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
4.5 Stars
For anyone who has been following my reviews, you will know that I am a huge Siobhan Davis fan. Anything she writes, I will read. She has not written a single book that I did not enjoy. While I was excited to read Surviving Amber Springs, I was a bit apprehensive about it due to be YA – a dramatic, reverse harem YA at that.
Siobhan took all my worries and obliterated them. I was fearful of the typical, run-of-the-mill high school dramatics, along with reverse-harem just to show multiple love interests only to use that as a way to entertain particular erotic scenes. Both of those worries/fears were quickly put to the grave and that truly helped me enjoy this book so much.
Siobhan deals with some very heavy topics in this story and they are topics that are sadly, a part of our life now. But she handles with these issues with grace yet realism. Siobhan handles the issues with delicacy but doesn’t shy away from heart of the problem, the rawness of it. And I love that – it allows the story line to feel more real.
As for the reverse harem aspect – most reverse harem I have read are in the paranormal or fantasy genre, so I was a bit skeptical on how this would play out. Siobhan definitely shows more emotion and heart between these characters than just the sheer attraction. While it felt a little too insta-love for me in the beginning (her books usually delve further into relationship development), you could still tell there was more between them all just one layer of attraction. I absolutely enjoyed that the attachments between each guy were different and Siobhan was amazing at keeping those attractions unique and separate; each guy held a prominent and important piece in Blaire’s life.
Overall, the book and it’s storyline was amazing. I love these characters and their story. While I felt things came together a little quickly and convenient in the end, that does not take away from the overall greatness of the book. The story itself was magnificent.
I love Siobhan’s books. Her writing is so unique; she is descriptive, makes you feel the depth of each character and really pulls into the story. You feel every emotion these characters endure (as with all her books).
If you are Siobhan Davis fan, you need to read this one – RH fan or not. If you are new to Siobhan, I highly encourage you read this one, especially if you enjoy RH.
Surviving Amber Springs was so much more than I expected and has me loving Siobhan even more (if that were possible).
I was given this book by the author to review.
First, I wasn’t given the back story you have above, I was told it is a reverse harem book. While that is true, it is unlike any other reverse harem story I’ve read. This story is about 3 guy friends in high school who are great friends. They meet a new girl their age by throwing a football that intersects with her head. So not really a meet cute! These guys start to form a friendship with this girl who has some big secrets. This story is also about learning to trust. Can these friends share their secrets? Can they help each other through their brokenness? Can they rebuild their lives together?
So why is this unlike other reverse harem books? One it is a full sized novel. Two, there is real character development, you get to know each of the characters and why they do the things they do. Three, this is not about sexually intimate scenes. Four, the real story is not about what goes on behind closed doors, but about what it takes to heal and ultimately make each character happy.
I really recommend this book, (it is worth the read) it makes you look at some issues we have going on in society, that we have to change, as in bullying, some I don’t want to say, because I don’t want to spoil the surprises this book has for you. Be prepared for something different.
I think this author is known for choosing tough subjects and shining a light on that problem.
First of all, it’s the best book by Siobhan Davis so far. I’m absolutely blown by how much I loved the whole story.
Blaire, this strong heroine, with this big, big heart…I really liked her from the start. Even if she sometimes made me mad with her pity parties, I could see she’s stronger than she knew for herself.
What she experienced was just horrible and to loose someone like she did…I can’t even imagine. And than to endure all this bullying and the struggles her parents went through…she did good be seeking help the way she did at the end.
Skeet, Axel, Heath….ohhhhh I loved them. They’re so different and still have this incredible bond that was sealed over Blaire.
Skeet, the charmer with his open affectionate spirit , Axel with his brooding demeanor and old soul; Heath, that big burly guy with his sweet sensitive heart. How could anyone not love them?
I don’t want to spoil the pleasure to experience Surviving Amber Springs for yourself. That said here are my thoughts about the story.
