This is both a newish trope (I may have only read one other like it) , and a new author for me. I don’t regret either. I like when a story makes me guess. I like coming up with theories, even if I am right or wrong about them. It makes the book an experience to be had instead of just pages to be read. I loved Beth and David’s story. The forbidden ‘I want you but I shouldn’t, and also, I don’t think you truly see me’ dynamic build the angst and the suspense to the point where you can’t stop reading. This was my case, and I don’t regret a single minute of it. I highly recommend this book to all the angst hoarding readers in the world that want something just a little off limits.

Reviewed by <a href="http://www.unratedbookshelf.com">#TheUnratedBookshelf</a> & <a href="http://www.blog.sweetspotsisterhood.com">Sweet Spot Sisterhood</a>

Beth Caplan sees college as her chance to start over, to make something of herself beyond what her family sees her as. She's more than the depressed little kid that they picture her as, she left that behind three years ago, but no one else has. College is supposed to be a time of learning, growing, and having fun, but her brother's best friend is making that nearly impossible. Not only is he her first, and oldest, crush, but he takes overprotective just a step too far.
David fought for Beth once and he lost, her older brother shutting him down, now he will do anything in his power to make sure she gets what she deserves, the best. He doesn't believe it's himself, but he doesn't believe it's anyone else either. As he stands in her way of making new male friends and continuously finds ways to protect her from anything negative he discovers that his feelings definitely aren't that of an older brother. He's willing to risk his friendship with his best friend for her, because he wants more than her safety, he wants her.

"I half-lie. Because it's more than that, and I suspect she knows."

Brother's best friend trope? Check.
New adult that actually features relatable situations? Check.
A romance that's sweet and swoon worthy? Check.
Danielle Pearl creates a world around Beth and David, their relationship changing as they come of age in a fun college atmosphere. I immediately pictured the characters as students at my old University, the fraternity events brought back memories, and the rush of emotions Beth and David felt as they navigated the power of feelings was so accurate to how my own once were. Everything in college is heightened and Pearl captured that perfectly with her characters.

"But Beth is still Beth. She's still Cap's little sister, even if the more time I spend with her away from him, the easier it is to forget why she's off limits."

Told from the alternating POV's of Beth and David, In Pieces follows the pair as they fight their feelings for one another, discover what it really means to be an adult, and face situations that are all to real. Pearl writes about unique family dynamics, providing us complete backgrounds on both characters without really dragging the story too far into the past. Though they've known each other forever and harbored crushes just as long, In Pieces really is about the two getting to know one another without any outside influence. They go to classes and parties, they work out, they bicker, and mostly they fight the lust they share for one another, the chemistry burning even brighter when they find themselves sharing a living space.

"And it's more than that. It's always been more than that. Beth is just...different. More."

I have such a massive love for childhood crushes turned something more, they just get to me, so it's a given that In Pieces hit it out of the park for me. The story is definitely focused on Beth and David's adventure into romance, however there is a lot more going on in the novel as well. I love that Pearl addressed some seriously real life events in the novel (they are brief, but could be triggering), but at times the downs that the characters experienced seemed to weigh down the novel. My heart ached for Beth, she'd been through so much as a youth and her first year at college seemed bogged down by drama and angst. Though the events are significant to her growth, I felt overwhelmed and almost distracted from the overall plot of the novel.

"She doesn't resist. She should resist. Because I'm not sure I can."

In Pieces features well developed characters, an intriguing story line, and the kind of forbidden romance that gives the feeling of those falling in love butterflies. I loved taking a break from my life and living in Beth and David's for a little while. Readers of sweet romance will love this angst-y duo as they discover that letting their hearts guide them just might be the right solution to all their problems.

I don't tend to pick up many new adult novels but the blurb for In Pieces was too intriguing for me to ignore. So I took a chance on this new to me author and I'm so glad I did.

Growing up, Beth Caplan always had her older brother as her protector. Now, she's going to college and eager to spread her wings and become independent. However, a new protector appears...her brother's best friend. David March makes her feel safe, only he makes her feel more than that too.

