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Something in the Way #1
Something in the Way
An epic, three-book saga of forbidden love coming 2017.
It was a hot summer day when I met him on the construction site next to my parents’ house. Under the sweat and dirt, Manning Sutter was as handsome as the sun was bright. He was older, darker, experienced. I wore a smiley-face t-shirt and had never even been kissed. Yet we saw something in each other that would link us in ways that couldn’t be broken...no matter how hard we tried.
I loved Manning before I knew the meaning of the word. I was too young, he said. I would wait. Through all the carefully-chosen words hiding what we knew to be true, through his struggle to keep me innocent, and through infinitely-starry nights—I would wait. But I’d learn that life isn’t always fair. That no matter how much you achieve, none of it matters if you suffer the heartbreak that comes with falling for someone you can never have. Because even though I saw Manning first, that didn’t matter. My older sister saw him next.
It was a hot summer day when I met him on the construction site next to my parents’ house. Under the sweat and dirt, Manning Sutter was as handsome as the sun was bright. He was older, darker, experienced. I wore a smiley-face t-shirt and had never even been kissed. Yet we saw something in each other that would link us in ways that couldn’t be broken...no matter how hard we tried.
I loved Manning before I knew the meaning of the word. I was too young, he said. I would wait. Through all the carefully-chosen words hiding what we knew to be true, through his struggle to keep me innocent, and through infinitely-starry nights—I would wait. But I’d learn that life isn’t always fair. That no matter how much you achieve, none of it matters if you suffer the heartbreak that comes with falling for someone you can never have. Because even though I saw Manning first, that didn’t matter. My older sister saw him next.
327 pages, ebook
First published February 25, 2017
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February 11, 2018
FREE! (limited time) | AMZ US | AMZ UK | B&N | KOBO |
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! Something in the Way, book 1 of 3. Epic forbidden & against-all-odds saga about meeting your true love when you’re too young!
Books in series should be read in order:
Book 1: Something in the Way
Book 2: Somebody Else’s Sky
Book 3: Move the Stars
Book 4: Lake + Manning
Something in the Way (book 1) opens to 16-year-old high-school student Lake Kaplan falling in love. Manning Sutter is working construction next-door when he encounters Lake and her flirtatious older sister. Though Manning and Lake feel a kinship and a connection he’s not about to risk everything he’s worked so hard to put behind him.
A story about meeting the right man at the wrong time!
It’s 1993 in Southern California with its beaches, parties, music, platform shoes, and zip code TV shows. From opposite worlds, follow them for a summer of growing up filled with dreams of more, candid conversations, confusing feelings, stolen glances, electric moments, forbidden kisses, secret desires and promises made to be broken.
The summer that would irrevocably change their lives!
Nine words to describe Manning Sutter: Noble, conflicted, honest, loyal, self-doubting, charming, well-mannered, self-sacrificing and unforgettable.
Nine words to describe Lake Kaplan: Reflective, sweet, smart, meek, determined, naïve, insightful, patience and loyal.
Something in the Way, told from dual POVs, is a slow-brewing forbidden and impossible romance. Their chemistry is palpable and sexual tension simmering, but Lake is underage so you are going to have to wait for their full-blown passion in next-coming books. It ends with shockers and revelations leading to book 2, Somebody Else’s Sky for the continuation of their story.
Spell-binding! Authentic feel! This is the opening to their epic saga spanning decades.
***
Hero: ★★★★★
Heroine: ★★★★★
Plot: ★★★★★
Storytelling: ★★★★★
Sexual tension: ★★★★★
Sex scenes: N/A
Story ending: N/A
******************************************
OVERALL RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Angst: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Darkness: | LOW FOCUS |
Humor: | LOW FOCUS |
Kink: | LOW FOCUS |
Romance: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Sex frequency: | LOW FOCUS |
Suspense: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
FREE! (limited time) | AMZ US | AMZ UK | B&N | KOBO |
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! Something in the Way, book 1 of 3. Epic forbidden & against-all-odds saga about meeting your true love when you’re too young!
“I’d never be the kind of man she deserved.”
Books in series should be read in order:
Book 1: Something in the Way
Book 2: Somebody Else’s Sky
Book 3: Move the Stars
Book 4: Lake + Manning
Something in the Way (book 1) opens to 16-year-old high-school student Lake Kaplan falling in love. Manning Sutter is working construction next-door when he encounters Lake and her flirtatious older sister. Though Manning and Lake feel a kinship and a connection he’s not about to risk everything he’s worked so hard to put behind him.
A story about meeting the right man at the wrong time!
It’s 1993 in Southern California with its beaches, parties, music, platform shoes, and zip code TV shows. From opposite worlds, follow them for a summer of growing up filled with dreams of more, candid conversations, confusing feelings, stolen glances, electric moments, forbidden kisses, secret desires and promises made to be broken.
The summer that would irrevocably change their lives!
“Her balmy kisses made blood rush to my crotch, flooded out my guilt.”
Nine words to describe Manning Sutter: Noble, conflicted, honest, loyal, self-doubting, charming, well-mannered, self-sacrificing and unforgettable.
Nine words to describe Lake Kaplan: Reflective, sweet, smart, meek, determined, naïve, insightful, patience and loyal.
Something in the Way, told from dual POVs, is a slow-brewing forbidden and impossible romance. Their chemistry is palpable and sexual tension simmering, but Lake is underage so you are going to have to wait for their full-blown passion in next-coming books. It ends with shockers and revelations leading to book 2, Somebody Else’s Sky for the continuation of their story.
Spell-binding! Authentic feel! This is the opening to their epic saga spanning decades.
“You can’t move the stars.
Manning and I were inevitable.”
***
Hero: ★★★★★
Heroine: ★★★★★
Plot: ★★★★★
Storytelling: ★★★★★
Sexual tension: ★★★★★
Sex scenes: N/A
Story ending: N/A
******************************************
OVERALL RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Angst: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Darkness: | LOW FOCUS |
Humor: | LOW FOCUS |
Kink: | LOW FOCUS |
Romance: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Sex frequency: | LOW FOCUS |
Suspense: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
FREE! (limited time) | AMZ US | AMZ UK | B&N | KOBO |
Shelved as 'never-no-way'
February 13, 2018The hero pushes the heroine away because she is underage. Despite the fact that he loves the heroine, he goes and marries her older sister while the dumb heroine saves herself for him for years and years until they can be together.
At least, this is what I have understood from all the reviews I have read!
Is this a joke?
A joke that goes on for 4 books in a series?
I'll pass...
At least, this is what I have understood from all the reviews I have read!
Is this a joke?
A joke that goes on for 4 books in a series?
I'll pass...
April 27, 2017
abstract, poignant, or metaphorical. This book is NOT!!!
It's sensitive, conflicted and Adolescent in its description . I'm amazed as to how could Jessica so perfectly fit into an teenage mind.
The story is about a 16 year old Lake - as a body of water, pure, clear and pristine in the soul. Her emotions are so virginal and serene , her life has one goal, to succeed in studies and to fulfill her father's dreams of getting in USC and becoming something .Very tentative and hesitant, suffering from typical younger sister syndrome , feeling plainer and staid in older sisters comparison
Unlike her older sister Tiffany. She's 19,a head turner and aimless. Still living at home , because she couldn't be bothered about working harder in school or looking for a job for that matter. Her indulgent enabler of a mother and her tolerant and loving father have let her bum around . She fills her days with shopping and parties.
Lake meets Manning. A construction workers in their neighbourhood , one fateful day when Tiffany forgets to pick her up from afterschool. Manning takes a liking to her and she's enamored by him.
In steps Tiffany and as usual takes Manning's attention away from Lake.
Theirs becomes a complicated relationship. Manning needs Tiffany to remain in Lake's life, Lake needs Tiffany to camouflage her own desires and stay in a relationship with Manning by association
Manning and I needed Tiffany, but at the same time, there was no denying —she was also something in the way.
Tiffany is .....well she's Tiffany. Snobbish, flirtatious and a little selfish . She loves her sister and her parents but can be tad unfeeling at times. I think she's the most complex of all the characters, she's so vulnerable and directionless yet she hides behind her Brattish mask because she is tired of being compared to Lake
I could tell by the way Lake looked at her dad, she still loved and respected him. I didn’t understand that. Family shouldn’t mean an automatic free pass to treat others like shit. At some point, you had to recognize people for what they were.
Lake is suffering. Her budding , blooming heart cannot fathom the complexities of her own feelings. She's jealous and protective of her sister, she's wanting both validation and love from her.
The prefect description of sisters' love
even though I’d met Manning first, for some reason Tiffany thought he belonged to her.I could barely function enough to slide over and share my seat. She just kissed him when she wanted. Hugged him. Sat on him. She didn’t know how lucky she was. Except for the time Manning had hoisted me onto the wall— a memory I clung to— I’d never just reached out and touched him. I looked at my hands, at the dirt in my cuticles from planting trees earlier.
Manning is a very adult, responsible person. He takes control of their triangle of relationship. He likes and feels protective of Lake but tolerates Tiffany and protects her from himself.
How can he explain to Lake that she's too young, thier love premature and before it's time. But their wordless connection is far stronger than Tiffany could ever hope to achieve.
Was it wrong, what we hadn’t even done? Manning would’ve said so, even if he didn’t think it. He couldn’t tell me we’d be together one day, but he had to know the truth. You can’t move the stars. Manning and I were inevitable.
Their hearts anchor to each other and the story progresses beautifully.
I must say the scene where Lake so simply stakes claim on Manning, it just touched my heart so much .she's wise beyond her years , yet so naïve and innocent !
Everyone should have someone looking out for them, and I am. For you.”
“Who do you have?”
“I’ll be that someone, Manning,”
“You’re going to protect me?”
“Maybe not physically. Protection comes in different forms, though.”
Characters developed at a very pubescent pace, they were young, thought as young, acted as young, were conflicted as young and very confused and scared as young. You didn't see over the top dialogues or inner monologues. Jessica very beautifully penned the story with smaller, simpler emotions and how she managed to retain the freshness , is a delight to read.
I am not a fan of YA or NA romances , in fact I'm actually put off by them. Maybe I'm more older, wiser and more cynical. BUT !!this book I couldn't walk away from. I was forever thinking about the characters.
With each chapter , I swear my heart broke a little more, I was choked a little more, I fell in love with Lake and Tiffany a little more.
