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With Me #3
Try With Me
There is nothing happily ever after about my life. I work four jobs just to keep us going.
What I don't need to deal with?
Jamie McAlister.
Yeah. Him. Blond, tall, gorgeous. I had a crush on him throughout high school, but he never knew I existed. I don’t even think he knows my name. I was too shy to say a word to him. It seems that everywhere I go, he’s there. And now? He’s kissed me—a lot. And those hot kisses have led to even hotter nights.
I’m falling for him, head over heels. But I don't know how to fit Jamie into my life. I only know I need him. Which means I have to try for something I never thought was possible. I have to fight for him and a forever kind of love.
What I don't need to deal with?
Jamie McAlister.
Yeah. Him. Blond, tall, gorgeous. I had a crush on him throughout high school, but he never knew I existed. I don’t even think he knows my name. I was too shy to say a word to him. It seems that everywhere I go, he’s there. And now? He’s kissed me—a lot. And those hot kisses have led to even hotter nights.
I’m falling for him, head over heels. But I don't know how to fit Jamie into my life. I only know I need him. Which means I have to try for something I never thought was possible. I have to fight for him and a forever kind of love.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2015
10 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
About the author
Elyssa Patrick
17 books262 followersElyssa Patrick writes romances that have a lot of heat, humor, and heart--and they always have a happily ever after. Elyssa lives in Upstate New York and is working on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 25, 2015
4.5 - "You're one of us." Stars!
Elyssa Patrick has built the With Me series from enjoyable, to unputdownable with the addition of Jamie and Zeldas book. I knew Try With Me was going to be a book that pulled on the heart-strings, with the inclusion of Breast-Cancer it hits particularly close to home for this reader (as it will for many, many others).
I think it is important to say that Elyssa handles that part of the story with such feeling, emotion and respect that it makes the rest of the book even more outstanding because of it. Zelda is a young woman, an extremely strong and resilient young woman, she is approaching the end of a journey with her mother, the one person up to this point who has been the constant in her life. I am lucky, my one constant survived, and lived and is still fighting to this day. My only hope that if or when the time comes I can be half as strong and selfless as this fictional character.
Be happy. Be scared. Be brave.
On the flip side of the heart break, is the heart meltingly beautiful and sexy-hot story of re-connection, between two people who after a 4 year separation, realize that they both felt the same way back in school. Happy-go-lucky Jamie McAllister, it turns out has a hell of a lot more going on under that easy-going exterior that you are led to believe in the first two books in the With Me series, yes there were a few conversations to give the reader a hint that this is a guy who when he falls, falls hard and irrevocably, but you get too read it in this book. Elyssa did him justice, every dirty-talking, vulnerable looking, quick quipping part of him. Did. Not. Disappoint.
"I'm not the type of guy who walks away from a girl he likes-well not anymore anyway."
I think it is safe to say that a lot of guys in a new relationship would turn tail and run like hell when faced with the full no-holds barred breakdown of Zeldas' life. Not Jamie, he rallies the troops and it was good too see Caleb & Hailey as well as Daphne & Nick, & the elusive Griff and his brother take prominent roles in the story as it progressed.
"You're not alone, not ever. Believe in that. Trust in that."
This book isn't one I will forget in a hurry, not for bad reasons, it made me thankful that for the now, happy for the then, and ever hopeful for the future.
ARC generously provided by the author, it was as always my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Elyssa Patrick has built the With Me series from enjoyable, to unputdownable with the addition of Jamie and Zeldas book. I knew Try With Me was going to be a book that pulled on the heart-strings, with the inclusion of Breast-Cancer it hits particularly close to home for this reader (as it will for many, many others).
I think it is important to say that Elyssa handles that part of the story with such feeling, emotion and respect that it makes the rest of the book even more outstanding because of it. Zelda is a young woman, an extremely strong and resilient young woman, she is approaching the end of a journey with her mother, the one person up to this point who has been the constant in her life. I am lucky, my one constant survived, and lived and is still fighting to this day. My only hope that if or when the time comes I can be half as strong and selfless as this fictional character.
Be happy. Be scared. Be brave.
On the flip side of the heart break, is the heart meltingly beautiful and sexy-hot story of re-connection, between two people who after a 4 year separation, realize that they both felt the same way back in school. Happy-go-lucky Jamie McAllister, it turns out has a hell of a lot more going on under that easy-going exterior that you are led to believe in the first two books in the With Me series, yes there were a few conversations to give the reader a hint that this is a guy who when he falls, falls hard and irrevocably, but you get too read it in this book. Elyssa did him justice, every dirty-talking, vulnerable looking, quick quipping part of him. Did. Not. Disappoint.
