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Finding Fate #1
Best Kind of Broken
SOMETIMES MOVING ON MEANS MOVING IN
Pixie Marshall wishes every day she could turn back time and fix the past. But she can't. And the damage is done. She's hoping that a summer of free room and board working with her aunt at the Willow Inn will help her forget. Except there's a the resident handyman is none other than Levi Andrews. The handsome quarterback was once her friend-and maybe more-until everything changed in a life-shattering instant. She was hoping to avoid him, possibly forever. Now he's right down the hall and stirring up feelings Pixie thought she'd long buried . . .
Levi can't believe he's living with the one person who holds all his painful memories. More than anything he wants to make things right, but a simple "sorry" won't suffice-not when the tragedy that scarred them was his fault. Levi knows Pixie's better off without him, but every part of him screams to touch her, protect her, wrap her in his arms, and kiss away the pain. Yet even though she's so close, Pixie's heart seems more unreachable than ever. Seeing those stunning green eyes again has made one thing perfectly clear-he can't live without her.
(70,000 words)
Pixie Marshall wishes every day she could turn back time and fix the past. But she can't. And the damage is done. She's hoping that a summer of free room and board working with her aunt at the Willow Inn will help her forget. Except there's a the resident handyman is none other than Levi Andrews. The handsome quarterback was once her friend-and maybe more-until everything changed in a life-shattering instant. She was hoping to avoid him, possibly forever. Now he's right down the hall and stirring up feelings Pixie thought she'd long buried . . .
Levi can't believe he's living with the one person who holds all his painful memories. More than anything he wants to make things right, but a simple "sorry" won't suffice-not when the tragedy that scarred them was his fault. Levi knows Pixie's better off without him, but every part of him screams to touch her, protect her, wrap her in his arms, and kiss away the pain. Yet even though she's so close, Pixie's heart seems more unreachable than ever. Seeing those stunning green eyes again has made one thing perfectly clear-he can't live without her.
(70,000 words)
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 4, 2014
275 people are currently reading
11566 people want to read
About the author
Chelsea Fine
14 books2,324 followersI write, I paint, I drink coffee and I love superheroes. I fail at cooking and putting laundry away and I have a minor addiction to reading. Okay, major. Friend me!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 973 reviews
November 16, 2014
Title: Best Kind of Broken
Series: Finding Fate #1
Author: Chelsea Fine
Release Date: March 4th, 2014
Rating: 5 stars
Cliffhanger:. No.
HEA:
There is no better feeling than being completely sucked into story that seems to never slow down and give you a single second to breathe. Best Kind Of Broken was not only a great surprise that woke me up from long, vicious new adult coma, it also made my lungs completely stop working from all the excitement I felt during reading it. Yes, it was that epic! It totally didn’t matter for me that it was all kind of your usual fluffy, romantic story. On the contrary, I liked so much because of it! Chelsea Fine perfectly mixed heartbreak and angst with romance in new adult style (think J.Lynn or Jessica Sorensen).
The witty dialogues, complex characters, slowly unraveling storyline that makes you think and go crazy made reading this book divine experience. I love this story so freaking much, because it completely took me by surprise and gave my hopeless romantic self a great fix of sweet, toe curling, hot story it needed.
The story follows Pixie, nineteen year old girl that has not so nice relationship with her mother, so when the summer break starts and dorms close for that time, Pixie has to find apartment and job. Thanks to her aunt Ellen that is an owner of Willow Inn, Pixie got a job in the kitchen and free roof under her head. How bad, her aunt didn’t tell her she will have to share a bathroom in the east wing of the inn, with her former best friend Levi, who’s also working there as a handyman.
Levi and Pixie didn’t talk for a year. They are both scarred and broken, because of the thing that happen last summer and they don’t know how to get past it. When they see each other their scars only open and bleed again and all of the sexual tension that only follows them around doesn’t help either.
They are broken. Sad. Miserable. And alone. They don’t know how to reach to the other looking for comfort and understanding. That’s why the cope using the only weapon that doesn’t hurt much – they fight. They insult each other. They make the other miserable to forget.
What can I say? This story captivated me from the start. You have no idea, how much I adore love/hate relationships and when the characters share past? Well, the story only gets few more brownie points. And Chelsea Fine phenomenally used every advantage she had.
I liked everything this story was about. Plot was on the verge of sweet and heartbreaking. Unnecessary drama or too much angst didn’t exist there. While Pixie and Levi where damaged and lonely, the book didn’t left me thinking their pain was over the top. The storyline is slowly unraveling what happened between Pixie and Levi. I couldn’t stop myself from biting my nails while wrecking my head what the hell occurred between them. And when I finally understood it my heart broke in half. All this blame and pain and regrets… well, it seriously made me hurt.
What’s more, author wonderfully mixed it all with funny secondary characters, great banter and amazing sexual tension. I didn’t mind one bit that Levi and Pixie didn’t have sex till at least 85% into the book. On the contrary, it made the book even sexier and steamier. Every other touch and kiss or plain words seemed to be like hundreds of fireworks going off.
Overall, Best Kind of Broken officially made it to my list of the Best New Adult Romance I’ve read. I highly recommend it to every romance junkie that loves sweet and cute and doesn’t mind a little bit cheesiness or lack of lots of lots of sex. If you are a fan of new adult J. Lynn, Cora Carmack, JA Redmerski’s style just like me this book has your name on it!
*ARC provided by publisher GC Forever via Netgalley in exchange for honest review*
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February 12, 2014
This book really didn't do much for me...
The writing was good, supporting characters were likable but overall, it was just an okay read.
The story is told in alternating pov of Levi and Pixie, who were part of a trio from childhood. A horrific accident happened leaving both characters blaming themselves and denying their feelings for one another.
The couple's chemistry was strong but pushing each other away got kinda old after a while.
Fear, guilt, forgiveness, guide them through their brokeness. Levi and Pixie find forgiveness and healing in each other which wasn't very surprising.
Small side note, even though it was monsoon season, it doesn't rain in Arizona as much as portrayed in this story. Just once referring to the heat instead of the rain would have been more believable for me.
Overall, the story was on the flat side for me and made for just an okay read.
*Copy provided by NetGalley*
The writing was good, supporting characters were likable but overall, it was just an okay read.
The story is told in alternating pov of Levi and Pixie, who were part of a trio from childhood. A horrific accident happened leaving both characters blaming themselves and denying their feelings for one another.
The couple's chemistry was strong but pushing each other away got kinda old after a while.
Fear, guilt, forgiveness, guide them through their brokeness. Levi and Pixie find forgiveness and healing in each other which wasn't very surprising.
Small side note, even though it was monsoon season, it doesn't rain in Arizona as much as portrayed in this story. Just once referring to the heat instead of the rain would have been more believable for me.
Overall, the story was on the flat side for me and made for just an okay read.
*Copy provided by NetGalley*
March 2, 2015
3.5 Second Chances Stars
This is a sweet book of second chances. It is tragic, heartbreaking, frustrating, loving and sweet.
Levi was a promising college quarterback. When a tragedy occurs, his life is forever changed. But it’s not only his life that was changed that fateful day, Pixie’s life was also. They are broken, sad and alone. They have known each other since grade school. They were always there for one another. But after that fateful day, they would not see each other for almost a year. Then by happenstance they are thrown together working for Pixie’s aunt. For the summer, they would live next door to each other sharing a bathroom. They would be forced to face each other after all that time. But each have guilt and they don’t know how to talk to one another. It’s easier to not bring up the past but when they look at each other it’s hard not to remember. But these two were more than just friends and that feeling still remains. It’s obvious to all those around that Levi and Pixie belong together but it’s very hard for these two to move forward. You must let go of the past and forgive. It’s a hard lesson and it’s even harder to accomplish.
