the book's title into the story.
The ending was rather good and I guess the last part of the book convinced me to give it two stars. The story was okay but it was really not what I wanted to read and it was quite painful to pick the book up sometimes. However, people who are more interested in self-destructive behavior and who want to see everything falling apart will find a good read.
'Everly After' is the story of Everly and Beckett. Both have gone through a lot in their past and eventually lost themselves. When they first meet each other in Paris both try to run from everything that hurts and just want to hide. Slowly, they learn that hiding can't be the answer to their problems. They fall in love and play a dangerous games because falling head over heels into a new relationship won't help them either.
I had a difficult time to sum up what this book is about. It was honestly not what I expected to read and while the first 40% highly annoyed and brought me more than once to the point of just not finishing it I still had problems getting into the story later.
What I expected of the book was a emotional story between two people who ran away from their problems in the past and now learn to stand up for themselves. I like those kind of stories. Unfortunately, this was not what was delivered.
I don't think it should take about the first half of a book to draw me in. Usually, I get excited quite quickly with stories and I relate to characters a lot. Everly was a mystery for me. I honestly couldn't stand her self-destructive behavior. It was painful to read and I couldn't even find a connection later. Her way of proving to do the right things was just stupid.
Unfortunately, another problem of mine was Beckett. I liked his character in some situations while he annoyed me in others. I get the whole running-away-thing but believing in such a destructive relationship that much was understandable for me.
The other characters in the book were rather boring and I was sometimes confused as to what has happened in the past.
I thought the story was and plot twists were easy to guess. No real surprise here which isn't bad per se but just added to my general state of boredom. Despite my negative remarks I loved how they implemented the book's title into the story.
The ending was rather good and I guess the last part of the book convinced me to give it two stars. The story was okay but it was really not what I wanted to read and it was quite painful to pick the book up sometimes. However, people who are more interested in self-destructive behavior and who want to see everything falling apart will find a good read.
December 6, 2014
Everly After isn't a bad book and it also stays away from many New Adult tropes, but still, while I enjoyed it, there was something that held me back from really liking it or respecting Rebecca Paula as an author. I picked up this book partially because I had hoped that Beckett's serious professional job as a journalist would make him less like the brooding, trouble NA leading men that drive me up the wall. And while Beckett is definitely battling demons from his childhood and his time in Afghanistan, luckily he wasn't anything like the typical NA leading men and that made me really happy.
Everly, on the other hand, was harder for me to really get behind. In general I love the idea of a troubled socialite and even with all of the mistakes Everly makes (and made previously in her life) I still liked her. She's a spoiled socialite, drug addict who lives in her own little world and treats people pretty terribly, but still I really rooted for her and liked her.
Where I struggled with the book was the writing. Not anything technically about the writing, that thankfully was sound or I wouldn't be giving this book three stars, but more how Paula told the story. Lots and lots of the story takes place in either Everly or Beckett's heads and eventually it just got repetitive and kind of boring. Even halfway through the book I was tired of them whining and hiding things and generally feeling sorry for themselves and doomed to be miserable forever. I get why they felt that way, and I don't think their feelings were inauthentic, but still, it just dragged on for too long and I wish they had spent more time talking and getting to know each other rather than both brooding and hiding.
I will say I enjoyed how the story came together in the end, even if the end did feel a little bit rushed and again suffered from too much time spent in the characters' heads rather than the characters actually doing things.
Bottom Line: While I had issues with the way the story was told this is still an enjoyable NA novel that thankfully doesn't borrow too many of the terrible cliches of that genre. As much as Everly and Beckett both drew me in and I wanted to get to know both of them better and really wished for a happy ending for both of them I'm still not sure if I'll be reading anything else from Rebecca Paula any time soon.
Everly, on the other hand, was harder for me to really get behind. In general I love the idea of a troubled socialite and even with all of the mistakes Everly makes (and made previously in her life) I still liked her. She's a spoiled socialite, drug addict who lives in her own little world and treats people pretty terribly, but still I really rooted for her and liked her.
