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The Coincidence #1
The Coincidence of Callie & Kayden
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Romance (2013)From the bestselling author of The Secret of Ella and Micha comes a mesmerizing novel of fate, friendship, and the healing power of love . . .
THE COINCIDENCE OF CALLIE & KAYDEN
For Kayden, suffering in silence was the only way to survive. If he was lucky, he could keep his head down, do as he was told, and make it through the day. But one night it seemed like his luck -- and his life -- might finally end... until an angel named Callie appeared just in time to rescue him.
Callie has never believed in luck. Not since her twelfth birthday when everything was taken from her. After the worst was over, she locked up her feelings and vowed never to tell anyone what happened. Now, six years later, she continues to struggle with the painful secret that threatens to consume her.
When fate lands Kayden and Callie at the same college, Kayden is determined to get to know the beautiful girl who changed his destiny. Quiet and reserved, Callie still fears letting anyone else into her world. But Kayden is certain that Callie has come back into his life for a reason. And the more he tries to be a part of her life, the more he realizes that, this time, it's Callie who needs to be saved...
THE COINCIDENCE OF CALLIE & KAYDEN
For Kayden, suffering in silence was the only way to survive. If he was lucky, he could keep his head down, do as he was told, and make it through the day. But one night it seemed like his luck -- and his life -- might finally end... until an angel named Callie appeared just in time to rescue him.
Callie has never believed in luck. Not since her twelfth birthday when everything was taken from her. After the worst was over, she locked up her feelings and vowed never to tell anyone what happened. Now, six years later, she continues to struggle with the painful secret that threatens to consume her.
When fate lands Kayden and Callie at the same college, Kayden is determined to get to know the beautiful girl who changed his destiny. Quiet and reserved, Callie still fears letting anyone else into her world. But Kayden is certain that Callie has come back into his life for a reason. And the more he tries to be a part of her life, the more he realizes that, this time, it's Callie who needs to be saved...
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2012
About the author
Jessica Sorensen
319 books20.1k followersJessica Sorensen is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author from the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she's not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.
http://www.jessicasorensen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 6,616 reviews
August 22, 2013
I am conducting what I'm shelving as a "New Adult (NA) Experiment". I'm going to work my way through some of the popular New Adult books and see if I can weed out the crap and hopefully find some surprising gems. Here's hoping!
I don't know if I should call this one and a half stars because I didn't hate it straight away or minus one star for luring me into a false sense of security. The beginning of this book gave me an inoffensive - if somewhat formulaic - introduction to the story and characters. I can feel my standards slipping the more I read these new adult books because not offending me seems to be rapidly becoming a reason for an extra star. However, it was only a matter of time before the usual slut-shaming started to creep in, making it increasingly impossible for me to care for our formulaic protagonists.
It's the same old story.
He was a boy, she was a girl.
Can I make it any more obvious?
They were abused, love saves the day.
What more can I say?
Well, okay. Love doesn't quite save the day but if I mention that, then I would have to talk about the stupid melodramatic cliffhanger ending that left me feeling cheated of a proper ending to this mess. I hate cliffhanger endings to books I didn't like. It's not as if I'm going to read the sequel. But I feel like I should read it. It aggravates me that I can't say a very final goodbye to these silly, recycled characters. It aggravates me even more to know that they're out there somewhere, living on in another book and probably annoying someone else with their silly, recycled nonsense.
Predictably, both Callie and Kayden have issues. Kayden was physically abused by his father and Callie sexually abused by her brother*. These are both very serious issues and I have no intention of making light of them. But the book, predictably, handles both issues unsuccessfully and simplifies them into a story about romance and (as Rose pointed out) awkward "healing" sex. I can see why some people love this book because it moves at a breakneck pace from one melodramatic event to another but the use of shock tactics to keep the reader's attention wasn't enough for me and lacked any kind of sensitivity for the serious issues being addressed.
But the real problem that ruined this novel for me? The thing that turned it from a silly, predictable issue-book into one I really hated? Dum, dum, dum... everyone meet Daisy. Put your hands together for the latest throwaway "slut" Kayden uses and casts aside. Because anyone who wears that little clothing can't possibly be hiding any feelings. I mean, where would she put them?
Look, I have no problem with people using each other for casual sex. The Rolling Stones have made decades of hits off of doing just that. But there are two problems I do have here. One, the separating of women into two categories: 1) usable (i.e. "slutty" and wears revealing clothes) and 2) not to be used (i.e. virginal and innocent). And also the way Kayden looks down on Daisy while they are still sleeping together. Am I supposed to like a guy who smiles to a woman's face but holds such contempt for her the minute she turns away? Am I supposed to feel sorry for Callie when she calls Daisy the "super slutty girlfriend"? Because I don't. These weren't easy characters for me to find sympathy for, even with the serious issues they had to deal with.
This is the end of the road for me and this author. I'm sorry but I don't like books where I can predict every plot turn, every scene, every sentence... it was like when I watch one of the movies I've seen a million times; I could speak the words with the characters. The handling of the issues was predictable. The progression of the romance was predictable. Even the "surprise" ending was predictable. No more, thank you.
*"her brother's friend" - I shouldn't write reviews at 2am.
January 5, 2013
“The corners of his lips tug up into a sad smile. “I can handle scars, especially ones that are on the outside.”
This was a quiet yet beautiful read about two survivors of abuse beginning to find trust and healing in each other. I really enjoyed it despite have my heart ripped to shreds by the HUGE BRUTAL CLIFFHANGER at the end!!! I’m not even kidding. It. Is. Brutal!!
This book really highlights the horrors of childhood abuse of all kinds and the lasting damage inflicted on its victims. The story has got a very gentle, quiet feel to it, but at the same time, really draws you into it.
“I want to find out what it’s like to be touched by someone I trust; someone I gave my permission to.”
Can I just say first how much I adore books with clear cut, chapter-by-chapter alternating POVs? Its like you literally get the absolute, complete story from both sides without ever wondering who’s eyes you’re seeing the world through. Its like a full immersion into the character’s mind.
Callie was a quiet, shy characters who had withdrawn into herself away from the world after what happened to her one horrible night many years ago. And Kayden was this gorgeous, totally swoonilicious guy, scarred on both the inside and the outside, who she hadn’t really spoken to since the sixth grade when she suddenly cut off all her hair and lost all her friends. He had spent his whole life living in fear of his father’s hand and being made to feel like absolute dirt. Given the mindset he grew up in, he keeps himself in a meaningless relationship – one he knows is meaningless – because he doesn’t feel worthy of more.
But when a coincidence leads Callie to save Kayden one night, both their lives are changed.
But after their encounter, Kayden dreams of her, feels protective of her, and wants her even though he holds himself back – unable to believe he could deserve her. But the more time they spend together away from their homes, away from the memories of hurt, the closer they get, the stronger their trust builds and together, they begin to heal.
“I trusted him once and I decide to do it again. I just pray to God he doesn’t shove me down and break me, because I’m already in too many pieces and I just don’t know how much more breaking I can take.“
I’ll admit, I did really love this book right from the beginning but it is VERY slow building. I mean, really! Its not a bad thing at all. But you should just know that going in.
Honestly at about half way through, I was enjoying it but I was wondering a little bit where the huge ‘wow factor’ was that everyone was talking about…
But then the angst started to build and build and the ending just hit me. Hard. No, I should say it CRASHED into me!
HOLY. FREAKING. CLIFFHANGER!!! It almost felt like it was half a book. I kept flipping forward, sure there must be more pages that were missing! In some ways, I wish I had waited to read both of them back-to-back because, right now, my heart is just aching not knowing what happens!
This book touches of domestic, physical and sexual abuse and its long term impact on the everyday life of its survivors. On people who aren’t broken by it, just damaged and yet still are functional people. It gave the story a depth and a realistic feel to it because of how non-exaggerated it was. It was subtle, quiet even, but you felt it. You really felt it. This book didn’t ever give me that heart-racing feeling (except at the end when I was freaking out, but that’s different), and yet I still felt quite connected to the characters and really enjoyed the book.
I’m not going to give any spoilers here at all regarding the cliffhanger but, without any details, I’ll say that I wondered a bit about the circumstances around the ending scene for a while after I read it. I wasn’t sure why a certain character would have done what they did. But then the more I thought about it, the more I understood it. It was a ‘real’ decision. Not a storybook perfect one, a real one. Probably the wrong call if you were to get all judge-y and to look back on it but still, life isn’t perfect. Sometimes in life you make the wrong calls. Sometimes you can’t and don’t correctly predict what someone’s reactions will be. And sometimes you pay the price…
ohhhh have I mentioned yet how desperately desperately desperately I want book #2 yet?!!
N E E D !
I really love Jessica Sorensen’s writing and absolutely CANNOT WAIT for the second book!!
February 28th everybody! Start the countdown!!
PS. Thank you Jessica Sorensen for providing me with an ARC :)
December 20, 2012
"In the existence of our lives, there is a single coincidence that brings us together and for a moment, our hearts beat as one."
"It's amazing how the things you remember forever are the things you'd rather forget and the things you desperately want to grasp onto seem to slip away like sand in the wind."
After reading The Secret of Ella and Micha I was already a fan of the author Jessica Sorensen but now I'm a even bigger fan!! This story was BEAUTIFUL, BREATHTAKING, HEARTBREAKING and just UNFORGETTABLE. It's a story about pain but also about love, friendship and most importantly about being saved. Being saved from all the dark memories that are in our past and finally being able to move on with life.
Callie and Kayden both have a troubled past. They grew up in the same town but never really spoke to each other despite the fact that Callie's father was the football coach of Kayden's high school team. There was however one moment during their high school carreer in which Callie did a very courageous thing. That one thing, that coincidental moment in time ended up being what saved Kayden's life and for that, he will always be thankful to her.
"Callie Lawrence saved my fucking life that night, more than she propably realized."
"Life is full of luck, like getting dealt a good hand, or simply by being in the right place at the right time. Some people get luch handed to them, a second chance, a save. It can happen heroically, of by a simple coincidence, but there are those who don't get luck on a shiny platter, who end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, who don't get saved."
Now, when they move to college they both have to deal with life on their own, away from the past they left behind at home. And soon they begin to realize that they aren't so different from each other after all. They realize they actually have a lot in common and that instead of having to take your secrets to the grave; there's a possibility to share your secrets, share them with someone who understands you and who won't judge you for them.
"There is something about someone trusting you enough with their secrets that makes it easier to trust them. It's like they're opening their heart and in return yours should open up to them, too.
From the lyrics of Never Too Late by Three Days Grace, a song from the Callie and Kayden - playlist, some words that are perfect to describe the story...
"This world will never be what I expected
And if I don't belong who would've guessed it
I will not leave alone everything I own
To make you feel like it's not too late
It's never too late
Even if I say "It'll be alright"
Still I hear you say you want to end your life
Now and again we try to just stay alive
Maybe we'll turn it all around
'Cause it's not too late, it's never too late.
No one will ever see this side reflected
And if there's something wrong, who would've guessed it?
And I have left alone everything that I own
To make you feel like it's not too late
It's never too late.
Even if I say "It'll be alright"
Still I hear you say you want to end your life
Now and again we try to just stay alive
Maybe we'll turn it all around
'Cause it's not too late, it's never too late.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Stars can't shine without darkness. There's darkness in everyone's life but if this book taught me one thing it's that it's never too late to leave the past behind and to take control of your own life and just start living the life you want. That way we can all be the star in our own life. Some other great advices from this book that I think everyone should try to follow in their own lifes:
Take a Chance.
