REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY: EMERGE (EVOLVE SERIES #1) by S.E. HALL

Series: Evolve Series #1

Category/Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Publisher: S.E. Hall

Publication Date: 5/15/13

Format: ebook
Source: Received from author for review
Rating: 4 stars

Laney Walker is a quick witted, athletic, southern tomboy who lets few get too close, using her sarcastic zingers to deflect. She also has no idea how others view her, Evan having protected and coveted her since they were children. But college puts a gap between Laney and Evan that neither of them were prepared for- old relationships are tested, new ones are formed and nothing will ever be the same.   

Especially when in walks one Dane Kendrick, not at all the familiar, southern charmer of home, but an animal all his own.  

A story of growing up, friendship, loyalty, first love, primal love...and life.      

    Mature content.

Emerge is a story that took me by surprise. It has gotten some really positive reviews, sounded like a story I might enjoy, and the author is from my state. I know, I know. That has no bearing on whether or not I like a book, but I so rarely find Arkansan authors, so it did catch my attention.

But back to the reason Emerge surprised me....Based on the blurb, it seems like a fairly straightforward story, sort of typical in what I've read in the New Adult category. The reason that Emerge surprised me was that despite all that, it came across to me as fresh and earnest and full of heart.

In the beginning, Emerge is the story of two (nearly) lifelong friends Evan and Laney realizing that they really love each other. But heading off to different universities puts a damper on this emerging love. A new life means new friends, busy lives, and a really hot guy. At first it was hard for me to see Evan and Laney separated by distance and new and exciting lives. Actually, it was hard the whole way through, but I truly appreciated this very realistic take on the trials of love after high school, out in the real world. If you think about it, not many high school relationship survive, especially when the couple is apart. The distance is always troublesome and temptation is everywhere.  Besides that, though, many teens begin to change and discover a whole new world, leading them to evolve into different people.  I loved how logical Laney was about the entire situation, and that the author did not take the easy way out with her characters.

Emerge is told in three points-of-view: Laney, Evan, and Dane. And yes, there is a love triangle. I personally don't mind a well-done love triangle and this one was very, very well-done.  But I think even those who dislike them can appreciate the triangle in Emerge. This wasn't a case of cheating, sneaking or playing games. This was a case of life and circumstances putting you on a different path and facing the choices that come with it. I honestly had no idea how the story would play out, did get a little frustrated with Laney's reluctance to choose, but honestly loved that she was so thoughtful and didn't rush to a decision. Somehow, this triangle did not stress me out. I sped through the pages not in anger, but it great anticipation.

I feel bad that I haven't mentioned the outstanding cast of secondary characters that make up Emerge. Laney's crew of college buddies provided a ton of comic relief and made this story a real treat.  Particularly awesome were Zach and Sawyer, and I would LOVE for these guys to get books of their own. Especially Sawyer. (PLEASE)

Emerge was such an enjoyable book for me. It had characters who experienced a lot of growth, a realistic storyline, and very heartfelt writing. I'm not going to spoil the story and talk about the poor guy who was left behind. But I will say that I am very anxious to read his story, Embrace.

Favorite Quote

  "I saw you last night, at the door with him. I saw you."  His hand still gentle on my face, he forces me to meet his gaze. "Are you two back together?"
  "No," my voice cracks.
  "I won't share you, Laney. Not your lips, not your thoughts, not your body, and especially not your heart. You don't have to give it all to me just yet, but give me nothing if any of it belongs to him. Do you understand?"  ~ebook, 58%
 
  "Last chance, Disney. Once I get a taste, I'm coming after you with everything I've got."
  I couldn't say no right now if I wanted to, I can barely breathe. His words are so sexy; they stroke every part of me. He leans into me and I close my eyes.
  "Open your eyes, Laney, look at me. Make damn sure you know it's me kissing you, and don't you ever hide from it."  ~ebook, 58%

Evolve Series

  
(cover leads to GoodReads)

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GIVEAWAY

I have three Emerge ebooks to give away, courtesy of the author.
Must be 17+ years of age.
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About the author

S.E.Hall resides in Arkansas with her husband of 17 years and 3 beautiful daughters. When not in the stands watching her ladies play softball, she enjoys reading YA and NA romance.

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