"I'm not the type of guy who walks away from a girl he likes-well not anymore anyway."
I think it is safe to say that a lot of guys in a new relationship would turn tail and run like hell when faced with the full no-holds barred breakdown of Zeldas' life. Not Jamie, he rallies the troops and it was good too see Caleb & Hailey as well as Daphne & Nick, & the elusive Griff and his brother take prominent roles in the story as it progressed.
"You're not alone, not ever. Believe in that. Trust in that."
This book isn't one I will forget in a hurry, not for bad reasons, it made me thankful that for the now, happy for the then, and ever hopeful for the future.
ARC generously provided by the author, it was as always my pleasure to provide the above honest review.
February 18, 2015
ARC provided By the Awesome Elyssa Patrick
This book touched me in so many places... I know exactly Zelda was going through as I went through the same thing when I lost my mom.
The feelings she had about spending time with her mom and then trying to be there all the time for her, trying to get as much memories into the time that you were given, it is so much to deal with.
But Jamie he was my hero. From the minute they reconnected and he found out about her mother, he and the rest of the gang was with her and she was never alone.
I was a bit upset with Zelda when she pushed him away and I can only imagine how he must have felt. Everyone always seeing him as this happy go luck guy, but not a lot of people try to get to know the real Jamie.
I loved this book from beginning to end. I felt that Elyssa Patrick captured every feeling and every moment just right.
And the hot and steamy sex scenes, Whoop Whoop, loved it!!
My pistol never goes off early,” he says.
I have to catch my breath before I’m able to answer. “You don’t misfire?”
“Never.” He arches an eyebrow at me, challenging me.
“We’ll see about that.”
“Touch me.”
“How? Where?”
“It doesn’t matter. Just touch me, darlin’.
I don’t turn around, but press my chest against his, my small breasts flattening, and place my mouth against his left ear. “But I like riding you like this, cowboy. Don’t you?”
“How does it make you feel, Zelda?”
“What?”
“Tell me. How does it make you feel? Are you all hot and wet and needy for me? If I touched you, would I find how just how much you want me?”
I swallow hard, and a tremor rips through me. “Y-yes.”
“Say it.”
“Say it?”
“Say it.”
I blush furiously. “I don’t know if—”
“Come on, darlin’. Play with me. Tell me.”“I-I’m h-hot,” I stammer out. I stop for a moment, his gaze on me, urging me . . . freeing me. I don’t want to stutter these words. I want to say them clearly. Let him know how much I want him. “I’m hot and—”
“Wet?”
“Wet,” I say. “I need you. I want you so much.”
“Put your mouth on me.”
And I decide to play some more.
“Like this?” I touch my mouth to his earlobe, just the barest of kisses. “Or did you mean something like this...
Griff Sinclair I can't wait to read your story...
This book touched me in so many places... I know exactly Zelda was going through as I went through the same thing when I lost my mom.
The feelings she had about spending time with her mom and then trying to be there all the time for her, trying to get as much memories into the time that you were given, it is so much to deal with.
But Jamie he was my hero. From the minute they reconnected and he found out about her mother, he and the rest of the gang was with her and she was never alone.
I was a bit upset with Zelda when she pushed him away and I can only imagine how he must have felt. Everyone always seeing him as this happy go luck guy, but not a lot of people try to get to know the real Jamie.
I loved this book from beginning to end. I felt that Elyssa Patrick captured every feeling and every moment just right.
And the hot and steamy sex scenes, Whoop Whoop, loved it!!
My pistol never goes off early,” he says.
I have to catch my breath before I’m able to answer. “You don’t misfire?”
“Never.” He arches an eyebrow at me, challenging me.
“We’ll see about that.”
“Touch me.”
“How? Where?”
“It doesn’t matter. Just touch me, darlin’.
I don’t turn around, but press my chest against his, my small breasts flattening, and place my mouth against his left ear. “But I like riding you like this, cowboy. Don’t you?”
“How does it make you feel, Zelda?”
“What?”
“Tell me. How does it make you feel? Are you all hot and wet and needy for me? If I touched you, would I find how just how much you want me?”
I swallow hard, and a tremor rips through me. “Y-yes.”
“Say it.”
“Say it?”
“Say it.”
I blush furiously. “I don’t know if—”
“Come on, darlin’. Play with me. Tell me.”“I-I’m h-hot,” I stammer out. I stop for a moment, his gaze on me, urging me . . . freeing me. I don’t want to stutter these words. I want to say them clearly. Let him know how much I want him. “I’m hot and—”
“Wet?”
“Wet,” I say. “I need you. I want you so much.”
