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Take Me #3
Following Me
A contemporary look at domestic violence and the toll it takes on one girl's life as she finds love and hope in a new city from USA Today bestselling author K.A. Linde...
I didn't have a game plan when I decided to leave St. Louis on a Chicago-bound train for the summer.
Just a reason. One I couldn't share with anyone.
Not Hadley, my best friend from college, who lets me stay in the guest bedroom with no questions asked. Or Hadley's boyfriend Garrett who befriends me when I have no one else to turn to. Or Brennan, the local bartender, who I finds myself falling head over heels for.
Desperate to hide, I'm plunged into a new life in the city. Everyone around me starts to reveal sides of themselves I never expected.
And just when I starts to get comfortable, I find that my past just won't stop...following me.
I didn't have a game plan when I decided to leave St. Louis on a Chicago-bound train for the summer.
Just a reason. One I couldn't share with anyone.
Not Hadley, my best friend from college, who lets me stay in the guest bedroom with no questions asked. Or Hadley's boyfriend Garrett who befriends me when I have no one else to turn to. Or Brennan, the local bartender, who I finds myself falling head over heels for.
Desperate to hide, I'm plunged into a new life in the city. Everyone around me starts to reveal sides of themselves I never expected.
And just when I starts to get comfortable, I find that my past just won't stop...following me.
396 pages, Paperback
First published June 20, 2013
About the author
K.A. Linde
90 books9,665 followersK.A. Linde is the USA Today bestselling author of the Avoiding Series, Wrights, and more than thirty other novels. She has a Masters degree in political science from the University of Georgia, was the head campaign worker for the 2012 presidential campaign at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and served as the head coach of the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy novels, traveling to far-off destinations, and dancing in her spare time.
She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband, son, and super-adorable puppy.
Visit her online at www.kalinde.com and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @authorkalinde.
Join her newsletter at www.kalinde.com/subscribe for exclusive content, free books, and giveaways every month.
She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband, son, and super-adorable puppy.
Visit her online at www.kalinde.com and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @authorkalinde.
Join her newsletter at www.kalinde.com/subscribe for exclusive content, free books, and giveaways every month.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
June 19, 2019
1 "leftover big mac" stars !!
2015 Second Worst Read
You know when you get that craving for a big mac. Occasionally they taste awesome but most of the time they are disgusting and gross.
This book is classified as new adult. It was terribly written but had a mystery that I had to find out about and then it turned out to be ridiculous.
I do not mind adult women reading this garbage but I worry about adolescent girls reading this crap and believing it. Rather than liberating our women this book objectifies them and makes them helpless in the hands of men especially abusive ones. This book was amoral, senseless and kind of gross but not in an arty or interesting fashion but in a congealed big mac kind of way. I am pretty repulsed right now and to lighten the mood let me give you some quotes from the book.
"How could she sing between the tears?"
""She had found her home in Brennan's music."
"All she really knew was that he had adjusted his pants, and Hadley had been right about the size of the contents that lay within."
""Somehow along the way, he had captured not just her lips but all of her."
"True love had never felt so cheap than it had in this moment." WTF?
Throw this book away before your fifteen year old daughter or niece gets her hands on it.
Gross really gross :(
2015 Second Worst Read
You know when you get that craving for a big mac. Occasionally they taste awesome but most of the time they are disgusting and gross.
This book is classified as new adult. It was terribly written but had a mystery that I had to find out about and then it turned out to be ridiculous.
I do not mind adult women reading this garbage but I worry about adolescent girls reading this crap and believing it. Rather than liberating our women this book objectifies them and makes them helpless in the hands of men especially abusive ones. This book was amoral, senseless and kind of gross but not in an arty or interesting fashion but in a congealed big mac kind of way. I am pretty repulsed right now and to lighten the mood let me give you some quotes from the book.
"How could she sing between the tears?"
""She had found her home in Brennan's music."
"All she really knew was that he had adjusted his pants, and Hadley had been right about the size of the contents that lay within."
""Somehow along the way, he had captured not just her lips but all of her."
"True love had never felt so cheap than it had in this moment." WTF?
Throw this book away before your fifteen year old daughter or niece gets her hands on it.
Gross really gross :(
June 22, 2013
3.5 Stars
4 lives.
All connected.
All with secrets that just keep following them.
Devon is running away. From what, or who, we don’t know. All we know is she isn't safe. Someone is out to get her and she is plagued with terrible nightmares about it. She is going to stay temporarily in Chicago with her best friend from college, Hadley. She cuts off all ties from the outside. No facebook, no email, her parents think she is home with her boyfriend Reid, and Reid thinks she is in Paris with her parents. The first bit of the book, I found myself wondering... WTF is going on here?
It took me a while to figure it all out. Devon can’t share whats going on with anyone. Especially not her bff Hadley. She makes friends with a bartender named Brennan. She wants to talk to him, but she just can’t, not yet. She ends up confiding with Hadley’s boyfriend Garrett.
After that, things get a little crazy. Hadley’s got a lot of issues. Devon finds out she can’t quite trust Garrett as much as she thought she could. Then there is Brennan. Sweet Brennan. The saving grace of this story. Adored this guy! He was hot and cold for a while, but he had his reasons. There was a definite ‘slow build’ between Devon and Brennan, which I enjoyed. Brennan and Devon were able to connect on a different level.
“I don’t know why, but when I look at you, I sometimes see myself. I feel like I understand you... like we could understand each other.”