Highly recommended #BookBistroBlogApproved book . Feelgood 5 stars ! Cannot wait for the next book now :)
"Look what you’ve done, Lake."
5 stars
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It's sensitive, conflicted and Adolescent in its description . I'm amazed as to how could Jessica so perfectly fit into an teenage mind.
The story is about a 16 year old Lake - as a body of water, pure, clear and pristine in the soul. Her emotions are so virginal and serene , her life has one goal, to succeed in studies and to fulfill her father's dreams of getting in USC and becoming something .Very tentative and hesitant, suffering from typical younger sister syndrome , feeling plainer and staid in older sisters comparison
Unlike her older sister Tiffany. She's 19,a head turner and aimless. Still living at home , because she couldn't be bothered about working harder in school or looking for a job for that matter. Her indulgent enabler of a mother and her tolerant and loving father have let her bum around . She fills her days with shopping and parties.
Lake meets Manning. A construction workers in their neighbourhood , one fateful day when Tiffany forgets to pick her up from afterschool. Manning takes a liking to her and she's enamored by him.
In steps Tiffany and as usual takes Manning's attention away from Lake.
Theirs becomes a complicated relationship. Manning needs Tiffany to remain in Lake's life, Lake needs Tiffany to camouflage her own desires and stay in a relationship with Manning by association
Manning and I needed Tiffany, but at the same time, there was no denying —she was also something in the way.
Tiffany is .....well she's Tiffany. Snobbish, flirtatious and a little selfish . She loves her sister and her parents but can be tad unfeeling at times. I think she's the most complex of all the characters, she's so vulnerable and directionless yet she hides behind her Brattish mask because she is tired of being compared to Lake
I could tell by the way Lake looked at her dad, she still loved and respected him. I didn’t understand that. Family shouldn’t mean an automatic free pass to treat others like shit. At some point, you had to recognize people for what they were.
Lake is suffering. Her budding , blooming heart cannot fathom the complexities of her own feelings. She's jealous and protective of her sister, she's wanting both validation and love from her.
The prefect description of sisters' love
even though I’d met Manning first, for some reason Tiffany thought he belonged to her.I could barely function enough to slide over and share my seat. She just kissed him when she wanted. Hugged him. Sat on him. She didn’t know how lucky she was. Except for the time Manning had hoisted me onto the wall— a memory I clung to— I’d never just reached out and touched him. I looked at my hands, at the dirt in my cuticles from planting trees earlier.
Manning is a very adult, responsible person. He takes control of their triangle of relationship. He likes and feels protective of Lake but tolerates Tiffany and protects her from himself.
How can he explain to Lake that she's too young, thier love premature and before it's time. But their wordless connection is far stronger than Tiffany could ever hope to achieve.
Was it wrong, what we hadn’t even done? Manning would’ve said so, even if he didn’t think it. He couldn’t tell me we’d be together one day, but he had to know the truth. You can’t move the stars. Manning and I were inevitable.
Their hearts anchor to each other and the story progresses beautifully.
I must say the scene where Lake so simply stakes claim on Manning, it just touched my heart so much .she's wise beyond her years , yet so naïve and innocent !
Everyone should have someone looking out for them, and I am. For you.”
“Who do you have?”
“I’ll be that someone, Manning,”
“You’re going to protect me?”
“Maybe not physically. Protection comes in different forms, though.”
Characters developed at a very pubescent pace, they were young, thought as young, acted as young, were conflicted as young and very confused and scared as young. You didn't see over the top dialogues or inner monologues. Jessica very beautifully penned the story with smaller, simpler emotions and how she managed to retain the freshness , is a delight to read.
I am not a fan of YA or NA romances , in fact I'm actually put off by them. Maybe I'm more older, wiser and more cynical. BUT !!this book I couldn't walk away from. I was forever thinking about the characters.
With each chapter , I swear my heart broke a little more, I was choked a little more, I fell in love with Lake and Tiffany a little more.
Highly recommended #BookBistroBlogApproved book . Feelgood 5 stars ! Cannot wait for the next book now :)
"Look what you’ve done, Lake."
5 stars
#BookBistroBlogApproved
Follow us on
FB - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BookB...
Blog -https://bookbistroblogcom.wordpress.com
Blog -https://bookbistroblogger.blogspot.com
Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/BookBistro
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/BookBistroBlog
February 25, 2017
OMG!!!!!!! My heart and nerves have bruised for the past two hours. I love when books make me feel this way. Gahhh!!!
Jessica Hawkins takes us back to the 90's in this first instalment of the series. We meet Lake, 16 years old, a good, responsible girl with ambitions and a dad that pretty much she does not want to disappoint and that has her future pretty much set up for her. Then we meet the black sheep of the family, her older sister, Tiffany. OMG at the beginning i wanted to sit her down, chain her, make her shut up put duck tape over her mouth so I didn't have to hear her speak and mess things up. As the story went on I did soften up to her even as selfish as she was, there was something in there screaming, "I just want to be loved." And finally, our hero, Manning, 7 years older than Lake and he couldn't help all the cascading feelings that were bursting inside of him. I love a broken hero especially when that broken hero is a good person. I went back memory lane to many, many years ago when at that age your feelings are so huge and at the same time so so impossible. I can't say anything else that will spoil this for you, the reader. It will be too easy to do. You have to go in and live it through. I want to scream!!!!!
Jessica Hawkins takes us back to the 90's in this first instalment of the series. We meet Lake, 16 years old, a good, responsible girl with ambitions and a dad that pretty much she does not want to disappoint and that has her future pretty much set up for her. Then we meet the black sheep of the family, her older sister, Tiffany. OMG at the beginning i wanted to sit her down, chain her, make her shut up put duck tape over her mouth so I didn't have to hear her speak and mess things up. As the story went on I did soften up to her even as selfish as she was, there was something in there screaming, "I just want to be loved." And finally, our hero, Manning, 7 years older than Lake and he couldn't help all the cascading feelings that were bursting inside of him. I love a broken hero especially when that broken hero is a good person. I went back memory lane to many, many years ago when at that age your feelings are so huge and at the same time so so impossible. I can't say anything else that will spoil this for you, the reader. It will be too easy to do. You have to go in and live it through. I want to scream!!!!!
February 28, 2017
⭐⭐⭐ 3.75- 4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐
From the moment I heard the word “Forbidden”, I knew I had to read this story. Who doesn’t love a forbidden romance? From the seduction to the heart stopping feeling you get deep in your core knowing that you’re about to go in uncharted waters, being on the edge of something so wrong has never been more alluring. That’s Forbidden. Losing all control and not giving a damn in the moment because what you want is making you forgo all of your rational decisions.
When you’re a sixteen year old girl one Summer break, the only thing you want to do is work on your tan and have fun with your friends. But for Lake, that is not the case. Her days are filled with taking Summer courses and finishing off her required reading list and trying not to annoy her older sister Tiffany. While waiting to be picked up, Lake discovers that she’s missing a very valuable item and she decides to look for it herself near a construction site. From that moment, life as Lake knew it would never be dull because the handsome older construction worker, will now cement himself into her life.
Manning has seen a lot in his twenty-three years of life. Things that would harden a soul and make you see nothing but darkness but for him, that’s not the case. Sure he has his own demons but underneath it all, what you see is a good, strong, protective man that would do anything for the ones he loves. From the moment he meets Lake, that protectiveness became a strong force that was unexplainable but Manning knew that this girl was someone he needed in his life. Her sister on the other hand? Let’s just say….. it’s complicated.
“Someone else would be her first love.. Some other man would be the first to cherish her.
The first to ruin her.
It couldn’t be me.”
I’m going to be honest right now and say that this book was NOT what I expected. Yes I knew it was forbidden and it was going to have the love triangle tendencies that was going to make me pull my hair out, but I wasn’t aware that this was going to be a “coming of age”/ New Adult read. Maybe it was my fault and I overlooked that part, but I was looking for more romance. But what I will say is that this story kept intrigued until the very last page.
Did I get frustrated at times with the characters? HELL YES. I wanted more from them in different scenes and don’t even get me started on a certain character. If I had a boat, I would take them out to sea and leave them there! No joke. I almost wasted my good liquor on that person so to say I hated them, was the understatement of the year. I also felt like the story moved a little too slow for me in certain parts but that’s just me. Aside from that,, I loved that this story was in the 90s era and even though I was very young at that time, the feeling I got when I was reading about the music bands was my absolute favorite part and I secretly wished I could've gone back in time to experience it as a teenager.
No please be advised: This story ends on a cliffhanger that will have you feeling extra stabby. Part two will be available May 2017.
From the moment I heard the word “Forbidden”, I knew I had to read this story. Who doesn’t love a forbidden romance? From the seduction to the heart stopping feeling you get deep in your core knowing that you’re about to go in uncharted waters, being on the edge of something so wrong has never been more alluring. That’s Forbidden. Losing all control and not giving a damn in the moment because what you want is making you forgo all of your rational decisions.
When you’re a sixteen year old girl one Summer break, the only thing you want to do is work on your tan and have fun with your friends. But for Lake, that is not the case. Her days are filled with taking Summer courses and finishing off her required reading list and trying not to annoy her older sister Tiffany. While waiting to be picked up, Lake discovers that she’s missing a very valuable item and she decides to look for it herself near a construction site. From that moment, life as Lake knew it would never be dull because the handsome older construction worker, will now cement himself into her life.
Manning has seen a lot in his twenty-three years of life. Things that would harden a soul and make you see nothing but darkness but for him, that’s not the case. Sure he has his own demons but underneath it all, what you see is a good, strong, protective man that would do anything for the ones he loves. From the moment he meets Lake, that protectiveness became a strong force that was unexplainable but Manning knew that this girl was someone he needed in his life. Her sister on the other hand? Let’s just say….. it’s complicated.
“Someone else would be her first love.. Some other man would be the first to cherish her.
The first to ruin her.
It couldn’t be me.”
I’m going to be honest right now and say that this book was NOT what I expected. Yes I knew it was forbidden and it was going to have the love triangle tendencies that was going to make me pull my hair out, but I wasn’t aware that this was going to be a “coming of age”/ New Adult read. Maybe it was my fault and I overlooked that part, but I was looking for more romance. But what I will say is that this story kept intrigued until the very last page.
