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caseroo7's review against another edition
3.0
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
Let me just start off by saying that little sister and brother's best friend books are seriously my crack. I cannot get enough, and I will read every single one that crosses my path. For real, I cannot turn them down. That being said, I really wanted to read this one because I enjoy Michelle Lynn's writing and have liked other books that I have read by her. Love Surfaced was a good story, and there were a lot of things I liked. But I also had some mixed feelings because there some things that I really didn't like as well.
Piper Ashby has grown up with Tanner McCain and has loved him for most of her life. Her twin brother Brad Ashby is Tanner's best friend, and all three of them spent a lot of time together growing up and pursuing their dreams of being US Olympic swimmers. When they are seniors in college, Piper and Tanner finally decide to give in to their feelings and begin a secret relationship. But when Piper finds out that Tanner lied to her, she ends things and cuts all ties with him. Two years go by without contact, until her brother is preparing for his wedding with Tanner being his best man. Now Tanner is back and is determined to win Piper back, but Piper isn't ready to forgive him, Can Tanner get her to finally hear his side to the story and take a chance on a future with him, or will Piper and Tanner be over for good?
One of my biggest issues with this story I am sad to say was Piper. This girl was so insecure, and it absolutely drove me nuts. She was weak and it didn't get better. I honestly believe that if it weren't for her best friend Bea, that she would have pretty much ruined her entire life because of her fears. She would have moments where it appeared that she was finally making progress, but then it would just disappear and she would be back to the same scared little girl. She was wishy washy and I just wanted her to believe in herself and in the feelings and connection that she had with Tanner. Tanner was another problem for me. While I liked his character, I felt like there were a lot of things that he should have done differently. He didn't encourage attention from other girls, but yet he didn't really handle it either. He would let them flirt and touch him in front of Piper without really pushing them away. He also let Piper get away with running from him without ever knowing exactly what had happened. I understood part of that as the story unfolded, but why did it take him two years to finally try and get her back? He could have easily reached out to her before then or made an effort, and that just didn't seem to fit with his personality and claims to have loved her forever. Especially if he was so hung up on Piper as to have never been able to move on with other women.
While I thought that these two had chemistry and a bond forged through years of friendship, I also felt like there were some inconsistencies in the story regarding their relationship throughout the years. At some points it was stated that Tanner would torment Piper when they were younger, yet then it would be stated that he was also the one that would protect her and was the one she would turn to for a safe haven. It just didn't fit, and without seeing their childhood I was left a bit confused. I think part of my problem was that this story was told only from Piper's POV, so we were left wondering what was really going on in Tanner's head. I also felt like Piper's brother had really affected their relationship and he was such a jerk. He really pissed me off, and I couldn't believe everything that he pulled in this story. For him to have done the things that he did and have to be forced by others around him to ever do the right thing really bothered me. Brad needed to grow up and I really wanted to hit him. For me, the huge secret wasn't as big of a deal as it was made out to be and I thought that Piper overreacted. A lot of the blame for this is on her, though I do believe that others had a part in it as well. I just felt like this story took some turns that I couldn't really get behind. While I liked Piper and Tanner together, I felt like a lot of the angst and drama was a bit over the top. These two should have been able to talk and explain things to each other, and neither of them did until it was years after the face. While I like Michelle Lynn's books, I have to say this one wasn't my favorite. I will still read more from her in the future, but this one wasn't what I had thought it was going to be going in.
**ARC Provided by Book Plug Promotions**
Let me just start off by saying that little sister and brother's best friend books are seriously my crack. I cannot get enough, and I will read every single one that crosses my path. For real, I cannot turn them down. That being said, I really wanted to read this one because I enjoy Michelle Lynn's writing and have liked other books that I have read by her. Love Surfaced was a good story, and there were a lot of things I liked. But I also had some mixed feelings because there some things that I really didn't like as well.
Piper Ashby has grown up with Tanner McCain and has loved him for most of her life. Her twin brother Brad Ashby is Tanner's best friend, and all three of them spent a lot of time together growing up and pursuing their dreams of being US Olympic swimmers. When they are seniors in college, Piper and Tanner finally decide to give in to their feelings and begin a secret relationship. But when Piper finds out that Tanner lied to her, she ends things and cuts all ties with him. Two years go by without contact, until her brother is preparing for his wedding with Tanner being his best man. Now Tanner is back and is determined to win Piper back, but Piper isn't ready to forgive him, Can Tanner get her to finally hear his side to the story and take a chance on a future with him, or will Piper and Tanner be over for good?