And through his music...She had found her home in Brennan’s music.
I will not spoil the ending, but let me tell you. It was wild!!!
I debated on how to rate this one... I had some really high expectations, I mean- this is the author of the Avoiding Series! I liked the book. I didn’t love it, it didn’t blow me away, but I did like it. It was a different read, and I enjoyed that. I love books with some twists and turns, and this one had that element. I spent so much of the book trying to figure out exactly what was going on, when I finally found out... well, it wasn’t what I was expecting it to me. I give it a solid 3.5 stars. I absolutely adored Brennan, I felt for Devon, but for some reason I never connected with her like I normally do my main characters. It definitely had mass drama, some suspense, twists, turns, a bit of romance, heat and a swoonworthy leading man. Overall, a good read.
“You’re my greatness.”
Want to read
June 8, 2013 Coming June 21, 2013.
June 7, 2013
First of all, let me say this is the month for emotional reads. Some of my favorite authors are pulling out the big guns and tackling some pretty heavy topics. That is not a complaint. Every book can’t be about super duper hot over-the-top (and totally fictional) sex and all unicorns & rainbows. That said… K.A. Linde really put it all out there in this book. If you are a fan of the Avoiding Series *jumps up and down waving hand in the air* you will see some hints of the familiar… she still weaves the past & present together flawlessly… and her heroine has a fabulous bestie with a larger than life personality… but that is where the similarities stop. This book won’t have you picking a “Team” or screaming for the next in the series. This book will make you think. This book will make you feel. This book will scare you a little.
How well do you know the people in your life? Your mother, daughter, sister, best friend, lover??? Could you tell if they were putting on a happy face for you? Would you be able to tell if they were lying to your face? If they were falling deeper and deeper into something dangerous and needed help… could you save them? We all like to think so. I mean your best friend tells you EVERYTHING and if she was in any kind of trouble you would be the first to know and the first to kick ass and take names.
Devon seems to have it all. She attends the college of her choosing, she is studying in the field she is passionate about, she has a handsome and doting boyfriend who is going to be starting med-school, her family loves her, she is young & beautiful and she is in trouble. She is running from something or someone. Consumed by nightmares and trying to escape her life for just a little while, she runs to her best friend Hadley. Hadley graduated early and moved from St. Louis to the Windy City so pretending to be on a quick summer trip Devon heads to Chicago on a one way ticket. Hadley is everything Devon remembers beautiful and vivacious with a great new job and the perfect boyfriend, Garrett. Devon settles into the guestroom of their condo and tries to become distracted with her friends and the city. Speaking of distractions… Brennan Walker… he is a bartender at the local “hot” restaurant, Jenns. He is a friend of Garrett and Hadley’s and what a distraction. Brennan is a handsome struggling musician. Devon is instantly drawn to him. He seems to see right through her… it’s a little unnerving but she likes his eyes on her… but she has a boyfriend that she loves back at school. How can she be attracted to Brennan when she has the perfect relationship with Reid?
Seems that Devon isn’t the only one hiding, Hadley has some issues of her own and seeing an opportunity to use that to her advantage, as well as being genuinely concerned for her friend, Devon manipulates her way into staying the rest of the summer. She is not ready to head home and face her demons just yet. She gets a job and sets out to repair her life and figure out what to do next. Losing Hadley, leaning on her new friendship with Garrett and growing closer to Brennan her mask is starting to slip. Maybe she can finally trust and let someone in. Maybe she can get to the root of those nightmares. Maybe she can be free. That is if her nightmare doesn’t catch her first.
I fell in love with the cast of characters in this book. Each one is facing their own “something” and they are all trying to help and protect each other. Oh they mess it up royally and hurt one another but it is real. I also loved how the city of Chicago felt like a character itself. Like I said, this book hits on several very heavy issues, but it is also about falling in love, letting go, standing up for yourself, being a friend, when to forgive and then when not to forgive. It scared me and it touched me and it made me take a deeper look at the relationships in my life. There are conversations I need to have and you can bet I’ll be having them now. Thank you Ms. Linde!
Favorite Quote:
“I think I knew you were running the first time I saw you” he said “those big stormy eyes telling me you were lost with nowhere to go and nowhere to hide. I just didn’t know what you were running from. But I think all along you were running toward me.”
How well do you know the people in your life? Your mother, daughter, sister, best friend, lover??? Could you tell if they were putting on a happy face for you? Would you be able to tell if they were lying to your face? If they were falling deeper and deeper into something dangerous and needed help… could you save them? We all like to think so. I mean your best friend tells you EVERYTHING and if she was in any kind of trouble you would be the first to know and the first to kick ass and take names.
Devon seems to have it all. She attends the college of her choosing, she is studying in the field she is passionate about, she has a handsome and doting boyfriend who is going to be starting med-school, her family loves her, she is young & beautiful and she is in trouble. She is running from something or someone. Consumed by nightmares and trying to escape her life for just a little while, she runs to her best friend Hadley. Hadley graduated early and moved from St. Louis to the Windy City so pretending to be on a quick summer trip Devon heads to Chicago on a one way ticket. Hadley is everything Devon remembers beautiful and vivacious with a great new job and the perfect boyfriend, Garrett. Devon settles into the guestroom of their condo and tries to become distracted with her friends and the city. Speaking of distractions… Brennan Walker… he is a bartender at the local “hot” restaurant, Jenns. He is a friend of Garrett and Hadley’s and what a distraction. Brennan is a handsome struggling musician. Devon is instantly drawn to him. He seems to see right through her… it’s a little unnerving but she likes his eyes on her… but she has a boyfriend that she loves back at school. How can she be attracted to Brennan when she has the perfect relationship with Reid?