Did I get frustrated at times with the characters? HELL YES. I wanted more from them in different scenes and don’t even get me started on a certain character. If I had a boat, I would take them out to sea and leave them there! No joke. I almost wasted my good liquor on that person so to say I hated them, was the understatement of the year. I also felt like the story moved a little too slow for me in certain parts but that’s just me. Aside from that,, I loved that this story was in the 90s era and even though I was very young at that time, the feeling I got when I was reading about the music bands was my absolute favorite part and I secretly wished I could've gone back in time to experience it as a teenager.
No please be advised: This story ends on a cliffhanger that will have you feeling extra stabby. Part two will be available May 2017.
March 14, 2017
****4 Stars****
“I loved him before I knew the true meaning of the word.”
“Something in the Way” is part of the three-book epic forbidden love saga by Jessica Hawkins. This is actually the first book I have read by this author, so I dove right into it with no expectations. Once I had read the blurb I couldn’t wait to get started. I love a great forbidden love story and boy did this deliver. It was a well written, compelling, forbidden romance story with amazing characters you can’t help but fall madly in love with. If you are looking for your next read to be both heart racing and heart stopping all at the same time, definitely give this one a go.
“Something in the Way” is told in dual POV and I felt this added to the intensity of the story. The reader was given an insight into how each of these characters thought and felt. The story unfolds on a hot summer’s day in 1993; being a teenager myself then, I really felt the story bought me back to that era, especially the music.
Lake is a 16 year old straight A student who is always compelled to do the right thing; study hard and get accepted into USC. Everything Lake has been able to achieve has been thanks to her hard work, discipline and to please her father. Lake was incredibly sweet, innocent and somewhat naïve. She is not like regular 16 year olds in the sense that she doesn’t sneak around behind her parent’s backs, she doesn’t party and get drunk and she’s never been kissed or had a boyfriend. The more I read of her, the more I wanted to protect her innocence from the ways of the world.
“Some invisible tether existed between us. Nobody could see it, not even us, but I felt it. I was sure Manning did, too. As long as we both knew it, that was enough for me. For now, at least.”
One thing I didn’t really like about this story was Lake’s sister Tiffany. I found her to be a selfish spoilt brat who has absolutely no concept of other people’s feelings and who thinks it is perfectly acceptable to use people for your own self-gratification. Having said that, I believe it’s the skilful writing of Jessica Hawkins that has made me dislike Tiffany so much.
Next door to where Lake lives with her family, there is a construction site full of men. Lake and her sister, Tiffany have been warned by their father to stay away from the site. One hot summer’s day, Tiffany forgot to pick Lake up from summer school and Lake had to walk home. Once she reached home, she took the opportunity to look for her bracelet she had lost the day before. One of the construction workers, Manning, found the bracelet for her. The resultant first encounter between the two was the day that would forever change Lake and Manning’s lives.
“In one afternoon, everything about my small, easy world had changed.”
Manning is a 23 year old construction worker who strikes up an unlikely friendship with Lake. Manning is a hardworking man who likes to keep to himself and is in no way looking for trouble. I absolutely fell hard for Manning, I loved everything about him from his infinite heart of gold, his protective nature and his ability to always see the good in people. He has had a tragic past and has witnessed things no one should have to in their life. What he has been through literally broke my heart and I really felt for him. Though he has experienced those tragedies, the silver lining was that it helped make him the beautiful man he is today.
“Something in the Way” is definitely a slow burn romance which I really enjoyed. I loved the compelling plot line, the heart break and the way this story made me feel. It had me fully engaged from start to finish and I can’t wait to find out how this three-book epic love story concludes.
“I loved him before I knew the true meaning of the word.”
“Something in the Way” is part of the three-book epic forbidden love saga by Jessica Hawkins. This is actually the first book I have read by this author, so I dove right into it with no expectations. Once I had read the blurb I couldn’t wait to get started. I love a great forbidden love story and boy did this deliver. It was a well written, compelling, forbidden romance story with amazing characters you can’t help but fall madly in love with. If you are looking for your next read to be both heart racing and heart stopping all at the same time, definitely give this one a go.
“Something in the Way” is told in dual POV and I felt this added to the intensity of the story. The reader was given an insight into how each of these characters thought and felt. The story unfolds on a hot summer’s day in 1993; being a teenager myself then, I really felt the story bought me back to that era, especially the music.
Lake is a 16 year old straight A student who is always compelled to do the right thing; study hard and get accepted into USC. Everything Lake has been able to achieve has been thanks to her hard work, discipline and to please her father. Lake was incredibly sweet, innocent and somewhat naïve. She is not like regular 16 year olds in the sense that she doesn’t sneak around behind her parent’s backs, she doesn’t party and get drunk and she’s never been kissed or had a boyfriend. The more I read of her, the more I wanted to protect her innocence from the ways of the world.
“Some invisible tether existed between us. Nobody could see it, not even us, but I felt it. I was sure Manning did, too. As long as we both knew it, that was enough for me. For now, at least.”
One thing I didn’t really like about this story was Lake’s sister Tiffany. I found her to be a selfish spoilt brat who has absolutely no concept of other people’s feelings and who thinks it is perfectly acceptable to use people for your own self-gratification. Having said that, I believe it’s the skilful writing of Jessica Hawkins that has made me dislike Tiffany so much.
Next door to where Lake lives with her family, there is a construction site full of men. Lake and her sister, Tiffany have been warned by their father to stay away from the site. One hot summer’s day, Tiffany forgot to pick Lake up from summer school and Lake had to walk home. Once she reached home, she took the opportunity to look for her bracelet she had lost the day before. One of the construction workers, Manning, found the bracelet for her. The resultant first encounter between the two was the day that would forever change Lake and Manning’s lives.
“In one afternoon, everything about my small, easy world had changed.”
Manning is a 23 year old construction worker who strikes up an unlikely friendship with Lake. Manning is a hardworking man who likes to keep to himself and is in no way looking for trouble. I absolutely fell hard for Manning, I loved everything about him from his infinite heart of gold, his protective nature and his ability to always see the good in people. He has had a tragic past and has witnessed things no one should have to in their life. What he has been through literally broke my heart and I really felt for him. Though he has experienced those tragedies, the silver lining was that it helped make him the beautiful man he is today.
“Something in the Way” is definitely a slow burn romance which I really enjoyed. I loved the compelling plot line, the heart break and the way this story made me feel. It had me fully engaged from start to finish and I can’t wait to find out how this three-book epic love story concludes.
February 26, 2017
Jessica Hawkins, why do I all of a sudden want to travel back to the 90's? Why do I want to binge on Pink Floyd and Pearl Jam, rockin' some kick ass adidas sneakers? And Daria? What the hell happened to Daria? Oh, the good ole days, where adulting wasn't mandatory. I miss that. But girl!!!!!! My heart hurts in the best possible way! My stomach is in knots! Your words are ALWAYS so powerful and poetic. I don't know how you do this to me every single time. How am I supposed to survive this series?!?! I know you like to make us work for a happily ever after, but DAMN WOMAN...what am I supposed to do with my life now?!
"Someone else would be her first love. Some other man would be the first to cherish her. The first to ruin her. It couldn't be me."
Ok, I'm going to be honest and tell you that I was a little weary of reading this book. When you read the blurb you get the sense that there are not two, but THREE people involved and it is sure to get messy. I for one, am not a big fan of love triangles, but when Jessica Hawkins sends you a book that she wrote, all of my weariness and concerns needed to be pushed to the side because in my heart of hearts, I knew that Jessica would not lead me astray. I trust her. I trust in her writing. I trust her to take me where I'm supposed to go through this journey. And boy let me tell you, SOMETHING IN THE WAY took me FAR and WIDE. It took me out of my comfort zone and straight into the fire. I was invested INSTANTLY in the well-being of these characters. I ADORED one. I HATED one. I was HESITANT of the other. My heart broke many times and many times it wouldn't fit back together.
To say this book pushes boundaries, would be an understatement. Some people will love it. Some will be shocked with the lines that are crossed, but in the end, you were warned that this is a forbidden love story. Really think about that before starting this book. In the end, all you need to know that Ms. Hawkins' beautiful prose shines throughout this book. Her characters will take your heart and do what they will with it. There is so much angst in this book, that you will not know what to do with yourself. You will have anxiety and a myriad of emotion will overwhelm you with every turn of the page. Manning and Lake will embed themselves in your heart right away and there will be no looking back. The cliffhanger is strong with this one guys, so be prepared for anything. Again, you are warned that this is a 'three-book saga' so bare down and take it like a champ. I'm invested. I'm addicted. I'm overwhelmed with the love I have for these characters. I'm over the moon that I have something to look forward to from this author. The beauty is real. The heartbreak is severe. The love is harsh but true. There is nothing better than experiencing a love story with so much heart and soul in between the pages. Jessica Hawkins has done it again! Simply stunning!
"Someone else would be her first love. Some other man would be the first to cherish her. The first to ruin her. It couldn't be me."
Ok, I'm going to be honest and tell you that I was a little weary of reading this book. When you read the blurb you get the sense that there are not two, but THREE people involved and it is sure to get messy. I for one, am not a big fan of love triangles, but when Jessica Hawkins sends you a book that she wrote, all of my weariness and concerns needed to be pushed to the side because in my heart of hearts, I knew that Jessica would not lead me astray. I trust her. I trust in her writing. I trust her to take me where I'm supposed to go through this journey. And boy let me tell you, SOMETHING IN THE WAY took me FAR and WIDE. It took me out of my comfort zone and straight into the fire. I was invested INSTANTLY in the well-being of these characters. I ADORED one. I HATED one. I was HESITANT of the other. My heart broke many times and many times it wouldn't fit back together.
To say this book pushes boundaries, would be an understatement. Some people will love it. Some will be shocked with the lines that are crossed, but in the end, you were warned that this is a forbidden love story. Really think about that before starting this book. In the end, all you need to know that Ms. Hawkins' beautiful prose shines throughout this book. Her characters will take your heart and do what they will with it. There is so much angst in this book, that you will not know what to do with yourself. You will have anxiety and a myriad of emotion will overwhelm you with every turn of the page. Manning and Lake will embed themselves in your heart right away and there will be no looking back. The cliffhanger is strong with this one guys, so be prepared for anything. Again, you are warned that this is a 'three-book saga' so bare down and take it like a champ. I'm invested. I'm addicted. I'm overwhelmed with the love I have for these characters. I'm over the moon that I have something to look forward to from this author. The beauty is real. The heartbreak is severe. The love is harsh but true. There is nothing better than experiencing a love story with so much heart and soul in between the pages. Jessica Hawkins has done it again! Simply stunning!
