In Pieces is not your standard college romance, it's a heart-wrenching story full of emotional twists and turns. I love all of the suspense and the chemistry is off the charts!

Beth Caplan has finally made it to college after having such a hard time the past three years after a difficult break up with her first love. She's ready to make a fresh start and be the new her! But of course she hasn't left everything in the past because her brother's best friend has become her bodyguard. While Beth is trying to come out of her shell David is not far away and it's starting to get aggravating as hell! Beth isn't fooling herself, she accepts the fact that she's always had a crush on David but of course that's never been a possibility, until it is?

Pearl, had me hooked from the very beginning! She has this way of writing a story that is engaging and very easy to breeze through. The entire time I was trying to figure out who the bad guy was because...ya know...there's always a bad guy. I just loved how the mystery in the story is what brings Beth and David closer. The flashback the their childhood was great too because it helps explain why certain things turned out the way they did, it also helped discover how far certain feelings actually ran. I love all of the new characters and am already salivating for their stories!

I must admit, I don’t usually read many YA novels anymore, probably because so often I’ve found that I can’t relate or connect to the characters. That said, In Pieces is the first novel that I have read by Danielle Pearl and now I’d love to go check out her previous work!! This standalone, mature young adult romance, was angsty with a bit of suspense and I found it engaging from start to finish!

I loved the brothers-best-friend and (presumed) unrequited love troupe. I adored how protective David was of Bea and there were moments between them where the sexual tension could be cut with a knife! The chemistry and push and pull between these two characters was great and as their relationship grew and evolved, I cheered for them from the sidelines.

Ms. Pearl also took on some sensitive topics within this book and I thought that she tackled them accurately and respectfully. You can feel the intense emotions that the characters are dealing with and there are moments that will really break your heart.

I only wish I got a little bit more from the ending, as I felt it was slightly rushed. But overall, a read I would recommend. So, if you love a romantic yet emotional college drama, check out In Pieces!

This was truly an amazing story by Danielle it's actually my first one to read by her and wow did this book make me an emotional mess. It was just so freaking good I couldn't put the book down. I didn't want to stop I was afraid I'd miss something. I was at one point ready to smack both characters David & Beth upside the head for being so stubborn and scared to tell each other how they felt about each other.
This book bring's back memories of having that best friend or friend's who you could always count on through thick n thin, also about finding that 1st love that one special boy or girl who you would just hope wouldn't break your heart.
This book is most definitely a must read.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

Review to follow shortly. Promo links enclosed.

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'm not sure if New Adult is still a category people are using, but let's just say that I am always up for college romance. It's a particularly turbulent time in your life and part of the reason is romance drama, so it's really the perfect setting for a contemporary romance. In Pieces is a childhood crush story, which I consider to kind of be a second chance romance in some respects, and it was a good balance between chemistry and plot. Beth's past and the reason everyone is so protective of her isn't revealed right away, which gave it the feel of a mystery and added tension to the story. I guess the one thing I thought it lacked was to show that Beth didn't need to be protected rather than simply having her say the words over and over again. She insisted she didn't need protecting, but we never really saw that in the story, which made her a little two dimensional. I did enjoy this one and will probably go back and read the first book in this series.

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.

4.5* review by Nicole @ Emerald Book Reviews----->
‘The dumbest thing I could do right now is to make her feel inferior because of her age or gender. But what she doesn’t understand is that it isn’t about inferiority. It’s about value. It’s not just that she needs protecting, it’s that she’s worth protecting.’
To me, there is nothing quite like a terrifically written NA story. The combination of confusion, sex, drama, friendships, hardships, parties and studying that accompanies the American college setting is a heady experience for this small town girl from Northern Ireland.
In Pieces manages to incorporate some truly superb romantic elements, the aching emotion that permeates the page, the sultry intimacy between the hero and heroine, the confusion and uncertainty of what is happening around them and the beauty and quiet acceptance of every moment that crawls forward, as they fall even more in love with the other.
David, our wonderful alpha protector of a hero, had me torn in two. At times I sense that he was madly, irrevocably in love with Beth. It was in his mannerisms, how he felt the need to touch her, however casually, felt the need to protect her, feed her, watch over her. Then there was times I felt like his feelings weren’t so profound, just merely lustful and driven by his pecker more than his heart. It wasn’t until near the end that I felt he was deserving of the gallant, sweet, wonderful man award that Beth had him pegged for right from the beginning. And although he seemed reluctant to express or admit to those profound soul-deep feelings, the evidence was glaringly obvious in every little task he accomplished with Beth in mind. Always Beth.
Beth was a terrific heroine, completely deserving of her mantle. Even through the struggles, her heartache and devastation, she managed to come out swinging with an attitude, a smile and a heart full of forgiveness, love and loyalty. I think David actually describes her best.
‘Because Beth is so unique that it’s hard to believe she’s real. How does a girl possess equal parts naivety and bada$$ery? Confidence and that sweet, quiet humility? Deep blue eyes that both widen in innocence and narrow in ferocity. She thinks she’s awkward. But it’s the world that’s awkward. She’s f***ing perfect.’
In Pieces deals with some pretty serious elements, suicide, depression, rape, alcoholism, abandonment, dirty secrets, but they are all handled with sensitivity and respect with just enough realism to tear your heart out and make you really think. The romance is a brilliant to and fro between the hero and heroine, remarkable sexual tension, intelligence, heart and compassion as well as a deep rooted friendship that is the back-bone to a fantastic love story. The writing flows easily between each point of view, and gives the story much needed insight into both perspectives. With the dialogue coming in sharp and witty, flirty and sweet, and the characters varied and original, In Pieces is a superb love story.

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