"I have always belonged to you. I will always belong to you. Regardless of what you've done, what you do, or what you will do, I will forever be yours. And that's my choice to make, whether you choose me or not."

I was looking forward to this book but I didn't know it was part of a series so I feel like I was lost from the beginning.

Rating is more of a 3.5. In general I liked the plot of the book and its characters but I wanted more to the story. Since this book was divided into two parts, before and after, it kinda felt rushed to me, especially the "after" part. But I did enjoy the emails and letters section of the book.

Friends-to-lowers romance. Major angst, intense, raw, heart-wrenching, emotional and passionate love. True soulmate. Gorgeous writing and captivating storyline.

The ups and downs in this book were insane. My heart would explode with love for what was happening and happiness, and then be completely broken. It is quite the ride with these characters. I adored them both, flaws and all. The time change back and forth really added to this book in so many ways for me, sometimes it can confuse, but every single part of this book is needed to understand these characters and their relationship. And what an amazing journey and beautiful love they have.

I loved the underlying theme of how powerful relationships that start as friendships are. Dalton and Spencer started as friends with an undeniable connection and the way that grew was amazing to see unfold. Sometimes we grow apart and sometimes we grow and change and keep coming back to someone else. Timing is everything.

I loved this book and these characters so much.

Oh my gosh. I don't even know where to begin... this story tugged at me. I know I complain a lot about my life everyday but I still thankful and grateful. i can't imagine going what the hero in this story wen through.

This book will teach you about resilience and taking risks... that someone will love you wholly, scars and all.

This is a wee bit angsty for me... and it's not something I haven't really read about... to those fans of Meghan March, Pepper winters and rachel van dyken, this is the book to pick upnext

This author!!!!!! My stars does she know how to write a book. This is the second book of hers that I've read and I can't wait to finish the series. I can't remember if I said it in my other review, but her writing style is right up there with Colleen Hoover. Her books are perfect for those who love the New Adult genre. Angst, heartache, suspense, a love like no other... the story of Dalton and Spencer is a wild ride that you don't want to miss!

This book focuses on the lives of two main characters Dalton and Spencer. Dalton has had a very tough childhood in and out of foster homes being abused and neglected. When he accepts help from a man who turns out to be a huge crime boss. The violence at home stops but what happens next is just beginning. Spencer on the other hand is the complete opposite. I really liked how it showed their relationship blossom and the ups and downs that they had. I also liked how powerful the main characters were you were really rooting for them. I liked how real their relationship felt but it was also full of lots of drama which made it a better read. However while I liked the main characters I found this book to be really confusing and the story line jumped around a lot. It was almost like a needed to read another story to understand things, which I hadn't done before. Minus that little fact though I enjoyed this story and I feel that once I read the first book things will make more sense to me as a reader. I just wish that it could have stood more on its own instead of leaning off another book. Overall even though parts weren't super clear I really enjoyed the main characters and I found that their chemistry really made the book interesting. Really good read however if you are to check it out read number one first.

4.5 stars and all the feels!

Wow, what a read! A stunningly written, heartachingly emotional story of friendship and young love torn apart by circumstance, and of hope and the strength of true love in a second-chance-romance that overcomes the darkest of situations. Dalton and Greer’s story is so beautiful with ALL the feels, and I was captivated from the first page through to the end. It’s a surprisingly quick read, but it definitely packs an emotional punch, and I loved it!

And when I say that this book is stunningly written, I mean it! The emotion of the writing sucked me right in, making me feel everything and I literally highlighted pages of text, so prepare for the quote-fest that is this review.

This is listed as book #2 in the Chosen Paths series. Book #1 is Into the Light (previously titled The Resurrection of Aubrey Miller), which I read when it was released, and loved, but this book seems to be a complete standalone. It’s been a really long time since I read the first book, but I couldn’t recall any tie-in. If it’s there, it’s minor, and you can easily dive into this one and appreciate it as a brand new story.

Dalton and Spencer met as twelve year olds. Dalton had survived a revolving door of hellish foster families, leaving him angry and withdrawn, but everything shifted for him when he met the spunky young girl.

The day he showed up on our porch, something happened while we watched that first sunset together. I don’t know how or why or if I can even put it into words, but we became forever connected. My hidden pain cried out for his, and his fiery rage searched for mine. It was as though the most deprived parts within each of us sense the other’s, then reached out and grabbed hold, essentially melding us together and making us whole.
I know it because I felt it.
I felt him.


And now, five years later, their friendship has not only survived, but it has become something vital to them both.

Spencer Locke is the only bit of humanity I permit myself to indulge in. She’s the one thing, the one person whose mere presence provides some sense of relief from the constant sense of asphyxiation I feel.
She is my reprieve.
My air.
Spencer Locke is the one slice of happy I have.


