Avoiding Commitment (Avoiding, #1) in The Indie Bookshelf

Jul 31, 2012 Anne OK rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2012-reads

Warning: If you don’t like a book filled to the brim with unlimited angst, this is not the book for you! This is not your normal yummy happily-ever-after romance! More like toxic shock!

I admit that I very much enjoy my fair share of angst in a book and, after a highly recommended shove, I chose to jump in and see what all the hollering was about in regards to this new-to-me-author's book. But after just coming off reading “Gone Girl,” another mind boggler, “Avoiding Commitment” might have been Warning: If you don’t like a book filled to the brim with unlimited angst, this is not the book for you! This is not your normal yummy happily-ever-after romance! More like toxic shock!

I admit that I very much enjoy my fair share of angst in a book and, after a highly recommended shove, I chose to jump in and see what all the hollering was about in regards to this new-to-me-author's book. But after just coming off reading “Gone Girl,” another mind boggler, “Avoiding Commitment” might have been too much too soon. It literally sucked the life out of me with its frenzied and self-destructive cast of characters. I can say without a doubt that I've never ranted and raved at characters for page after page like I did in this masterpiece of lies, deceit and mental abuse of one’s friends.

“Avoiding Commitment” is quite possibly the most frustrating, demanding, harsh, and aggravating book I’ve ever read. What’s so crazy is that I almost enjoyed it – well, “enjoy” is probably not the right choice of words. But the truth is, I couldn’t put it down and I was drawn to every word on every page. It was like a drug to my system. I had to find out what these crazies were going to do next to each other in the name of friendship and love.

You truly know you’re involved when you start having conversations with this girl, Lexi, who truly has no will power to save herself from Jack. Now I’m certainly not going to argue the fact that Jack could charm the pants off a rattlesnake. He’s every girl’s dream man – physically speaking. Otherwise, watch out – he’s a master manipulator and heartbreaking player. He talks a great game but most of it is just a pack of lies. I’m thinking please, please Lexi, kick him to the curb and save yourself now – he’s got more problems than you do. But the two together are a walking nightmare. And Lexi has plenty of opportunities for an upgrade. Her friend Chyna, who is a bit of nutcase herself, is certainly more than willing to help Lexi out of this situation and this girl has the resources to get it done. I just wanted to wrap my arms around Lexi and tell her, “honey, you’ve got other choices and you’re worth so much more.” But then . . .

Before too long, I found myself thinking, “Wow, Lexi, your’re just as whacko as Jack.” She lies, cheats and sleeps around almost as much as he does. Note to any and all who might find this a bit scary – there’s rarely mention of a condom being used in this book and if ever there was a book that demanded condom usage, this is it! There were times when Lexi would cheat on her current boyfriend while he slept and she slipped away with Jack! It was a never ending circle of sexual musical beds, walls, sandy beaches, showers -- well, I'm sure you get the picture. Jack, Lexi, Chyna, or any of the others don’t seem to grasp the meaning of faithful, loyal, honest and true. Although there is one guy who popped into the picture named Ramsay who gives me hope for turning this madness around.

Time after time, Jack and Lexi always find a way back to each other for more hot lust and sex. At first I wanted to believe it was real love on her part – and maybe it was to a certain extent. Heck, maybe Jack even loved her in some unexplained way. But after a while, I gave up on that idea and decided they both weren’t functioning on all cylinders and I just sat back and watched the games of madness continue. At this point and after they’ve continued this dance for years, I figured “hey, you deserve one another and whatever the other dishes out.”

I realize this review is a complete mess – believe me, that’s how this book left me. And here’s the shocker -- I’m actually looking forward to the sequel and more of the same wild and crazy ride in “Avoiding Responsibility.”

If the author happens to write a third book in this series, “Avoiding the Loony Bin” is my suggestion for a good title. All kidding aside, I didn’t love this book or hate it – I just experienced it. Somehow I determined a 4-star rating – after all, it was the best darn carnival ride I’ve ever experienced!

By the way, thanks to Taryn Cellucci, a Goodreads friend, who pointed the way to this "carnival." ...more

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Feb 16, 2012 Jenny - TotallybookedBlog rated it it was amazing

Loved this book and felt the full force of the angst between Jack and Lexi.

Jack.....grrrr, I wanted to slap you buddy! Lexi...I went between wanting to slap you at times but then other times I felt like I needed to reach through the book and give you a big hug! Ramsey.....just *sigh*.

I couldn't put this book down. I got to a certain point and knew I was going to pull an allnighter finishing it because I couldn't leave it hanging.

I'm not normally a fan of switching from present day to past but bo ...more

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Aug 02, 2012 Melissa Brown rated it it was amazing

Shelves: book-twin

Holy crap on a cracker! I don't know where to begin. So, words to describe this book: hot, captivating, frustrating, creative, hot, nerve-racking, mysterious, hot....oh wait, did i mention that already???
Author K.A. Linde takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the past and present and the lives of Jack and & Lexi who met during college and are reconnecting after a shaky past. Even though they were never "together" they have created quite the web of lies, sexual tension and downright hotness ...more

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Jul 23, 2012 Erica Alyson rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I have to say this book is really good but it is really frustrating. I had to put it down a few times because I was mad at Jack and or Lexi. I liked Ramsey and Chyna,and actually Lexi too but she made it hard. I had to put myself in her shoes to see where she was coming from because being on the outside reading made me objective and made me get pissed at her.

Jack is a douchebag. He couldn't commit to her ever and then he commits to someone else who is seriously messed up and manipulative. Bekah ...more

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Jun 20, 2012 Maureen rated it really liked it

Shelves: blog-recommendations, read-2012, lots-of-angst, freebie, messed-with-my-mind

Still processing this one…I liked it but something is holding me back from out and out loving it. I read someone else's review comparing it to passing a car crash, you are just compelled to look. Yep...that's it. I kept reading through all of the emotional ups and downs thinking the truth is just around the corner or NOT.

Lexi and Jack are in and out of each other's lives for years. What exactly are they to each other? Soul mates or playthings? He would do something wonderful and I would love hi ...more

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Jun 21, 2012 Jennifer rated it really liked it

Wow! This book really made me angry. Poor Lexi was so emotionally abused, but I'm glad she finally stood up for herself. Can't wait to see what happens in the next book! ...more

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May 18, 2012 Brandee - Brandee's Book Endings rated it it was amazing

Shelves: lendable-on-kindle

Amazon: Avoiding SERIES on sale for a limited time for ONLY $.99
http://amzn.to/1ovTob2

I know I know - I just finished reading this recently! I have had it forever (even back before publishing), and I have tried to have earmuffs and blindfolds every time I have heard or saw anything about this series -because I did not want a spoiler. Then I would hear something and would need to put it off longer LOL

Anyway, LOVED this angsty and sexy story! Definitely one for your to be read list!

FULL review to ...more

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