One of my biggest issues with this story I am sad to say was Piper. This girl was so insecure, and it absolutely drove me nuts. She was weak and it didn't get better. I honestly believe that if it weren't for her best friend Bea, that she would have pretty much ruined her entire life because of her fears. She would have moments where it appeared that she was finally making progress, but then it would just disappear and she would be back to the same scared little girl. She was wishy washy and I just wanted her to believe in herself and in the feelings and connection that she had with Tanner. Tanner was another problem for me. While I liked his character, I felt like there were a lot of things that he should have done differently. He didn't encourage attention from other girls, but yet he didn't really handle it either. He would let them flirt and touch him in front of Piper without really pushing them away. He also let Piper get away with running from him without ever knowing exactly what had happened. I understood part of that as the story unfolded, but why did it take him two years to finally try and get her back? He could have easily reached out to her before then or made an effort, and that just didn't seem to fit with his personality and claims to have loved her forever. Especially if he was so hung up on Piper as to have never been able to move on with other women.
While I thought that these two had chemistry and a bond forged through years of friendship, I also felt like there were some inconsistencies in the story regarding their relationship throughout the years. At some points it was stated that Tanner would torment Piper when they were younger, yet then it would be stated that he was also the one that would protect her and was the one she would turn to for a safe haven. It just didn't fit, and without seeing their childhood I was left a bit confused. I think part of my problem was that this story was told only from Piper's POV, so we were left wondering what was really going on in Tanner's head. I also felt like Piper's brother had really affected their relationship and he was such a jerk. He really pissed me off, and I couldn't believe everything that he pulled in this story. For him to have done the things that he did and have to be forced by others around him to ever do the right thing really bothered me. Brad needed to grow up and I really wanted to hit him. For me, the huge secret wasn't as big of a deal as it was made out to be and I thought that Piper overreacted. A lot of the blame for this is on her, though I do believe that others had a part in it as well. I just felt like this story took some turns that I couldn't really get behind. While I liked Piper and Tanner together, I felt like a lot of the angst and drama was a bit over the top. These two should have been able to talk and explain things to each other, and neither of them did until it was years after the face. While I like Michelle Lynn's books, I have to say this one wasn't my favorite. I will still read more from her in the future, but this one wasn't what I had thought it was going to be going in.
**ARC Provided by Book Plug Promotions**
syndi3's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is a decent read. Decent.
However what is lacking is the layer, the thickening of the plot, the angst and the character development is very poor. Because of that the writing feels very very dragging with no content or plot building. The author tries to build the plot by the 'thing' Tanner confess to Piper. But then the plot or the mystery becomes died down and only revealed toward the ending of the book.
Like I said this is still a decent read for New Adult book.
However what is lacking is the layer, the thickening of the plot, the angst and the character development is very poor. Because of that the writing feels very very dragging with no content or plot building. The author tries to build the plot by the 'thing' Tanner confess to Piper. But then the plot or the mystery becomes died down and only revealed toward the ending of the book.
Like I said this is still a decent read for New Adult book.
chroniclesofabookreader's review
3.0
Piper grew up in a trio: Piper, her brother, Brad, and Tanner. She has always harbored feelings for Tanner, but refrained since she figured he only saw her as his best friend’s twin sister. But, as most things do, they come to a boiling point in college. The tension ramps up, the ogling becomes naughty, and before she knows it, Tanner is admitting his feelings for her. She’s ecstatic, feeling like her dreams are coming true–but everything changes a short while after they’ve been together. Now, two years later, they’re forced to be around each other again…and that sexual tension is quadruple as bad as it was before. But can she forgive him for what he did?
Tanner is a champion swimmer with big plans to be an Olympian. He wants nothing more than to achieve that–other than Piper. He’s always wanted her, but stayed away because of Brad, feeling like he’d betray his best friend if he crossed that line. Once he finally says, “screw it,” and goes for Piper, he’s all in. They have an explosive coupling…the only problem is that it’s in secret. He keeps it a secret, upon her request, but he itches to claim her to everyone. It’s what he’s wanted for years. But when something threatens his chances at one of his dreams, it becomes what rips them apart. When he sees Piper again two years later, he’s not willing to give anymore time. But she won’t listen to him, won’t let him explain.