This book was told in dual POV’s. We get to see the turmoil that Levi and Pixie have and how they each struggle with the past and each other. I know that they needed to work it out themselves but I wanted to jump in the story and hug each one of them.
I thought this was a sweet read. The writing was very good and I enjoyed it. This is not my normal read. I tend to like reading about older couples, not necessarily starting college. But if you love YA then I would definitely recommend.
*ARC provided by publisher GC Forever via Netgalley in exchange for honest review*
This is a sweet book of second chances. It is tragic, heartbreaking, frustrating, loving and sweet.
Levi was a promising college quarterback. When a tragedy occurs, his life is forever changed. But it’s not only his life that was changed that fateful day, Pixie’s life was also. They are broken, sad and alone. They have known each other since grade school. They were always there for one another. But after that fateful day, they would not see each other for almost a year. Then by happenstance they are thrown together working for Pixie’s aunt. For the summer, they would live next door to each other sharing a bathroom. They would be forced to face each other after all that time. But each have guilt and they don’t know how to talk to one another. It’s easier to not bring up the past but when they look at each other it’s hard not to remember. But these two were more than just friends and that feeling still remains. It’s obvious to all those around that Levi and Pixie belong together but it’s very hard for these two to move forward. You must let go of the past and forgive. It’s a hard lesson and it’s even harder to accomplish.
This book was told in dual POV’s. We get to see the turmoil that Levi and Pixie have and how they each struggle with the past and each other. I know that they needed to work it out themselves but I wanted to jump in the story and hug each one of them.
I thought this was a sweet read. The writing was very good and I enjoyed it. This is not my normal read. I tend to like reading about older couples, not necessarily starting college. But if you love YA then I would definitely recommend.
*ARC provided by publisher GC Forever via Netgalley in exchange for honest review*
February 6, 2017
“No, we can’t be just friends.” Rain drips down my face as my heart hammers against my rib cage. “Because we’re more than just friends, and we always have been. And I’m not talking about sex, Pix. I’m talking about trust and comfort. I’m talking about home.” Lightning strikes nearby and the wind picks up. I raise my voice. “You are not my friend, Pixie. You are a piece of my heart and a part of who I want to be.”
Fine, Chelsea.
“Best Kind of Broken.”
I swear this book was worth staying up through the night...to the point where I've read past the whole night and noon!!
5 scarred Stars!!!
Fine, Chelsea.
“Best Kind of Broken.”
I swear this book was worth staying up through the night...to the point where I've read past the whole night and noon!!
5 scarred Stars!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2014
So sweet. My first and only Chelsea Fine book was Sophie & Carer, a heartbreaking novella about a boy and a girl, responsibilities that they shouldn't have and finding someone who understands you. Imagine my excitement when I found out about her new contemporary novel. Best Kind of Broken is first in the Finding Fate series. Each book will feature different characters, but set in the same fictional world - something like Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry.
Why will you melt into the puddle of hormonal mess when you meet Levi? Because he is a perfect book boyfriend. Simple as that. Yes, he still makes few stupid decisions and will frustrate you with his indecisiveness, but when he finally takes action - he does it in the epic kind of way. Also, Levi is a good guy, a really good guy. He thinks before he acts, he treats his girl right and doesn't pull dumb moves that could hurt her.
Do you want a female character that won't annoy you? Best Kind of Broken has it. Meet Pixie - girl who fights her own guilt over the death of her best friend, but still tries to move on. Artistic and closed-off, Pixie has a hard time fitting in, but she is not another Bella Swan.
I loved their chemistry. Pixie and Levi are perfect together. Why? How about I explain it with a quote form a book:
Who should read it? Everyone who likes new adult romance. Fans of good boys and sweet love story.
Review posted at Ja čitam, a ti?
Why will you melt into the puddle of hormonal mess when you meet Levi? Because he is a perfect book boyfriend. Simple as that. Yes, he still makes few stupid decisions and will frustrate you with his indecisiveness, but when he finally takes action - he does it in the epic kind of way. Also, Levi is a good guy, a really good guy. He thinks before he acts, he treats his girl right and doesn't pull dumb moves that could hurt her.
Do you want a female character that won't annoy you? Best Kind of Broken has it. Meet Pixie - girl who fights her own guilt over the death of her best friend, but still tries to move on. Artistic and closed-off, Pixie has a hard time fitting in, but she is not another Bella Swan.
I loved their chemistry. Pixie and Levi are perfect together. Why? How about I explain it with a quote form a book:
“Because love isn’t something that needs to be said out loud!” Her face flushes with passion. “It’s something you just know. It’s an unspoken thing. It’s humble and quiet and constant…” She goes back to slaughtering the mushrooms, but lowers her tone a bit. “I mean, you can’t just say you love someone and make it true. That’s not how it works. Real love doesn’t need to be declared or confessed. Real love just… is. You know?”
Who should read it? Everyone who likes new adult romance. Fans of good boys and sweet love story.
Review posted at Ja čitam, a ti?
February 18, 2014
I've been waiting for this book to be published for a while now, so I was really excited when I saw it was up on NetGalley. Unsurprisingly I immediately went over there to download the book, all the while jumpinging up and down in my seat and mentally preparing myself to put my entire life on hold, because I was so excited to finally get to read it.
Now imagine my dissapointment, when this turned out to be another shallow and ordinary NA book. Now don't get me wrong, I normally love this genre but this really just didn't do it for me. I couldn't connect with the characters, and once again the scenes/ chapters were too short (Ugh, what is it lately with all these short, cut off scenes?!)
Honestly the second star is just because of this one funny scene at the beginning where Pixie plugs in a few electrical devices and the power goes out, while Levi was shaving. So he had to run around all day with a half shaven face.
Oh and can't forget about this one:
He pushes into me and I howl like a werewolf. Seriously. It's that kind of doglike sound that comes out of my mouth
This made me laugh so hard, even though I don't think it was intented to be funny.
*ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Now imagine my dissapointment, when this turned out to be another shallow and ordinary NA book. Now don't get me wrong, I normally love this genre but this really just didn't do it for me. I couldn't connect with the characters, and once again the scenes/ chapters were too short (Ugh, what is it lately with all these short, cut off scenes?!)
Honestly the second star is just because of this one funny scene at the beginning where Pixie plugs in a few electrical devices and the power goes out, while Levi was shaving. So he had to run around all day with a half shaven face.
Oh and can't forget about this one:
He pushes into me and I howl like a werewolf. Seriously. It's that kind of doglike sound that comes out of my mouth
This made me laugh so hard, even though I don't think it was intented to be funny.
*ARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
February 23, 2014
3,5 Broken Stars
Pixie and Levi are forced to spend the summer together working in a motel, not to mention having rooms next to each other and have to share a bathroom with a huge sexual tension hanging between them.
That wouldn’t be so hard if they didn’t have a shared broken past, that drove them apart a while ago and didn’t brought them together.
They have feelings for each other, they both know it, but they are too afraid to admit it or doing anything about it because that would mean dealing with ghosts of the past.
That would mean forgive and move on. But how can they do that if they even can’t forgive themselves?
This was a sweet story story but I was expecting “something” more. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great.
However, if you’re a NA fan, you probably should give this book a try.
Rating: 3,5 Stars.
Storyline: Predictable NA. Broken hero and heroine from events of the past, can’t get over that so they hide their feelings are behave like morons. Basically that. Not one percent original, but enjoyable nonetheless. (We like these books even when we know what will happen from page one.).
Some poor events that had no sense at all and weren’t even a lit bit realistic. But whatever, it wasn’t that many.
Writing Style: Dual POV, first person. Even with all the annoyances it has pretty good and solid writing.
Character Development: Meh. Enjoyable main characters but with predicable actions and somewhat annoying. (Yes, even the hero.)
