Being Me by Tricia Copeland (5 stars)

Title: Being Me

Series: Being Me Volume 4 

Author: Tricia Copeland

Genre: Clean New Adult

Release Date: September 20, 2016

“The loneliest moment in someone’s life is when they are watching their whole world fall apart, and all they can do is stare blankly.”-The Great Gatsby

In attempt to manage her rage and shame after a violent assault, Amanda loses touch with reality. Her spiraling physical state forces her to act or die. To face her demons, she must revisit the emotions she ran from in the first place. Still unsure of what life she wants, but determined to pick up the pieces, she seeks out the right path. Can she mend broken bonds with her friends and family? 

Will her epic love survive? 

Find out in this roller coaster finale of the Being Me series.

REVIEW

Amanda is forced to face her demons after months of walking the edge of keeping it together. To do so, she has to accept some things she can't change and walk away from relationships she holds dear. When someone breaks, you really see the depth of their character. This is especially true for Amanda. And I love a strong female spirit, one that doesn't take the easy way out. And there's nothing easy about Amanda's breaking point and resulting backlash.

All the supporting characters--Doug, Zack, friends, parents, sisters--play a part in Amanda rebuilding her life, and not all of them in the way I thought they would. And as much as a reader might love a main character, it's all the supporting ones that make the whole experience truly memorable. But, in the end, it's about Amanda trusting her own instincts and standing strong without a crutch. 

And let's face it... the final book in the series is what you walk away with, the lasting impression. And Tricia Copeland makes everything worthwhile. Although Amanda's journey has been rocky, it's worth every moment in this satisfying conclusion.

If you are a reader who wants a whole series out before you start, take the time now to invest in Being Me. You'll appreciate the journey.

RATING: 5 Stars

Reviews for the rest of the series:

Think You Know Me (Book 3)

If I Could Fly (Book 2)

Is This Me? (Book 1)

Tricia Copeland grew up in Georgia and now lives in Colorado with her family and multiple four legged and finned friends. Her new adult Being Me series includes, Is This Me?, If I Could Fly, Thinking You Know Me, and the final installment, Being Me. Drops of Sunshine, released in July 2016, is her first young adult and paranormal book. If she’s not on a trail, you can find Tricia at www.triciacopeland.com or on your favorite social media.

 

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Note: I worked as Editor on this novel through Indie Books Gone Wild. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

Drops of Sunshine (Spellbound YA Anthology) by Tricia Copeland (4.5 stars)

About Drops of Sunshine
by Tricia Copeland
(a story within Spellbound)

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth. -Buddha 

Working as lifeguard at a camp for the blind seems like the perfect escape for Nina. But a few perceptive kids can hear her thoughts. Can embracing her truth help her heal and reveal possibilities she never imagined? 

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Review

Although I'm just reviewing one novella, Drops of Sunshine, within the collection, Spellbound made up of five complete never-before-seen YA novellas.

If Drops of Sunshine is any indication, this should be a stellar YA Anthology read. I picked up my copy on pre-order and plan to read more, so keep an eye peeled for more reviews.

In Drops, Nina is working at a camp for the blind, wanting a little escape from her life and all the changes. Then, she starts to notice strange abilities amongst the campers. Innocent, sweet kids seem to have a lot of insight into her family life--very personal issues she hasn't shared with anyone.

At first, she's not sure what to do about these odd happenings. But she quickly gains insight into her own life through some very special children. 

Novellas are always tough to judge, because if it's good, I want more. So it says a lot about Drops that I really wanted more story. Pick up a copy and dive in... a sweet summer read!

Rating: 4.5 stars

About the Author

Tricia Copeland grew up in Georgia but now lives outside the mile-high city of Denver, Colorado with her husband, three kids, and multiple four legged and finned friends. An avid runner and paranormal fan, she also enjoys hiking, trivia, and Scrabble. 

You can connect with Tricia and other readers on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and on her website, www.triciacopeland.com.

Note: I was the Editor on this novella through Indie Books Gone Wild. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

Think You Know Me by Tricia Copeland (4.5 stars)

About Think You Know Me
(Being Me, Book 3)

March 20 
This isn’t fair! I see his face every time I close my eyes, hear his mother’s words echo in my dreams. And he’s a headline again? How do I move past the rage and guilt when he won’t go away? I need him gone. He doesn’t get to win like this. I won’t let him. 
–Amanda 

Amanda’s first year of college is fraught with drama and parental scrutiny. With her relationship secure and a clean break from her parents, all she wants is a normal term. But fate steps in and deals a shattering blow. Think You Know Me will keep you guessing from the first chapter. 

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Review

After a rough start to college, Amanda was finally on the mend and very much in love. But then another challenge is thrown her way, and it cripples her at first, leaving her in her most fragile state. Can even Doug, the love of her life, help her find her way?

Amanda is a character I've come to really care about through the series. She's vulnerable, yet strong. Determined, yet fragile. I don't want to give anything away, but her encounter early in the book pushes her to the brink... and the reader is left wondering if she'll recover. And, even if she does, how much it will change her.

