Bridget Balentine
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My second . . . my . . . hmms. When a book gets broken down into parts, it’s harder to say how many ‘things’ you’ve read by an author. Well, this is my second ‘thing’ I’ve read by this author.
Let’s start off immediately with that – I’ve read many series over the years, sometimes big long books, sometimes short little stories (or novellas). I’ve even read several serialized novels. Series come in many forms and length. Just because everything in a series is less than a hundred pages doesn’t mean that you are dealing with a book that got broken up into smaller pieces, you could very well have a series of ‘stories that can be read on their own’ that have some link with the other works in the series (character, shared universe, etc). And just because you have a series of books longer than 300 pages each doesn’t mean that this isn’t one book that had been broken into pieces (see: Lord of the Rings, or any Game of Thrones book overseas (many of Martin’s books get broken down into smaller books across the ocean).
I mention the above for several reasons, not all of which will be addressed. One reason to note the above is to note that this series here, that this is the second work within, has characteristics of being both independent works and serialized novels. While the first ended with questions still in the air, it could that could have been it. I’ve read many a book that ends with the ‘ending’ left open to interpretation. It’s not exactly a cliffhanger, but it’s close to being one. Since the relationship hasn’t been formalized, the people involved live far apart, but there’s a good chance they will spend a significant amount of time in the same city shortly.
This story here opens with phone sex. The first story also opened with a variation of self pleasure, so that’s similar. But immediately a different style is introduced through heavy use of italics. There’s a ton of flash backs in this story, going back to Sabrina’s childhood, and watching, being close to, meeting for the first time Josie. That was, on one level, vaguely annoying. Both reading long passages in italics, and . . . well, mostly reading long passages in italics.
The main part of the story moves from Las Vegas to New York. Sabrina has not yet started her ‘semester abroad’ (insert Lily: New York isn’t abroad! It’s not even across state lines!), but has been invited to a party by her semester leader/mentor/head. So she decides to wander over to New York from Syracuse for a week or so, since that would likely give her a much greater opportunity to be within physical distance of Josie. Who, if you do not recall, is the woman who Sabrina has lusted over since all were small children, and who finally ‘captured’ during both their visits to Las Vegas to attend Lily, Sabrina’s sister, wedding.
Tension and conflict are in the air, though, as Sabrina fears allowing her overly controlling sister know about her relationship with Josie, while Josie hates being forced to lie. There’s also the stress and time-eating nature of Josie’s work which makes time together harder to find and experience.
This second part of the story is a much sadder one. And ends somewhat abruptly. Abruptly in terms of story, not in terms of placement in the file. As in, I’ve read many digital books that end suddenly at the 78% mark, and then the rest of the file is filled with samples. I don’t mean ends abruptly like that – this ends at the 98% mark.
Bah. I need to get a set formula for these reviews. Then just fill in the blanks. As it is I just ramble and leave half-thought out ideas, and lots of stuff dangling. But, bah.… (mere)
Let’s start off immediately with that – I’ve read many series over the years, sometimes big long books, sometimes short little stories (or novellas). I’ve even read several serialized novels. Series come in many forms and length. Just because everything in a series is less than a hundred pages doesn’t mean that you are dealing with a book that got broken up into smaller pieces, you could very well have a series of ‘stories that can be read on their own’ that have some link with the other works in the series (character, shared universe, etc). And just because you have a series of books longer than 300 pages each doesn’t mean that this isn’t one book that had been broken into pieces (see: Lord of the Rings, or any Game of Thrones book overseas (many of Martin’s books get broken down into smaller books across the ocean).
I mention the above for several reasons, not all of which will be addressed. One reason to note the above is to note that this series here, that this is the second work within, has characteristics of being both independent works and serialized novels. While the first ended with questions still in the air, it could that could have been it. I’ve read many a book that ends with the ‘ending’ left open to interpretation. It’s not exactly a cliffhanger, but it’s close to being one. Since the relationship hasn’t been formalized, the people involved live far apart, but there’s a good chance they will spend a significant amount of time in the same city shortly.
This story here opens with phone sex. The first story also opened with a variation of self pleasure, so that’s similar. But immediately a different style is introduced through heavy use of italics. There’s a ton of flash backs in this story, going back to Sabrina’s childhood, and watching, being close to, meeting for the first time Josie. That was, on one level, vaguely annoying. Both reading long passages in italics, and . . . well, mostly reading long passages in italics.
The main part of the story moves from Las Vegas to New York. Sabrina has not yet started her ‘semester abroad’ (insert Lily: New York isn’t abroad! It’s not even across state lines!), but has been invited to a party by her semester leader/mentor/head. So she decides to wander over to New York from Syracuse for a week or so, since that would likely give her a much greater opportunity to be within physical distance of Josie. Who, if you do not recall, is the woman who Sabrina has lusted over since all were small children, and who finally ‘captured’ during both their visits to Las Vegas to attend Lily, Sabrina’s sister, wedding.
