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BelleCurve #1
Up in the Treehouse
Romantic Times WINNER for Best New Adult Book of the Year
"I wanted to tell him all my secrets, but he became one of them instead."
Chloe Rivers never thought she would keep secrets from her best friend, Gavin Rhodes. Then again, she never imagined she would fall in love with him either. When she finally reveals her feelings, rejection shatters her, rendering her vulnerable and sending her straight into the destructive arms of the wrong guy.
The Rhodes twins never saw the betrayal coming. Chloe has always been their forbidden fantasy--sweet, beautiful, and tempting. But soon the lines between family, friendship, and love become as tangled as the roots of the treehouse they once shared.
Now it's too late . . .
Four years after a devastating tragedy, Chloe and Gavin find themselves crashing back into each other's lives. Haunted by the past, they're forced to come to terms with all that has transpired to find the peace they deserve. Except they can't seem to get near each other without combatting an intense emotional connection that brings them right back to where it all started . . . their childhood treehouse.
Chloe still holds her secrets close, but this time she isn't the only one with something to hide. Can their deep-rooted connection survive the destruction of innocence?
"I wanted to tell him all my secrets, but he became one of them instead."
Chloe Rivers never thought she would keep secrets from her best friend, Gavin Rhodes. Then again, she never imagined she would fall in love with him either. When she finally reveals her feelings, rejection shatters her, rendering her vulnerable and sending her straight into the destructive arms of the wrong guy.
The Rhodes twins never saw the betrayal coming. Chloe has always been their forbidden fantasy--sweet, beautiful, and tempting. But soon the lines between family, friendship, and love become as tangled as the roots of the treehouse they once shared.
Now it's too late . . .
Four years after a devastating tragedy, Chloe and Gavin find themselves crashing back into each other's lives. Haunted by the past, they're forced to come to terms with all that has transpired to find the peace they deserve. Except they can't seem to get near each other without combatting an intense emotional connection that brings them right back to where it all started . . . their childhood treehouse.
Chloe still holds her secrets close, but this time she isn't the only one with something to hide. Can their deep-rooted connection survive the destruction of innocence?
411 pages, Paperback
First published July 19, 2016
2098 people are currently reading
5072 people want to read
About the author
K.K. Allen
42 books3,057 followersK.K. Allen is the USA TODAY Bestselling and award-winning contemporary romance author of sweet, sexy, and inspiring stories that evoke emotion at every turn.
K.K.'s debut romance novel, Up in the Treehouse, was named the Best New Adult Book of the Year by RT Book Reviews, an honor beyond belief. And she continues to take reader’s emotions on an epic ride every single time with real, layered, coming of age romance stories that will make you fall in love over and over again.
Born in Hawaii, raised in Washington, and currently residing in Florida, K.K. lives for laughs with her little dude, the great outdoors, watching football, dancing the night away, and her eclectic taste in music.
K.K. also loves connecting with her readers and attends signings when she can! You can find upcoming event dates and other information at: www.kkallen.com.
K.K.'s debut romance novel, Up in the Treehouse, was named the Best New Adult Book of the Year by RT Book Reviews, an honor beyond belief. And she continues to take reader’s emotions on an epic ride every single time with real, layered, coming of age romance stories that will make you fall in love over and over again.
Born in Hawaii, raised in Washington, and currently residing in Florida, K.K. lives for laughs with her little dude, the great outdoors, watching football, dancing the night away, and her eclectic taste in music.
K.K. also loves connecting with her readers and attends signings when she can! You can find upcoming event dates and other information at: www.kkallen.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,185 reviews
April 4, 2019
4 stars
Up in the Treehouse was my first book by KK Allen and what a ride it was. It was so much more angsty than I expected it to be. I was stressed out so much while reading, there was a point where I almost said screw it, I’m done with this book, but I read a few more pages and I was okay. I’m glad I finished because when it was all said and done, I enjoyed this rollercoaster of a book.
In middle school, Chloe Rivers met twin boys that changed her life. Gavin and Devon moved in next door to Chloe and they became friends quickly. Gavin especially became her defender of sorts. Through growing up and high school, a lot changed, but their friendship never did. Until Chloe started dating Devon.
Something awful and traumatic happens that has Chloe fleeing, and when she comes back 4 years later, so much has changed. Gavin is back in her life and she doesn’t know how to process it. Gavin is at a loss as well. Chloe was his best friend and someone he truly loved, but she abandoned him when he needed her most.
KK Allen is a strong writer and I loved the way this book was written. I thought the journal entries were great and she was able to evoke some insanely strong (some positive, some negative) emotions from me. This book was one that kept me on the edge of my seat. If you enjoy angsty reads, second chance romances, and friends to lovers stories, give this one a go!
Up in the Treehouse was my first book by KK Allen and what a ride it was. It was so much more angsty than I expected it to be. I was stressed out so much while reading, there was a point where I almost said screw it, I’m done with this book, but I read a few more pages and I was okay. I’m glad I finished because when it was all said and done, I enjoyed this rollercoaster of a book.
In middle school, Chloe Rivers met twin boys that changed her life. Gavin and Devon moved in next door to Chloe and they became friends quickly. Gavin especially became her defender of sorts. Through growing up and high school, a lot changed, but their friendship never did. Until Chloe started dating Devon.
Something awful and traumatic happens that has Chloe fleeing, and when she comes back 4 years later, so much has changed. Gavin is back in her life and she doesn’t know how to process it. Gavin is at a loss as well. Chloe was his best friend and someone he truly loved, but she abandoned him when he needed her most.
KK Allen is a strong writer and I loved the way this book was written. I thought the journal entries were great and she was able to evoke some insanely strong (some positive, some negative) emotions from me. This book was one that kept me on the edge of my seat. If you enjoy angsty reads, second chance romances, and friends to lovers stories, give this one a go!
“You're every bit my reality, and that's so much better than dreaming.”
March 27, 2017
3 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was an enjoyable read, but I'm not sure it'll be all that memorable in the long run. It was a second-chance/missed-opportunity type story that even has some threads of unrequited love going on, so I should've loved it. Unfortunately, I didn't. I thought it was ok. A little long and drawn out, a sometimes annoying heroine, a little lacking in the sexual chemistry (emotional chemistry was good), and a meh *shrugs* ending and epilogue....make it a 3 star read for me.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Chloe and Gavin's story. They meet when Gavin and his twin brother move to town and make a treehouse with their dad in the woods between theirs and Chloe's house. The twins help Chloe out of a bully situation, and they become best friends. As they grow, their relationships change. Chloe ends up causing a rift in their relationship, and after a traumatic event they are separated. About 4 years later, they are reunited. It isn't great at first -- but the strong feelings that they've always had return, and they work through their past to get their HEA.
POV: This alternated between Chloe and Gavin's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Ok. It was on the longer side (398 pages on my kindle app), and felt a little slow at times. I never skimmed though.
Instalove: No, they've known each other for many years.
H rating: 4 stars. Gavin. I liked him. I think he was good at making lemonade out of his lemons.
h rating: 3 stars. Chloe. She was ok. Her constant running away from situations and being "scared" got old.
Sadness level: Moderate. I teared up a few times, but never needed any tissues.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Mild. They have some mild tension, chemistry, and scenes -- and not so much it takes away from the story. I think it would've been better if either the scenes had been made better or simply made to fade-to-black tbh -- it just felt...lacking.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Not technically
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had good closure with a jump ahead epilogue and a HEA ending.
How I got it: It was part of my kindle unlimited subscription.
