We Are Us is a gripping, angsty, second-chance romance that will have you glued to your ereader until the last page! Complete standalone, no cliffhanger.
I fell in love with a beautiful, broken boy.
His whispered words of love were the sweetest of lies.He gave me his heart and destroyed mine.I am his.I fell in love with the beautiful man who broke me.His boldly spoken vow was the cruelest of … mine.
I am his.
I fell in love with the beautiful man who broke me.
His boldly spoken vow was the cruelest of cages.
He gave me his name and destroyed my soul.
He is mine.
The boy I once loved is now a man.
The man I once loved is now gone.
We are us.
I have been called many things.
Victim. Survivor. Daughter. Sister. Wife.
Now I am called something else.
Murderer.
Believe it or not, this is our love story.
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From the prologue this book sucks you in and you’re not sure what direction this will go so I was already invested from page one. The way the book is written is in parts. Part one we get to meet Poppy and Gavin, see how their friendship blooms to more and they become so much more to each other. You know reading that it will take you on an serious emotional rollercoaster especially when we get to parts two and three. Poppy and Gavin both have a rough upbringing so they come to lean on each other for support and love, but fate/outside forces cause things to happen and I saw some things coming but totally did not expect all of them. At times I would become frustrated at Poppy and her decisions because I felt she would make some hasty ones, not stick up for herself, or I felt maybe she would make decisions as way to punish herself but as the saying goes you never know until you walk a mile in someone’s shoes how you would handle the situations. Poppy does go through and endure so much and even if I couldn’t understand her decisions at times my heart still hurt for her. This book takes so many twists and turns and the only thing I wished we had was more time with Gavin. I felt we didn’t get to see or hear from him a lot in the book and we only had glimpses or memories of him, but we do get some pretty amazing epilogues that I loved and shows us more of him. I know this is a vague review but I don’t want to spoil anything because it’s a book that needs to be experienced first hand and it may not be some people’s cup of tea, but I say stick with it and it’s meant to feel real and emotional. A great book will make you feel so many things and this one truly did it from frustration, to anger, to love, and sympathy it truly has it all.
4.5 Stars
We Are Us is the first book that I’ve read by Tara Leigh, but it won’t be my last! I really enjoyed it! There was a good amount of drama- which I love!- and the characters were lovable. The writing was spectacular, too!
After seeing the gorgeous cover and then reading the blurb, I knew I’d have to brace myself for an emotional ride. I wish I’d braced sooner because this book was amazing, tears and all!
We are Us is a wonderfully written second chance romance, full of angst and emotion. A love so beautiful it stands the sternest tests of time through separation, heartache, mistakes, pain and lies.
“I am hers and she is mine and we are us.”
Told from Poppy’s pov, this book is in three parts. After the intriguing prologue set in the present, parts one and two delved back into the past with all the events leading to the seemingly tragic present. This book hooked me in and that last 30%….wow, just wow, at times I couldn’t turn the pages quick enough!
I have to admit after reading the beautiful heartwarming beginning of Poppy and Gavin’s story, how two broken teenagers found solace and acceptance in each other, reading part two was hard at times especially as Gavin was not really involved. Circumstances unfortunately shaped Poppy’s decisions in a way they should never have been allowed to and being able to see from the outside what was happening, how her guilt, heartbreak and insecurities were manipulated little by little was gut wrenching to read. It was so well written though, I could see her desperate happiness too even if it was cloaked by her own denial.
The author tackled some very difficult and sensitive subjects, some that would be definite triggers for some. They were so realistically written, so heartfelt and emotionally deep, I felt Poppy’s pain in my own soul.
This book had heart and soul and a few shocking twists and surprises. It was an emotional, journey with a suspenseful conclusion and the epilogue I’d silently begged for. I was gripped throughout, rooting for Poppy’s happiness and acceptance of herself. It broke my heart and mended it again, the thoughts and feelings invoked I’m sure will stay with me for a long time.
