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magencorrie's review
4.0
4 stars!
Oh! What a fun, emotional, and heartfelt read! I thoroughly enjoyed Pieces of Olivia and I'm so happy I picked it up!
Oh! What a fun, emotional, and heartfelt read! I thoroughly enjoyed Pieces of Olivia and I'm so happy I picked it up!
ambeesbookishpages's review
4.0
This review and more can be found at The Book Bratz
I won't lie. Going into this book I was nervous. I don't read contemporary fiction much. Actually I never do. I usual need a book with a fantasy or sci-fi aspect to keep my interest. But Pieces of Olivia was different. I was hooked with in the first few chapters, and by hooked I mean: I abandoned all my responsibilities to read.
Olivia, how my heart broke for her when she would talk about the night of the party, the one where she ended up scared and broken. The end of high school the start of college is suppose to be a good time, not one filled with nightmares and lost. But when she enrolls at Charleston to restart her life she never planned on meeting Preston. Olivia's roommate, Kara's best friend.
Preston isn't the type of person so have a long lasting relationship. He has flings that last for a bit and then end. Kara gets stuck being the between girl, stuck listening to these girls complain about Preston and she hates it.
When Olivia asks why Preston doesn't do the relationship thing she receives the reply from Kara that is isn't her story to tell. When she asks Preston, he tells her the same thing: It isn't his story. So that leaves you wondering. Who story is it then?
All through out the book there was always this strange tension between Kara and Preston that I was dying to know, and then bam! You find out and your heart splits open and you look for your box of tissues. I could only imagine what ran through Olivia's head.
"I can't breathe when you're around. I can't think. I can't control my mind and forget my body. I am useless and weak and I hate this version of myself. Yet... I have never wanted anyone like I want you."
The book takes place over a couple of months, from the start of their first semester and into part of their second semester. So the romance wasn't fast, it was set overtime and I loved that. I don't like books where the Main Characters rush into a relationship head first and saying "I love you." It is just not real like that. Plus, Olivia wanted him and slowly fell for him through out the book.
I really adored Preston and Olivia's relationship. He never pushed her to tell about her past, and when you have a dark past you don't want someone pushing for you to tell it. That is just how it is. But Olivia wasn't the only one in the book with a story, and Preston's reasoning for not dating long term bought tears to my eyes.
Now Rose, I loved her. Her and Olivia's relationship wasn't one of a patient and a doctor, it was like two friends. At first when Rose was talking about ghost I thought the woman was crazy, but then as Melissa introduced her tp you began to see that she was a good thing for Olivia to have.
Now, I must wait until December of Miles of Kara by Melissa West, which as the title says is about Kara. *sighs* Melissa West also said that the cover for the second book will be even better then the first. *even bigger sigh* But I still have to wait!
RATING: ★★★★
I won't lie. Going into this book I was nervous. I don't read contemporary fiction much. Actually I never do. I usual need a book with a fantasy or sci-fi aspect to keep my interest. But Pieces of Olivia was different. I was hooked with in the first few chapters, and by hooked I mean: I abandoned all my responsibilities to read.
Olivia, how my heart broke for her when she would talk about the night of the party, the one where she ended up scared and broken. The end of high school the start of college is suppose to be a good time, not one filled with nightmares and lost. But when she enrolls at Charleston to restart her life she never planned on meeting Preston. Olivia's roommate, Kara's best friend.
Preston isn't the type of person so have a long lasting relationship. He has flings that last for a bit and then end. Kara gets stuck being the between girl, stuck listening to these girls complain about Preston and she hates it.
When Olivia asks why Preston doesn't do the relationship thing she receives the reply from Kara that is isn't her story to tell. When she asks Preston, he tells her the same thing: It isn't his story. So that leaves you wondering. Who story is it then?
All through out the book there was always this strange tension between Kara and Preston that I was dying to know, and then bam! You find out and your heart splits open and you look for your box of tissues. I could only imagine what ran through Olivia's head.
"I can't breathe when you're around. I can't think. I can't control my mind and forget my body. I am useless and weak and I hate this version of myself. Yet... I have never wanted anyone like I want you."
