An emotional, angsty, suspenseful, second chance romance from the USA Today bestselling author of Inseparable and When Forever Changes.Let him who is without sin cast the first stone… I’m the second-most hated person in Amber Springs.First place honors go to my twin, Ethan; however, hate isn’t a strong enough word to convey how people feel about him. Not that I blame anyone—some days, I hate him … convey how people feel about him.
Not that I blame anyone—some days, I hate him too. Mostly, I’m just lost and afraid, drowning in a sea of betrayal and guilt, wondering how this happened right under my nose.
There’s no choice but to leave. To move clear across the country in a last-ditch attempt to start over.
Transferring to a new school midway through senior year is hellish for most people. For me, it’s a welcome relief—until someone discovers our secret and now everyone knows.
The pointing, whispering, and scathing looks follow me around again, and I’m back to square one. Except, this time, I’m not alone.
Axel, Skeet, and Heath took me under their wing from the minute I arrived here. I’ve no idea why three of the hottest guys in town took any interest in me or why they continue to have my back, but I’m so grateful to have them in my corner.
Because, right now, they’re the only reason I’m not following my brother into an early grave.
This is an upper YA/NA STANDALONE #whychoose contemporary romance. Due to sensitive content and possible triggers, this book is recommended to readers aged eighteen and older. Please refer to the note at the start of the book. This is a full length novel.more
– I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book! –
I am a massive fan of Siobhan Davis’s work and have been since I read Finding Kyler. When she announced this book, I was skeptical. I have never read, let alone heard of a reverse harem book. I wanted to read this book to get out of my comfort zone and open my mind to different kinds of romance novels.
Siobhan once again blew me away. This book took me on so many different emotional rides, I could barely hang on. The mystery aspect of the book was also another great piece. She always has a way to make you not know where a book is going to go.
I would say the polygamy part of the book was the hardest hurdle to over come. I think it is because I have never really thought about that kind of relationship before and also, I enjoy monogamous romance novels. That being said, the polygamy aspect was not hard to understand with these characters. They all loved each other and if it worked for them, then there is no room to judge!
What a tragic and powerful roller coaster ride of a story this was! I’m impressed with the ability Davis has to talk about something so sensitive and triggering and tell a different side of the story. To help people see that we don’t always know all the facts in cases like this, but also show that it doesn’t condone what was done. Yes, I’m being vague, but I feel like you must read it in order for the impact to hit as hard as it hit me. There’s also the other issues that the main character must face both before and after the main incident. I can’t imagine how Blaire must have felt in the aftermath of her own tragedy and then to have what happened with Ethan on top of that. She is a brave and flawed character that I think most of us will want to know and be cheering for in this story.
As always, Davis’ writing fills me up and makes it super difficult to put my book down. I want to just sit and devour each book she writes in one sitting and get a little angry at real life for interfering with that! It was also one of Davis’ books that first introduced me to reverse harem fiction. I wasn’t sure how I would like it, but all doubt has been erased…at least in the case of her books! I’ve been enthralled with each one I’ve read so far. (The same can be said for other genres this author has made me love!)
There is a lot going on in this story and I can’t possibly do it justice in a spoiler free review, so let me just say that if you are a fan of Siobhan Davis, you’ve got to check this one out. I encourage anyone with any interest in RH books to check it out as well. And if you like angsty contemporary romance, you should give it a shot!
5++++Stars
I really enjoyed this story. There are some controversial subjects in the book. I think Siobhan does a great job getting us to understand different sides to these actions. It really makes you think about stuff you probably haven’t or maybe you have.
This book makes you feel. I was brought to tears in a few scenes in this book.
Blaire is a strong character. She’s been through so much in her short eighteen years. More than most people ever go through. I will say having Skeet, Axel and Heath come into her life really helped.
Skeet is a touchy, feely guy. He doesn’t hide his feelings. He knows what he wants and goes for it. He’s very open about communication and tries to get others to communicate as well.
Axel is the bad boy. The one who has his own issues. He doesn’t have an easy life like Skeet and Heath, but he makes the most of it.
