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Adrift #1
More of Us to the West
While on a trip to reignite the spark in her marriage, Alaina Grace discovers that her upgraded first-class ticket has placed her far from her husband and next to Jack Volmer, a former teen actor. When an unusual storm causes their plane to crash, her ticket will save her life and force her to question everything.
546 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 379 reviews
October 7, 2022
DNF @ 51%
I thought my luck was in when I stumbled across this (marriage on the rocks, castaways and mystery) but I went in relatively blind and it’s not exactly as I’d envisaged or heading in a direction I want. Essentially, it’s two love stories: Alaina’s new relationship with fellow survivor Jack and her past life with husband Chris, in the way of flashbacks.
Unfortunately I can’t get invested in the new romance and I don’t like Alaina. She improves with time but from the onset she’s bitter and lashes out at everyone and some of the justifications for her behaviour are flimsy. The reason for her flailing marriage is really sad and I think Chris deserved better.
As for the secondary characters, out of all the other survivors, the two that get the most page time are a pampered princess and a hillbilly that won’t shut the fuck up. Aside from Chris/Jack, I don’t care about anyone else or their backstories.
I had other issues with the writing but the mystery itself was intriguing and I’d like to have been able to stick it out for that alone. However, the book is 545 pages long and there are three more books to follow. It ends on a massive cliffhanger and I just know we’re going to end up with a trope that I try to avoid at all costs. Respectfully, I’m out!
I thought my luck was in when I stumbled across this (marriage on the rocks, castaways and mystery) but I went in relatively blind and it’s not exactly as I’d envisaged or heading in a direction I want. Essentially, it’s two love stories: Alaina’s new relationship with fellow survivor Jack and her past life with husband Chris, in the way of flashbacks.
Unfortunately I can’t get invested in the new romance and I don’t like Alaina. She improves with time but from the onset she’s bitter and lashes out at everyone and some of the justifications for her behaviour are flimsy. The reason for her flailing marriage is really sad and I think Chris deserved better.
As for the secondary characters, out of all the other survivors, the two that get the most page time are a pampered princess and a hillbilly that won’t shut the fuck up. Aside from Chris/Jack, I don’t care about anyone else or their backstories.
I had other issues with the writing but the mystery itself was intriguing and I’d like to have been able to stick it out for that alone. However, the book is 545 pages long and there are three more books to follow. It ends on a massive cliffhanger and I just know we’re going to end up with a trope that I try to avoid at all costs. Respectfully, I’m out!
April 28, 2024
Re-reading so I'm prepared for the second book! I didn't enjoy it as much as the first time around, but still think it deserves five stars. The writing is excellent, and the story will keep you engaged, if not on the edge of your seat at all times.
******
July 2021 review: Spoiler free!
While reading this 550 page monstrosity, I was like a conspiracy theorist going full throttle after drinking a quad espresso and a few energy drinks!!! I felt like that Giorgio guy from the Ancient Aliens show, pulling at my hair. What the hell is going on? Is it aliens? Why can’t they see any satellites or planes overhead? Did they somehow get transported to the past? What clues am I missing? Maybe her husband survived? Is he coming back for her? Who can you trust? What are the women using for their periods on the island, did the author mention that and I’m simply reading too fast to have caught it? What else did I miss?!
Ok ok, let me slow down and try to explain. When you first meet Chris and Alaina Grace they are on their way to the airport and Alania is acting like an obnoxious brat. I know, I shouldn’t judge someone so quickly, but her inner dialog was annoying and she was treating Chris awful. He’s all calm and laid back and she’s all panicky and stressing about missing their flight. They are taking this trip as a last ditch effort to salvage their marriage. They miss their flight but manage to get on another, but with separate seats. Chris is the sweet guy who tells his wife to go ahead and take the seat in first class, he will sit in the back.
Something happens mid-flight and the plane splits apart. Alaina's side of the plane goes one way and we think that the back of the plane (and her husband) blows up, but no one knows for sure. The few survivors from first class struggle for days in a life raft, many are injured. They land on an island and the book takes off from there.
This story is told in present and past, and there is A LOT of information you are given. Some of it helps you to understand the characters, and some of it felt like filler. It’s all told from Alaina’s POV, so it was a good thing I grew to like her.
