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Growing old with the man she loves-in the small town where she was born-is the only dream Lauren McIntosh has ever had; that is until her family is practically run out of town amidst rumors of arson and adultery. So, when she meets Danny at her new school and hears the rumors about his activities from her new friends, she wants nothing to do with him or the gossip that seems to follow Danny everywhere. After a dangerous and ill-fated attempt at sneaking out, she develops unwelcomed feelings for Danny that he seems to reciprocate. But, Danny's unrelenting pursuit makes Lauren nervous, especially since he's the only one that wants to know the secrets surrounding her family's move. Lauren can't tell if Danny's intentions are true or if he has other plans for their newfound and unlikely friendship. The only way to figure out is to let him in and that could destroy everything, including the popularity and social acceptance she desperately seeks.
AlwaysYAatHeart1
Posted September 9, 2012
When I read the synopsis for this book I immediately thought it would be something that I would really like. I mean the idea is great and there's nothing I love more than a misguided bad boy. I totally fell for Danny. His character was great. Loved everything about him, the good, bad, and ugly. I was really proud of him and how he progressed throughout the book. Lauren, however, was a different story. In the beginning, I thought she must have something really special about her for the hot bad boy and the high school quarterback to both have their eye on her, especially since she kept referring to herself as a little overweight, but unfortunately, I never saw what that was. As the book progressed, I found her character to lack the depth and appeal that Danny's had. I actually kind of wanted to slap some sense into her a couple of times and tell her to get a grip and look what's in front of you. For the benefit of the doubt, she was very young and had "vain imaginations" that she felt she had to live up to. Given the shamble that her parent's marriage was in, I couldn't understand why she would be so insistent on having the same thing.
The idea behind the story was really good, but I felt like Lauren's denial of her feelings for Danny went on too long and I would have liked to have seen her and Danny get past that hurdle by the time the book ended. The ending....WOW......major cliff hanger. I was a little disappointed. If you're a cliff hanger lover, then this is right up your alley. I don't mind cliffhangers, to a point. I can handle hanging off the Smokies on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but this was like dangling by your fingertips off of Mt. Everest, and despite what I thought of Lauren, I have got to see what happens next. Please, please let it finally be a happy ending. I guess I am a sucker for those.
Overall, for me this book was okay. I didn't love it, but I didn't dislike it either. Again, the concept and idea behind the story was great, the way it was executed just didn't do it for me, but that doesn't mean it wouldn't be something that you would enjoy, and I would encourage you to check it out for yourself. I will be reading the next book in the series when it is available because I have to know what happens with Danny and Lauren. I am crossing my fingers that she will grow up and come to her senses, but I'll just keep hanging on the edge until that book becomes available.
MarissaA
Posted September 5, 2012
What I really liked about this story, were the characters. They are younger, in high school, but in ways I felt like I could connect with Lauren in a few ways. I think she was a relatable character: wanting to have a fresh new start in a new state, new high school, and not known as the little sister of her popular older siblings. As she does get acclimated, even meeting a boy that she most definitely wants to know, and is ready to fall for, her eyes land on Danny the known mysterious, bad boy, that has been in a lot of trouble in the past couple of years, and is a guy she should stay away from. The only thing is, does Lauren want to? Danny has never had an inkling to care for any girl he has been with, but for some reason, Lauren catches his eye, and he might be done for, and that's not good for him, as he is in a shady business with his Uncle and cousins, and he cannot be distracted, but what if that is what he needs? Can this undeniable attraction just stop or can it be something more, even though there will be so many obstacles in the way?
As I mentioned, I really liked the two main characters, Danny and Lauren, and reading from both of their POVs was wonderful and of course helpful, to understand what's going on in their heads, because as you read one's POV, you will definitely want to read the other. I think all in all, this was a pretty good story. There were a few scenarios where I was just a bit appalled at, made me question the characters, but I think this was a story that definitely is not done, and I'm very excited that there's going to be a second book, yes that's right, as I look forward to reading more about Danny and Lauren!