“We all have… stuff we keep hidden from view. If you didn’t have yours and I didn’t have mine—maybe we wouldn’t be here, together. But you do, and I do, and we are.”
TWO DAYS. That is how long it took me to absolutely devour this beautiful book. The cover immediately sparked my attention but I went into reading it without really knowing too much beyond that – I HIGHLY RECOMMEND doing the same thing so nothing gets spoiled! I was expecting a love story but what I got was so much more. It was an intense rollercoaster that hit every single emotion, I was hooked from the very beginning and couldn’t flip the pages fast enough. I don’t usually compare books or authors but I really feel like fans of KA Tucker and Colleen Hoover will love this one. We Are Us was hands down a five star read for me, all the stars and all the feels I LOVED IT! I am looking forward to checking out more books by Tara Leigh because if they are anything like this one than I found a new favorite author to add to my list.
We Are Us is an emotional journey. A second chance romance that delves into hard topics, the type that are not often talked about or sufficiently discussed. It’s a book better read by going in blind, knowing that you will have to expect the unexpected.
Gavin Cross and Poppy Whitman met when they were kids. Two broken souls who found solace and friendship in each other. But life is complicated and, as it often happens, gets in the way. The book follows them throughout the years, but told in such a manner that makes you keep reading.
It makes for a great read if you like angst and emotion-packed stories.
I recently read WE ARE US by Tara Leigh, and it wrecked me in the best way. I’ve still got a hangover from this one. If you’re looking for a dark romance that will put you through the wringer, and you like themes of revenge, recovering from PTSD, and a deep love that transcends time and trauma, I highly recommend WE ARE US.
I don’t really have words to explain how this book got me in the feels. There’s so many twists and turns, its dark and light, it’s sweet and unsweet. Honestly nothing I say will do this book justice! I couldn’t put it down. The story between Poppy and Gavin is the second chance romance book you’ve been looking for and didn’t know. It does have some material that may trigger some (college female rape) but I feel that Tara Leigh did a beautiful job writing the material without getting too much into it, and giving it the attention it needed. You will get punched in the feels with this book, so have your tissues handy, but please. PLEASE don’t let that stop you from reading this story!
I was crying like a baby at the beginning of the story. Sobbing uncontrollably by the end of the book. There’s young love, mistakes, lies, betrayal, abuse, deceit and then there’s unconditional love… She was his, he was hers. She was theirs. We are us.
Tara Leigh, you are one magnificent storyteller and you just gut me, skin, bones, tears and heart. We Are Us is a must read and a must have.
I wish I could elaborate more on my review, but knowing me, I might just be throwing out spoilers here and there if I tell you all about Gavin, Poppy & Tucker. But for now, all you need to know is that this book will make you think about taking relationships on the next level. This. Is. Brilliant!
“I am his and he is mine and we are us.”
We Are Us is outstanding! Tara Leigh will pull you in and there is no hope of letting go! First, I would like to say that you should absolutely GO IN BLIND! You will only have one opportunity to do that. It is for that reason that I will keep my review as spoiler free as possible. I am trying to gather my thoughts about how I can relay the greatness in this book!
“I fell in love with a beautiful, broken boy.
His whispered words of love were the sweetest of lies.
He gave me his heart and destroyed mine.
I am his.”
“I fell in love with the beautiful man who broke me.
His boldly spoken vow was the cruelest of cages.
He gave me his name and destroyed my soul.
He is mine.”
“The boy I once loved is now a man.
The man I once loved is now gone.
We are us.”
We Are Us is a story about love and loss. There are complex and stunning choices. Truths and consequences. It will have you cheering one moment and crying the next. I literally got a stomach ache. And when is the last time you read a book and got a stomach ache? My emotions were all over the place. Happy, sad, shocked, relieved, scared and afraid just to name a few. Tara Leigh will take your heart, rip it out of your chest and then, only after making you work for it, will put it back together again. There are so many times when I wasn’t sure which way the story would turn. The characters are beautifully written and full of flaws. The suspense will keep you on edge. The ending is…unexpected. The epilogue – heaven!