SAS has some tough topics. Even if I don’t support taking justice in your own hands, I understand the actions Ethan, Blaire‘s twin brother, took.
But I also think, its said that the upper class has still this power over people who aren’t as loaded with money and prestige. And I do believe such things happen all over the world and these rich people can buy themself out of all sorts of evil they do to others.
The RH topic…at first I was very skeptical and couldn’t decide if I liked that part. But after a while I was more than intrigued and at the end maybe even a little bit jealous.
Yes you can love two people at the same time, been there done that, why not love three men equally? I don’t know if it would be something for myself, but you never know…..
SAS is an awesome read very well written. It’s sad I devoured the words so fast, but I couldn’t put it down, the story was just too enchanting.
Tragedy, loss, hate, pain, guilt, self doubt versus healing, fighting for others and yourself, endless love, trust and finding peace. SAS is a beautifully woven veil of emotions and some authors could learn from Siobhan Davis how to engage a reader in their story from the first letter to the last sentence
For me one of the most interesting books this year and definitely deserving of the 5 stars I gave.
5 TWIST AND TURN STARS!! After reading this fabulous book I felt like I was on a forever rollercoaster, with all the dizziness from the twist and turns. This story held my attention all the way through, it has tough subjects, suspense, drama, sexiness, hotness, so much love and all the feels. I loved all the characters Blaire, Heath, Skeet and Alex are perfection and have lots to tell you. Siobhan Davis has written a phenomenal exciting book. This is one book to 1-Click.
Another emotional read. Sensitive subject matter, beautifully dealt with. Hard hitting page turner. Meet my new book boyfriends. Blaire is a lucky girl indeed. After what she’s gone through, she needs some TLC, thrice over!!!
This story ripped me to pieces. I started it before bed thinking I would get a couple chapters in and finish the next day and then the next thing I know, it’s 3am and I’m ugly crying. I was wary over the content, I have very strong feelings about that subject, but I thought it was handled really well and captured (what I imagine would be) the emotions of the people involved so truthfully. I would absolutely read a hundred more stories of these characters!
*I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book*
Surviving Amber Springs (SAS) is a story that is for sure deep (deeper than I expected it to be due to Reverse Harem and NA genre, but trust me Ms. Davies crafted here some amazing contemporary romance) and angsty. There are some triggers here, s0 read with caution, as telling Then would spoil The read of this “little” book.
We start with a prologue that leaves you in The middle of WTH is going on! Tell me more! I was craving more so I devoured First part of The story till 3 am in The morning – yes it was THAT addictive read. Each chapter gives a Little bit information, but nothing that would make you guess what had really happened before SAS takes place! When The truth is slowly revealed (from quite a few perspectives as The truth does not be to The one side( right? ), everything falls into The place and you are left devastated that things like that could happen and it sounds so real when you think about it.
Relationships and characters – Ms. Davis can bring Her characters to Life when it comes to their behavior, their ideas, how they react to certain situations, how differently we deal with hardships. – Masterpiece! I think I never read a book about a poly relationship that was lifting normal Day to Day Life – that was unexpectedly Good (even if small) piece of thing
This review was written in Sting emotions when I finished SAP – waiting to cry and scream at everything bad that had happened in that book! It was so so Good that id Reserved 10 stars!
All I need to say is that this book had my emotions on a powerful rollercoaster ride. Just to give a warning there are triggers in this book which the author does state in the blurb. My heart was crushed when I found out why Blaire acted the way she did. Although we do find out bits and pieces of what happened with her brother, when it comes out fully my heart just shattered. The ending was perfect as we could see how Blaire handled things. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
There is so much to cover and so much that I can’t say not to ruin the book that I don’t even not where to start. Okay, trigger points, let’s start with that, read this book knowing that Siobhan is touching some every tough subjects but in my opinion is it very well done, you get to know some of feelings of those trigger points from first hands but also from the other perspective points too, some the family perspective points, can’t say too much about it because I don’t want to ruin everything in the book, but if you read the book and put yourself on that side of character, you get to see how hard it was for her too. No justification at all for what Blaire’s twin did, and I think Blaire will live with that forever but it was interesting to read a book like this.