April 21, 2017
4 Stars
I keep trying to find a way to write this review without giving anything away. You know what? I'm not that talented.
I will say I cannot WAIT for the next installment. Damn that ending!
A big thank you to the ladies at The Review Loft for my ARC
I keep trying to find a way to write this review without giving anything away. You know what? I'm not that talented.
I will say I cannot WAIT for the next installment. Damn that ending!
A big thank you to the ladies at The Review Loft for my ARC
March 28, 2017
Title: Something In The Way
Author: Jessica Hawkins
Category: Romance
Series or Standalone: Series, Book #1
POV: Dual
Plot: 5
Characters: 5
Scorching Level: 5
HEA: Not telling
I have no words. Top favorite. This book was so well written that I read it in a day. Amazing characters, great character development and complex storyline!!!
This book broke me! I fell for the hero and felt for our young, innocent heroine.
1993. Lake is a sweet sixteen year old girl that studies hard and follows her father's wishes. She is an excellent student and already planning for college. Unspoiled by the modern technology(no internet, no cell phones), she looks up at her sister who is anything that she isn't. Tiffany is rebelious, gorgeous and certainly not following their father's footsteps. She has no idea what she wants to do with her life and so she lives it through boys, clothes and make-up.
A hot summer day changes everything. The construction site by their house will be the cause of heartbreak and passion.
Manning is a hardworking young man and he is certainly not looking for trouble when he befriends Lake. Her innocence and youth draws him to her and reminds him of things that are painful. He knows it seems wrong for them to be friends given their age difference but still...
Lake sees in Manning everything she wants to be. For the first time her heart beats faster, for the first time she is aware of her own body and how it reacts to a man. But then, Tiffany comes in and even if Lake saw him first, he can never be hers.
I am completely mesmerized by this book. It 's been a day since I finished it and I am still thinking about it. Amazing storyline that will pull at your heartstrings, fully developed, multidimensional characters and a forbidden love story.
Amazing characterization and fully engaging developments made this book a true masterpiece in my book.
A slow burn romance that isn't rushed. We get to see the characters grow, we see them make mistakes, we get to love them because there is nothing fake about them.
I will admit Tiffany frustrated me to no end, but I saw glimpses of her character that I liked. I detested how she treated Lake but at the same time it was interesting to see the dynamic of their relationship. Lake sees the good in people while Tiffany is able to use others.
Manning was an utterly lovable hero and my new book boyfriend. He was such a responsible character, with a big heart. He was lost and confused when it came to Lake but you could see the depth of his care for the much younger girl. His devotion was astounding!
The book ends in a way that will frustrate you! I cannot wait for May! Do not miss this amazing book. I will certainly be adding it to my special paperback collection!
February 28, 2017
DNF at 40%
Okay, I could not take it anymore! This book is terrible. The leading guy isn't that hot, the main character is naive, and the sister is a snob who I have mixed feelings on.
Problem 1: As a 16 year old girl, myself, I could not relate nor tolerate Lake. She is naive and childish. Girls her age are wearing makeup, listening to the newest bands, thinking about driving. Lake wasn't interested in any of these things. Her whole life consists of pleasing her father and it all seemed reminiscent of the 1920's. Lake's mother obeys her father and so does she. Her older sister, Tiffany, strays and argues with her father often but she was still too immature to leave. That's a common concept in this book, all the characters are immature. But Lake was the worst. Her mentality is that of a two year old.
Problem 2: Manning is personality less. He's nothing special. This is an NA/YA book, shouldn't the guy character be amazing and hot? Apparently not... Then there's the aspect that he falls for Lake. Lake is sixteen. SIXTEEN! Their relationship felt forced and pedophiliac. I think it would have been okay if Manning was eighteen. But he was twenty three! What does a twenty three year old want with a sixteen year old girl? Apparently Lake reminded Manning of his sister. But why would you fall for someone that reminds you of a family member? That seems creepy af.
Problem 3: Daddy. Lake's father could not have been meaner. Yet she doesn't see it. He treats Lake like a toddler and expects her to do everything he says. Unfortunately, she does. But he's prone to mood swings, demeaning his family and others, and . He was a terrible dad and it was blatantly available for all to see. It upset me to see Lake praising her father and standing up for him when he was being mean. Even though Lake was naive, she was by no means stupid. And I found her ignorance of her father's abusive behaviors annoying.
While this had potential and an intriguing plot, it fell beyond the bar. The characters were too moody and immature to handle.
1 star.
Okay, I could not take it anymore! This book is terrible. The leading guy isn't that hot, the main character is naive, and the sister is a snob who I have mixed feelings on.
Problem 1: As a 16 year old girl, myself, I could not relate nor tolerate Lake. She is naive and childish. Girls her age are wearing makeup, listening to the newest bands, thinking about driving. Lake wasn't interested in any of these things. Her whole life consists of pleasing her father and it all seemed reminiscent of the 1920's. Lake's mother obeys her father and so does she. Her older sister, Tiffany, strays and argues with her father often but she was still too immature to leave. That's a common concept in this book, all the characters are immature. But Lake was the worst. Her mentality is that of a two year old.
Problem 2: Manning is personality less. He's nothing special. This is an NA/YA book, shouldn't the guy character be amazing and hot? Apparently not... Then there's the aspect that he falls for Lake. Lake is sixteen. SIXTEEN! Their relationship felt forced and pedophiliac. I think it would have been okay if Manning was eighteen. But he was twenty three! What does a twenty three year old want with a sixteen year old girl? Apparently Lake reminded Manning of his sister. But why would you fall for someone that reminds you of a family member? That seems creepy af.
Problem 3: Daddy. Lake's father could not have been meaner. Yet she doesn't see it. He treats Lake like a toddler and expects her to do everything he says. Unfortunately, she does. But he's prone to mood swings, demeaning his family and others, and . He was a terrible dad and it was blatantly available for all to see. It upset me to see Lake praising her father and standing up for him when he was being mean. Even though Lake was naive, she was by no means stupid. And I found her ignorance of her father's abusive behaviors annoying.
While this had potential and an intriguing plot, it fell beyond the bar. The characters were too moody and immature to handle.
1 star.
October 5, 2017
5 WE HAD THIS STARS!!
Jessica Hawkins! What. Have. You. Done. To. Me?!?!
This book? ALL. THE. DEADS. What the HELL am I going to do with my life now? I read this book in ONE sitting. It's not something I do very often. I only moved from the spot where I was reading once. ONCE. To grab a quick bowl of cereal for dinner. And to go relieve my poor bladder. I just couldn't stop. After I finished this book I had a hard time sleeping. I can't stop thinking about these characters, and I'm exhausted. And now I sit here trying to come up with the words to write my review. It's hard. So damn hard. That's when you know you've read something special. Epic. Magical. Unforgettable.
I fear for what's to come for Manning and Lake. God these two stole my heart. Manning is such a good guy. A man who is tortured by his past. He loves and cares with all that he is and just wants to do what's right for everyone. Lake is so innocent and has such a beautiful soul. I wanted to wrap my arms around her so many times. Wrap my arms around them both. These two are soul mates. I can feel it. They are stars in the sky. I want them to be. Just be. Together. But I know it's going to be a long and heart wrenching journey. I trust that whatever Jessica creates for these characters will be devastating and mind blowing.
The reason I love Jessica's writing so much is that she MAKES. YOU. FEEL. Happiness. Sadness. Lust. Love. Fear. Anger. Heart ache and heart break. Basically? Every emotion possible. She has this way of making you fall utterly and completely into her story. You feel like you are experiencing every emotion her characters are going through. Her stories are all consuming, and Lake and Manning's star-crossed love story is going to break me. Hell I am broken. I think it will only get worse. But I wouldn't have it any other way.
Something In The Way is truly one of the most emotional forbidden romances I have read in a long time. I am so invested in this story, I cannot even. Manning and Lake own me. And so does Jessica. She made me her bitch. I'm at her mercy. I can't wait to see what kind of heart crushing journey I'm going to be taken on with the next two books. This series is going to be something special. I can feel it. I am ACHING for book two NOW. Is it May yet?
Available Now on All Platforms:
Amazon ➜ http://amzn.to/2ogWDJM
iBooks ➜ http://apple.co/2hOCBPh
Nook ➜ http://smarturl.it/sitwnook
Google Play ➜ https://goo.gl/B6vVos
Kobo ➜ http://smarturl.it/sitwkobo
Paperback ➜ http://amzn.to/2nlnRd4
PREORDER book 2 ➜ http://bit.ly/somebodyelsessky
Jessica Hawkins! What. Have. You. Done. To. Me?!?!
This book? ALL. THE. DEADS. What the HELL am I going to do with my life now? I read this book in ONE sitting. It's not something I do very often. I only moved from the spot where I was reading once. ONCE. To grab a quick bowl of cereal for dinner. And to go relieve my poor bladder. I just couldn't stop. After I finished this book I had a hard time sleeping. I can't stop thinking about these characters, and I'm exhausted. And now I sit here trying to come up with the words to write my review. It's hard. So damn hard. That's when you know you've read something special. Epic. Magical. Unforgettable.
I fear for what's to come for Manning and Lake. God these two stole my heart. Manning is such a good guy. A man who is tortured by his past. He loves and cares with all that he is and just wants to do what's right for everyone. Lake is so innocent and has such a beautiful soul. I wanted to wrap my arms around her so many times. Wrap my arms around them both. These two are soul mates. I can feel it. They are stars in the sky. I want them to be. Just be. Together. But I know it's going to be a long and heart wrenching journey. I trust that whatever Jessica creates for these characters will be devastating and mind blowing.
The reason I love Jessica's writing so much is that she MAKES. YOU. FEEL. Happiness. Sadness. Lust. Love. Fear. Anger. Heart ache and heart break. Basically? Every emotion possible. She has this way of making you fall utterly and completely into her story. You feel like you are experiencing every emotion her characters are going through. Her stories are all consuming, and Lake and Manning's star-crossed love story is going to break me. Hell I am broken. I think it will only get worse. But I wouldn't have it any other way.