Heath is the all American football player. He’s got plans of making it in the NFL.
I do have a favorite of the three guys but I’m not going to tell you who! You need to pick your own!!
This is another amazing read by Siobhan Davis. Every book she writes makes you feel.
Wow, I’m speechless! This book pulled every emotion possible. I have been reading RH stories for a few years. This was one of the best I have read! Siobhan is a very talented writer & she always surprises you at every turn.
SAS started being a mystery to me because I didn’t know what to expect. I fell in love with Ax, Skeet, & Heath! I want the next reader to experience it the same way as I did going into it. It is not an easy read & trigger warnings are placed at the beginning for a reason. This is a book on survival, hope & healing.
~Secretly Adorkable Readers
WOW! This book took me by surprise in the best possible way! From the very beginning, I was completely hooked and invested in the heroine’s story. As the story began to unravel, I found myself devouring each page as quickly as I could. This story is unique, emotional, and tragically beautiful! One girl…three best friends…one love story… Totally the makings of a great book! I highly recommend this one! Five THREE-BOYFRIENDS-ARE-BETTER-THAN-ONE steamy, romantic stars!
How to write a review about a book the touches your heart so deeply? Or a review of a book that you would like to get on your rooftop and announce to all those within earshot that they MUST READ THIS BOOK!!! One other book of Siobhan’s affected me this powerfully, and that was Inseparable. I mean, don’t get me wrong, ALL of Siobhan’s book affect us powerfully in one way or another, and to one degree or another! But Inseparable and now Surviving Amber Springs, they Knocked me off my feet. Once i get my bearings again, then all i want to do is announce to the world how amazing the book is!!!
Blaire has been through the most traumatic experience a person can go through. She’s moved and is trying to move on with her life. Meeting Skeet, Axel and Heath was the absolute best thing that ever happened to her. I don’t want to go on any further and ruin the book for anyone. But I will say, with Axel, Heath & Skeet you really have your choice of great book boyfriends. My favorite being Axel.
This is one of my favorite books I’ve read this year! It is an AMAZING book! I HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!! All the stars in the world for this one!!! ALL OF THEM!!!!!!
When I finish a book by Siobhan Davis I feel exhausted because she has taken me on an emotional roller coaster ride. She has turned me inside out, upside down and sideways with all the plot twists and emotions provoked by the story. This is my first reverse harem book and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. The love between Blaire, Axel, Heath and Skeet actually made a lot of sense to me. They really made a coherent group and the loving attention they cast at Blaire was so necessary for her emotional health.
Blaire comes from a very violent past, with an unspeakable loss. The events were so dire that she and her parents had to move from their hometown in Arizona and start a new life in Maryland. The problem is that her parents are having a hard time finding jobs, are constantly fighting, and money is very tight. Blaire seems to be a magnet for trouble. She enrolls for the senior year in in the local high school and since she’s so beautiful, attracts the boys and repels the girls. Since she forms a rapport fast with the three guys, she makes an enemy of Cassie who believes one of the guys, Heath, belongs with her.
Blaire really has a hard time during this book. Apart from suffering a huge loss and her parents fighting, her father taking to drink, Cassie’s attacks, there are also menacing emails. Not surprisingly, she’s battling depression. On the other hand, in her dealings with her boyfriends, she finds love, acceptance and support. I really liked the three guys: Heath is the football All American guy, Axel is the reformed bad guy with juvie record, and Skeet is the well dressed, sweet and charming one. They all really complement each other and make for a great group or should I say, manly harem? My only concern is how a woman can withstand the sexual demands of three YA, given they’re so active (read horny) at that age. Boggles the mind!
Initially she appears as a victim but as the book develops and she goes through a veritable struggle to find her truth and her salvation, she finds redemption and forgiveness. The author’s writing style is very dramatic, so we get very strong emotional scenes, some very violent. The book is so compelling that you don’t want to stop reading for a minute, anxious to find out what happens next. As per Ms. Davis style, when we think we’re on the home stretch and resolving issues, she comes up with yet another plot twist and changes course. The fun never ends!