And Blaire’s suffering is a lot more deep than we realize at the beginning and when we get to see who deep it is? Oh man, I broke for her, I cried and my heart was bleeding for that girl. I can’t say this enough, be prepared to suffer and understand Blaire’s suffering, and understand the things she does because she doesn’t let people inside of her easily and she just let’s things to accumulate inside of her until it reaches the limit. Even when she thinks she has found the loves of her life.
When Blaire and her family lives Amber Springs behind she meets Axel, Skeet and Heath. After some pushing and denying she finally decides to give it a go but the journey is not an easy one for sure. Blaire and the boys meet during the senior year in high school but so much stuff happens in the short time they are together and something that happens to Blaire separates them unexpectedly and they don’t end up getting in touch with each other for a while later and then…well you just have to read to see what happens.
This book, oh man, I cried so many times, my heart was jumping out of my chest so many times too. But it had it’s steamy and romantic and funny times too, so it was a hell of a ride for sure and a totally worth read. And a 5 out 5 starts for sure. And a book that once you finish? You sure want more of it.
Love it and totally recommend it. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
This is a new author to me and I absolutely will be reading more from her! This book is an emotional roller coaster from the beginning. This book had me ugly crying at some parts but I couldn’t put it down. It is like a train wreck (in the best possible way) I had to know what happened. My heart was breaking for Blaire. The stuff she has to go through is heartbreaking at times. Will she come out on the other side intact?
I love the support her guys show her throughout the book. They have their own demons but they band together to support Blaire. I can’t wait to see what this author puts out next! I highly recommend this book!!
After “THE END”, it says “If you enjoyed this book…”.
Well of course I enjoyed this book.
I dont see how I wouldnt.
I mean, maybe it had highly emotional content.
Some trigger subjects and the obvious, its a reverse harem romance.
I honestly thought I would have to wait a few days to write my review to let all my thoughts settle. But I just cant do it.
I fell in love.
I felt heartbreak.
I felt destroyed.
I felt rebuilt and absolute contentment.
If you can get past the few things I listed before, this book is truly worth it.
I highly recommend this book and every other title by Siobhan Davis.
Happy reading!
Note: I have voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this title.
Rating 5 stars
First all this story might not be for everyone. I am speechless heavy heart some parts was hard for me to read but this story was breath taking emotionally hit to real world everyday problems.
Surviving Amber Springs is my favourite RH book by Siobhan Davis. I couldn’t put it down and was gutted when I got to the end as I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the amazing characters created by an author who has shown over and over again that she can always deliver addictive 5 star reads. This is definitely a book you’ll want to read again and again.
I liked how the author showed RH in a positive light and explained how the relationship sometimes works between the guys and girl. Hopefully, this will help readers to better understand a topic that some authors would avoid. When it comes to a book or series by Siobhan Davis, I usually have my favourite character, but with Surviving Amber Springs I loved all three guys and couldn’t pick one. Each of them stand out on their own and have a very different individual relationship with Blaire.
Surviving Amber Springs also tackles a topic that’s sadly often in the news these days. Siobhan Davis takes great care when incorporating it in the story, and I found it made me stop and think about how we sometimes judge others, especially based on the actions of someone close to them. I really sympathised with Blaire and her parents who didn’t deserve what they went through after the decisions made by Ethan.
Whilst Inseparable is still my number one book by Siobhan Davis, Surviving Amber Springs comes in a very close second and is one I recommend to anyone who has not yet read it. Be prepared for some hot scenes whilst being taken on an emotional roller-coaster ride with some very memorable characters!