Safety: This one should be either Safe with exception or Not Safe for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
Overall Opinion: This was an enjoyable read, but I'm not sure it'll be all that memorable in the long run. It was a second-chance/missed-opportunity type story that even has some threads of unrequited love going on, so I should've loved it. Unfortunately, I didn't. I thought it was ok. A little long and drawn out, a sometimes annoying heroine, a little lacking in the sexual chemistry (emotional chemistry was good), and a meh *shrugs* ending and epilogue....make it a 3 star read for me.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Chloe and Gavin's story. They meet when Gavin and his twin brother move to town and make a treehouse with their dad in the woods between theirs and Chloe's house. The twins help Chloe out of a bully situation, and they become best friends. As they grow, their relationships change. Chloe ends up causing a rift in their relationship, and after a traumatic event they are separated. About 4 years later, they are reunited. It isn't great at first -- but the strong feelings that they've always had return, and they work through their past to get their HEA.
POV: This alternated between Chloe and Gavin's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Ok. It was on the longer side (398 pages on my kindle app), and felt a little slow at times. I never skimmed though.
Instalove: No, they've known each other for many years.
H rating: 4 stars. Gavin. I liked him. I think he was good at making lemonade out of his lemons.
h rating: 3 stars. Chloe. She was ok. Her constant running away from situations and being "scared" got old.
Sadness level: Moderate. I teared up a few times, but never needed any tissues.
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Mild. They have some mild tension, chemistry, and scenes -- and not so much it takes away from the story. I think it would've been better if either the scenes had been made better or simply made to fade-to-black tbh -- it just felt...lacking.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Yes
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Not technically
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This had good closure with a jump ahead epilogue and a HEA ending.
How I got it: It was part of my kindle unlimited subscription.
Safety: This one should be either Safe with exception or Not Safe for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences.
July 19, 2016
** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **
After reading the first sentence of the synopsis, I was intrigued and knew I had to read this book. Up in the Treehouse is an emotional, story about love, loss, friendship, secrets, betrayal, regrets, and forgiveness. Chloe and Gavin are two people who share a deep connection, friendship and much more. I’m not going to go into the storyline, as I don’t want to spoil it for you. It’s a book you have to go into knowing only what the author wants you to know from the synopsis.
Chloe and Gavin’s journey took me on an emotional roller coaster from start to finish. Their emotions were my emotions, and my heart was heavy at times for them. K.K Allen has managed to capture flawlessly the feelings of two people who are haunted because of events, secrets, memories and feelings from their past. Two people who need to confront these events, secrets, memories and feelings if they are going to be able to move forward to get the happiness they both deserved.
“Gavin has always been it for me; the calm one, the smart one, the respectful one. My best friend. My protector.”
“I got what I wanted. I saw her. She seemed to be doing fine. But the pain in my chest won’t fucking go away when I think of her.”
I adored the way the K.K Allen goes back and forth from the present to the past. The past lets us see and understand how Chloe and Gavin deep connection all started, what they went through during their childhood, the events that changed them forever and the significance of the Treehouse.
“When a girl gives you her heart and tells you to trust it, you don’t question it. You don’t waste a second. You just do it”
Up in the Treehouse was a beautifully written story, it was my first book by this author and it won’t be my last. K.K Allen's words, chapter titles, little twists and well-developed characters captured my heart, and I think they will capture yours too!
“We’ve both made mistakes. We're so far from perfect, but we're perfect together. Isn't that all that matters?”
Oh, and I loved the Heroes and Legends Project aspect of the story such a fantastic and relevant cause.
After reading the first sentence of the synopsis, I was intrigued and knew I had to read this book. Up in the Treehouse is an emotional, story about love, loss, friendship, secrets, betrayal, regrets, and forgiveness. Chloe and Gavin are two people who share a deep connection, friendship and much more. I’m not going to go into the storyline, as I don’t want to spoil it for you. It’s a book you have to go into knowing only what the author wants you to know from the synopsis.
Chloe and Gavin’s journey took me on an emotional roller coaster from start to finish. Their emotions were my emotions, and my heart was heavy at times for them. K.K Allen has managed to capture flawlessly the feelings of two people who are haunted because of events, secrets, memories and feelings from their past. Two people who need to confront these events, secrets, memories and feelings if they are going to be able to move forward to get the happiness they both deserved.
“Gavin has always been it for me; the calm one, the smart one, the respectful one. My best friend. My protector.”
“I got what I wanted. I saw her. She seemed to be doing fine. But the pain in my chest won’t fucking go away when I think of her.”
I adored the way the K.K Allen goes back and forth from the present to the past. The past lets us see and understand how Chloe and Gavin deep connection all started, what they went through during their childhood, the events that changed them forever and the significance of the Treehouse.
“When a girl gives you her heart and tells you to trust it, you don’t question it. You don’t waste a second. You just do it”
Up in the Treehouse was a beautifully written story, it was my first book by this author and it won’t be my last. K.K Allen's words, chapter titles, little twists and well-developed characters captured my heart, and I think they will capture yours too!
“We’ve both made mistakes. We're so far from perfect, but we're perfect together. Isn't that all that matters?”
Oh, and I loved the Heroes and Legends Project aspect of the story such a fantastic and relevant cause.
June 18, 2021
The light version of In the Unlikely Event
not-appealing
December 22, 2019- The hero refuses her when she tells him her feelings.
- The heroine then goes and dates with the hero's twin brother.
Trauma / 4 years separation
- Second chances
-The heroine later becomes best friends with the hero's f*ck-buddy.
- The heroine then goes and dates with the hero's twin brother.
Trauma / 4 years separation
- Second chances
-The heroine later becomes best friends with the hero's f*ck-buddy.
March 16, 2017
4.5 stars
‘The best kind of love is one that stems from friendship. One that grows, as it’s nurtured with patience and kindness, blossoming in just the time. All it has to do is withstand the forces of nature that threaten to drown it, pluck it, blow it, and burn it until it withers back into its soil. As if it never existed at all.’
And that is an apt prelude to sum up the anxious, dramatic, emotional, endearing, moving, frustrating, sweet and somewhat innocent story of friends, Chloe Rivers and her neighbours- twins, Devon and Gavin Rhodes. A friends to lovers, second chance story that broke our hearts, mended our hearts and ultimately stole our hearts completely.
K.K. Allen is a new to us author and we’re now eager to read her companion (Standalone) story, Beneath the Bleachers which follows a character we fell in love with during this book. This author really knows how to keep the reader’s heart in a vice with angst that knotted our stomachs.
‘When a girl gives you her heart and tells you to trust it, you don’t question it. You don’t waste a second. You just do it.’
Up in the Treehouse certainly toyed with our emotions. There were times Chloe and Gavin’s story brought us to tears….and they were tears born of tenderness, love, loss, frustration and joy. We experienced it all. A beautiful story of loyalty, love, perseverance, about listening to, and following your heart. We were surprised a few times as events unfolded and we loved sharing this journey, even if our hearts did cop a hiding! Click here for full review at TBB
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February 19, 2017
Roxie and Jen's Review
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Swear it, we live under a rock!!! We just finished a book that came out in in July of 2016 and we have no idea how we missed it then!! AHHH!! It was PERFECTION!!! For angst lovers like us, this book was HEAVEN!!
Up in the Treehouse took us by complete surprise. We swear, we devoured it and couldn't put it down!!
This book will get a hold of you from the very first chapter and chances are you gonna have to force yourself to put it down when real life calls you.
Up in the Treehouse is a story of growing up, friendships, love and loss.
We devoured the pages of this story as we followed the lives of Chloe, Devon and Gavin from childhood to adulthood.
Chloe, Devon and Gavin become friends and inseparable in middle school. They form a bond and they are there for each other through their teenage years.
K.k. Allen did an amazing job taking us back to high school and reflecting on growing pains as these three navigate growing up. When tragedy strikes, lives are forever altered. But through tragedy comes an amazing story of love and strength. An Unbreakable bond.