Something In The Way is truly one of the most emotional forbidden romances I have read in a long time. I am so invested in this story, I cannot even. Manning and Lake own me. And so does Jessica. She made me her bitch. I'm at her mercy. I can't wait to see what kind of heart crushing journey I'm going to be taken on with the next two books. This series is going to be something special. I can feel it. I am ACHING for book two NOW. Is it May yet?
Available Now on All Platforms:
Amazon ➜ http://amzn.to/2ogWDJM
iBooks ➜ http://apple.co/2hOCBPh
Nook ➜ http://smarturl.it/sitwnook
Google Play ➜ https://goo.gl/B6vVos
Kobo ➜ http://smarturl.it/sitwkobo
Paperback ➜ http://amzn.to/2nlnRd4
PREORDER book 2 ➜ http://bit.ly/somebodyelsessky
February 12, 2019
3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was a pretty good start to the trilogy. I'm invested enough to continue on with the next book, Move the Stars, and thankfully it's already out because that cliffy was kinda crazy! I felt bad for the sister at times , but I also felt like she was a little too self absorbed to feel too bad. I liked both characters and I'm looking forward to seeing how all of this is going to pan out. It's definitely "slow burn," like others reviewers say, because the h and H haven't even shared a kiss by the end of this book -- but I think that helps contribute to it not feeling icky with their age difference and taboo nature of their relationship. On to the next!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Lake and Manning's story. Lake meets Manning on the next door construction site one summer day and they instantly connect. Things are disrupted when Lake's older sister, Tiffany, meets him too and clams him as her own. Manning and Lake had an instant connection that drew them both towards one another even though they both knew they shouldn't. There is some family drama, some sweet moments, and ends with a big cliffy...
POV: This alternated between Lake and Manning's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H rating: 4 stars. Manning. I liked him. I felt like he had a pretty strong moral compass considering the situation he found himself in. I didn't get any predator type vibes.
h rating: 4 stars. Lake. I liked her. I liked how she was a peacekeeper in her family while also seeing the good side of people.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Low. They have some hot tension and chemistry but not even a kiss between the h and H at this point.
Descriptive sex: No
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Yes
Separation: No. I wouldn't consider them ever together to consider them separated at this point.
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends on a cliffy, but the next book is available.
Safety: This one is probably Not Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: This was a pretty good start to the trilogy. I'm invested enough to continue on with the next book, Move the Stars, and thankfully it's already out because that cliffy was kinda crazy! I felt bad for the sister at times , but I also felt like she was a little too self absorbed to feel too bad. I liked both characters and I'm looking forward to seeing how all of this is going to pan out. It's definitely "slow burn," like others reviewers say, because the h and H haven't even shared a kiss by the end of this book -- but I think that helps contribute to it not feeling icky with their age difference and taboo nature of their relationship. On to the next!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Lake and Manning's story. Lake meets Manning on the next door construction site one summer day and they instantly connect. Things are disrupted when Lake's older sister, Tiffany, meets him too and clams him as her own. Manning and Lake had an instant connection that drew them both towards one another even though they both knew they shouldn't. There is some family drama, some sweet moments, and ends with a big cliffy...
POV: This alternated between Lake and Manning's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H rating: 4 stars. Manning. I liked him. I felt like he had a pretty strong moral compass considering the situation he found himself in. I didn't get any predator type vibes.
h rating: 4 stars. Lake. I liked her. I liked how she was a peacekeeper in her family while also seeing the good side of people.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Low. They have some hot tension and chemistry but not even a kiss between the h and H at this point.
Descriptive sex: No
OW/OM drama: Yes
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: Yes
Separation: No. I wouldn't consider them ever together to consider them separated at this point.
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends on a cliffy, but the next book is available.
Safety: This one is probably Not Safe for most safety gang readers
Shelved as 'no-thank-u-pass'
July 1, 2020He loves the younger sister, but can't have her, so marries her older sister?
So disgusting
4 books
No thanks
So disgusting
4 books
No thanks
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2017
Gah! This book was NOTHING like what I expected it to be, in the best way. I'm a huge angst whore so I knew I would be in for a ride I would love, but man, I had no idea the story would go the way it did. I was genuinely shocked at the end of it and had to immediately start book 2. I love the young, innocent teen falling for the older, more experienced guy. And Manning's background surprised me. It added a level to him that I just fell for instantly. Add in Tiffany, Lake's sister, and the plot is thick as butter. I HATED Tiffany at first, but I'm slowly beginning to understand her, which just messes with my head more! Lake is an amazing heroine and I love experiencing this first crush, first lust, first LOVE with her. I have so much more to say but really can sum it up in this: WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG TO READ THIS?! Ahhhh! Can't wait to devour the other two books. 😻
February 9, 2020
Audio & Story - 5 Stars
May 15, 2020
I believe certain books come to us at the very time we need them in life. Sometimes we're led to them, and it's like the world is shouting at us "Stop everything you're doing and read this book now!" Something in the Way was one of those books for me. First, my lovely friend, Kacy, recommended this book to me. Soon after, I was able to get a free copy of it through Claire Contreras' newsletter - Score! Then, I started seeing this book everywhere on social media with the release of the final book in the series, Move the Stars, on October 23rd.
I love novels like this one because when people share in the experiences of the characters, their worlds and minds open. People can see past stereotypes and stigmas. I'll admit, before I met my husband, I was adamant about being in a relationship with someone nearer to my age. I didn't plan to get married at eighteen years old. The best thing about plans, however, is that they are made to be broken. I fell in love with the person I believe God created solely for me to share life, intimacy, and children with - my soulmate. If I had rejected him simply because he was older and others didn't like the idea, I'd hate to think of where I'd be today. Ten years later, all of our struggles seem small in comparison to the hardships we encountered back then.
In some ways, this novel reminds me of Colleen Hoover's Slammed series because of the forbidden romance. It has a similar feel and made me tear through the pages faster than I expected to, but I simply could not put the book(s) down. The female leads also share the same name! However, I think I enjoyed Something in the Way more because I was able to relate to the story on such a personal level.
This story is filled with heartache, angst, and self-denial. Jessica Hawkins wrote life and magnetism into Lake and Manning. They seem like real people who readers can't help but feel for and endure with - their struggles become our struggles. Manning is one of the best male-leads I've ever read. I appreciated his ability to be strong, courageous, and level-headed.
One minor issue I had with the storyline was Manning's internal dialogue and how Lake became reminiscent of his younger sister. Though this was not written in a creepy way and I was able to understand that it was more of Lake's mannerisms than her appearance, it still seemed a bit odd. Also, I hated that Lake's voice came across so young for a sixteen-year-old. Not only were her thoughts similar to someone much younger, but everyone treated her as if she was practically an infant without an ability to think for herself. This was insanely frustrating! I think the author did this for a specific purpose and it will be something that is resolved in the upcoming novels. Nevertheless, I think the story would have been more convincing for opponents of this type of relationship to see a more mature sixteen-year-old.
Regardless, this novel has become an instant five-star favorite of mine! I was absolutely shocked by the ending and had my heart ripped to shreds. I literally felt my chest tighten upon finishing this book. I cannot wait to dive into Somebody Else's Sky and I'm sure, subsequently, Move the Stars. With that said, I'm going to finish up here so I can get some reading time in. I'm dying to know what happens!
Please get this book - I guarantee you won't want to come up for air until you've finished! It's a stunningly beautiful story that will live on in my memories for a long time.
....
I need. the. next. book....NOW.
Amazing. I could not put this book down.
I love novels like this one because when people share in the experiences of the characters, their worlds and minds open. People can see past stereotypes and stigmas. I'll admit, before I met my husband, I was adamant about being in a relationship with someone nearer to my age. I didn't plan to get married at eighteen years old. The best thing about plans, however, is that they are made to be broken. I fell in love with the person I believe God created solely for me to share life, intimacy, and children with - my soulmate. If I had rejected him simply because he was older and others didn't like the idea, I'd hate to think of where I'd be today. Ten years later, all of our struggles seem small in comparison to the hardships we encountered back then.
In some ways, this novel reminds me of Colleen Hoover's Slammed series because of the forbidden romance. It has a similar feel and made me tear through the pages faster than I expected to, but I simply could not put the book(s) down. The female leads also share the same name! However, I think I enjoyed Something in the Way more because I was able to relate to the story on such a personal level.
This story is filled with heartache, angst, and self-denial. Jessica Hawkins wrote life and magnetism into Lake and Manning. They seem like real people who readers can't help but feel for and endure with - their struggles become our struggles. Manning is one of the best male-leads I've ever read. I appreciated his ability to be strong, courageous, and level-headed.
One minor issue I had with the storyline was Manning's internal dialogue and how Lake became reminiscent of his younger sister. Though this was not written in a creepy way and I was able to understand that it was more of Lake's mannerisms than her appearance, it still seemed a bit odd. Also, I hated that Lake's voice came across so young for a sixteen-year-old. Not only were her thoughts similar to someone much younger, but everyone treated her as if she was practically an infant without an ability to think for herself. This was insanely frustrating! I think the author did this for a specific purpose and it will be something that is resolved in the upcoming novels. Nevertheless, I think the story would have been more convincing for opponents of this type of relationship to see a more mature sixteen-year-old.
Regardless, this novel has become an instant five-star favorite of mine! I was absolutely shocked by the ending and had my heart ripped to shreds. I literally felt my chest tighten upon finishing this book. I cannot wait to dive into Somebody Else's Sky and I'm sure, subsequently, Move the Stars. With that said, I'm going to finish up here so I can get some reading time in. I'm dying to know what happens!
Please get this book - I guarantee you won't want to come up for air until you've finished! It's a stunningly beautiful story that will live on in my memories for a long time.
....
I need. the. next. book....NOW.
Amazing. I could not put this book down.
October 21, 2017
I know it is wrong, he is 23 and she is 16, but Manning cared about Lake and he knew all too well how much trouble he could get in if anybody was to find out.
Manning is so down-to-earth, sexy and intriguing, and Lake is so sweet, naïve and innocent.
The two characters have an obvious sexual tension that you can feel from their first meet.
I will read the next book because I'm curious how their relationship will end up.