While Spencer lives with a loving and supportive mother, Dalton had no support and nobody to turn to and was forced into a life of crime with only a criminal overlord to guide him. And now, as an 18 year old, he is in an impossible situation, knowing that he is trapped in a bad place and purposely keeping those he cares about at arm’s length to protect them. But Spencer is the one person he can’t keep away from, and when years of wanting and pent-up longing are finally unleashed, their friendship irrevocably shifts into first, intense, all-consuming, life-changing love.

“I have always belonged to you. I will always belong to you. Regardless of what you’ve done, what you do, even what you will do, I will forever be yours. And that’s my choice to make, whether you choose me or not.”

“You think I don’t want you? Goddamn it, Spencer,” he bites. “I want you so much I can’t fucking breathe when I’m without you.”


The beauty of this love story blew me away. Dalton has fears of not being good enough for his sweet Spencer, but she quickly squashes that notion, showing him how she feels openly and unreservedly, and it was so beautiful to watch Dalton experience that kind of emotion for the first time in his life, and effortlessly return it

The constant ache in my chest dwindles as it’s replaced with the fervor of renewed hope. Of the promise of love and acceptance with absolutely no expectation other than receiving mine in return.

I open myself completely and give her all that I have – all that I am – and pray that it’s enough.


Oh, so beautiful! This is more than a love story. It’s a story of connection and true soulmates. The bond between Dalton and Spencer is incredibly written and their love for each other literally drips of the page.

“I was broken too, Dalton. Shattered. Unsalvageable.”
My gaze falls to her lips, watching as they curl upward into a timid smile. “Until the day I met you, that is. The day that every single one of my fractured pieces permanently fused with yours, rebuilding me with renewed strength so I could stand strong and fight for you.” She shakes her head. “I won’t give up on you. I will never stop believing in you. And I will continue to fight for you until the day I die because without you here” – she brings my palm to her chest – “I do not exist.”


But when Dalton’s terrifying reality is revealed, he needs to make a choice. And to protect the ones he loves, he is forced to do the unthinkable.

I would give anything, sacrifice everything, for even the smallest of chances to experience the love that only Spencer can provide.
I would die for it.
I would die for her.


Feels, feels, feels. I felt it all! My heart broke right alongside Dalton and Spencer at all they endure, but it paves the way for the awesome to come as the strength of their love is put to the test again, and the power of their connection shines through, and I was gripped to my kindle as it all played out.

“A second chance is a gift that many, many people long to receive, yet sadly, few are given. Never forget that.”


The ending did feel a bit rushed, and I would have loved a detailed epilogue to finish the story off, but I’m assuming we’ll get to see more of these two characters in the next book of the series, Out of Focus, which features Spencer’s fabulous best friend, Cassie.

Spanning five years, this book has many ups and downs, surprising twists, rapturous highs and the lowest of lows, and through it all, I couldn’t help but cheer for these two characters. Their strengths are remarkable, and their pain and vulnerability made my heart ache. Their story isn’t always easy, but it’s so well written, emotional and achingly beautiful, and I loved it.

4.5 stars.

I found this to be a slow to start novel that I never really was captivated by. It was an interesting plot which is why I wanted to read it but didn't end up enjoying the book very much.

Beautifully emotional. That's the best way I can think of to describe Spencer and Dalton's story. They both have pasts that are heartbreaking and that they are trying to overcome. It wasn't just the story and characters that I was drawn to but the writing. LB Simmons weaves words together in such a beautiful and delicate way that gives the story itself an even stronger impact. It's an amazing tale of overcoming the darkness and pain in life and letting yourself love and be happy. Under the Influence tore me apart in all the best ways and I loved every moment of it.

I had two major problems with this book.

First: I didn't know it was going to be a #2 kind of book. It is a stand-alone, and you can totally follow the plot. I just have a thing with series. I always feel like unless it's a sort of continued story like Harry Potter than mostly it's just a commercial way to get you to feed the writer. These books almost never read as sincere as stand-alones.

And second: the language the writer uses to describe the emotions and action is so over-the-top epic and like it's the end of the world exaggeratedly serious. It just comes out as corny and unbelievable. And it paints the world around as the kind of B-rated movie you see on those local channels that don't have budgets to buy better lines between on-screen lovers.

Otherwise, if you like commercial romance this one's perfect for you.

It's seductive and addictive, I couldn't care less about Dalton's shit but their building heat was sort of entertaining.

Thank you Netgalley for a chance to read this copy in exchange for my honest review.

I received a copy of UNDER THE INFLUENCE on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher and author.

Four stars and here's why:

I love a good friends to lovers story and UNDER THE INFLUENCE delivers. Spencer and Dalton met as kids and there is this pull and push between them as they grow into adulthood. The author does a great job of sucking you right into the story and soon you’re glued to the pages. The desperation these two characters feel for each other just hits you fast and hard. It’s YA, but it's a grittier YA, and so it will appeal to a wide audience.