“Put your mouth on me.”
And I decide to play some more.
“Like this?” I touch my mouth to his earlobe, just the barest of kisses. “Or did you mean something like this...
Griff Sinclair I can't wait to read your story...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 24, 2023🎁 The complete With Me Series (4 book series)is FREE on Amazon today (9/19/2020)! 🎁
April 16, 2015
This has turned into hands down one of the best series ever....The story of Zelda and Jamie was so beautifully told that I could not put it down....
I have loved Jamie from book 1 and his story was one I just could not wait for....His wicked funny sense of humor had me laughing out loud several times and they way he was with Zelda was to lovely for words.
Zelda, wow what a heroine.....she was so strong and independent....you could not help but fall head over heels in love with her. I wept so many times in this book as it was a emotional read and I certainly was really sad when it came to a end...
Aahhh Griff's book is next.....looking forward to that....But what about Jack? I need a book for him too please!!!
I have loved Jamie from book 1 and his story was one I just could not wait for....His wicked funny sense of humor had me laughing out loud several times and they way he was with Zelda was to lovely for words.
Zelda, wow what a heroine.....she was so strong and independent....you could not help but fall head over heels in love with her. I wept so many times in this book as it was a emotional read and I certainly was really sad when it came to a end...
Aahhh Griff's book is next.....looking forward to that....But what about Jack? I need a book for him too please!!!
February 9, 2015
Wow. Breast cancer is really tough to deal with and a very emotional book. It’s hard to say who it is harder one, the one with cancer or the loved ones left behind. The pain and grief Zelda felt while making her mom’s last weeks comfortable was nothing compared to when she finally died. The guilt Zelda dealt with because she spent time with Jamie and happy and enjoying herself. Zelda was a complete wreck and was afraid to depend on Jamie once her mother died. In her experience, everyone who she ever cared about left so she pushed Jamie away before he could leave her too.
Jamie is one of those characters that is so likable. Jamie’s friends don’t take him seriously because he always jokes around and wanted to project that type of an image to hide his insecurities. Zelda is the only person who really sees him. He opens himself up to her and gives her his heart. He does everything he can to help her with her mother and support her in her grief. It was good to see that she could drive him to the brink with his emotions. At times I had to wonder if he was just too understanding. So I was happy to see him get angry with her and call her out on her behavior that drove him away and face her feelings.
Jamie is one of those characters that is so likable. Jamie’s friends don’t take him seriously because he always jokes around and wanted to project that type of an image to hide his insecurities. Zelda is the only person who really sees him. He opens himself up to her and gives her his heart. He does everything he can to help her with her mother and support her in her grief. It was good to see that she could drive him to the brink with his emotions. At times I had to wonder if he was just too understanding. So I was happy to see him get angry with her and call her out on her behavior that drove him away and face her feelings.
February 11, 2015
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You know that feeling when you been craving ice cream and you finally get it and you like ahhh.. Well that is exactly how Jamie is feeling towards Zelda. For years he has dreamed, fantasized and loved her afar. Meeting her after all this time he`s ready for his feelings to be known towards her and taking no excuses. Zelda has dreamed of Jamie kissing her and loving her yet never thought it would happen when she looses her mother. One thing about Elyssa Patrick that I love about her stories is it pulls you in deeply. I have to say I laughed, smiled and wow really cried at a certain part in this book. I mean you can feel the heartache and pain Zelda goes in this book and her running from the possibility of happiness is WOW. Jamie is funny as usual like the other books in this series and Zelda is one woman who deservis all the happiness she can get. Elyssa Patrick once again has not failed me and can`t wait for Griff`s story.
You know that feeling when you been craving ice cream and you finally get it and you like ahhh.. Well that is exactly how Jamie is feeling towards Zelda. For years he has dreamed, fantasized and loved her afar. Meeting her after all this time he`s ready for his feelings to be known towards her and taking no excuses. Zelda has dreamed of Jamie kissing her and loving her yet never thought it would happen when she looses her mother. One thing about Elyssa Patrick that I love about her stories is it pulls you in deeply. I have to say I laughed, smiled and wow really cried at a certain part in this book. I mean you can feel the heartache and pain Zelda goes in this book and her running from the possibility of happiness is WOW. Jamie is funny as usual like the other books in this series and Zelda is one woman who deservis all the happiness she can get. Elyssa Patrick once again has not failed me and can`t wait for Griff`s story.
