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book_reviews_only's review against another edition
3.0
Thank you BookSprout and Leaona Luxx for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
WHAT I LIKED:
This book has a great storyline! Two high school crushes that have a falling out and don't find each other again until they are older is probably one of the most sought after tropes.. with having Harper go through such a horrible life until she finds Ridge again makes this the perfect love story. I was holding my breath reading about the hell that Harper was going through. I cheered her on when she packed up and left. I even had tears in my eyes when Ridges found out her biggest secret. This book is an emotional ride.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
There were parts of this that bothered me and made it difficult to read to the point where I would have to slow down and re-read it just to try and determine which character was speaking. There were also A LOT of people mentioned throughout this book, but it doesn't mention who her twin brother is until closer to the end. It also doesn't state what "One's" real name is until closer to the end. That name or nickname, threw me off more than once as it is just so odd.. The amount these two love each other is perfectly written, but the stupid circles they would go in about how "I'm not good enough for her" or "he'll never love me" is seriously annoying. Life has struggles, it gets hard and we all have doubts. I get it. But they had a "talk" to clear the air more than once and it still help either of them.
OVERALL / RECOMMENDATIONS:
I did enjoy this book. It is a simple love story showing that no matter what, family and friends will always be there when you need them to be. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy a cute high school romance troupe.
WHAT I LIKED:
This book has a great storyline! Two high school crushes that have a falling out and don't find each other again until they are older is probably one of the most sought after tropes.. with having Harper go through such a horrible life until she finds Ridge again makes this the perfect love story. I was holding my breath reading about the hell that Harper was going through. I cheered her on when she packed up and left. I even had tears in my eyes when Ridges found out her biggest secret. This book is an emotional ride.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
There were parts of this that bothered me and made it difficult to read to the point where I would have to slow down and re-read it just to try and determine which character was speaking. There were also A LOT of people mentioned throughout this book, but it doesn't mention who her twin brother is until closer to the end. It also doesn't state what "One's" real name is until closer to the end. That name or nickname, threw me off more than once as it is just so odd.. The amount these two love each other is perfectly written, but the stupid circles they would go in about how "I'm not good enough for her" or "he'll never love me" is seriously annoying. Life has struggles, it gets hard and we all have doubts. I get it. But they had a "talk" to clear the air more than once and it still help either of them.
OVERALL / RECOMMENDATIONS:
I did enjoy this book. It is a simple love story showing that no matter what, family and friends will always be there when you need them to be. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy a cute high school romance troupe.
jbsco's review against another edition
5.0
I received this ARC from Bad Boy Update. Ridge has been in love with his best friend's sister forever. He and Harper snuck around, fearing her brother's and her family's disapproval if found out. Thought they knew they loved each other, neither would admit the truth and when Ridge's best friend needed help he chose her over Harper. Between that betrayal, the rumor mill and the guy her family wanted for her Ridge let her go. Years later she is back, no one knowing the hell she has lived through until her brother picks her up. Nothing was/is as it seems, misunderstandings need to cleared up and the danger around Harper is still real. Ridge has always hoped for another chance with Harper and not nothing or no one will stand in his way. This is such an emotional story, but a great one!!
snaze6's review against another edition
3.0
The continuing theme in Leaona’s books is one or both of the main characters don’t think they are ‘good enough’ for the other. Secrets, misunderstandings and self doubt over their own worth result in lengthy separations and angsty drama before a HEA.
The books are described as being able to be read as standalone books in any order. I’ve actually read a few books in the series, and still find it confusing to figure out who all the secondary characters are and how they are connected to other characters. This book seems to jump in where I assume the prior book left off, because the first several chapters read like they were several chapters into the story.
I also struggle with engaging with the story to some degree because big parts of the story are kept hidden and ‘off the page’ to feel like the author is keeping secrets from readers. This book had something that happens around the 85% mark that is completely out of left field and was never even hinted at until it’s all of a sudden discovered by Ridge and becomes yet another reason these two can’t be together for another few angsty chapters, until suddenly all is overcome in a quick moment.
I enjoyed this book more than I have the last couple of books from earlier in the series. This level of angst and drama are just a bit too much for my taste, so I’m going to be a little more choosy in the future when deciding which books to read in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The books are described as being able to be read as standalone books in any order. I’ve actually read a few books in the series, and still find it confusing to figure out who all the secondary characters are and how they are connected to other characters. This book seems to jump in where I assume the prior book left off, because the first several chapters read like they were several chapters into the story.
I also struggle with engaging with the story to some degree because big parts of the story are kept hidden and ‘off the page’ to feel like the author is keeping secrets from readers. This book had something that happens around the 85% mark that is completely out of left field and was never even hinted at until it’s all of a sudden discovered by Ridge and becomes yet another reason these two can’t be together for another few angsty chapters, until suddenly all is overcome in a quick moment.
I enjoyed this book more than I have the last couple of books from earlier in the series. This level of angst and drama are just a bit too much for my taste, so I’m going to be a little more choosy in the future when deciding which books to read in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
scvallese1's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 Stars
I am a sucker for a good second-chance, best friend's sister story, and as a whole, I enjoyed Drive Me Crazy. But the story did just that at times.
Harper and Ridge have been pretty inseparable since childhood. But they go their separate ways, but ten years later, they find themselves back in each other's life.
As a whole, I really liked Harper. It took me a while until I could say that I liked Ridge. The writing was done well, but there were some inconsistencies throughout, making it hard to follow.
This was my first book by Leaona Luxx, and I will look for more books by her.
I am a sucker for a good second-chance, best friend's sister story, and as a whole, I enjoyed Drive Me Crazy. But the story did just that at times.
Harper and Ridge have been pretty inseparable since childhood. But they go their separate ways, but ten years later, they find themselves back in each other's life.
