Caught Up in You by Colee Firman 3.5 Stars
Synopsis: Life has a way of shaping you into what it wants you to be, regardless of how much you fight it.
Brantley Prescott is damaged. Scarred by a past she can’t forget. Hiding secrets she’s terrified to share. Searching for a future she doesn’t believe she’ll ever find.
Myles Franco is alone. Burdened by mistakes he’ll never live down. Fostering a deep resentment for the opposite sex. Unleashing his wrath on any girl who gets too close.
Brantley has worked behind the bar long enough to recognize Myles for what he is—a douchebag player with nothing on his mind but keeping a steady stream of girls flowing through his bed. With his messy dark hair, sapphire blue eyes, rock-solid body, and endless tattoos he’s impossible to ignore. But that’s exactly what she plans on doing.
After just one run-in with Brantley, Myles is even more determined to stick to the rules he lives by. She’s mouthy, blunt, and doesn’t back down—no matter how hard he pushes her. She could turn out be the one temptation that drags him down the path he’s been trying to avoid. He won’t let that happen.
Both are content living behind the solid walls they’ve built around themselves. Neither is prepared for what happens when their lives collide.
Due to sexual content and graphic language - 17+ recommended
* A copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review:
I really enjoyed this book. I loved Brantley and found her independent tough girl attitude to be quite refreshing. A lot of books I've read lately, seem to always have the female lead as naïve and lacking in true life experience. Sure bad things happen, even to good people, but many female leads remain "in the dark" to the reality surrounding them. Brantley is not one of those girls, well for the most part. I found Caught Up in You to be a heart wrenching, emotional roller coaster full of dramatic yet tender moments.
I don't think the synopsis really gives a good overview of the book though. The gist is that Brantley moves in to the apartment above Myles, and neither of them have any interest in the opposite sex. Until Brantley and Myles have a run in leaving Myles craving Brantley and Brantley ever so confused about Myles.
Brantley is great, she is independent and tough. While Myles is the typical hot next door neighbor. The great thing about this book is the banter and drama between Brantley and Myles. I absolutely loved their scenes together! I craved more. Their dialogue was always interesting and intense. And while the connection was strong in the beginning, I like that their connection grew over time. It wasn't insta-love.
Pride is both Brantley and Myles biggest downfall. That and honesty. Each character has their own issue with trust, a painful past and a slight flair for the dramatic. If they had been willing to open up to one another or ask questions, then they wouldn't have had so many problems. But for people with trust issues, those things don't come naturally or easily. The author did a great job of portraying these emotions without overdoing it. They not only felt real and natural, but the drama didn't seem out of the ordinary. Myles secret is an unusual one, but nonetheless potentially possible in reality, and if in fact were a true story, his reluctance at discussing it make complete sense. Same goes for Brantley. I think that's why I liked this book so much. I also felt their connection grow. As Brantley opened up, and gave herself to Myles.
This is a story that also occurs over a lengthy period of time. It isn't a month but instead many months ( I cant recall exactly how many though maybe a year). Life happens and gets in the way sometimes of what the heart wants. And this story was no different. I appreciated that. It wasn't some fairy tale college romance. But a romantic heart warming story about a boy and girl who fall in love and struggle through their inner turmoil. Whether they are able to come out on top after they stumble is the real story.
This story reminded me of the book Breakdown by Ellie Grace.
So what went wrong to give it a lower rating....?
I would have given this story a 4.5 instead of 3.5 had it not been for Brantley major flaw/mistake in this book. And perhaps it wasn't so much a flaw/mistake, as it was the authors character that is the said flaw. Brantley in my opinion came out strong and independent with perhaps slight naivety. But the chapters and storyline between her and another male character really didn't work for me. And in fact made me dislike Brantley. She came off as weak and dependent. I understand the reasons for this side story and character, however, I believe the purpose could have been achieved in another way. (sorry Im being vague I don't want to spoil anything!) This whole plot took a lot away from Brantley, her characters overarching purpose and my likeness for the book.
Final Verdict: Read it! I love this author and the story! Ultimately its a worthwhile read. A new adult romance without the insta-love, but plenty of angst and drama.