September 20, 2023
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
February 23, 2015
I first stumbled across Elyssa Patrick when I saw a post by Maya Banks on Facebook praising her first book. I figured if Maya Banks was singing her praises that this new author had to good. I downloaded that first book and have become a devout Elyssa Patrick fan. Every single book she has published has been a 5 Star Book. She has ventured from the New Adult genre to Contemporary Romance and Erotic Romance. Each and every book has a fresh voice and a gripping romance. Her characters come to life. The sexual tension, romantic tension, and character tension is a slow build that becomes explosive. The emotional and romantic moments pull at the heart strings. Each and every book has a lively cast of secondary characters that not only supports the leading characters but also finds a place in the reader's heart. By the end of the book, the reader is not only happy with the outcome of the story, they are also hoping that one of these secondary characters will get their own moment to shine in a future book.
Try With Me is the third book in the With Me series. This series revolves around four sexy college roommates and the women that become a part of their "family". Try With Me features the Jamie McAlister. Out of the four guys , Jamie is the jokester and easy going one of the group. Not only is he drop dead gorgeous, he is also smart, hard working, loyal, and dependable. It would seem he has everything going for him. He wants to have a steady relationship like his two other roommates have. There is only one girl he wants to have that relationship with. A girl he knew in high school. A girl that was out of his league. He wants Zelda.
Zelda's life didn't go as she planned after she graduated high school. She didn't go to Harvard. In fact she didn't go to college at all. Her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She has spent the last three years taking care of her mother, searching for new treatments to help her mother, and working four jobs to make ends meet. She does't have time for a social life. She doesn't have time for herself. Her mother has reached the end of her treatments and has about six weeks to live. Zelda wants to bring her home and spend the rest of her time with her. Zelda's life is in complete chaos. When she runs into Jamie McAlister, the one boy she had a crush on in high school, she doesn't have time for love. How can she resist the one man she has always wanted?
Zelda and Jamie will find the love they always wanted but never thought they could have. Zelda will gain a new group of friends that will be there when she needs them the most. Zelda will learn life to live life to the fullest. She will be able to go on after a devastating loss.
Try With Me was my favorite book in this series. It was emotional, heartbreaking, uplifting, and humorous. It portrayed real life. I loved Jamie. His quirky humor and steadfast personality made it easy to fall in love with him.
Read Try With Me by Elyssa Patrick. Read the With Me Series.
February 26, 2015
Quick Disclosure: I’m twitter friendly with this author. I really enjoy her books which is how I became twitter friendly with her but I think the whole disclosure thing is important in reviews.
I have personal experience with breast cancer so I have trepidation when it comes to any book that deals with the subject matter. While this book is definitely in the NA genre as part of Patrick’s With Me series, it is also solidly about breast cancer. Many books have breast cancer as a side story to add something to the story and I’m just sensitive to those situations because not done well they just piss me off quite frankly. Even worse is when the author tries to use medical knowledge and uses it completely incorrectly. That drives me insane!! Happily NONE of this happens here!! I was so relieved with every page turn that the cancer both made complete sense within the story and was told in a logical and medically correct way. That was important to me and it was done really well.
That being said Zelda is pretty alone in the world besides her mother, who has metastatic breast cancer. Zelda had put aside her dreams of college and moved around with her mother looking for the best treatment for her. She’s working 3, possibly 4 jobs – it’s hard for me to keep track as she is running from one to the other at all times, of course worrying about how she would make ends meet for herself and her mother. It’s at one of these jobs that she runs into Jamie, who she knows from high school. Jamie who she had a huge crush on in high school but Zelda has no time for things like that now.
But Jamie has other plans for Zelda. I don’t want to give you the impression that this book is only a horribly sad thing to read. The romance that blooms between Jamie and Zelda is sweet and rich. The intense feelings they have for each other create some really hot interactions between them. I absolutely loved how Jamie would not back down with Zelda in pretty much all ways – in the bedroom and with helping her and her mother in any way that he or his awesome group of friends can. Which is a beautiful thing to watch. Zelda has never had that kind of strength in her corner since she’s had to be her own corner this whole time.
I’m not going to lie – this is a heavy book in places. But it felt balanced to me. I absolutely did cry but the romance and the laughter really made it feel very well rounded to me.
I also want to add that I JUST got done reading another new release that had breast cancer as a sub topic and I finished that book being so LIVID at how the subject was done because almost all of the information they used in the book was completely not correct. Nothing made sense to me about what they were saying about it. So in my head I was comparing the two and so happy that Elyssa Patrick go it so right.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
I have personal experience with breast cancer so I have trepidation when it comes to any book that deals with the subject matter. While this book is definitely in the NA genre as part of Patrick’s With Me series, it is also solidly about breast cancer. Many books have breast cancer as a side story to add something to the story and I’m just sensitive to those situations because not done well they just piss me off quite frankly. Even worse is when the author tries to use medical knowledge and uses it completely incorrectly. That drives me insane!! Happily NONE of this happens here!! I was so relieved with every page turn that the cancer both made complete sense within the story and was told in a logical and medically correct way. That was important to me and it was done really well.
