Emerge Book Review

October 15, 2013 / 5 comments

Emerge by S.E. Hall
Published by Self-Published on May 15, 2013
Genres: New Adult
Format: ebook
Source: Giveaway Win
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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.

Liezel’s Thoughts:

Item: Emerge
Rating: 5
Author: testbook

Evan has been in love with Laney for years but it took him senior year to finally come out and act on it. They’re relationship flourishes from a friendship into something more but an impending separation is imminent. It has always been their dream to attend the same college but because of a best friends’ betrayal that dream never comes.

Facing reality head-on Laney knows that temptation is unavoidable especially on Evan’s part. Just before they leave for college she sets him free. Evan is reluctant but agrees that they both need to experience life at its fullest. Laney has always been Evan’s and he knows that nothing could destroy what they have.

Laney never knew that being apart would be that difficult. She misses the talks, the touches, his warm embrace….she’s lonely without him but she needs to move on and meet other people. At their dorms meet and greet she is introduced to Dane. Immediately they hit it off.

Laney is open and honest and tells Dane about Evan but this does not deter him from pursuing her relentlessly. Laney is different from all the girls Dane has ever known and despite her hang ups he acknowledges that she is special and worth fighting for. But will Laney be able to choose between her first love that is constant and comfortable or a newer love of intense passion?

“I love you, for all we are and all we’re not right now too. If you love something, let it go. If it comes back, it’s yours.”

I enjoyed the heroine of this story. She never had a motherly figure growing up but she never let that affect her. She was level headed and I thought that she was very mature for her age. I also loved how important her relationship with her father and how sincere she was spending time with him. I thought her personality was well put together.

Evan was great too. I thought he was patient and understanding and liked that he took his time with Laney. Her friendship was important to him more than anything and I knew that no matter what he would never risk that . What I loved most was his will to fight for her but Dane was just as determined as he was.

Dane was difficult to get a read on. He seemed very secretive and I struggled with his character in the beginning but what stirred me from disliking him was how much he was able to show Laney how important she was. He cared for her and let his actions speak louder than words. I loved that even when she tries to seduce him, he knew his limits and wasn’t hesitant to put the brakes on.

With these two amazing men I would have felt just as torn as Laney and I thought that she handled it well. Laney had both Evan’s and Dane’s affections but she was open about it and did not lead any of them on. She did the best she could in this situation and I adored her for it.

I did however feel really bad for Evan. He had so much love for his Laney that I am hoping the author does him justice in the next book. With all that heartache he more than deserves his HEA.

I mostly shy away from love triangles but I have to say this was one of rare ones that was done right. I think what made it stand out was the honesty of it all. From start to finish I was captivated by this story and loved it from beginning to end.

The Verdict:

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About S.E. Hall

S.E. Hall is the author of the Amazon Best Selling Evolve Series, Emerge, Embrace, Entangled (novella) and Entice as well as the bestselling stand-alone NA Romance, Pretty Instinct. She also co-wrote Stirred Up, an erotic short story with her CP and friend, Author Angela Graham and is honored to be a part of the USA Today and NYT Best Selling Devour box set. S.E., which stands for Stephanie Elaine, resides in Arkansas with her husband of 18 years and 3 beautiful daughters of the home, and one married daughter who graced her with two beautiful grandchildren. When not in the stands watching her ladies play softball, she enjoys reading and writing and the occasional trip to the casino. She’s also clutch at Baggo, when it’s warm outside, and definitely the woman to pick on your side for some Flip Cup!

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