Where I struggled with the book was the writing. Not anything technically about the writing, that thankfully was sound or I wouldn't be giving this book three stars, but more how Paula told the story. Lots and lots of the story takes place in either Everly or Beckett's heads and eventually it just got repetitive and kind of boring. Even halfway through the book I was tired of them whining and hiding things and generally feeling sorry for themselves and doomed to be miserable forever. I get why they felt that way, and I don't think their feelings were inauthentic, but still, it just dragged on for too long and I wish they had spent more time talking and getting to know each other rather than both brooding and hiding.
I will say I enjoyed how the story came together in the end, even if the end did feel a little bit rushed and again suffered from too much time spent in the characters' heads rather than the characters actually doing things.
Bottom Line: While I had issues with the way the story was told this is still an enjoyable NA novel that thankfully doesn't borrow too many of the terrible cliches of that genre. As much as Everly and Beckett both drew me in and I wanted to get to know both of them better and really wished for a happy ending for both of them I'm still not sure if I'll be reading anything else from Rebecca Paula any time soon.
November 30, 2014
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for a review.
This novel was not what I was expecting. I expected a light contemporary romance. What I got was something darker and sadder than I'd been prepared for. In truth, I think the romance aspect took a backseat to a story of a man and women dealing with different mental illnesses and how those illnesses came into play during their relationship.
The writing was really good, and the word that springs to mind is "sensual." The author uses every sense to describe what's going on. Because of the detail she puts into these scenes, the story moves slow enough to indulge the reader, but for the most part, it was paced well. At times, the writing and the scenes were also gritty, with just enough detail to paint a dark, sad picture without going overboard into detail, another writing technique that I enjoy.
The characters are flawed, at times likable and at other times really annoying. I thought Everly's character was slightly cliched at first, as the broken party girl who shows a quirky side when she's sober. Later, she made me angry in her choices to pull away from Beckett and to keep returning to the party life. However, my reaction to them has no bearing on the fact that they were still realistic. I liked that there was some expression of their mental illnesses and how it affected them and those around them. Those parts felt especially real and were very poignant.
Towards the end, the pacing seemed to change a bit and things seemed to drag. I felt that some of the end scenes were a little scattered, and though I think their purpose was to draw attention to the relationship Everly had with her parents, some of those could have been taken out.
That was a fairly minor detail, though, in what was otherwise a good book. Even though it wasn't a feel good novel, it was still enjoyable and ended on a note of hope and optimism. I think the author is a solid writer, and I'd like to read more novels by her in the future.
This novel was not what I was expecting. I expected a light contemporary romance. What I got was something darker and sadder than I'd been prepared for. In truth, I think the romance aspect took a backseat to a story of a man and women dealing with different mental illnesses and how those illnesses came into play during their relationship.
The writing was really good, and the word that springs to mind is "sensual." The author uses every sense to describe what's going on. Because of the detail she puts into these scenes, the story moves slow enough to indulge the reader, but for the most part, it was paced well. At times, the writing and the scenes were also gritty, with just enough detail to paint a dark, sad picture without going overboard into detail, another writing technique that I enjoy.
The characters are flawed, at times likable and at other times really annoying. I thought Everly's character was slightly cliched at first, as the broken party girl who shows a quirky side when she's sober. Later, she made me angry in her choices to pull away from Beckett and to keep returning to the party life. However, my reaction to them has no bearing on the fact that they were still realistic. I liked that there was some expression of their mental illnesses and how it affected them and those around them. Those parts felt especially real and were very poignant.
Towards the end, the pacing seemed to change a bit and things seemed to drag. I felt that some of the end scenes were a little scattered, and though I think their purpose was to draw attention to the relationship Everly had with her parents, some of those could have been taken out.
That was a fairly minor detail, though, in what was otherwise a good book. Even though it wasn't a feel good novel, it was still enjoyable and ended on a note of hope and optimism. I think the author is a solid writer, and I'd like to read more novels by her in the future.