Every now and then a story consumes you, it kind of takes over your life. In one way we can't wait to get to the last page to find out how it all ends, but at the same we never want the book to end. We want to keep the feeling that engulfed us while we read this book FOREVER. This is why we read. This is why we pick up a book in hopes to feel all the feels.
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Swear it, we live under a rock!!! We just finished a book that came out in in July of 2016 and we have no idea how we missed it then!! AHHH!! It was PERFECTION!!! For angst lovers like us, this book was HEAVEN!!
Up in the Treehouse took us by complete surprise. We swear, we devoured it and couldn't put it down!!
This book will get a hold of you from the very first chapter and chances are you gonna have to force yourself to put it down when real life calls you.
Up in the Treehouse is a story of growing up, friendships, love and loss.
We devoured the pages of this story as we followed the lives of Chloe, Devon and Gavin from childhood to adulthood.
"That I ended up falling for the wrong twin will never stop haunting me..."
Chloe, Devon and Gavin become friends and inseparable in middle school. They form a bond and they are there for each other through their teenage years.
"Even after six years of friendship, he wants to believe the worst in me. It's always something. Either I'm too weak, too distant, too smart, or too defiant."
K.k. Allen did an amazing job taking us back to high school and reflecting on growing pains as these three navigate growing up. When tragedy strikes, lives are forever altered. But through tragedy comes an amazing story of love and strength. An Unbreakable bond.
Every now and then a story consumes you, it kind of takes over your life. In one way we can't wait to get to the last page to find out how it all ends, but at the same we never want the book to end. We want to keep the feeling that engulfed us while we read this book FOREVER. This is why we read. This is why we pick up a book in hopes to feel all the feels.
July 21, 2020
Up in the Treehouse is AVAILABLE NOW! <3
July 24, 2017
****4 STARS****
I picked this one up at a signing and think I may have accidentally insulted the author. My brain to mouth filter is completely broken. I'll tell you all about it in my review later.
I picked this one up at a signing and think I may have accidentally insulted the author. My brain to mouth filter is completely broken. I'll tell you all about it in my review later.
July 17, 2016
Grab the tissues, maybe an anxiety ball and put out the DO NOT DISTURB sign, K.K. Allen has a tale to tell that will pull on every emotion you have, chew your insides up and leave you feeling raw. Up in the Treehouse is a tale of three young friends, twin brothers and the girl on the other side of the woods, a treehouse, growing up, heartaches and the end of innocence when one devastating event shreds the very fibers of trust, friendship and love.
Remember how confusing it was when you were a teen? In love one day, in doubt the next and crushed by the weekend? Devon, Gavin and Chloe grew up together, their treehouse was witness to the years they were inseparable, their growing pains, their joys and the pain of loss. For Gavin and Chloe, one devastating nightmare would continue to haunt them for years, each shattered by that nightmare and each too young to understand what the other needed.
Now, years later, they are back in each other’s lives and the hurt, the misunderstandings and their emotions have flared into a raging inferno that neither seems able to control. Too many secrets, too many unspoken words and too many mean-spirited people have come between best friends who feel more than friendship for each other. Is there a way to build what they almost had so long ago? It is time for total honesty and as their walls come down and they let each other in, but one lie of omission could bring their newfound relationship toppling over the edge. They say you can never go back, but is there room to go forward?
K.K. Allen has held nothing back in this emotional rollercoaster, secrets are pulled from hearts as truths are revealed, and I felt every single ounce of joy and pain these characters felt. With breathtaking detail, K.K. Allen allows us into the hearts and minds of the children who grew up, faced tremendous obstacles and became the people they are today. The question remains, do Gavin and Chloe belong together or is it just another childhood fantasy to be laid to rest?
I received an ARC edition from K.K. Allen in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: July 19, 2016
Publisher: K.K. Allen
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 334 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Remember how confusing it was when you were a teen? In love one day, in doubt the next and crushed by the weekend? Devon, Gavin and Chloe grew up together, their treehouse was witness to the years they were inseparable, their growing pains, their joys and the pain of loss. For Gavin and Chloe, one devastating nightmare would continue to haunt them for years, each shattered by that nightmare and each too young to understand what the other needed.
Now, years later, they are back in each other’s lives and the hurt, the misunderstandings and their emotions have flared into a raging inferno that neither seems able to control. Too many secrets, too many unspoken words and too many mean-spirited people have come between best friends who feel more than friendship for each other. Is there a way to build what they almost had so long ago? It is time for total honesty and as their walls come down and they let each other in, but one lie of omission could bring their newfound relationship toppling over the edge. They say you can never go back, but is there room to go forward?
K.K. Allen has held nothing back in this emotional rollercoaster, secrets are pulled from hearts as truths are revealed, and I felt every single ounce of joy and pain these characters felt. With breathtaking detail, K.K. Allen allows us into the hearts and minds of the children who grew up, faced tremendous obstacles and became the people they are today. The question remains, do Gavin and Chloe belong together or is it just another childhood fantasy to be laid to rest?
I received an ARC edition from K.K. Allen in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: July 19, 2016
Publisher: K.K. Allen
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Print Length: 334 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
April 15, 2018
3.5-4 ★'s
“Fire destroyed us. Love brought us back together.”
As per usual, I picked up this book because it's supposed to be angsty...and it sure is! K.K. Allen is a new author for me and while I enjoyed the book and the angst and I'll definitely be reading more of her books, I really had a hard time with all the dramas.
Gavin and Devon are twins and they move into Chloe's neighborhood when they are all starting seventh grade. Chloe notices them building a tree house with their Dad in the woods between their houses. She meets them one morning after she fell asleep inside and they all become best friends.
There's a huge portion of this book dealing with bullies and it was hard reading Chloe going through that. I loved that the twins were there for her, especially Gavin.
We get to read about them growing up, dealing with feelings...or not, and dealing with each...or not. Gavin gave Chloe a journal (she's a writer) so she puts all her feelings in there. Gavin is an artist and he puts all his feelings into that. Devon just has sex with everyone and doesn't deal with his feelings until one night and it's not pretty. In fact, it's pretty horrific.
The event is so dire that Chloe ends up leaving with her parents to their Florida home and then off to a different college and she doesn't go back for four years. And she doesn't speak to Gavin or even about him.
The "not dealing with their feelings" pretty much drove me crazy especially when they start spending more and more time together. We get both their POVs so thankfully we get to know where they both stand and it's sooo frustrating.
Not to mention, there's a secret that Gavin hasn't told Chloe. Silly me, I thought I had figured it out but thank goodness, it wasn't as bad as I thought. Still, Gavin should have done more.
Then, we have to deal with the "push and pull" "do I or don't I" dilemmas that drove me crazy as well. Luckily, it doesn't last too long for these two to figure things out. However, if Chloe was my friend, I'd have to knock some sense into her.
I did love the epilogue as cliché as it is but also absolutely perfect. I found out that Monica (Chloe and Gavin's coworker and friend) has a book out, Under the Bleachers, and it sounds intriguing!
“Fire destroyed us. Love brought us back together.”
As per usual, I picked up this book because it's supposed to be angsty...and it sure is! K.K. Allen is a new author for me and while I enjoyed the book and the angst and I'll definitely be reading more of her books, I really had a hard time with all the dramas.
Gavin and Devon are twins and they move into Chloe's neighborhood when they are all starting seventh grade. Chloe notices them building a tree house with their Dad in the woods between their houses. She meets them one morning after she fell asleep inside and they all become best friends.
There's a huge portion of this book dealing with bullies and it was hard reading Chloe going through that. I loved that the twins were there for her, especially Gavin.