As a whole, I really liked Harper. It took me a while until I could say that I liked Ridge. The writing was done well, but there were some inconsistencies throughout, making it hard to follow.
This was my first book by Leaona Luxx, and I will look for more books by her.
sabra72's review against another edition
5.0
This book gripped me from the beginning! I couldn't put it down! I loved the story line. It had all the feels: angst, friendship, a little drama and love, sweet love!! Highly recommend!
ssrosepetal's review against another edition
3.0
Maybe it was just me but I had a hard time with this book. Don't get me wrong, it was decent. But there were to many inconsistencies for me to fully get into it and I just ended up skimming fast through the book. The amount of errors didn't help me. And the time frame was off. They kept saying days and/or weeks when a moment before they had said hours. There was also a LOT of drama. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy reading the drama but it just never seemed to end. Then he got pissed at her near the end and walked out because she didn't tell him all her secrets? The girl had been abused for years. Her trust factor, no matter how awesome everyone was being, was at an all time low. She needed time. That I got. The last thing that bothered me was that this is supposed to be a standalone in a series. This is the only book I have read and I will say that I felt like I was missing SO MUCH. For example, right off the bat... why wouldn't Ridge explain his relationship with Mack to her. So much wasted time and feelings could've been fixed. I still don't understand it and I know I might if I read Mackenzie's book. But after reading this book I really don't want to. This just ended up being to hard for me to enjoy.
bookaddictreviews's review against another edition
5.0
Drive Me Crazy isn’t my first read from Leaona, so I knew going into this that it was going to be emotional and boy was it ever!
Ridge and Harper were young lovers, some events happened that caused Ridge to walk way, but ten years later Harper is back in his life, but will they get their second chance?
I have loved Ridge from the moment his character was introduced and I am so happy that he got a story. Harper. She is a fighter. The things she has gone through are heartbreaking, but she came out stronger than ever. The chemistry between Ridge and Harper when they were younger was great, at least from the glimpses in the beginning of the book, but as a adults. Those two were melting some pages. Their relationship was full of ups and downs, pain and heartbreak. They both struggled with different things, but they both still have a love for each other.
If you’ve read Leaona’s books before there are plenty of some old favorites in this one and if you haven’t you’ll meet a lot of amazing characters who you’ll want to know more about.
There are so things mentioned in this book that may be hard for people to read, but it’s really just a small portion in the beginning. It is worth the read.
Grab the tissues and prepare yourself for Ridge Willis. Drive Me Crazy is a MUST READ!
Ridge and Harper were young lovers, some events happened that caused Ridge to walk way, but ten years later Harper is back in his life, but will they get their second chance?
I have loved Ridge from the moment his character was introduced and I am so happy that he got a story. Harper. She is a fighter. The things she has gone through are heartbreaking, but she came out stronger than ever. The chemistry between Ridge and Harper when they were younger was great, at least from the glimpses in the beginning of the book, but as a adults. Those two were melting some pages. Their relationship was full of ups and downs, pain and heartbreak. They both struggled with different things, but they both still have a love for each other.
If you’ve read Leaona’s books before there are plenty of some old favorites in this one and if you haven’t you’ll meet a lot of amazing characters who you’ll want to know more about.
There are so things mentioned in this book that may be hard for people to read, but it’s really just a small portion in the beginning. It is worth the read.
Grab the tissues and prepare yourself for Ridge Willis. Drive Me Crazy is a MUST READ!
adventureinlit's review against another edition
4.0
I was so excited to revisit the characters of Cherry Grove. It was in that little town that I first fell in love with Luxx's characters and to be back in that world was a wonderful trip down memory lane.
Ridge and Harper are two people that never seem to get what they need - each other. In love when they were just kids and trying to be together but keeping themselves apart because they were worried what their friends and family would think of their relationship. This drove them apart in ways neither ever expected or wanted.
Suffering for many years apart, Harper in a violent marriage and Ridge hopping from one girl to the next, they find their way back to each other but both are so broken from their loss of one another that it's hard to tell if they can mend the broken pieces and admit their undying love for one another.
A more emotional read than sexy romance, I found my heart hurting several times over Harper's violent experiences with her husband and the pain her and Ridge experience as they try to mend their relationship. Bringing in characters I absolutely adored from Cherry Grove and growing in my appreciation for Luxx's ability to write about family, loss and love - this is one I will read again when my heart needs reminding that love isn't always easy.
It reminded me of so many things about my own life and a perspective I need to keep. Love triumphs, but never without being tested and run through the gambit. Ridge and Harper are a testament to this and I love them so much for it.
Ridge and Harper are two people that never seem to get what they need - each other. In love when they were just kids and trying to be together but keeping themselves apart because they were worried what their friends and family would think of their relationship. This drove them apart in ways neither ever expected or wanted.
Suffering for many years apart, Harper in a violent marriage and Ridge hopping from one girl to the next, they find their way back to each other but both are so broken from their loss of one another that it's hard to tell if they can mend the broken pieces and admit their undying love for one another.
A more emotional read than sexy romance, I found my heart hurting several times over Harper's violent experiences with her husband and the pain her and Ridge experience as they try to mend their relationship. Bringing in characters I absolutely adored from Cherry Grove and growing in my appreciation for Luxx's ability to write about family, loss and love - this is one I will read again when my heart needs reminding that love isn't always easy.
It reminded me of so many things about my own life and a perspective I need to keep. Love triumphs, but never without being tested and run through the gambit. Ridge and Harper are a testament to this and I love them so much for it.
geekybookmama's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this book. It was beautifully written. I love a second chance story and this one was definitely up there. Ridge and Harper are awesome characters and I loved the chemistry between them it was out of the world amazing.