This book hit me hard. Without giving anything away, this is a topic I’ve always been curious about: what happens to the family after? This was heartbreaking. Things would start to look up, and then something else would happen to bring the world crashing down onto Blaire. I just wanted to give her a hug. People were so awful. I get their pain, but dang. What they did was horrific.
I loved the Axel, Skeet and Heath, and I’m glad they brought some sort of happy to her world. I ship it. Hard. I’m so glad this went on to explain the “why” of what happened. It doesn’t justify it, but it helped to know what the catalysts were. I also loved the positive portrayal of therapy and how it really can help.
This book will definitely stick with me.
***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC of this book.***
Siobhan Davis is kind of a new author to me, but ever since I read When Forever Changes, I knew that she was going to win my heart a hundred times over because her stories feel so real and as real as they can feel because of the things that happen do tend to occur in real life. They touch your heart and soul.
Surviving Amber Springs broke my heart from the moment I started to the moment I finished. This book definitely had a beautiful and wonderful happy ending but the things that this poor girl endured throughout her high school years was just excruciatingly torture and what she had to go through to move and change her sur name, was just over and beyond painful and heartbreaking especially because just when she thought she could move forward, she was thrown backwards.
She had her three protectors that would never leave her side and loved and adored her to death, but sometimes that’s just not enough. I loved how determined and strong she was throughout the book. She is definitely one of my favorite heroines I’ve ever read because to go through what she went through and still be able to be as strong as she could possibly be really takes determination and will power.
Surviving Amber Springs is definitely one of my top reads of 2018!
This book was an amazing, emotional rollercoaster, and I would not change a single bit of it.
I love Siobhan’s writing. Picking up one of her books feels like coming home. She always draws you into the stories so easily. I’m so glad I’ve continued to read her, even as she has explored other genres besides fantasy. Every time she took a leap with a genre or series, into something other than what I’m comfortable with, I felt hesitant. But every time I gave it a try, because I trust her as a writer to deliver. And she always does. I’m so glad that I’ve remained open minded. Because otherwise, I would have missed out on some of her best work.
This is exactly what has happened to me with this book. I have only ever read one other reverse harem book/series, and that as her Alinthia series. I thought the only reason it worked for me was because it was a fantasy series as well, so her being in a relationship with multiple guys is part of this cosmic bond they have.
That’s not the case in SAS. It’s a modern day reverse harem book. I decided to give it a try, and I’m so glad I did. Everything felt completely natural in the relationship between Blaire and her three boyfriends. I thought I would be uncomfortable with things involving that dynamic but I wasn’t.
There are some really amazing twists and turns in this book. Skeet and Axel were my favorites, I never figured out which I liked the best. They both had different qualities that really drew me to them. Heath would stumble occasionally, okay, kind of a lot. But he always redeemed himself. And let’s admit it, that kind of character development is so fun to read!
The things in Blaire’s past were heart breaking, and the way that Siobhan slowly unravels the story is perfection.
If you are a fan of Siobhan Davis’s work, and you are open minded enough to give the reverse harem genre a try, then I would highly recommend this. I will note that there is material of a sensitive nature at the core of the story in this book.
I was very honored to read a beta copy of this book.
What if we had a do-over in life? What if we discovered just a little more information that could change the direction of our life? Surviving Amber Springs is a jigsaw puzzle for me and with every piece of the puzzle that fits into place, reality became more and more startling. Blaire and Ethan Simpson are twins who are also best friends. He leaves for school one morning before Claire is ready but he never comes home. Ethan has committed a heinous crime and the Simpson family is driven out of town. They are all blamed for Ethan’s deed. Escaping to Kentsville, Maryland, the family is forced to take a new name and new lives. Blaire Simpson is now Blaire Adams and, with the deep depression she’s experiencing, she runs to keep from harming herself. Oblivious to her surroundings, she hears a warning yell and is knocked to the ground by a football that came flying out of nowhere. 3 best friends, Skeet Taylor, Axel Thorpe and Heath Gilchrest all run to help her and she doesn’t feel threatened around them. Likewise, the boys feel a special bond with her because she sees them as they really are. They develop a unique relationship that feels so natural and caring. Amber Springs has not let go of her and jealousy, lies, silence and evil make her life unbearable. Her depression returns and she just wants the pain to end. She broke up with Heath, Axel and Skeet, and simply disappears. She questions what really happened to with her brother and is determined to find out. The string of people involved in Ethan’s crime keeps growing as she discovers more truth. Reality isn’t as insidious as the crime but it clarifies the evil that drove him to it. Siobhan Davis has written a magnificent story that touches your heart and soul. Yes, it’s dark, but the kind of dark that has a beautiful sunrise at the end!