We get to read about them growing up, dealing with feelings...or not, and dealing with each...or not. Gavin gave Chloe a journal (she's a writer) so she puts all her feelings in there. Gavin is an artist and he puts all his feelings into that. Devon just has sex with everyone and doesn't deal with his feelings until one night and it's not pretty. In fact, it's pretty horrific.
The event is so dire that Chloe ends up leaving with her parents to their Florida home and then off to a different college and she doesn't go back for four years. And she doesn't speak to Gavin or even about him.
The "not dealing with their feelings" pretty much drove me crazy especially when they start spending more and more time together. We get both their POVs so thankfully we get to know where they both stand and it's sooo frustrating.
Not to mention, there's a secret that Gavin hasn't told Chloe. Silly me, I thought I had figured it out but thank goodness, it wasn't as bad as I thought. Still, Gavin should have done more.
Then, we have to deal with the "push and pull" "do I or don't I" dilemmas that drove me crazy as well. Luckily, it doesn't last too long for these two to figure things out. However, if Chloe was my friend, I'd have to knock some sense into her.
I did love the epilogue as cliché as it is but also absolutely perfect. I found out that Monica (Chloe and Gavin's coworker and friend) has a book out, Under the Bleachers, and it sounds intriguing!
July 19, 2016
3.5 Stars!
I will try to keep this review as spoiler free as possible. When I saw the gorgeous cover and read the blurb, I knew I had to read this book. I enjoyed this book for the most part. This is a cute but sometimes tragic friends to lovers romance and it was very, very angsty. Even though I crave angst in my books, in this one it didn’t necessarily worked for me.
Chloe is the main narrator of this story, although we get different POVs and other things such as flashbacks and journal entries throughout the book. She’s best friends with Gavin and Devon, her twin neighbors. Growing up, the twins had a role of protectors when it came to Chloe because Chloe was a victim of bullying. Chloe had a thing for Gavin yet she decided to date Devon instead. That decision causes a rift between all and things change between them from then on. The book is divided in various parts but one of the more pivotal moments happens the night of their high school graduation. Tragedy strikes, life changes for the 3 of them and Chloe leaves town. Chloe then returns four years later and that’s when most of the rest of the story takes place.
I found the writing to be beautiful and engaging for the most part. However, I found that there was a lot of inner dialogue between the characters so a lot of thought but zero action. I loved the references to music and super loved the references to Teen Witch. I also found the underlying topics of bullying awareness, second chances and rebuilding from the ashes to be exquisitely done. For me, the problem was that I found it really hard to connect with Chloe and Gavin. Chloe sounded very immature at times and some of her decision making was awful from the start to the very end but I think that could just be attributed to her age. Same with Gavin. I understood his hesitation for the most part, but I found myself shaking my head at his actions sometimes, he ran very hot and cold the entire book. The romance is very slow building in this one and there are a few twist and turns along the way.
For the most part, I enjoyed this story. It definitely kept me interested and I needed to know how this story would end. And I totally loved the ending. This is my first book from this author and I think she’s extremely talented. I recommend this one if you’re in the mood for a sweet but angsty friends to lovers romance!
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I will try to keep this review as spoiler free as possible. When I saw the gorgeous cover and read the blurb, I knew I had to read this book. I enjoyed this book for the most part. This is a cute but sometimes tragic friends to lovers romance and it was very, very angsty. Even though I crave angst in my books, in this one it didn’t necessarily worked for me.
Chloe is the main narrator of this story, although we get different POVs and other things such as flashbacks and journal entries throughout the book. She’s best friends with Gavin and Devon, her twin neighbors. Growing up, the twins had a role of protectors when it came to Chloe because Chloe was a victim of bullying. Chloe had a thing for Gavin yet she decided to date Devon instead. That decision causes a rift between all and things change between them from then on. The book is divided in various parts but one of the more pivotal moments happens the night of their high school graduation. Tragedy strikes, life changes for the 3 of them and Chloe leaves town. Chloe then returns four years later and that’s when most of the rest of the story takes place.
I found the writing to be beautiful and engaging for the most part. However, I found that there was a lot of inner dialogue between the characters so a lot of thought but zero action. I loved the references to music and super loved the references to Teen Witch. I also found the underlying topics of bullying awareness, second chances and rebuilding from the ashes to be exquisitely done. For me, the problem was that I found it really hard to connect with Chloe and Gavin. Chloe sounded very immature at times and some of her decision making was awful from the start to the very end but I think that could just be attributed to her age. Same with Gavin. I understood his hesitation for the most part, but I found myself shaking my head at his actions sometimes, he ran very hot and cold the entire book. The romance is very slow building in this one and there are a few twist and turns along the way.
For the most part, I enjoyed this story. It definitely kept me interested and I needed to know how this story would end. And I totally loved the ending. This is my first book from this author and I think she’s extremely talented. I recommend this one if you’re in the mood for a sweet but angsty friends to lovers romance!
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July 31, 2021
I am late with my reading goal. I have so much things requiring my attention.
Back to the book. Up in the Treehouse is disappointment for me. There are just too much drama and OTT needy heroine. I do not like the way Miss Allen constructs the romance between Gavin and Chloe. Making Gavin guilty after reading Chloe's diary.
The drama is on and on and on. Too many different twist and plot.
2 stars
Back to the book. Up in the Treehouse is disappointment for me. There are just too much drama and OTT needy heroine. I do not like the way Miss Allen constructs the romance between Gavin and Chloe. Making Gavin guilty after reading Chloe's diary.
The drama is on and on and on. Too many different twist and plot.
2 stars
January 10, 2024
I'm going to be kind and give this book 3 stars because I did love about 85% of the book. Which is majority of the book but in order for me to give it 4 stars I have to be happy by the end of the book and in order to give 5 stars I have to have loved every page.
I was not happy by the time I finished due to the author throwing one last plot twist or curve ball at around 86%. Leaving me wondering WHY? Why da fuck that!!!
We had been in a rollercoaster with these characters already. We've been up, down, and I was in love with their love. I was soo rooting for them. From the beginning of the book I was intrigued and kept turning pages. This is my 3rd book by this author and I loved and enjoyed the other 2.
This one sounded so good - Twin brothers. Best friends to Lovers. Possible love triangle. SIGN ME UP!!!
***Warning. Spoilers Up Ahead***
.
.
.
.
If you don't want this story spoiled. Stop reading. Pass GO and collect $200. LOL
.
.
.
I wonder if there's anyone else that agrees with me on this point. The reason that killed this book for me. The unnecessary added plot twist/drama simply for the sake of MORE drama.
Why did we have to have this whole dramatic telenovela scene...
Gavin: Chloe, I have a daughter.
WHOA. Wait what?
The baby momma is your high school bully.
Wait what?
Chloe tries to leave. She can't believe he kept this secret, a daughter from her (Me the READER: I know girl. I feel you. Up until only 10% left of the book. SMH!)
Gavin:... But wait. Don't leave. She's not my biological daughter.
Wait what?
..... I'm getting dizzy by this point
Why did Gavin have to have a daughter? That isn't his daughter. But technically is his daughter because he adopted her....
Um, Hello!!! That's his niece. Family. Irregardless. No adoption needed to be family. He can always be there for his brother's child. Be the BEST uncle that ever lived.
Why couldn't Gavin tell Chloe how involved he is in his niece's life and will always be without the needed shock of I HAVE A DAUGHTER....
We explore/discuss this daughter issue for about 2.5 seconds because having a child (biological or not) and deciding to take up the role of step-mom is really not that big of a deal. And it's so late in the book we have to hurry and wrap this up. *face palm*
I was not happy by the time I finished due to the author throwing one last plot twist or curve ball at around 86%. Leaving me wondering WHY? Why da fuck that!!!