*I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book
Oh Wow!! I loved this!! Intense, engrossing story. This is a standalone Reverse Harem story. I don’t read a lot of reverse harem, but I really enjoyed this one. Blaire has a relationship with 3 guys. Axel, Heath, and Skeet. I liked the connection between Blaire and each guy, but Blaire had more connection with Axel and Skeet. Axel is the bad boyish one, Skeet is the sensitive, sweet musician type, and Heath is the jock type. I didn’t quite care for Heath; mainly because he was given the jerky parts towards Blaire, so I didn’t feel the depth of connection between Blaire and Him that I felt with the other 2 guys. The feelings didn’t quite feel equal between Blaire and each guy. Plus, jocks aren’t my first choice for swooning. The romance is still sweet though and there’s some hot scenes between Blaire with each guy. The guys really step up to support Blaire when she needs it. There some great chemistry going on.
Blaire has been through a lot, but she’s tough. I loved that she stands up for herself. There are some trigger topics involved, so there are elements of sadness and despair. There’s also a bit of mystery surrounding the events, so I found that intriguing. There’s more to the story, and as you read more and more comes to light. This book goes into some really difficult things and I think Siobhan Davis did a great job of handling the sensitive topics.
This story pulled me in and I stayed up way too late finishing it in one sitting. Really draws the reader in. This is good stuff!
What an amazing story! Ms. Davis has never shied away from the tough subjects and this book is no different. So much heart, emotion, angst, and feelings, all the feelings. I finished this book over a week ago and it’s still in my brain. Take the trigger warning at the beginning of the book to heart and get ready for a fantastic journey of overcoming the odds and breaking free of your past.
If there was ever a book that leaves me speechless, its this one. I cant even begin to figure out how to say how beautiful this book is.
This book follows Blaire who is broken beyond repair for something that happens in her life. Once you know what happens you want to break down with her and cry. All she goes through is heartbreaking and im so glad she finds the loves of her life to help her feel whole again.
I usually can pick a favorite book boyfriend, easily i might add. I cant say that with the book. I found myself switching and being conflicted until the very end. Siobhan does a wonderful job with keeping the twists coming and having go reassess how you feel about the characters and situations. When you think you have it all figured out, you find out you are sorely mistaken. She is the master at this and it makes me love her writing so much.
This book contains very sensitive subjects but i want to tell you to give it a shot, you will love every page you read and be so glad you picked it up. This will definitely go into my pile of books i will cherish and reread for the rest of my life.
Wow! I read this book in a day and started it again because it is so good. It deals with extremely difficult topics that I feel like Siobhan covered extremely well and respectfully.
This is a reverse harem book and I haven’t read many books in this genre and I’m not sure at this point any could measure up to the high standard that Siobhan has set. I immediately fell in love with characters. Blair, Axel, Heath and Skeet meet prior to her starting a new school during her senior year. Blair and her parents were fleeing a devastating event that involved Blair’s twin brother. Axel, Heath and Skeet immediately take Blair befriend her during this difficult time and they all form a relationship that is not what many would consider a normal relationship. It follows their story from senior year through some of their college years as well as the healing that they do and take part in.
There are so many ups and downs in this book that I can’t even cover them all without giving spoilers and I do not want to put anything in that will spoil this book.
This is an extremely emotional book but one I feel has a happy ending.
I got to review an advanced copy of this book as a member of the ARC team.
** I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book **
I am at a loss for words. This was so good I cant even Begin to describe it. This story will make you feel such a strong amount of emotions it will make you feel crazy. I felt so much love, sadness, anger and sorrow during this read. I absolutely love Blaire and all the guys. They are so amazing to her and help her through all her pain! I hope that when people read this they get the awareness of bullying and see why it’s such a no no! Hurt my heart to read this but it was worth it! This story should be a beacon to anyone who has endured such brutality and I hope not only does it raise awareness but helps those who need to read it as well. This author is brilliant and I cannot Express my love for this book. You will just have to pick it up and read it! And I hope you do!!! A huge thank you to this awesome author for writing this story.