David March has always liked Beth Caplan but kept his distance to honour his best friend because she is his little sister. When David finds out Beth will attend the same college as himself, he makes it his job to make sure she's safe, only his interests in her run far deeper than doing a favour for his friend.

Beth, despite her troubled past, shows she possesses an inner strength and determination as she battles to overcome events from the past. In contrast, I found David March a little edgy when we are first introduced to him He's friendly on the surface but felt a darker more sinister side to his personality lurking underneath his protective fascade. He isn't a hero I instantly warmed to as I believed he had a hidden agenda. As time progressed and his actions speak louder than words, he gained my respect as my original opinion is proved wrong.

Sometimes, too much happened within the narrative, which was overwhelming. With upset and angst from the past, more than enough issues were present for the heroine to overcome without adding more. Thankfully, Ms Pearl's writing held my attention the whole time. The twist at the end wasn't a surprise...the length of time for it to be revealed was. Still, I'm not convinced that this plot thread was really necessary.

Overall, if you're looking for a novel with secrets, betrayal and a hot romance between a couple with sizzling chemistry, this is for you.

4 stars

***arc generously received courtesy of Forever via NetGalley***

Often when I read short stories I’m disappointed because there is very little story but not this one. This is a quick sexy read, characters I like with a fun storyline.

reviewed by <a href="http://blog.sweetspotsisterhood.com">Sweet Spot Sisterhood</a>

I loved In Ruins, even as it broke my heart, so I was not surprised on how much I enjoyed In Pieces by Danielle Pearl. This was a great coming of age story with angst, romance, older brother’s best friend and a bit of suspense. You will be captivated from start to finish.

Beth Caplan was left in pieces when she was fifteen. All everybody wanted to do after was protect her and keep her safe. It took her a long time to heal and find herself, but college is a fresh start for her and she could not be more excited. She wants to experience life and just live. Though she was still vulnerable, she was also strong and determined.

David March is Beth’s older brother’s best friend and when he learns she is going to be attending his school, promises to keep her safe. What he was not prepared for was the woman she is now and now he may need to keep her safe from himself as well. Because all he wants now, is to make her his. I loved David. He was protective and possessive of Beth, even as he struggled with what he was feeling towards her.

Once at school, Beth begins to open herself up slowly. David is there every step of the way. Though he is the one person who never saw her as broken, he is determined to be there for her. As Beth and David spend time together, will they allow what they feel to progress or will loyalties destroy any chances they have before it even starts? And as Beth’s past and present collide and new mystery approaches, will she be able to survive or will she be left in pieces again?

I was consumed by Beth and David’s story. Their romance was sweet and full of so many emotions and angst. It was a story of finding who you are, how strong you can be and learning to let go and to let love in. I loved the story and the characters and cannot wait to read more of not only this series, but to go back to original series.

Beth Caplan has been through so much and is determined to have the college experience that all others her age have. However, her childhood crush David March isn't making her college experience easy for her, especially when her ex has transferred to the same college and a creepy stranger tries getting to know her. Will Beth finally be able to live her life on her terms and get the guy she's always wanted, or will college break her?

What a very interesting and wonderful read Ms. Pearl has penned in this book where the heartbreaking back stories of the main characters had me addicted to discover more about Beth and David; and the dialogue had me hooked because of Beth's strength and her determination to prove she can take care of herself. Certainly, she doesn't need her brother's best friend looking out for her. The way this story started with the prologue had me sympathizing with the heroine, as her ex did a real number on her and throughout this story she's finally starting to bounce back and get her life back on track. Will she be able to overcome her past with her ex being back in her life?

As for the dialogue, I loved how it changed between the past and the present in seeing how close she and David were in the past and how he's always been there for the heroine. However, in saying that, the dialogue was also intense and emotional due to what the heroine's ex did to her that left her devastated and what happens with the heroine's family that leaves her finally expressing her true feelings about all that she's been through because of her father's abandonment.

