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 will start by saying this book is not for everyone, but if you can stop and read the book and see past the “situation” you will absolutely love it!
The emotions I felt ranged from oh crap, to me bawling, to me saying “awww”. I have not been so invested in a book in a little while. My heart hurt so much during the read, but Blaire and her guys pulled me through. I devoured this book!
Siobhan has yet to let me down, and doubt she ever will!
Thought provoking and touching. Ms Davis does it again she is thoughtful and makes you want to reach out and give the kids a hug and tell them it’s going to be okay someday. You have to read this one it is a really good one and I hope there’s going to be a book 2
Such an emotional roller coaster! I loved it so much!
I’m a massive Siobhan Davis fan, her books are always so well written and thought out and this book was no different. You can always tell how much hard work has been put into everything she writes.
This book covered A LOT of hard subjects and every single element of each subject was handled with care and respect.
There were so many awesome twists to the story, I was shocked every time there was a new revelation, As you’re reading you know there’s something there but I just wasn’t expecting any of it! A lot of The back story is upsetting but Blaire is so strong and her boys are amazing. The character development was perfect and I loved all three boys and Blaire
I’ve only ever read fantasy reverse harem books so this was a nice change. I sometimes find reverse harem books to be a bit far fetched but this story was so natural which made it feel more realistic.
I’ve rated this book five stars but if I could rate it higher I would!
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Wow! This was addictive and intense. I couldn’t put it down. But fair warning, there are a lot of triggering topics: gun violence, chil abuse, assault, mental health, and a few others.
The story is centered around the family of someone who committed a horrible offense. I have to say I have never spared a second thought for the family. Blaire is trying to rebuild her life and salvage her senior year of high school. Destiny has her meeting three attractive men, I just about did a happy dance when I realized it was a reverse harem.
For most of the book we get to see the relationships development and grow. Every one was just special and different.
I’m trying to keep this spoiler free, so highly recommend this book. So intense. So good.
Surviving Amber Springs by Siobhan Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book: Surviving Amber Springs
Author: Siobhan Davis
Type: Standalone
Genre: New Adult Reverse Harem
POV: Multiple (First Person)
Rating: 5 Heart-wrenching Stars!
“The truth is everything, but sometimes the truth has to be sacrificed for the greater good.”
Warning: (view spoiler)
“We’re not going anywhere, beautiful.” Skeet’s fighting spirit is alive and well. “We love you too much to just walk away now. Take whatever time you need, and when you’re ready, we’ll be waiting.”
W.O.W! Surviving Amber Springs is the most powerful and touching RH I’ve ever read. It was heart-wrenching and sensitive and dealt with some pretty hard stuff. The story, the characters, the circumstances, they pulled me in and I simply couldn’t put this book down. There were so many ups and downs and potent emotions, it left me a mess by the end.
“I just want it to stop. The pain has sunk bone deep, soul deep, eradicating every trace of the person I used to be. The darkness has spread. Eating me alive from the inside out. And I can’t face it anymore.”
I loved Blaire. She is one of the strongest protagonist I’ve come across. Her strength was inspiring. She’s been through so much and she still pushes through and carries on.
“Sometimes we have to reach rock bottom to learn how to climb to the top.”
This book deserves all the stars. Highly recommended.
“You bring out the best in me, and you make me want to be a better man because I want to give you everything I can possibly offer. The love I feel for you is unsurpassed and infinite, and I will love you always and forever.”
See this on Goodreads – Surviving Amber Springs
Follow me on Goodreads – Catherine Russell
I have had 2 all time favorite books for a long time now and I think this book has just surpassed them both! There are so many layers to this book and they are all spectacular! These characters, the plot, the twists, the heat, I am just blown away! I even cried, which is a rare occurrence for me!! I’m still reeling and processing days later!! Just…WOW!
Have to say nobody writes harsh, emotional and sensitive subjects like Siobhan Davis. The latest one is not easy to read but in a way a must read. We have Blaire, a twin trying to come with grips of what Ethan, her brother did. We see her pain, depression and most of all the bond these guys have with her. I loved and intrigued how these guys will work with Blaire and her life. From all three have to say my favorite was Axle. Here is a guy with a troubled past and tortured soul seem so in tune with Blaire. All in all it was beautiful, unique and quite sexy in a way that will blow a reader’s mind. Loved it and cannot wait to see what is next.