There are some really great side characters and a few of obligatory assholes. I mean, you can't be stranded on an island and have everyone get along, right? Jim was my favorite, those one-liners!
******
July 2021 review: Spoiler free!
While reading this 550 page monstrosity, I was like a conspiracy theorist going full throttle after drinking a quad espresso and a few energy drinks!!! I felt like that Giorgio guy from the Ancient Aliens show, pulling at my hair. What the hell is going on? Is it aliens? Why can’t they see any satellites or planes overhead? Did they somehow get transported to the past? What clues am I missing? Maybe her husband survived? Is he coming back for her? Who can you trust? What are the women using for their periods on the island, did the author mention that and I’m simply reading too fast to have caught it? What else did I miss?!
Ok ok, let me slow down and try to explain. When you first meet Chris and Alaina Grace they are on their way to the airport and Alania is acting like an obnoxious brat. I know, I shouldn’t judge someone so quickly, but her inner dialog was annoying and she was treating Chris awful. He’s all calm and laid back and she’s all panicky and stressing about missing their flight. They are taking this trip as a last ditch effort to salvage their marriage. They miss their flight but manage to get on another, but with separate seats. Chris is the sweet guy who tells his wife to go ahead and take the seat in first class, he will sit in the back.
Something happens mid-flight and the plane splits apart. Alaina's side of the plane goes one way and we think that the back of the plane (and her husband) blows up, but no one knows for sure. The few survivors from first class struggle for days in a life raft, many are injured. They land on an island and the book takes off from there.
This story is told in present and past, and there is A LOT of information you are given. Some of it helps you to understand the characters, and some of it felt like filler. It’s all told from Alaina’s POV, so it was a good thing I grew to like her.
There are some really great side characters and a few of obligatory assholes. I mean, you can't be stranded on an island and have everyone get along, right? Jim was my favorite, those one-liners!
“Woman you’re high as the nuts on a giraffe, you know that?”For fans of the tv shows, Survivor and Lost. For readers who liked Surviving Raine, Lovewrecked and any other deserted-on-an-island story. It’s a steamy romance...
"How else could I possibly explain my soul’s recognition of yours?”But it’s also kinda twilight zone...
“You’re right...we should've found something by now. We’ve had plenty of rope and glass wash ashore. Why no plastic?” I looked up at the sky, “Why no satellites?”Seriously, I drove myself nuts reading this. And you should too. It’s fabulous. I can’t wait for the next book. I reallllly hope it won’t end like Lost.
May 2, 2024
Stranded
Interesting story with a several likable characters. The storyline was well thought out and plausible. I had decided not to read book 2 but the ending of book 1 changed my mind! If you enjoy romance then you’ll like this. It was a bit much for me, having said that it was written in a very nice way. This definitely is not all romance.
I think I’ll start book 2 tonight!
Interesting story with a several likable characters. The storyline was well thought out and plausible. I had decided not to read book 2 but the ending of book 1 changed my mind! If you enjoy romance then you’ll like this. It was a bit much for me, having said that it was written in a very nice way. This definitely is not all romance.
I think I’ll start book 2 tonight!
January 18, 2023
3,5.
I finished this book and I didn’t believe it.
What the f..k I read?
I won’t read the others books.
I finished this book and I didn’t believe it.
What the f..k I read?
I won’t read the others books.
November 22, 2022
The raw ingredients for the plot sounded pretty interesting: A dash of sci-fi, a helping of romance, dice up some mystery/thriller and spread on top of a bed made out of the survive-the-wilderness trope, and you have yourself a meal that seems pretty damn tasty, right? Wrong.
Holy moly was I ever bamboozled by all the five-star reviews. To the point where this should have been a DNF but I wanted to be able to review it in its entirety.
Put it this way; it ends on a cliffhanger and you could not pay me to read book two to find out what happens.
Why was this such a painful read, you ask? These are my three biggest gripes:
1. Nearly every other sentence has an adverb. And I'm so sorry to point that out but now that you know, good luck letting it not grate on your sanity.
2. If one smut scene ended with both the (f) MC and the (m) love interest orgasming at the exact same moment, I'd say to you, fine. Unrealistic but, okay, I can roll with it. However all of them? Where no one orgasms until they both miraculously orgasm at the exact same time? Pshhhh *rolls eyes aggressively*
3. I can't even tell you how tired I grew of the MC crying every time she thought about how much Jack loves her. Please just stop. I'm not saying that there isn't a woman on this planet who does this. There might be. What I am making abundantly clear is that I cannot stand to read about a character who does. *sighs*
Holy moly was I ever bamboozled by all the five-star reviews. To the point where this should have been a DNF but I wanted to be able to review it in its entirety.