Seems that Devon isn’t the only one hiding, Hadley has some issues of her own and seeing an opportunity to use that to her advantage, as well as being genuinely concerned for her friend, Devon manipulates her way into staying the rest of the summer. She is not ready to head home and face her demons just yet. She gets a job and sets out to repair her life and figure out what to do next. Losing Hadley, leaning on her new friendship with Garrett and growing closer to Brennan her mask is starting to slip. Maybe she can finally trust and let someone in. Maybe she can get to the root of those nightmares. Maybe she can be free. That is if her nightmare doesn’t catch her first.
I fell in love with the cast of characters in this book. Each one is facing their own “something” and they are all trying to help and protect each other. Oh they mess it up royally and hurt one another but it is real. I also loved how the city of Chicago felt like a character itself. Like I said, this book hits on several very heavy issues, but it is also about falling in love, letting go, standing up for yourself, being a friend, when to forgive and then when not to forgive. It scared me and it touched me and it made me take a deeper look at the relationships in my life. There are conversations I need to have and you can bet I’ll be having them now. Thank you Ms. Linde!
Favorite Quote:
“I think I knew you were running the first time I saw you” he said “those big stormy eyes telling me you were lost with nowhere to go and nowhere to hide. I just didn’t know what you were running from. But I think all along you were running toward me.”
June 21, 2013
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”I think I knew you were running the first time I saw you.” he said. ”Those big stormy eyes telling me you were lost with nowhere to go and nowhere to hide. I just didn’t know what you were running from. But I think all along you were running toward me.”
I was SO excited to be asked to join K.A. Linde’s Follwing Me blog tour! I became such a big fan of K.A. after reading the Avoiding Series and couldn’t wait to read something new and different from her. Following Me delivered what I was hoping by bringing me something completely and utterly different from Ms. Linde.
I do not want to say too much in my review. The synopsis does not give too much away and I think it’s important going into the story without knowing too much. For this book I feel being “clueless” will benefit the reader more so then knowing the story and why Devon is running away from her life in St. Louis.
Devon wants to get away from everything and anyone in St. Louis. She leaves to visit her best friend in Chicago and does not tell her boyfriend or her parents where she is. She just NEEDS to getaway and think while visiting her friend Hadley and her boyfriend Garrett. While in Chicago Devon discovers Hadley’s little secret and Devon’s problems are pushed aside not being dealt with until Devon meets Brennan. All four have problems that will surface and burst open in Following Me creating drama, drama, drama.
The book is told through the eyes of Devon in present time with flashback scenes of the past. As you read you will get a glimpse of what happened to Devon but what I thought what happened judging by the past totally surprised me by what the truth actually was. I was totally fooled. When Devon finally revealed the truth I was like “WHAT?!?!?!?!” I just couldn’t believe it.
I really liked all the characters in Following Me, Brennan was my absolute favorite!! I would have loved the story to be more involved around him. He still is a mystery to me still. I also really liked the character of Garrett, Hadley’s boyfriend. I know some readers may not like him after reading it but I did. I still think he is a great guy who was just dealing with stress and problems of his own.
”I don’t know why, but when I look at you I sometimes see myself. I felt like I understood you… like we could understand each other.”
Following Me starts off really strong. I loved the opening and it held my interest to keep reading. Towards the middle it slowed down a bit. I just felt the issues were going back and forth between everyone without being resolved or even talked about. I just wanted something to happen with someone.
”I can already see it happening. Don’t let the life drain out of you again. I can see you retreating. I need you, and I think you need me too. Please just stay here, stay in the present, in the future. Stay with me.”
Following Me was different with a twist I did not see coming.
K.A. Linde is an amazing writer, I enjoy her writing style & characters! I hope everyone reads Following Me.
I give Following Me 3 Stars.
ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.
”I think I knew you were running the first time I saw you.” he said. ”Those big stormy eyes telling me you were lost with nowhere to go and nowhere to hide. I just didn’t know what you were running from. But I think all along you were running toward me.”
I was SO excited to be asked to join K.A. Linde’s Follwing Me blog tour! I became such a big fan of K.A. after reading the Avoiding Series and couldn’t wait to read something new and different from her. Following Me delivered what I was hoping by bringing me something completely and utterly different from Ms. Linde.
I do not want to say too much in my review. The synopsis does not give too much away and I think it’s important going into the story without knowing too much. For this book I feel being “clueless” will benefit the reader more so then knowing the story and why Devon is running away from her life in St. Louis.
Devon wants to get away from everything and anyone in St. Louis. She leaves to visit her best friend in Chicago and does not tell her boyfriend or her parents where she is. She just NEEDS to getaway and think while visiting her friend Hadley and her boyfriend Garrett. While in Chicago Devon discovers Hadley’s little secret and Devon’s problems are pushed aside not being dealt with until Devon meets Brennan. All four have problems that will surface and burst open in Following Me creating drama, drama, drama.
The book is told through the eyes of Devon in present time with flashback scenes of the past. As you read you will get a glimpse of what happened to Devon but what I thought what happened judging by the past totally surprised me by what the truth actually was. I was totally fooled. When Devon finally revealed the truth I was like “WHAT?!?!?!?!” I just couldn’t believe it.