In short:
Hero 5/5 | Heroine 5/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 5/5 | Writing Style 4/5 | Steam 2/5 | Romance 4/5 | Angst-Suspense 4/5 | Darkness 1/5 | Humor 1/5 | Secondary Characters 4/5 | Drama-Conflict 4/5 | Mystery 2/5 | Twists 4/5 | Pacing Fast | Action 3/5
Complimentary copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Manning is so down-to-earth, sexy and intriguing, and Lake is so sweet, naïve and innocent.
The two characters have an obvious sexual tension that you can feel from their first meet.
I will read the next book because I'm curious how their relationship will end up.
In short:
Hero 5/5 | Heroine 5/5 | Plot (Point, Originality) 5/5 | Writing Style 4/5 | Steam 2/5 | Romance 4/5 | Angst-Suspense 4/5 | Darkness 1/5 | Humor 1/5 | Secondary Characters 4/5 | Drama-Conflict 4/5 | Mystery 2/5 | Twists 4/5 | Pacing Fast | Action 3/5
Complimentary copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2017
4 out of 5 Finders of bracelets, hoarders of cigarettes, and Pink Floyd beasts of men.
****ARC Generously Provided By Author In Exchange For Review****
'Someone else would be her first love.
Some other man would be the first to cherish her.
The first to ruin her. It couldn’t be me.'
Uhm WOW. Okay, first off I was a little unsure if I was going to like this book but damn. I ACTUALLY FLOVED IT. This is my first Jessica Hawkins book *gasp* (I know I know, I've been slacking!) and wow I think I just found a new favorite author. So this book is all about a forbidden romance. Keyword: FORBIDDEN. This book might be off-putting to some readers but don't let that scare you away because you'll seriously be missing out on a good ass book!
Something In The Way was such a sweet and light hearted read for me. And the character development just had me in complete aww. And that story development OMG. Does all of Jessica Hawkin's books have you constantly in a whirlwind of emotions?? Cause seriously SIGN ME THE EFF UP. There was a lot that I loved about this book but here's some main reasons:
1. Since it is set in 1993 I loved the whole 90's vibe to it.
2. Feeling what it's like to still be innocent and naive through Lake. (I mean seriously I was a bad ass little 16 year old compared to her LOL)
3. Getting in Manning's mind and seeing how torn and tortured he feels towards their relationship. *cries* (My poor baby!!! He just wants to love and be loved!!!)
4. Just the overall trip on this emotional rollercoaster.
'My world had been so dark before her.
It worried me how far I'd go to keep that light in my life.'
You'll fall in love with one character, hate (and occasionally like) another, and just feel pure sympathy towards the other. You'll spend a good part of the beginning questioning a lot of it but the latter half will have you c o m p l e t e l y hooked. I seriously could not put the damn thing down. The angst, the warm squishy feelings, GAHH just thinking about it has my mind reeling. It's just one big guilty pleasure that I seriously enjoyed reading. It was definitely a new kind of forbidden romance read for me. And seriously after reading Something In The Way I can already tell that this series will destroy my heart. Like ugh some parts were frustrating and then others had me floating on cloud 9. But that ending oh man I cringed so hard!!! I seriously need Somebody Else's Sky in my hand right. this. instant. Wake me up when it's May. Anyways, it was a really fun and angsty read and I hope that everyone will like as much as I did!!!~
Purchase Links:
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/some...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XBTFR8V/...
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/somet...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/some...
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
****ARC Generously Provided By Author In Exchange For Review****
'Someone else would be her first love.
Some other man would be the first to cherish her.
The first to ruin her. It couldn’t be me.'
Uhm WOW. Okay, first off I was a little unsure if I was going to like this book but damn. I ACTUALLY FLOVED IT. This is my first Jessica Hawkins book *gasp* (I know I know, I've been slacking!) and wow I think I just found a new favorite author. So this book is all about a forbidden romance. Keyword: FORBIDDEN. This book might be off-putting to some readers but don't let that scare you away because you'll seriously be missing out on a good ass book!
Something In The Way was such a sweet and light hearted read for me. And the character development just had me in complete aww. And that story development OMG. Does all of Jessica Hawkin's books have you constantly in a whirlwind of emotions?? Cause seriously SIGN ME THE EFF UP. There was a lot that I loved about this book but here's some main reasons:
1. Since it is set in 1993 I loved the whole 90's vibe to it.
2. Feeling what it's like to still be innocent and naive through Lake. (I mean seriously I was a bad ass little 16 year old compared to her LOL)
3. Getting in Manning's mind and seeing how torn and tortured he feels towards their relationship. *cries* (My poor baby!!! He just wants to love and be loved!!!)
4. Just the overall trip on this emotional rollercoaster.
'My world had been so dark before her.
It worried me how far I'd go to keep that light in my life.'
You'll fall in love with one character, hate (and occasionally like) another, and just feel pure sympathy towards the other. You'll spend a good part of the beginning questioning a lot of it but the latter half will have you c o m p l e t e l y hooked. I seriously could not put the damn thing down. The angst, the warm squishy feelings, GAHH just thinking about it has my mind reeling. It's just one big guilty pleasure that I seriously enjoyed reading. It was definitely a new kind of forbidden romance read for me. And seriously after reading Something In The Way I can already tell that this series will destroy my heart. Like ugh some parts were frustrating and then others had me floating on cloud 9. But that ending oh man I cringed so hard!!! I seriously need Somebody Else's Sky in my hand right. this. instant. Wake me up when it's May. Anyways, it was a really fun and angsty read and I hope that everyone will like as much as I did!!!~
Purchase Links:
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/some...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XBTFR8V/...
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/somet...
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/some...
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
April 22, 2018
Talk about FRUSTRATING. I had super high expectations going into this book because of the rave reviews I've heard from friends and online. I was most wary about going in with such a big age gap between the characters, but little did I know that would be the least of the problems...
Lake has always done what her dad's expected her to do. She's taking classes this summer while making her way through her required reading so that she can get into the college they've always dreamed of her of going to. When she meets Manning working at the construction site next to her house, Lake starts feeling a connection with a man that she's never felt before. So when her sister has her sights set on Manning and Manning doesn't push them away, Lake doesn't know what to do with her feelings or her changing outlook on her own life.
The moment I finished this book, I had so many emotions inside of me and I NEEDED to get them out. I ranted to my sister and anyone on Instagram who had told me they had read this book. And by rant, I mean flesh out how exactly I felt about this book. Obviously there is an age difference between Lake and Manning, so there's going to be a ton of angst in their relationship. It took awhile for me to warm up to Lake's character because of how naive and innocent she was portrayed in the beginning. To me, she read more as a 12-year-old instead of a 16-year-old. As the book progressed, though, she matured so much more and finally decided to push the boundaries when it came to what she wanted. I enjoyed watching her grow and question things she was feeling and what was right and wrong when it came to Manning.
The thing that really had me struggling in my emotions was Lake's older sister, Tiffany. Tiffany was not a likable character. To me, she had absolutely ZERO redeeming qualities and I hated her from the beginning to the end. So to me, it was super frustrating how much attention Manning gave to her because he was trying to deny how much he was feeling for a girl so much younger than him (Lake). I hated how that ended up toying with Lake's emotions. I mean, I get it, and that's why I gave this book five stars. While it made me so mad and frustrated, it was something that had to happen and was really a logical way for Manning to cope with his confused, forbidden feelings for Lake.
Overall, this book gave me so many feelings and any book that does that is definitely a well written book. While I was so mad and frustrated with characters at times, that ending had me all over the place and needing to pick up book two. Yes, it's a cliff-hanger. Yes, you're going to want to throw this book against a wall and pick up book two immediately. BUT IT'S SO WORTH IT.
Lake has always done what her dad's expected her to do. She's taking classes this summer while making her way through her required reading so that she can get into the college they've always dreamed of her of going to. When she meets Manning working at the construction site next to her house, Lake starts feeling a connection with a man that she's never felt before. So when her sister has her sights set on Manning and Manning doesn't push them away, Lake doesn't know what to do with her feelings or her changing outlook on her own life.
The moment I finished this book, I had so many emotions inside of me and I NEEDED to get them out. I ranted to my sister and anyone on Instagram who had told me they had read this book. And by rant, I mean flesh out how exactly I felt about this book. Obviously there is an age difference between Lake and Manning, so there's going to be a ton of angst in their relationship. It took awhile for me to warm up to Lake's character because of how naive and innocent she was portrayed in the beginning. To me, she read more as a 12-year-old instead of a 16-year-old. As the book progressed, though, she matured so much more and finally decided to push the boundaries when it came to what she wanted. I enjoyed watching her grow and question things she was feeling and what was right and wrong when it came to Manning.
The thing that really had me struggling in my emotions was Lake's older sister, Tiffany. Tiffany was not a likable character. To me, she had absolutely ZERO redeeming qualities and I hated her from the beginning to the end. So to me, it was super frustrating how much attention Manning gave to her because he was trying to deny how much he was feeling for a girl so much younger than him (Lake). I hated how that ended up toying with Lake's emotions. I mean, I get it, and that's why I gave this book five stars. While it made me so mad and frustrated, it was something that had to happen and was really a logical way for Manning to cope with his confused, forbidden feelings for Lake.
Overall, this book gave me so many feelings and any book that does that is definitely a well written book. While I was so mad and frustrated with characters at times, that ending had me all over the place and needing to pick up book two. Yes, it's a cliff-hanger. Yes, you're going to want to throw this book against a wall and pick up book two immediately. BUT IT'S SO WORTH IT.
April 27, 2017
Something in the Way
By Jessica Hawkins
5 stars
Lake is a young 16-year-old who has her life mapped out. All I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed...Do anything and everything possible to make your application to USC standout. The perfect daughter.
Till the day she meets Manning, the construction worker who is working on the house next door. She is 16 and he is 23 and he knows it’s wrong. But how can you change your feelings when the feelings are so strong.
Tiffany, is the older sister who has done nothing right their parents eyes. She is the party girl, didn’t get good grades and goes through boyfriends quicker than you can learn their name. She knows how to play the game of scoring a man…
This book is the first in a three book series. Just the beginning of a great storyline. Giving us the background of how Lake and Manning and Tiffany all work. What a great start to a series. A wonderful page turner that by the time I read the last page, I wanted to throw my kindle knowing I have to wait till May to get more!
As with all of Jessica Hawkins books, the writing is amazing and the attention to every detail there in the words. I will be counting down the days till we get book 2!!!