I just knew I would love this story when simply reading the title, and after finishing, I conclude that Siobhan couldn’t have created a better title. This story is intense, but it is real, and just like in life, we have to deal with the heavy stuff. I found Siobhan’s timing to be absolutely perfect with what is happening in the US right now, and I hope you all think so too.
I haven’t read any contemporary reverse harem romances before, and I am not even sure if many exist. I must say that Siobhan wove the RH plot so beautifully that the story line felt completely realistic. Again, she couldn’t have done it better.
Blaire is now one of my favorite characters because she is tough and a great role model. I enjoyed living life along with her–especially when she had difficulty deciding what she felt was right or wrong. I absolutely loved her.
The guys are all hunks with fun names. I never had problems telling who was who which is very important for me in a MFM or RH theme. All of the relationships were treated equally which I also loved, and I felt the same as Blaire, why not have them all? 🙂
Siobhan also outdid herself when it comes to villains in this story. Prepare yourself for some dark and unsettling moments. I feel that the villain is as important as the main character, and these villains were so incredible and realistic that it nearly makes you fear crossing paths with these types of people in real life.
Buy this now so you can figure out what could possibly happen in order to survive Amber Springs!!
EXCELLENT book. Truly wasn’t sure what to expect from this book and it blew me away. Definitely my favorite of all Siobhan Davis’ books (and I’ve read them all!). I honestly do not want to share any details because I feel like anything I say will steal this experience from you. All I can say is ENJOY! I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Siobhan Davis is now one of my automatic buy authors. Surviving Amber Springs is not a novel for everyone since its subject matter is controversial and leans heavily on the emotional side, but boy, is it ever worth the read.
Surviving Amber Springs is the first reverse harem novel I’ve ever read. To be honest, I didn’t even know it was a subgenre until I requested to review this novel. I’ve always had an open mind regarding love and relationships because who I am to judge others? So, I expected to enjoy this but not as much as I did. I will definitely be reading Davis’ other reverse harem series.
I usually don’t enjoy reading novels set in high school anymore since the drama reads as petty and annoying. However, Davis walks the line of superfluous high school drama flawlessly. There wasn’t a moment throughout the entire novel that I felt annoyed with the high school antics or the classic Queen B subplot. Davis employs these tropes effectively within her narrative without falling fully into the clichés.
I think my favourite aspect of Davis’ writing is her use of time jumps. Davis is not afraid to use them and I love her more and more for it. These time jumps allow Davis to explore different facets of the characters’ personality as they grow and mature. It also allows her stories to develop naturally and include mature storylines. Surviving Amber Springs is one big trigger warning. If you’re sensitive to basic trigger warnings, proceed with caution when reading this book.
The main character, Blaire, goes through an incredible arc. It’s hard to talk about her journey without spoiling major parts of the novel, so all I’ll say is that she’s not the same person at the end of the novel that readers meet at the beginning. Her journey is intense, relevant, and genuine.
Blaire’s journey is the centerpiece of the novel and is well worth the read for just that, however the inclusion of a polyamorous relationship is like the icing on the cake. All three of the boys, Axel, Skeet, and Heath, are as swoon worthy as they come. Each fall into a different category of male love interest making them easy to differentiate. They all appeal to a different facet of Blaire’s personality, which makes her connection with each of the boys believable. The only criticism I have is that Heath isn’t a fleshed out as the Axel and Skeet and Heath and Blaire’s connection is weak as compared to the others.
