Scan barcode
authorheatherw's review
3.0
I’m so confused about how I exactly feel about this book. On the one hand, I loved the premise of a heroine suffering from a very real and very serious psychological condition and the detailing of her journey to overcome the problem. My issue was I couldn’t really get past Daniel’s “job.”
Stella was interesting and I found her very relatable. She truly seems to be struggling and it was endearing to see Daniel help her with the debilitating panic attacks she has been experiencing. Daniel and Stella had good chemistry and they were very playful together.
Daniel grew on me a bit but I just couldn’t get over the first scene of the book. He’s having sex with Stella’s mother for money and it gets pretty graphic between them. It was just so weird and uncomfortable and it just seemed gross the way her mother sends him Stella’s way. Plus, he was basically pimping himself out for more art commissions. I guess maybe if he had a reason for the behavior I could’ve cheered him on as a hero but I just didn’t get it.
The author is a talented writer and I found her work wonderfully descriptive. The sex scenes were definitely off the charts. I would certainly read another of her books; I just think my problems with Everything Between Us had to do with my preferences in a leading male love interest. If you like contemporary romances that push the envelope than I’d definitely recommend Everything Between Us.
Rating: 3/5 Stars
I received Everything Between Us as part of the blog tour.
Stella was interesting and I found her very relatable. She truly seems to be struggling and it was endearing to see Daniel help her with the debilitating panic attacks she has been experiencing. Daniel and Stella had good chemistry and they were very playful together.
Daniel grew on me a bit but I just couldn’t get over the first scene of the book. He’s having sex with Stella’s mother for money and it gets pretty graphic between them. It was just so weird and uncomfortable and it just seemed gross the way her mother sends him Stella’s way. Plus, he was basically pimping himself out for more art commissions. I guess maybe if he had a reason for the behavior I could’ve cheered him on as a hero but I just didn’t get it.
The author is a talented writer and I found her work wonderfully descriptive. The sex scenes were definitely off the charts. I would certainly read another of her books; I just think my problems with Everything Between Us had to do with my preferences in a leading male love interest. If you like contemporary romances that push the envelope than I’d definitely recommend Everything Between Us.
Rating: 3/5 Stars
I received Everything Between Us as part of the blog tour.
destiny_jay's review
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
**4.5**
Stella is enclosed in her home and is desperate to escape. Daniel is an artist who struggles to see his worth.
I really enjoyed this novel, my favorite aspect being the duo point of views. I was quite enraptured by both Stella's and Daniel's story both of them having to deal with their own burdens.
In some parts I was both laughing and cringing from how insecure they were with each other. It was honestly quite cheap and I recommend it for those who like new adult novels with depth.
Stella is enclosed in her home and is desperate to escape. Daniel is an artist who struggles to see his worth.
I really enjoyed this novel, my favorite aspect being the duo point of views. I was quite enraptured by both Stella's and Daniel's story both of them having to deal with their own burdens.
In some parts I was both laughing and cringing from how insecure they were with each other. It was honestly quite cheap and I recommend it for those who like new adult novels with depth.
beckymmoe's review
4.0
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 7/24/19.
Okay, I need to get this out of the way first: the hero sleeps with the heroine's mother early on in the book. Multiple times. To receive financial and career benefits. It's a bit hard to get past, and some people might not be able to get past it (which would be a shame, because Daniel and Stella's story is definitely worth the effort) so it really needs to be revealed up front, just in case.
That part of the book is hard to read, but that's who Daniel is at the beginning of the story. He makes safe art and engages in safe "relationships" that won't come close to touching him anywhere that it matters. His mother says to him at one point that when he finds the right woman, she'll "be able to see right through" him and will "like what she sees," and she's right, that's exactly what Stella does and what Daniel needs.
Besides Daniel's extracurricular activities, this book is also hard to read at times because of the difficulties that Stella is having. Ms. Fine/Ms. Ferrera does a stellar job of making us see Stella's anxiety and panic attacks through her eyes, and it's often hard to read. As she starts to make steps toward her recovery, though, it's twice as satisfying, since we're experiencing it all with her.