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By Jessica Hawkins
5 stars
Lake is a young 16-year-old who has her life mapped out. All I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed...Do anything and everything possible to make your application to USC standout. The perfect daughter.
Till the day she meets Manning, the construction worker who is working on the house next door. She is 16 and he is 23 and he knows it’s wrong. But how can you change your feelings when the feelings are so strong.
Tiffany, is the older sister who has done nothing right their parents eyes. She is the party girl, didn’t get good grades and goes through boyfriends quicker than you can learn their name. She knows how to play the game of scoring a man…
This book is the first in a three book series. Just the beginning of a great storyline. Giving us the background of how Lake and Manning and Tiffany all work. What a great start to a series. A wonderful page turner that by the time I read the last page, I wanted to throw my kindle knowing I have to wait till May to get more!
As with all of Jessica Hawkins books, the writing is amazing and the attention to every detail there in the words. I will be counting down the days till we get book 2!!!
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May 16, 2017
5 Stars!
This book had me turning the pages just sitting on the edge of my seat the whole time. An angsty slow burn that threatens to throw you over and then reels you right back in, I loved it!
Set in the 90's I was the exact same age as Lake, so I totally connected with all of the 90's references and loved reliving those things through Lakes eyes.
She's a 16-year-old girl who's super smart with an extremely strict father who has her future planned out for her. This book is Southern California based and there's even mention of USC. I swear this book was written for me.
Lake meets a handsome construction worker on her way home from school and he's quite a bit older, 7 years to be exact. His name is Manning and Lake feels immediately attached to him in some sort of way, but she can't place those feelings just yet. This has forbidden written all over it! And those weird feelings you get when reading a forbidden romance, the ones that threaten your morality but you don't care? Yep, those feelings were present the whole time, and I loved how the author navigated those tricky waters because that can't be easy. And as a reader I can see how other readers might feel, and I think the author was very smart with her writing, especially with the events that occurred at the end which I won't divulge for obvious reasons.
I was completely sucked in to this story. Not only was I waiting for something to happen, I assumed it would be predictable and there would be a time jump in order to eradicate the forbidden aspect, and I was so pleased that this didn't happen! There's nothing worse than predictability in a storyline, and I truly loved how innocent this felt, while at the same time feeling taboo and naughty.
You really get a STORY, and it's kind of beautiful. I love that I was able to really get to know these characters and their back stories. Manning is such a good guy, laced with subtle mystery and his attachment to Lake and her older sister is so peculiar, while being completely normal at the same time. Lake’s older sister, Tiffany isn’t my favorite character but I appreciate her significance to the story and she kind of grew on me towards the end. The more time that passes since I finished this book, the more I love it. Like I really, REALLY love it. I can’t wait for May because I need book 2 like right now! This was a great read, and if you can be open minded and get over the cliffhanger I know people will love this book, and I can tell that this will be a great series already!
This book had me turning the pages just sitting on the edge of my seat the whole time. An angsty slow burn that threatens to throw you over and then reels you right back in, I loved it!
Set in the 90's I was the exact same age as Lake, so I totally connected with all of the 90's references and loved reliving those things through Lakes eyes.
She's a 16-year-old girl who's super smart with an extremely strict father who has her future planned out for her. This book is Southern California based and there's even mention of USC. I swear this book was written for me.
Lake meets a handsome construction worker on her way home from school and he's quite a bit older, 7 years to be exact. His name is Manning and Lake feels immediately attached to him in some sort of way, but she can't place those feelings just yet. This has forbidden written all over it! And those weird feelings you get when reading a forbidden romance, the ones that threaten your morality but you don't care? Yep, those feelings were present the whole time, and I loved how the author navigated those tricky waters because that can't be easy. And as a reader I can see how other readers might feel, and I think the author was very smart with her writing, especially with the events that occurred at the end which I won't divulge for obvious reasons.
I was completely sucked in to this story. Not only was I waiting for something to happen, I assumed it would be predictable and there would be a time jump in order to eradicate the forbidden aspect, and I was so pleased that this didn't happen! There's nothing worse than predictability in a storyline, and I truly loved how innocent this felt, while at the same time feeling taboo and naughty.
You really get a STORY, and it's kind of beautiful. I love that I was able to really get to know these characters and their back stories. Manning is such a good guy, laced with subtle mystery and his attachment to Lake and her older sister is so peculiar, while being completely normal at the same time. Lake’s older sister, Tiffany isn’t my favorite character but I appreciate her significance to the story and she kind of grew on me towards the end. The more time that passes since I finished this book, the more I love it. Like I really, REALLY love it. I can’t wait for May because I need book 2 like right now! This was a great read, and if you can be open minded and get over the cliffhanger I know people will love this book, and I can tell that this will be a great series already!
March 23, 2017
4 ★'s
Manning and Lake meet when she loses her bracelet at the construction site next door and he finds it. Realizing she's only sixteen to his twenty-three, Manning knows there's no way anything can happen between them...but that doesn't stop him from wanting it.
Lake feels the same way but she's not really as wise to the world as he is...but she's coming around. Her sister, Tiffany, is older (and legal) and she has her sights on Manning as well. This is both a plus and minus...if Manning and Tiffany are dating, then it's okay for Manning and Lake to be around each other...it just kills Lake to see it.
Manning can't really talk to Lake about what he wants but they have plenty of other things to talk about. When he finds out that Lake is going to be gone as a camp counselor for a week, he manages to get a job there too. Of course, Tiffany is going as well.
Manning and Lake push the limits a bit at camp...unbelievably so but it isn't till the last night that Lake really goes overboard. I was a bit taken back by this as it was a little out of character.
However, this is where all the drama goes down and I'm not really sure I bought all of it. It definitely leaves us hanging and with a lot of questions.
Since this is a trilogy, I have a feeling it won't be the last time we will be left hanging. Luckily, the next book, Somebody Else's Sky, is coming out May 22, 2017.
Manning and Lake meet when she loses her bracelet at the construction site next door and he finds it. Realizing she's only sixteen to his twenty-three, Manning knows there's no way anything can happen between them...but that doesn't stop him from wanting it.
Lake feels the same way but she's not really as wise to the world as he is...but she's coming around. Her sister, Tiffany, is older (and legal) and she has her sights on Manning as well. This is both a plus and minus...if Manning and Tiffany are dating, then it's okay for Manning and Lake to be around each other...it just kills Lake to see it.
Manning can't really talk to Lake about what he wants but they have plenty of other things to talk about. When he finds out that Lake is going to be gone as a camp counselor for a week, he manages to get a job there too. Of course, Tiffany is going as well.
Manning and Lake push the limits a bit at camp...unbelievably so but it isn't till the last night that Lake really goes overboard. I was a bit taken back by this as it was a little out of character.
However, this is where all the drama goes down and I'm not really sure I bought all of it. It definitely leaves us hanging and with a lot of questions.
Since this is a trilogy, I have a feeling it won't be the last time we will be left hanging. Luckily, the next book, Somebody Else's Sky, is coming out May 22, 2017.
March 1, 2017
I can't stop thinking about this book. I'm still reeling, still dying inside. It's such a beautiful, gut-wrenching story. I loved it! I hated it! No, I never once hated it, but the ending has me all sorts of messed up. I can't cope. I want everything to work out for Manning and Lake as bad as I need my next breath of air, but fuck, I just don't know how it can. So many obstacles in the way, it seems so cruel. It is. I need more time to process. I just need...I don't know, something. It's still so fresh on my mind, in my heart, I'm having a difficult time accepting what happened and what's to come...
Someone else would be her first love.
The first to cherish her.
The first to ruin her.
It couldn't be me. *sobs*
"You make me smile, Lake. Nobody else does. How could I walk away from you?" *heart clutch*
No! No! No! No! It can not end there! It can't! Jesus Christ! I knew there was a cliffie, prepared myself for it but DAMN!!! That was cruel! I'm devastated! This is horrible. Oh God! Manning! *sobs*
I can't.
Someone else would be her first love.
The first to cherish her.
The first to ruin her.
It couldn't be me. *sobs*
"You make me smile, Lake. Nobody else does. How could I walk away from you?" *heart clutch*
No! No! No! No! It can not end there! It can't! Jesus Christ! I knew there was a cliffie, prepared myself for it but DAMN!!! That was cruel! I'm devastated! This is horrible. Oh God! Manning! *sobs*
I can't.
December 26, 2021
when u want someone & dont wanna lose em, im not sure marrying their sister is the right solution… fucking the sis (while enjoying it) for years also sure as shit isnt selling u for the swoony hero role. manning the dude just seem like the type to love 2 ppl at the same time. and while reverse harems’ nice, the opposite’s not my jam. same goes w poly romances, i prefer mmf than fmf
the heroine was much worse though. i swear 16 yos arent as… awful as she is. what a pair
the heroine was much worse though. i swear 16 yos arent as… awful as she is. what a pair
February 28, 2017
ARC kindly provided by author.
Jessica, what did you just do to me? I have no words... and that rarely happens.
Sweet Jesus... this was so, so good!
Be aware that Something in the way ends in cliffhanger, since it will be a three book series. I can not wait! Brilliant!
I am usually not a big fan of slow burn romance, but this one is so well written, I just can't say one bad thing about it. I do wish I could go back to 90' and re live my teenage years once again.
Something in the way is a complex story.
It made me crazy at times, but the story line and characters are AMAZING!
Lake and Manning... wow...just wow!
Older guy (older, not old... he is in his twenties) and teen girl... man. They drove me nuts!
Let me tell you, age difference is a tricky thing. First love is a tricky thing.
I wish I could tell you more... no, I don't want to tell you more, because you have to experience this for yourself.
I need a second book ASAP!
Buy it, read it, enjoy it!
Jessica, what did you just do to me? I have no words... and that rarely happens.
Sweet Jesus... this was so, so good!
Be aware that Something in the way ends in cliffhanger, since it will be a three book series. I can not wait! Brilliant!
I am usually not a big fan of slow burn romance, but this one is so well written, I just can't say one bad thing about it. I do wish I could go back to 90' and re live my teenage years once again.
Something in the way is a complex story.
It made me crazy at times, but the story line and characters are AMAZING!
Lake and Manning... wow...just wow!
Older guy (older, not old... he is in his twenties) and teen girl... man. They drove me nuts!
