In Pieces by Danielle Pearl Release Week Blitz

The second New Adult novel in the Something More series by bestselling author Danielle Pearl!

Beth Caplan is ready to begin college a new woman. She's worked hard to overcome her demons, and she's eager to live in a world where no one knows about her past. Except, of course, her childhood crush. David March has known Beth a lifetime. Tasked by her older brother to look after the beautiful incoming freshman, he takes his job exceptionally seriously. Even if she tempts him in ways no kid-sister type ever should.

When Beth's ex shows up as a transfer student, and a creepy stranger with a reputation for violence sets his sights on her, Dave will do whatever it takes to protect her, even if it means moving her in with him. When he learns just how much a secret from his past hurt the girl he's always cared for, he becomes doubly determined to protect her, even from himself. But that's easier said than done.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Danielle Pearl is the bestselling author of the Something More series. She lives in New Jersey with her three delicious children and ever-supportive husband, who---luckily---doesn't mind sharing her with an array of fictional men. She did a brief stint at Boston University and worked in marketing before publishing her debut novel, Normal. She writes mature Young Adult and New Adult contemporary romance. Danielle enjoys coffee, wine, and cupcakes, and not in moderation.

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REVIEW

* * * 1/2

Source: advance e-galley provided in exchange for honest review


Beth's life was in turmoil three years ago after a devastating break up that had her taking matters into her own hands to get rid of the sadness. Now as a college freshman, that incident is behind her and her focus is on her studies and being someone who can help others. She finds her attempt at normalcy thwarted every so often by none other than David, her older brother's best friend and her long-time secret crush. He doesn't seem to reciprocate so she's resigned herself to the fact that nothing can happen. As much as David has been keeping his feelings for Beth in check, his top priority is Beth's well-being and he means to keep his promise to her brother to keep her safe. He does it to the point of overprotectiveness treating her as if she's a fragile china doll that'll break at any moment. He's so intent on sheltering her that he doesn't see how he's practically smothering her. This causes a lot of tension between them which only makes it harder to hold back his feelings for her. That temptation to cross the line from friendship to something more is just dangling there in front of them.

I remember Pearl's other book, In Ruins, as being angst-ridden which is honestly what I was expecting here. However, In Pieces couldn't have felt more different to me. Beth's rocky and emotional journey to distance herself from her past mistake - that thing that she refuses to be defined by - is told in a sympathetic and sensitive way. It's a story that sheds a little light on mental health, for example how something that can be seemingly innocuous is perhaps a sign of something that requires more attention. Beth's self-awareness and resilience is what impressed me most and I was very drawn to her narrative above anything else. When you read In Pieces, be prepared for some strong reactions and feels and I hope like me that you feel it is time well spent. 

~ Bel

GIVEAWAY

Win 1 of 10 paperbacks of In Pieces!

In Ruins (Something More #1) by Danielle Pearl

* * *

She wanted to start again. To be someone---anyone---different . . .

Freedom. When Carleigh Stanger thought of college, that was the word that came to mind. Freedom from her unhappy home life. Freedom from high school mistakes. Freedom from the memory of that terrible morning. Only instead of bringing a sweet escape, Carleigh's first campus party traps her in the scornful gaze of the last person she wants to see, Tucker Green.

It wasn't long ago that being close to Carleigh was everything Tucker wanted. But that was before he realized she was just another scheming girl who'd do whatever it took to get her way. Even lie to the guy she claimed to love. Unfortunately while Tucker's brain remembers the pain Carleigh caused, his body only remembers the pleasure . . .

Source: e-galley provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review


My main takeaway from In Ruins is that this is one angsty read. You can feel the immense weight of all the emotional baggage throughout the entirety of the book. I wasn't quite prepared for that, however, I was curious enough about what went down between Carleigh (Carl to her friends) and Tucker to stick with it.

Some of you may know that In Ruins the NA continuation of the series that was introduced originally as YA. I didn't realize that at first, therefore, I was nervous about whether or not it would be a hindrance to my understanding of their history. No need to worry there. Pearl does explain what went on between Carl and Tucker and the big secret that divided them - that is aside from the ongoing lack of communication that took place. Once the backstory is told, all the animosity between them makes perfect sense and why they despise each other. Actually to be clear, it's mostly Tucker. He is just so bitter and unforgiving while Carl is sad and remorseful; she's like a wounded puppy, having resigned herself to the fact that he will hate her forever. That's not to say that she doesn't carry any blame. Still, there's love there on some deep, hidden level which manifests itself into intense hate-sex. Seriously, they go at it like nobody's business but that's not necessarily my thing. Anyway, these two have to figure out how to coexist since they're at the same college and how convenient, in the same class. 

The story had me up until the end thanks to a plot twist I didn't see coming. However, it was probable considering the big secret in Carl's past. I can't put my finger on it but something about it didn't work for me. Regardless, if you have a hankering for an interesting if intensely angsty read filled with lots of melodrama, then this is your book!

~ Bel