Nice supportive characters, although not great.
Steam: Some heated moments.
HEA:
Pixie and Levi are forced to spend the summer together working in a motel, not to mention having rooms next to each other and have to share a bathroom with a huge sexual tension hanging between them.
That wouldn’t be so hard if they didn’t have a shared broken past, that drove them apart a while ago and didn’t brought them together.
They have feelings for each other, they both know it, but they are too afraid to admit it or doing anything about it because that would mean dealing with ghosts of the past.
That would mean forgive and move on. But how can they do that if they even can’t forgive themselves?
This was a sweet story story but I was expecting “something” more. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great.
However, if you’re a NA fan, you probably should give this book a try.
Rating: 3,5 Stars.
Storyline: Predictable NA. Broken hero and heroine from events of the past, can’t get over that so they hide their feelings are behave like morons. Basically that. Not one percent original, but enjoyable nonetheless. (We like these books even when we know what will happen from page one.).
Some poor events that had no sense at all and weren’t even a lit bit realistic. But whatever, it wasn’t that many.
Writing Style: Dual POV, first person. Even with all the annoyances it has pretty good and solid writing.
Character Development: Meh. Enjoyable main characters but with predicable actions and somewhat annoying. (Yes, even the hero.)
Nice supportive characters, although not great.
Steam: Some heated moments.
HEA:
July 26, 2016
4+ 'Humor and Heart' Stars
BEST KIND OF BROKEN is a NA romance set in Arizona, and starts off with a hilarious bang as we get to know Pixie (our 19 y/o heroine) and her hot nemesis living down the hall, Levi (our nearly 21 y/o hero). It soon weaves in more angst and drama as it reveals the dark and sad connection between Levi and Pixie, and adds a bit of steam as these two lust from a distance. What we get is sweet and tortured romance between two very likable characters that will make you laugh and smiles along the way.
I will review this with NO SPOILERS, but I will admit it might be a challenge.
The story is told through the alternative first-person POVs of both Levi and Pixie. We learn at the beginning that Levi and Pixie have deep issues between each other, and that they are no longer on speaking terms. What we don't know is why and how it could have ended their once great friendship.
The first 40% of this book is just pure light and humorous fun as we get to know these two and their new found situation. Unbeknownst to both of them, they both land a summer job working at her aunts hotel. He is working maintenance, she is kitchen help, and the situation requires them to share a bathroom and living down the hall from each other. The tension between these two is often hilarious.
Their back-story slowly unfolds around the midway point, and the tone of the book becomes more serious. The humor isn't completely lost, but the stark reality of what these two lived through, and the toll it took on these two, starts to become clear. They clearly still have strong feelings for each other, as well as a deep desire for more than friendship, but there is a lot these two need to work through before they can mend what was broken.
My Thoughts
Overall, I really enjoyed this one, but I did come to believe that Pixie and Lexi were their own worse enemies. While the drama they went through was real and understandable, their reaction and behavior that followed was often just a lot of self-inflicted hurt directed to themselves. Once all is revealed, it really had me questioning many of their choices. Not all, but many. How could they have turned their backs on each other? We get some explanations that make sense, but I had trouble believing that these two could let the issue fester so long.
Other then that and a few small niggles (like how many times Levi mentioned Pixie smelling like lavender!), this book was really enjoyable. The humor had me cracking up often, and despite not always agreeing with Levi and Pixie's choices I thought both of them were extremely likable characters and made a great couple. When Pixie pondered the invention of the electric razor, I couldn't stop laughing! We also get some great secondary characters, which really added to my enjoyment.
The steam factor was warm and sexy, but not something you'd find in many adult romances. The real steam comes from the chemistry between Levi and Pixie, which was thick with lust but also with a lot of denial. (Too much denial, if I am being honest.) The story has a believable and heartfelt ending, which was very fitting for these two.
Fans of NA romances will likely love this one, especially Levi as he is such a lost soul deserving of so much.
ARC copy provided by Netgalley.com
February 23, 2015
*ARC via netgalley*
3.5
I must say that even though I got tired with them, I actually enjoyed this story.
He lost his sister, she lost her BFF, the three of them were inseparable all the time till that night. He blames himself, she blames herself, together they are a hot mess. The only way they still can communicate is through fights and insults. Their heartache did get soooooo stretched and they started to frustrate me soooo much, but it's like I was stuck in their circle of repetetive behavior. I liked how it was a mix of humor, heartache, good chemistry, possesivness .... pretty much all ingredienst for new adult genre. And yes, sometimes it was just too much of it, too much of going back to depression after light and fun moments, rejection after some sexy times, but I liked it. When she wasn't so depressing, she was actually pretty fun to read about. And as always, the hero... ah the main hero.... I really loved him <3
I will definitely be reading the sequel of this book!
3.5
I must say that even though I got tired with them, I actually enjoyed this story.
He lost his sister, she lost her BFF, the three of them were inseparable all the time till that night. He blames himself, she blames herself, together they are a hot mess. The only way they still can communicate is through fights and insults. Their heartache did get soooooo stretched and they started to frustrate me soooo much, but it's like I was stuck in their circle of repetetive behavior. I liked how it was a mix of humor, heartache, good chemistry, possesivness .... pretty much all ingredienst for new adult genre. And yes, sometimes it was just too much of it, too much of going back to depression after light and fun moments, rejection after some sexy times, but I liked it. When she wasn't so depressing, she was actually pretty fun to read about. And as always, the hero... ah the main hero.... I really loved him <3
I will definitely be reading the sequel of this book!
February 13, 2014
2.5 Stars
I feel like this book had a good direction but went flat instead. The writing was decent but I almost felt I was reading about high school drama as opposed to college kids.
Pixie (Sarah) is a damaged girl. The book starts out with her working at her aunt Ellen's inn. She winds up living next door to Levi (aka Leaves)at the inn and they share a bathroom. They tend to fight like brother and sister over the bathroom and hot water usage. You can tell they have a past together but you do not know what it is. She carries her guilt as well as her scar every day. She is a wonderful artist but ever since "the incident" she won't paint using color. Her life is bleak and miserable.
Levi is broken as well. Former quarterback all-star wound up leaving college and is currently working for Ellen too as a handyman. He loves Sarah but is scared to be near her. It's almost like they are terrified of each other. He is not the person he used to be and carries his guilt.
"He's not fine.
I'm not fine."
Sarah has a boyfriend named Matt who is such a perfect gentleman. She refuses to have sex with him, acts totally disinterested, and eventually breaks up with him when he tells her that he loves her. But of course she is automatically horny around Levi.
They finally do the dirty deed
"He rocks out of me, then back in, until I'm once again on the verge of barking at the moon."
If you are barking during sex, that is a whole 'nother set of issues....
Moving along....
Then you have the typical drama that she knows she can't be with him, so she runs away.
"I can't. We're so messed up. I don't think it would even matter if I did. We're just too broken."
Finally you get to the point where they get over their shit and have their cheesy HEA.
I will say I thought the writing in general was decent and Jenna was a great supporting character. I felt the emails between his parents and him weren't exactly necessary for Levi and Pixie's story. The whole Marvin the goat deal was pretty dumb as well as there was no point in the Daren/Kayla/handcuff scenario.
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for honest review
I feel like this book had a good direction but went flat instead. The writing was decent but I almost felt I was reading about high school drama as opposed to college kids.
Pixie (Sarah) is a damaged girl. The book starts out with her working at her aunt Ellen's inn. She winds up living next door to Levi (aka Leaves)at the inn and they share a bathroom. They tend to fight like brother and sister over the bathroom and hot water usage. You can tell they have a past together but you do not know what it is. She carries her guilt as well as her scar every day. She is a wonderful artist but ever since "the incident" she won't paint using color. Her life is bleak and miserable.