That being said Zelda is pretty alone in the world besides her mother, who has metastatic breast cancer. Zelda had put aside her dreams of college and moved around with her mother looking for the best treatment for her. She’s working 3, possibly 4 jobs – it’s hard for me to keep track as she is running from one to the other at all times, of course worrying about how she would make ends meet for herself and her mother. It’s at one of these jobs that she runs into Jamie, who she knows from high school. Jamie who she had a huge crush on in high school but Zelda has no time for things like that now.
But Jamie has other plans for Zelda. I don’t want to give you the impression that this book is only a horribly sad thing to read. The romance that blooms between Jamie and Zelda is sweet and rich. The intense feelings they have for each other create some really hot interactions between them. I absolutely loved how Jamie would not back down with Zelda in pretty much all ways – in the bedroom and with helping her and her mother in any way that he or his awesome group of friends can. Which is a beautiful thing to watch. Zelda has never had that kind of strength in her corner since she’s had to be her own corner this whole time.
I’m not going to lie – this is a heavy book in places. But it felt balanced to me. I absolutely did cry but the romance and the laughter really made it feel very well rounded to me.
I also want to add that I JUST got done reading another new release that had breast cancer as a sub topic and I finished that book being so LIVID at how the subject was done because almost all of the information they used in the book was completely not correct. Nothing made sense to me about what they were saying about it. So in my head I was comparing the two and so happy that Elyssa Patrick go it so right.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2015
Try With Me is the third book in the With Me series by Elyssa Patrick. I love this series, and this book was amazing. I love all the characters in this series. I love how each book focuses on a different person, but all the characters show up in all the books. The hero in this story is Jamie. He's the good looking, laid-back funny guy that has brought a lot of humor to this series. There's more to Jamie than what you see on the surface though.
This book is told from the point of view of Zelda – a young woman who has had a crush on Jamie since high school. She was never part of the cool crowd though, like Jamie, and never thought that he even knew her name. She couldn't have been more wrong.
First of all, I have to say that Zelda's name drove me nuts. Other than that, the book was awesome! I stayed up until 4:30 reading because I couldn't put the book down. Zelda reminded me so much of myself. No friends. No self-confidence. But she has such a horrible life. She has no family other than her mom, who is dying of cancer. Zelda is working 4 jobs and living in a run down apartment to take care of her mom. She finds out that her mom, the only person she has in life, only has 6 weeks left to live. And then Zelda's junker of a car dies, and she doesn't have the money to fix it. Everything that could go wrong does go wrong.
Jamie comes into her life though, and reminds her that she doesn't have to carry this burden alone. Zelda is so inexperienced, so I was surprised that her and Jamie moved so quickly with their relationship. The love scenes were hot. But it wasn't all about sex. I don't like books where the characters have sex without caring about each other. And I normally like more time and sexual tension before the characters jump into bed together. This book worked though.
This book also made me cry. That doesn't happen very often. Parts of this book were so very sad. And Zelda's character made me mad a time or two during her grieving process – the way she treated people... But I had to remind myself that I've never been in her shoes and everyone handles grief differently. I want to add though, that this book DOES have a happy ending. I don't read books without happy endings. Well, I try not to anyway. I hate it when books make me sad, but I knew a happy ending was coming so I was able to get though it.
The author really made me feel the emotions in the book, and that is one of the reasons why Elyssa Patrick is one of my favorite authors. This book was amazing and definitely deserves 5 stars. I am so excited for Griff's book. And I really hope that Griff's brother Jack gets his own book. I loved how Jamie is just so sure that Jack is a secret agent, and Jack's quiet, brooding demeanor and irritation with Jamie was just hilarious.
This book is told from the point of view of Zelda – a young woman who has had a crush on Jamie since high school. She was never part of the cool crowd though, like Jamie, and never thought that he even knew her name. She couldn't have been more wrong.
First of all, I have to say that Zelda's name drove me nuts. Other than that, the book was awesome! I stayed up until 4:30 reading because I couldn't put the book down. Zelda reminded me so much of myself. No friends. No self-confidence. But she has such a horrible life. She has no family other than her mom, who is dying of cancer. Zelda is working 4 jobs and living in a run down apartment to take care of her mom. She finds out that her mom, the only person she has in life, only has 6 weeks left to live. And then Zelda's junker of a car dies, and she doesn't have the money to fix it. Everything that could go wrong does go wrong.