We had been in a rollercoaster with these characters already. We've been up, down, and I was in love with their love. I was soo rooting for them. From the beginning of the book I was intrigued and kept turning pages. This is my 3rd book by this author and I loved and enjoyed the other 2.
This one sounded so good - Twin brothers. Best friends to Lovers. Possible love triangle. SIGN ME UP!!!
***Warning. Spoilers Up Ahead***
.
.
.
.
If you don't want this story spoiled. Stop reading. Pass GO and collect $200. LOL
.
.
.
I wonder if there's anyone else that agrees with me on this point. The reason that killed this book for me. The unnecessary added plot twist/drama simply for the sake of MORE drama.
Why did we have to have this whole dramatic telenovela scene...
Gavin: Chloe, I have a daughter.
WHOA. Wait what?
The baby momma is your high school bully.
Wait what?
Chloe tries to leave. She can't believe he kept this secret, a daughter from her (Me the READER: I know girl. I feel you. Up until only 10% left of the book. SMH!)
Gavin:... But wait. Don't leave. She's not my biological daughter.
Wait what?
..... I'm getting dizzy by this point
Why did Gavin have to have a daughter? That isn't his daughter. But technically is his daughter because he adopted her....
Um, Hello!!! That's his niece. Family. Irregardless. No adoption needed to be family. He can always be there for his brother's child. Be the BEST uncle that ever lived.
Why couldn't Gavin tell Chloe how involved he is in his niece's life and will always be without the needed shock of I HAVE A DAUGHTER....
We explore/discuss this daughter issue for about 2.5 seconds because having a child (biological or not) and deciding to take up the role of step-mom is really not that big of a deal. And it's so late in the book we have to hurry and wrap this up. *face palm*
August 9, 2016
Highly recommended, five glowing stars!
The old adage never judge a book by its cover, should also apply to titles as I came close to not reading this and that would have been a shame. First time reader of K.K. Allen, she’s poetry in motion.
Delivering a compelling storyline so powerful and heartwarming, I felt all the emotions that comes with reading a really good book. Heartache, loss, anger, joy and simplistic happiness and combustible lust. This amazing writer left no stone unturned as she developed the characters.
I was picking my favorites right from the start and had my own little cheering section. Even the villains tho I despised them was able to bridge an understanding to their horrendous behaviors. With the exception of one!
The old adage never judge a book by its cover, should also apply to titles as I came close to not reading this and that would have been a shame. First time reader of K.K. Allen, she’s poetry in motion.
Delivering a compelling storyline so powerful and heartwarming, I felt all the emotions that comes with reading a really good book. Heartache, loss, anger, joy and simplistic happiness and combustible lust. This amazing writer left no stone unturned as she developed the characters.
I was picking my favorites right from the start and had my own little cheering section. Even the villains tho I despised them was able to bridge an understanding to their horrendous behaviors. With the exception of one!
April 4, 2020
Este libro tenia una historia bonita pero se alargo mucho con tanto drama inecesario y un final predecible que ya lo veía venir.
Además, hubo un conflicto al final que no entiendo. Quiero decir sí mintió, pero cuando le dijo la razón, lo que demostró lo bueno y noble que era, ella lo hizo sobre ella y empezo a tener muchas dudas quiero decir, Gavin hizo algo desinteresado y ella puede pensar que le mintió. En general, no creo que Chloe mereciera a Gavin.
Además, hubo un conflicto al final que no entiendo. Quiero decir sí mintió, pero cuando le dijo la razón, lo que demostró lo bueno y noble que era, ella lo hizo sobre ella y empezo a tener muchas dudas quiero decir, Gavin hizo algo desinteresado y ella puede pensar que le mintió. En general, no creo que Chloe mereciera a Gavin.
September 18, 2023
Chloe
Gavin and Devin
Gavin's Annual Stay & Play Day
...Chloe's Infamous Scrunch Bun!
Gavin and Devin
Gavin's Annual Stay & Play Day
...Chloe's Infamous Scrunch Bun!
April 16, 2018
See this full review and many more at: 5171 Miles Book Blog.
Oh, you guys, I knew this was going to happen. I knew I was going to curse myself for waiting so long to read Up in the Treehouse by the lovely K.K. Allen. This book has been sitting on my TBR from practically the moment it released, and why? Because I'm a dumb procrastinator.
Give me ALL the friends-to-lovers tropes because I cannot get enough. As a kid, I used to dream of meeting a boy who would become my best friend and eventually my boyfriend. I've always been a hopeless romantic, but my dream didn't quite happen in the way I envisioned, or at least until I was seventeen years old. By then, the loss of innocence and the magic of childhood was all but gone. Luckily, K.K. Allen brought those innocent dreams back to the forefront of my mind with her incredible storytelling. K.K.'s tagline for her writing is, "Capturing the edge of innocence" and I can't think of a better-fitting description of her work! She takes me back to the feelings of being on the cusp of growing up, daydreaming about the future, and creating stories for myself to live out. Swoon!
Friends-to-lovers and a second chance between two childhood friends? Gosh, yes. I want to crawl up in the treehouse and live there with this pair. Too weird? I don't even care. The anticipation and angst in this story was everything I look for in the Romance genre. Chloe and Gavin were the epitome of push and pull, perfectly crafted to fit together, if only they could fess up to their feelings.
This story is perfectly paced, never boring, and so much more than a simple love story. The message this novel conveys is important and made me feel hopeful for future.
I have to say, the secondary characters in this story were almost equally as important to me as the main characters. Upon finishing, I had to check Goodreads for a follow-up story with Monica. She was hilarious, a great friend, a simply fun to read about, though I thought I might hate her from the get-go. I was rewarded with Under the Bleachers! Though I knew the title, I didn't know it featured Monica's love story (yes, I live under a rock). If K.K. hadn't already written the book, she was going to be fervently begged for it ASAP. I can't wait to grab a copy soon and dive in while these characters are still fresh on my mind.
I loved being immersed in the varying perspectives of Chloe, Gavin, and the journal entries of the days gone by. K.K. effortlessly added enough background information to make readers feel as if they knew the characters from past to present. I was truly along for the ride, and hoping for redemption in the end.
If you're a lover of Contemporary Romance and have failed to pick up this beautiful story, please don't wait as long as I did!
Oh, you guys, I knew this was going to happen. I knew I was going to curse myself for waiting so long to read Up in the Treehouse by the lovely K.K. Allen. This book has been sitting on my TBR from practically the moment it released, and why? Because I'm a dumb procrastinator.
Give me ALL the friends-to-lovers tropes because I cannot get enough. As a kid, I used to dream of meeting a boy who would become my best friend and eventually my boyfriend. I've always been a hopeless romantic, but my dream didn't quite happen in the way I envisioned, or at least until I was seventeen years old. By then, the loss of innocence and the magic of childhood was all but gone. Luckily, K.K. Allen brought those innocent dreams back to the forefront of my mind with her incredible storytelling. K.K.'s tagline for her writing is, "Capturing the edge of innocence" and I can't think of a better-fitting description of her work! She takes me back to the feelings of being on the cusp of growing up, daydreaming about the future, and creating stories for myself to live out. Swoon!
Friends-to-lovers and a second chance between two childhood friends? Gosh, yes. I want to crawl up in the treehouse and live there with this pair. Too weird? I don't even care. The anticipation and angst in this story was everything I look for in the Romance genre. Chloe and Gavin were the epitome of push and pull, perfectly crafted to fit together, if only they could fess up to their feelings.
This story is perfectly paced, never boring, and so much more than a simple love story. The message this novel conveys is important and made me feel hopeful for future.