Don't Take Shit From Anyone.
Try to be Happy. - Be Stupidly, Drunk Happy.
Let Something Amazing Happen, Without Question or Hesitation.
Face Your Fears Head On and Tell Them to Fuck Off.
Tell the Truth to Yourself.
Do Whatever the Hell You Want for Once Instead of What You Think You Should Do.
...
Oh, and also to dance and kiss in the rain, with the person you love!!!
I can't help it but I really LOVE stories like this; they're easy to read yet they leave such a remarkable impression behind. They make me forget about the rest of the world for a while and they overwhelm me with emotions. I fell in love with the story and with Callie and Kayden and their unconditional love for each other.
Now, as most of you probably already know, the book does end with a bit of an unpleasant cliffhanger (to say the least) which makes me kind of desperate to find out what will happen next... Either way, I would recommend everyone to read it and hopefully enjoy this wonderful story as much as I did!!!
5 INFINITE STARS!!!
December 18, 2012
5 EARTH SHATTERING STARS
WOW...I'm a hot mess right now. This book has me feeling so many things. I'm honestly a myriad of emotions. I'm truly shattered. I feel as though my heart has been ripped from my chest. This author has blown me away!!!! BLOWN ME A F*CKING WAY. This story is gut wrenching and truly, truly sad.
These lyrics are from a song that I felt fit Callie and Kayden PERFECTLY. The song is called Breathe by Sia and every time I hear it I think of them.
Help, I have done it again
I have been here many times before
Hurt myself again today
And, the worst part is there's no-one else to blame
Be my friend
Hold me, wrap me up
Unfold me
I am small
I'm needy
Warm me up
And breathe me
Ouch I have lost myself again
Lost myself and I am nowhere to be found,
Yeah I think that I might break
I've lost myself again and I feel unsafe
Be my friend
Hold me, wrap me up
Unfold me
I am small
I'm needy
Warm me up
And breathe me
I think emotionally right now I’m too raw to really review this book. It’s truly touched my heart in a way that not a lot of books have. Callie and Kayden carry with them demons from abuse they’ve suffered while growing up. This abuse has caused issue’s in their lives that’s so damaging it’s hard to read. Abuse is such a nasty, disturbing thing. It’s like a cancer that spread’s through your body. Sometimes you can fight that cancer and win and other times that cancer beats you and you don’t make it. I felt their pain so acutely. The emotions poured through the characters in away that left me speechless. I can’t even form coherent thoughts. I’ve been sitting here at my computer for an hour trying to figure out what words to put down that can truly relay how this book impacted me and I have NOTHING!!! Absofreakinloutely NOTHING :/
I'm moved beyond words.
Beyond thoughts.
My heart is bleeding. These characters are INCREDIBLE. Please read this book!
This book is unimaginably FANF*CKINGTASTIC!!!
Quotes that touched my heart:
“Life is full of luck, like getting dealt a good hand, or simply by being in the right place at the right time. Some people get luck handed to them, a second chance, a save. It can happen heroically, or by a simple coincidence , but there are those who don’t get luck on a shiny platter, who end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, who don’t get saved.” ~~ Callie
“In the existence of our lives, there is a single coincidence that brings us together and for a moment, our hearts beat as one.” ~~ Callie
"That's you, Callie, you're the only person that's ever made me feel happy about anything. That night you saved me, you changed something in me - you made me want to live." ~~ Kayden
"I can do pain. That's the easy part of life. It's everything else, happiness, laughter, love, that's fucking complicate." ~~ Kayden
"The day I changed is like a scar. It's there, a memory in my mind, something I always remember, and can never erase." ~~ Callie
P.S ~~ If you get anything from my review though it should be this ------------->>>> READ.THIS.BOOK.NOW
Callie and Kayden, in the rain <3
WOW...I'm a hot mess right now. This book has me feeling so many things. I'm honestly a myriad of emotions. I'm truly shattered. I feel as though my heart has been ripped from my chest. This author has blown me away!!!! BLOWN ME A F*CKING WAY. This story is gut wrenching and truly, truly sad.
These lyrics are from a song that I felt fit Callie and Kayden PERFECTLY. The song is called Breathe by Sia and every time I hear it I think of them.
Help, I have done it again
I have been here many times before
Hurt myself again today
And, the worst part is there's no-one else to blame
Be my friend
Hold me, wrap me up
Unfold me
I am small
I'm needy
Warm me up
And breathe me
Ouch I have lost myself again
Lost myself and I am nowhere to be found,
Yeah I think that I might break
I've lost myself again and I feel unsafe
Be my friend
Hold me, wrap me up
Unfold me
I am small
I'm needy
Warm me up
And breathe me
I think emotionally right now I’m too raw to really review this book. It’s truly touched my heart in a way that not a lot of books have. Callie and Kayden carry with them demons from abuse they’ve suffered while growing up. This abuse has caused issue’s in their lives that’s so damaging it’s hard to read. Abuse is such a nasty, disturbing thing. It’s like a cancer that spread’s through your body. Sometimes you can fight that cancer and win and other times that cancer beats you and you don’t make it. I felt their pain so acutely. The emotions poured through the characters in away that left me speechless. I can’t even form coherent thoughts. I’ve been sitting here at my computer for an hour trying to figure out what words to put down that can truly relay how this book impacted me and I have NOTHING!!! Absofreakinloutely NOTHING :/
I'm moved beyond words.
Beyond thoughts.
My heart is bleeding. These characters are INCREDIBLE. Please read this book!
This book is unimaginably FANF*CKINGTASTIC!!!
Quotes that touched my heart:
“Life is full of luck, like getting dealt a good hand, or simply by being in the right place at the right time. Some people get luck handed to them, a second chance, a save. It can happen heroically, or by a simple coincidence , but there are those who don’t get luck on a shiny platter, who end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, who don’t get saved.” ~~ Callie
“In the existence of our lives, there is a single coincidence that brings us together and for a moment, our hearts beat as one.” ~~ Callie
"That's you, Callie, you're the only person that's ever made me feel happy about anything. That night you saved me, you changed something in me - you made me want to live." ~~ Kayden
"I can do pain. That's the easy part of life. It's everything else, happiness, laughter, love, that's fucking complicate." ~~ Kayden
"The day I changed is like a scar. It's there, a memory in my mind, something I always remember, and can never erase." ~~ Callie
P.S ~~ If you get anything from my review though it should be this ------------->>>> READ.THIS.BOOK.NOW
Callie and Kayden, in the rain <3
March 12, 2017
THIS IS NOT MY REVIEW. THIS IS ME NEEDING TO LET OUT A MAJOR FREAK OUT OVER THIS BOOK. SEE YOURSELVES WARNED.
To read a proper review (without capslock abuse), go to my blog, Drugs Called Books
OMG, WHAT WAS THAT ENDING?! I CAN'T FUCKING BREATHE! NO NO NO! MY HEADS SWIMMING. CRAP, I DID NOT THINK THAT WAS GOING TO END LIKE THAT. I NEED THE SEQUEL. THANK GOD THERE IS A SEQUEL OR I MIGHT'VE WENT AND KILLED MYSELF. (YEAH, I'M BEING DRAMATIC. AFTER YOU READ THE BOOK, LET'S SEE YOU LESS DRAMATIC. I DARE YOU.)
AHHHH. WHAT JUST HAPPENED? I'M FREAKING OUT. I'M FREAKING OUT. I'M HAVING A PANIC ATTACK.
BREATH.
I CAN'T. I CAN'T BREATH. SOMEONE HELP. HELP. DYING... I'M DYING...!
To read a proper review (without capslock abuse), go to my blog, Drugs Called Books
OMG, WHAT WAS THAT ENDING?! I CAN'T FUCKING BREATHE! NO NO NO! MY HEADS SWIMMING. CRAP, I DID NOT THINK THAT WAS GOING TO END LIKE THAT. I NEED THE SEQUEL. THANK GOD THERE IS A SEQUEL OR I MIGHT'VE WENT AND KILLED MYSELF. (YEAH, I'M BEING DRAMATIC. AFTER YOU READ THE BOOK, LET'S SEE YOU LESS DRAMATIC. I DARE YOU.)
AHHHH. WHAT JUST HAPPENED? I'M FREAKING OUT. I'M FREAKING OUT. I'M HAVING A PANIC ATTACK.
BREATH.
I CAN'T. I CAN'T BREATH. SOMEONE HELP. HELP. DYING... I'M DYING...!
July 3, 2013
Yes, this book was on of THOSE books, for me. You know, the ones that affects you so deeply, both traumatize you and rebuilds you. Right after you finish, you don't understand what's happening, but you know that something changed in you. The ones that makes you to rais you expectation for the others.
Yeah, one of those...
Jessica Sorensen was the shocker of 2012 for me, and 2013 so far. I have read all her books in The Fallen Star series, 5 book plus a spin off tho the series. Even though she is good at writing paranormal stuff, which keeps you guessing the whole way til the end, I though she was a little sloppy in romance department. I read all books in the series, first 3 was great, but the rest was pretty much the same. It felt like she ran out of material and rewrote few first books in the series. Which left me irritated and, to be honest, I totally forgot about Jessica Sorensen after that, until I came acros The Secret of Ella and Micha. I was very surprised, because it was completely different book, from what she usually writes.
When I started reading The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden, I started seeing Sorensen in a whole different light. By the time I finished, I placed her in the same category with Colleen Hoover, Abbi Gline, Jamie McGuire and Samantha Young. Yes, she is that good! I completely underestimated her. I still can't believe that it's the same person that wrote The Fallen Star series.
Ok, about this book. Freaking zing-zing-amazing! I can talk about it for days. What an amazing way to start my 2013 read-a-thone. Best book of 2013 so far.
Characters:
- Callie, I fell in love with her from the first page. Such a broken little soul. There were so meny moments where I wished I coul give her a hug and say "It's going to be alright, honey. Keep the hope up, one step at the time, you can do it." I could feel how much she struggled to get rid of her past demons and it was breaking my heart. What a brave young woman. So much strength and determination in a such young person. It was impossible not to love her. She is one of my all time favorite characters. When she met Kayden, one night during very unfortunate circumstances, I wanted to tell Kayden "Please don't hurt her.". Because, at that time, I knew nothing about him.
- Kayden, oh Kayden.
Another character that became one of my favorites. That night at the poolhouse, when I first got to meet him, I knew the story is going to be amazing. I wanted to scream "Fight back, you fool!". But I understood why he didn't :-(. His character had so much dept. Everybody saw him as a bad boy, a popular kid, but no one knew how broken he was on the inside. I was hurting for him so much. I was very nervous to see how their relationship going to develop. Even though I loved him, I was not sure if I wanted to see him with Callie. He had so meny demons, that he needed to get rid of first, before jumping into anything, especially with Callie. What made me fall in love with him even more, was the careful way he approached Callie, how sweet, gentle and understanding he was. I liked the fact that he knew how f***ed up he was and that he wasn't good enough for her, but that goddamn pull, that he felt towards her...
- Callie and Kayden together.
I loved them together. You say two wrongs don't make it right? Well, in this story, two wrongs made it oh-so-right. I felt how deep and profound their connection was. Yes, there were couple of times where one or the other freaked out and ran off. In meny other books it often made me irritated, because it looked childish and immature. But not in this case. The flashbacks, the hurt... I didn't blame them. I understood them, more than I wanted to. But the beautiful thing about it was the fact that there were no judgement or irritation from the the one that was left standing. There was only worry and hope that the other one was okay. They always found a way back to each other.