Put it this way; it ends on a cliffhanger and you could not pay me to read book two to find out what happens.
Why was this such a painful read, you ask? These are my three biggest gripes:
1. Nearly every other sentence has an adverb. And I'm so sorry to point that out but now that you know, good luck letting it not grate on your sanity.
2. If one smut scene ended with both the (f) MC and the (m) love interest orgasming at the exact same moment, I'd say to you, fine. Unrealistic but, okay, I can roll with it. However all of them? Where no one orgasms until they both miraculously orgasm at the exact same time? Pshhhh *rolls eyes aggressively*
3. I can't even tell you how tired I grew of the MC crying every time she thought about how much Jack loves her. Please just stop. I'm not saying that there isn't a woman on this planet who does this. There might be. What I am making abundantly clear is that I cannot stand to read about a character who does. *sighs*
May 14, 2021
Hooked. I was hooked. Plain & simple. And that ending, sweet baby Jesus! I’m going to need book 2 like yesterday. Not kidding.
January 31, 2022
I was lured into this book as a recommendation on my KindleUnlimited subscription, probably because of my love for sci-fi. There was next to zero sci-fi in this book and any of it that WAS there, was brief unexplained speculation based off a secondary character’s cultural myth.
The character development was pretty good, and the surroundings explained well, but unfortunately that leads me to absolutely loathe the main character almost from the get go. She’s needy and selfish and just kind of a misery, even in the dialog that happens in her own head. You get a rationalization for her “personality” later on in the book, but I got the impression that she was always kind of a shallow narcissist, just there…waiting for life to say ACTION so she could act her scene in each chapter. She's just not a likable, relatable human being.
Chris, her husband, is whatever you call a male Mary-Sue. He’s a little too perfect. He is gorgeous, has his own business, is a skilled craftsman, loves Alaina to the core of his being…and even before certain incidents, it seems like Alaina just took everything he had to give as her due and bitched because he wasn’t traditionally demonstrative enough. Girl…a man takes the initiative to buy and refinish your dream house to your wishes, does yard work, does house work, and brings home a steady paycheck to pay a majority of the bills while you get your late start career on track working for yourself and while you’re paying off student loans? Yeah, he just doesn’t SAY “I love you” or hold your hand ENOUGH.
Then there’s island time. I liked Jim. Everyone else was kind of hard to keep straight. What were they doing, how did they all miraculously have different skill sets? The probability that 12 or so people sitting in first class would have survival skills is unlikely. How long did time pass? The story jumped around a lot, which made supporting characters less relatable. I also didn’t like all of the discussion about NEEDS. And Jack was just “insert assertive attractive man here” who gave Alaina an excuse to grieve or not grieve over a husband who handed her the world on a platter, but that she STILL treated like garbage and justified all her internal monolog and flashbacks with. Jack was just another guy who thought Alaina hung the moon and wanted to worship at her alter. Which, based on her personality...makes ZERO sense. I guess it's a redhead thing?
The sexy times, are not sexy. They’re rushed, have very little description, so if you’re hoping the story might be redeemed by some smut you will be very disappointed. The sex reads like if Ikea wrote sex scene instructions. Apply pressure to slot B with flange, insert Tab A into slot B. Repeat process. Snap all pieces in half simultaneously. Snooze.
Then things got occasionally Jesus-y, which I get is a probable thing when people survive a catastrophe only to have to live through a time of survival. But ugh, give it a rest. Not everyone is Christian, not everyone needs to see God’s plan in the plantains.
And then of course was the cliffhanger ending.
I do not like these characters enough nor am I invested enough in a poorly explained sci-fi ZAP to read the sequel, so I will gratefully end their story in my head with the end of the book 1.
The character development was pretty good, and the surroundings explained well, but unfortunately that leads me to absolutely loathe the main character almost from the get go. She’s needy and selfish and just kind of a misery, even in the dialog that happens in her own head. You get a rationalization for her “personality” later on in the book, but I got the impression that she was always kind of a shallow narcissist, just there…waiting for life to say ACTION so she could act her scene in each chapter. She's just not a likable, relatable human being.