I really liked all the characters in Following Me, Brennan was my absolute favorite!! I would have loved the story to be more involved around him. He still is a mystery to me still. I also really liked the character of Garrett, Hadley’s boyfriend. I know some readers may not like him after reading it but I did. I still think he is a great guy who was just dealing with stress and problems of his own.
”I don’t know why, but when I look at you I sometimes see myself. I felt like I understood you… like we could understand each other.”
Following Me starts off really strong. I loved the opening and it held my interest to keep reading. Towards the middle it slowed down a bit. I just felt the issues were going back and forth between everyone without being resolved or even talked about. I just wanted something to happen with someone.
”I can already see it happening. Don’t let the life drain out of you again. I can see you retreating. I need you, and I think you need me too. Please just stay here, stay in the present, in the future. Stay with me.”
Following Me was different with a twist I did not see coming.
K.A. Linde is an amazing writer, I enjoy her writing style & characters! I hope everyone reads Following Me.
I give Following Me 3 Stars.
ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.
August 25, 2013
This is one of K.A. Lind's lowest rated books. I think this happened because the book plays out a lot more like a Kubrick film and less like a typical romance novel. Having said that, I thought it was quite good.
There are four lives that are all connected in this book. The main story is about Devon or "Dev". Devon comes from a family where country music is what they do. Her parents are legendary song writers. Devon has no interest in being a lyricist but she can not deny that she writes songs constantly to express her feelings. Devon is a college student who hops on a bus to Chicago and leaves everything behind in St. Louis. She is going to visit Hadley, her former room mate and Hadley's new boyfriend Garrett.
Devon arrives in Chicago and discovers that Hadley is not who she was just six short months ago. Her life has taken a few major turns and Devon is worried. But Devon doesn't have it in her to be supportive. She is on the run and feels like someone is following her all of the time. She looks around every corner and becomes paranoid that someone is there.
Brennan is the bartender at the local bar in Hadley's neighborhood. He is a bartender by day, college grad and singer by night. Brennan has carefully constructed walls around himself to keep everyone out. He has suffered a great deal and he is not interested in getting close to anyone.
Reid is Devon's boyfriend. For some reason she has lied to him and told him that she was in Paris for the summer. She is not returning his texts, calls or e-mails. Devon tells Hadley that she and Reid are over. She hasn't told Reid that they are over though.
Devon and Brennen start to get close and the closer he gets the more he sees. Devon is hiding something huge.
She has extreme nightmares and wakes up in a cold sweat. Garrett begins offering his support to Devon. He can't help but hear Devon's screams in the night.
Brennan lets Devon in despite trying desperately not to.
"There's that smile, that beautiful smile. I want to keep making you smile, but I can’t if you walk out of this place. We pulled each other out of the water once, Devon. I can’t bear to see you sink any deeper. Please, please stay with me. Just stay with me,” he pleaded.- Brennan
Devon's secrets begin to unravel and her past finds her in the Windy City.
But the way Devon deals with it is not what you would expect.
Seriously Devon! Devon must choose to deal with her past and embrace her possible future, or return to the hell that awaits her.
I really like K.A. Linde's writing style. I felt like this was just a different type of book for her. Perhaps those who didn't like it were simply looking for something else. This was more of a psychological thriller than romance. There is romance in it, but there was a lot more to it than that. I didn't like the mystery behind Devon's swift departure from St. Louis. I don't think it would have detracted from the book to bring out the "problem" earlier on. As it was written, you were left guessing and it became a little frustrating. At one point I wondered if she was simply mentally ill and the issues were delusions rather than reality.
Overall I am giving this 3.5 rounding up to 4 stars. I think it could have been better if the author had focused more on Brennan and Devon and revealed more sooner. I liked this book and I wanted to love it. I got really mad at the end with how the main characters dealt with everything. Though it is a departure for this author's writing style it was still good. 4 Stars.
December 22, 2015
Rating: 3,75/5
Review coming soon!
Review coming soon!
Want to read
May 17, 2013June 21st release date!
To say that my interest is piqued would be a HUGE understatement. I like this authors work so I hope this does not disappoint.
To say that my interest is piqued would be a HUGE understatement. I like this authors work so I hope this does not disappoint.
June 25, 2013
Let me just start with how much I love K.A. Linde's writing in the Avoiding series. When I heard that she has a stand alone in the works, I was jumping with excitement. But all that enthusiasm went downhill pretty fast.
It hurts to write this review, but I was disappointed with this book. The synopsis was what drew me in but when I finished the book, it was far from awesome. In sum:
1) I couldn't connect with the characters, especially the heroine. She was annoying and plain idiot. She was a tease with mess up logic behind her & other actions.
2) Lack of development in the romance btw her and Brennan. What's so GREAT or special about their relationship? How did they happen to fall for one another?
3) The characters' reactions were unrealistic
4) Story was anticlimatic--showdown made me say "That's it?!"
5) The book deals with a sensitive matter and it was poorly portrayed. Refer back to #3 from above
6) I think my eyes hurt from eyerolling, especially her scenes with Garrett (the best friend's gf).
SO yep...the book did not work for me.
It hurts to write this review, but I was disappointed with this book. The synopsis was what drew me in but when I finished the book, it was far from awesome. In sum:
1) I couldn't connect with the characters, especially the heroine. She was annoying and plain idiot. She was a tease with mess up logic behind her & other actions.