AutumnReview
Posted September 3, 2012
When I got the description of this book, I definitely thought it would be something that I would like. I'm a sucker for the misguided boy types. I guess I always want to think everyone has a chance to make their life better.
I'll start with Danny. I liked Danny. Yes, he has a volatile personality, but I think he really wants to be a better person. I also believe his alcohol abuse contributed to his violent behavior. I did feel like there were a few pieces of the puzzle missing as far as his back story. I'm curious to know why he has these tendencies to begin with. Either way, I had hope for Danny, because I did believe he was a good guy.
Lauren. Hmmm....what to say about her. Well, I'm trying to figure her out. She comes to town in the wake of a major family trauma. So, I understand that she is somewhat vulnerable. Not only that, but she has expectations about what her life should look like. I did relate to her in this way. Growing up, I certainly felt like I had an image to uphold. That pressure can be overwhelming. What I found a bit annoying was that I felt like she played mind games with Danny. At times, I felt like she really wanted to be with him, but then she pushed him away. I know she's young, so I tried to keep that in mind too. I would like to see Lauren start to make some decisions based on what she wants rather than what she thinks she should have.
As for the story, I see where the author wanted to go with it. The beginning of the book captured my interest quickly, but, as the story developed, I felt like there were some gaps or missing pieces. That said, I did have an ARC, so the final version may have some of these answers. The end of the book came back strong though and I'd really like to see what will happen next for Danny and Lauren.
If you like angsty love stories, this is a good pick for you!
twimom101
Posted September 3, 2012
Lauren is starting her first day off at her new school in Mountain View, CA. Thankfully the popular girls take her in and she instantly falls for the hottest, jockiest guy in high school. Lauren has a goal to be popular and snag the hottie all for her very own. Yep, this is gonna be her year.
Danny is a boozer, a user, and an abuser. He is on a rocky road that leads to nowhere good. Never one for being with the same girl twice has him questioning himself when he lays eyes on Lauren. The innocent girl with the bright green eyes sparks something deep inside him and he has to know her…all of her. Slowly Danny is changing his ways and it’s all due to Lauren. Being around her just the little bit he has been has him wanting to be a better person; to be worthy of her.
Lauren has heard things about Danny…how he has been in juvie and a real trouble maker. But there was something about him and those blue eyes that has her tempted to throw caution to the wind and know him…all of him. But her parents, her friends, and her goal of being popular keep her grounded. She cannot chance throwing it all away. She has worked too hard to get where she is at. Not to mention he has one heck of a temper and possibly hates her. But oh lord those eyes….
I absolutely loved Breaking Lauren. It was a great read that kept my interest the entire time and I found I was quickly falling for Danny. He was exactly the type I fell for back in high school. Yep, the bad boy type. Jordan, I think I love him more than Brandon from the Crescent series. He kinda reminds me of a younger, YA version of Travis Maddox from Beautiful Disaster. Just adorbs!
And then we have Lauren…poor confused, naive Lauren. Lord help that girl for she knows not what she does…or who she is. Living in the shadows of a sister who could do no wrong…Lauren really needs this time to learn who she is. Good grief she is only 15 and claiming she is in love with a boy she has only known a couple months. Ok, I might have been a little dramatic at that age too. So I will let this one slide. But honestly, Lauren could be a little annoying letting others choose her life for her. Hopefully things get better for her as the series continues.
The one thing I didn’t understand was the fact that Lauren wants to marry a guy she loves and have the kind of marriage her parents have. Cute right? Yeah there is only one problem with that little scenario…her parents have one of the worst marriages possible. So my question is…is Lauren wearing blinders when it comes to her parents? Obviously not, since she lets Danny in on the fact that they fight all the time. I guess it’s that fairy tale belief that it will all work out in the end. I don’t know…I am just grasping for something to make it all make sense.