Tension and conflict are in the air, though, as Sabrina fears allowing her overly controlling sister know about her relationship with Josie, while Josie hates being forced to lie. There’s also the stress and time-eating nature of Josie’s work which makes time together harder to find and experience.
This second part of the story is a much sadder one. And ends somewhat abruptly. Abruptly in terms of story, not in terms of placement in the file. As in, I’ve read many digital books that end suddenly at the 78% mark, and then the rest of the file is filled with samples. I don’t mean ends abruptly like that – this ends at the 98% mark.
Bah. I need to get a set formula for these reviews. Then just fill in the blanks. As it is I just ramble and leave half-thought out ideas, and lots of stuff dangling. But, bah.… (mere)
My first work by this author. I've had this one on my possibles for a while. I kept circling it but kept putting it off. It sounded interesting but . . . the whole 'see u soon' . . . thing kept putting me off. All lower case title. u instead of You. Put me off. But, I finally read the work. This was a pretty good short story, relatively strong plot and characters.
This story here makes me remember something that's been bouncing around in my brain for a while. This story had a female lead. It's set in contemporary times. Family plays a strong role in the story. Romance is a huge part of the story. And, to round things out, bouts of humor. So, I read Chick Lit, right? Well . . . did I? Does it matter than the couple in the story are lesbians?
I read roughly ten chick lit books in a row, sneaking in only one lesbian book during that run. Then I read this work here. From my short little dip into that genre, I have to say that this story here seems to fit all the characteristics of chick lit. Except, you know, the part where there's some hunky man for the lead female character to drool over. That and the age thing. The point of view is of both people in the coupling, and one is closer to 26 than the other, being 4 years older than her pursuer. And chick lits seem to be filled with people aged 26 to 33. On the other hand, the other is closer to . . . hmms. No, both are probably less than 26. So, age of the people involved and sexual orientation are 'issues' with calling this chick lit. I think. I don't really know. bah.
Okay the story - one of the two main characters, Sabrina, has a sister who is getting married. Sabrina, or Bree, depending on the person saying her name, is four years younger than her sister. And her sister's best friend from childhood - Josie (or Jojo, again depending on the person saying the name). Josie spent a lot of time hanging out with Lily as they grew up living nearish to each other. Sabrina watched them from close up. Over time she developed a crush on Josie. A crush that developed to even stronger feelings.
But she is still Bree to Josie - if Josie even remembers she exists. Ooh, I know the age now. Bree and Josie haven't been in the same room for seven years, since Bree was 14. Which makes Bree 21. And Josie 25. Well, haven't been in the same room as far as Josie knows. But Sabrina has attempted to 'show that she's an adult now' by visiting Josie's restaurant - but Josie didn't understand that that was Bree. So, seven years.
Sabrina's off at college in Syrucuse, learning to be an architect. Josie is in New York, being a chef and stuff. The wedding is in Las Vegas. One heads to Vegas with a deep crush on the other. The other heads there with some mysterious texts indicating that the person who will be picking her up at the airport has a crush on her. But Josie doesn't know who that might be. But is intrigued.
Nice little set-up, eh? Good interesting story. Rather short.… (mere)
This story here makes me remember something that's been bouncing around in my brain for a while. This story had a female lead. It's set in contemporary times. Family plays a strong role in the story. Romance is a huge part of the story. And, to round things out, bouts of humor. So, I read Chick Lit, right? Well . . . did I? Does it matter than the couple in the story are lesbians?
I read roughly ten chick lit books in a row, sneaking in only one lesbian book during that run. Then I read this work here. From my short little dip into that genre, I have to say that this story here seems to fit all the characteristics of chick lit. Except, you know, the part where there's some hunky man for the lead female character to drool over. That and the age thing. The point of view is of both people in the coupling, and one is closer to 26 than the other, being 4 years older than her pursuer. And chick lits seem to be filled with people aged 26 to 33. On the other hand, the other is closer to . . . hmms. No, both are probably less than 26. So, age of the people involved and sexual orientation are 'issues' with calling this chick lit. I think. I don't really know. bah.
Okay the story - one of the two main characters, Sabrina, has a sister who is getting married. Sabrina, or Bree, depending on the person saying her name, is four years younger than her sister. And her sister's best friend from childhood - Josie (or Jojo, again depending on the person saying the name). Josie spent a lot of time hanging out with Lily as they grew up living nearish to each other. Sabrina watched them from close up. Over time she developed a crush on Josie. A crush that developed to even stronger feelings.
But she is still Bree to Josie - if Josie even remembers she exists. Ooh, I know the age now. Bree and Josie haven't been in the same room for seven years, since Bree was 14. Which makes Bree 21. And Josie 25. Well, haven't been in the same room as far as Josie knows. But Sabrina has attempted to 'show that she's an adult now' by visiting Josie's restaurant - but Josie didn't understand that that was Bree. So, seven years.