Piper and Tanner’s love story was the kind that I enjoy–the forbidden, “he’s my brother’s best friend,” kind. The ultimate tale of hidden touches, and secretive glances. Secrets and lies just to be together. While I enjoyed the premise, I did, at times, have trouble connecting with the writing. I felt like I was reading on the surface, if that makes sense, instead of being inside the story. The first part was slow in that manner, but once they part, it’s like Ms. Lynn hit her stride. Things began to get more interesting and I was able to get more invested in it. I think what’s most appealing is that you see them just before, during, and after their relationship. The point where they’re struggling with their remaining attraction and they are trying incredibly hard to push it down because of what’s happened between them in the past, and being able to still hold that sexual tension along with your attention without it stringing out too far…I felt it hit that just right. A tension-filled romance of two childhood friends finally getting what they’ve always wanted, even with some bumps along the way.
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
Tanner is a champion swimmer with big plans to be an Olympian. He wants nothing more than to achieve that–other than Piper. He’s always wanted her, but stayed away because of Brad, feeling like he’d betray his best friend if he crossed that line. Once he finally says, “screw it,” and goes for Piper, he’s all in. They have an explosive coupling…the only problem is that it’s in secret. He keeps it a secret, upon her request, but he itches to claim her to everyone. It’s what he’s wanted for years. But when something threatens his chances at one of his dreams, it becomes what rips them apart. When he sees Piper again two years later, he’s not willing to give anymore time. But she won’t listen to him, won’t let him explain.
Piper and Tanner’s love story was the kind that I enjoy–the forbidden, “he’s my brother’s best friend,” kind. The ultimate tale of hidden touches, and secretive glances. Secrets and lies just to be together. While I enjoyed the premise, I did, at times, have trouble connecting with the writing. I felt like I was reading on the surface, if that makes sense, instead of being inside the story. The first part was slow in that manner, but once they part, it’s like Ms. Lynn hit her stride. Things began to get more interesting and I was able to get more invested in it. I think what’s most appealing is that you see them just before, during, and after their relationship. The point where they’re struggling with their remaining attraction and they are trying incredibly hard to push it down because of what’s happened between them in the past, and being able to still hold that sexual tension along with your attention without it stringing out too far…I felt it hit that just right. A tension-filled romance of two childhood friends finally getting what they’ve always wanted, even with some bumps along the way.
**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**
addy1991's review
2.0
Started off liking the characters and their story, but by the end found that I wasn't convinced it was love but lust fueling their relationship. I also stopped liking the characters and found myself no longer rooting for them. This usually doesn't happen so it was a bit of a surprise and even bigger surprise that I kept reading to see if things would improve. For me, they didn't.
bibliofangirl's review
4.0
This book was so good! The writing was good, the characters were great. I really enjoyed it!
babblingchatterreads's review
4.0
We have twin siblings, Brad and Piper Ashby. We have best friends Brad and Tanner McCain. The connection between Tanner and Piper is that they are close friends but cannot be nothing more. This is the dynamics for this group of friends since they were kids.
Brad, Tanner, and Piper are all swimmers working their way to be in the Olympics. One would do what it takes to get were they need to be, one is afraid that they do what they can do to be more than enough, and one tends to work harder to prove their worth in reaching their dream. But regardless of their personalities they all care deeply for each other and will protect one another at all costs.
"Why now?" I ask, my hand rises to my mouth, and I start biting my nails, hoping that I'm not blowing my chance by questioning his intentions. "I honestly can't stay away anymore." He doesn't falter on his response.
Over time the flirty banter and the random touches between two long times friends grow into wanting more but feelings are held back because of being something other than friendship would change everything. But what if you no longer can hide what you want? This is the case for Piper and Tanner. Two people finally giving in but only in secret until one day Tanner finally convinces Piper to let their relationship out in the open; however, that day ended up not happening due to a shocking turn of events that screws it all up.
“It’s taken me two years to get here.” He pins me with his eyes. “I’m done playing games now and I want you back.”