Levi is broken as well. Former quarterback all-star wound up leaving college and is currently working for Ellen too as a handyman. He loves Sarah but is scared to be near her. It's almost like they are terrified of each other. He is not the person he used to be and carries his guilt.
"He's not fine.
I'm not fine."
Sarah has a boyfriend named Matt who is such a perfect gentleman. She refuses to have sex with him, acts totally disinterested, and eventually breaks up with him when he tells her that he loves her. But of course she is automatically horny around Levi.
They finally do the dirty deed
"He rocks out of me, then back in, until I'm once again on the verge of barking at the moon."
If you are barking during sex, that is a whole 'nother set of issues....
Moving along....
Then you have the typical drama that she knows she can't be with him, so she runs away.
"I can't. We're so messed up. I don't think it would even matter if I did. We're just too broken."
Finally you get to the point where they get over their shit and have their cheesy HEA.
I will say I thought the writing in general was decent and Jenna was a great supporting character. I felt the emails between his parents and him weren't exactly necessary for Levi and Pixie's story. The whole Marvin the goat deal was pretty dumb as well as there was no point in the Daren/Kayla/handcuff scenario.
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for honest review
February 26, 2015
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Forever Grand Central Publishing and Net Galley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
5 Stars!
I am shocked by how much I ended up liking this book. I went into the book not expecting much but I ended up loving this book. The plot was a lot more complex than I had expected. I found the characters to be wonderfully done. I found myself really wanting to see them work everything out by the middle of the book.
Pixie, Sarah to most people, has moved into her aunt Ellen's inn to work for the summer. She is in the same wing of the hotel and the other live in worker, Levi. They start out seeming to dislike one another and arguing quite a bit. As the book progressed their history together was slowly revealed so that you learned that there was a lot more going on between these two people. Both Levi and Pixie are actually in a lot of pain and as that pain comes to the surface they can start to deal with it. Since the book is told from alternating view points, you do get to see what each is thinking and feeling. These were two characters that belong together.
I think that this book dealt with some tough issues quite well. The guilt that each character carried with them seemed very genuine and not at all overdone. The chemistry was fantastic but the book was not one sex scene after another which is truly what I had feared it would be before reading the book. There are a couple of steamy scenes and those are very well done. In the end I found this to a plot driven book focused on healing and growth with characters I found myself caring about.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. It looks like this book is the first in a planned series but there were no cliffhangers and for that I am incredibly thankful. I plan to read future books in this series and other works by Chelsea Fine.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Forever Grand Central Publishing and Net Galley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
5 Stars!
I am shocked by how much I ended up liking this book. I went into the book not expecting much but I ended up loving this book. The plot was a lot more complex than I had expected. I found the characters to be wonderfully done. I found myself really wanting to see them work everything out by the middle of the book.
Pixie, Sarah to most people, has moved into her aunt Ellen's inn to work for the summer. She is in the same wing of the hotel and the other live in worker, Levi. They start out seeming to dislike one another and arguing quite a bit. As the book progressed their history together was slowly revealed so that you learned that there was a lot more going on between these two people. Both Levi and Pixie are actually in a lot of pain and as that pain comes to the surface they can start to deal with it. Since the book is told from alternating view points, you do get to see what each is thinking and feeling. These were two characters that belong together.
I think that this book dealt with some tough issues quite well. The guilt that each character carried with them seemed very genuine and not at all overdone. The chemistry was fantastic but the book was not one sex scene after another which is truly what I had feared it would be before reading the book. There are a couple of steamy scenes and those are very well done. In the end I found this to a plot driven book focused on healing and growth with characters I found myself caring about.
I would definitely recommend this book to others. It looks like this book is the first in a planned series but there were no cliffhangers and for that I am incredibly thankful. I plan to read future books in this series and other works by Chelsea Fine.
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February 12, 2014
3 stars
Levi and Pixie have a history together, both a bit broken and hurting. Working at the same hotel, they are forced to live together.
I felt the writing style was trying too hard to be funny and quirky. It ended up feeling forced to me. They spent the majority of the time not talking and staring at each other. It improved slightly around 50%.
If you're looking for broken characters YA/NAish book with sexual tension, I would give it a go.
Ends at 93%
ARC provided by NetGalley
Levi and Pixie have a history together, both a bit broken and hurting. Working at the same hotel, they are forced to live together.
I felt the writing style was trying too hard to be funny and quirky. It ended up feeling forced to me. They spent the majority of the time not talking and staring at each other. It improved slightly around 50%.
If you're looking for broken characters YA/NAish book with sexual tension, I would give it a go.
Ends at 93%
ARC provided by NetGalley
January 14, 2016
I loved this book. It was beautiful, raw, sexy, funny and utterly heartbreaking. But the most astonishing thing to me, was my ability to connect with the storyline and characters on a level I never have before. Of course I've felt characters pain, happiness and horror, but this felt as though their emotions became embedded in my soul. Their joy and despair were mine, long after I closed the book. I'm not sure if it was the seamless writing, the characters that I understood inside and out, or a personal connection I have to what took place in their past, or maybe it's all three meshed together? But whatever it was, reading this book was truly astonishing. I will remember Pixie and Levi's story for as long as I live.
Pixie and Levi have known each other forever. They were best friends since childhood. Until an event that was beyond painful and horrifying made them fall apart. But now they are now faced with seeing each other every day. Working and living together is bound to lead them down a path they are unsure of. Because feelings don’t just disappear, they continue to build and now they are a ticking time bomb waiting to go off.
Pixie had me cackling like a mad woman in the first chapter alone. Her inner thoughts, along with the games she played against Levi to annoy him were hilarious. Like tears pouring down my face because I'm laughing so hard hilarious. I loved those moments. And they were much needed because they still drowned from so much pain. The pain you could feel radiating from the both of them was intense and devastating. I have never cried and felt a pain as deep as theirs in a book. It honestly felt as though my heart kept breaking apart and I just needed them to take that step to fix the other, so I could heal too.
But it's hard to move on when there's still so much broken history and unsaid words between them. And within that history, is a desire for one another. Their sexual tension was intense! It was fun but edgy, and that combination gave me sweaty palms and a smile that couldn't be knocked off my face. But in the next instance, the mood would switch and it felt as though they were on the edge of the precipice and I was terrified to breathe. Because I kept thinking it was all going to crash to the ground eventually, and in some irrational way I believed any movement or breath from me would provoke the situation. Oh yeah, I was that deep into this book.
Even though I was obsessed with Pixie and Levi, I loved that we got to watch their coworkers and best friends became wrapped up in their lives. The familiarity of it all worked perfectly, and they felt like an extension of true “family”. They stuck up, argued, and meddled (loved Mable!) with each other. It was constant entertainment!
Best Kind of Broken was a flawless story of ones hopes, crushed hearts, and being lost while desperately trying to find your way out of the dark. It was impossible not to have my emotions tangled throughout these pages and love every broken moment of it. Even the snippets of their past were woven throughout the story beautifully. An important memory placed here and there never once distracted me from the story, and I loved learning as much as I could about their past. Because they use to be the truest of friends, and watching them trying to find their way back to each other was incredible.
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Haunted eyes stare back at me in the mirror as I slowly finish shaving.
I wish I would have known back then how significant Pixie was going to be.
I wish I would have known a lot of things. - Levi
Pixie and Levi have known each other forever. They were best friends since childhood. Until an event that was beyond painful and horrifying made them fall apart. But now they are now faced with seeing each other every day. Working and living together is bound to lead them down a path they are unsure of. Because feelings don’t just disappear, they continue to build and now they are a ticking time bomb waiting to go off.