The book takes place over a couple of months, from the start of their first semester and into part of their second semester. So the romance wasn't fast, it was set overtime and I loved that. I don't like books where the Main Characters rush into a relationship head first and saying "I love you." It is just not real like that. Plus, Olivia wanted him and slowly fell for him through out the book.
I really adored Preston and Olivia's relationship. He never pushed her to tell about her past, and when you have a dark past you don't want someone pushing for you to tell it. That is just how it is. But Olivia wasn't the only one in the book with a story, and Preston's reasoning for not dating long term bought tears to my eyes.
Now Rose, I loved her. Her and Olivia's relationship wasn't one of a patient and a doctor, it was like two friends. At first when Rose was talking about ghost I thought the woman was crazy, but then as Melissa introduced her tp you began to see that she was a good thing for Olivia to have.
Now, I must wait until December of Miles of Kara by Melissa West, which as the title says is about Kara. *sighs* Melissa West also said that the cover for the second book will be even better then the first. *even bigger sigh* But I still have to wait!
RATING: ★★★★
erinarkin20's review
5.0
4.5 stars
This book is a perfect example of why I continue to come back to the New Adult genre. It has complex characters and a story that wouldn't allow me to put the book down until I finished. Preston is extra swoony...which everyone should know I love.
I loved everything about this story and absolutely look forward to the next book in the series. Definitely check this one out when you get a chance!
Full review to come closer to release date - for now I leave you with this because it pretty much captures my afternoon activity after starting this book.
Review Updated May 2014
Pieces of Olivia by Melissa West is the first of the Charleston Haven New Adult series and I have to let you all know that this book is an example of why I keep coming back to the New Adult genre. This review will not have any spoilers as I don’t want to give anything away but know that there are interesting and real characters, a plot that kept me interested, and of course, plenty of swoon.
Olivia is starting college and it is clear that things aren’t exactly what she thought they would be. She isn’t at Columbia (like her parents had hoped) – instead she is at the College of Charleston and moving into the dorm. It is also clear that she is running away from something…we just don’t find out exactly what until later in the story as this is told real time and we pick up with Olivia the day she is moving into her dorm.
I liked Olivia as the main character. She is clearly struggling with something and she isn’t completely ready to move on. Despite that, she has decided to try to start completely over in a new town where no one knows about her past and the reason for the scars she has – both physical and mental. As she opens the door to her dorm room the first person she meets is Preston Riggs and boy does he make an impression.
Olivia also meets her roommate, Kara and they quickly become friends. Kara is definitely more outgoing than Olivia is and through her, Olivia begins to meet people and get out of her room and her head. She is also Preston’s best friend and knows things about him that no one else does. Olivia doesn’t take advantage of this but she definitely feels that there is something they are keeping from her at certain points of the story. I am absolutely looking forward to her story as I thought she was a solid character and based on the end of this book, I am intrigued to see what happens.
Preston is officially on the swoony boy list…no question. Despite Olivia’s initial impression of Preston, he isn’t really the playboy she assumes he is. Yes, he has issues with commitment because of something that happened in his past and he sticks to his rule around no serious relationships…until he starts to get close to Olivia. I love that he calls her “Small Town” and when they go fishing and when they are almost busted at the party and he tells her “I’ve got you”….I could definitely go on and on but I think everyone needs to experience him for themselves so I will leave you with this:
One of the things that Olivia had to agree to before her parents would let her go to school was that she would see a therapist. This agreement introduces Rose and she pushes Olivia to face the things she has been avoiding for a long time. I thought she added a layer to the story that was critical and without her; the story would have been very different.
As friendships and relationships begin to develop, the story unfolds and I enjoyed every minute of this book. West did a wonderful job of creating these complex characters and revealing their stories in a way that kept me turning the pages just to find out what was really going on. As her first story in the New Adult genre I have to congratulate her as she has created a wonderful and intense story that is exactly the reason why I continue to come back to it. If you enjoy NA, definitely check this one out when you can – I am positive you will enjoy it. I myself am absolutely looking forward to book two of this series and will pick it up as soon as I possibly can.
This book is a perfect example of why I continue to come back to the New Adult genre. It has complex characters and a story that wouldn't allow me to put the book down until I finished. Preston is extra swoony...which everyone should know I love.
I loved everything about this story and absolutely look forward to the next book in the series. Definitely check this one out when you get a chance!