I could feel the love, in every word, in every touch and every thought that they had about one another. Something simple as them holding hand, gave me goosebumps. Him, holding her hand, drawing circles with his thumb in the palm of her hand, without saying a word, said so much more than the actual words could have "I'm here, I see you, I hear you, I understand you, you are safe...".
It was the first time where I was actually dreading the moment when they will have sex. Because I was not sure if I could handle it. I didn't know if they, them selfs, could. It took a long time for them to get there. But when they did, time stood still...
They were clinging to one another like their lives depended on it. I caught my self smiling from ear to ear, while tears trickled down my cheeks. Stupid, I know, but that's how heartbreakingly beautiful I thought the moment was. And the fact that Ed Sheet happened to be singing Give Me Love in the background, didn't helped one bit :-).
- Seth. I want a best friend like him! I don't know enough English words to describe how amazing he is. He defines a best friend. That's how a best friend should be. He puts all other best friend in romance novels to shame :-). He has his own problems, but he doesn't let them get in a way of his friendship with Callie. He is considered, honest, caring, loving and generally an amazing human being. I love the fact there wasn't any secrets between him and Callie. I have read meny books where one friend can't or won't tell something important to the other, because of this or that. It often made me wonder "Why would you even call him/her your best friend!?". Seth's and Callie's friendship was honest and beautiful. There was no judgement or pity. They simply understood each other, in more ways than one, and could lean on one another when they needed to. I loved how protective he was of Callie, and how he managed to put his demons aside and became friends with Kayden and Luke. I can only imagine how hard it was for him :-(.
I was both surprised and glad, that there was a cliffhanger. I can't wait for the nex book.
I'm going to stop my ramblings. Brilliant writing, amazing and very realistic story. The only other book that have affected me so deeply was written by Abbi Gline While It Lasts. Sorry for bringing her up, Jessica Sorensen deserves all the spotlight in my review. Just thinking out loud...
I'm sorry for underestimating you, J. Sorensen and writing you off, you are brilliant.
Yeah, one of those...
Jessica Sorensen was the shocker of 2012 for me, and 2013 so far. I have read all her books in The Fallen Star series, 5 book plus a spin off tho the series. Even though she is good at writing paranormal stuff, which keeps you guessing the whole way til the end, I though she was a little sloppy in romance department. I read all books in the series, first 3 was great, but the rest was pretty much the same. It felt like she ran out of material and rewrote few first books in the series. Which left me irritated and, to be honest, I totally forgot about Jessica Sorensen after that, until I came acros The Secret of Ella and Micha. I was very surprised, because it was completely different book, from what she usually writes.
When I started reading The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden, I started seeing Sorensen in a whole different light. By the time I finished, I placed her in the same category with Colleen Hoover, Abbi Gline, Jamie McGuire and Samantha Young. Yes, she is that good! I completely underestimated her. I still can't believe that it's the same person that wrote The Fallen Star series.
Ok, about this book. Freaking zing-zing-amazing! I can talk about it for days. What an amazing way to start my 2013 read-a-thone. Best book of 2013 so far.
Characters:
- Callie, I fell in love with her from the first page. Such a broken little soul. There were so meny moments where I wished I coul give her a hug and say "It's going to be alright, honey. Keep the hope up, one step at the time, you can do it." I could feel how much she struggled to get rid of her past demons and it was breaking my heart. What a brave young woman. So much strength and determination in a such young person. It was impossible not to love her. She is one of my all time favorite characters. When she met Kayden, one night during very unfortunate circumstances, I wanted to tell Kayden "Please don't hurt her.". Because, at that time, I knew nothing about him.
- Kayden, oh Kayden.
Another character that became one of my favorites. That night at the poolhouse, when I first got to meet him, I knew the story is going to be amazing. I wanted to scream "Fight back, you fool!". But I understood why he didn't :-(. His character had so much dept. Everybody saw him as a bad boy, a popular kid, but no one knew how broken he was on the inside. I was hurting for him so much. I was very nervous to see how their relationship going to develop. Even though I loved him, I was not sure if I wanted to see him with Callie. He had so meny demons, that he needed to get rid of first, before jumping into anything, especially with Callie. What made me fall in love with him even more, was the careful way he approached Callie, how sweet, gentle and understanding he was. I liked the fact that he knew how f***ed up he was and that he wasn't good enough for her, but that goddamn pull, that he felt towards her...
- Callie and Kayden together.
I loved them together. You say two wrongs don't make it right? Well, in this story, two wrongs made it oh-so-right. I felt how deep and profound their connection was. Yes, there were couple of times where one or the other freaked out and ran off. In meny other books it often made me irritated, because it looked childish and immature. But not in this case. The flashbacks, the hurt... I didn't blame them. I understood them, more than I wanted to. But the beautiful thing about it was the fact that there were no judgement or irritation from the the one that was left standing. There was only worry and hope that the other one was okay. They always found a way back to each other.
I could feel the love, in every word, in every touch and every thought that they had about one another. Something simple as them holding hand, gave me goosebumps. Him, holding her hand, drawing circles with his thumb in the palm of her hand, without saying a word, said so much more than the actual words could have "I'm here, I see you, I hear you, I understand you, you are safe...".
It was the first time where I was actually dreading the moment when they will have sex. Because I was not sure if I could handle it. I didn't know if they, them selfs, could. It took a long time for them to get there. But when they did, time stood still...
They were clinging to one another like their lives depended on it. I caught my self smiling from ear to ear, while tears trickled down my cheeks. Stupid, I know, but that's how heartbreakingly beautiful I thought the moment was. And the fact that Ed Sheet happened to be singing Give Me Love in the background, didn't helped one bit :-).
- Seth. I want a best friend like him! I don't know enough English words to describe how amazing he is. He defines a best friend. That's how a best friend should be. He puts all other best friend in romance novels to shame :-). He has his own problems, but he doesn't let them get in a way of his friendship with Callie. He is considered, honest, caring, loving and generally an amazing human being. I love the fact there wasn't any secrets between him and Callie. I have read meny books where one friend can't or won't tell something important to the other, because of this or that. It often made me wonder "Why would you even call him/her your best friend!?". Seth's and Callie's friendship was honest and beautiful. There was no judgement or pity. They simply understood each other, in more ways than one, and could lean on one another when they needed to. I loved how protective he was of Callie, and how he managed to put his demons aside and became friends with Kayden and Luke. I can only imagine how hard it was for him :-(.
I was both surprised and glad, that there was a cliffhanger. I can't wait for the nex book.
I'm going to stop my ramblings. Brilliant writing, amazing and very realistic story. The only other book that have affected me so deeply was written by Abbi Gline While It Lasts. Sorry for bringing her up, Jessica Sorensen deserves all the spotlight in my review. Just thinking out loud...
I'm sorry for underestimating you, J. Sorensen and writing you off, you are brilliant.
July 10, 2013
Callie
“In the existence of our lives, there is a single coincidence that brings us together and for a moment, our hearts beat as one.”
Kayden
“I can do pain. That’s the easy part of life. It’s everything else, happiness, laughter, love, that’s fucking complicated.”
Callie is a girl that wishes to go unnoticed ,so she is wearing buggy clothes , heavy makeup . Due to her weird appearance people were always making fun of her but she didn’t care .She used to be normal once , however life changed her in a brutal way.
Kayden on the other hand , is your typical famous quarterback who is dating a bitchy girlfriend .He is successful and everyone envies him. He and Callie are classmates years now , yet he doesn’t even remember her until she saved him.
Their lives are crossing the same path again as soon as Kayden arrives at the university. He doesn’t recognize her since the freak has changed and she is actually a beauty. Yet , he isnt drown only by her appearance .Kayden wants to thank her for what she did and that's how they start getting to know better each other.
Callie is trying hard to get away from her never ending nightmare that is haunting her years now .She is doing her best to make a new start and take chances. The truth is that after so many years she is truly enjoying her life .She is carefree and she has friends , nevertheless her past will always remind her of what happened.
“It's amazing how the things you remember forever are the things you'd rather forget and the things you desperately want to grasp onto seem to slip away like sand in the wind."
Kayden will surprise you a lot. Under this tough looking guy there is something more deep and broken.
You will feel really bad about him. My heart was breaking every time he was talking about his past or when he was living one of those horrible moments. Callie is there to help him bust she can’t protect him from everything.
This is one of the best books I've ever read .Their story is so beautiful. It's not unrealistic or too dramatic. Personally I didnt get the feeling that too many calamities were happening so as to annoy me.
Callie and Kayden are almost the same from the inside and they try to protect each other.
“I take my time because I love how it feels to carry her, the way she needs me, the way I need to protect her.”
It's not easy to open up but they do their best. Yet some secrets are better to stay hidden , at least for the moment.
CAUTION: MAJOR CLIFFHANGER ALERT!
One of the most evil cliffhangers ever .I didn’t see that coming and it had an awful effect on my feelings.
Why end a book in such a brutal way? Does any of the authors care for the readers’ feelings? Obviously not. I was so devastated after I finished this book and I'm anxiously waiting for the next one.
“That’s you. Callie, you’re the only person that’s ever made me feel happy about anything. That night you saved me, you changed something in me—you made me want to live.”
April 3, 2021
Reread...
Started 4/1/21
Finished 4/1/21
So, it’s been 9 years since I’ve read this series and I’m doing a reread because these books were so good back then. I wanted to see if my thoughts were still the same...
Yeaaaaahhhhh, still the same. I still love Callie and Kayden now as much as I did back then but luckily I didn’t have to wait in between for the next book. I just love them so much!! Their pain is so palpable and raw and I still find myself crying for them.
Seth and Luke are still just as amazing as ever!! Kaydens mom is still a fucking bitch!! His dad a piece of shit! All of my feelings are stronger this time around but I’m not as dramatic about it.
Okay, I’m on the second one so don’t bother me.
Happy reading!!
2012 read...
OKAY, seriously....this sounds effing amazing! I love these angsty, sexy hot stories and I really want this book-like now! Just sayin! Sorensen is a damn good story teller with incredibly hot characters.
LOVE LOVE LOVE
FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK
I need the sequel......NOW NOW NOW!!!!!! God dammit that could not be the end.......OMFG!!!!!!!!!! *pulls out hair*
~Review to come~
Ahhhhhhh, okay so when I first saw this on GR...actually I read the blurb and right away marked it to read. I had just finished reading the Secret of Ella and Micha so I was already in love with Jessica's writing and really wanted the Forever book but when I saw that she had a new NA book coming out, I was pumped, stoked excited, jumping up and down. So when we go to see the cover....OMG, my mouth fell open and I was drooling. I mean, look at that cover. Fucking hot!! I was even more eager to read this. So when it came out early, I got my gritty, greedy hands on this gem but waited until I finished my previous book to read this one.
GR Synopsis:
There are those who don’t get luck handed to them on a shiny platter, who end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, who don’t get saved.
Luck was not on Callie’s side the day of her twelfth birthday when everything was stolen from her. After it’s all over, she locks up her feelings and vows never to tell anyone what happened. Six years later her painful past consumes her life and most days it’s a struggle just to breathe.
For as long as Kayden can remember, suffering in silence was the only way to survive life. As long as he did what he was told, everything was okay. One night, after making a terrible mistake, it seems like his life might be over. Luck was on his side, though, when Callie coincidentally is in the right place at the right time and saves him.