So then we have the ending. This one definitely goes down as the most irritating ending of 2012 for me. And I mean that in the best way possible. Cause yeah, I loved that it just left us hanging. I understand that others will be furious with it being such a huge cliff hanger but not me. It has me itching, craving for book two (Losing Lauren).
I fell in love with Jordan’s work (The Crescent) back when I had a myspace and she friended me telling me about her book. And here it is a few years later and I still heart her writing. If you are looking for that angsty-wanna-pull-your-hair-out type of contemporary fiction…Breaking Lauren is perfect. I loved it and hope you will enjoy it too.
Review:
Breaking Lauren" by Jordan Deen was a YA read that took you on a very intense ride that kept my attention until I was finished. How this author was able to get these two... Danny and Lauren together with all of the problems each one had. The storyline was able to really suck you right into the the first person view of two of the main characters....Lauren and Danny.
Lauren is fifteen, new in town and wanting her family troubling incidents from her family past...put way behind her and to become popular...than a older sister had been... who is now in college from back home. Lauren wants to also lose weight..why?... become a cheerleader...and date the most popular sports hero in school ...just like her mother? This is quite different for Danny... he has been in jevie, loves to fight...drinks has a lots of girlfriends. Now, how will this author get these two together? Was it the little looks or thoughts...even though these two spend a lots of time arguing or not speaking to each other... however, was there chemistry between these two at times? Now, this is where I say you must pick up "Breaking Lauren" to see just what is going on in this delightful read.
The novel was really telling how this flawed young man was now wanting to be good for this girl...could this really happen? Danny may have done some horrible things and made some mistakes, but his atonement and transformation was beautiful in this read. Now with Lauren... you must pick up this read to find out!
I must say the ending of this novel was somewhat shocking...definitely not want I expected....and here I will say again.... you must pick up "Breaking Lauren" to see just what all is going on. There are so many twist and turns...so get ready for a very interesting read that I would recommend.
Lauren and her family move from Illinois to California in the wake of scandal that drove them from their small town. Lauren’s father, who was coach of the high school sports teams, is accused of cheating on Lauren’s mother. Lauren’s mother, in turn, is suspected of burning down their home so they move in order to get Lauren out of the town that turned their back on the McIntosh family.
Danny is a good guy gone bad… really bad.. He gets into a fight with the high school sports hero, Josh, when he hurts his sister Sara. He lands himself in Juvie and when he gets out, his family treats him like a criminal. Danny turns to drinking and working for his Uncle John, a bookie, as his enforcer. Danny’s life is heading nowhere fast… until he meets Lauren.
The story is told from dual perspectives, which generally annoys the daylights out of me, but this was done well enough that it was enlightening more than annoying. Lauren’s got plans for her new life. She wants to lose weight, become a cheerleader and date the high school sports hero, just like her mother did. Danny shouldn’t be on her radar, but he is.
I love Danny’s character. He’s got problems, he’s got issues and he does the typical teenage thing, he wants to change for a girl. That’s typical motivation for guys at that age. It’s either done for athletic purposes or to impress a girl. I am not a fan of Lauren, however. Sure she’s the typical teen girl, wanting to be the popular girl, changing herself for a boy and the confusion over which boy she wants. I find that characters like her tend to create more body image issues. With that said, I really did enjoy the story quite a bit.
Until it ended abruptly… Now I wait for book 2.
*Note: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are mine and have not been influenced by anyone.*
MyReadAddiction
Posted July 15, 2012
This book was a pleasant surprise. It gets a 4.5 from me.
I felt that Lauren's character was likable and someone readers could instantly sympathize with. I love the aspects of high school life in this story that are more parallel to the actual happenings in high schoool. I really don't like it when authors try to sugar coat things.
The chemistry between Danny and Lauren was so great. Even thought they spend a majority of this novel arguing or even not speaking to each other, it is the little looks or thoughts that make it so undeniable.