2) Lack of development in the romance btw her and Brennan. What's so GREAT or special about their relationship? How did they happen to fall for one another?
3) The characters' reactions were unrealistic
4) Story was anticlimatic--showdown made me say "That's it?!"
5) The book deals with a sensitive matter and it was poorly portrayed. Refer back to #3 from above
6) I think my eyes hurt from eyerolling, especially her scenes with Garrett (the best friend's gf).
SO yep...the book did not work for me.
June 24, 2013
I am kind of disappointed after reading this book. I felt that it lacked a lot of emotion, drama, plot.
The first half of the book just kept dragging Devon's 'secret' and really, the snippets or dreams did not give you an idea of what was going on. It was really slow to start building into the plot, the reason for her nightmares and escape.
The relationship with Devon and each of the other characters lacked chemistry. First with her supposedly BFF which nothing really gives you that image or makes you feel she was that best friend. Then Garret, which you don't understand how she opened up to him when really, you don't feel like he was that person to make her confide in. And then Brennan, it really doesn't give you that love at first sight deal from either one.
2.5 stars
The first half of the book just kept dragging Devon's 'secret' and really, the snippets or dreams did not give you an idea of what was going on. It was really slow to start building into the plot, the reason for her nightmares and escape.
The relationship with Devon and each of the other characters lacked chemistry. First with her supposedly BFF which nothing really gives you that image or makes you feel she was that best friend. Then Garret, which you don't understand how she opened up to him when really, you don't feel like he was that person to make her confide in. And then Brennan, it really doesn't give you that love at first sight deal from either one.
2.5 stars
June 22, 2013
For the first few chapters that I started reading this I get totally hooked by it. I was curious as hell what this 4 people lives will about to share me. As the chapters and their story continues I was stunned.
My heart is broken for Hadie, for Garreth and Brennan. For all the things they have to endure in their lives.Most of the time I wanted to hurt Devon for not telling to the police when she has a chance, in her dark times with Reid. But the greatness comes to Brennan to help her to face her own demons. For Reid karma is the worst bitch right!!
K.A Linde your works is truly an awe. You captivated us by sharing their stories to us. Great job!!!
My heart is broken for Hadie, for Garreth and Brennan. For all the things they have to endure in their lives.Most of the time I wanted to hurt Devon for not telling to the police when she has a chance, in her dark times with Reid. But the greatness comes to Brennan to help her to face her own demons. For Reid karma is the worst bitch right!!
K.A Linde your works is truly an awe. You captivated us by sharing their stories to us. Great job!!!
Shelved as 'considering'
June 14, 2013I'll be honest, I wasn't too crazy for Avoiding Commitment However, K.A. Linde will be in Austin in the Fall and I am very interested in Following Me. I'm giving it a shot!
July 28, 2023
Wow 😲 What An Amazing, Emotional Good Book
This story was really emotionally deep. K.A. Linde is one of my favorite authors. She took two extremely thought 🤔 provoking issues and put it out there and said, how do you think you handle domestic abuse and then she took Devon's best friend and former college roommate and told us to think about 🤔 addiction and what its affect on the people you love. Devon and Hadley were college roommates and they became best friends. Hadley graduated early so she had no idea about the secret that her friend was keeping from her and all her friends and family. Devon was in a relationship where there sex life where her boyfriend had all the control and was obsessed and then trickled down to their personal. Devon found herself at the end of a physical beating more times than she wanted to think about. After her last beating she made a plan to tell her boyfriend that she was going to Paris with her family, father, mother sisters and brother. Then she told her parents that she was staying in town for school with her boyfriend Reid. In St. Louis. Then she packed a bag and headed to Chicago to see her BF Hadley and when she gets there she finds out she is to be staying with her Hadley and her boyfriend Garrett. Devon has been having these dreams that someone is following her and because she is on the run from her boyfriend Reid she has been having the dreams in the day also. When Hadley and her friends and Brennan the bartender Hadley introduced her to, go out to celebrate her being in town and leaving soon, she finds her friend in the bathroom with her new friends from the office, snorting cocaine in the bathroom. Thus begins their journey to get their lives back. This is actually Devon and Brennan's story. It's how two young people having gone through trauma in their lives find one another. Loved this story and would highly recommend it. K.A Linde wrote about social issues that happen in our society and did it well.
This story was really emotionally deep. K.A. Linde is one of my favorite authors. She took two extremely thought 🤔 provoking issues and put it out there and said, how do you think you handle domestic abuse and then she took Devon's best friend and former college roommate and told us to think about 🤔 addiction and what its affect on the people you love. Devon and Hadley were college roommates and they became best friends. Hadley graduated early so she had no idea about the secret that her friend was keeping from her and all her friends and family. Devon was in a relationship where there sex life where her boyfriend had all the control and was obsessed and then trickled down to their personal. Devon found herself at the end of a physical beating more times than she wanted to think about. After her last beating she made a plan to tell her boyfriend that she was going to Paris with her family, father, mother sisters and brother. Then she told her parents that she was staying in town for school with her boyfriend Reid. In St. Louis. Then she packed a bag and headed to Chicago to see her BF Hadley and when she gets there she finds out she is to be staying with her Hadley and her boyfriend Garrett. Devon has been having these dreams that someone is following her and because she is on the run from her boyfriend Reid she has been having the dreams in the day also. When Hadley and her friends and Brennan the bartender Hadley introduced her to, go out to celebrate her being in town and leaving soon, she finds her friend in the bathroom with her new friends from the office, snorting cocaine in the bathroom. Thus begins their journey to get their lives back. This is actually Devon and Brennan's story. It's how two young people having gone through trauma in their lives find one another. Loved this story and would highly recommend it. K.A Linde wrote about social issues that happen in our society and did it well.