Pixie’s been living here for only twelve days and I already want to stab myself with a spoon. Not because she keeps blowing the fuse, though that reoccurring shenanigan of hers is certainly stab-worthy, but because I can’t do normal around Pixie.
But fighting? That I can do. - Levi
Pixie had me cackling like a mad woman in the first chapter alone. Her inner thoughts, along with the games she played against Levi to annoy him were hilarious. Like tears pouring down my face because I'm laughing so hard hilarious. I loved those moments. And they were much needed because they still drowned from so much pain. The pain you could feel radiating from the both of them was intense and devastating. I have never cried and felt a pain as deep as theirs in a book. It honestly felt as though my heart kept breaking apart and I just needed them to take that step to fix the other, so I could heal too.
My eyes drop to her mouth, her throat, her hands. Every instinct I have is screaming to touch her. To cross the space between us and wrap my arms protectively around her small frame. To shield her from all the bad things, the sorrowful things. All the things I’m made of.
But that can’t happen. We can’t happen. - Levi
But it's hard to move on when there's still so much broken history and unsaid words between them. And within that history, is a desire for one another. Their sexual tension was intense! It was fun but edgy, and that combination gave me sweaty palms and a smile that couldn't be knocked off my face. But in the next instance, the mood would switch and it felt as though they were on the edge of the precipice and I was terrified to breathe. Because I kept thinking it was all going to crash to the ground eventually, and in some irrational way I believed any movement or breath from me would provoke the situation. Oh yeah, I was that deep into this book.
Our eyes meet beneath the dimmed lights, colliding in a tangle of shared emotions too raw to touch. How did we get so broken. - Levi
Even though I was obsessed with Pixie and Levi, I loved that we got to watch their coworkers and best friends became wrapped up in their lives. The familiarity of it all worked perfectly, and they felt like an extension of true “family”. They stuck up, argued, and meddled (loved Mable!) with each other. It was constant entertainment!
I used to know him. I don’t anymore. - Pixie
Best Kind of Broken was a flawless story of ones hopes, crushed hearts, and being lost while desperately trying to find your way out of the dark. It was impossible not to have my emotions tangled throughout these pages and love every broken moment of it. Even the snippets of their past were woven throughout the story beautifully. An important memory placed here and there never once distracted me from the story, and I loved learning as much as I could about their past. Because they use to be the truest of friends, and watching them trying to find their way back to each other was incredible.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
April 17, 2025
4 Stars for Best kind of Broken: Finding Fare, Book 1 (audiobook) by Chelsea Fine read by Susanna Duff.
A young woman is having trouble moving from losing her best friend in a car accident. Not only was she in the car too but her friend’s brother was driving. He had stopped the girls from driving drunk and was driving them home when another car hit them. Now that a little time has gone by can she get over losing her friend and find the love she has for the brother.
A young woman is having trouble moving from losing her best friend in a car accident. Not only was she in the car too but her friend’s brother was driving. He had stopped the girls from driving drunk and was driving them home when another car hit them. Now that a little time has gone by can she get over losing her friend and find the love she has for the brother.
March 24, 2014
2.5 stars!
There's a good story here. Unfortunately, it's something that I've already read countless times before. It didn't really offer something new to the table so to speak. The story just didn't grab me. I wish it did but it didn't.
Others would probably enjoy this more than I did but for me, I needed something more. I wanted that magic, that connection. Sadly, I just didn't feel it.
There's a good story here. Unfortunately, it's something that I've already read countless times before. It didn't really offer something new to the table so to speak. The story just didn't grab me. I wish it did but it didn't.
Others would probably enjoy this more than I did but for me, I needed something more. I wanted that magic, that connection. Sadly, I just didn't feel it.
February 13, 2014
Genre: NA romance
Too much navel-gazing for me. I don't care if he's HOT! Or if she's HOT! It's not like reading is a visual medium. It was still a bore.
DNF @ 54%
Too much navel-gazing for me. I don't care if he's HOT! Or if she's HOT! It's not like reading is a visual medium. It was still a bore.
DNF @ 54%
November 19, 2015
Parto subito col dire che questo libro non si legge, si divora. Le pagine scorrono una dietro l’altra senza neanche accorgersene. La scrittura è piuttosto semplice, anche simpatica in alcune parti e i temi trattati sono profondi abbastanza da far riflettere. Qui si cerca di elaborare un lutto, di combattere il senso di colpa, di venire a patti con la vita che continua nonostante tutto, nonostante il dolore, la morte, la disperazione, nonostante basti un attimo per perdere quella gioia fanciullesca di affrontare la vita così, come viene. Pixie e Levi, lo sanno benissimo. Ne portano le cicatrici sulla pelle e sul loro cuore. Tutto quello che è successo li ha distrutti e allontanati. Dove sono finiti gli amici di un tempo?
Tra scene di puro imbarazzo e altre di puro dolore, si snoda una storia di accettazione e perdono, una storia che ha comunque qualcosa da raccontare...
Ma non basta!
Sarà che la mia puntigliosità in questo periodo di forte stress si aggira alle stelle, ma ho trovato sia Pixie che Levi molto infantili rispetto ai soliti standard NA (e ho detto tutto). È vero, all’autrice va riconosciuto il merito di aver saputo articolare una storia che mantiene l’interesse del lettore sempre (più o meno) attivo, ma… i continui battibecchi tra i due pseudo innamorati che si odiano/amano/odiano/amano sono da bambini dell’asilo. Lui è un gorillone super possessivo affetto da puro senso di colpa che gli pesa sul groppone, Lei è una gatta morta che si/no/forse/ma però… cioè insopportabile!
Pixie raggiunge tutta la sua beata magnificenza quando proclama durante l’amplesso di ululare come un lupo mannaro (cit.), per poi ovviamente, scoprirsi innamorata di Levi (ma davvero?!!!) e poi scappare perché “è meglio che restiamo amici!”. Datele una testata, vi supplico. Certo Levi, da buon maschietto, non fa una piega, si limita ad alzare le mani e ad andarsene… la parola discutere non rientra nel suo vocabolario, salvo poi, raggiungere l’amata all’ultimo secondo per una dichiarazione coi fiocchi… fortuna che le lampadine ogni tanto si accendono!
Lettura banale ma adatta a staccare da studio e lavoro!
Tra scene di puro imbarazzo e altre di puro dolore, si snoda una storia di accettazione e perdono, una storia che ha comunque qualcosa da raccontare...
Ma non basta!
Sarà che la mia puntigliosità in questo periodo di forte stress si aggira alle stelle, ma ho trovato sia Pixie che Levi molto infantili rispetto ai soliti standard NA (e ho detto tutto). È vero, all’autrice va riconosciuto il merito di aver saputo articolare una storia che mantiene l’interesse del lettore sempre (più o meno) attivo, ma… i continui battibecchi tra i due pseudo innamorati che si odiano/amano/odiano/amano sono da bambini dell’asilo. Lui è un gorillone super possessivo affetto da puro senso di colpa che gli pesa sul groppone, Lei è una gatta morta che si/no/forse/ma però… cioè insopportabile!
Pixie raggiunge tutta la sua beata magnificenza quando proclama durante l’amplesso di ululare come un lupo mannaro (cit.), per poi ovviamente, scoprirsi innamorata di Levi (ma davvero?!!!) e poi scappare perché “è meglio che restiamo amici!”. Datele una testata, vi supplico. Certo Levi, da buon maschietto, non fa una piega, si limita ad alzare le mani e ad andarsene… la parola discutere non rientra nel suo vocabolario, salvo poi, raggiungere l’amata all’ultimo secondo per una dichiarazione coi fiocchi… fortuna che le lampadine ogni tanto si accendono!
Lettura banale ma adatta a staccare da studio e lavoro!