Trust and lies can definitely make or break a relationship regardless if it is a family member and/or someone you are involve with. This is the choice that Piper is face between her twin brother and the one that she is in love with, Tanner, her brother’s best friend. The 4 stars read had a little bit of everything that would keep you curious for more. How is that when something is going well something comes along and takes it away? This is the first book I have read by this author and it was one I enjoyed. A unique love story in falling for someone you need to stay away from. #lovesurfaced #michellelynn #bradashby #piperashby #tannermccain
Brad, Tanner, and Piper are all swimmers working their way to be in the Olympics. One would do what it takes to get were they need to be, one is afraid that they do what they can do to be more than enough, and one tends to work harder to prove their worth in reaching their dream. But regardless of their personalities they all care deeply for each other and will protect one another at all costs.
"Why now?" I ask, my hand rises to my mouth, and I start biting my nails, hoping that I'm not blowing my chance by questioning his intentions. "I honestly can't stay away anymore." He doesn't falter on his response.
Over time the flirty banter and the random touches between two long times friends grow into wanting more but feelings are held back because of being something other than friendship would change everything. But what if you no longer can hide what you want? This is the case for Piper and Tanner. Two people finally giving in but only in secret until one day Tanner finally convinces Piper to let their relationship out in the open; however, that day ended up not happening due to a shocking turn of events that screws it all up.
“It’s taken me two years to get here.” He pins me with his eyes. “I’m done playing games now and I want you back.”
Trust and lies can definitely make or break a relationship regardless if it is a family member and/or someone you are involve with. This is the choice that Piper is face between her twin brother and the one that she is in love with, Tanner, her brother’s best friend. The 4 stars read had a little bit of everything that would keep you curious for more. How is that when something is going well something comes along and takes it away? This is the first book I have read by this author and it was one I enjoyed. A unique love story in falling for someone you need to stay away from. #lovesurfaced #michellelynn #bradashby #piperashby #tannermccain
talonvictoria's review
5.0
Freaking. A. I have a tendency to one click a crap ton of books so they usually build up on my kindle and I completely forget all about them. I caught this cover skimming through, deciding what to read next and wtf, WHY did I wait so long to read this book? If you know me, you know I loved that angst. I love the anxiety and stress I develop from another person. I love the push and pull of my heart strings and being so eager to flip to the next page. So let me introduce...
Piper knows that she has been in love with Tanner for as long as she can remember. He is her twin brothers best friend and he has always manage to filtrate her life and be there for her completely. At some point in time their relationship shifts and something changes in the both of them. They start this secret fling and just as quick as it started, it all falls apart and shit! my heart was torn into smithereens. I wasn't bored once with this story. It didn't take me a week to read this one. I freaking tore through this story and the story flowed through me like smooth butter. The words and feelings were just so THERE.
Here are some things I loved:
The writing.
The humor
Piper
Tanner
The tension
The angst
The story line
I didn't find the story predictable at all. I felt as though everything flowed well together. There is an event that arises and creates distance between Piper and Tanner and I was so pissed and tortured because we don't ever really know exactly what happened between them to push them apart (until later, that is) A situation that creates a distance between Tanner and Piper. There are missed opportunities and misunderstandings and lack of communication and you are just being the reader, not being able to communicate with the people in the book. Or shake them. Or scream at them. UGH. See what I mean, angsty.
Piper knows that she has been in love with Tanner for as long as she can remember. He is her twin brothers best friend and he has always manage to filtrate her life and be there for her completely. At some point in time their relationship shifts and something changes in the both of them. They start this secret fling and just as quick as it started, it all falls apart and shit! my heart was torn into smithereens. I wasn't bored once with this story. It didn't take me a week to read this one. I freaking tore through this story and the story flowed through me like smooth butter. The words and feelings were just so THERE.
Here are some things I loved:
The writing.
The humor
Piper
Tanner
The tension
The angst
The story line
I didn't find the story predictable at all. I felt as though everything flowed well together. There is an event that arises and creates distance between Piper and Tanner and I was so pissed and tortured because we don't ever really know exactly what happened between them to push them apart (until later, that is) A situation that creates a distance between Tanner and Piper. There are missed opportunities and misunderstandings and lack of communication and you are just being the reader, not being able to communicate with the people in the book. Or shake them. Or scream at them. UGH. See what I mean, angsty.
m3l89's review
1.0
Full of teenage angst. Not much plot. All the descriptions were glossed over and rushed other than the sex scenes which gave the impression that these were written first and the rest of the story was made to fit around them. On saying that, I felt the opening chapters at the college party were an accurate reflection of that age group but I didn't feel the characters progressed past that college mentality.