Let me tell you, age difference is a tricky thing. First love is a tricky thing.
I wish I could tell you more... no, I don't want to tell you more, because you have to experience this for yourself.
I need a second book ASAP!
Buy it, read it, enjoy it!
April 7, 2017
I already know this is going to be so.damn.epic. I need this book - this SERIES WHEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! - in my hands YESTERDAY. OMFG I love Jessica Hawkins and I can already tell this is going to rival Cityscape.
May 19, 2021
Something In The Way Series
Something In The Way ➟ 4 stars
Somebody Else’s Sky ➟ to be read
Move The Stars ➟ to be read
Lake + Manning ➟ to be read
Book: Something In The Way
Rating: 3 stars
Favorite Quote: “Manning and I needed Tiffany, but at the same time, there was no denying—she was also something in the way.”
Trigger Warning: Hero is 24 while Heroine is 16 – no physical/sexual acts occur between the two
Summary
This is a classic tale of the “I saw him first, but he saw her” story. In some ways, Lake has always been under her sister’s shadow. Sure, their dad may have preferred Lake because she was under his strict ruling – she did everything he wanted. He wanted her to go to summer school – she did, he wanted her to read EVERY single book on the school list – she did, he wanted her to go to USC – she would do everything in her power to go. Unlike Tiffany, whose favorite activity was rebelling against her dad. But Tiffany was older, wiser, and maybe even “prettier” which is why Manning probably notice her first. Manning was 24 when he first met Lake. She reminded him so much of his younger sister, so he wanted to protect her. However, it’s quite obvious that after a couple interactions Lake developed a crush on him. Manning knew he should stay away, but he couldn’t. So, just like that Tiffany became a pawn in their game of Something In The Way.
Review
Jessica Hawkins is becoming one of my favorite authors. There is just something about the way she writes a book that is sooo good. I did not even think I was going to enjoy this, but I did. I was intrigued to read this because I knew it would be a cheating book but I didn’t know the heroine would be 16 for the duration of this book. To be honest, it did make me uncomfortable that she was underage. I was waiting for the time jump and it never happened. I am glad nothing sexual or even romantic happened between the two characters but there were times it was pretty close which made me even more uncomfortable for obvious reasons. Nonetheless I do want to preface that I would not say I enjoyed this book because of the “romance” between the hero and the heroine. Rather, Jessica’s story telling is so captivating that I just couldn’t stop reading.
↳Plot. The plot was pretty well articulated. Like I previously stated, I only wish the story would just jump until the heroine is 18. Otherwise, that, I think Jessica did a great job with writing the book. Even though the duration of the book is probably only a couple weeks, the book was still interesting and had a good pace. It mostly followed the first couple weeks of Lake and Manning meeting. Lake has already developed a crush on Manning while Manning wants to be a part of Lake’s life but doesn’t know how to properly do it. Jessica Hawkins is amazing at her plot twist and her cliff hangers, so the ending was amazing! I cannot wait to start the second book!
↳Characters. Lake was okay. I am not the biggest fan of YA, and this technically isn’t YA but it felt like it was when I was reading her POV. Lake was a bit annoying and naïve, but it didn’t bother me because she was acting like how a teenager is suppose to act. However, she tried to force a relationship with Manning so much and that was ridiculous to me. Manning continued telling her that they couldn’t do anything, and she just didn’t get that for some reason. Besides that, Lake had to deal with the pressure she had from her parents which was definitely something I could relate to so I think Jessica wrote that side of her life well. Overall Lake was a decent heroine, I am just hoping as the series goes on, she matures.
Manning was okay as well. I don’t know how I feel about him to be honest. At first, he wanted to be friends with Lake because it reminded him of his sister. I understood that reason but after a while, I could obviously see that was no longer the reason. I know this is fiction and he technically never did anything wrong, and he even tried to tell Lake to stay away MUTIPLE times but still, I still felt weird reading this. Especially since near the end, when something almost did happen and if someone didn’t interrupt them who knows what would have happened!??! Besides his relationship with Lake, I didn’t learn too much else about him. So, he was just okay.
↳Romance. To be honest, there is not any romance in this story. Rather, it was a young girl who had a crush on an older guy, and having to deal with watching Tiffany, her sister, date the guy she likes. So, there is not really anything for me to say about the “romance” in this book.
↳Ending Thoughts. As I mentioned earlier, I really like how Jessica is writing this story and I want to see how it ends thus I will definitely be continuing this series.
Something In The Way ➟ 4 stars
Somebody Else’s Sky ➟ to be read
Move The Stars ➟ to be read
Lake + Manning ➟ to be read
Book: Something In The Way
Rating: 3 stars
Favorite Quote: “Manning and I needed Tiffany, but at the same time, there was no denying—she was also something in the way.”
Trigger Warning: Hero is 24 while Heroine is 16 – no physical/sexual acts occur between the two
Summary
This is a classic tale of the “I saw him first, but he saw her” story. In some ways, Lake has always been under her sister’s shadow. Sure, their dad may have preferred Lake because she was under his strict ruling – she did everything he wanted. He wanted her to go to summer school – she did, he wanted her to read EVERY single book on the school list – she did, he wanted her to go to USC – she would do everything in her power to go. Unlike Tiffany, whose favorite activity was rebelling against her dad. But Tiffany was older, wiser, and maybe even “prettier” which is why Manning probably notice her first. Manning was 24 when he first met Lake. She reminded him so much of his younger sister, so he wanted to protect her. However, it’s quite obvious that after a couple interactions Lake developed a crush on him. Manning knew he should stay away, but he couldn’t. So, just like that Tiffany became a pawn in their game of Something In The Way.
Review
Jessica Hawkins is becoming one of my favorite authors. There is just something about the way she writes a book that is sooo good. I did not even think I was going to enjoy this, but I did. I was intrigued to read this because I knew it would be a cheating book but I didn’t know the heroine would be 16 for the duration of this book. To be honest, it did make me uncomfortable that she was underage. I was waiting for the time jump and it never happened. I am glad nothing sexual or even romantic happened between the two characters but there were times it was pretty close which made me even more uncomfortable for obvious reasons. Nonetheless I do want to preface that I would not say I enjoyed this book because of the “romance” between the hero and the heroine. Rather, Jessica’s story telling is so captivating that I just couldn’t stop reading.
↳Plot. The plot was pretty well articulated. Like I previously stated, I only wish the story would just jump until the heroine is 18. Otherwise, that, I think Jessica did a great job with writing the book. Even though the duration of the book is probably only a couple weeks, the book was still interesting and had a good pace. It mostly followed the first couple weeks of Lake and Manning meeting. Lake has already developed a crush on Manning while Manning wants to be a part of Lake’s life but doesn’t know how to properly do it. Jessica Hawkins is amazing at her plot twist and her cliff hangers, so the ending was amazing! I cannot wait to start the second book!
↳Characters. Lake was okay. I am not the biggest fan of YA, and this technically isn’t YA but it felt like it was when I was reading her POV. Lake was a bit annoying and naïve, but it didn’t bother me because she was acting like how a teenager is suppose to act. However, she tried to force a relationship with Manning so much and that was ridiculous to me. Manning continued telling her that they couldn’t do anything, and she just didn’t get that for some reason. Besides that, Lake had to deal with the pressure she had from her parents which was definitely something I could relate to so I think Jessica wrote that side of her life well. Overall Lake was a decent heroine, I am just hoping as the series goes on, she matures.
Manning was okay as well. I don’t know how I feel about him to be honest. At first, he wanted to be friends with Lake because it reminded him of his sister. I understood that reason but after a while, I could obviously see that was no longer the reason. I know this is fiction and he technically never did anything wrong, and he even tried to tell Lake to stay away MUTIPLE times but still, I still felt weird reading this. Especially since near the end, when something almost did happen and if someone didn’t interrupt them who knows what would have happened!??! Besides his relationship with Lake, I didn’t learn too much else about him. So, he was just okay.
↳Romance. To be honest, there is not any romance in this story. Rather, it was a young girl who had a crush on an older guy, and having to deal with watching Tiffany, her sister, date the guy she likes. So, there is not really anything for me to say about the “romance” in this book.
↳Ending Thoughts. As I mentioned earlier, I really like how Jessica is writing this story and I want to see how it ends thus I will definitely be continuing this series.
February 28, 2017
5+ stars!
How the hell are you supposed to get over that? I have so many arc's to read and I can't stop thinking about this book. There's no word in the English dictionary to explain what I'm feeling right now and that ending was HOLY SHIT!!!
Manning and Lake are as forbidden as you can get. She might have seen him first but her sister saw her second. And the fact that she's not of age yet. But their chemistry and connection is all there. It's like they were meant to be together. Soulmates. You can just feel it.
I'm so surprised I haven't read a book by Jessica before. Her books will MAKE. YOU. FEEL. THINGS. Unexplainable things. She steals your attention and makes sure you never leave until you're done. And all that angst! It's like heaven. Now this book does take place in the 90's so I was a bit hesitant to go in since I've never read a book in that time frame but the way Jessica had written it, it didn't feel like I was living in that time - aside from the music references of course.
Their journey is going to be a long one before they can get their HEA. I desperately need the second book asap because that ending was kind of brutal!
An arc was provided in exchange for an honest review!
My world had been so dark before her. It worried me how far I'd go to keep that light in my life.
How the hell are you supposed to get over that? I have so many arc's to read and I can't stop thinking about this book. There's no word in the English dictionary to explain what I'm feeling right now and that ending was HOLY SHIT!!!
Manning and Lake are as forbidden as you can get. She might have seen him first but her sister saw her second. And the fact that she's not of age yet. But their chemistry and connection is all there. It's like they were meant to be together. Soulmates. You can just feel it.
"I don't want to change you."
"You already have."
I'm so surprised I haven't read a book by Jessica before. Her books will MAKE. YOU. FEEL. THINGS. Unexplainable things. She steals your attention and makes sure you never leave until you're done. And all that angst! It's like heaven. Now this book does take place in the 90's so I was a bit hesitant to go in since I've never read a book in that time frame but the way Jessica had written it, it didn't feel like I was living in that time - aside from the music references of course.
Their journey is going to be a long one before they can get their HEA. I desperately need the second book asap because that ending was kind of brutal!
An arc was provided in exchange for an honest review!
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