February 26, 2014
I couldn't take the repeats in this book :(
February 23, 2015
Sweet and funny with a lot of heart, this was a great little read.
Pixie and Levi grew up together and share a long history of happy memories. Levi was always Pixie’s hero, protecting her and being there for her when she needed him, and right when they finally acted on their longstanding feelings for each other, they were horrifically torn apart.
Now, almost a year later, Pixie is on summer vacation following her freshman year in College, and she is spending it staying with her Aunt, and working in her inn in the middle of nowhere. And wouldn’t you know it, also living at the inn as the resident handyman, is Levi. In fact he’s staying in the room right next door to hers and the two of them are even sharing a bathroom.
Both still broken from the events of their past, and having parted badly and not spoken to each other in so long, the easiest way for them to be around each other without dredging up their history is by fighting. So they antagonise the crap out of each other – he uses all of the hot water, she cuts the electricity when he’s in the middle of something, they banter and they argue, and it’s absolutely hilarious, but it’s all just a symptom of the sizzling UST and the raging emotion that they are trying to hide.
The sexual tension is intense, and their banter is fantastic as they battle each other and their growing attraction. And as Pixie and Levi’s history is slowly revealed as they struggle to deal with their pain from the past, my heart ached for both of them as we discover the event that broke them, and we come to understand the continued impact that it has had on both of them. And it’s all tied in beautifully with them coming to realise what they still mean to each other, and it absolutely melted me.
Written in alternate POV, you can see the love that Pixie and Levi have for each other, but they are both in too much pain to do anything about it, and there is a lot of healing that is needed before they can move on – individually and together. But over one long summer, they finally start to face the past and come to realise what is important to them.
I love Chelsea Fine’s writing! She writes great characters that are utterly loveable, and has a fantastic balance of chemistry-filled romance, humour and heart to her stories. As expected, there is also a great bunch of supporting characters – Jenna and Zack are hilarious, and I’m really looking forward to Daren’s story - and it all blends beautifully to give us a book that had me hooked from start to finish and left me swooning madly, and grinning like an idiot.
I highly recommend this to anybody who loves a light and fun read with a touch of angsty drama and a beautiful (and slightly hot) romance.
I loved it – 4 stars.
Advanced copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review.
Pixie and Levi grew up together and share a long history of happy memories. Levi was always Pixie’s hero, protecting her and being there for her when she needed him, and right when they finally acted on their longstanding feelings for each other, they were horrifically torn apart.
Now, almost a year later, Pixie is on summer vacation following her freshman year in College, and she is spending it staying with her Aunt, and working in her inn in the middle of nowhere. And wouldn’t you know it, also living at the inn as the resident handyman, is Levi. In fact he’s staying in the room right next door to hers and the two of them are even sharing a bathroom.
Both still broken from the events of their past, and having parted badly and not spoken to each other in so long, the easiest way for them to be around each other without dredging up their history is by fighting. So they antagonise the crap out of each other – he uses all of the hot water, she cuts the electricity when he’s in the middle of something, they banter and they argue, and it’s absolutely hilarious, but it’s all just a symptom of the sizzling UST and the raging emotion that they are trying to hide.
“You seem stressed.” Levi, whose jeans are so low on his bare hips that I can tell he’s going commando, tilts his head. “You know what you need? A nice hot shower…oh wait.” He gives me an impish smile.
I might just pee on his bed right now.
“Joke all you want, Levi. But the next time you’re out fixing a broken window or a fire alarm, I will sneak into your room and pee on your bed.”
...
The impish smile grows. “I can think of better things for you to do in my bed, Pix.”
Silence.
If his plan was to make me uncomfortable by flirting with me, it totally backfired. Because the second those words left Levi’s mouth, his body stiffened in awareness and the space between us became electric. So now we’re staring at each other’s lips and we’re both breathing heavier than necessary, and neither of us is really dressed.
I shift in my towel and feel the material slip a bit as I pull my eyes from his mouth and try to coax my face into a look of something less come-and-get-me and more ew-you’re-pathetic.
I’m gearing up for my comeback – which will be brilliant and kick-ass as soon as I nail it down – when his eyes drop to my chest, and all the air leaves the room.
The sexual tension is intense, and their banter is fantastic as they battle each other and their growing attraction. And as Pixie and Levi’s history is slowly revealed as they struggle to deal with their pain from the past, my heart ached for both of them as we discover the event that broke them, and we come to understand the continued impact that it has had on both of them. And it’s all tied in beautifully with them coming to realise what they still mean to each other, and it absolutely melted me.
He has me.
He has me when I’m seven years old and scared of monsters. He has me when I’m brokenhearted in the eighth grade because Tommy Marchim won’t take me to the Valentine’s dance. And he has me when I’m nineteen and in the shower with my pyjamas on, searching his eyes for my hero.
He has me.
He’s always had me.
And I’ve never wanted to be had by anyone else.
Written in alternate POV, you can see the love that Pixie and Levi have for each other, but they are both in too much pain to do anything about it, and there is a lot of healing that is needed before they can move on – individually and together. But over one long summer, they finally start to face the past and come to realise what is important to them.
I’m still angry with him, but I follow him through the drizzle anyway. Because this is Levi. This is my hero. And you always follow your heroes, even when you’re mad, even when you’d rather punch them in the mouth. That’s how trust works. It’s blind and unconditional and it takes you places you can’t reach by yourself.
Just like love.
I love Chelsea Fine’s writing! She writes great characters that are utterly loveable, and has a fantastic balance of chemistry-filled romance, humour and heart to her stories. As expected, there is also a great bunch of supporting characters – Jenna and Zack are hilarious, and I’m really looking forward to Daren’s story - and it all blends beautifully to give us a book that had me hooked from start to finish and left me swooning madly, and grinning like an idiot.
“I am yours … Even when you don’t want me. I’m still yours.”
I highly recommend this to anybody who loves a light and fun read with a touch of angsty drama and a beautiful (and slightly hot) romance.
I loved it – 4 stars.
Advanced copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review.
March 14, 2017
Hier gibt es meine ausführliche Rezension dazu: http://linabreatheswords.blogspot.de/...
November 17, 2015
La mia recensione sul blog http://www.leggereromanticamente.com/...
Ecco l'ennesimo romance new adult che è riuscito a strapparmi più di un sorriso, ma anche a farmi commuovere e stringere il cuore.
Il romanzo è si, il primo di una serie, ma per la mia gioia non lascia nulla in sospeso: la storia con protagonisti e narratori Pixie e Levi inizia e trova la sua conclusione in questo libro. Vi avverto però, nonostante un inizio fatto di litigi, scaramucce e scene divertenti la situazione è molto delicata.
I due ragazzi sono amici da quando erano bambini, Levi è sempre stato il migliore amico ed eroe indiscusso di Pixie fino a quando l'ha abbandonata a se stessa un anno prima.
A riavvicinarli ci prova la zia di Pixie, invitando la nipote a trasferirsi per l'estate successiva al suo anno da matricola all'albergo che dirige, e dove casualmente lavora Levi come tuttofare.
Immaginatevi quindi lo sconcerto dei due ragazzi quando si ritrovano per la prima volta faccia a faccia dopo un anno di silenzi e distanze.
Litigare continuamente, farsi dispetti a vicenda e cercare inutilmente di evitarsi sembrano le uniche cose che oramai i due siano in grado di fare.
La prima parte è forse quella che scorre in maniera leggermente più lenta perché si cerca di capire quale direzione voglia prendere l'autrice, ma dopo le rivelazioni riguardanti cosa è successo un anno prima e dunque cosa ha causato l'allontanamento dei protagonisti, la situazione cambia.
Pixie e Levi sono due persone ferite, perseguitate dal senso di colpa e dal rimorso. La loro storia insegna che la minima distrazione a volte può cambiarti la via e segnarti per sempre, ma anche che le persone affrontano il dolore in maniera diversa.