Now he can’t stop thinking about the girl he saw at school, but never really knew. When he ends up at the same college as Callie, he does everything he can to try to get to know her. But Callie is reserved and closed off. The more he tries to be part of her life, the more he realizes Callie might need to be saved.
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! I knew from the very beginning I would love it. And I was right...my expectations were fulfilled and then some. It was fantastic, angsty, heartbreaking, intense, sexy and everything I want in my books. I loved the characters. I kid you not, Seth reminded me the whole time of Caleb from the Covenant series. I kept wanting to call him that...he was so sweet and always there for Callie and encouraging and funny and so many things. He had a sad story too. Luke was awesome. I loved his character because he was the perfect best friend to Kayden. He always had his back and was a great new friend to Callie. He made me laugh, swoon and say WTF really?? But also I was happy that he hated Daisy as much as I did and knew that Kayden deserved better because he really did. Callie had such a tough life, never fitting in and made fun of at school and it made her reserved and standoffish and even freak-ish...though she had a right to be. And it was sad. I couldn't imagine what she went through. Well, I take that back, I kind of can because I've sort of been there. I felt her pain and I took it as my own. I loved her and thought overtime she really grew into a strong, brave girl. Kayden....oh my Kayden. He's...he was...*fans self* I fell head over heels for him right away and his story is as bad as Callie's was. I wanted to save him...I wanted to beat the fuck out of that person that did that shit to him. He didn't deserve the shit he was put through. And I was so happy when he and Callie got close, they shared a lot and had a lot in common. Their chemistry was electrifying and made your pulse race. Kayden could make your stomach do flips with just the sound of his voice or the look in his eyes. He is definitely a favorite book crush!!!!
The sexual tension...dear God, the sex and steam was enough to have your heart racing and jumping out of your chest. It was hot, passionate, steamy, amazing, beautiful-perfect!!!
The ending. God, that ending had me in freak out mode and it was 5 in the morning. I was in tears and in shock. I need the sequel and I need it now!!!! OMG! This is definitely a must read! Bravo to Sorensen for yet another amazing book with memorable characters!! LOVE LOVE LOVE
Started 4/1/21
Finished 4/1/21
So, it’s been 9 years since I’ve read this series and I’m doing a reread because these books were so good back then. I wanted to see if my thoughts were still the same...
Yeaaaaahhhhh, still the same. I still love Callie and Kayden now as much as I did back then but luckily I didn’t have to wait in between for the next book. I just love them so much!! Their pain is so palpable and raw and I still find myself crying for them.
Seth and Luke are still just as amazing as ever!! Kaydens mom is still a fucking bitch!! His dad a piece of shit! All of my feelings are stronger this time around but I’m not as dramatic about it.
Okay, I’m on the second one so don’t bother me.
Happy reading!!
2012 read...
OKAY, seriously....this sounds effing amazing! I love these angsty, sexy hot stories and I really want this book-like now! Just sayin! Sorensen is a damn good story teller with incredibly hot characters.
LOVE LOVE LOVE
FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK
I need the sequel......NOW NOW NOW!!!!!! God dammit that could not be the end.......OMFG!!!!!!!!!! *pulls out hair*
~Review to come~
Ahhhhhhh, okay so when I first saw this on GR...actually I read the blurb and right away marked it to read. I had just finished reading the Secret of Ella and Micha so I was already in love with Jessica's writing and really wanted the Forever book but when I saw that she had a new NA book coming out, I was pumped, stoked excited, jumping up and down. So when we go to see the cover....OMG, my mouth fell open and I was drooling. I mean, look at that cover. Fucking hot!! I was even more eager to read this. So when it came out early, I got my gritty, greedy hands on this gem but waited until I finished my previous book to read this one.
GR Synopsis:
There are those who don’t get luck handed to them on a shiny platter, who end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, who don’t get saved.
Luck was not on Callie’s side the day of her twelfth birthday when everything was stolen from her. After it’s all over, she locks up her feelings and vows never to tell anyone what happened. Six years later her painful past consumes her life and most days it’s a struggle just to breathe.
For as long as Kayden can remember, suffering in silence was the only way to survive life. As long as he did what he was told, everything was okay. One night, after making a terrible mistake, it seems like his life might be over. Luck was on his side, though, when Callie coincidentally is in the right place at the right time and saves him.
Now he can’t stop thinking about the girl he saw at school, but never really knew. When he ends up at the same college as Callie, he does everything he can to try to get to know her. But Callie is reserved and closed off. The more he tries to be part of her life, the more he realizes Callie might need to be saved.
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!! I knew from the very beginning I would love it. And I was right...my expectations were fulfilled and then some. It was fantastic, angsty, heartbreaking, intense, sexy and everything I want in my books. I loved the characters. I kid you not, Seth reminded me the whole time of Caleb from the Covenant series. I kept wanting to call him that...he was so sweet and always there for Callie and encouraging and funny and so many things. He had a sad story too. Luke was awesome. I loved his character because he was the perfect best friend to Kayden. He always had his back and was a great new friend to Callie. He made me laugh, swoon and say WTF really?? But also I was happy that he hated Daisy as much as I did and knew that Kayden deserved better because he really did. Callie had such a tough life, never fitting in and made fun of at school and it made her reserved and standoffish and even freak-ish...though she had a right to be. And it was sad. I couldn't imagine what she went through. Well, I take that back, I kind of can because I've sort of been there. I felt her pain and I took it as my own. I loved her and thought overtime she really grew into a strong, brave girl. Kayden....oh my Kayden. He's...he was...*fans self* I fell head over heels for him right away and his story is as bad as Callie's was. I wanted to save him...I wanted to beat the fuck out of that person that did that shit to him. He didn't deserve the shit he was put through. And I was so happy when he and Callie got close, they shared a lot and had a lot in common. Their chemistry was electrifying and made your pulse race. Kayden could make your stomach do flips with just the sound of his voice or the look in his eyes. He is definitely a favorite book crush!!!!
The sexual tension...dear God, the sex and steam was enough to have your heart racing and jumping out of your chest. It was hot, passionate, steamy, amazing, beautiful-perfect!!!
The ending. God, that ending had me in freak out mode and it was 5 in the morning. I was in tears and in shock. I need the sequel and I need it now!!!! OMG! This is definitely a must read! Bravo to Sorensen for yet another amazing book with memorable characters!! LOVE LOVE LOVE
December 16, 2012
I loved this book....right to the end. The story just cuts off in the middle of a crucial event, leaving you hanging in the worst possible way. It's the 2nd book I've read recently that has done that and I swear to God, if I come across another one, I'm going postal! Seriously, WTF???? THAT is where you're stopping the book? With EVERYTHING on the line and no idea which way things will go? Are you f*cking kidding me? GAAAHHHHHHH!!!!! The cliffhanger ending absolutely ripped my guts out. I hurt just thinking about it.
Ranting aside, The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden is truly an incredible read. Would I recommend it? Hell yes....BUT you may want to wait until the 2nd book comes out before you start it. Because trust me, when you read this, the idea of waiting ANY length of time to find out the fate of Callie & Kayden will send you on a one-way trip to Crazyville. You've been warned.
Ranting aside, The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden is truly an incredible read. Would I recommend it? Hell yes....BUT you may want to wait until the 2nd book comes out before you start it. Because trust me, when you read this, the idea of waiting ANY length of time to find out the fate of Callie & Kayden will send you on a one-way trip to Crazyville. You've been warned.
December 13, 2012
It's live on Amazon and B&N!
December 14, 2012
Life is full of luck, like getting dealt a good hand, or simply by being in the right place at the right time. Some people get luck handed to them, a second chance, a save. It can happen heroically, or by a simple COINCIDENCE , but there are those who don’t get luck on a shiny platter, who end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, who don’t get SAVED.
Page Turner. Emotional. Awe-Inspiring. Riveting. BEAUTIFUL...
The story is about Callie , deemed class weirdo in their school as she chopped her hair off, wore baggy clothes and shuts down everyone. Kayden is the opposite of Callie. He's popular, dates the hottest girl in school, and has a lot of friends. They haven't really known each other eventhough they both go to the same school and are neighbors. But a party one night at Kayden's house marked their first real encounter as Callie saved Kayden with him not able to thank her.
But fate brought them together as they meet again in College. From then on, a connection was made, a friendship has blossomed, fears conquered, LOVE WAS DEVELOPED, and together, they fought their inner demons. And found their strengths...TOGETHER.
I LOVE CALLIE. I feel for her. I feel her pain, nightmares, and struggles, and I admire how strong she is. She found a friend in Seth (who is also dysfunctional) who became her rock. He's the main reason for the change in Callie. He lets her open up and take chances. I love their friendship. Their list is inspirational.
“In the existence of our lives, there is a single coincidence that brings us together and for a moment, our hearts beat as one.”
I LOVE KAYDEN. My new book boyfriend. I admit at first, I thought he was weak, but as the story progresses and the time when he I then realized how tough he is. His love for Callie is just ASDFGHJKL, I have no words. Where can I find myself a Kayden?
“Alright you want the truth?”
“No, I don’t like you better this way. I like the sober Callie, the one that I can talk to. The one that is so sweet it’s fucking adorable.” I dip my face forward and breathe on her neck, moving toward the no touching line, but not crossing it.
“The one that trembles just from the feel of my breath. The one that I want to kiss and touch so fucking badly it drives me crazy. The one that makes me feel things…”
I LOVE CALLIE AND KAYDEN TOGETHER.
My favorite scene of them together was at 77% when Callie and of course, the RAIN kiss.
This is the first book I've read from Jessica Sorensen, and after reading this, I'm already a FAN! This book has all elements of a GREAT read. It is wonderfully written with alternative POVs. It has likeable main characters. Heck, even the secondary characters are likeable i.e. Seth and Luke and of course, characters you'll despise and just wanna kill.
READ IT.
This book literally SAVED ME. I'm on a book slump recently and this was my saving grace. I devour it. That's an understatement. This book kept me up all night that when I head to bed, it's hard to close my eyes 'cause I'm still thinking about it, thinking about what will happen. This book just sucks you in.
READ IT.
It has the same vibe with that of Ten Tiny Breaths in the emotional level. You will find yourself hooked into the hero/heroine's lives, into the whole story as it deals with heavy issues, that you just want to finish it and see where it goes.
READ IT.
But, the ENDING...WHY????!!!
GRRR. I HATE CLIFFHANGERS! I was literally crying and shaking after reading it. I mean, IT CAN'T END THAT WAY!!! I know there's a second book coming, but WHEN? 'Cause I need it like yesterday!
OVERALL, reading this book was absolutely worth it! IT IS A MUST READ!
And, I can't wait for book 2!!!
5 SHINING STARS!!!
March 6, 2013
It all started one night when
"Callie Lawrence saved my fucking life..."
"...she changed something in me - made me wanna live..."
"...all I could think about was being with her..."
[image error]
"I've never felt this way about anyone before and it's exhilarating and fucking terrifying..."
"...my heart started to beat like it was finally alive..."
In the end "I stare at the wall, picturing Callie's smile, the sound of her laugh, the softness of her skin..."
"...reaching to my side I pick up a knife..."
Dum, dum, dum...
"Callie Lawrence saved my fucking life..."
"...she changed something in me - made me wanna live..."
"...all I could think about was being with her..."
[image error]
"I've never felt this way about anyone before and it's exhilarating and fucking terrifying..."
"...my heart started to beat like it was finally alive..."
