THORN (Rosewood Book 1)

Gotta be honest, this wasn’t the kind of book that captivated me since the very beginning but once I got to know the characters a little better, it totally pulled me in.

Bully romances are those kind of books that either do it for me completely or not at all. And Tracy totally managed to make me fall in love with Jake Thorn. From the very beginning you could see that there was so much this guy was hiding of himself, the person he showed the world was a total different person from who he really was. He was filled with hatred but most of all hurt and he made Amelie for all of that. Now the reason was kind of stupid and I was totally picturing something much worse than what it actually was but can’t win it all.

Amelie’s story broke my heart and then watching her go through all the BS Thorn put her through definitely had me mad at him but I also really liked those moments where they just stared at each other and you could feel the sexual tension. And also the fact that no matter what he did to her, she never hated him back and something in her always knew there was so much more to him and that part of him called to her. I kind of loved that about them. And gosh their rendezvous were so sexy *fans self*. They are a sizzling match made in hell.

I really enjoyed this book and the introduction into this world and characters. I am super excited for the next book. It’s gonna be better than this one, I can feel it and I’m already craving it. I need answers about Mason and Camila.

Wow the chaos in this book! A girl moves to a new school when her parents die and meets a guy but not only is this guy the resident bad boy he makes her life miserable but why? Can’t wait to read more!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This was certainly a different book for Tracy Lorraine. I was a little trepidatious going into it as I’m not really into reading about high school kids having sex, but this book is so much more than that. Plus their ages helped a lot, as they are all eighteen years old, so technically adults even though still at school. I ummed and ahhed before accepting the ARC for this one, I have read all of Tracy Lorraine’s books and didn’t want to miss out, but I was really unsure on whether I would enjoy it or not. Even though I had a few issues with the bones of the story (I’ll get to that in a minute), I did really enjoy it, and it was a really gritty read with a fully developed story and characters.
Ok, so my main niggle. I just couldn’t get it out of my head that Amalie, at eighteen, was having to redo two years of high school after already finishing her A’ Levels in the UK. One year may have made sense, but two? She says she had previously discussed with her parents about going to an American University so why did she need more school education? She would have been able to apply to the American colleges with her UK qualifications (I’ve just done a very quick Google search to see if this is possible, and it is). So, I really struggled to get my head around why she would be putting herself in this situation if she really didn’t have to. Also, I knew she was eighteen, but she kept acting a lot younger. She acted more like a younger high school student. Her attitude wasn’t like someone that, from the UK, is classed as an adult. Also, why did she have a curfew, she’s an adult?! I really did try to put this out of my mind while reading it, but I did find it difficult as it was the bones of the story placing her in the situation that she found herself in.
Anyway, niggle out of the way, the book is really intriguing right from the start. You are drawn into the drama and mystery right from the start. You don’t know what has happened straight away to force Amalie across the pond to a strange country and a new life. You don’t know what Jake’s problem is, keeping you turning the page to find out.
The author had really drilled it in over on Facebook that Jake is an arsehole. She wasn’t wrong if anything he was worse than she had warned us of. He is not only a bully but a bit of a thug as well and doesn’t think twice about hurting girls, emotionally and physically. I could warm to him a little once you know what has shaped his past, but I couldn’t forgive his violent outbursts, he pushes Chelsea off the stage and breaks her ankle. He shows no remorse, and at that point, I decided I definitely didn’t like him and hadn’t changed my initial opinion of him.
Overall, it was a good read, and I did enjoy the build-up to the revelations. The story felt wholesome and darker than I am used to from Tracy Lorraine. Although, of course, there were plenty of steamy moments where you really do feel the chemistry between the characters. Oh, and I’d really like to know what Tracy’s husband said to her to give the idea for Jake’s character? I kept wondering the whole way through!
I think that book two is going to better than this one. I liked Mason and Camilla, and I’m really looking forward to their story next year.

Thanks for reading! If you want to see more of my reviews visit http://www.pinkanddizzy.com

First book by Tracy Lorraine and I loved it. This book can be read as a stand-alone. There is something about “bullies to lovers” that just gets me. I love watching them go from so much hate to the unending love. This author definitely delivered on the ‘feels’. I loved the secondary characters also and can’t wait for their story. So if the bully genre is up your alley, grab this book because you will love it.

Jake Thorn is the quarterback of the Rosewood High football team and Amalie Windsor-Marsh is a new student at the school. Amalie has recently experienced a personal tragedy which has caused her to move all the way from London. Interestingly, we never find out exactly where in the world Rosewood High is located. I assumed it was in the United States, but certain terms made me think it was somewhere else that is located along the ocean.

I’m honestly surprised by Jake and Amalie’s relationship. Jake treats Amalie like garbage for the majority of their relationship. Amalie keeps giving Jake chances, over and over again, just because he’s kind to her when they’re alone. As an adult, I understand this is a piece of fiction. However, I struggle with the larger picture of a male emotionally abusing (calling Amalie names and bullying her) and the female tolerating it, then forgiving the man repeatedly. I don’t like this narrative because it’s something we subconsciously teach the younger generations (like with Beauty and the Beast). If the female stays long enough and tries hard enough, then the man will suddenly change.

Suddenly, Amalie understands why Jake has issues. Amalie goes above and beyond to help Jake. Not once did Jake have the same realization about Amalie, even after they get together. In fact, at one point Jake lashes out sends what I assume is another bullying text message (we never learn what he wrote) because Amalie didn’t tell him something. Admittedly, Amalie should have told Jake what was going on but Jake could have also gone to speak with Amalie’s grandmother. In the end, Amalie ignores this message and chooses to not read it.

Overall, I can understand the appeal behind this story: a girl is able to overcome her own tragedy and fix a broken boy with her love. While I understand the appeal, it’s not a narrative I enjoy. I wonder what Mason and Camila’s story will reveal.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I’m just going to come right out with it, Tracy Lorraine is my favorite author of 2019. This is the 5th book I’ve read from her and I love how diverse she is in her writing! The previous books I have read from her are the ones in the Forbidden Series and that is a far departure from this book, Thorn. In the Forbidden Series she tackles taboo/forbidden relationships. With Thorn, Lorraine delves into the world of bully romance and by doing so we all win!

Thorn sucked me in immediately and I couldn’t put it down. It is full of angst, drama, romance, bullying and sexy scenes. We also get to see the emotional struggle of trying to dealing with death, abandonment, self worth and more. While this is a bully romance I would say it leans more towards the light/mild side of bullying. Thorn is told in alternating POVs between the two main characters, Jake & Amalie. I loved getting both sides of the story and each characters perspective and inner struggles. Jake & Amalie are both tortured and deeply rich characters and I loved them instantly. I was truly sad when Thorn ended and I anxiously await the next book in the series! Highly recommend!!