Chris, her husband, is whatever you call a male Mary-Sue. He’s a little too perfect. He is gorgeous, has his own business, is a skilled craftsman, loves Alaina to the core of his being…and even before certain incidents, it seems like Alaina just took everything he had to give as her due and bitched because he wasn’t traditionally demonstrative enough. Girl…a man takes the initiative to buy and refinish your dream house to your wishes, does yard work, does house work, and brings home a steady paycheck to pay a majority of the bills while you get your late start career on track working for yourself and while you’re paying off student loans? Yeah, he just doesn’t SAY “I love you” or hold your hand ENOUGH.
Then there’s island time. I liked Jim. Everyone else was kind of hard to keep straight. What were they doing, how did they all miraculously have different skill sets? The probability that 12 or so people sitting in first class would have survival skills is unlikely. How long did time pass? The story jumped around a lot, which made supporting characters less relatable. I also didn’t like all of the discussion about NEEDS. And Jack was just “insert assertive attractive man here” who gave Alaina an excuse to grieve or not grieve over a husband who handed her the world on a platter, but that she STILL treated like garbage and justified all her internal monolog and flashbacks with. Jack was just another guy who thought Alaina hung the moon and wanted to worship at her alter. Which, based on her personality...makes ZERO sense. I guess it's a redhead thing?
The sexy times, are not sexy. They’re rushed, have very little description, so if you’re hoping the story might be redeemed by some smut you will be very disappointed. The sex reads like if Ikea wrote sex scene instructions. Apply pressure to slot B with flange, insert Tab A into slot B. Repeat process. Snap all pieces in half simultaneously. Snooze.
Then things got occasionally Jesus-y, which I get is a probable thing when people survive a catastrophe only to have to live through a time of survival. But ugh, give it a rest. Not everyone is Christian, not everyone needs to see God’s plan in the plantains.
And then of course was the cliffhanger ending.
I do not like these characters enough nor am I invested enough in a poorly explained sci-fi ZAP to read the sequel, so I will gratefully end their story in my head with the end of the book 1.
March 6, 2022
5⭐️ I was not ready for that ending l’m bout ready to go read the second book!!!!!!!!! Then I’ll make a review because bitch you all need to read this!!!!
November 1, 2021
I could get past the narrator speaking to herself in italics. I could look over the shoulder of the sometimes ridiculous scenarios. I was even able to skirt the often offensive stereotypic characters. What I could not suffer, however, was the fact that this entirely too-long novel was, in the end, nothing more than chum—bait to sell the next episode. The conclusion was so insanely ridiculous as to have left me wanting to toss the whole lot straight in the pool. If I hadn’t been reading on my Kindle, the waterlogged volume would have then been summarily deposited in the fireplace, where, after drying out I would have incinerated it to ashes. Two stars for the fact that this author’s publicist managed to make this sound like a good read.
April 29, 2021
Wow!
What an ending! OMG this author blew my mind! First book that I read by her but not the last
What an ending! OMG this author blew my mind! First book that I read by her but not the last
May 3, 2021
Alaina and Chris attempt to salvage their troubled marriage by jetting off to the honeymoon they never had. But when an upgrade to first-class positions Alaina away from her husband and next to a well-known teen actor, she gets more than she bargained for. A freak storm hits the plane, splitting it in two, separating Alaina and eleven others. They soon find themselves deserted on an island.
I expected to be thrust straight into island life but was pleasantly surprised when the author chose to include the trials and tribulations of surviving and navigating being on a life raft. After all, that's what would happen in real life if you managed to survive a plane crash. It was an excellent way for me to connect and learn the differences between the characters, making it easier to distinguish them further on in the book.
‘More of Us to the West’ didn't feel like your typical historical romance. Some moments or clues hinted that the survivors had perhaps gone back in time, but it wasn't obvious. At least not yet! Hint, hint!
It also contains a dual timeline, going back and forth from past to present, showing the reader the progression of Alaina and Chris’s relationship. For the most part, I loved it. It gave me a deeper understanding of why their troubles existed and how past trauma made Alaina who she was in the present. But there were chapters of backstory that I felt dragged. They didn't add any substance to the plot and probably could have been omitted.