And then there's the romance--so, so good. Both Daniel and Stella help each other to reveal and heal the parts of them that aren't working right, and it's wonderful to watch. It's going to make seeing them together and happy in the third book ([b:Anything Between Us|46817568|Anything Between Us|Sarah Fine|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1562703088l/46817568._SY75_.jpg|71858454]) that much more satisfying.
Everything Between Us is the second in the series, but would work okay as a standalone if needed. Caleb and Romy play roles here, but you don't have to have read their stories to appreciate the parts they play in Daniel and Stella's. (You should read it, though--just for you. Just sayin'.)
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Okay, I need to get this out of the way first: the hero sleeps with the heroine's mother early on in the book. Multiple times. To receive financial and career benefits. It's a bit hard to get past, and some people might not be able to get past it (which would be a shame, because Daniel and Stella's story is definitely worth the effort) so it really needs to be revealed up front, just in case.
That part of the book is hard to read, but that's who Daniel is at the beginning of the story. He makes safe art and engages in safe "relationships" that won't come close to touching him anywhere that it matters. His mother says to him at one point that when he finds the right woman, she'll "be able to see right through" him and will "like what she sees," and she's right, that's exactly what Stella does and what Daniel needs.
Besides Daniel's extracurricular activities, this book is also hard to read at times because of the difficulties that Stella is having. Ms. Fine/Ms. Ferrera does a stellar job of making us see Stella's anxiety and panic attacks through her eyes, and it's often hard to read. As she starts to make steps toward her recovery, though, it's twice as satisfying, since we're experiencing it all with her.
And then there's the romance--so, so good. Both Daniel and Stella help each other to reveal and heal the parts of them that aren't working right, and it's wonderful to watch. It's going to make seeing them together and happy in the third book ([b:Anything Between Us|46817568|Anything Between Us|Sarah Fine|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1562703088l/46817568._SY75_.jpg|71858454]) that much more satisfying.
Everything Between Us is the second in the series, but would work okay as a standalone if needed. Caleb and Romy play roles here, but you don't have to have read their stories to appreciate the parts they play in Daniel and Stella's. (You should read it, though--just for you. Just sayin'.)
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
daniairdina's review
4.0
I ADORE the development of the two main characters and their relationship. They both supported each other facing their doubts, fears and anxiety. I love the plotline, how Stella deals with her fears with Daniel alongside her, not to help literally but love and support her and respecting her wishes.
Loved this book and the emotional punch it gave my guts ★★★★★.
Loved this book and the emotional punch it gave my guts ★★★★★.
booksbutmakeitgay's review
This book had a premise that could have took the story in a really bad direction, but Mila Ferrera made it beautiful! (:
I really liked the Daniel and Stella didn't start out lusting after each other. And for me I don't usually notice that in books, but it this one it was a nice change. It made their relationship more real. I loved that Stella learned to stand up for herself. I love that the author really showed us the raw and sometimes even crippling side of these panic attacks she was having. Having that insight into her mind made it so much easier to understand all the hard work that she went through to overcome her fear. Even when she realized that she needed to take a step back from everything because it would help her overcome the panic attacks, but even if she would have been content staying where she was. She knew that she couldn't progress if she didn't. To me that really show how strong she had become and how strong she wanted to be. I also really love that she loved to bake. That is something I haven't read about much and it was really cool. I also loved Daniel's best friend Caleb and his girlfriend Romy. (: Their characters to me really helped the story. And now I really want to read Only Between Us (: I thought the ending of this book was really great. It ending in the way I was hoping it would from about 10% of the way though the book. All in all, I loved this book! (:
I really liked the Daniel and Stella didn't start out lusting after each other. And for me I don't usually notice that in books, but it this one it was a nice change. It made their relationship more real. I loved that Stella learned to stand up for herself. I love that the author really showed us the raw and sometimes even crippling side of these panic attacks she was having. Having that insight into her mind made it so much easier to understand all the hard work that she went through to overcome her fear. Even when she realized that she needed to take a step back from everything because it would help her overcome the panic attacks, but even if she would have been content staying where she was. She knew that she couldn't progress if she didn't. To me that really show how strong she had become and how strong she wanted to be. I also really love that she loved to bake. That is something I haven't read about much and it was really cool. I also loved Daniel's best friend Caleb and his girlfriend Romy. (: Their characters to me really helped the story. And now I really want to read Only Between Us (: I thought the ending of this book was really great. It ending in the way I was hoping it would from about 10% of the way though the book. All in all, I loved this book! (:
thesffreader's review
3.0
3.5
It was pretty interesting especially the parts about panic attacks.