Full review to come closer to release date - for now I leave you with this because it pretty much captures my afternoon activity after starting this book.
Review Updated May 2014
Pieces of Olivia by Melissa West is the first of the Charleston Haven New Adult series and I have to let you all know that this book is an example of why I keep coming back to the New Adult genre. This review will not have any spoilers as I don’t want to give anything away but know that there are interesting and real characters, a plot that kept me interested, and of course, plenty of swoon.
Olivia is starting college and it is clear that things aren’t exactly what she thought they would be. She isn’t at Columbia (like her parents had hoped) – instead she is at the College of Charleston and moving into the dorm. It is also clear that she is running away from something…we just don’t find out exactly what until later in the story as this is told real time and we pick up with Olivia the day she is moving into her dorm.
I liked Olivia as the main character. She is clearly struggling with something and she isn’t completely ready to move on. Despite that, she has decided to try to start completely over in a new town where no one knows about her past and the reason for the scars she has – both physical and mental. As she opens the door to her dorm room the first person she meets is Preston Riggs and boy does he make an impression.
Olivia also meets her roommate, Kara and they quickly become friends. Kara is definitely more outgoing than Olivia is and through her, Olivia begins to meet people and get out of her room and her head. She is also Preston’s best friend and knows things about him that no one else does. Olivia doesn’t take advantage of this but she definitely feels that there is something they are keeping from her at certain points of the story. I am absolutely looking forward to her story as I thought she was a solid character and based on the end of this book, I am intrigued to see what happens.
Preston is officially on the swoony boy list…no question. Despite Olivia’s initial impression of Preston, he isn’t really the playboy she assumes he is. Yes, he has issues with commitment because of something that happened in his past and he sticks to his rule around no serious relationships…until he starts to get close to Olivia. I love that he calls her “Small Town” and when they go fishing and when they are almost busted at the party and he tells her “I’ve got you”….I could definitely go on and on but I think everyone needs to experience him for themselves so I will leave you with this:
One of the things that Olivia had to agree to before her parents would let her go to school was that she would see a therapist. This agreement introduces Rose and she pushes Olivia to face the things she has been avoiding for a long time. I thought she added a layer to the story that was critical and without her; the story would have been very different.
As friendships and relationships begin to develop, the story unfolds and I enjoyed every minute of this book. West did a wonderful job of creating these complex characters and revealing their stories in a way that kept me turning the pages just to find out what was really going on. As her first story in the New Adult genre I have to congratulate her as she has created a wonderful and intense story that is exactly the reason why I continue to come back to it. If you enjoy NA, definitely check this one out when you can – I am positive you will enjoy it. I myself am absolutely looking forward to book two of this series and will pick it up as soon as I possibly can.
cupcakegirly's review
3.0
I am a BIG fan of Melissa West's, Gravity, a YA Sci-Fi trilogy and was really excited to read her New Adult debut, Pieces Of Olivia. It has everything NA readers want; love, loss, romance and face fanning sexy times.
The twist, which I figured out early on, is different and more than a little awkward. I'm not sure how I would feel if I was in Olivia's position, but that's just me. The characters are enjoyable (especially Preston) and I liked the underlying theme of forgiveness.
A preview of the next installment in this series is included and promises a hot guy with an accent. Fans of New Adult should definitely give this one a chance.
The twist, which I figured out early on, is different and more than a little awkward. I'm not sure how I would feel if I was in Olivia's position, but that's just me. The characters are enjoyable (especially Preston) and I liked the underlying theme of forgiveness.
A preview of the next installment in this series is included and promises a hot guy with an accent. Fans of New Adult should definitely give this one a chance.
katsmiao's review
5.0
This is one of those books that blew me away. I didn't just love it, I think it's spectacular.
I have been lucky and been able to review many really good book. But since I get so many review copies, I rarely buy anymore. As soon as I finished this, I pre-ordered the second book on amazon.
Putting my money where my mouth is, is really the highest praise I can give a book.
Excellent story, really great writing, an emotional roller coaster, and you can't help but empathize with Olivia. This book touched me in a way that I haven't been touched by a book in a long time.
I have been lucky and been able to review many really good book. But since I get so many review copies, I rarely buy anymore. As soon as I finished this, I pre-ordered the second book on amazon.