As far as the romance element, it was perfectly written. The chemistry between the two main characters was on fire. I just wish they didn't say the ‘L’ word as soon as they did. There is also another romance in the spotlight during this tale. I'm pleased to say that it was very different from the main characters. There were no similarities between the two which made each romance that much more enjoyable.
The worldbuilding was obviously well thought out and planned. The author did a fantastic job with descriptions and details, making island life feel so real. Not once did I think that things were convenient. The characters really did have to work hard to survive. Nothing was just handed to them!
My only real disappointment was reaching the last page to find that it ends on a cliffhanger. But that's a personal gripe of mine. I hate being teased. LOL!
I can't wait for the release of book two in the series. Trinity Dunn is a new favorite of mine, and if she can write something this good as a debut novel, I'm excited to see what she comes up with next.
I expected to be thrust straight into island life but was pleasantly surprised when the author chose to include the trials and tribulations of surviving and navigating being on a life raft. After all, that's what would happen in real life if you managed to survive a plane crash. It was an excellent way for me to connect and learn the differences between the characters, making it easier to distinguish them further on in the book.
‘More of Us to the West’ didn't feel like your typical historical romance. Some moments or clues hinted that the survivors had perhaps gone back in time, but it wasn't obvious. At least not yet! Hint, hint!
It also contains a dual timeline, going back and forth from past to present, showing the reader the progression of Alaina and Chris’s relationship. For the most part, I loved it. It gave me a deeper understanding of why their troubles existed and how past trauma made Alaina who she was in the present. But there were chapters of backstory that I felt dragged. They didn't add any substance to the plot and probably could have been omitted.
As far as the romance element, it was perfectly written. The chemistry between the two main characters was on fire. I just wish they didn't say the ‘L’ word as soon as they did. There is also another romance in the spotlight during this tale. I'm pleased to say that it was very different from the main characters. There were no similarities between the two which made each romance that much more enjoyable.
The worldbuilding was obviously well thought out and planned. The author did a fantastic job with descriptions and details, making island life feel so real. Not once did I think that things were convenient. The characters really did have to work hard to survive. Nothing was just handed to them!
My only real disappointment was reaching the last page to find that it ends on a cliffhanger. But that's a personal gripe of mine. I hate being teased. LOL!
I can't wait for the release of book two in the series. Trinity Dunn is a new favorite of mine, and if she can write something this good as a debut novel, I'm excited to see what she comes up with next.
November 17, 2021
I took a gamble on this one, not knowing much about where the story was headed. But, WOW, did taking a risk on this book and author pay off. Comparing the book to specific TV shows and other books is unnecessary as other reviewers have covered that. I also think that comparisons at this stage are pure speculation. The cliff-hanger hits you suddenly and leaves you wanting more, while being oddly gratifying. Knowing that Book 2 (Feathers Floating Through Ember) will tell the other side of the story has me checking for its release every day.
I love to go looking for books that are similar to others that have impacted me emotionally. So this is one I would definitely recommend to fans of the Wanderer Series or Graham Saga by Anna Belfrage; Irina Shapiro books; and even Outlander book fans. Is it exactly the same? Nope! But the similar plot devices and pace of the storytelling, especially in the context or world/series building, are fantastic.
It has all the complex elements of previous books I have fallen in love with in the past. Compelling and relatable MCs who evolve throughout the story; a triangle of love; a colourful cast of secondary characters with detailed backstories; and many tribulations and adventures. The love stories are pretty swoon-worthy as well. This is the kind of book you go looking for in hopes of fulfilling a true "similar book fantasy."
This is my first experience with the Audible narrator Amelia Hugh. She was terrific. However, I really hope if Book 2 is being told from a predominantly male perspective, there is a good male narrator chosen.
I love to go looking for books that are similar to others that have impacted me emotionally. So this is one I would definitely recommend to fans of the Wanderer Series or Graham Saga by Anna Belfrage; Irina Shapiro books; and even Outlander book fans. Is it exactly the same? Nope! But the similar plot devices and pace of the storytelling, especially in the context or world/series building, are fantastic.
It has all the complex elements of previous books I have fallen in love with in the past. Compelling and relatable MCs who evolve throughout the story; a triangle of love; a colourful cast of secondary characters with detailed backstories; and many tribulations and adventures. The love stories are pretty swoon-worthy as well. This is the kind of book you go looking for in hopes of fulfilling a true "similar book fantasy."