December 2, 2015
www.bookworm221.tumblr.com
Thank you so much to Rebecca Paula and the New Adult Book Club for kindly providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have to admit to some mixed feelings about this book, I would like to emphasize that I liked it and that I found the subject matter very compelling and very well written, the only problem I had was with the way it was edited, sometimes there wasn't a clear way of saying that the characters were not in the same place, or who they were talking to and things like that, which made it really hard for me to keep track of them and eventually I became a little tired.
But I truly understood both characters, as a psychologist is not often that I read characters like these, so hell bent on auto destructing themselves and written in such a realistic way, I have to congratulate Rebecca Paula on her ability to make these characters compelling and very real.
The thing I found the most realistic was their description of love, especially Beckett's, the things he said and how he explained what love is, is exactly how I feel about love sometimes and it was such a grown up way to see it too. And Everly with herself destructive nature was spot on when she said that she couldn't be fixed by love, love can help but not completely fixed, and that she had to do it for herself.
Those last few chapters were the best I've read in a long time.
Keep Calm and Read On
Instagram and Twitter @bookquotes221
May 9, 2016
I'm just going to sit here and cry because Rebecca can actually do no wrong.
I started this book a bit on the fence because Between Everything & Us is my favourite book ever, I have never read a more wonderful and spectacular book in my life, so I was a bit scared Everly After wouldn't be as good but I'm immensely happy now that I've finished it because I was wrong, Everly After is just as wonderful.
I won't lie to you, this was definitely a hard book to read, Everly and Beckett are two broken humans in different ways and this wasn't the type of situation where two brokens make a whole, their pieces were all so scattered I worried constantly that they would never be able to get to a good place, particularly Everly.
Everly wasn't the type of character you are frustrated by and kind of want to shake so she'll get her crap together, for me she felt like the character that was so far gone I knew no one would be able to get her back no matter how hard they tried, not even Beckett, unless she decided to help herself first. But I also knew that I couldn't give up on her because during the scenes where she was happy, during the scenes where wanted to try, I couldn't help but want to cheer for her.
I loved Beckett because I couldn't tell if he was a romantic or a cynic but I could always tell that Rebecca couldn't have written a better suited character to caught my attention and make me root for him the same way I was rooting for Everly.
I don't think I have ever loved two books by the same author as much as I love this and Between Everything & Us. I am amazed by how she can put feelings and situations into the most beautiful words and make it all seem so real, every single scene in this book plays like a movie in your head, it's heartbreaking and emotional and the most wonderful experience anyone could ask for reading wise.
I started this book a bit on the fence because Between Everything & Us is my favourite book ever, I have never read a more wonderful and spectacular book in my life, so I was a bit scared Everly After wouldn't be as good but I'm immensely happy now that I've finished it because I was wrong, Everly After is just as wonderful.
I won't lie to you, this was definitely a hard book to read, Everly and Beckett are two broken humans in different ways and this wasn't the type of situation where two brokens make a whole, their pieces were all so scattered I worried constantly that they would never be able to get to a good place, particularly Everly.
Everly wasn't the type of character you are frustrated by and kind of want to shake so she'll get her crap together, for me she felt like the character that was so far gone I knew no one would be able to get her back no matter how hard they tried, not even Beckett, unless she decided to help herself first. But I also knew that I couldn't give up on her because during the scenes where she was happy, during the scenes where wanted to try, I couldn't help but want to cheer for her.
I loved Beckett because I couldn't tell if he was a romantic or a cynic but I could always tell that Rebecca couldn't have written a better suited character to caught my attention and make me root for him the same way I was rooting for Everly.
I don't think I have ever loved two books by the same author as much as I love this and Between Everything & Us. I am amazed by how she can put feelings and situations into the most beautiful words and make it all seem so real, every single scene in this book plays like a movie in your head, it's heartbreaking and emotional and the most wonderful experience anyone could ask for reading wise.
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