It’s the kind of situation most people would dread. Starting at a new high school, in the middle of my senior year, in a new town, in a new state. I know no one. No one knows me. That’s what I’m counting on. A year ago, Aurora “Rory” Pine was just a normal teenage girl – just as sweet and naive as the fairy tale princess she was named after. But this isn’t a year ago. Rory is broken, and now …
Rory is broken, and now suffering from a debilitating anxiety disorder, wrought with precarious triggers, she moves across the country to escape the source of her troubles. Her plan is anonymity, but that’s easier said than achieved for the new girl having a panic episode outside of calculus. The worst part? There’s a witness – and a gorgeous one at that.
Sam is a walking trigger for Rory. Incredibly handsome, built like the star athlete he obviously is, and undoubtedly popular, Sam outwardly represents everything Rory despises about high school. But as the fates keep throwing them together, a connection sparks that neither ever expected, and certainly couldn’t ignore.
But Sam has issues too, and Rory’s past won’t just stay in the damned past. When friendship evolves into something deeper, can a girl utterly destroyed by the worst kind of betrayal and a boy battling demons of his own ever have a normal relationship? Is that even what they want? Find out in NORMAL, a gritty story of trust and abuse, heartbreak and salvation, and if they’re lucky – love. This is not a flowery romance – not for the faint of heart.
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This book was recommended to me so very long ago and I wish I hadn’t waited so long to pull the trigger. I consider it more YA than NA but despite that, the story grabbed me completely. Rory has a lot to deal with and most of it was absolute heartbreaking and difficult to read. There are some truly despicable characters in the story and telling you who they are here would take away from you learning and feeling it all yourself. Rory may never be “Normal” again but Sam refuses to give up on her. As her friend, he will do what it takes to make sure she feels safe…but is Rory too broken? Does Sam have too many of his own issues? The only thing I didn’t like was that there is a part 2 and I don’t have time to read it right now lol…but Danielle is definitely an author I’ll return to.
THIS WAS AN AMAZING NOVEL! It was long enough that i could thoroughly enjoy it but not too long to become dreadful. I was expecting the normal romance novel but the plot was so much more than i expected! It made me feel sad, happy, loving and a milllion other emotions. Could not recommend it more, i wished it would never end.
Really enjoyed this series!
The central characters had such strength and helped heal each other without realizing they were doing it. Their journey is great read.
Could not put this book down. Loved it@
I liked the connection between the characters at first but the story line drug on way too long. I sped read the second book just to see how it ended.
I don’t want to post spoilers, but there are rape scenes in this book. I’ve never been a victim myself, but these scenes were very intense and I was surprised at my physical reaction. (Heart-pounding from a flight or fight response.). I did enjoy the book overall, but I probably would not have read it if the description of the book had indicated that this was the reason for her anxiety.
Hard to follow and very slow
Just want to see Sam and Rory find the love they deserve. Rory’s Dad is everything you would dread in a parent.
Don’t like being forced to buy additional books to get the ending. Readers should know that before they buy. Would never have purchased this book had I known it was continued in a second novel.
great read
And now I need to read part two!
This happens more than what we know. Good book and sad also
Teenage years are so emotional. Put emotions on top of sex and throw in rape. I read it but not my usual line up.
Absolutely loved this story! I completed reading it in 2 days because I simply could not put the book down. So beautifully written I absolutely can not express how tragically beautiful the authors writing portrays her characters. This is a story that I will continue to read over and over.
A nice romance story that keeps you reading.
The book started out good, but soon there is too much dwelling and internal dialogue. Not enough interesting events where I could skim through so much of the book. It was way too long for so little actually happening. It is very repetitious that it got frustrating. Then I was surprised and annoyed that it carries over to another book! I won’t read the next book.
One of the best novels I’ve read. The implications of physical and mental abuse were amply described.
A great story of survival and closure.
waiting on patiently for the next book if you know when it’s coming out please let me know