This is my first experience with the Audible narrator Amelia Hugh. She was terrific. However, I really hope if Book 2 is being told from a predominantly male perspective, there is a good male narrator chosen.
May 2, 2021
I was hooked from the very beginning to the end.
Alaina Grace is such an amazing character. You want to root for her, dance with her, and give her a good shake when she needs it. But life has already done a number on her.
Even though I knew what was supposed to happen I was still surprised and left guessing with her. The twists and turns, the sorrows and joys all made this a very hard book to put down. Just when you think you know what’s going on there’s another twist. It’s well with the read and I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out.
Alaina Grace is such an amazing character. You want to root for her, dance with her, and give her a good shake when she needs it. But life has already done a number on her.
Even though I knew what was supposed to happen I was still surprised and left guessing with her. The twists and turns, the sorrows and joys all made this a very hard book to put down. Just when you think you know what’s going on there’s another twist. It’s well with the read and I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out.
June 27, 2021
15/10 ⭐️ 2/5 🔥 ⚠️TW⚠️
Just wow 😱 that cliff hanger was brutal but made all the uncertainty of this book worth it!! I’m so mad I have to wait for the second book!
Just wow 😱 that cliff hanger was brutal but made all the uncertainty of this book worth it!! I’m so mad I have to wait for the second book!
January 22, 2023
OMG WHAT AN ENDING. This book was a wild ride and I am just shook at everything that I’ve read! My mind is still trying to process all that has happened because WOW.
June 10, 2023
Duped by the high Goodreads ratings again! The nicest thing I can say about this book is that I borrowed it through Prime, so I'm not out any money.
A plane crash and a desert island stranding? That's my jam, sign me up...but no, this is definitely not it. This island that they find is magical. They never seem to run out of toiletries or clothes, they find food and water quite easily, learn to spear fish almost immediately, even making bread out of roots! There's stabbings, broken bones, gunshots, an AMPUTATION even, but after finding antibiotics in one person's suitcase they seemed to multiply, because no one died and all infections were promptly cured. There's also a phone that can't get a signal, but can still play music after 10 MONTHS on the island. Magic!
Alaina is an insufferable, selfish bitch, and all men in her vicinity seem to fall in love with her. The fact that she's a redhead is brought up multiple times. I am also a redhead and men do not throw themselves at my feet constantly. At one point Alaina says "But I've been so...neurotic and uncertain. I've been a lunatic half the time we've been out here. Why? Why do you love me? How?" These are questions that I'd like answered as well, I wanted Alaina to drown in the ocean or maybe get eaten by a shark.
There are other characters besides Alaina, but the only a couple really stood out. Jim is one, and that's because he's absurd. Apparently the author thinks people from Oklahoma speak like the comic relief from an old timey Western. The other is Anna, because she actually wanted to GET OFF THE ISLAND! The others could happily live there forever! WTF?!? Plus, Anna actually told Alaina to her face that she was a selfish bitch, and that was the best part of the book.
After finally getting to the last chapter of this endless book, there's a cliffhanger. I don't care what happens to these people (I am hoping for death by Tsunami), and I will not be reading further.
A plane crash and a desert island stranding? That's my jam, sign me up...but no, this is definitely not it. This island that they find is magical. They never seem to run out of toiletries or clothes, they find food and water quite easily, learn to spear fish almost immediately, even making bread out of roots! There's stabbings, broken bones, gunshots, an AMPUTATION even, but after finding antibiotics in one person's suitcase they seemed to multiply, because no one died and all infections were promptly cured. There's also a phone that can't get a signal, but can still play music after 10 MONTHS on the island. Magic!
Alaina is an insufferable, selfish bitch, and all men in her vicinity seem to fall in love with her. The fact that she's a redhead is brought up multiple times. I am also a redhead and men do not throw themselves at my feet constantly. At one point Alaina says "But I've been so...neurotic and uncertain. I've been a lunatic half the time we've been out here. Why? Why do you love me? How?" These are questions that I'd like answered as well, I wanted Alaina to drown in the ocean or maybe get eaten by a shark.
