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Thursday, September 19, 2013

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

Emerge (Evolve Series, #1)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

Emerge (Evolve Series, #1)  Embrace (Evolve Series, #2)
(cover leads to GoodReads)
Purchase Emerge
Amazon  



GIVEAWAY

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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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20 comments:

  1. I haven't heard of this book before but I'd probably avoid it if it wasn't for your review. It sounds like a really typical NA story but when you say it had some unique moments, I'm all for it. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the giveaway :)

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  2. I really love a good love triangle! When they make sense I just devour them, and this sounds like exactly that! Great review!

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  3. I don't mind a well done triangle either, and its been a bit since I read one

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  4. Now I really want to read this. I have gotten weary with love triangles, but if it is a well done one, then I don't mind. Great review.

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  5. I hate triangles but this does sound good

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  6. I admit I like books by Texan authors, books set in Texas, since it's my home state. I also like books by Colorado authors, set here. :)

    Emerge sounds AMAZING, Andrea! And I can't wait to read it. I also don't mind a well-done love triangle. But mostly, Emerge sounds like a fresh look at what I love about NA - watching young people figure it all out. I LOVE the quotes you shared. They got me even more excited over this book! ;) Thanks for sharing a fab review.

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  7. Idk I'm so tired of New Adult books because they never seem to have anything new to offer. I did love your review and the quotes you picked out were amazing...decisions decisions.

    Thanks for the great review! Glad you really enjoyed this one.

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  8. Does he call her Disney? Awwwwww! I don't think I've heard or seen this one but it sounds like a good one. I love when books have awesome secondary characters. Great review!

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  9. I get your affinity for local authors, I too get excited when I see authors that are from my area or if the setting is in TN. It's so much easier to live vicariously through the characters because you sort of know what they're talking about, the places they see and the kind of people they interact with.

    And I love this quote: "Last chance, Disney. Once I get a taste, I'm coming after you with everything I've got."

    BRING IT!!!

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  10. That's great this one read as a fresh NA for you! always a good thing. I love to hear there is some good humor in the book too.

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  11. I love how you get the girl and two main guys points of view. I can appreciate a love triangle when it's well done, and realistic. This story sounds good, and I love the two quotes you choose. It's awesome how you enjoyed the secondary characters too, and are invested in them to the point where you want some of them to get their own story. Great Review :)

    Lindy@ A Bookish Escape

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  12. I like how you get so much more from this book that what is given to us in the blurb Andrea. I also don't mind love triangles either, as long as they're done well, and it sounds like Hall does a great job with this book. Lovely review!

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  13. Glad to hear the triangle was well done and that this was fresh, added to my list!

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  14. This is the first time I'm hearing of this one and I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed it. In all honesty, I'm terrified of love triangles because I'm scared the girl won't end up with the guy I like. I'm usually a fan of the underdog when it comes to love triangles for some reason.
    It does seem like it's a well-written book with a lot of heart. How cool is that that the author is from your state! :)
    Lovely review, Andrea!

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  15. I'm glad to hear that even though it sounds all typical it was actually very fresh. And the love triangle does sound like one that would work. This sounds great!

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  16. Like you, I don't mind love triangles as long as there is a reason for them and they are done well. This sounds really great. I love it when the secondary characters are also really well done. I am a character reader so it really helps my enjoyment of a book.

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  17. I haven't heard of this one before either, but I definitely am intrigued! I am such a sucker for love triangles especially when they're done well. Definitely going to add this one to my TBR! Thanks girl!

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  18. This isn't one that I would have picked up (or even known about) but your review has intrigued me!

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  19. It's hard to have a fresh NA book - this one sounds like it did just that. Nice.

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