In the end "I stare at the wall, picturing Callie's smile, the sound of her laugh, the softness of her skin..."
"...reaching to my side I pick up a knife..."
Dum, dum, dum...
July 14, 2013
My Callie and Kayden:
With cut hair and "homeless" clothes, Callie has been school weirdo since 6th grade. But the truth is that she prefers to be unnoticed by others. Callie is self-conscious with dark secret that is constantly on her mind, secret that unables her to live happy and ordinary life. So she just hides from everyone. Until she starts attending college and befriends Seth. With him she feels comfortable and a bit happier because he understands...
This book is written in dual point of view so readers gets alternating Callie's and Kayden's POV. Kayden's life is also very difficult. He is popular and happy on the outside. But he is detached from any feelings to help him survive the life with the secret of his own...
This book is about two emotionally broken individuals who are so damaged that they prefer physical pain over emotional one. This book is about physical abuse, about lost willpower to live your life and about coincidence that changes lives and makes people feel truly alive again.
The thing that I liked the most about this book is the fact that it made me think. Think about life and troubles people have to face in their lives. It made me speculate why were characters behaving this or that way. And I love when book is able to do that to me.
I really liked the story and the characters. But overall I did not love it (hence my 4 stars instead of 5). It just lacked some of the charisma for me. Probably because I have read similar books countless times and it did not bring anything overly original. Yes, it was a page turner and thoughtful book but story about two damaged individuals falling in love was here in plenty of variantions before. But do not get me wrong, this book is definitely worht of reading and I would highly recommend it!
MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG
"Life is full of luck, like getting dealt a good hand, or simply by being in the right place at the right time. Some people get luck handed to them, a second chance, a save. It can happen heroically, or by a simple coincidence, but there are those who don’t get luck on a shiny platter, who end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, who don’t get saved."
With cut hair and "homeless" clothes, Callie has been school weirdo since 6th grade. But the truth is that she prefers to be unnoticed by others. Callie is self-conscious with dark secret that is constantly on her mind, secret that unables her to live happy and ordinary life. So she just hides from everyone. Until she starts attending college and befriends Seth. With him she feels comfortable and a bit happier because he understands...
This book is written in dual point of view so readers gets alternating Callie's and Kayden's POV. Kayden's life is also very difficult. He is popular and happy on the outside. But he is detached from any feelings to help him survive the life with the secret of his own...
This book is about two emotionally broken individuals who are so damaged that they prefer physical pain over emotional one. This book is about physical abuse, about lost willpower to live your life and about coincidence that changes lives and makes people feel truly alive again.
The thing that I liked the most about this book is the fact that it made me think. Think about life and troubles people have to face in their lives. It made me speculate why were characters behaving this or that way. And I love when book is able to do that to me.
I really liked the story and the characters. But overall I did not love it (hence my 4 stars instead of 5). It just lacked some of the charisma for me. Probably because I have read similar books countless times and it did not bring anything overly original. Yes, it was a page turner and thoughtful book but story about two damaged individuals falling in love was here in plenty of variantions before. But do not get me wrong, this book is definitely worht of reading and I would highly recommend it!
“In the existence of our lives, there is a single coincidence that brings us together and for a moment, our hearts beat as one.”To tell the truth I was hooked right after the prologue. And last 10% left me totally hyperventilating. But with the quite huge cliffhanger at the end, I so cannot wait to read second book Redemption of Calie and Kayden.
MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG
October 8, 2015
2.5
And yes, that sounds like a mean thing to say but seriously, from someone who reads a lot NA, this was surprisingly bearable. That last 30% or so really had me wanting to read the sequel.
...I won't though. In my mind a romance that needs to be divided into three books to have an actual HEA is not really my cuppa. I prefer standalones, or if they insist on having a series, that every book be about a different couple.
But, back to the book. I think I'll blame my feelings toward this book on having read so many NA before. It feels like I've read this before, like every character is just the same as in every other book. This book tries to handle serious issues, like, rape, physical abuse, self harm, and anorexia. And notice how I say tries. I feel they're handled offhandedly-if not at all because in my mind sex with your one true wuv isn't going to heal you of all your past scars. And in all honesty, despite these serious issues, they lack the momentum to make you feel anything for these characters. Sad back stories have been used over so many times that after a time you just become desensitized to them due to how poorly they're handled in these books. They feel trivialized when in comes they hot tortured guy and has the best sex of your lives and TA-DA! You have been cured
Then the slut shaming. We are constantly reminded how every girl only cares about sleeping around and wearing tight clothes or short skirts with heels. We're told how every girl that sees Kayden is smitten and counting the seconds before they can get their hands on him.
Expect Callie
Callie who can't utter the word sex or orgasm.Callie who only likes to wear hoodies and baggy clothes. Callie who prefers to read and write than go party. Callie who's so innocent and good.
Maybe if the contrast between Callie and every other girl mentioned in the boo hadn't been so high it would have been more enjoyable.
Then there was the poor excuse of the plot. Which let me just fill you in, there is none. It's just a bunch of stringed together dramatic scenes that make any of the progress the character had backtrack. It was also boring as feck.
And can you tell me what was the point of the secondary characters? I mean Luke's only role was to drive people around or get Callie and Kayden to hook up and Seth's role was...I don't know. He mainly pushed Callie towards Kayden, that's about it. Ahhh and he was supposed to the comedic relief. Which, by the way, he sucked at it.
In the end, I didn't hate it. I just didn't love either.
It was just ok.
P.S. Short rambling as promised. Shut up, that was short.
I'm really surprised this isn't utter crap.
And yes, that sounds like a mean thing to say but seriously, from someone who reads a lot NA, this was surprisingly bearable. That last 30% or so really had me wanting to read the sequel.
...I won't though. In my mind a romance that needs to be divided into three books to have an actual HEA is not really my cuppa. I prefer standalones, or if they insist on having a series, that every book be about a different couple.
But, back to the book. I think I'll blame my feelings toward this book on having read so many NA before. It feels like I've read this before, like every character is just the same as in every other book. This book tries to handle serious issues, like, rape, physical abuse, self harm, and anorexia. And notice how I say tries. I feel they're handled offhandedly-if not at all because in my mind sex with your one true wuv isn't going to heal you of all your past scars. And in all honesty, despite these serious issues, they lack the momentum to make you feel anything for these characters. Sad back stories have been used over so many times that after a time you just become desensitized to them due to how poorly they're handled in these books. They feel trivialized when in comes they hot tortured guy and has the best sex of your lives and TA-DA! You have been cured
Then the slut shaming. We are constantly reminded how every girl only cares about sleeping around and wearing tight clothes or short skirts with heels. We're told how every girl that sees Kayden is smitten and counting the seconds before they can get their hands on him.
Expect Callie
Callie who can't utter the word sex or orgasm.Callie who only likes to wear hoodies and baggy clothes. Callie who prefers to read and write than go party. Callie who's so innocent and good.
Maybe if the contrast between Callie and every other girl mentioned in the boo hadn't been so high it would have been more enjoyable.
Then there was the poor excuse of the plot. Which let me just fill you in, there is none. It's just a bunch of stringed together dramatic scenes that make any of the progress the character had backtrack. It was also boring as feck.
And can you tell me what was the point of the secondary characters? I mean Luke's only role was to drive people around or get Callie and Kayden to hook up and Seth's role was...I don't know. He mainly pushed Callie towards Kayden, that's about it. Ahhh and he was supposed to the comedic relief. Which, by the way, he sucked at it.
In the end, I didn't hate it. I just didn't love either.
It was just ok.
P.S. Short rambling as promised. Shut up, that was short.
January 2, 2013
Readers have been cyber shoving this book in my face for a while now. "It's so good!"..."You have to read it!"..."It's like a thick word penis that will satisfy your every need." Okay, so maybe I made that last one up, but I was force fed hype for weeks. If everybody's doing it, then I usually...don't. So much hype I almost wanted to dislike it out of spite, but Jessica Sorensen made that impossible. I just bought a first class ticket for this bandwagon.
I experienced every emotion at the same time as falling in love with the both Kayden and Callie. They have traumatic pasts and dark secrets that stay buried under two extremely different exteriors. Kayden, the popular star athlete with the perfect family and Callie, the shy emo freak. However, what you see on the surface couldn't be further from the truth.
College is a fresh start for both of them. A journey of growth and discovery. A journey they take together; learning how to trust, to accept, to love.
There is something about someone trusting you enough with their secrets that makes it easier to trust them. It’s like they’re opening their heart and in return yours should open up to them, too.
I sat down to read this book and couldn't stop. It brought me up. It brought me down. It even turned me on. It's a train wreck of angst and drama that you can't turn away from. Yes, the ending kills! Huge cliffhanger, but I'm not going to sit here and tell you to wait on the sequel before reading this book. That would be a disservice. Being left not knowing is part of the journey, part of the experience. Part of everything I loved about this book.
The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden gets my stamp of approval...if I had I stamp. I should so get a stamp! Plus it was ONLY 99 cents! After reading this, I honestly feel like I need to send the author more money. It was worth every penny.
Thanks everybody for the awesome recommendation!
READ ON!
I experienced every emotion at the same time as falling in love with the both Kayden and Callie. They have traumatic pasts and dark secrets that stay buried under two extremely different exteriors. Kayden, the popular star athlete with the perfect family and Callie, the shy emo freak. However, what you see on the surface couldn't be further from the truth.
College is a fresh start for both of them. A journey of growth and discovery. A journey they take together; learning how to trust, to accept, to love.
There is something about someone trusting you enough with their secrets that makes it easier to trust them. It’s like they’re opening their heart and in return yours should open up to them, too.
I sat down to read this book and couldn't stop. It brought me up. It brought me down. It even turned me on. It's a train wreck of angst and drama that you can't turn away from. Yes, the ending kills! Huge cliffhanger, but I'm not going to sit here and tell you to wait on the sequel before reading this book. That would be a disservice. Being left not knowing is part of the journey, part of the experience. Part of everything I loved about this book.
The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden gets my stamp of approval...if I had I stamp. I should so get a stamp! Plus it was ONLY 99 cents! After reading this, I honestly feel like I need to send the author more money. It was worth every penny.
Thanks everybody for the awesome recommendation!
READ ON!
December 16, 2012
I’m a Callie & Kayden Cheerleader!!!
I put my C & K uniform on from the first page of this well told story.
I tied my sneakers when they connected for the first time.
I picked up my pom poms when they meet again in college.
I started the chant “Go Callie Go” when she was brave enough to cross experiences off of her list with the support of the world’s greatest best friend Seth.
I started shaking my pom poms when the sparks of this amazing love connection ignited.
I belted another cheer for the couple with each step they took from their fears.
My pom poms were shaking frantically as they began to fall in love.
I did the liberty pose when they achieved trust.
Then I climbed on top of the pyramid when they kissed in the rain!
I did a double back hand spring when they stood together against their abusers.
I LOVED the writing and the characters so much. Be prepared the story ends with a cliffhanger.
For all you C & K fans raise your pom poms and join me in chanting “Bring on the Sequel”.
I put my C & K uniform on from the first page of this well told story.
I tied my sneakers when they connected for the first time.
I picked up my pom poms when they meet again in college.
I started the chant “Go Callie Go” when she was brave enough to cross experiences off of her list with the support of the world’s greatest best friend Seth.
I started shaking my pom poms when the sparks of this amazing love connection ignited.
I belted another cheer for the couple with each step they took from their fears.
My pom poms were shaking frantically as they began to fall in love.