“I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own.”
In Surviving Amber Springs, Siobhan Davis has written a powerful, unforgettable story that touches on the dark in all of us and then reminds us all to live in the light. Her characters are real and their love glows off the page, filling you up during the time you spend with them. I never wanted it to end.
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Wow I am so at a loss for words after reading this incredible book!! This is such an emotionally wrenching book as we follow Blaire during the aftermath of something horrible that her twin brother did. His decisions changed the course of the family’s lives forever and not in a good way. When Blaire meets the guys they start to help her heal at least until another curve ball is sent her way. I cannot believe how respectfully Davis shows the other side of the story to something that happens way too often in our current society. If you can handle dark and emotional then this is so the contemporary reverse harem book for you. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
I can’t say enough good things about this book. Powerfully fantastic is actually an understatement. The things Blaire has been put through (note that the trigger warnings are sexual assault and mass murder) are truly horrendous. How one innocent soul could bear them is beyond me. How her parents could survive is beyond me (though their own issues are portrayed perfectly). And then there are Blaire’s guys, Axel, Heath, and Skeet. Blaire is so lucky to find these three and basically have them save her life. Each of them has a unique voice that supports her in a different but essential way, and the lifestyle they fall in works beautifully (and the fact that one of the guys own parents are a manage of a mom and her own husbands gives a good view of what they can become). The emotional rollercoaster in this novel, and the strength of the romance, was far more than I ever expected. A truly superb (and extremely well written) plot and wonderfully well crafted characters results in a book that is simply perfect. If you are even remotely ok with reading about a romance involving a ménage then I urge you to read this book. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend.
Wow – this story is about intense and deals with some really hard topics which may be triggering to some. Due to her twin brother’s actions and how it impacts the family, Blaire switches schools and meets 3 guys – Skeet, Heath, and Axel. I liked seeing Blaire become stronger and learning to open herself up. She has been through a lot, and learns when to get help. Skeet is sweet, and Axel is awesome, but while I understood the things Heath does in the 2nd half of the story, I still didn’t like it.
Amount of sex 3.5 / 5
How explicit is the sex scenes 3 / 5
Story 5 / 5
Overall: 5 / 5
Absolutely Phenomenal!
Siobhan Davis has done it again! Surviving Amber Springs is an emotionally powerful romance between Blaire and three very hot and amazing guys. Although, I need to tell you that this story is about so much more than any reverse harem or polyamorous book that I have read. I really want to fill you in on all the details, but this is one book that you need to experience by yourself.
Blaire’s path to an HEA is not an easy one. It’s honestly extremely painful and at times very difficult. While her story was hard to read at times, it was beautifully written. I was completely captivated by this unforgettable storyline, and it is one that I will not forget.
Honestly, if you decide to buy only one book this year… this should be it!
Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Copy
I have to be honest, I was a bit hesitant about reading Surviving Amber Springs because of the reverse harem aspects not to mention it’s YA parts, as it’s not always my cup of tea. However, since it’s one of my favorite authors, the brilliant Siobhan Davis, I decided to give it a go, and I’m so glad I did, because it was an outstanding read. Now, I’m not going to go into very much detail, because there’s so much going on, and I don’t want to give spoilers away, but it all starts with Blaire, a high school girl, who is put through some of the most unimaginable pain known to man, so she & her family must relocate to a new place in the middle of her Senior year. She ends up with 3 protectors from the get go, and it brings her more trouble, as it’s High School, so it’s drama drama drama. And that’s all that I’m going to say about that. Just know that this story knocked my on my behind with powerful emotions that wouldn’t be contained for anything. And just when I thought things were becoming calm, BAM! I was knocked back down, like Blaire. Which means the twists were INSANE, and they definitely had my f-bombs dropping between my tears that I’m not ashamed to admit were flowing unchecked. Those protectors ended up being her boyfriends obviously, but they still were taken through the fire with her at times, and it was moved from YA to NA before the ending. I can’t get into more detail, but I can say that everyone must give this story a chance because it’s SO MUCH MORE than just what it seems on the surface, so I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
So when I was sent the offer for an ARC of this book, I wasn’t sure what to expect since it didn’t really seem like my type of read. However, when I started to read, I was instantly sucked in by the unique characters. The author sets up the story with a huge mystery—what Blaire’s brother Ethan did.