June 21, 2013
4.5 stars
I've been a fan of Linde's writing before she even published. Her Avoiding Series blew me away. Of course I had to drink Mylanta for a week, but I loved it. FOLLOWING ME was different. Way different than Avoiding. There is drama and even a bit of romance. And there are multiple people involved, but to me...it was about Devon and less angsty than Avoiding.
Honestly, I didn't connect with Devon all that much. She's very guarded. Of course, there is a reason for it. She's running from her life. I'll admit, the mystery surrounding Devon's reason for running, felt a bit drawn out to me. I think I would have liked a few more hints here and there. And really, I was expecting something more dramatic. Not that the reason wasn't serious, but there was a lot of build up. I also had some issues with her friendship with Hadley. I won't go into it, but I felt Hadley's issues were downplayed. I know it may seem like I don't like Devon, but in the end I did. I think she mismanaged some things and I did have some issues with the choices she made. However, I did like her with Brennan. Seeing her with him, won me over.
Brennan was my favorite part of the book. I tend to gravitate towards male characters and Brennan is the kind of guy I love. He's a bit mysterious, sweet, and certainly sexy. He isn't all that nice to Devon right away, but I felt like he read her well. He knew she was keeping a secret. Ultimately, he wanted and expected honesty from her. Even though he had his own share of secrets. Brennan turns out to be the guy Devon needs in her life. I felt that they had good chemistry once Devon let him in.
Overall, I really ended up liking it. I had to think about it a few days before I rated it and my rating increased once a few things changed for the final version. But here's the thing, I may not have loved Devon throughout the whole book, but days later, I was still thinking about it. So obviously, it made an impact. Linde is a talented author and I felt that this book showed her broadening her scope. Was it perfect? No, but it did stay on my mind. I would recommend this one to readers who enjoy romance, but also enjoy a slower building plot with a bit of suspense.
Quotes:
~"I think I knew you were running the first time I saw you," he said. "Those big stormy eyes telling me you were lost with nowhere to go and nowhere to hide. I just didn't know what you were running from. But I think all along you were running toward me."-pg 229/beta
~"Yep. I'm going to kiss every inch of your beautiful skin so that when you look at it-all you see is me," he said stopping his kisses and staring down into her eyes.-pg 240/beta
I've been a fan of Linde's writing before she even published. Her Avoiding Series blew me away. Of course I had to drink Mylanta for a week, but I loved it. FOLLOWING ME was different. Way different than Avoiding. There is drama and even a bit of romance. And there are multiple people involved, but to me...it was about Devon and less angsty than Avoiding.
Honestly, I didn't connect with Devon all that much. She's very guarded. Of course, there is a reason for it. She's running from her life. I'll admit, the mystery surrounding Devon's reason for running, felt a bit drawn out to me. I think I would have liked a few more hints here and there. And really, I was expecting something more dramatic. Not that the reason wasn't serious, but there was a lot of build up. I also had some issues with her friendship with Hadley. I won't go into it, but I felt Hadley's issues were downplayed. I know it may seem like I don't like Devon, but in the end I did. I think she mismanaged some things and I did have some issues with the choices she made. However, I did like her with Brennan. Seeing her with him, won me over.
Brennan was my favorite part of the book. I tend to gravitate towards male characters and Brennan is the kind of guy I love. He's a bit mysterious, sweet, and certainly sexy. He isn't all that nice to Devon right away, but I felt like he read her well. He knew she was keeping a secret. Ultimately, he wanted and expected honesty from her. Even though he had his own share of secrets. Brennan turns out to be the guy Devon needs in her life. I felt that they had good chemistry once Devon let him in.
Overall, I really ended up liking it. I had to think about it a few days before I rated it and my rating increased once a few things changed for the final version. But here's the thing, I may not have loved Devon throughout the whole book, but days later, I was still thinking about it. So obviously, it made an impact. Linde is a talented author and I felt that this book showed her broadening her scope. Was it perfect? No, but it did stay on my mind. I would recommend this one to readers who enjoy romance, but also enjoy a slower building plot with a bit of suspense.
Quotes:
~"I think I knew you were running the first time I saw you," he said. "Those big stormy eyes telling me you were lost with nowhere to go and nowhere to hide. I just didn't know what you were running from. But I think all along you were running toward me."-pg 229/beta
~"Yep. I'm going to kiss every inch of your beautiful skin so that when you look at it-all you see is me," he said stopping his kisses and staring down into her eyes.-pg 240/beta
October 3, 2014
so, I love KA Linde, but I'm really on the fence here. Devon flees her home/school, family and her BF Reid and heads to Chicago with no future plans. She is running...from something, from someone, from everything, but why?. She meets up with college friend Hadley and stays with her and her BF Garrett. Each play a part in Devon's future, but their connections seem superficial. Devon then widens her circle of friends when she meets and befriends local bartender, and hot male Brennan, who in my opinion is the best thing about this book! There is some chemistry here, but it is minute since Devon has a fortress around her head and heart.