Sabrina's off at college in Syrucuse, learning to be an architect. Josie is in New York, being a chef and stuff. The wedding is in Las Vegas. One heads to Vegas with a deep crush on the other. The other heads there with some mysterious texts indicating that the person who will be picking her up at the airport has a crush on her. But Josie doesn't know who that might be. But is intrigued.
Nice little set-up, eh? Good interesting story. Rather short.… (mere)
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It’s been a while since I read the first two parts of this series, so I’m just going to assume that the second book ended in a cliff-hanger – based on how this specific chapter in the story opened. Actually, let me just look at what I wrote for the previous book. Won’t take me two seconds. Be back in a jiffy.
Ah, hehe. I wondered what was up with the many occasions when Josie talked to herself inside of (). Reminded me a little too much like I was reading Jim Gaffigan, but without the humor. As in:
At first I thought that () stuff was because Josie’s sections, at least in the first part, were flashback scenes. And I thought the () was ‘current’ comments she was making while the scenes unfolded. But that () continued in the second part when Josie’s scenes leapt to present day. – I say, getting back to my prior thought that I had been wondering about that () -> I see from my review of the last book that the prior book used heavy italics to convey flashbacks. Well, this time there isn’t heavy use of italics, which I’m happy about. The () was weird, but much more livable than heavy use of italics.
Okay, finally got to what I was looking for – yeah, the second part ended abruptly. As I kind of assumed. The second part ended with Sabrina about to go to a party hosted by her ‘semester abroad’ mentor/teacher but in a certain amount of distress because she just had a fight with the, literally, love of her life (or, in other words, the woman she has loved her whole life, even if the other never really noticed her). This third part opens with that still to be resolved.
Sabrina’s been kicked out by Josie, and must find some hotel room to inhabit until the party. And to change into. We read this from Sabrina’s point of view. Josie’s point of view? At least in the first part, she’s stuck in the past (and that’s one of the reasons I was really confused when the book opened, because the book doesn’t actually open with a continuation of the prior story, but opens in a flashback – Josie flashing back to her time living with her bitchy, alcoholic abusive mother).
Right, so. This is not a work that can be read on its own. I mean that both in terms of this specific book here, and probably, to a certain extent, to this series. It’s probably easier to ‘take’ if read all in a row. Wasn’t possible, for me, since the second part was read by me in November of 2015, and the third part didn’t come out until Feb 28 2016.
The story follows Sabrina in the present as she tries to get over the very brief and abruptly ending affair she had with the woman she has always fancied, Josie. While also having to put on a brave face and go mingle at that previously mentioned party hosted by Tobin, Sabrina’s ‘semester abroad’ teacher/mentor.
Meanwhile, Josie’s in the past reliving, or flashing back, to living with her dreadful horrible mother. And not being able to cut the ties. Not being able to get over her disappointment. Somewhat easier to ‘get/understand/accept’ when the reader adds to the ‘that’s my mother’ aspect the part where she had given her dying father the promise that she will attempt to watch over her mother.
Sabrina needs some time to collect her thoughts, but her sister, Lilly, keeps hammering her with texts. Apparently Lilly needs Sabrina to call their mother. So Sabrina does. And learns of an issue that Josie needs to address, and an issue better expressed face to face. So, Sabrina must face Josie. Only to find her looking horrible, and all the workers at Sass, Josie’s restaurant, giving Sabrina evil looks. Sabrina hurriedly conveys the message that she was tasked with delivering and flees.
Sabrina’s relationship appears to be over, but her career is just starting so she must go to the party. Which I express in this way, because Sabrina learns at the party that part of Josie’s ‘problems’ involves being forced out of her job – Josie has a rotten mother she has to deal with (that’s the issue that Sabrina had to give a message about, face to face), a broken relationship, and a wrecked career.
Sabrina figures out that she needs to be more of a friend than a disgruntled positional/former/future lover and goes to try to give comfort to Josie. I mention all of this story so I can finally get to the part wherein they decide, based on a suggestion by Sabrina, that the thing to do is to drive cross country from New York to Colorado so that Josie can both deal with the issue with her mother, and give herself time to address her problems with Sass the restaurant.
I believe that it might have been around here when the two points of view both shift into the present, for the most part. Though, it might also have been point wherein Sabrina kind of took over more of the book – with Josie’s sections being fewer and further in between.
Right, so, that isn’t the whole of the book by any means, but something of it. A relationship in turmoil, a career beginning/ending, etc. etc. Overall quite good story.
One thing to note, something of a warning I guess since some people care more about this issue that I normally do – there are certain . . . formatting issues? Something like that. Wherein words are missing. Letters are missing (as in, using pass when mean to use passed). 99% of the time I just let the issue flow past me, and do not add or subtract any ‘points’ because of the issue.
One example, though not the one I was going to use (the one I was going to use apparently is refusing to be found by me): . (not the best example, but one that I can find, insert, and move on from).
March 22 2016
… (mere)