Lo stile di Sarah Fine mi è piaciuto: è moderno, semplice, utilizza dei toni ironici in certe scene ma è in grado di far sentire vicini i personaggi nei passaggi più dolci ed emotivi.
Una lettura romantica, dolcissima ma anche molto toccante.
Se vi piace il genere è una lettura consigliata!
Ecco l'ennesimo romance new adult che è riuscito a strapparmi più di un sorriso, ma anche a farmi commuovere e stringere il cuore.
Il romanzo è si, il primo di una serie, ma per la mia gioia non lascia nulla in sospeso: la storia con protagonisti e narratori Pixie e Levi inizia e trova la sua conclusione in questo libro. Vi avverto però, nonostante un inizio fatto di litigi, scaramucce e scene divertenti la situazione è molto delicata.
I due ragazzi sono amici da quando erano bambini, Levi è sempre stato il migliore amico ed eroe indiscusso di Pixie fino a quando l'ha abbandonata a se stessa un anno prima.
A riavvicinarli ci prova la zia di Pixie, invitando la nipote a trasferirsi per l'estate successiva al suo anno da matricola all'albergo che dirige, e dove casualmente lavora Levi come tuttofare.
Immaginatevi quindi lo sconcerto dei due ragazzi quando si ritrovano per la prima volta faccia a faccia dopo un anno di silenzi e distanze.
Litigare continuamente, farsi dispetti a vicenda e cercare inutilmente di evitarsi sembrano le uniche cose che oramai i due siano in grado di fare.
La prima parte è forse quella che scorre in maniera leggermente più lenta perché si cerca di capire quale direzione voglia prendere l'autrice, ma dopo le rivelazioni riguardanti cosa è successo un anno prima e dunque cosa ha causato l'allontanamento dei protagonisti, la situazione cambia.
Pixie e Levi sono due persone ferite, perseguitate dal senso di colpa e dal rimorso. La loro storia insegna che la minima distrazione a volte può cambiarti la via e segnarti per sempre, ma anche che le persone affrontano il dolore in maniera diversa.
Lo stile di Sarah Fine mi è piaciuto: è moderno, semplice, utilizza dei toni ironici in certe scene ma è in grado di far sentire vicini i personaggi nei passaggi più dolci ed emotivi.
Una lettura romantica, dolcissima ma anche molto toccante.
Se vi piace il genere è una lettura consigliata!
September 17, 2015
As I read this book, I kept thinking, "Am I too old for new adult?" The humor wasn't funny. The characters didn't communicate like adults (or at least like adults should communicate). And the heroine's inner dialogue, at times, sounded like something a 10-year old would say.
Levi and Sarah (or as he calls her Pixie) are stuck living together for the summer. After Sarah finishes her Freshman year at Arizona State University, she spends the summer at her aunt's inn as a cook. On her first day, she's shocked to see that her childhood best friend, Levi, is working there as a handyman. It doesn't take long for the reader to figure out that there is something very wrong between the two of them. The two former best friends can't even look each other in the eye without pain, anger, sadness, desperation, and love. Something in their past tore them apart.
I think the biggest issue with this book was the characters' voice. I struggled with the heroine's voice. Most of her inner dialogue—especially in the beginning—was really immature and childish.
A good chunk of this book was building and playing up the mystery as to why Levi and Sarah didn't talk to each other. I've said this before, I'm far too curious a reader to quit reading a book. Even though I figured out what pulled Levi and Sarah apart pretty early on, I kept reading because I wanted the details and I wanted to see where the story would go after that past event was revealed. The answer is, the story didn't really go anywhere.
Having read some of Fine's previous books (and enjoyed them), I can say that I've seen better writing from her. Fellow readers have described as a fun and light read, but I guess I want more from my light reads. Make me fall in love with the characters, give me a gripping plot. In this book, the characters' voices were generic, the characters themselves weren't memorable, and the plot just dragged. Bummer.
* I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
1 star
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August 1, 2018
alright, walked into this with no idea what it was about. Basically two best friends that suffered a great loss and turned into enemies living in very close quarters. They 'hate' each other but can't deny they're also extremely attracted to each other. The loss was pretty sad and touching even though it didn't make me cry because I didn't think it would be possible for someone to shift so much blame on themselves because of what they did but what do I know? Anyways, fun story but it dragged a little so expect a very slow-burn novel with a fast HEA.
January 1, 2019
My first 5 stars in 2019. Lets start 2019 with an optimist goal.
My dear miss Fine, u wrote a beatiful story. Levi and pixie are endearing characters. They both went through a loss. A tragic loss and broke both of them. When they end up with the same summer job at a cozy inn in the middle of nowhere, their healing begins. I love how miss Fine focuses on the healing process ( a bit rush), instead of the hot sex. Dont worry the sex is still there, but mild.
The characters developmemt is sweet and fun. Broken but hopeful. It is a good wonderful story.
5 lavender stars
My dear miss Fine, u wrote a beatiful story. Levi and pixie are endearing characters. They both went through a loss. A tragic loss and broke both of them. When they end up with the same summer job at a cozy inn in the middle of nowhere, their healing begins. I love how miss Fine focuses on the healing process ( a bit rush), instead of the hot sex. Dont worry the sex is still there, but mild.
The characters developmemt is sweet and fun. Broken but hopeful. It is a good wonderful story.
5 lavender stars
October 24, 2013
In between achy heart moments, I laughed out loud. A lot. Best NA voice I've read. You don't want to miss this one.
February 20, 2014
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley.
So, I thought this book was quite adorable, actually. I'm going to review it with reference to some of the more annoying NA tropes that this book did not display (or at least did not display quite so obnoxiously).
This was pretty standard NA fare: protagonists are two college-aged kids, it's a contemporary romance, everyone is very physically attractive, there is drama, angst, and the protags are "damaged." Within that typical framework, there's a lot of room for storytelling, though.
I am surprised that the reviews on GR aren't better. I think, though, that some of the things I liked about the book are things that other, more traditional NA readers didn't like a book. Because an honest evaluation of NA indicates that it appeals to a certain subset of readers who like angst and damaged characters. So, the angstier and more damaged the characters and their interactions, the better.
One of the things I liked about this book is that it wasn't an over-the-top angstfest. It was quite funny, actually. Chelsea Fine has a knack for humor. There were several moments where I laughed out loud at something going on inside Pixie's head. Example:
"You'd think senior citizens relaxing at a quaint inn in the middle-of-nowhere Arizona would be low-key and rather boring, but they're just as bad as college kids. they flirt and drink and sleep with one another, and it's just nasty. Entertaining. But nasty."
or
"I have this weird habit of saying "uh" before the word "boyfriend." I can't help it. It's like saying "Jiminy" before "Cricket" or "more" before "cowbell." It just falls out of my mouth."
(Maybe I am only prepped to like this character because More Cowbell is among my most favorite SNL skits ever . . . )
Another thing that I liked about it was that it felt real to me. I don't want to spoil the story for anyone who might want to read it, but Levi and Pixie have suffered a real sadness, and they both know what it is. There is no "burning secret shame" in this book. The author hasn't manufactured a stupid, fake misunderstanding that could be cleared up with three words. These characters have suffered, and what they have suffered is something that makes sense. Their reactions to it, and to each other, make sense.
Two last things. One of my biggest complaints about this genre has been a cavalier use of current or historical rape and/or sexual abuse to create "just-add-water-damaged" characters and "angsty" relationships that require the magical healing powers of sex with a hottie to fix the brokenness.
Hallelujah. Not here.