I really likes Stella and Daniel though I found the beginning of their relationship a little bit too rushed. It wasn't insta-love but still a bit too fast for my taste.
It was pretty interesting especially the parts about panic attacks.
I really likes Stella and Daniel though I found the beginning of their relationship a little bit too rushed. It wasn't insta-love but still a bit too fast for my taste.
gerireads's review
4.0
4 solid stars!
Okay, I admit I was a bit iffy to start this considering that the hero, before he got together with the heroine, had an affair with her mom.
Nope. You did not read that wrong. It says right there on the blurb.So imagine my surprise when I actually ended up loving/enjoying this book.
Mila Ferrera is not a new author to me. I've read her another book from her called [b:Spiral|18047607|Spiral|Mila Ferrera|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1370959256s/18047607.jpg|25328556], which, again, surprised the heck out of me. I know she writes character driven stories layered with angst with some of the most emotionally broken characters I've come across. But what really drew me to Mila Ferrera's writing is her sensitive approach and knowledge about psychological disorders in her stories.
I especially liked the way she wrote about anxiety disorders in this particular book. Stella was a vibrant junior college at Wellesley until one day, she went back home scared and defeated. Her life literally stopped and became a prisoner in her own home. Her parents didn't quite know how to handle her. They thought she was acting up and urge her to "get over it." Yeah, lovely parents. *sarcasm*
Her mother had this bright idea to enroll Stella in some art lessons done by her current fling, Daniel. Now if you must know, Daniel is an artist. Not exactly struggling but not rolling in money either. To supplement his income, he offers "one-on-one" art lessons to wealthy cougars. In other words, he services them and gives them temporary pleasure. Daniel is conflicted about it but his personality is such that he appears not to take anything seriously so nobody really sees the person he truly is until Stella.
I also like the build up in their relationship. This wasn't the case of insta-love or lust. Although, they did find each other fascinating. The Stella because of her condition and fear, misinterpreted some of Daniel's action which led her toproposition him to have sex with her and paying him a thousand dollars. Daniel did but didn't accept the money as their feelings for each were already developing at this point. I wasn't really bothered by it because the author was able to actually explain their motivation. Did I agree with Stella's decision? Not entirely but looking at it from her POV, it was a logical and consistent with her character.
I rooted for Stella, although at first I wasn't sure I liked her but later on, she grew on me. Her character growth was tremendous. She really fought back and tried to regain her life. I loved that her condition wasn't glossed over by lurve. Quite the opposite, in fact. Despite finally having Daniel in her life, she still went and dealt with her anxiety by actually going to a professional. She didn't get better because of Daniel's lurve or whatever, she got better because she worked at it. And that is why I really liked this book.
If you can get over the icky factor, then pick up this book. It's really quite fascinating. :)
Edit:Daniel stopped sleeping with the mom after he met Stella and discontinued their arrangement which cost him a huge commission andStella was disowned at the end of the book when she finally refused to go back to Wellesley, opting instead to enroll in a culinary school, which is what she actually loved doing .
“I loved her against reason, against promise, against peace, against hope, against happiness, against all discouragement that could be.”
Okay, I admit I was a bit iffy to start this considering that the hero, before he got together with the heroine, had an affair with her mom.
Nope. You did not read that wrong. It says right there on the blurb.So imagine my surprise when I actually ended up loving/enjoying this book.
Mila Ferrera is not a new author to me. I've read her another book from her called [b:Spiral|18047607|Spiral|Mila Ferrera|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1370959256s/18047607.jpg|25328556], which, again, surprised the heck out of me. I know she writes character driven stories layered with angst with some of the most emotionally broken characters I've come across. But what really drew me to Mila Ferrera's writing is her sensitive approach and knowledge about psychological disorders in her stories.
