I received a free copy of this book from Publisher for an honest review.
This does not affect in any way my opinion of the book nor the content of my review.
This does not affect in any way my opinion of the book nor the content of my review.
Upside Down by Lia Riley Series: Off the Map #1
Published by Piatkus on August 5, 2014
Genres: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Publisher
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If You Never Get Lost, Youโll Never Be Found
Twenty-one-year-old Natalia Stolfi is saying good-bye to the past-and turning her life upside down with a trip to the land down under. For the next six months, she'll act like a carefree exchange student, not a girl sinking under the weight of painful memories. Everything is going according to plan until she meets a brooding surfer with hypnotic green eyes and the troubling ability to see straight through her act.
Bran Lockhart is having the worst year on record. After the girl of his dreams turned into a nightmare, he moved back home to Melbourne to piece his life together. Yet no amount of disappointment could blind him to the pretty California girl who gets past all his defenses. He's never wanted anyone the way he wants Talia. But when Bran gets a stark reminder of why he stopped believing in love, he and Talia must decide if what they have is once in a lifetime . . . or if they were meant to live a world apart.
When I’ve been asked to review this book, my yes was caused by the OCD I was told to be in the book. How many times you get to read about it? Not many and, for one who has it, you can see why the curiosity won over everything.
As soon as I started the read, Talia’s disorders kinda scared me because I could very well relate to more than one of them and, believe me, it’s not a walk in the park . . . Bless Bran for having such a good eye, not making fun of her and not freaking out. Still, this book doesn’t focus its attention on this particular matter much, and my hope is it will have a better development in the next instalment. What makes the read intriguing are Talia’s and Bran’s pasts, which are different but both with their share of drama. Although while Talia’s background is in the open, Bran’s is all to discover and that just makes impossible for the reader not to wonder over various scenarios. There’s also a very nice chemistry between those two, which makes you go all giddy but, most of all, gives you some precious laughs. Their flirting is funny, quirky and refreshing, my only problem was with the pace. I would have appreciated a slower one to feel completely overwhelmed by their connection, even though I can’t deny it was there.
The story has some very good elements to keep you entertained and, overall, I found it a very enjoyable debut novel. Wanna have some fun and escape from the stressful reality for a while? Buy your ticket copy now and go explore Australia, you may find love whether you’re looking for it or not . . .
About Silvia
Through her creativity and blogging, Silvia has met people from different industries and collaborated with them on various projects over the years. Her strong passion for reading and her fascination for different cultures and languages have led her to develop a keen interest in the East-Asian continent. Off to see her? Follow the colourful book road . . . โก
Hm sounds interesting. I vaguely remember reading a character with OCD but can't put my finger on it. That is different to see in romance books. I love when authors do that. Hopefully it's explored more later on in the books ๐ Might have to check this one out.
This is a lovely review, Silvia! I know you felt "connected" to the book because of the OCD, and I'm glad you enjoyed this story despite the pace.
It sounds like a nice one. YOu always have some new books to me that's ice. I hope the next one will be better though.
This sounds good, and I like the chemistry they share. The cover is sweet too.
Silvia, this one is going on my tbr. Despite your issue with the pacing, it sounds like a delightful read. It's always nice when you can connect with a MC. It really adds to your enjoyment of the story. And the relationship between Bran and Talia sounds sweet. Lovely review!
I'm adding Upside Down to my TBR, Silvia. Both because the characters seem really interesting, and you got me curious about Talia's OCD, and because I'd love to take a virtual trip to Australia ๐
Great review ๐ Happy reading.
I've been seeing such good reviews for Upside Down. I'm glad you found the story sweet and funny. If you're looking for another book that deals with OCD, Perfect Escape by Jennifer Brown is great.
Nice review!
I hope you will, it's a different kind of read with a lovely humour in it!
Hehe, nobody knows my OCD better than you, Franny! I truly enjoyed the book and hope you'll get the chance to read it, too ๐
It makes me soooo happy to hear that, Melliane! And I'm definitely curious about the next instalment.
The cover is lovely, isn't it? And yes, they share quite the chemistry…
YAY! I'm not personally a big fan of events running too fast, but I got a connection with the characters (especially Talia) and that made me enjoy the read nevertheless.
Who wouldn't enjoy a virtual trip to Australia, right? ๐ Hope you have a great time and that you'll get both Talia and Bran ๐
It really is and thanks for the suggestion, Andrea. I didn't know that book and I'll be sure to check it out!
Saw the cover of this book the other day and I thought it was so pretty. The colors rock! Might give this book a try, it's been a while since I've traveled to Australia. ๐ Great review, Silvia!
I agree about the cover and I think you could enjoy this trip to Australia, Melissa! ๐