Moreover, I liked the heroine's strength and determination to finally take charge of her life and not allow what's happened to her in the past to keep her from enjoying college and doing well in her classes. I also liked how her relationship with David progresses, because it's palpable they're a meant-to-be couple and they shouldn't let anything keep them apart, not even David's friendship with her brother. While the hero, he's had it tough throughout his life and it's palpable having Beth and her family in his life has been a good thing. I also enjoyed how protective David was of the heroine which is understandable after all that she's been through and continues to go through while at college. I also liked how determined the hero was to avoid getting involved with the heroine because he didn't want to wreck his friendship with her brother. However, in saying that, it was palpable that David could only hold out on giving them a chance for so long.

Overall, Ms. Pearl has penned an enjoyable read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was fascinating and had me wanting to know how long it would take David to give in; and the ending had me liking how far the hero was willing to go for the heroine, especially because of what's happening at college that should have female students worried. Then again, David needed to know the truth if he was to protect Beth. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up wonderfully, as we discover how far Beth and David have come in their relationship and whether the heroine's brother could handle them being together. I would recommend In Pieces by Danielle Pearl, if you enjoy New Adult Romance, the brother's best friend trope, or books by authors Sawyer Bennett, Ginger Scott, Siobhan Davis and Jessica Sorenson.

In Pieces is the perfect example of why I enjoy the New Adult genre as a grown woman - when handled right, the settings, situations, and feelings are so poignant, current, and real, while also giving me such a sweet sense of nostalgia. Danielle Pearl knocked it out of the park with this tale of experiencing and learning from heartbreak, finding yourself. and the wonders of finding love right under your nose. I'm a huge fan of "older brother's best friend" tropes and this one was perfect. The familiarity Beth and David had with each other was the perfect basis for something more. Add to that the trauma of her past leeching into her present and the threat of something even more sinister, and not only was this book a great friends-to-lovers slow burn, it also has just the right measures of angst and suspense. I give In Pieces 4.25 out of 5 wine glasses and look forward to reading more from the author.

IN PIECES is just as amazing as I’d hoped it would be. I love a friends to more story - especially when there is a childhood connection.

In a nutshell, Danielle Pearl gives good angst. I loved all of the heated undertones. Because of David’s friendship with Sam, Beth’s brother, a relationship between David and Beth is off limits. Their history of family and friendship creates a line that shouldn’t be crossed. And that boundary, of friends to more, continuously escalates the passion.

David has a lot to lose, Beth has everything to gain. Her independence, her strength and she’s making a decisions of what she wants. Beth doesn’t need David to put her back together.

In one of their heated moments, after Beth says, “I’m not a kid, I can take care of myself,” David responds with one of my favorite statements in the book:

“I’m not underestimating you, okay? I know you can take care of yourself. Any girl worth shit can. But you know what? Any guy worth shit looks out for her anyway”.

I’m not a collector of book boyfriends, but I would claim DAVID in a heartbeat. He acts as her “bodyguard” - she may not need one, but he cares about her and he wants to be that person for her.

IN PIECES is more than a love story. It’s a story about finding independence, moving on, and experiencing strength through vulnerability.

It’s just so good!

This book was everything I had hoped it would be and more. Being familiar with these characters from the previous book in this series, I couldn't wait to see what they story was all about. It was completely suspenseful and romantic! A story of teenagers who had longed for one another but it had never been the right time. A story of a girl who had been through so much yet picked herself up and fought for her independence and the guy who would do anything to protect her. I just adored Beth and David. I want moooooooore of them. Having a huge book hangover right now. So beautifully written.

Wow Danielle did it again.
This book had it all, angst, heartache, drama, swoon.
I couldn't stop reading it. My kindle may have hit my face because I Could.Not.Stop.
This book is a stand alone but in my personal opinion you should start from the beginning with Normal. Or make sure you one click this read it and then go back.
I loved the two main characters "Bea" and David ❤
I'm hoping to see more of Brody as well.

Such a good book. I am so glad I took the time out to read it. There is a plot twist...or two I didn't see coming at all, and with the love angst and the just every day life of these characters it boils down to one awesome book. The writing was perfect the dialogue was crisp, and the plot was done amazingly well. This story is told in dual pov.

For Beth Caplan college is her way to move on from the being the girl that needs her older brother to protect her. She wants to branch out and prove to herself that she's a better person now and doesn't need a protector. Even though she's away from her protective brother, she's now in close proximity with his best friend, David. but his feelings aren't at all like an older brothers and his instincts are screaming at him to not only make her safe, to make her his.