Putting my money where my mouth is, is really the highest praise I can give a book.
Excellent story, really great writing, an emotional roller coaster, and you can't help but empathize with Olivia. This book touched me in a way that I haven't been touched by a book in a long time.
siobhan27's review
4.0
I picked this book up by chance because I saw Melissa West tweet about it being free to download on Netgalley for a day. So I did and I very glad I started reading it because I fell in love with this book right from the beginning.
Olivia is a broken character. you can tell from the moment you meet her that she dealing with some serious grief and that it is taking over her life. You could tell how much she cared for other, but how she would always keep them at am arms length because she was afraid to lose them. and it is not until about half way though the book do we find out why. And I have to say that I do not cry very much when reading books, it takes a lot, but Melissa made me cry on more than ONE occasion because Olivia just felt so real and her grief felt so overwhelming. I felt everything that she felt and I knew that by the end of the book, Olivia was going to be one of those characters that sticks with you.
The main focus of this book, besides Olivia getting through her grief, was her relationship with Preston. The reason I liked them together so much was because of how slow their relationship progressed. it was a relief to not see an insta-love situation in a book. Although you could tell right away that there was some serious sexual tension, they never acted on it. Throughout the book you could tell that Preston was harboring a secret, one that could make or break their relationship. I will say that I figured it out faster than i think was supposed to, so that kind of ruined it for me, and I think the way Olivia reacted to it, although a bit over dramatic, felt real. These two have quickly become some of my fav couples, and their sexy scenes were well worth the wait ;)
Friendship is another thing that I loved in this book. Olivia is very hesitant to let anyone in, but she lets Kara in, her roommate and Preston's best friend. I loved their relationship because it was guarded at the beginning and then you watched Olivia's walls start to fall down, and Kara was a great person to do that. She was such a great secondary character and I am so happy that she is going to get her own book next. I cannot wait to read her characters next journey!
Olivia is a broken character. you can tell from the moment you meet her that she dealing with some serious grief and that it is taking over her life. You could tell how much she cared for other, but how she would always keep them at am arms length because she was afraid to lose them. and it is not until about half way though the book do we find out why. And I have to say that I do not cry very much when reading books, it takes a lot, but Melissa made me cry on more than ONE occasion because Olivia just felt so real and her grief felt so overwhelming. I felt everything that she felt and I knew that by the end of the book, Olivia was going to be one of those characters that sticks with you.
The main focus of this book, besides Olivia getting through her grief, was her relationship with Preston. The reason I liked them together so much was because of how slow their relationship progressed. it was a relief to not see an insta-love situation in a book. Although you could tell right away that there was some serious sexual tension, they never acted on it. Throughout the book you could tell that Preston was harboring a secret, one that could make or break their relationship. I will say that I figured it out faster than i think was supposed to, so that kind of ruined it for me, and I think the way Olivia reacted to it, although a bit over dramatic, felt real. These two have quickly become some of my fav couples, and their sexy scenes were well worth the wait ;)
Friendship is another thing that I loved in this book. Olivia is very hesitant to let anyone in, but she lets Kara in, her roommate and Preston's best friend. I loved their relationship because it was guarded at the beginning and then you watched Olivia's walls start to fall down, and Kara was a great person to do that. She was such a great secondary character and I am so happy that she is going to get her own book next. I cannot wait to read her characters next journey!
bookishanjali's review
4.0
4.5 Stars
I love Melissa West's The Taking series so when I saw Pieces of Olivia and who the author was I knew I had to grab it. Yes this is a contemporary vs her other series which is Sci-Fi but I love her writing so I picked it up and I really enjoyed it.
Olivia is broken she has suffered something that I can't even imagine having to go through. I found myself connecting to her instantly, it was hard not to. West has a way of writing that makes you feel the characters pain right alongside with them. What made it even that much more better were the letters Olivia wrote to Trisha, every time I read one it just made my heart break but through those letters you really got to know Olivia's state of mind.