Overall, Surviving Amber Springs is more than just a book; it’s an intense experience. Blaire’s journey is intensely personal and intimate. I would recommend Surviving Amber Springs to anyone open to reading about polyamorous relationships looking for an emotional and passionate story.
Siobhan Davis delivers another standout story with Surviving Amber Springs. Her ability to tap into relevant events makes this story an angsty, emotional page turner.
Reeling from a tragedy that has torn her family apart Blair and her parents leave their hometown in the hopes they can start fresh. However, the challenges they have faced do not disappear and hiding in new surroundings doesn’t lessen the pain or keep the truth away. Blair’s chance meeting with three best friends, finds her in an easy, fast closeness. They are fierce protectors of her but it only goes so far when Blair’s family secrets are revealed.
Incredible twists and turns will leave you smiling and ugly crying at the same time. Not to be missed.
Blaire survived a brutal attack, that eventually leads to her twin brother’s death. They will move to a new town far from the the hatred of people who blame her and her parents for their losses. After meeting three young men who want to be a part of her life, Blaire hopes that she can find some happiness. Unfortunately, her past will rear it’s head, which will lead to a downward spiral into severe depression. When Blaire disappears from their lives, Ax, Skeet, and Heath, will move forward with their lives, but they each have their own way of coping with Blaire’s absence.
Wow! I think this is a must read! However, I must say, that while I enjoyed this book, there are instances of some pretty extreme violence that could act as triggers for some readers. That being said, it is also a hot and sexy reverse harem romance with a happily ever after. Fantastic book, I loved it!
I am voluntarily leaving an honest and nonincentivized review of this ARC,
Never read anything from this author before now. Was not sure what to expect but glad I read this story. It has strong characters wonderful story line and even made me cry. There is a Happily Ever After at the end of the story YAY.
I was unsure how a contemporary romance and RH would fit in today’s world, without seeming a bit farfetched, but Surviving Amber Springs, does that and more! I finished this book a week ago, but have needed this time to work out how best to describe this book.
For anyone put off by the reverse-harem aspect, don’t be! It’s not sleazy or even titilating! It’s a beautiful romance, although there us nothing plain and simple about it! It’s about love, trust, emotion…The relationship Blaire builds with Axel, Skeet and Heath is written as a natural progression to the drama that has hit Blaire and her family. The power of the love that develops, draws the reader in, you want to see this love flourish and grow. SAS hits some incredibly dark places, in its telling. I found myself crying for the characters, their loss, their treatment. As usual Mrs Davies has a way of making her characters come alive on the page, drawing you into the tale and their lives? This story touches areas that have been very prevalent in our world today…it looks at the victims and the people left behind. It shines a light on their story.
I am a Siobhan Davies fan. Since stumbling upon her in a Facebook ad in 2017, I have enjoyed every book she has written. Surviving Amber Springs is no different.
This was an amazing book filled with real life tragedy and, later, triumph. The main characters are well written and had the ability to immediately pull the audience in. You will become invested in their lives.. hoping for the best possible outcome. I couldn’t put this book down.. needing to know what would happen up until the very end. You won’t be disappointed when reading this book!
If you’re looking for a light, easy romance, this isn’t it. But if you like angsty, complex and atypical, you’re in for a treat!
I honestly wouldn’t be able to find a more apt title than Surviving Amber Springs. Life and death were intertwined in different stages of Blaire’s journey and survival was the backdrop that pulled the story together. The genre was reverse harem, and it starts off centered around Blaire and the three boys she is attracted to, but we slowly get to discover a web of tragedies encompassing and linking several characters and deeper layers of suffering. Although the book unveiled the darkness of the human psyche, it also highlighted the resilience of the human soul and its capacity to soar beyond hurt. Apart from the depth of the book and the difficult situations the characters faced, the love that emerges between Blaire and her three men (Skeet, Axel and Heath) is beautiful and raw, yet its survival is threatened as well. This book was as heartwarming as it was heartbreaking. Blaire might have been on the verge of falling off the cliff throughout parts of the book, but I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.