Give me a brothers-best-friend trope and I will like it. But give me my favorite trope written by Danielle Pearl with her amazing story-telling ability and I will love it. I was amazed with how these characters came to life on the pages and sucked me right in. Beth was trying to put herself back together after a big heartbreak and David was the best person to help her do that. He had a lot of guilt on his mind and his own issues that he was dealing with but it made him work harder to be there for Beth. They were truly a great couple and I will be re-reading them many times in the future.

Now that I've gotten to learn some about Sammy, Beth's brother, it makes me want to go back and read the original Something More series. Which is saying a lot since that's set in High school and I usually avoid those, but I just can't get enough of this author.

I'm sporting a giddy, giggly smile from an ending I called but still had to cling to hope would happen. But not all my predictions were accurate...can't tell you which.

This was my first Danielle Pearl book and I look forward to catching up. I think Sammy might need a chill pill though. Anyone can understand but dude, brother's best friend is major hottie points. lol. Guys don't mind the sister's best friend, but once your sister thinks about your friend all bets are off. Too bad!

Enjoy the fun and guess away. See if you can figure out who is who or what?

reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood

4.5 "There are more things in heaven and earth..." stars!

"There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt in your philosophy." -Hamlet.

David March is sex on legs. It's rebellion.
Beth Caplan is a survivor. It's forbidden.

Having her life sabotaged by her own mind is not an easy battle. After one ill-fated night, Beth Caplan was left in pieces. Now, three years later, she's ready to live. To experience what feels to be young. But she's not alone. David March has made his mission to protect her. And nothing stands in his way to make sure she's safe. Not even his own desire to make her his. But as the past comes back and new dangers try to break her all over again, Beth and David struggle to define which feelings are going to win. The loyalty to her brother and his best friend or the love for each other.

"She thinks she's awkward. But it's the world that's awkward. She's fucking perfect."

David, David, David. My David ♥. What can I say? I LOVE him with a love so deep. He tried to mask his possessiveness with protection, but it was impossible. Even when he wasn't conscious of it, he loved her. So to see him struggle with his feelings for Beth made my heart squeeze so bad. I wanted to punch him in the face and kiss him at the same time.

"With David, the danger has only ever been to my heart and innocence, and I can't remember a time when I wouldn't have willingly given him both."

With David, Bea was starting to come alive, she was starting to hope, daring to dream again. In love, in life, in everything. My Bea. She was so vulnerable, yet unbreakable. And yes, I did love her too! Judge me all you want, but I did fall in love with these two.

"David utterly consumes me, kiss by kiss..."

Word by word. I was totally consumed by this book. Danielle Pearl's writing was deliciously addictive. I was immediately absorbed in her story. Her characters. I was desperate to stay in the book for as long as I could. That's why I had so much trouble with the ending. And not because it was a bad one, but because I felt like it was not enough. I wanted MORE. There were details I wanted to know. Moments I wanted to live with them. Sighs. I just wanted more.

With In Pieces Danielle brings awareness to problems faced by today's youth, intertwining them into Dave & Bea's journey in a way that allowed me to just fall into the pages of the story and know that I was in for a good time.

Dave & Bea's story is a beautiful one with a twist I didn't see coming. (One I'm dying to know more about). It's a story shaped by loss and survival, family and forgiveness, and of course an epic love.

"If I could survive on only this for the rest of my life–give up all other forms of sustenance and exist on a diet of just you–I would. And any man who wouldn't isn't a fucking man at all."

MOTHERFUKCER!!! I LOVE HIM ♥.

There aren't enough stars available for this rating! I absolutely adored this book! The first book I've read by this author, and it definitely won't be the last. Fantastic writing, well-developed characters who you can't help but fall in love with, a both heart-warming and heart-breaking tale.

From the very first chapter, I was hooked. The raw emotion throughout really draws you in. I'm going to have to go back and read book one now!

In Pieces is the story of Beth and David. He is the best friend of her older brother, and has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember. When they wind up at the same college, David takes it upon himself to keep an eye on her. He is always there, so much so, her friends start calling him her bodyguard. But all she really wants is to experience college seeing as she missed out on the high school experience, thanks to an ex who left her devastated. An ex who happens to show up at her college, seeking her out.