Climb on board this amazing ride and hold on tight! I am so blown away by the words that are written. They are beautiful, heartfelt and real. I don’t know how I am going to pick up another book, for this one is still with me in my heart.
5 beautiful stars
#AuthorTaraLeigh #WeAreUs #Love #Suspense #YoungAdult #1Click
OMG WHAT WAS I THINKING?!?!?! I have had this on my kindle for FAR TOO LONG! I am so pissed at myself. For some reason I was scared to start this book. For that I can honestly say I AM AN IDIOT!! This book is EVERYTHING! I loved every word. Every misstep taken. Every wrong turn in the journey that led to the perfect meadow. Tara Leigh owned this one. Mystery. Intrigue. Love. Hate. Betrayal. Right. Wrong. Lies. Deceit. Truths. Heart. Death. Life. EVERY SINGLE FEEL THERE IS. If you can feel it, it was present. I could not tear myself away from my kindle. My heart broke. Healed. Broke again. Grew. I smiled. I screamed. I lived vicariously through these characters and wanted for them to hear me as I gave them direction from the comfort of my living room. Good job girl. You took me in, owned me, spit me out and then soothed me back to relaxed. I loved every single second of it. I can not recommend this one enough. Easy? NO. Beautiful and gripping? YES. From a hidden first love that can live forever. To an experience no one should ever have to live through but so many of us have…told through a lens of familiarity that haunts and makes it that much more relatable. Choices made, alliances formed, all while a love still exists. Tara Leigh completely delivered with a perfect mix of first love, love settled, evil arises tale that keeps you guessing and hoping all in one sweep. The emotional battlefield set, who will win? You, if you decide to read it! xo
We Are Us is an experience. So is life. We Are Us is life.
I will not tell you anything about the plot because you need to do in with no preconceived notions or ideas, but you do need to go it.
Be ready though. Be ready to become lost. Be ready to become confused. Be ready to become angry. Be ready to become hurt. Be ready to become healed.
What an absolutely superb story!
“In his arms, I am lifted by my highest hopes, crushed by my deepest disappointments. Swallowed by our shared dreams and his broken promises. It’s too much. It’s not nearly enough.”
An absolutely spectacular read!! Georgeously written, shattering my heart and oh so slowly putting it back together, only to shatter over and over. Tragic, heartbreaking, wistfully romantic, and not just a book, but a journey from start to end. Thought provoking, angst ridden, introspective, the Author puts her heart and soul in the pages, and reads like poetry. My heart was so, so full by the end. An absolute excellent escape!!
“I am his and he is mine and we are us.”
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
We Are Us by Tara Leigh and is the story of Poppy Whitman and Gavin Cross.
Poppy and Gavin both had trouble childhoods so when they meet as kids they found some happiness in each other and where great friends around 13 years old. When they became of age they had planned to continue their relationship into college and more of course. But things happen that tore them apart that broke the trust and carved the hurt between them. But this book goes through their lives through most everything until their story now where we learn if they can be more again or if its to late.
Their story takes you through some hard times, some good times and sometimes you will just cry. But it was a great book that I am so happy that I had the chance to read. Loved it.
What an incredible book. I finished this book a few days ago, need some time to process before writing my review. This book took me on am emotional rollercoaster! The twist in the toast was interesting, as felt something was coming just wasn’t expecting that. It’s an absolutely beautiful second chance romance that will have you sad, mad, happy, angry and warm all over happy.
This was another extremely well-written story by Tara Leigh and you could really feel the author’s blood, sweat and tears, from start to finish.
From the first page, I cherished the story of young Poppy and Gavin. The bond they formed through their hardships was incredibly sweet and when that friendship turned to love, their connection felt complete. That is until it was time for them to go to college.