Blaire is hugely affected by the loss of her brother and when her family is forced to move someplace new and start over, she doubts she’ll ever be the same again. That is until she meets Axel, Heath, and Skeet. There’s chemistry with all of them, and it’s not long until she finds herself forming relationships with all three. Though I thought they made the arrangements a bit quickly, I loved how the romance storylines developed differently with each couple. Not to mention the steamy scenes throughout the book.
I loved the way the author both touched down on difficult topics and also made the material readable and even funny at times. This book will definitely take you on a journey. Because of this book, I think I’ll start checking out more books in this genre.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.
An intense and very well written reverse harem romance. She and her brother have something bad happen to them and she moves far away to try and start over. Some nosey people find out about it in her new place and it is her old place all over again. Except she has three of the hottest guys in school looking out for her. It takes time to develop a relationship like that as all three have different personalities and ways of doing things. Then you have all the drama, suspense, emotional situations, emotions and so much more. I received a review copy and voluntarily review it.
This book was a thrilling ride and I love taking chances on new books with subject matter that is new to me. This book touched basis on a lot and was so real! It opened my eyes to looking at more than one side of a situation. I rode that emotional roller coaster as Blaire and I felt it all. I cried, I blushed, I hurt, I was angry, and most of all I was happy!
I have to say those three men can be in my life any day.
I know with reading one of Siobhan Davis books you have to buckle yourself in and enjoy the pages you read because it’s all so different from her last books I read. I will always take the risk of what I read when it comes to her books! I will say this book may not be for everyone but if your opened minded I would take that leap, you won’t regret it!
I have voluntarily reviewed an advanced complementary copy of this book.
4.5-4.75 STARS
Two horrific crimes occurred in Amber Springs. And one criminal incident became the springboard for the second. For Blair and her parents, the fallout from the latter became so unbearable, they had little choice but to relocate. Now, in the aftermath, a splintered family struggles to survive, trying to pick up the pieces both emotionally and financially. But healing isn’t easy, especially for Blair, whose twin brother Ethan, is the one responsible for the devastation left in his wake.
With a new name, a new home, and a new school, Blair endeavors to find a new normal. And along the way, she finds the unexpected—a polyamorous relationship with 3 best friends—Axel, Skeet, and Heath. While alike in their desire for Blair, their personalities are uniquely distinct, as is their individual bond with the new girl in town that caught their collective eye.
Despite Blair’s desire to put the past behind her—to simply blend in and move forward—secrets and lies keep the past ever present. Add some mean girls into the mix, and Blair is forced to endure the same type of bullying she hoped to have finally escaped.
Known for tackling sensitive and controversial issues, author Siobhan Davis does not shy aware from pushing limits and challenging boundaries. And while I personally have no triggers and don’t shy away from stories that are often seen as controversial, I felt as though the two overriding themes in “Surviving Amber Springs” were constantly in competition, vying for attention against the other. With each theme boasting a unique premise, I wondered, why not write two books in lieu of forcing both into a single story? Still, Siobhan Davis ultimately makes it work with this thought-provoking and emotionally charged novel. With likeable, well-developed characters and a narrative that drew me in right from the very start, this author pulls off a nearly impossible task—and does so with great deal of sensitivity and compassion.
Surviving Amber Springs is Siobhan Davis’ next amazing standalone novel. I am always looking forward to one of her books. They are all so unique, intriguing, and the writing is fabulous. This book…is definitely all of those things and more. Read the trigger warning in the beginning. It’s not the easiest books that needed to be written.
Blaire had a feeling something was about to happen the day that changed her life but she had no idea it would be the day she lost her twin brother. He was gone but in a way she was too. Her whole family was lost. And six months later, they were starting over. Away from Amber Springs and the people who hated them.
