![Connected (Connections, #1)](https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1362012971l/16279715.jpg)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: NAL Trade
Publication Date: 2/4/14
Format: Paperback
Pages: 322
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 stars
What if a ‘Once in a Lifetime’ could happen twice?
Suffering from a past full of tragedy, Dahlia London's soul has been left completely shattered. Happily ever after is a far cry from reality in her world. But, when she is reconnected with her past, the bonds that form are irrefutable.
When River Wilde, lead singer of The Wilde Ones, comes back into Dahlia’s life, the intensity that fires their relationship combined with underlying feelings that have never died lead her to believe she has met her soulmate.
Struggling with confusion as old connections fade and new ones begin, Dahlia's grief begins to lift--but guilt remains. River wants to be the one to mend all that is torn within her.
But with a past that is never really gone, can their future survive?
First Impression... I've never had intentions to read Connected, but... my best friend Autumn read Connected and Torn when she visited last Fall. She's a very reactive reader, and the sounds she made while reading the books made me laugh. On the way to the airport, I made her tell me what they were all about. I was intrigued by what she told me, but still never added it to my list. When Connected came up on a list of books for review, I remembered my friend's reactions, and decided to give it a try.
So yes, I took Connected for review knowing pretty much everything that would happen and am totally okay with that.
The Story... The blurb paints a very good picture of exactly what Connected is about. An intriguing connection cut short, only to reignite years later. River and Dahlia quickly fall in love, but secrets are everywhere.
The Characters... River and Dahlia really made Connected, for me. I absolutely loved their first encounter, and I truly believe that an instant and intense connection is absolutely possible. When they reconnect, it's like they pick right back up to those magic moments and I loved it.
River was simply the best. A talented singer/musician who could have anything, but simply wants to live a peaceful life and make his music. I love how much he cares about Dahlia and that he never forgot her. I love that he balanced pushing Dahlia to see how much he wants to be with her, with backing away when it was clear she needed some space.
I enjoyed Dahlia as well. She was heartbroken and unsteady due to tragedy, and I could feel her pain. She was also brave and forward when she finally decided to live again. I like that she embraced her connection with River. I like that she also made sure that things moved ahead on her terms.
The Writing... I can't quite pinpoint exactly why, but for the most part I really enjoyed the writing. Karr grabbed my attention very quickly, when this pair connected from across a crowded bar. There were little hints throughout that the characters were all connected at a deeper level, and I loved that small sense of foreboding. There were times the prose felt a bit off to me, and a few minor irks along the way (see below), but overall, I found the story to be very compelling.
Any Dislikes? Pssst, Dahlia's hair is supposed to be blonde. Why, oh why does the female cover model have dark hair? I know, it's no big deal, but why? The guy is hot, though, and very River-like.
The dialogue was very repetitive at times. The phrases "You're so hot." "Do you have any idea what you do to me?" and "I watched River walk away. He turned and caught me checking out his ass." all seemed to be on a steady loop.
Also, there's a scene between Dahlia and Xander (River's brother) in which he drops this supposedly big bomb about something bad that happens the night River and Dahlia meet. It's intended to be all tragic and partially Dahlia's fault (in Xander's eyes). Dahlia overreacts, like, big-time, which can be attributed to being drunk. But the whole scene just felt forced. I didn't get it.
In the End... I'm very glad I gave Connected a chance. Even knowing how it all plays out, I found myself totally gripped by the characters and their magical love story. Even though the end wasn't a bombshell to me (I'm glad I knew that was coming!) I still felt a bit crazed. I'm definitely going to continue the series.
Oh, and thanks to my bestie for reading it first. I'm really glad you prepared me!
Favorite Quote:
I watch him and remember that it wasn't too long ago that I thought happiness was only for those who believed in fairy tales, that my future held nothing but sadness and a stoic existence. Yet, in this moment, as he juggles our phones, I think that maybe it's our time to be happy together.
As River sets my phone back on the coffee table, he picks his up and turns to face me. "Smile, beautiful girl," and just like that, I melt at his heartfelt words; and for the first time in a long while, I feel hopeful.
The Connections Series
(covers lead to GoodReads)
Purchase Links
About the author
I live in Florida with my husband and four kids. I've always had a love for reading books and writing. Being an English major in college, I wanted to teach at the college level but that was not to be. I went on to receive an MBA and became a project manager until quitting to raise my family. I currently work part-time with my husband and full-time embracing one of my biggest passions—writing.
I wear a lot of hats! Writer, book-lover, wife, soccer-mom, taxi driver, and the all around go-to person of the family. However, I always find time to read. One of my favorite family outings use to be taking my kids to the bookstore or the library. Today, my oldest child is in college and my twins are juniors so they no longer go with me on these outings. And although I don't need to go to the actual store anymore because I have the greatest device ever invented—a Kindle, I still do. There's nothing like a paperback. So now my four year old and I make dates out of going to the bookstore--it's time I love and cherish.