Devon's character is strange to me. she is very closed off hyper-paranoid. she has a constant fear that someone is following her and she has vivid torturous dreams that whack her out. This is her life throughout the book, until she finally confides in Garrett her past and why she is running. I just couldn't get the connection between these two, odd that her long time friend Hadley wasn't involved much with Devon. I admit Hadley had her own issues! unfortunately once the big reveal come out I wasn't shocked...i honestly thought she was getting abducted by aliens, lol!
The best part of this book is Brennan. I think he was the only emotional character that truly developed in this one. He was cautious with his feelings, but dependable. he was a great friend and the only honest person in the book. For me this book started to truly rock around the 70% mark. It was Brennan that kept me reading even though this was was Devon's story. Overall, he makes this book for me and he makes me "like it"...but i wish I loved it.
Devon's character is strange to me. she is very closed off hyper-paranoid. she has a constant fear that someone is following her and she has vivid torturous dreams that whack her out. This is her life throughout the book, until she finally confides in Garrett her past and why she is running. I just couldn't get the connection between these two, odd that her long time friend Hadley wasn't involved much with Devon. I admit Hadley had her own issues! unfortunately once the big reveal come out I wasn't shocked...i honestly thought she was getting abducted by aliens, lol!
The best part of this book is Brennan. I think he was the only emotional character that truly developed in this one. He was cautious with his feelings, but dependable. he was a great friend and the only honest person in the book. For me this book started to truly rock around the 70% mark. It was Brennan that kept me reading even though this was was Devon's story. Overall, he makes this book for me and he makes me "like it"...but i wish I loved it.
August 28, 2014
Man, this was really disappointing after how much I enjoyed the Avoiding Series and even the Record series. I did like Brennan, though I feel like we really didn't get enough of him to really love him. Devon...I didn't connect with her. I feel like she was naive, stubborn, and fickle. I like my heroine's strong. The big reveal of her secret was just kind of like, oh that's what happened. There was no hints from the beginning and the numerous dreams didn't seem to really connect all that much. And I'm sorry, I just cannot connect with a person who I didn't see the friendship between Hadley and Devon either. We were told they were best friends but I got none of that from their interactions within the book. And I don't know how I feel about Garrett. I liked him, then didn't, then he was just okay. Also where was the ? All Brennan and Devon did was share a couple of kisses. Anyway - I was able to finish it, thus the two stars and not one, but definitely by far my least favorite of KA's books.
June 26, 2013
I loved K.A. Linde's Avoiding series so much.
Was so excited about this new book.
It's definitely not of the same caliber as the Avoiding books.
I wish she had released "Off The Record" in stead of this one.
It just took way too long to find out what Devon's deal was.
More than 50% into the book is way too long to be given that insight.
I didn't feel any connection to Devon or any of the other characters.
Hadley was a sorry excuse for a friend and Devon was no better.
Garrett was sort of creepy.
Brennan had potential but even the chemistry between him and Devon seemed off.
It wasn't built up properly.
It seemed in the beginning like there was an attraction but then out of nowhere the two are crazy about each other after having spent hardly any time together.
When it's revealed why Devon is in Chicago, I was like "oh...that's it?"
Ehhhh!!!
Sorry I love you K.A. but the entire time I was reading this I thought, this couldn't have been written by her!
Please forgive me for not liking this one.
I guess the last 40% of the book was somewhat interesting and that's why I'm giving this book 3 stars.
I think Off The Record and the final book to the Avoiding series will blow this book out of the water!!
You can't hit a home run with every book but I admire anyone who can pull a story out of their head and put it down on paper!!!
I have read some real stinkers, this book isn't horrible, it was just okay.
Was so excited about this new book.
It's definitely not of the same caliber as the Avoiding books.
I wish she had released "Off The Record" in stead of this one.
It just took way too long to find out what Devon's deal was.
More than 50% into the book is way too long to be given that insight.
I didn't feel any connection to Devon or any of the other characters.
Hadley was a sorry excuse for a friend and Devon was no better.
Garrett was sort of creepy.
Brennan had potential but even the chemistry between him and Devon seemed off.
It wasn't built up properly.
It seemed in the beginning like there was an attraction but then out of nowhere the two are crazy about each other after having spent hardly any time together.
When it's revealed why Devon is in Chicago, I was like "oh...that's it?"
Ehhhh!!!
Sorry I love you K.A. but the entire time I was reading this I thought, this couldn't have been written by her!
Please forgive me for not liking this one.
I guess the last 40% of the book was somewhat interesting and that's why I'm giving this book 3 stars.
I think Off The Record and the final book to the Avoiding series will blow this book out of the water!!
You can't hit a home run with every book but I admire anyone who can pull a story out of their head and put it down on paper!!!
I have read some real stinkers, this book isn't horrible, it was just okay.
June 16, 2013
This was one of those books that was a total page turner for me. K.A. Linde did an awesome job weaving the truth behind what drove Devon to Chicago with the lives of the three people Devon's close to when she gets to Chicago. This was one that I didn't want to put down and couldn't wait to see how it ends.
Devon was one of those characters that you could tell was fighting something powerful, but was determined to do it on her own. She left St. Louis, telling a different story to her family and her boyfriend, and headed towards her best friend in Chicago. But when she gets to Chicago, she finds that what she was running from is still following her.
Battling her own demons, Devon finds her best friend, Hadley is also fighting her own, which causes Devon to find herself without her best friend. Her one bright point was Brennan. He reminded Devon of her worth as a person and a woman, helping her get over some of her emotional scars.