Blaire knew starting over wouldn’t be easy. It was her senior year and she was still grieving. The loss of her brother. The loss of her boyfriend. The loss of everything she knew. What she had now was running. Something new to keep her going and one night that very thing brought her to them. Three boys about to be men. Skeet, Axel, and Heath. Three best friends who would take her under their wings. To protect her from any harm. To love her in the ways they knew how. She didn’t understand at first why they suddenly took an interest in the new girl but she liked it. A lot. She felt each of their hearts in different ways. She cared for them very much.
Skeet, Axel, and Heath like her from the moment they saw her. They saw a beautiful, strong, and determined woman who, they knew would change everything. Who would bring the best of them out. Axel saw the woman she was trying to hide. He has his own demons in the past.
The four of them formed an incredible bond. But, what will happen when Blaire’s past is discovered? Her family can’t afford to move again. To start over once more. Blaire tried to stay off anyone radar but mean girls love to fuck with the new girls. Gotta love high school, right?
If you follow my reviews, then you might remember that I don’t always read the synopsis. Most of the time I don’t, really. So I had no idea what I was going into. I did read the trigger, those are a must. I have only read a few Reverse harem books and have loved them all so that was a bonus. I also feel that some stories just need to be told. This was one of them. Blaire’s story made me think. I can’t go into all the ways because I don’t want to spoil it.
Overall…I loved it. It’s definitely an emotional rollercoaster full of ups and downs. Blaire is one strong woman. And the three men are too. I loved that they each had their own personalities and ways of making Blaire feel safe.
Quotes:
“I think you might be dangerous for my health, Blaire,” he says, staring at my mouth.
“I already know you’re dangerous for mine,” I whisper back.
“You terrify me, Blaire, in the best possible way.”
“Much to learn, you still have.” Ax flips him the bird. “You do not want to get into a Star Wars war of words with me, my young apprentice.”
* I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.
I was both excited and tentative before starting Surviving Amber Springs, but by gosh did I adore it in the end. In fact, I came to enjoy this one a lot more than I’d initially anticipated.
I’m a big Siobhan Davis fan, as should be clear by now, and I’m always eager for her next release. Although Surviving Amber Springs sounded like another wonderful contemporary read, a part of me feared I would not enjoy this as much as I’d hoped. You see, the other reverse harem books by Siobhan Davis – the Alinthia books – are far from being my favourite Siobhan Davis reads. Part of this is because reverse harem books are not my favourite books to read, and despite all the signs pointing towards me enjoying this one I feared it would be a repeat of the Alinthia books.
Another element that had me worried was all the high school drama we had at the start of the book. I accept high school drama, but I quickly become bored of it. For part of this book, I feared it would be one of those stories where we became trapped into a cycle of high school drama.
A final aspect that had me worried – three worries about a Siobhan Davis book is unheard of, so you can imagine why I was so tentative at first – is that there were references to something I have personal experience with. I’m not going to say what, as it will give away some of the details of the book, but whenever such an aspect appears in books I’m worried. It’s one of those things that can be portrayed badly, and I’m always nervous that a book will send the wrong kind of message. I know Siobhan Davis deals with heavy issues on a regular basis, and she always deals with things well, but when it is something you have person experience with it is even more worrisome.
Now, before this becomes a repeat of my review of The Lost Savior, know I am not attacking Siobhan Davis for the things she includes in her books. This book may not have sounded like the book for me based upon the three above aspects, but there were many other things that did intrigue me. Moreover, I had high hopes Siobhan Davis would win me over when it came to the above. She is an author who has regularly won me over, and I had complete faith in her doing the same thing here.
Guess what – she did.
Siobhan Davis wowed me, taking my worries and proving them to be unfounded. Sure, certain things may have sounded like they may not have been for me, but Siobhan Davis did them so well that I enjoyed them.
The reverse harem element in this one was really well done. I have a few things that make it difficult for me to enjoy reverse harem as much as regular readers of the genre. The first is how much I have to stretch my imagination. I’m one of those people where no guy is interested in me, let alone multiple, so I prefer to stick to your standard romance. Love triangles are enough of an imagination stretch, so I prefer to keep it to a simple boy meets girl kind of story. Of course, I am willing to stretch my imagination when the story is good. My bigger issue, however, is when the reverse harem aspect is used simply as a way to play out certain erotic scenes. I’m no stranger to such scenes – if you look at all the erotica I read, you will see I rather enjoy such scenes and read them on a regular basis – yet I’ve read too many reverse harem books where the story has felt forced so such a thing can play out. Add in the fact the males always seem to be the same person in such books and I’m always tentative.