I like to believe in soulmates, kindred spirits, true friends, and Happily-Ever-Afters. I love to drink champagne, listen to music, and hopes to always stay young at heart. <3
I wear a lot of hats! Writer, book-lover, wife, soccer-mom, taxi driver, and the all around go-to person of the family. However, I always find time to read. One of my favorite family outings use to be taking my kids to the bookstore or the library. Today, my oldest child is in college and my twins are juniors so they no longer go with me on these outings. And although I don't need to go to the actual store anymore because I have the greatest device ever invented—a Kindle, I still do. There's nothing like a paperback. So now my four year old and I make dates out of going to the bookstore--it's time I love and cherish.
I like to believe in soulmates, kindred spirits, true friends, and Happily-Ever-Afters. I love to drink champagne, listen to music, and hopes to always stay young at heart. <3
![Photobucket](http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h367/UsMilitaryInLove/andreasignature.png)
"Pssst, Dahlia's hair is supposed to be blonde. Why, oh why does the female cover model have dark hair? " LOL that was one of my main problems with the cover, though otherwise it's a hot one. I see that they are continuing this nonsense dark hair thing throughout the series basically, wtf. I don't get it. Anyhow, this is one book we're going to have to agree to disagree on. I loved the first meeting, but then it just fell apart and I became to loathe this book. Dahlia was just annoying as a main character and River was so boring in my eyes, plus the dialogue was just so cheesy I can't even. And yes to repetitive writing. I'm so bummed that I didn't like it and had to DNF, but I am glad that you enjoyed it and I hope that if you haven't read the sequel yet, your luck will continue!
ReplyDeleteI totally get annoyed with hair colors on covers if they don't match the description in the book, Andrea.
ReplyDeleteI've seen this book around, but honestly, I'm sort of sick of NA at this point. I'm only reading those books that stand out to be.
I'm glad you enjoyed it though.
Lovely review! :)
Great review, Drea. I've been seeing this one around too and not pay attention to it but thanks to your review I think I will. At first I thought maybe it was the dark shadowing that made her hair look darker but you're right, that's not blonde.
ReplyDeleteHA the hair color on the cover bothered me too! Other than that I really enjoyed this one, more than I thought I would, and River is the best. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI loved your review but I'm still on the fence about this book...even though I bought it a while ago
ReplyDeleteSounds like there is a ton of sexual chemistry between these two, which is the number one reason that romance will usually end up working for me. I hadn't heard of this author before but will have to give her a try sometime. Thanks for the review, Andrea!
ReplyDeleteWendy @ The Midnight Garden
I love down to earth musician stories.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure this one would work for me with the repetition but maybe now that I know it beforehand.
Yup they look connected all right... Maybe she's wearing a wig?
ReplyDeleteWay to go in keeping it objective, the last books I read who's dialogue annoyed me I DNFd so yay you!
I always do a double take when the character on the book doesn't resemble the cover or sometimes I see them in my head completely different. This sound yummy.
ReplyDeleteI read this after a recommend from a friend as well, Andrea! I loved River but I was sort of into Ben at first. Although, not so much later on and I think you can figure out why. I figure out the twist right off the bat so I spent my time reading it waiting for the shoe to drop. Still, it was fun. I totally agree about the repetitiveness in the writing. I think some better editing would've helped this book a lot. Wonderful review, Andrea! I'll wait to see what you think of the second one before continuing on.
ReplyDeleteBtw, I'd wait on Kaleidoscope if you're a little burned out on KA. It's tried and true KA so maybe pick it up when you need a comfort read. :)
I've heard of this series up and down my facebook feed, lol I've just not had the chance to read it, but it's up there.. just waiting tbr.. glad you liked it despite the repeated dialogue, Like Braine, it would have drove me nuts. Great review Andrea! :)
ReplyDelete*ha* I hate it when the cover doesn't match the story, Andrea. Maybe it's not a big deal...but it kinda is to me. :) I've been curious about Connected for quite a while. I read some mixed reviews but I still like the premise. I'm glad you enjoyed it despite, or because of, knowing all it all plays out. I'm glad to know your few issues with it before going in. :) Great review, hon.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked this one, I struggled with this one a lot. Yes the dialogue in places felt so very repeat that I had to skip through the story a lot, it dragged a bit and the romance felt stifling, he was so...Perfect. Too perfect. I guess I like my men damaged and unperfect lol
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. :) Spot on review, babe.
ReplyDeleteI really loved Connected, and am glad that you enjoyed it too. I agree about the cover model not matching Dahlia's description bothering me as well. I hope you enjoy Torn! Great Review!!!
ReplyDeleteHehe...I can just imagine Autumn making noises as she reads. All the good reviews for this one had me accepting it for review too. I'm excited to see if I like these characters as much as you did.
ReplyDeleteGreat review Andrea. I have the first two books in this series. The hair things really bugs me - I have noticed that before on books - even ones with big publishers, and sometimes I wonder if they even know the description of the character.
ReplyDelete