LEFT BEHIND
A New Adult Romance novel
New York Times Bestselling Author Vi
Keeland and Dylan Scott
Release date 10/16/2014
Available at:
Want to read the first few chapters? Sign up for Vi’s mailing list now and get a
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eArc received from authors in exchange for review.
eArc received from authors in exchange for review.
OUR REVIEW:
I took this novel on a road trip with me and I didn't have access to the blurb so I was flying blind--I didn't really know what this novel was about and I think not knowing anything enhanced my experience; I was very curious about who these characters were and how they would connect. Me too! Isn't it funny how we read a blurb to pick a book, and then right before we actually read it...our mind is suddenly blank. I think that is pretty cool, albeit strange, that I forget so quickly but it felt good to not remember with this one.
Zack and Nikki tell their stories in alternating chapters. We learn about Zack's frustrating but loyal relationship with Emily and of Nikki's tumultuous upbringing. We experience their lives as they cope with painful losses and the process of living through them. We see how these two strangers, in two different states, somehow end up in the same place. And, we see the sweet and challenging beginning of them getting to know each other and all of the hardships that come with trying to have a relationship in the aftermath of tragedy and grief. Intermingled in all of this is Nikki's mysterious past and her desire to find her sister. These young people had a lot to deal with for sure. And maybe that is why I was less bothered by the predictability of their story. I won't say I was surprised by how things went, but the writing was very good, the pace spot on, and the dialogue solid as well so my experience was pretty great. The story reads very fast, and different settings and point of views was not confusing. It was good!
I was intrigued as to how the writers would handle the overlap of Zack and Nikki's lives and how they would choose to 'solve' the mystery of Nikki + her sister. While I still had lingering questions about the timeline and why certain things happened, the ending provided satisfactory answers and ended in a way that felt finished. I thought so as well. Their story was with little angst, and they handled things much differently than I anticipated.
I'm wondering, though, if there are any thoughts to Ashley and Keller or Allie having a story? These secondary characters were definitely great additions and I could see how they could all end up with a novel or novella of their own. I agree. Is it too cliche to say this little world of people they've created is now their oyster? They could do a lot with these kids (boy, does that make me sound old or what?) and I really liked all three that Shel mentioned. Or even Claire and Mike? Not per se together, but to know their story and get them to a happy place? We just can't ever get enough, can we. So needy!
Even with sadness permeating their stories, or maybe because of it, I found this novel to be a very quick read. The pacing moved quickly, never getting bogged down in overly maudlin prose or feeling too dramatically grief-stricken; there were appropriately light moments woven into some of the sadder moments. Having two writers meld their styles together could've been clunky and hard to read but in this case Vi Keeland and Dylan Scott were able to blend their writing styles in a way that I couldn't tell where one ended and the other began. I agree. Sometimes, one never knows what you'll get when there are multiple points of view, and different writing styles blended together. We're big fans of Vi Keeland already, so I love that she teamed up with Dylan to try not only writing this story, but venturing into a new age group as well. They did a beautiful job capturing teenage angst, and love, and heartbreak. I love that we read this one.
A little YA turning into NA-lit...so a little something for everyone. Indeed! Kisses to make your heart race, and relive glory days, but not too much that will make you blush!
Blurb
Two stories so deeply intertwined, you’ll think you know
how they intersect…but you’ll be wrong….
Zack Martin
The day I met Emily Bennett my whole world changed. Sure,
we were just kids, but I was old enough to know my life would never be the
same. She was my best friend. My destiny. My fate. I wasn’t wrong…I just didn’t
know how twisted fate could be.
Nikki Fallon
After the death of my mother, moving from my dark and
dreary trailer park to sunny California, I was focused on one thing – finding a
sister I’d only just learned existed. Falling in love with him wasn’t part of
the plan. But he filled a void I never knew was possible to fill. He had to be
my fate. My destiny. Until the day I finally found out who my sister was…and
how twisted fate could be.
Excerpt
He looks
up and I watch his eyes take me in.
Slowly. They rake over me,
dropping from my eyes to my glossed lips down to my exposed shoulders. Taking his time, he follows the neckline of
my simple, yet body contouring sundress, lingering when he reaches my full
breasts. I’m sufficiently covered, but
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t aware that the dress showed off my assets
well. Tight around my chest, gathering
snuggly at the waist, with a scant amount of cleavage. Just enough coverage to still leave something
for him to imagine. And I watch his face
change as his imagination takes off running.
His eyes
drift down my legs, tanned now from the eternal California sun. Momentarily he’s lost in what he sees and
doesn’t even notice I’m watching him leer.
Totally worth the extra effort getting ready tonight, I couldn’t be
happier at the reaction I get.
Eventually, his eyes make their way back up to mine and I arch one
eyebrow, letting him know he’s been caught.
A normal reaction might be to look embarrassed or perhaps even flustered
a little. But not Zack. Instead, he flashes me a wicked grin. “You look incredible.” He’s the one doing the leering, yet I’m the
one who ends up blushing.
Book Information: Release Date 10/16/2014
About the Authors:
Vi
Keeland is a native New Yorker with three children that occupy most of her free
time, which she complains about often, but wouldn't change for the world. She
is a bookworm and has been known to read her kindle at stop lights, while
styling her hair, cleaning, walking, during sporting events, and frequently
while pretending to work. She is a boring attorney by day,
and an exciting smut author by night!
Dylan
Scott
Dylan Scott is a New York trial attorney, wife and mother of
four. She believes her job as a trial
attorney is a subcategory to the field of entertainment more than law. With a Bachelor's Degree in English
Literature she believed teaching English was a destined career choice until she
realized her life long talent of "argument" could actually be her
job. A recent, fairly boring, midlife
crisis resulted in a brief stint as a middle school English teacher which
confirmed that she wasn't ready to give up the law. Dylan has also taught legal courses at the
college level and worked with at-risk inner city youth in the roles of mentor
and coach. She is co-author Vi Keeland's
biggest fan.
Thank you for reading and reviewing! <3
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