In Pieces (Something More)

by Danielle Pearl

Beth Caplan is ready to begin college a new woman. She's worked hard to overcome her demons, and she's eager to live in a world where no one knows about her past. Except, of course, her childhood crush. David March has known Beth a lifetime. Tasked by her older brother to look after the beautiful incoming freshman, he takes his job exceptionally seriously. Even if she tempts him in ways no kid-sister type ever should.

When Beth's ex shows up as a transfer student, and a creepy stranger with a reputation for violence sets his sights on her, Dave will do whatever it takes to protect her, even if it means moving her in with him. When he learns just how much a secret from his past hurt the girl he's always cared for, he becomes doubly determined to protect her, even from himself. But that's easier said than done.

• ISBN10: 1455568317
• ISBN13: 9781455568314
• Publish Date: 26 October 2017 (first published 10 October 2017)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Forever
• Format: Paperback (UK Trade)
• Pages: 400
• Language: English

Reviews

[Leigha]

A young woman falls in love in this new adult romance.

This story is a beautiful exploration of a young woman successfully managing depression and anxiety. Beth is honest and open with herself about her struggles. Additionally, she comes to terms with several of her triggers. I really liked the story focusing on her coping with anxiety. Most books I’ve read with a similar premise usually focuses on the person coming to terms with their issues, not successfully managing them. Her compassion mixed with strength makes her a great heroine.

David is the other major character in the novel. I am not a David fan. I’m pretty sure the majority of his vocabulary consists of some variation of “fuck.” His protectiveness came across as controlling and manipulative in regards to Beth. His backstory could have been as powerful as Beth’s story, and yet it never develops into anything beyond “this happened to me.” Because I really did not like David, it was incredibly hard to like the romance between the two of them. I would have enjoyed it more if David grew more in the novel.

Finally, the ending is incredibly rushed. It seems to languish in Act II before steamrolling through Act III. So many threads are left to be cleaned up during the epilogue. Hello, we’re not even going to spend anytime on Brody being Beth’s half brother? Or the reconciliation between David, Beth, and Cap? In the end, I just feel really let down. All the pieces exist to make this a powerful story of strength and love, and yet it never develops. So much potential wasted.

tl;dr An unhealthy male character with a powerful young woman makes this a toxic story.

[Lynn]

I don't tend to pick up many new adult novels but the blurb for In Pieces was too intriguing for me to ignore. So I took a chance on this new to me author and I'm so glad I did.

Growing up, Beth Caplan always had her older brother as her protector. Now, she's going to college and eager to spread her wings and become independent. However, a new protector appears...her brother's best friend. David March makes her feel safe, only he makes her feel more than that too.

David March has always liked Beth Caplan but kept his distance to honour his best friend because she is his little sister. When David finds out Beth will attend the same college as himself, he makes it his job to make sure she's safe, only his interests in her run far deeper than doing a favour for his friend.

Beth, despite her troubled past, shows she possesses an inner strength and determination as she battles to overcome events from the past. In contrast, I found David March a little edgy when we are first introduced to him He's friendly on the surface but felt a darker more sinister side to his personality lurking underneath his protective fascade. He isn't a hero I instantly warmed to as I believed he had a hidden agenda. As time progressed and his actions speak louder than words, he gained my respect as my original opinion is proved wrong.

Sometimes, too much happened within the narrative, which was overwhelming. With upset and angst from the past, more than enough issues were present for the heroine to overcome without adding more. Thankfully, Ms Pearl's writing held my attention the whole time. The twist at the end wasn't a surprise...the length of time for it to be revealed was. Still, I'm not convinced that this plot thread was really necessary.

Overall, if you're looking for a novel with secrets, betrayal and a hot romance between a couple with sizzling chemistry, this is for you.

4 stars

***arc generously received courtesy of Forever via NetGalley***