Told from both Beth and David's perspectives, this book takes us through their every thought and feeling. It gives us glimpses at their pasts, and shows us how those moments helped to make them who they are today. It's about sacrifice and fear, love and hate, friendship and family. It covers so much and yet, leaves me in a book hangover lol I just want to keep reading about them :)

Absolutely highly recommend this book. 5+ stars from me!

I should be in the shower right now, getting myself ready to go to the Ravens home opener. Instead, I woke up at 6am, so that I could finish this book before I had to leave for the day because I am not very good at being able to stop reading to do something else. (This is nothing new, I tend to wake up early and be late for work in regards to a lot of books, ha.)

The dialogue kept me fully engaged from the first page to the last. And as usual, Danielle builds strong secondary characters that serve an actual purpose (which now has me wondering if one of them will be one of her main characters in her next book?! Hmmm). Something else that I noticed while reading In Pieces, is the thought and research Danielle puts into her work, there's something so enjoyable about reading words that have purpose and meaning like hers do.

This book can be read as a standalone. However, I highly suggest that you start from the beginning by reading Normal because in my opinion all of her books should be read by everyone.

I'll be honest, this was my first book to read by Danielle Pearl and WOW!!! I now need to go back and read the others!!!
This book gave me all the feels, I felt all Beth's sadness, her reservations about trusting someone again, that right there is an accomplishment for an author to get their readers to feel inside what is happening in the story!
Beth has always had a crush on David, they've always shared a special relationship. They navigate this thing called life together while he's trying not to act on his true feelings, and she doesn't believe the things she thinks she hears him saying, she feels she just making them up in her mind!
Will these two be able to get past the fact that he's her brothers best friend and she is his best friends little sister? You need to read this to find out! 5+++++ stars for this amazing story!!

I was hooked from the first pages. I just love a story that starts at the beginning, even if it's childhood. The story builds and you get a much better feel for the characters. This book gave me everything I could ask for.

The writing is beautiful and very moving. I felt every emotion whilst reading Beth and David's story; I was wrapped up in their relationship and could feel their angst fill my heart and head. I got really angry at Beth's brother, Sammy; he really is a jerk and has wasted time that could have changed Beth and David's path. So much drama... I love it.

This is my first book by Danielle Pearl, but I will definitely be checking out her books.

I so enjoyed this story. It touched many subjects but one was very close to my heart, depression/mental illness, a subject that is a reality for many, many people and the author wrote about it beautifully. She didn't shy away from it but also didn't make the story all about it. I love the depiction of college life and both the "good" and "ugly" in it.

The characters, Bea and David were both great, Bea is a favorite though. David got on my nerves a little with his caveman, protectiveness BS. I do wish the author had delved a little more into his childhood, there was a lot hinted at and a lot kind of discussed but I was very curious about his past.
And the side characters, Sammy needed a good junk punch for his stupidity, but the rest were really good, hope to see more of Brody.

Cannot wait to read more by this author.

This is my first Danielle Pearl book and I get what all the type is about. This book was a beautiful coming of age book. Beautifully written, detailed and the thing I loved most was that there were POV’s from both the characters.

Beth aka Bea is a 19 year old, who’s just starting her freshman year of college at Rill Rock University. After a dark couple of years, Bea is determined to prove that she’s not the same broken girl she was three years ago. She was ready for it all. Adulthood. Independence. All of it!
I love that Bea is silently a strong character. Yes, she sometimes struggles with herself-her inner battles – But who does’t, right? Granted her’s a little bit more darker than the average person. Bea is a character that I admire- For the willingness to reach a helping hand to other and for her confidence to forgive and move on with life regardless of the troubles in her past.

David…..David March, is Beth’s senior/her brother’s best friend/bodyguard. David was a character who I had a love-hate relationship with. There were moments where I loved his protectiveness and dedication towards Bea but there were times where I just wanted to scream at him and shout “YOU COWARD!!!” hahaha!
In pieces was a slow burn in the nicest way, where you grow with the characters and appreciate the experiences along the way.