Jamie comes into her life though, and reminds her that she doesn't have to carry this burden alone. Zelda is so inexperienced, so I was surprised that her and Jamie moved so quickly with their relationship. The love scenes were hot. But it wasn't all about sex. I don't like books where the characters have sex without caring about each other. And I normally like more time and sexual tension before the characters jump into bed together. This book worked though.
This book also made me cry. That doesn't happen very often. Parts of this book were so very sad. And Zelda's character made me mad a time or two during her grieving process – the way she treated people... But I had to remind myself that I've never been in her shoes and everyone handles grief differently. I want to add though, that this book DOES have a happy ending. I don't read books without happy endings. Well, I try not to anyway. I hate it when books make me sad, but I knew a happy ending was coming so I was able to get though it.
The author really made me feel the emotions in the book, and that is one of the reasons why Elyssa Patrick is one of my favorite authors. This book was amazing and definitely deserves 5 stars. I am so excited for Griff's book. And I really hope that Griff's brother Jack gets his own book. I loved how Jamie is just so sure that Jack is a secret agent, and Jack's quiet, brooding demeanor and irritation with Jamie was just hilarious.
February 16, 2015
WOW! I loved this. From the very first page Patrick had me hooked. Zelda was wonderful, she was strong, vulnerable, and her love for her mother reached into everything she did and every part of her life! I thought it was impressive that she had made all these sacrifices (giving up college and essentially putting her life on hold) without there being even a hint of martyrdom or melodrama about it. It is merely another facet of her love for her mother.
As for Jamie, he was lovely inside and out (I think I have a new book boyfriend)! I loved him when he was first introduced in this series, and he's continued to get better! He is handsome, kind, funny and sweet. The prefect person for Zelda. I also loved that they've basically been a little bit in love since freshman year of high school. It meant that although in some ways their relationship moved at warp speed, in others it seemed years in the making! I thought the way that they were both able to focus on the others positives and genuinely seemed surprised at their insecurities was lovely as well. I wish more relationships were portrayed in this way.
Now to the most powerful part of the story. Breast Cancer. This whole story arc was heartbreaking. Zelda and Rory's (her mother) love for one another is incredibly strong, and their acceptance that they cannot overcome this disease is so very sad. And by the time her mother is actually dying I couldn't stop my tears (and I'm pretty cold about most things :) ) I thought the way Zelda handled things and Jamie's actions and reactions were all very plausible.
In my opinion Elyssa Patrick got this story exactly right! I loved the way she had me laughing and crying along with the characters and she made me experience the bewilderment of grief as Zelda does. This was one of the most powerful stories I have ever read (and that wasn't expected!) and one that I don't hesitate to recommend.
* an ARC was provided to me by the author in return for an honest review *
As for Jamie, he was lovely inside and out (I think I have a new book boyfriend)! I loved him when he was first introduced in this series, and he's continued to get better! He is handsome, kind, funny and sweet. The prefect person for Zelda. I also loved that they've basically been a little bit in love since freshman year of high school. It meant that although in some ways their relationship moved at warp speed, in others it seemed years in the making! I thought the way that they were both able to focus on the others positives and genuinely seemed surprised at their insecurities was lovely as well. I wish more relationships were portrayed in this way.
Now to the most powerful part of the story. Breast Cancer. This whole story arc was heartbreaking. Zelda and Rory's (her mother) love for one another is incredibly strong, and their acceptance that they cannot overcome this disease is so very sad. And by the time her mother is actually dying I couldn't stop my tears (and I'm pretty cold about most things :) ) I thought the way Zelda handled things and Jamie's actions and reactions were all very plausible.
In my opinion Elyssa Patrick got this story exactly right! I loved the way she had me laughing and crying along with the characters and she made me experience the bewilderment of grief as Zelda does. This was one of the most powerful stories I have ever read (and that wasn't expected!) and one that I don't hesitate to recommend.
* an ARC was provided to me by the author in return for an honest review *
January 30, 2015
Jamie that boy amused me, "so, the heart is for me, then?" Jamie leans forward, shoving his cup to the side. "Because I work a lot slower than that. I usually wait for the fourth or fifth date before I say anything about love." I mean he does need to work on his game when asking a girl out, "yeah. Dinner. Drinks-well, you don't drink alcohol but other types of drinks. Dessert. Hopefully lots of kissing to follow." He looks at my mouth again, his eyes darkening. "I can't stop wondering how you'll taste." He's a boob man he appreciates any size or shape, "Zelda, I don't give a flying eff if you're big or not. All I want right now is to see your breasts. Touch them. Lick them. Suck them." When he's in the mood, he's in the mood boy doesn't care where he is, "no one else is here," he says. "I don't share. I don't like others to look. It's always just you and me. And, remember, we got naked in the kitchen." I can't wait for Griff's book, although I'm thinking I missed a book in this series but that doesn't really matter as their all about different couples and stand alones.