If you love great writing and a compelling love story then this book is for you. Highly recommend.

This story touches on a lot of topics and I think it had the opportunity to become a heart tugging, emotionally charged read, but wound up falling short and was just enjoyable. I enjoyed the second chance romance aspect but felt the author kind of rushed the story in the beginning giving a ton of details and it just wasn't as enjoyable as when you discover things more organically through the storyline. The writing was great and some of the character dialog was amazing but for me it was just missing something, but still an enjoyable read.

This was a really engaging and intriguing read for me and I found myself gravitating towards Dalton. Dalton had a very difficult start in life and found himself in a crime filled world. Despite his career choice, his protectiveness and love for Spencer was beautiful.

Despite Dalton's belief that Spencer deserved better, she too loved him wholeheartedly. Following the devastating events one night that forced them apart, each struggled in their lives moving forward.

This book does have a HEA and I absolutely loved Dalton and Spencer together. Overall an enjoyable read.

Very well-written friends to lovers/second chances love story. Emotional and heartwarming, although a bit slow at the start. I quite enjoyed it, especially seeing these two people grow over the years.

I received a free copy from the publisher via NetGalley, thank you!

Under the Influence is definitely a star crossed lovers tale. Young love in its most intense form. The best friend. The One who got away. THE ONE.

It's a sad and tragic story of two lost souls who find their other half too soon. Life isn't fair and it's made obvious by the suffering in these pages. Be prepared for heartbreak but always be open to hope.

This story was. intriguing and emotional. I love how the author just drove right into the issues. Chapter 2 was heart wrenching and a tear jerker. I was so mad. Oh… Penny…
Dalton and Spencer are two damaged souls that found that were lucky enough to find each other. They were able to build a friendship which blossomed into a great relationship.
Spencer was the white light for Dalton. Dalton always felt that he was less than, and didn’t deserve anything better in life due the horrific things he went through as a child. Spencer and everyone else saw Dalton in a different light.
In life there are certain situations that changes a person life. Dalton had that experience. Dalton wanted revenge and to ensure the one person he cared for was protected. Through this journey he became a better person for himself and for Spencer.
Although Spencer had her share of nightmares, I like that she didn’t let it hinder her. She was strong and wanted to help others, especially kids. I liked her.
The book is well written, I found it to be a page turner. It was easy to get lost in the story.

Under the Influence is a story about a young man who was in foster care and happened to be placed with a women and her daughter on an emergency basis. Meeting Spencer was a dream come true for Dalton. He did not want to tell Spencer how he really felt because of the life he was pulled into after leaving her home.
But one thing leads to another and they finally tell each other how they feel........only to be torn apart right after.
This is their story and how they try to go on with their lives and how they will do anything for each other if given the chance.

Let me start by saying this is the first book I have read by Simmons, and her writing is fantastic! She captures imagery and emotion beautifully. That being said, her writing style did not match the characters in this book. Her writing was way too advanced for how teenagers, and especially a six year old, think. Show me a six year that talks like the one in this book and I will eat my words. My other hang up is that this story could’ve been really, really good.... but it was poorly planned. We have a character that sacrifices years for a plan, but at the end of the book, I still don’t know what that plan was or why it was necessary for him to sacrifice anything. There were several times when I put this book down debating whether or not I should pick it back up again. If her writing matches the characters and her stories makes sense, Simmons would be on my author’s list of books to always look for.

Stunning. Heartbreaking. Addictive.

I devoured this book. From the first chapter through to the last, I was hooked.
The plot was fast moving and gripping.

I was immediately captivated by Dalton. His backstory was heartbreaking but despite the abuse he had endured, he was hopeful and loving. The perfect bad boy with a heart - my weakness. His scenes with Penny melted my heart and really gave an insight into Daltons caring, protective side.

Spencer came across as strong but with hidden vulnerability which made me want to know more about her from the start. She was funny and endearing. Her absolute adoration of Dalton was so sweet. Her friendship with Cassie is goals and I adored how close she is with her Mum also.

The connection between both the main characters was riveting and I really rooted for them throughout. Their unconditional love for each other was fascinating to watch grow from being childhood lust to pure, once in a lifetime love.

Ive seen most people didn’t like the “in between” part of the novel but I actually enjoyed it. I could read part two fast, still learning about their lives being apart but it not being dragged out. Because, really, I wanted them back together before they were split.

Rat and Cassie were both flawless additions. Rat had me laughing at some of his mistaken words and Cassie was just such a sweet, caring friend that I couldn’t not like her. I really can’t wait to read her story next.

This may have been the first of this authors novels I have read but I cannot wait to read more. I love her writing style and have added part one and part three from this series to my list. I honestly hold the recommend this book enough.


I received a copy of this ebook from the publisher and author via NetGalley but this has in no way influenced my review or opinion of this novel.