Told in three parts, this story covers Poppy’s childhood, college years and early adult years. The problem with telling books over a number of years is that the storylines tend to jump around a bit, well, it’s either that or the story resembles War and Peace! Whilst the first part of this story was to die for, I loved young Gavin and Poppy, the later stages felt a little sour for my taste, probably due to the unpleasant sequence of events which plays out.
This was romantic suspense which covered a number of sensitive topics and readers will no doubt feel every moment of Poppy’s pain as she grows up. I had a bit of a love/hate relationship with Poppy though but could appreciate her need to better herself after growing up with nothing. I struggled with how she accepted Tucker back into her life after what happened between them and feeling that she had never really recovered from “that night”, she still allowed him to play a huge part in her early adult years just so she didn’t have to do without ever again.
For me, the epilogue seemed a little strange, and whilst I can see the author trying to wrap up Poppy and Gavin’s story, and to give readers more of the sweet that I loved during their younger years, I ended up skimming over most of the ending but, hey, who doesn’t love a second-chance romance!
We Are Us by Tara Leigh has written a story so explosive I had to take a few days to process before I wrote my review. To say I was impressed is an understatement, I am completely mind blown.
Poppy And Gavins story is one of complete shock and turmoil yet beautiful and heartbreaking. They met when they needed each other most and what followed after was unbelievable. I felt each and every word of their story deep within my soul and I was left speechless over and over again. Never once did I know what was going to be the outcome and then the end came and I was overwhelmed with love!!
This is a must read of 2020 and I will definitely be adding Tara to my list of new favourite writers. Well done!!! 5
Tara Leigh literally broke my heart in tiny fragments with each and every page of this book.
The story of two people who thought their destiny was going to be a “forever” for them but it turns out that it doesn’t work out that way. So many turns, and obstacles getting in their way that will tear them apart.
Three parts that will leave you completely shattered, make your blood pump faster and stir-crazy!
This book deserves all the stars because it was JUST THAT GOOD!
So many turns, upside down inside out sideways to sideways that will leave your heart accelerating and completely torn up once you finish.
I am not getting into details because I am not about to give it away. EVERYONE needs to get their hands on this book and READ IT STAT!
Tara Leigh you have become one of my favorites with this book <3
This was more Poppy’s book and love story than anything else. She has to find her way out of serious situations and learn to love herself along the way. This was a serious and thoughtful book that addressed very sensitive issues in a relatable way. While the trials Poppy goes through may not be totally familiar, her struggles to find herself and learn to love herself are. Tara Leigh has crafted a beautiful love story, the story of Poppy more than the story of Poppy with any guy.
From the first moment I saw this cover, I knew I wanted to read this book. Then I read the blurb and I knew I HAD TO.
Powerful and eloquent words grabbed a hold of me with every page. This story was intriguing and intense and emotional, and full of so many heart-squeezing moments.
The vivid pictures the author painted while I was reading this book knocked my socks off. I felt like I was there… Seeing the colors, smelling the scents, hearing the sounds, feeling the love, experiencing the pain.
The friendship and affection and love she created between Poppy & Gavin was beautiful, strong, real. I was so caught up and in love with Poppy & Gavin’s relationship, their connection, their bond.
Then, just like that, one big storm can change everything.
Love & passion.
Manipulation & lies.
Betrayals & abandonment.
Loss & heartache.
Suspense.
MISTAKES.
This book made me want to scream.
Sometimes in anger, sometimes in frustration, sometimes because of heartache. It was intense, it was suspenseful, and it definitely packed a punch.
Ms. Leigh was a new-to-me author and I look forward to reading more of her work.
We Are Us is the first book by Tara Leigh, that I’ve read. The blurb caught my attention and I’m so glad I took a chance on it because it was definitely an interesting book. Gavin and Poppy’s story evoked so many feelings in me, it was an emotional rollercoaster. Their relationship had a lot of ups and downs, and my heart literally ached for them to get a happy ending. The plot was intriguing and very well written, with twists of events that caught me entirely by surprise. The characters were complex and relatable and the action was fairly paced. A heartbreaking but beautiful love story! I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author!