I did the liberty pose when they achieved trust.
Then I climbed on top of the pyramid when they kissed in the rain!
I did a double back hand spring when they stood together against their abusers.
I LOVED the writing and the characters so much. Be prepared the story ends with a cliffhanger.
For all you C & K fans raise your pom poms and join me in chanting “Bring on the Sequel”.
May 6, 2020
O poveste despre diferitele tipuri de abuzuri pe care le suferă copiii. O lectură care-ți rupe sufletul în bucăți, te face să privești mai în profunzime anumite aspecte.
Callie este o tânără cu un comportament ciudat, de la vârsta de 12 ani schimbându-se complet. Pe măsură ce i-am aflat povestea am înțeles și de ce nu a spus nimănui. Dar încă mă întreb cum de părinții ei nu au încercat mai mult să își dea seama ce s-a petrecut.
Kayden este fundaș în echipa liceului și învață în aceeași facultate cu Callie. Aflam că sunt din același oraș, dar tânărul abia acum o descoperă cu adevărat. La rândul lui, Kayden a fost abuzat de tatăl său încă de la o vârstă fragedă. Băiatul a fost bătut frecvent de tatăl său, dar nu a spus nimănui despre ceea ce se întâmpla.
O lectură care se joacă cu emoțiile cititorului și care te face să suferi când te gândești la toate traumele și suferința prin care pot trece unii tineri fără ca cei din jur să bănuiască ceva.
Emoțiile și speranțele sunt cele care ne fac să citim întreaga carte!
Callie este o tânără cu un comportament ciudat, de la vârsta de 12 ani schimbându-se complet. Pe măsură ce i-am aflat povestea am înțeles și de ce nu a spus nimănui. Dar încă mă întreb cum de părinții ei nu au încercat mai mult să își dea seama ce s-a petrecut.
Kayden este fundaș în echipa liceului și învață în aceeași facultate cu Callie. Aflam că sunt din același oraș, dar tânărul abia acum o descoperă cu adevărat. La rândul lui, Kayden a fost abuzat de tatăl său încă de la o vârstă fragedă. Băiatul a fost bătut frecvent de tatăl său, dar nu a spus nimănui despre ceea ce se întâmpla.
O lectură care se joacă cu emoțiile cititorului și care te face să suferi când te gândești la toate traumele și suferința prin care pot trece unii tineri fără ca cei din jur să bănuiască ceva.
Emoțiile și speranțele sunt cele care ne fac să citim întreaga carte!
April 20, 2015
"In the existence of our lives, there is a single coincidence that brings us together for a moment, our hearts beat as one."
Can I give this book more than 5 stars??? I absolutely loved it! It was emotional, heartbreaking, angsty, beautiful and at times-hot! I mean just look at the cover!
The day I changed is like a scar. It's there, a memory in my mind, something I always remember and can never erase.
Ever since Callie Lawrence's 12th birthday, she has been different. She strives to be invisible. After her highschool graduation, she goes to college early for some summer courses. There, she meets Seth(adored him!) who becomes her best friend- but he's not just that. He is someone who she can share her secrets with and confide in, something she has never done since she was traumatized at age 12. They grow close that summer, and Callie starts to transform. A big part of those changes come from 'The List'.
Kayden Owens has it all on the outside. He's got the big house, popular girlfriend, and football scholarship. But no one knows what goes on behind closed doors. He's got secrets as well. Kayden is trying to be normal- but he can't stop thinking about the girl who saved him. Happy to start college in the fall and get away from his abusive father, Kayden, along with his best friend Luke, start school. It's his first day and he runs into Callie- the girl who saved him.
"That night you saved me, you changed something in me- you made me want to live."
They become friends quickly and develop a connection. The four of them (Callie,Kayden,Seth, and Luke) start to hang out a lot while Callie is still working on the list. Kayden and Callie become especially close- which is difficult for both of them. Kayden is afraid of his feelings for Callie. He is not used to 'feeling' for anyone. He has shut off that part of himself. Callie has issues becoming physically or emotionally close with anyone. I was so happy when Kayden broke up with the evil Daisy. Together- Kayden and Callie try to fight their demons, overcome their past hurts and save each other.
Both Callie and Kayden's stories really moved me. You will need tissues for this one! I cried sad tears(for obvious reasons) and happy tears as well...
It's a moment I'll remember forever, because it belongs to me. <3
Both Callie and Kayden are damaged and broken, but together they were beautiful. I loved them both! Also loved Seth and Luke- they were wonderful!
This book hooked me from the very start! And the ending OMG! It killed me! I need the sequel NOW!!!
Can I give this book more than 5 stars??? I absolutely loved it! It was emotional, heartbreaking, angsty, beautiful and at times-hot! I mean just look at the cover!
The day I changed is like a scar. It's there, a memory in my mind, something I always remember and can never erase.
Ever since Callie Lawrence's 12th birthday, she has been different. She strives to be invisible. After her highschool graduation, she goes to college early for some summer courses. There, she meets Seth(adored him!) who becomes her best friend- but he's not just that. He is someone who she can share her secrets with and confide in, something she has never done since she was traumatized at age 12. They grow close that summer, and Callie starts to transform. A big part of those changes come from 'The List'.
Kayden Owens has it all on the outside. He's got the big house, popular girlfriend, and football scholarship. But no one knows what goes on behind closed doors. He's got secrets as well. Kayden is trying to be normal- but he can't stop thinking about the girl who saved him. Happy to start college in the fall and get away from his abusive father, Kayden, along with his best friend Luke, start school. It's his first day and he runs into Callie- the girl who saved him.
"That night you saved me, you changed something in me- you made me want to live."
They become friends quickly and develop a connection. The four of them (Callie,Kayden,Seth, and Luke) start to hang out a lot while Callie is still working on the list. Kayden and Callie become especially close- which is difficult for both of them. Kayden is afraid of his feelings for Callie. He is not used to 'feeling' for anyone. He has shut off that part of himself. Callie has issues becoming physically or emotionally close with anyone. I was so happy when Kayden broke up with the evil Daisy. Together- Kayden and Callie try to fight their demons, overcome their past hurts and save each other.
Both Callie and Kayden's stories really moved me. You will need tissues for this one! I cried sad tears(for obvious reasons) and happy tears as well...
It's a moment I'll remember forever, because it belongs to me. <3
Both Callie and Kayden are damaged and broken, but together they were beautiful. I loved them both! Also loved Seth and Luke- they were wonderful!
This book hooked me from the very start! And the ending OMG! It killed me! I need the sequel NOW!!!
August 21, 2013
Initial reaction: I think I'll need a night to meditate on my thoughts on this, but it's likely to be 1 star. It's pretty much a tough issues story that isn't very realistic and has probably two of the most formulaic protagonists I've read in the genre. I wish I could say I felt more for it, but the narrative had a lot of problems.
Full review:
In the aftermath, I can say that I gave my first read from Jessica Sorensen a try with an open mind. It won't be the last I read from her bibliography because I own two of her other novels and I don't really have a handle on her style yet. But I'll admit this was rough. I couldn't find much value in it beyond the usual formula. New Adult novel where the hero and heroine have problems/tragic pasts, no one says anything about said problems and that further complicates the situation. Hero and heroine meet up in college, add in gay sidekick for spice, hero and heroine havefrequent awkward sex, and then ending cliffhanger: hero does something really stupid and heroine is grief-stricken.
Wait...what?
I'll take this space to explain because there is a bit more to it than that, but it doesn't handle its themes all that well despite taking on some vital issues. (And the editing in this wasn't very good to boot, but that's another issue on top of the major story ones.)
Callie and Kayden both have tragic pasts in the form of abuse at the hands of people in their inner circles. For Callie, it's sexual abuse, for Kayden, it's physical. The two suffer in silence and have had their worlds shattered as a result. They know each other loosely because Callie stopped one horrible event from happening by showing up at a party looking to pull her brother out. Fast forward some time later, they meet again in college.
Callie's a difficult character to like despite her circumstances. She frequently slut shames and her personality is about as interesting as watching paint dry. Kayden's situation is harsh, but I'll admit even as I'm reflecting over the experience of reading this, I have a hard time remembering much about him other than his easy dialogues with Callie and the fact that he engages in awkward sex with Callie in his attempt to "heal" her.
I felt numb reading this in spells because it was one dramatic factor after another, leading up to the last part of the book which was a cruel cliffhanger for events. The ending wasn't even really an ending, more like the point which the book stopped and then you have to read the next part to know what happened.
Suffice to say, I can't really continue with this series because the characters felt so formulaic, the emotional resonance so contrived that it didn't do anything for me.
Overall score: 0.5/5 stars
Full review:
In the aftermath, I can say that I gave my first read from Jessica Sorensen a try with an open mind. It won't be the last I read from her bibliography because I own two of her other novels and I don't really have a handle on her style yet. But I'll admit this was rough. I couldn't find much value in it beyond the usual formula. New Adult novel where the hero and heroine have problems/tragic pasts, no one says anything about said problems and that further complicates the situation. Hero and heroine meet up in college, add in gay sidekick for spice, hero and heroine have
Wait...what?
I'll take this space to explain because there is a bit more to it than that, but it doesn't handle its themes all that well despite taking on some vital issues. (And the editing in this wasn't very good to boot, but that's another issue on top of the major story ones.)
Callie and Kayden both have tragic pasts in the form of abuse at the hands of people in their inner circles. For Callie, it's sexual abuse, for Kayden, it's physical. The two suffer in silence and have had their worlds shattered as a result. They know each other loosely because Callie stopped one horrible event from happening by showing up at a party looking to pull her brother out. Fast forward some time later, they meet again in college.
Callie's a difficult character to like despite her circumstances. She frequently slut shames and her personality is about as interesting as watching paint dry. Kayden's situation is harsh, but I'll admit even as I'm reflecting over the experience of reading this, I have a hard time remembering much about him other than his easy dialogues with Callie and the fact that he engages in awkward sex with Callie in his attempt to "heal" her.
I felt numb reading this in spells because it was one dramatic factor after another, leading up to the last part of the book which was a cruel cliffhanger for events. The ending wasn't even really an ending, more like the point which the book stopped and then you have to read the next part to know what happened.
Suffice to say, I can't really continue with this series because the characters felt so formulaic, the emotional resonance so contrived that it didn't do anything for me.
Overall score: 0.5/5 stars
August 3, 2013
OH MY GOD!!!! I NEED THE SECOND BOOK LIKE FUCKING NOWWWWWW.
I thought it was a standalone because it had no (Callie and Kayden, 1#) and stuff at the end :( and now I'm hanging like the stupid cliffhanger.. agrh
Loved the book, the character, the story and the plot.
Callie was stupid, but yet strong in so many ways
and Kayden, Boy.. you are more stupid..
Can't wait to read what happens next..
__
My addictive liking for dark/twisted/disturbed past/deep books is freaky weird!
Lets see how this book goes! The summary seems amazing and the cover is HOT!
I thought it was a standalone because it had no (Callie and Kayden, 1#) and stuff at the end :( and now I'm hanging like the stupid cliffhanger.. agrh
Loved the book, the character, the story and the plot.
Callie was stupid, but yet strong in so many ways
and Kayden, Boy.. you are more stupid..
Can't wait to read what happens next..
__
My addictive liking for dark/twisted/disturbed past/deep books is freaky weird!
Lets see how this book goes! The summary seems amazing and the cover is HOT!
September 12, 2014
5 Beautiful Stars
I am so embarrassed to admit I am just now reading this series, because I absolutely loved this book!