What happens when you wake up one morning and think today is going to be a good day but your gut senses something foreboding is going to take place? This story weaves a tale of horrible events and wading your way through the darkness of those events to find your way out. Blair woke up one morning ready to face the day but then she sensed something was coming. After that one horrible day her life changes in ways she did not see coming. Fast forward six months later and enter Skeet, Heath and Axel. When they meet Blair its like something intense happens within all of them and they bond like we never seen before. From that day forward the four of them embark on a relationship that will either make or break them all. All the while there are people in the background looking to destroy what they are building. Blair is also hiding who she truly is and when that truth comes out there is no going back for the boys or Blair. Blair must find a way to get through her grief and the monsters all around her to find her true happiness within a dark time.
I have to say that this story took a dark turn for me and it touches on subjects of sensitive nature. These subjects need to be told and read because we all need to speak up for the victims of violence, suicide and grief. All four of these characters needed on another in different way and I loved that they love hard. Skeet may be the fun and flirty one, but he had a heart of gold and was the glue that pull them all together. Heath is the all-American football player who is sexy and fierce of those he cares for. Axel is my favorite and he is intense and alpha which a protective nature to rival anyone I have seen. Blair is damaged and filled with grief from the lose of her brother. When she meets those three guys her life takes her on a different path and I am so glad she meets them. I was starting to worry about her in the beginning of the book. She is a strong character with vulnerabilities that a 17-year-old shouldn’t have but the world we live in changes those things. It may be a YA/NA book, but they live the life of people who have been living for a long time. I love the book and the nature of the themes. Some people might not like reading about these themes, but I do and if you do please read this. It’s all not dark either because the four characters show you how love comes in many forms not matter who you are.
This is the first time I’ve read something of this genre—a reverse harem, but would it be weird if I say I actually loved it?
There was a warning before signing up for the ARC that it was going to be a reverse harem… I got curious and now here I am, writing a review about it.
To be honest, this isn’t really my cup of tea. I’m a huge romantic sap… so I didn’t think there was anything swoony about a threesome or in this case, having three boyfriends at the same time, and get this—who are also best-friends with each other. Frankly, it made me apprehensive and anxious. I’m a very old-school romance kind of person so reading this is kind of an out of this world adventure for me…
I don’t want to step on anybody’s toes or beliefs. I’m only writing about my own thoughts or opinions… In reality, I don’t think it’d work… Whether we like it or not, fact is we live in a world with double standards and I’d be a hypocrite not to admit if I’ve met someone in that kind of relationship, I’d probably be weirded or grossed out… simply because I don’t really understand it.
Men are possessive and protective by nature so I think jealousy will always be a point of contention. Plus, I don’t think you can ever love someone equally as you do the other… even parents have their own favorite child but just don’t voice it out loud, lol. But of course, this is only a book…and so I let my mind run wild and indulged myself. I mean, come on! Interchanging three gorgeous and sexy men? Thats so scorching hot… yes, interchanging, not at the same time, just so we’re clear.
So there’s Axel, Skeet and Heath… they are best-friends since they were little and then Blaire came along and turned their world upside-down. In my head, I have Chris Evans, Scott Eastwood and Nate Bateman, (sigh). I can’t decide who is my favorite… it was very difficult to choose. It’s like choosing between cake, pie or ice cream…
I really had my own reservations but as I swipe page after page, I was hooked… engrossed… It was alluring… but… I also got frustrated and angry… this story will bring all that out of you.
I just wish there was a longer epilogue… and I also wish there was more of the guy’s POV… I’m very curious about Axel’s and Heath’s mind or feelings since they weren’t exposed to that kind of environment like Skeet was.
Read with an open-mind and you’ll definitely endear yourselves to Blaire, Axel, Skeet and Heath…