In addition, another huge complaint I have about the genre has been the incessant slut shaming and girl hating exhibited by the author through her main character. Again, yippee. It is important to note that Pixie has a friend who is a girl. A close friend. Someone she loves, and who loves her, and who is supportive of her. Someone who is not slut-shamed endlessly even though she joyfully has sex with boys. Also, Pixie herself - not a virgin. And not ashamed of her lack of virginity, and wanting to have sex with a boy. Wondering, actually, what is wrong with her for her inability to connect with her boyfriend, not wondering what is wrong with her friend for not saving her precious V-card for an as yet unmet Mr. Perfect.
Was there an element of Levi restoring Pixie with the healing powers of his magical whang? Well, yes, of course. It's an NA after all. But, at the end, Ms. Fine left me feeling like these characters are on their way to healing not that they are healed, that they are resilient and, though they are still impacted by what happened to them (as they should be, because what happened to them is the kind of thing that never goes away) they are growing up and becoming whole.
It was well-written, frequently funny, and quite cute.
So, I thought this book was quite adorable, actually. I'm going to review it with reference to some of the more annoying NA tropes that this book did not display (or at least did not display quite so obnoxiously).
This was pretty standard NA fare: protagonists are two college-aged kids, it's a contemporary romance, everyone is very physically attractive, there is drama, angst, and the protags are "damaged." Within that typical framework, there's a lot of room for storytelling, though.
I am surprised that the reviews on GR aren't better. I think, though, that some of the things I liked about the book are things that other, more traditional NA readers didn't like a book. Because an honest evaluation of NA indicates that it appeals to a certain subset of readers who like angst and damaged characters. So, the angstier and more damaged the characters and their interactions, the better.
One of the things I liked about this book is that it wasn't an over-the-top angstfest. It was quite funny, actually. Chelsea Fine has a knack for humor. There were several moments where I laughed out loud at something going on inside Pixie's head. Example:
"You'd think senior citizens relaxing at a quaint inn in the middle-of-nowhere Arizona would be low-key and rather boring, but they're just as bad as college kids. they flirt and drink and sleep with one another, and it's just nasty. Entertaining. But nasty."
or
"I have this weird habit of saying "uh" before the word "boyfriend." I can't help it. It's like saying "Jiminy" before "Cricket" or "more" before "cowbell." It just falls out of my mouth."
(Maybe I am only prepped to like this character because More Cowbell is among my most favorite SNL skits ever . . . )
Another thing that I liked about it was that it felt real to me. I don't want to spoil the story for anyone who might want to read it, but Levi and Pixie have suffered a real sadness, and they both know what it is. There is no "burning secret shame" in this book. The author hasn't manufactured a stupid, fake misunderstanding that could be cleared up with three words. These characters have suffered, and what they have suffered is something that makes sense. Their reactions to it, and to each other, make sense.
Two last things. One of my biggest complaints about this genre has been a cavalier use of current or historical rape and/or sexual abuse to create "just-add-water-damaged" characters and "angsty" relationships that require the magical healing powers of sex with a hottie to fix the brokenness.
Hallelujah. Not here.
In addition, another huge complaint I have about the genre has been the incessant slut shaming and girl hating exhibited by the author through her main character. Again, yippee. It is important to note that Pixie has a friend who is a girl. A close friend. Someone she loves, and who loves her, and who is supportive of her. Someone who is not slut-shamed endlessly even though she joyfully has sex with boys. Also, Pixie herself - not a virgin. And not ashamed of her lack of virginity, and wanting to have sex with a boy. Wondering, actually, what is wrong with her for her inability to connect with her boyfriend, not wondering what is wrong with her friend for not saving her precious V-card for an as yet unmet Mr. Perfect.
Was there an element of Levi restoring Pixie with the healing powers of his magical whang? Well, yes, of course. It's an NA after all. But, at the end, Ms. Fine left me feeling like these characters are on their way to healing not that they are healed, that they are resilient and, though they are still impacted by what happened to them (as they should be, because what happened to them is the kind of thing that never goes away) they are growing up and becoming whole.
It was well-written, frequently funny, and quite cute.
October 30, 2014
3.5 emotional stars
This read was a fairly decent NA read. Pixie and Levi have known each other practically their whole lives. From barbies and transformers to the coming of age of high school drama, these two have been family. One night, one fateful moment and everything changes. Lives are shattered, loves are lost and no one will ever be the same.
They say time heals all wounds, but when you cant face the past how do you ever truly move forward? Levi is angry at everything, mostly himself...staying mad keeps out all the demons. Pixie is numb to the world...feeling lost and deeply sad. Put together for the summer and old feelings and scars are bound to be exposed.
I will say this was a bit predictable with the outcome, yet I still enjoyed it. I felt it was written well and it was quick to read. Even though the book was a bit slow to get going, I didn't feel this was necessarily a bad thing since it really drew out the pain and anger both characters were experiencing. It was nice that both characters had a past together so trying to develop a real connection was fairly easy.
And thank you for another amazing shower scene...all that hot and cold water drama was bound to pay off!
Also, I didn't feel that this was too angsty or gut-wrenching, but more emotionally filled and heart tugging. I liked the tension and chemistry that both characters had, and I especially liked how no matter how much time passed it was obvious they were always "IT" for one another. Of course getting over the guilt, anger, and fear didn't seem to be an easy task...
This read was a fairly decent NA read. Pixie and Levi have known each other practically their whole lives. From barbies and transformers to the coming of age of high school drama, these two have been family. One night, one fateful moment and everything changes. Lives are shattered, loves are lost and no one will ever be the same.
They say time heals all wounds, but when you cant face the past how do you ever truly move forward? Levi is angry at everything, mostly himself...staying mad keeps out all the demons. Pixie is numb to the world...feeling lost and deeply sad. Put together for the summer and old feelings and scars are bound to be exposed.
I will say this was a bit predictable with the outcome, yet I still enjoyed it. I felt it was written well and it was quick to read. Even though the book was a bit slow to get going, I didn't feel this was necessarily a bad thing since it really drew out the pain and anger both characters were experiencing. It was nice that both characters had a past together so trying to develop a real connection was fairly easy.
And thank you for another amazing shower scene...all that hot and cold water drama was bound to pay off!
Also, I didn't feel that this was too angsty or gut-wrenching, but more emotionally filled and heart tugging. I liked the tension and chemistry that both characters had, and I especially liked how no matter how much time passed it was obvious they were always "IT" for one another. Of course getting over the guilt, anger, and fear didn't seem to be an easy task...
January 2, 2015
Thoughts: I really loved this book, and I'm surprised it doesn't have better ratings and reviews among my friends here on GR! Sure, it's a common storyline with all-too-common obstacles and misunderstandings. BUT, it was written in such a fresh, funny, sweet, charming, emotional (without being heartbreaking) 'voice'. Chelsea Fine turned this NA storyline, and the characters of Levi and Pixie, into something much more than the typical. I just fell in love! I don't know. Maybe it's just me. I loved the setting, the writing, the humor, ALL of the characters (including secondary, aside from the evil bitch Sandra, Pixie's mom). And, it has to be said that I LOVED Marvin the goat (and Zack, Marvin's goat daddy, who I very much hope will get a book of his own!).
If you're interested in reading a semi-atypical NA romance filled with charming humor and characters that come alive, you can't do better than this!
If you're interested in reading a semi-atypical NA romance filled with charming humor and characters that come alive, you can't do better than this!
Want to read
November 12, 2013Another Chelsea Fine book?
I am so excited!!
March is so far away.
I am so excited!!
March is so far away.
October 29, 2014
4 SWEET HEARTS!!!
This was sweet, emotional, and just simply a good story. And it has believable character development. I really enjoyed this! :D <3 I just had a very very minor issue with the ending...but *shrugs* Who cares in the face of all the good. ;p
Full Review to Come...
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