Callie and Kayden grew up together, their families even spent time together, but they were never friends or talked. Kayden was trying to blend in, to be the hot popular football player he was supposed to be and hide what is really going on at home.
Callie has been trying to blend in since everything changed on her 12th birthday, to not draw any positive attention to herself, but she does one night when she steps in to save Kayden.
These two still don’t speak, and aren’t friends until they both go away and attend the same college. Finally, away from everything Callie and Kayden are able to talk and begin a friendship, but can two broken people ever make a perfect whole?
Ms. Sorensen out did herself with this one. The writing is absolutely beautiful. I could have highlighted the entire book. I love, love, love Callie and Kayden, even the supporting characters were great. I loved the list Callie and Seth made, everything from kissing in the rain, to not giving a shit what people think - I think we could all do well to follow their list.
I highly recommend this book if you are like me, and haven’t got around to this one yet - go ahead and move it to the TOP!
I am so embarrassed to admit I am just now reading this series, because I absolutely loved this book!
Callie and Kayden grew up together, their families even spent time together, but they were never friends or talked. Kayden was trying to blend in, to be the hot popular football player he was supposed to be and hide what is really going on at home.
Callie has been trying to blend in since everything changed on her 12th birthday, to not draw any positive attention to herself, but she does one night when she steps in to save Kayden.
These two still don’t speak, and aren’t friends until they both go away and attend the same college. Finally, away from everything Callie and Kayden are able to talk and begin a friendship, but can two broken people ever make a perfect whole?
Ms. Sorensen out did herself with this one. The writing is absolutely beautiful. I could have highlighted the entire book. I love, love, love Callie and Kayden, even the supporting characters were great. I loved the list Callie and Seth made, everything from kissing in the rain, to not giving a shit what people think - I think we could all do well to follow their list.
I highly recommend this book if you are like me, and haven’t got around to this one yet - go ahead and move it to the TOP!
June 4, 2017
Poor writing & implausible story made this a non-finisher for me
In an attempt to try out another New Adult title, I downloaded The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden. It is currently sitting in the #4 spot on the NYT Best Sellers list for e-books, and it seemed like a deal at only 99 cents. I even picked up the author's second similar title (The Secret of Ella and Micha) on a whim at the same time. Though I should have been more wary due to the low price and the author's self-pubbed status, I was feeling adventurous.
Oh, how wary I should have been! I have never before given up on a title so quickly as I did with this book (at the 7% completion mark). The two chapters that I read were littered with typos, incorrect pronoun usage, and simply pedestrian and awkward writing. As per usual with YA or NA titles, the characters have trials or past abuses to overcome, but this story laid them out entirely too obviously within the first three pages with clunky statements about "hiding the scars on the inside" and the young woman's obvious fear of men. Then, soon after we're told that the main character hasn't touched anyone outside her family in six years and has never told a soul about what trauma has befallen her, the next chapter finds her at college with a new best friend -- the token gay guy -- whom she touches, laughs with, and has shared her darkest secrets with. The quick character changes, and the obviously forthcoming romance with the also-traumatized football jock from her hometown, just seemed too unbelievable. I simply had to stop reading due to the absolute implausibility of the story and the poor writing.
Though I don't hope to diminish anyone else's interest or enthusiasm for this book, I can't understand any of the hype, high sales, or great ratings for this book and the author's other titles, if they are at all similar. Not only did I declare this a DNF title, but it is also the first thing I have ever digitally returned. Read at your own risk.
July 22, 2013
The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden may sound like your typical New Adult but somehow this was done so much better than most. The story swept me up and didn’t let me go! It filled my heart with emotions and intensity!
Callie and Kayden have known each other for years, going to the same school. Their families have even socialized on and off. But they’ve never traveled in the same social circles with Kayden being the popular high school football quarterback and Callie being the school recluse/freak since she was twelve. However, Callie makes an impression on Kayden when she saves his life. He doesn’t get a chance to thank her because just a few days after, she goes off to college early to attend summer session. Being gone from her home can’t happen a minute too soon for Callie. Ever since her twelfth birthday it hasn’t been the normal sanctuary that most homes provide for children.
Callie doesn’t think she’ll lay eyes on Kayden again after saving him, and she certainly doesn’t expect Kayden would ever think a thing about her. Callie couldn’t be more wrong. Little does she know Kayden has suffered growing up as well, except all his suffering has been hidden, and that one night when she bothered to care is something he’ll never forget.
Like I said, the idea of this story is really nothing new in New Adult category, but it stands out from the rest in execution. The effects from the traumas that both Callie and Kayden went through felt very authentic. Ms. Sorensen wrote characters that felt very real and so it was easy to connect to, put myself in their shoes, and root for their happiness! Their emotions, pain, and new tentative hope come through clearly thanks to the dual POVs.
When they strike up a friendship in college, knowledge of Kayden’s past pain allows Callie to share her own, and their shared burden makes it easier to bear, cope, and heal. The romance was timidly and cautiously allowed, and I felt completely appropriate for the situation. With that being said there were still passionate, intense, and lusty moments to relish:
“No, I don’t like you better this way. I like the sober Callie, the one that I can talk to. The one that is so sweet it’s f**king adorable.” I dip my face forward and breathe on her neck, moving toward the no touching line, but not crossing it. “The one that trembles just from the feel of my breath. The one that I want to kiss and touch so f**king badly it drives me crazy. The one that makes me feel things…”
Anxiousness kept me at the edge of my seat at times. Callie and Kayden’s traumas are hidden and secret, and others want them to stay that way. I was nervous and worried over what might happen when and if they came out.
Fair warning, this does end in a cliffhanger. I had the second one ready to go so I wasn’t worried. I also found out that the blurb for The Redemption of Callie and Kayden (book 2) alleviates some concerns, but I wouldn’t read it if you haven’t read the first. Best of all, the second book releases August 6th, so there’s very little wait time if you decide to read this now. If you have any inclination toward New Adult reads, this is one I would pick up for sure. I loved it!
A copy was provided by Forever through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review and more on The Readers Den.
Callie and Kayden have known each other for years, going to the same school. Their families have even socialized on and off. But they’ve never traveled in the same social circles with Kayden being the popular high school football quarterback and Callie being the school recluse/freak since she was twelve. However, Callie makes an impression on Kayden when she saves his life. He doesn’t get a chance to thank her because just a few days after, she goes off to college early to attend summer session. Being gone from her home can’t happen a minute too soon for Callie. Ever since her twelfth birthday it hasn’t been the normal sanctuary that most homes provide for children.
Callie doesn’t think she’ll lay eyes on Kayden again after saving him, and she certainly doesn’t expect Kayden would ever think a thing about her. Callie couldn’t be more wrong. Little does she know Kayden has suffered growing up as well, except all his suffering has been hidden, and that one night when she bothered to care is something he’ll never forget.
Like I said, the idea of this story is really nothing new in New Adult category, but it stands out from the rest in execution. The effects from the traumas that both Callie and Kayden went through felt very authentic. Ms. Sorensen wrote characters that felt very real and so it was easy to connect to, put myself in their shoes, and root for their happiness! Their emotions, pain, and new tentative hope come through clearly thanks to the dual POVs.
When they strike up a friendship in college, knowledge of Kayden’s past pain allows Callie to share her own, and their shared burden makes it easier to bear, cope, and heal. The romance was timidly and cautiously allowed, and I felt completely appropriate for the situation. With that being said there were still passionate, intense, and lusty moments to relish:
“No, I don’t like you better this way. I like the sober Callie, the one that I can talk to. The one that is so sweet it’s f**king adorable.” I dip my face forward and breathe on her neck, moving toward the no touching line, but not crossing it. “The one that trembles just from the feel of my breath. The one that I want to kiss and touch so f**king badly it drives me crazy. The one that makes me feel things…”
Anxiousness kept me at the edge of my seat at times. Callie and Kayden’s traumas are hidden and secret, and others want them to stay that way. I was nervous and worried over what might happen when and if they came out.
Fair warning, this does end in a cliffhanger. I had the second one ready to go so I wasn’t worried. I also found out that the blurb for The Redemption of Callie and Kayden (book 2) alleviates some concerns, but I wouldn’t read it if you haven’t read the first. Best of all, the second book releases August 6th, so there’s very little wait time if you decide to read this now. If you have any inclination toward New Adult reads, this is one I would pick up for sure. I loved it!
A copy was provided by Forever through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
You can read this review and more on The Readers Den.
June 22, 2015
This was a YA/NA contemporary romance which also dealt with the hard-hitting topics of rape and child abuse.
I thought Callie did a pretty good job of handling what had happened in her past, and trying to get on with her future, even if it involved a little bit of running away. I felt sorry for her for what she had been through though, and the bullying she received at school seemed unfair also after she had been through so much.
The storyline in this followed Callie as she went to college, and Kayden as he eventually joined her. We had storyline which dealt with the topics of rape, child abuse, and self-harm, and this pair really did not have an easy life.
There was romance between Callie and Kayden, and a couple of sexy scenes which were worth reading.
The ending to this was a big cliff-hanger, so I’m going to have to read the next book to find out what happens.
6 out of 10
I thought Callie did a pretty good job of handling what had happened in her past, and trying to get on with her future, even if it involved a little bit of running away. I felt sorry for her for what she had been through though, and the bullying she received at school seemed unfair also after she had been through so much.
The storyline in this followed Callie as she went to college, and Kayden as he eventually joined her. We had storyline which dealt with the topics of rape, child abuse, and self-harm, and this pair really did not have an easy life.
There was romance between Callie and Kayden, and a couple of sexy scenes which were worth reading.
The ending to this was a big cliff-hanger, so I’m going to have to read the next book to find out what happens.
6 out of 10
December 12, 2012
“… the thing I regret - will always regret - is going into my room on my twelfth birthday.”
Nothing will prepare you for what this book is about or the authenticity with which it tackles some very important but grim life issues. This is a book about second chances at what life should have been in the first place, about the freeing power of the human connection, and about love between wounded souls.
Callie and Kayden lived in the same small town all their lives, went to the same school, knew the same people, but they have never really known each other. Their paths rarely crossed, their lives rarely intersected, but they knew of each other. One tragic encounter between them just before moving out of home and going to college connects their lives irrevocably, planting the seed for everything that happens between them afterwards.
Callie and Kayden’s lives have been everything but ordinary. Each one of them carries the burden of their own secrets, recognising in each other the sadness that comes from carrying such burden from a young age. They've both felt so much ugliness and endured such emotional pain in their young lives that they've become afraid of feeling intense emotions again. They choose numbness and avoidance over confronting the source of their pain. They swipe it all under the rug and face life fiercely guarding their internal turmoil. Their shame over what happened to them further taints their happiness, always making them feel incomplete and ruined.
Kayden is a product of constant and systematic physical abuse by the hand of a man who should have been his protector, not his worst nightmare. Abuse and fear were the only language spoken in his home while growing up, but while his brothers eventually either retaliated or left without ever looking back, Kayden endured his sentence alone, never reacting, pain becoming a source of emotional escape rather than a reason to run. It became his dirty little secret, a coping mechanism for whenever he could not deal with too many emotions together.
“As his fist hammers against my face, warm blood pours along my skin and splatters against his shirt. I know this time he’s probably going to kill me and I should finally fight back, but I was taught to die on the inside. Plus I just don’t seem to care anymore.”