This installment is more raw and emotional than the previous two... a natural progression for the character and the story. We get to experience a very intimate breakdown in Amanda's psyche while still seeing glimpses of the fighter underneath.

A truly captivating read.

Rating: 4.5 stars

About the Author

Tricia Copeland grew up in Georgia but now lives outside the mile-high city of Denver, Colorado with her husband, three kids, and multiple four legged and finned friends. An avid runner and paranormal fan, she also enjoys hiking, trivia, and Scrabble. 

You can connect with Tricia and other readers on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and on her website, www.triciacopeland.com.

Note: I was the Editor on this book through Indie Books Gone Wild. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

If I Could Fly by Tricia Copeland (4.5 stars)

About If I Could Fly

Amanda's happily ever after is beginning, but her parents think she’s abandoned her friends, goals, even morals to be with Doug. The assessment is ludicrous, but Amanda can’t convince them otherwise. Their disapproval undermines her self-confidence and she is determined to prove them wrong. To make things worse, Doug has a huge roadblock thrown in his path. Amanda isn’t able to talk about the situation with anyone except Zack, her ex-boyfriend. 

Can she endure the strain of keeping Doug’s secret? Can her already fragile psyche survive a whole summer with parents who condemn everything she does? 

Amanda begins to doubt she can, and there’s no castle, no fairy godmother, no magic wand to rescue her.

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Book 1, Is this Me? Purchase link

Review

This is the second book in the Being Me series. I do recommend reading them in order for the full experience. 

Amanda's been through a lot, and just as she thinks she's landed the guy, everything changes. Secrets place a heavy burden on her blossoming relationship with Doug, and as if that weren't enough, her family life is crumbling. Mom and Dad don't want to see their daughter be pulled under by the drama, but they don't know the whole picture.

All the pressure is only worsening Amanda's already fragile state. She believes in Doug and their love, but outside forces are pushing... and pushing hard. Can they survive the drama? Even more concerning, will Amanda lose herself in the process?

Amanda is a character you want to root for; she gives her heart to whatever she does and believes in love. There's a richness to her emotions and her struggle to dig deep when everyone around her has an opinion on her life. At eighteen, she's facing major life choices and emotional dilemmas. And although she's a fighter, she can only take so much. 

I love that she has close friends, although one includes her ex-boyfriend, who at times I thought might be better for her. With how the book ended, there's still no clear path, and I liked that too. Life isn't easy.

If you love a good contemporary romance (that's not erotica-light) with great characters, check this one out.

Rating: 4.5 stars

About Tricia Copeland

Tricia Copeland grew up in Georgia but now lives outside the mile-high city of Denver, Colorado with her husband, three kids, and multiple four legged and finned friends. An avid runner and paranormal fan, she also enjoys hiking, trivia, and Scrabble. 

You can connect with Tricia and other readers on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and on her website, www.triciacopeland.com.

Note: I was the Editor on this book through Indie Books Gone Wild. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

*****

And Happy Release Day!

Is This Me? by Tricia Copeland (4.5 stars)

About Is This Me?

Have you ever chosen a path that led you astray? 

Amanda has no trouble choosing a college or picking a major. What she does have a problem with is what she would have least expected, a guy. Smart and sexy, Doug is focused on school responsibilities and post-graduation plans. Their paths intersect and Amanda must accept his help or risk losing her scholarship. Determined to maintain appearances, Amanda begins to lie to family and friends. The ease at which she repeatedly deceives those closest becomes disturbing and leaves her questioning: “Is this me?” 

Can Amanda find her way out of her contrived world? 

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Review

Amanda is eager to head off to college and pursue her dreams. Attending Northwestern University is part of the plan; after all, it's a family tradition. Jumping right in, she hangs out with her dad's old fraternity and is quickly charmed with its president. Doug is intrigued too, but he's a Senior and has a lot to consider.

Through a twist of fate, they are thrown together and grow closer. Amanda embraces her feelings, but Doug struggles with his. To avoid all her friends' opinions, she keeps the relationship to herself. In the process, she withdraws more and more. 

Will Doug and Amanda figure it out? Or were they simply not meant to be?

Amanda is a firecracker; she knows what she wants. But she can't control the situation with Doug, and it leaves her reeling. Yet, she never gives up. Even when everything seems to be spiraling, she pushes through. 

Doug's indecisiveness made me a bit crazy at times, and I wasn't so sure I wanted Amanda to end up with him. However, the story has a wonderful arc which allows for the reader to come to understand the situation. Plus, the best stories engage as many emotions as possible: anger, frustration, elation, sadness, and so many more.

Is This Me? is a compelling story full of romance, growing up, and acceptance. I highly recommend it. An entertaining read perfect for summer.  

Rating: 4.5 stars

About the Author

Tricia Copeland grew up in Georgia but now lives outside the mile-high city of Denver, Colorado with her husband, three kids, and multiple four legged and finned friends. An avid runner and paranormal fan, she also enjoys hiking, trivia, and Scrabble. 

You can connect with Tricia and other readers on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and on her website.

Note: I was the editor for this book. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.