With Surviving Amber Springs we have none of those things. This was not a case of writing reverse harem to play out certain intimate scenes, far from it in fact. Nor was it a case of multiple males all being the same guy. With this one, we have three individual males who all add something to the story, with the reverse harem element playing in extremely well with the storyline. In fact, it’s one of the most natural reverse harem reads I have read.
The high school drama aspect was nowhere near as bad as I’d initially feared, with the details being played out before us taking up less of the book than I’d expected. I know a lot of people enjoy the high school drama element of young adult novels, but for me I want away from such a thing as much as possible. Those were the worst years of my life in many ways – and I’m not just saying that to sound like a cliché – and I want to distance myself from that sort of thing as much as possible, especially with how I’m now in a much better place. People hear stories of the kind of stuff that happened to me during my high school years and they believe it to be the plot of a movie or a book, so it makes sense that I would not want to spend my reading time being reminded of such times.
With Surviving Amber Springs the high school element was important. It was pivotal to the story and was really well done (as Siobhan Davis has demonstrated she is capable of doing in her other books). There are times when books give us high school drama for the sake of high school drama, with their being no explanation for the vicious ways (which I know from personal experience can be the case, but I prefer it when books explain how these things came to be), yet all the drama in this one had a reason. In fact, the drama was central to the storyline and not just a way to make high school seem more dramatic. It had purpose, and that is what I desire when a book includes a lot of high school drama.
The heavy issue I have personal experience with was done as well as any issue Siobhan Davis deals with. It was silly for me to have been fearful of how Siobhan Davis would deal with the topic, as she always deals with topics well, but the fear was there.
In fact, Surviving Amber Springs deals with numerous heavy topics. All of which were dealt with extremely well. All are relevant, and all will make you think about what is going on. The issues are part of a much bigger picture, with all the different elements being interwoven in a wonderful way. Each aspect draws upon the others, and they come together so well. You will feel so much, each element hitting a different emotion, and it will have you desperately turning the pages to see how everything comes together.
All in all, this book blew me away. It was so much more than I’d anticipated, my fears unnecessary. I admit to feeling as though things came together a bit too easily in the end, the timing of things was a bit too convenient for my liking. I also admit that I felt like the romance was a bit too quick to develop at the start, feeling a bit too close to insta-love for my liking when compared to other Siobhan Davis books where we get to watch the intense emotions develop over time. However, despite these things, the book had me insanely addicted throughout and I was not disappointed.
In fact, I’m willing – no, not just willing, I’m happy – to label this one of my top Siobhan Davis reads.
Without a doubt, Surviving Amber Springs is the perfect example of why Siobhan Davis is one of my favourite authors. She always writes stories with multiple interconnected elements, each done in a wonderful manner. She always writes stories with great characters, characters who are real and you can relate to. She always writes stories that hit hard, dealing with topics that will make you think if you’re not already thinking. The biggest reason why she is one of my favourite authors – beyond the expected of the great writing, addictive storylines, and all the tiny things that come together to make a great book – is she is one of the few authors who can win me over when I step out of my comfort zone with them. Siobhan Davis is the except to so many of my reading rules and Surviving Amber Springs hits on that more than any of her other books.
If you’re a Siobhan Davis fan you need to give Surviving Amber Springs a read, you will not be disappointed. If you’re new to Siobhan Davis and simply think Surviving Amber Springs sounds interesting, I cannot recommend this one enough.
To cut this review down to a simple sentence: Surviving Amber Springs is another winner from Siobhan Davis, sucking me ever deeper into the Siobhan Davis fandom – a fandom I’m already drowning in.
No spoilers included!
This book was pure awesomeness!
It kept me interested from the first chapter right up until the very end of the story!
I absolutely love Siobhan Davis’s books because of how she creates her MCs and the realities that they live in!
She is definitely a amazing story weaving genius!
So yes it is a big HECK YEAH I most definitely do recommend this book because I absolutely loved it and I think everyone else will too!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.