Callie's abuse, on the other hand, might have been a one-off occurrence in her life, but its effects on her wounded mind have followed her ever since, shaping her interaction with others, her appearance, self-esteem, but most of all, her trust in people, including those closest to her. No one had saved her during that horrific act when her innocence was stolen from her and she has never trusted another person since. She spent the remainder of her forming years hiding from the world, attempting to disappear and blend into the shadows. Callie has her own ways of dealing with her pain, just as desperate and just as self-destructive as Kayden’s. They have so much in common without even realising it.
“Everyone was watching me, like they could see that I wasn’t whole anymore.”
When they meet again in college, they are both terrified of the pull between them. By spending time together, Callie soon realizes that Kayden makes her feel safe, protected. Their growing intimacy slowly purges her mind from her bad memories, replacing them with new, happy ones. Kayden, however, fights his attraction to her, recognizing the way she makes him feel as something that could potentially shake his careless façade.
“… from the few moments I’ve spent with her, I’ve felt everything too much… she makes me feel things I’m not used to; the dirty dreams, the protectiveness, the way my stupid heart starts to beat like it’s finally alive.”
Two broken hearts start to heal by simply caring for each other and acknowledging each other’s demons. Their connection is primal, irreversible, addictive. They offer each other a way out of the darkness they’ve been living in, fiercely protecting one another from further abuse and soothing existing wounds with compassion and kindness. But life can be excessively cruel to the ones that deserve it the least and soon Kayden and Callie are again battling old fiends.
A compelling and superbly written story that will keep you captivated and consumed by truly loveable characters and a storyline that will undoubtedly leave its mark on your heart. The sequel is planned for release in early 2013.
“Life is full of luck, like getting dealt a good hand, or simply by being in the right place at the right time. Some people get luck handed to them, a second chance, a save. It can happen heroically, or by a simple coincidence, but there are those who don’t get luck on a shiny platter, who end up in the wrong place at the wrong time, who don’t get saved.”
~ N ♥
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December 3, 2013
It seems that I've been comparing every book with 'broken main characters' lately to PUSHING THE LIMITS, which was a perfect example for novels of that topic, even though I didn't love it.
The plot is terribly cliché. I think we've all read that story about the traumatized heroine and the abused hero, or vice-versa. The whole books consists of Callie forcing Kayden away, then beckoning him back, and pushing him away again, and Kayden leaving, then more making out - but pretty much chock-full of eye-rolling angst.
It had a serious cliffhanger ending. I actually kept on skipping after the last page to check if there was an epilogue, because holy hell. That was some serious shit that shows you right there that love can't save you all the time.
I can't really say anything about Callie except that she annoyed the hell out of me, and her constant, pointless slut-shaming (or just girlfriend-shaming, to be honest) did not help me sympathize with her character. Yes, horrible things happened to her, but she didn't need to be so unlikable, either.
Kayden was just a 'meh' for me. He wanted to protect Callie all the time, and I guess he has to because she certainly isn't a strong main character. I didn't find him interesting or swoon-worthy at all, though I did feel terrible for him.
I really liked Seth, even if he was a stereotypical gay guy.But a lot of my gay friends are like that, so whatever. Bubbly, fun, and cute, he was probably the only character that didn't make me want to punch a wall.
The other characters were mostly dull and forgettable.
The writing was simple to read and kind of amateur. There were contextual and grammatical errors, and while Callie's journal entries were supposed to be thought-provoking , mature, and beautiful, I found them rather cheesy.
Yeah... I don't know about you guys, but I really snorted when I read that. Sorry for disappointing you.
A boring read for me. I don't have a lot to say about it.
The plot is terribly cliché. I think we've all read that story about the traumatized heroine and the abused hero, or vice-versa. The whole books consists of Callie forcing Kayden away, then beckoning him back, and pushing him away again, and Kayden leaving, then more making out - but pretty much chock-full of eye-rolling angst.
It had a serious cliffhanger ending. I actually kept on skipping after the last page to check if there was an epilogue, because holy hell. That was some serious shit that shows you right there that love can't save you all the time.
I can't really say anything about Callie except that she annoyed the hell out of me, and her constant, pointless slut-shaming (or just girlfriend-shaming, to be honest) did not help me sympathize with her character. Yes, horrible things happened to her, but she didn't need to be so unlikable, either.
Kayden was just a 'meh' for me. He wanted to protect Callie all the time, and I guess he has to because she certainly isn't a strong main character. I didn't find him interesting or swoon-worthy at all, though I did feel terrible for him.
I really liked Seth, even if he was a stereotypical gay guy.
The other characters were mostly dull and forgettable.
The writing was simple to read and kind of amateur. There were contextual and grammatical errors, and while Callie's journal entries were supposed to be thought-provoking , mature, and beautiful, I found them rather cheesy.
"In the existence of our lives, there is a single coincidence that brings us together and for a moment, our hearts beat as one."
Yeah... I don't know about you guys, but I really snorted when I read that. Sorry for disappointing you.
A boring read for me. I don't have a lot to say about it.
March 16, 2016
"Love requires a lot of time, a lot of trust, and a lot of other things I
don’t understand."
Have you seen this grunge looking cover with the girl who has watery mascara running down her face?Yeah,It screams I'm your average new adult read.But Callie never wore any makeup or even thought about it. So what's the prospect of using a misleading cover,NA needs better illustration with some metaphorical insight regarding the storyline IMO. At least it's still better than a lot of beheaded six pack things.
A "it's okay not to be okay" kind of story where the protagonists names are Callie and Kayden.ha-ha.
KAYDEN:
Kayden seems the stereotypical character. Jock,popular,and broken behind his facade. Another problem I have with NA, BROKEN TATOOED GUYS,BROKEN ABUSED GUYS,BAD BROKEN GUYS are everywhere. But he is so much more than that. Sweet,thoughtful and normal, he is believable for the most part. I'll probably read the next installment only because of him. ☹
CALLIE:
She's antisocial, adorable in a way as she says the most obvious things.When she was twelve her life changed, You can say she changed from disney channel Miley Cyrus to wrecking ball Miley Cyrus. Never mind, it's a weird analogy.She has a GBF Seth who is probably my favorite character AND a great sidekick. Btw he's broken too.WELCOME TO THE PARTY,GUYS.
Callie and Kayden's relationship has the right amount of sap and cheese with loads of angst sprinkled on it. First and foremost they behave as friends, The cuteness overload making their story story even more memorable.They talk more than hashtags and emojis. You don't need an urban dictionary to understand them. I liked a lot of scenes but the one at the cliff was probably the smexiest.
Is there a thing possible as Justified slut shaming?You know, when both the girls are bad mouthing each other.
Callie: He has a girlfriend—a super slutty girlfriend who he can touch.”
Daisy: Anorexic Satan Worshipper(says about our Callie)..
January 9, 2016
Callie saved me that night from a fight that would have probably left me dead, but she also saved me from myself. Before her, I was dying inside; there was nothing in my heart, but an empty hole.
This is without a doubt, one of the best New Adult - Contemporary books I've had so far. I love everything in The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden! It's one of those books that have everything you want in a contemporary read that will leave you feeling awed. It's just *sigh* perfect!
If you want to read something that has to do with dark past and secrets with a bit of heavy drama and a sizzling romance, then this book is for you. I love how Jessica Sorensen evoked such deep emotions in me when I least expected it. The characters-- Kayden and Callie are one of the amazing characters I've met. The chemistry is seriously visible. And I love the fact that each time they interact, you can really feel the sexual tension between them.
And let me tell you that the very first moment you'll meet the characters, you'll instantly feel the connection. They're two troubled, f*cked up characters with emotional wounds that will really tug your heart. And oh, the romance is good. Every freaking kissing and make-out details of Callie and Kayden is emotional and moving you will basically find yourself hanging on to every word the author writes.
After reading the book, I had a very huge desire to find the second installment and grab another bite 'coz ugh, it feels not enough. The ending is a total cliffhanger (though I really don't mind). :)
As a whole, The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden is totally a must-read.
"In the existence of our lives, there is a single coincidence that brings us together and for a moment, our hearts beat as one."
My Rating for this Book: 5 Stars
Book review also posted on my blog:https://bibliopearl.wordpress.com/201...
This is without a doubt, one of the best New Adult - Contemporary books I've had so far. I love everything in The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden! It's one of those books that have everything you want in a contemporary read that will leave you feeling awed. It's just *sigh* perfect!
If you want to read something that has to do with dark past and secrets with a bit of heavy drama and a sizzling romance, then this book is for you. I love how Jessica Sorensen evoked such deep emotions in me when I least expected it. The characters-- Kayden and Callie are one of the amazing characters I've met. The chemistry is seriously visible. And I love the fact that each time they interact, you can really feel the sexual tension between them.
And let me tell you that the very first moment you'll meet the characters, you'll instantly feel the connection. They're two troubled, f*cked up characters with emotional wounds that will really tug your heart. And oh, the romance is good. Every freaking kissing and make-out details of Callie and Kayden is emotional and moving you will basically find yourself hanging on to every word the author writes.
After reading the book, I had a very huge desire to find the second installment and grab another bite 'coz ugh, it feels not enough. The ending is a total cliffhanger (though I really don't mind). :)
As a whole, The Coincidence of Callie and Kayden is totally a must-read.
"In the existence of our lives, there is a single coincidence that brings us together and for a moment, our hearts beat as one."
My Rating for this Book: 5 Stars
Book review also posted on my blog:https://bibliopearl.wordpress.com/201...
February 13, 2017
OKAY I NEED THE NEXT BOOK RIGHT NOW I AIN'T EVEN KIDDING
December 15, 2012
“In the existence of our lives, there is a single coincidence that brings us together and for a moment, our hearts beat as one.”
“Seize the day, take hold of it, and make it whatever you want.”
Seriously, I really liked this story. I love to torture myself with a good YA/NA broken boy/girl book and this one did not disappoint. Loved that Callie found a friend (Seth) to help her on the road to healing; the list was an awesome tool for them.
This list opened up many opportunities for Callie to begin to let Kayden in and it was really sweet and sad how they came together and began to love.
#17 Let Something Amazing Happen, Without Question or Hesitation
#3 Be Stupidly, Drunk Happy
#9 Dance in the Rain #13 Live in the Moment #17 Be Yourself
(Yeah, I noticed a few repeat list #’s. So what, still loved them)
There were many angsty and disturbing scenes that make this book one of those books I put in my “made-me-feel” shelf and of course we (I) will also be putting this book in my "cliffy" shelf because it really left me hanging…
But... I know I have the next book to look forward to as well as many more by this author, Jessica Sorensen... Love Her!
“Seize the day, take hold of it, and make it whatever you want.”
Seriously, I really liked this story. I love to torture myself with a good YA/NA broken boy/girl book and this one did not disappoint. Loved that Callie found a friend (Seth) to help her on the road to healing; the list was an awesome tool for them.
This list opened up many opportunities for Callie to begin to let Kayden in and it was really sweet and sad how they came together and began to love.
#17 Let Something Amazing Happen, Without Question or Hesitation
#3 Be Stupidly, Drunk Happy
#9 Dance in the Rain #13 Live in the Moment #17 Be Yourself
(Yeah, I noticed a few repeat list #’s. So what, still loved them)
There were many angsty and disturbing scenes that make this book one of those books I put in my “made-me-feel” shelf and of course we (I) will also be putting this book in my "cliffy" shelf because it really left me hanging…
But... I know I have the next book to look forward to as well as many more by this author, Jessica Sorensen... Love Her!
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