This was a challenging read, dealing with domestic violence and addiction. K. A. Linde created characters that were wonderfully flawed and connected with the reader, making us hungry from Devon to fight for her happily ever after. In the end, the journey was worth it and one I encourage other to take.
Devon was one of those characters that you could tell was fighting something powerful, but was determined to do it on her own. She left St. Louis, telling a different story to her family and her boyfriend, and headed towards her best friend in Chicago. But when she gets to Chicago, she finds that what she was running from is still following her.
Battling her own demons, Devon finds her best friend, Hadley is also fighting her own, which causes Devon to find herself without her best friend. Her one bright point was Brennan. He reminded Devon of her worth as a person and a woman, helping her get over some of her emotional scars.
This was a challenging read, dealing with domestic violence and addiction. K. A. Linde created characters that were wonderfully flawed and connected with the reader, making us hungry from Devon to fight for her happily ever after. In the end, the journey was worth it and one I encourage other to take.
May 31, 2016
I just LOVE K.A. Linde. I was in book slump, one book I couldn't even finish so I wanted a book I KNEW would be good. This book was so different from her Avoiding series, but it was just as good in my opinion. This is one of those books where it's hard to review because you don't want to spoil it for anybody who hasn't read it.
Once I started, I couldn't put it down! I went into this book with only having read the synopsis, I didn't read any reviews and I'm glad I didn't. I had no idea what to expect while reading and sometimes thats the best way to start a book.
I knew Devon was running from something but I couldn't figure out what it was. And when I found out what she was running from, my jaw hit the floor. I wasn't expecting that at all! K.A. drew me into every single character in this book. Especially Brennan, that man was just yummy.
I highly recommend this book!
Once I started, I couldn't put it down! I went into this book with only having read the synopsis, I didn't read any reviews and I'm glad I didn't. I had no idea what to expect while reading and sometimes thats the best way to start a book.
I knew Devon was running from something but I couldn't figure out what it was. And when I found out what she was running from, my jaw hit the floor. I wasn't expecting that at all! K.A. drew me into every single character in this book. Especially Brennan, that man was just yummy.
I highly recommend this book!
July 19, 2015
I really like this book. I can't say that I love it, but I have re-read it, so it's more than just like.
I won't give away too much about the plot. I think there's definitely a reason that the synopsis doesn't give too much away. The less you know going into this one, the more you can just enjoy the angst filled ride.
Without giving too much away, though, I will say that I was surprised by the trajectory of Hadley's storyline. I really did not see her issues coming when she was first introduced. She seemed so perfect and put together that it was quite a surprise to me.
Also, Brennan is AMAZING. Definitely one of my favorite male protagonists from a romance book. Honestly, he's just the right mixture of confident and mysterious.
I won't give away too much about the plot. I think there's definitely a reason that the synopsis doesn't give too much away. The less you know going into this one, the more you can just enjoy the angst filled ride.
Without giving too much away, though, I will say that I was surprised by the trajectory of Hadley's storyline. I really did not see her issues coming when she was first introduced. She seemed so perfect and put together that it was quite a surprise to me.
Also, Brennan is AMAZING. Definitely one of my favorite male protagonists from a romance book. Honestly, he's just the right mixture of confident and mysterious.
July 30, 2013
Loved this story by K.A. Linde. It's a lot different from her other books and I enjoyed it very much. This story had me feeling all types of emotions. I'm so happy Devon finally faced her demons with Brennan's help! He was such a sweet and loving person and I wish I had my own Brennan!! Some stuff in this book was hard to read and I had a knot in my stomach. K.A. Linde really surprised me with this story and I was consumed with this book the whole time I was reading! Well done and I can't wait for future books!!
July 17, 2013
I had a hard time getting into this book. I really think K.A. Linde should have just focused on finishing the last book in the avoiding series instead of writing this book. Following Me was a good story but it didn't carry half of the emotion that the Avoiding series carried. To be honest I read this book about 2 weeks ago and I can't even remember what the big secret was anymore, so that should say something. I'm a huge fan of K.A. Linde but this book fell flat. It was not her best stuff.
April 13, 2014
Well for one I like the story line and the mysterious around it. But unfortunately it kind of missed out on the spark between the characters. Oh, the sparks were there but it just didn't happen until later. The only thing that I was getting confused was that Devon seemed a lot closer to Garrett. Now Garrett is Hadley's man but he appeared way more than Hadley and the supposedly love interest Brennan. Hence why the sparks happened later. Anyways I found it weird over that part.
July 5, 2013
I really wish I could've liked this story but it was just not good. This story took too long to get to the point and it was just too much going on. I love K.A. kindle' s work but this was not one of them. I'm just glad it is finally over so I can move on to my next book.
July 11, 2013
This book deserves more than 5 stars. It was beautifully written. I couldn't put this book down. Wow!!! I found myself getting emotional. Love Devon and Brennan. I'll definitely be reading this book again.
Want to read
April 19, 2013Summer 2013!!
April 1, 2017
This didn't start to get interesting for me until 70% in. I just couldn't connect with Devon. I love this Author and I will read anything she writes
June 23, 2013
This book was okay. For me, I struggled until about 55% then it picked up but it was......um....idk. Not my favorite by this author.
Want to read
May 17, 2013EEEK!!! A new K.A. Linde book! So excited :)
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