There were other characters I really loved which was Kara, Olivia's roommate and Preston, Kara's best friend. Kara was as good of a friend as they come but you know there is more to her then meets the eye and luckily she has her own book, the second in the series call Miles From Kara so we see what she is really about. Preston is a player of sorts but he is only like that because of something that happened in his past which isn't your typical heartbreak story but much more than that which causes him to be pretty non-committal until he meets Olivia. I personally would have loved to see a few chapters in Preston's point of view, I don't know about you guys but I love dual point of views in books that have two characters both with very interesting and broken pasts, it helps me connect better with them.
The book mostly dealt with healing especially for Olivia and that is where Rose came in. If I have to go to therapy for any reason I want Rose. I loved her. At first I thought she was some crazy lady but she was perfect for Olivia and even though Olivia didn't see it till later Rose had become more a friend to her then just a therapist.
Overall great read, I've already read the next book in the series and will be putting up a review for that one as well.
I love Melissa West's The Taking series so when I saw Pieces of Olivia and who the author was I knew I had to grab it. Yes this is a contemporary vs her other series which is Sci-Fi but I love her writing so I picked it up and I really enjoyed it.
Olivia is broken she has suffered something that I can't even imagine having to go through. I found myself connecting to her instantly, it was hard not to. West has a way of writing that makes you feel the characters pain right alongside with them. What made it even that much more better were the letters Olivia wrote to Trisha, every time I read one it just made my heart break but through those letters you really got to know Olivia's state of mind.
There were other characters I really loved which was Kara, Olivia's roommate and Preston, Kara's best friend. Kara was as good of a friend as they come but you know there is more to her then meets the eye and luckily she has her own book, the second in the series call Miles From Kara so we see what she is really about. Preston is a player of sorts but he is only like that because of something that happened in his past which isn't your typical heartbreak story but much more than that which causes him to be pretty non-committal until he meets Olivia. I personally would have loved to see a few chapters in Preston's point of view, I don't know about you guys but I love dual point of views in books that have two characters both with very interesting and broken pasts, it helps me connect better with them.
The book mostly dealt with healing especially for Olivia and that is where Rose came in. If I have to go to therapy for any reason I want Rose. I loved her. At first I thought she was some crazy lady but she was perfect for Olivia and even though Olivia didn't see it till later Rose had become more a friend to her then just a therapist.
Overall great read, I've already read the next book in the series and will be putting up a review for that one as well.
liferhi_inspired's review
5.0
*Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*
Wow! This was one fantastic read, but make sure that you have some tissue near by.
Olivia is a college freshmen that is struggling to overcome a life altering tragedy (it isn't abuse but I wont spoil the reveal). Pieces of Olivia takes you on Olivia's journey to open her heart to others and explore the night that changed her life forever. This is a heart wrenching story of love and hope, and will not be easily put down.
I enjoyed the complexity of the characters of this book and the emotions that this book brought out. Melissa West did a fabulous job when writing this book; she was able to not only convey emotions but made you feel them as well. During several parts in this book I had to step away from reading to get my tears under control.
Wow! This was one fantastic read, but make sure that you have some tissue near by.
Olivia is a college freshmen that is struggling to overcome a life altering tragedy (it isn't abuse but I wont spoil the reveal). Pieces of Olivia takes you on Olivia's journey to open her heart to others and explore the night that changed her life forever. This is a heart wrenching story of love and hope, and will not be easily put down.
I enjoyed the complexity of the characters of this book and the emotions that this book brought out. Melissa West did a fabulous job when writing this book; she was able to not only convey emotions but made you feel them as well. During several parts in this book I had to step away from reading to get my tears under control.
althenaruby's review
4.0
Wow this book had a bunch of bad reviews and honestly I'm not sure why. I realise I'm a sappy sucker so Im trying to think about it objectively and I still find this book to be pretty great. Olivia went through something very traumatic 6 months before school started. Preston was upset about an event that happened 2 years before. Together they help Olivia find peace. I don't want to give anything away because both Olivia and Preston's pasts are hidden from the reader for a while. But...I didn't find Preston's to be as tramatic. Please don't kill me because obviously he suffered a loss. One that I would never belittle or make light of but Olivia's loss was more damaging in a big picture kind of way. The side characters helped make the book feel lighter. Rose was definitely and interests therapist. Not sure if I would go to her but she helped Olivia. Taylor (I think that's his name..guy from Poetry class) was underutilized. Okay not really. I just have thing for sarcastic guys :)