I have to say, the secondary characters in this story were almost equally as important to me as the main characters. Upon finishing, I had to check Goodreads for a follow-up story with Monica. She was hilarious, a great friend, a simply fun to read about, though I thought I might hate her from the get-go. I was rewarded with Under the Bleachers! Though I knew the title, I didn't know it featured Monica's love story (yes, I live under a rock). If K.K. hadn't already written the book, she was going to be fervently begged for it ASAP. I can't wait to grab a copy soon and dive in while these characters are still fresh on my mind.
I loved being immersed in the varying perspectives of Chloe, Gavin, and the journal entries of the days gone by. K.K. effortlessly added enough background information to make readers feel as if they knew the characters from past to present. I was truly along for the ride, and hoping for redemption in the end.
If you're a lover of Contemporary Romance and have failed to pick up this beautiful story, please don't wait as long as I did!
March 16, 2017
4.5 stars
‘The best kind of love is one that stems from friendship. One that grows, as it’s nurtured with patience and kindness, blossoming in just the time. All it has to do is withstand the forces of nature that threaten to drown it, pluck it, blow it, and burn it until it withers back into its soil. As if it never existed at all.’
And that is an apt prelude to sum up the anxious, dramatic, emotional, endearing, moving, frustrating, sweet and somewhat innocent story of friends, Chloe Rivers and her neighbours- twins, Devon and Gavin Rhodes. A friends to lovers, second chance story that broke our hearts, mended our hearts and ultimately stole our hearts completely.
Chloe was twelve when the Rhodes twins and their single Dad moved in next door. Despite their physical similarities it was clear the boys were polar opposites in temperament. Devon, the broody more aggressive twin, who was like night to the Gavin’s calm, sweet gentler day. Gavin was the protector who always stuck up for Chloe at school when she was being bullied. An aspect that would bring them full circle in later years.
‘I wanted to follow my heart, but somehow along the way I lost my soul.’
Their young years were spent together, adventuring, getting up to mischief or spending time in the Rhodes’ treehouse doing their own thing. As the years passed, it would be Devon that Chloe would date, breaking something in Gavin that would deliver life changing, heartbreaking consequences for all involved, causing Chloe to flee her hometown, not to return until she was twenty two.
“Whoever holds that heart of yours is a lucky man. Just make sure you get it back soon.”
Gavin always had Chloe’s heart, so what made her choose Devon and what made her leave? Chloe’s return opens old wounds as repressed feelings are brought to the surface, and a love between two people that never faded, is tested time and time again.
K.K. Allen is a new to us author and we’re now eager to read her companion (Standalone) story, Beneath the Bleachers which follows a character we fell in love with during this book. This author really knows how to keep the reader’s heart in a vice with angst that knotted our stomachs.
‘When a girl gives you her heart and tells you to trust it, you don’t question it. You don’t waste a second. You just do it.’
We both said this book reminded us of those old favourites we loved when we purchased our first Kindles. Those stories we devoured that took us back to our youth, pounded our hearts and wooed us with their innocence. This book was so reminiscent of those feelings.
Told in dual POV, we were immediately captivated by the sweetness, angst and passion of Gavin and Chloe’s story. A story that perfectly captured the complication, complexities and confusing feelings and emotions Chloe and Gavin experience as they tried to navigate their way back to one another.
‘It was always him, even when it wasn’t.'/b>
Up in the Treehouse certainly toyed with our emotions. There were times Chloe and Gavin’s story brought us to tears….and they were tears born of tenderness, love, loss, frustration and joy. We experienced it all. A beautiful story of loyalty, love, perseverance, about listening to, and following your heart. We were surprised a few times as events unfolded and we loved sharing this journey, even if our hearts did cop a hiding!
‘Unfortunately for me, when she left she took a piece of me with her – and it wasn’t until she returned that I realized just how big that piece was. '
‘I want it back. ‘
UP IN THE TREEHOUSE is available to purchase below
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July 19, 2016
"Chloe has always noticed things that were of no benefit to her, and that's what made her significant to me."
AHHHH!!!! THE MOMENT I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR HAS COME!!
I can finally share with you my thoughts about this beautiful, magnificent, epic, love story! Ever since this beauty arrived at my doorstep, I couldn't think of anything else. The cover was fantastic; It's simple but very eye-catching. I was already in love with the book by just looking at the cover but then I read the premise and my love skyrocketed to epic proportions. I was in love with the physical book itself and had already put it on a high pedestal without meaning to. So imagine how much hesitation I went through before reading this... The good thing is that I was scared for nothing.
This was my first read by K.K. Allen and I was immensely pleased to say that she was bumped up high on my favorite authors list because of it. Whenever I stumble across a love story that seems to be taken straight out of my mind, I have nothing else to do but rave about it every day in hopes that somebody listens and takes a chance on it too.
In this story, we follow Chloe and Gavin. Two characters who have been the best of friends since they were children. Things happen that shatters that friendship and we follow them as they are brought together, years after the incidents. They're two best friends who explore a completely different aspect of their relationship while struggling through their past together and apart. We get both of their point of views which made me even more excited for the story. Give me a male point of view and Iam a melted goo in your hands forever.
Chloe is a journalist and I loved her so freaking much, it's unbelievable. It's rare when I like the main heroine as much as the main love interest, but this book just kept shattering my expectations at every turn of the page. I can't stress enough how much I deeply appreciated the fact that Chloe didn't lose herself in the relationship. She stayed true to who she was every step of the way and she had an amazing head on her shoulders. I tried not to be jealous of her (too much) whenever Gavin spoke to her. The things that man said to her tugged at my heartstrings and ugh! I want somebody to speak to me the way he does to her. It's just that simple.
Gavin is one of the most talented artists I've ever read about and his passion for it is heartwarming. I fell in love with him straight away. His soul was the most beautiful thing ever and there's just no way to not want to keep him for yourself. The things he's willing to sacrifice in order to make those he loves happy knows no bounds. He would rather give up his own happiness if it means that somebody he loves will be even happier. I wanted to hug that man to death because of how incredible he was. I absolutely adore K.K. Allen for introducing me to him.
Anyway, these two had me cheerleading them on from page one. They were nothing short of perfect together and their struggles felt as real as they could get. The pain and suffering they were both going through was incredibly believable. Their every emotion resonated with me and I felt it down to my very core.
That prelude was just ... MAGNIFICENT. It was the first thing that let me know I was going to love this story more than the physical thing itself. It took my beliefs straight out of my mind, like I mentioned before. I have always said that the best relationships are the ones that start off as best friends and that is basically what this story is about. It's something I've been (secretly) hoping for myself, so it's no surprise that my attachment to the story was in full swing before I even started it.
I loved how much of an important role super heroes played in this book. As a fan of the comic book world and its characters, it was a nice treat to witness this story appeal to that side of me. No book has ever done that before and I appreciated it a hundred times over.
Also, the format of this book is one of the most gorgeous ones I've ever seen. One of the reasons I didn't want the story to end was so I can see more of the illustrations. This book made me laugh hysterically, smile like a lunatic, cry like a baby, and cheer like I've never done before. Just when I thought I had something figured out, K. tugged the rug out from under me and let me know that I didn't know anything at all. There were so many things that took my breath away that I lost count and I couldn't be any happier with that ending. I miss these two incredible beings with all of me and I just hope that we get to visit them again in the future.
This book is New Adult so it's not suitable for readers under 18.
6/5 stars!
AHHHH!!!! THE MOMENT I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR HAS COME!!
I can finally share with you my thoughts about this beautiful, magnificent, epic, love story! Ever since this beauty arrived at my doorstep, I couldn't think of anything else. The cover was fantastic; It's simple but very eye-catching. I was already in love with the book by just looking at the cover but then I read the premise and my love skyrocketed to epic proportions. I was in love with the physical book itself and had already put it on a high pedestal without meaning to. So imagine how much hesitation I went through before reading this... The good thing is that I was scared for nothing.