March 14, 2015
Imagine the sound of a warning siren going off. This is a public service announcement. Do not read this book in a public place, if you are prone to ugly crying.
This latest addition to the With Me series is heart-wrenchingly good. It is impossible not to feel for Zelda in her dealings with her mum. If, like me, you have any experience of cancer related deaths, you may approach such novels with a little hesitation. Yes, the topic is undeniably sad. Yes, there is no miracle cure. The skill with such stories, for me at least, is how everything else is dealt with.
And that is the real joy about this story. The relationships which Zelda makes. The power of friendship and love. And the strength which can be drawn from near strangers.
But I’m pleased to say that the author has not sugar coated the relationship between Zelda and her mum either. The guilt and the anger are exposed on the page in a real and raw manner.
This book will make you feel. But not all those feelings are sad….
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
This latest addition to the With Me series is heart-wrenchingly good. It is impossible not to feel for Zelda in her dealings with her mum. If, like me, you have any experience of cancer related deaths, you may approach such novels with a little hesitation. Yes, the topic is undeniably sad. Yes, there is no miracle cure. The skill with such stories, for me at least, is how everything else is dealt with.
And that is the real joy about this story. The relationships which Zelda makes. The power of friendship and love. And the strength which can be drawn from near strangers.
But I’m pleased to say that the author has not sugar coated the relationship between Zelda and her mum either. The guilt and the anger are exposed on the page in a real and raw manner.
This book will make you feel. But not all those feelings are sad….
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
April 8, 2015
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review.**
This book should come with a warning that you should not read it if you do not like to cry whilst reading. It may be part of a series but you can also read it as a stand alone book.
Its another story where we get all the internal monologue in order that we actually feel as if we are being taken first hand into the story and living it ourselves. We experience everything that Zelda is feeling and thinking and are taken on her emotional journey.
The story takes on the issue of living with someone near to and after the death of breast cancer and how they cope with the process and of their loss, along with finding love and new friends in the process.
Its a brilliantly put together book and I really hope that after Griff, his brother Jack gets a HEA ending too.
This book should come with a warning that you should not read it if you do not like to cry whilst reading. It may be part of a series but you can also read it as a stand alone book.
Its another story where we get all the internal monologue in order that we actually feel as if we are being taken first hand into the story and living it ourselves. We experience everything that Zelda is feeling and thinking and are taken on her emotional journey.
The story takes on the issue of living with someone near to and after the death of breast cancer and how they cope with the process and of their loss, along with finding love and new friends in the process.
Its a brilliantly put together book and I really hope that after Griff, his brother Jack gets a HEA ending too.
February 22, 2016
I received an advance copy, I'm not so great at reviews but for the free copy I'll give it a try for Ms Patrick!! ;)
I think out of the series this might have been my favorite *so far, lol*. In the others books Jamie is the hot friend always cracking the jokes. I liked seeing him not so composed around this girl. He gets serious, sexy, playful and still remained funny. A great book boyfriend! And the first scene in the bedroom omg you have steamy sexy one moment and then kinda crack up about a cucumber the next! I loved the playful moments between the two.
Warning though, there will be tears! I had to have the Kleenex! Cancer is sad no matter where your reading about it but Jamie and her new "family" stayed by her side even when she pushed. I'm excited for Griff's book, I think Mr silent but deadly might end up stealing the show from the other guys.
I think out of the series this might have been my favorite *so far, lol*. In the others books Jamie is the hot friend always cracking the jokes. I liked seeing him not so composed around this girl. He gets serious, sexy, playful and still remained funny. A great book boyfriend! And the first scene in the bedroom omg you have steamy sexy one moment and then kinda crack up about a cucumber the next! I loved the playful moments between the two.
Warning though, there will be tears! I had to have the Kleenex! Cancer is sad no matter where your reading about it but Jamie and her new "family" stayed by her side even when she pushed. I'm excited for Griff's book, I think Mr silent but deadly might end up stealing the show from the other guys.
January 30, 2015
This series is so engaging and this book did not disappoint. Zelda's story literally broke my heart and I warn you, you will need Kleenex and chocolate to read this. When we meet Zelda she is just trying to get thru each day, her mom is dying and she's all alone.... The in walks Jamie, who is the s-w-e-e-t-e-s-t guy and gives her a reason to hope, a reason to believe and essentially teaches her to love. He also gives her friends and Daphne and Hailey and the gang were amazing. The heaviness of her mom 's struggle is offset with an overwhelming "Live each day to the fullest" anthem. Life is short, take chances and most of all... LOVE!