I especially liked the way she wrote about anxiety disorders in this particular book. Stella was a vibrant junior college at Wellesley until one day, she went back home scared and defeated. Her life literally stopped and became a prisoner in her own home. Her parents didn't quite know how to handle her. They thought she was acting up and urge her to "get over it." Yeah, lovely parents. *sarcasm*
Her mother had this bright idea to enroll Stella in some art lessons done by her current fling, Daniel. Now if you must know, Daniel is an artist. Not exactly struggling but not rolling in money either. To supplement his income, he offers "one-on-one" art lessons to wealthy cougars. In other words, he services them and gives them temporary pleasure. Daniel is conflicted about it but his personality is such that he appears not to take anything seriously so nobody really sees the person he truly is until Stella.
I also like the build up in their relationship. This wasn't the case of insta-love or lust. Although, they did find each other fascinating. The Stella because of her condition and fear, misinterpreted some of Daniel's action which led her to
I rooted for Stella, although at first I wasn't sure I liked her but later on, she grew on me. Her character growth was tremendous. She really fought back and tried to regain her life. I loved that her condition wasn't glossed over by lurve. Quite the opposite, in fact. Despite finally having Daniel in her life, she still went and dealt with her anxiety by actually going to a professional. She didn't get better because of Daniel's lurve or whatever, she got better because she worked at it. And that is why I really liked this book.
If you can get over the icky factor, then pick up this book. It's really quite fascinating. :)
Edit:Daniel stopped sleeping with the mom after he met Stella and discontinued their arrangement which cost him a huge commission and
camillessi's review
5.0
This book was amazing. It may not be the book for everyone, because it does have a few squicky things (the hero is having an affair with the heroine's mother at the beginning) but for me, it was perfect. Sometimes we need books that make us feel uncomfortable.
Not many authors—particularly romance authors—deal with mental illness as tastefully and realistically as Ferrera did in this book. There is no magical love healing. There is no codependency. In fact, a hug part of the novel was Stella—the heroine—working through her problems without relying on Daniel. I love that. In real life, nobody's crippling mental illness can be cured with a hot boy who says sweet things. This is such a rare find in romance that this novel is definitely one of my top recommendations now. Also, this book means a lot to me in particular because I struggle with similar problems that Stella does. While mine aren't to the same extent, it was still so nice to read about a character who is like me. Anxiety is something not often legitimized in novels, so this novel will definitely stay close to my heart.
The romance was done very well. There was a lot of buildup, which I like. There was no insta-love or anything of the sort. Stella and Daniel gradually start to like each other, and the L-word takes a while to come into play. Personally, I love slow-build romances that sort of creep up on you. It didn't feel forced at all. Stella and Daniel just fit each other.
There were, of course, misunderstandings, as you will always find in any romance novel, but these were far from superficial. Their reasons for believing the worst were legitimate and believable.
All in all, this is a wonderful book that stands out from other NA novels. I'd recommend this for anyone who is just getting into NA and doesn't want to wade through all the bad first, or for people who are tired of NA cliches and want something different.
I can't think of anything to complain about with this book, except that I think some paragraphs were too long and could have been broken up. Otherwise, I loved everything about this book!
Not many authors—particularly romance authors—deal with mental illness as tastefully and realistically as Ferrera did in this book. There is no magical love healing. There is no codependency. In fact, a hug part of the novel was Stella—the heroine—working through her problems without relying on Daniel. I love that. In real life, nobody's crippling mental illness can be cured with a hot boy who says sweet things. This is such a rare find in romance that this novel is definitely one of my top recommendations now. Also, this book means a lot to me in particular because I struggle with similar problems that Stella does. While mine aren't to the same extent, it was still so nice to read about a character who is like me. Anxiety is something not often legitimized in novels, so this novel will definitely stay close to my heart.
The romance was done very well. There was a lot of buildup, which I like. There was no insta-love or anything of the sort. Stella and Daniel gradually start to like each other, and the L-word takes a while to come into play. Personally, I love slow-build romances that sort of creep up on you. It didn't feel forced at all. Stella and Daniel just fit each other.
There were, of course, misunderstandings, as you will always find in any romance novel, but these were far from superficial. Their reasons for believing the worst were legitimate and believable.
All in all, this is a wonderful book that stands out from other NA novels. I'd recommend this for anyone who is just getting into NA and doesn't want to wade through all the bad first, or for people who are tired of NA cliches and want something different.
I can't think of anything to complain about with this book, except that I think some paragraphs were too long and could have been broken up. Otherwise, I loved everything about this book!
More...