This was my first read by K.K. Allen and I was immensely pleased to say that she was bumped up high on my favorite authors list because of it. Whenever I stumble across a love story that seems to be taken straight out of my mind, I have nothing else to do but rave about it every day in hopes that somebody listens and takes a chance on it too.
In this story, we follow Chloe and Gavin. Two characters who have been the best of friends since they were children. Things happen that shatters that friendship and we follow them as they are brought together, years after the incidents. They're two best friends who explore a completely different aspect of their relationship while struggling through their past together and apart. We get both of their point of views which made me even more excited for the story. Give me a male point of view and Iam a melted goo in your hands forever.
Chloe is a journalist and I loved her so freaking much, it's unbelievable. It's rare when I like the main heroine as much as the main love interest, but this book just kept shattering my expectations at every turn of the page. I can't stress enough how much I deeply appreciated the fact that Chloe didn't lose herself in the relationship. She stayed true to who she was every step of the way and she had an amazing head on her shoulders. I tried not to be jealous of her (too much) whenever Gavin spoke to her. The things that man said to her tugged at my heartstrings and ugh! I want somebody to speak to me the way he does to her. It's just that simple.
Gavin is one of the most talented artists I've ever read about and his passion for it is heartwarming. I fell in love with him straight away. His soul was the most beautiful thing ever and there's just no way to not want to keep him for yourself. The things he's willing to sacrifice in order to make those he loves happy knows no bounds. He would rather give up his own happiness if it means that somebody he loves will be even happier. I wanted to hug that man to death because of how incredible he was. I absolutely adore K.K. Allen for introducing me to him.
Anyway, these two had me cheerleading them on from page one. They were nothing short of perfect together and their struggles felt as real as they could get. The pain and suffering they were both going through was incredibly believable. Their every emotion resonated with me and I felt it down to my very core.
That prelude was just ... MAGNIFICENT. It was the first thing that let me know I was going to love this story more than the physical thing itself. It took my beliefs straight out of my mind, like I mentioned before. I have always said that the best relationships are the ones that start off as best friends and that is basically what this story is about. It's something I've been (secretly) hoping for myself, so it's no surprise that my attachment to the story was in full swing before I even started it.
I loved how much of an important role super heroes played in this book. As a fan of the comic book world and its characters, it was a nice treat to witness this story appeal to that side of me. No book has ever done that before and I appreciated it a hundred times over.
Also, the format of this book is one of the most gorgeous ones I've ever seen. One of the reasons I didn't want the story to end was so I can see more of the illustrations. This book made me laugh hysterically, smile like a lunatic, cry like a baby, and cheer like I've never done before. Just when I thought I had something figured out, K. tugged the rug out from under me and let me know that I didn't know anything at all. There were so many things that took my breath away that I lost count and I couldn't be any happier with that ending. I miss these two incredible beings with all of me and I just hope that we get to visit them again in the future.
This book is New Adult so it's not suitable for readers under 18.
6/5 stars!
July 9, 2016
It's hard to throw this book into a category. It's kind of like a second chance romance, but isn't. It's kind of like a love triangle, but isn't. What it IS, is good. I haven't heard of the author before and took a chance on the blurb and the cover (self-admitted cover whore). I wasn't disappointed.
We have three, maybe four major players in the story. Chloe is a young girl when 2 twin brothers, Gavin and Devon, move in across her little forest area. These twin brothers are her age and she spies on them as they build a tree house in the area between their two houses. She accidentally falls asleep one night and that is how they meet. After an incident at school with another player in the story, Stacy, who is Chloe's bully, they become inseparable. Gavin and Chloe are closer friends than her and Devon are, but they are always together.
The story is told, very imaginatively, in parts and rungs of a tree. The story builds and you know it is going somewhere great. Although this isn't a true second chance romance, the characters did get caught in the known hamster wheel problem that the sub-genre is known for. Running, going back, running, going back. You almost want to scream at the pages...MAKE UP YOUR DAMN MIND ALREADY! And in fact, Chloe gets fed up with it and says exactly that.
Overall, I would give this 4.5 stars. It has a really great feel-good quality to it with some emotional punch. The characters are well developed and deep. The dialogue is real and emotional.
We have three, maybe four major players in the story. Chloe is a young girl when 2 twin brothers, Gavin and Devon, move in across her little forest area. These twin brothers are her age and she spies on them as they build a tree house in the area between their two houses. She accidentally falls asleep one night and that is how they meet. After an incident at school with another player in the story, Stacy, who is Chloe's bully, they become inseparable. Gavin and Chloe are closer friends than her and Devon are, but they are always together.
The story is told, very imaginatively, in parts and rungs of a tree. The story builds and you know it is going somewhere great. Although this isn't a true second chance romance, the characters did get caught in the known hamster wheel problem that the sub-genre is known for. Running, going back, running, going back. You almost want to scream at the pages...MAKE UP YOUR DAMN MIND ALREADY! And in fact, Chloe gets fed up with it and says exactly that.
Overall, I would give this 4.5 stars. It has a really great feel-good quality to it with some emotional punch. The characters are well developed and deep. The dialogue is real and emotional.
April 16, 2020
so I don't like to read about a love interest who is a friend's ex...
sharing is not caring and all that jazz..but I read books like that..and I think to myself "girl read the effing blurb sometimes"...
and then I did it again...
human..mistakes..blah blah blah...
but BUT for crying out loud READ the blurb..
so what is worst than first predicament...is love interest who is a ex's sibling...
but WAIT one second..just when I thought no I can't get any more into sharing germs with close-knit friends and families... famous last words!!
It got worse!!
now you may wonder what that is for me..
it is this BOOK!!
love interest is a guy with whom our heroine doesn't get because he rejects her and then ...
and then she starts dating his twin brother..
I am not reading this drama-filled NA book... where she will go back to the first guy after four-year separation...
Note to self; it is okay not to go blind into books!!
Also, more importantly, it is okay not to torture yourself and just DNF IT!!
sharing is not caring and all that jazz..but I read books like that..and I think to myself "girl read the effing blurb sometimes"...
and then I did it again...
human..mistakes..blah blah blah...
but BUT for crying out loud READ the blurb..
so what is worst than first predicament...is love interest who is a ex's sibling...
but WAIT one second..just when I thought no I can't get any more into sharing germs with close-knit friends and families... famous last words!!
It got worse!!
now you may wonder what that is for me..
it is this BOOK!!
love interest is a guy with whom our heroine doesn't get because he rejects her and then ...
and then she starts dating his twin brother..
I am not reading this drama-filled NA book... where she will go back to the first guy after four-year separation...
Note to self; it is okay not to go blind into books!!
Also, more importantly, it is okay not to torture yourself and just DNF IT!!
consider-later
June 20, 2016
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June 19, 2017
As I've stated before, K.K.Allen is becoming my author. Up In The Tree House touches on so many heartbreaking and heart rendering moments. This is a coming to age story about three lives that would forever be changed.
Let's start out where it all began, The TREE HOUSE.
Chloe meets Gavin and Devon after climbing the tree to a treehouse that doesn't belong to her. She wakes up to the two boys she has been curious about. The new kids in town. They are just as curious to learn about her. In the weeks that follow Chloe is being treated badly at school when the treehouse boys reappear to rescue their new friend. That's where friendships are built and a bond is formed between a girl and the too brothers.
Gavin and Devon are nothing alike. No compressions can be thrown at these too. As the years follow, things change, people change, teenagers become adults and tragedy breaks hearts and lives.