I received an ARC copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
Read
February 26, 2015This series has turned out pretty well. I actually read book 2 (Go With Me) first, because brother's best friend is one of the tropes I love. I just read book 1, Stay With Me, over the weekend.
I bought Try With Me to find a "happy contemporary" to read while I was reading Hellhole and Quintana. This is not such a "happy contemporary." Books almost never make me really cry, and I needed a hug from my mom for . There was angst, but Jamie was really funny and the characters are all very likeable. I enjoyed Patrick's way of showing Zelda's growth--she's barely the same person by the time the book is over (in a good way).
I bought Try With Me to find a "happy contemporary" to read while I was reading Hellhole and Quintana. This is not such a "happy contemporary." Books almost never make me really cry, and I needed a hug from my mom for . There was angst, but Jamie was really funny and the characters are all very likeable. I enjoyed Patrick's way of showing Zelda's growth--she's barely the same person by the time the book is over (in a good way).
February 1, 2015
Having just finished this novel, I have to give a warning, there will be tears! Zelda is basically alone in the world with the exception of her mother. And her mother only has six weeks to live. When she is reunited with an old friend from high school, Jamie, she decides to take sometime just for herself. Of course Zelda doesn't think anyone could ever want her so she never expects anything to come of meeting up with Jamie.
This was a New Adult romance that will definitely draw you in almost immediately. I, for one, found it easy to identify with Zelda and it is impossible not to love Jamie. Just be sure to have the tissues handy!
This was a New Adult romance that will definitely draw you in almost immediately. I, for one, found it easy to identify with Zelda and it is impossible not to love Jamie. Just be sure to have the tissues handy!
January 18, 2015
Holy shit, peeps. You are gonna love this. I just finished it and want to read it again and again. A huge perk of being Elyssa's crit partner, but damn, I love this book. Jamie is to die for holy-hotcakes. And Zelda, she's such a darling.
March 7, 2015
Try With Me is another excellent installment in this series. Ms. Patrick has dealt with a very emotional issues and worked her magic creating a wonderful love story. Tissues are a must when reading Try With Me.
February 2, 2015
Review will come soon. Very solid book. It's a bit of a tear jerker.. but not emotionally manipulative as some stories can be.
The author has a solid voice and would rec her books to people that like NA or contemporary romance.
The author has a solid voice and would rec her books to people that like NA or contemporary romance.
October 30, 2017
So, we all know by now that I love me some Elyssa Patrick, but Try With Me is one of her best. Not only is it heartbreakingly sweet and raw, but the chemistry between the leads is amazing. Have tissues and prepare to fall into a heroine's heart the only way Elyssa can force you to do.
August 3, 2015
Disclosure: I'm friends with the author.
I sobbed. A lot. This book will break your heart but it will also make you smile, laugh and there's lot of hawt sex with the funny and endearing Jamie. Zelda is a tough cookie and my heart hurt so much during some very emotional scenes.
I sobbed. A lot. This book will break your heart but it will also make you smile, laugh and there's lot of hawt sex with the funny and endearing Jamie. Zelda is a tough cookie and my heart hurt so much during some very emotional scenes.
February 17, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. Both Zelda and Jamie were amazing characters, and Patrick did a wonderful job tackling the issue of watching a parent die. It was heart breaking and beautiful all at the same time.
Full review to come at www.thebookpushers.com
Full review to come at www.thebookpushers.com
February 25, 2015
This series gets better as it goes on. I really liked this book and I got all emotional at one point and I love it when books can do that to you.
The characters were ace too. I can't wait to read Griff's story (and I really really hope we get Jack's story pretty pretty please)
The characters were ace too. I can't wait to read Griff's story (and I really really hope we get Jack's story pretty pretty please)
August 6, 2016
Jamie is like Daphne, sort of. I mean, humor wise.So i thought i liked him best after Nick. (No one can top Nick, of course). I don't even know but i was expecting more and i didn't quite get what i wanted. But still, this is a good read.
March 5, 2016
I actually full out balled my eyes out. Gosh, I can't stop crying.
This was so emotional and also very hot.
This was so emotional and also very hot.
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March 20, 2015Well darn - this is the second book I've tried from this series and it's just not for me. I like this author's other work - I just can't get into these.
February 6, 2015
What a story!! I was totally understanding her mother's last days having gone through it with my dad. It sure does take a lot out of you. Jamie, you are a good guy!
February 28, 2015
It was a real sweet and sad story, love it.
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