There were times when I just wanted to smack Lauren for her stupidity, but then I had to realize that everything we knew as a reader she had no clue about and if I was in her position would I really do anything differently?
Danny's character shows amazing growth in this book and I am not going to lie, I fell in love with him just reading his perspective. He may have done some horrible things and made some mistakes, but his atonement and transformation was beautiful. I'm a little scared about what happens next though.
The ending of this story totally shocked me. I was not expecting that. Most YA Novels that are not paranormal, etc. do not end like that. I'm not going to lie, I may have went into a bit of a Danny Rage when I realized I was on the last page and nothing had been resolved. Now I have to wait until January for Book #2? Man that is just not right!
Reviewed by Lisa McCombs for Readers Favorite
He lives on the edge. She walks the straight and narrow. His life is an open book. She keeps her secrets close. He is secure in his public image. She lives in the shadow of her perfect sister. Danny and Lauren are both trying to overcome disastrous pasts, but their past refuses to lift them up to the place they most want to be: he with her and she with the most popular crowd in school. Danny's existence revolves around his uncle's illegal business transactions, no matter the cost to Danny and his cousins. Lauren's family is new to the area following their move from Illinois to escape the nasty turn of events that stamped their public image undesirable. Lauren wants to start anew and place her own stamp on her school life...not just be someone's little sister. And she knows she can do it. Her goal is to claim the most popular boy as her own; if only the school juvenile delinquent wasn't so darn irresistible! He stands in the way of Lauren achieving her goals, even though Danny has her best interest at heart. Should she believe all the terrible rumors about Danny or follow her instinct that Josh is her best choice?
"Breaking Lauren" by Jordan Deen is a heart-wrenching tale of young love and the complications of peer pressure to be a member of the "cool" group. Teen readers will identify with Lauren and Danny and adult readers will remember the pains of surviving adolescence.
The sheer brokenness of these characters pulled at my heartstrings from the very beginning and kept me reading until I was finished. Danny and Lauren are each damaged in their own way and at times I wasn't sure either of them could be helped. When they're forced together through unexpected circumstances they discover that they're more similar than different and they might actually be able to help each other. Danny is caught up in a world of darkness that feeds off of his pain and while he doesn't enjoy it per se, he sees no way out. He's tried playing by the rules in the past, even standing up for what's right but that only ended badly. Still shouldering the guilt, he does whatever necessary to dull the pain, knowing the relief is only temporary. When he meets Lauren, he wants nothing to do with her initially, but can't seem to fight their connection. Her innocence unnerves him because he doesn't feel worthy of her yet she seems to be the one person who understands him. The more time he spends with her, the stronger his need to protect her is. His feelings for Lauren have the potential to save him or send him over the edge. Lauren has always lived in the shadow of her siblings, but when a series of events forces her family to relocate to California, she gets a chance to reinvent herself. She dreams of a picture perfect life, the kind her mother tries to foster at home but like anything kept under a plane of glass, it can shatter if not handled with care. She's consumed with becoming a cheerleader liker her sister and mother were, and longs to be part of the popular crowd. Josh Miller, the reining "it boy" is the guy all girls are crushing on and Lauren is no exception. When he turns his attention to her she can hardly believe her luck. Josh and Danny are at opposite ends of the social spectrum and she's convinced that by going out with Josh, she'll have the life she wants. Lauren discovers soon enough that no one is who they seem and everyone has secrets. Despite the feelings she has for Danny, she continues to focus on her warped sense of reality which made me not like her very much sometimes. She gets so caught up in appearances that she fails to see what's right in front of her. Like magnets drawn together by unseen forces, Danny and Lauren continue to find themselves in each other's company. He makes her feel things she's never felt before and "gets" her in ways that Josh doesn't. How long can she fight her feelings for Danny before she loses everything she's trying so desperately to hold onto? This book is an intense roller coaster of emotions and left me wanting the next book NOW
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