I'm leaving A LOT OUT.
But it's a MUST.
The DETAILS SAY EVERYTHING!
You'll have to read to truly understand why.
Again, K.K. Allen touches on topics that need to be touched on. Her writing is beautifully addicting and these characters are weaved into my heart forever.
Coming to age stories are some of my favorite stories to read because I love the progression between child to adult. I love to feel the heartbreaking moments that are so real and so poignant when becoming an adult. I love when an author can make my heart beat a little faster, makes me feel things that only a story that comes from the heart can make me feel.
This story did just that.
Let's start out where it all began, The TREE HOUSE.
Chloe meets Gavin and Devon after climbing the tree to a treehouse that doesn't belong to her. She wakes up to the two boys she has been curious about. The new kids in town. They are just as curious to learn about her. In the weeks that follow Chloe is being treated badly at school when the treehouse boys reappear to rescue their new friend. That's where friendships are built and a bond is formed between a girl and the too brothers.
Gavin and Devon are nothing alike. No compressions can be thrown at these too. As the years follow, things change, people change, teenagers become adults and tragedy breaks hearts and lives.
I'm leaving A LOT OUT.
But it's a MUST.
The DETAILS SAY EVERYTHING!
You'll have to read to truly understand why.
Again, K.K. Allen touches on topics that need to be touched on. Her writing is beautifully addicting and these characters are weaved into my heart forever.
Coming to age stories are some of my favorite stories to read because I love the progression between child to adult. I love to feel the heartbreaking moments that are so real and so poignant when becoming an adult. I love when an author can make my heart beat a little faster, makes me feel things that only a story that comes from the heart can make me feel.
This story did just that.
August 10, 2016
Absolutely loved this book!!!
~Review to come!!
4.5 Stars!!!
~Review to come!!
4.5 Stars!!!
Read
June 6, 2021DNF on chapter 2 🙈 This is a “it’s not you, it’s me” situation.
March 15, 2020
Meh
I wanted to like this one but it just didn’t have enough of a good story to make up for the douchey-ness. The hero was a guy who completely took the heroine for granted, not only did he not have the balls to make his move (therefore losing her to his brother in Hugh school) he scared off guys interested in dating her while slitting around himself. There are books that I can forgive that kind of thing from a guy, but they are just awesome gripping complex characters. They basically make it worth the read. This was not that story. The H was basically a shallow guy who pretends to be “deep” while behaving like every other worthless man out the there. The h was also a miss, she was weak, a martyr who waited for him until she was 22 (while he was out screwing everything that lives) and she just forgives everything he has ever done with no comment or question. I like virgin heroines in general, but I can’t enjoy that storyline when it’s a second chance novel and the guy has no comprehension of how to be faithful or what “love” actually means. He never had a seconds hesitation before hooking up with other girls, even in high school. Heck he dated her friends. He didn’t save even one of his firsts for her despite claiming to love her. She was right to leave him and I wish she’d found someone else. And last but not least what’s with having the slutty chick that our hero was hooking up with on a steady basis before the heroine becoming her new BFF? I just cannot comprehend that storyline. It wasn’t a girl power moment or whatever the author was going for. It was creepy and weird. She was all over the hero at the beginning, there really was no getting over that. Maybe if we just found out about the hooking up and not watched the heroine be hurt by having to watch her all over him? Even then it’s a stretch. And having her as the heroine in another book? Yeah right why would I want to read about her? She was a slutty woman who is either completely dense or just flat out doesn’t care when two other people obvious have something going on. I don’t really care to see her get her hea. What a strange way to introduce your next heroine.
I wanted to like this one but it just didn’t have enough of a good story to make up for the douchey-ness. The hero was a guy who completely took the heroine for granted, not only did he not have the balls to make his move (therefore losing her to his brother in Hugh school) he scared off guys interested in dating her while slitting around himself. There are books that I can forgive that kind of thing from a guy, but they are just awesome gripping complex characters. They basically make it worth the read. This was not that story. The H was basically a shallow guy who pretends to be “deep” while behaving like every other worthless man out the there. The h was also a miss, she was weak, a martyr who waited for him until she was 22 (while he was out screwing everything that lives) and she just forgives everything he has ever done with no comment or question. I like virgin heroines in general, but I can’t enjoy that storyline when it’s a second chance novel and the guy has no comprehension of how to be faithful or what “love” actually means. He never had a seconds hesitation before hooking up with other girls, even in high school. Heck he dated her friends. He didn’t save even one of his firsts for her despite claiming to love her. She was right to leave him and I wish she’d found someone else. And last but not least what’s with having the slutty chick that our hero was hooking up with on a steady basis before the heroine becoming her new BFF? I just cannot comprehend that storyline. It wasn’t a girl power moment or whatever the author was going for. It was creepy and weird. She was all over the hero at the beginning, there really was no getting over that. Maybe if we just found out about the hooking up and not watched the heroine be hurt by having to watch her all over him? Even then it’s a stretch. And having her as the heroine in another book? Yeah right why would I want to read about her? She was a slutty woman who is either completely dense or just flat out doesn’t care when two other people obvious have something going on. I don’t really care to see her get her hea. What a strange way to introduce your next heroine.
July 23, 2017
4 Heroes & Legends Stars
This is a really sweet romance story of two friends who grew up together and overcame tragedy and separation to find their HEA.
The story is told alternating from past to present. For maybe the first 20% of the book I felt confused at times trying to figure out what was past and what was present but that issue quickly resolved and the story flowed easily for the rest of the book.
The chemistry between the H and h was great. I always enjoy that push and pull between friends as they realize/fight the change in their relationship from platonic to romantic.
There is also an anti-bullying theme throughout this book that I absolutely love! I love that the author was able to incorporate such an important topic into this story.
My one frustration with this book is that there was such poor communication between the H and h. So many of their problems were created because they failed to talk through their crap.
Overall I really liked this one. I would definitely recommend.
4 Stars
Contemporary New adult Romance
Dual POV
HEA
This is a really sweet romance story of two friends who grew up together and overcame tragedy and separation to find their HEA.
The story is told alternating from past to present. For maybe the first 20% of the book I felt confused at times trying to figure out what was past and what was present but that issue quickly resolved and the story flowed easily for the rest of the book.
The chemistry between the H and h was great. I always enjoy that push and pull between friends as they realize/fight the change in their relationship from platonic to romantic.
There is also an anti-bullying theme throughout this book that I absolutely love! I love that the author was able to incorporate such an important topic into this story.
My one frustration with this book is that there was such poor communication between the H and h. So many of their problems were created because they failed to talk through their crap.
Overall I really liked this one. I would definitely recommend.
4 Stars
Contemporary New adult Romance
Dual POV
HEA
July 3, 2016
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
This was truly a wonderful story. Up in the Tree House was an emotional trip through the lives of Chloe Rivers and Gavin Rhodes. We follow the two main characters from age 12 up till their present lives. We are faced with tragedy and hidden secrets. Most of the story they are working on a big event that I found quite amazing and would love to see off the pages. There was some tasteful sexy time in the story eventually but nothing overly erotic or profane. I only add that because I want readers to know that this was a true journey of romance and not just another smut (not that there is anything wrong with that
This was truly a wonderful story. Up in the Tree House was an emotional trip through the lives of Chloe Rivers and Gavin Rhodes. We follow the two main characters from age 12 up till their present lives. We are faced with tragedy and hidden secrets. Most of the story they are working on a big event that I found quite amazing and would love to see off the pages. There was some tasteful sexy time in the story eventually but nothing overly erotic or profane. I only add that because I want readers to know that this was a true journey of romance and not just another smut (not that there is anything wrong with that
July 17, 2018
NA-contemporary-nope.
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