There are other characters besides Alaina, but the only a couple really stood out. Jim is one, and that's because he's absurd. Apparently the author thinks people from Oklahoma speak like the comic relief from an old timey Western. The other is Anna, because she actually wanted to GET OFF THE ISLAND! The others could happily live there forever! WTF?!? Plus, Anna actually told Alaina to her face that she was a selfish bitch, and that was the best part of the book.
After finally getting to the last chapter of this endless book, there's a cliffhanger. I don't care what happens to these people (I am hoping for death by Tsunami), and I will not be reading further.
January 9, 2022
WOW. To say that this book consumed me is an understatement. When I wasn’t reading it, I was constantly thinking about it. When I was sleeping, I was dreaming about it, finding myself waking up extra early in the morning so I could have the extra time to read a few more chapters before starting my day.
This book was unlike anything I’ve ever read and finding out that this is the author’s debut book I am completely blown away. She writes like a well-seasoned author. I felt like I wasn’t even reading this story but watching a movie play out in my head. I was captivated with these characters and their story of love and survival from the first page up until the last.
More Of Us To The West is easily the best book I’ve read in the past 2 years.
This book was unlike anything I’ve ever read and finding out that this is the author’s debut book I am completely blown away. She writes like a well-seasoned author. I felt like I wasn’t even reading this story but watching a movie play out in my head. I was captivated with these characters and their story of love and survival from the first page up until the last.
More Of Us To The West is easily the best book I’ve read in the past 2 years.
April 27, 2021
This book has it all. Action, romance, danger, suspense. I discovered this book due to a blurb on Facebook. Am I glad I did. I started this book on Saturday night & I finished it on Sunday. This book is one of the rare few that I didn't want to finish & I am still thinking about it. I even recommended it to one of my co-workers & I never do this at work. I am anxiously waiting for book 2. All I can say is just give this book a chance & you will be hooked just like I was.
June 30, 2021
Summbitch “Ye’ serious Hoss?” cliffhanger
a cliffhanger! Now the long wait for book 2. Pure torture
Love love Jim my favorite character
Hurry up fall
a cliffhanger! Now the long wait for book 2. Pure torture
Love love Jim my favorite character
Hurry up fall
April 6, 2022
I liked the plot, however I felt myself wanting more time with the side characters than the MC’s. I also found myself trying to finish the book to finish, rather than knowing what happens.
November 30, 2021
5 Stars
I don't even know where to start. It's almost December and I think I've finally found my favorite book of the year.
Writing: The writing in this book was phenomenal. I would never believe this was the author's debut novel. The writing style has such a perfect flow with a great combination of dialogue and internal monologues. I also loved the way the plot unfolded, with the time jumps and flashbacks.
Plot: I'm a huge sucker for the trope "stranded on a deserted island", which is what got me to download the story. Alaina and her husband Chris set out on a vacation in an effort to rekindle the spark in their marriage. Due to unforeseen circumstances, their seats are separated on the flight to Bora Bora, with Alaina seated in first class next to her childhood celebrity crush, and Chris in the back of the plane. The plane hits a freak storm, destroying the back of the plane and sending the front into the ocean. After their plane crashed in the middle of the pacific, 13 people are set adrift in a small life raft. After days of floating, the boat finally reaches the shores of a deserted island. All of the strangers are forced to work together to survive each other and the elements. There's plenty of drama, romance and mystery. Although nothing is officially confirmed in this first book, there's something not quite right with the island. I was definitely concerned with the love triangle and the "forbidden love", but I felt like it was handled perfectly. The entire timeline of the story made everything respectful and realistic. My only problem was the final pages of the story. That cliffhanger?!?!?
Characters: Alaina was a strong and complex character. As readers, we get to see Alaina experience so much and survive horrifying situations (in both the past and present). I loved how realistic not just Alaina and Chris were, but also the people stranded on the island. Just like what would happen in reality, nobody who survived the crash came out unscathed. Everyone was forced to face their own demons, which made the story all the more believable. You can't tell me people who survived a plane crash and seen so much horror would just bounce back and become the perfect survivalists. As the leading lady, Alaina was complex and embodied so many emotions. There are moments when you just want to scream at Alaina, but you can always understand why she was holding back or lashing out. Both of the men in Alaina's life were amazing and so wonderfully flawed. The flashbacks of Chris makes us understand how deep his love for Alaina was, even though the story is told only in Alaina POV. With Jack, we got to watch him fall in love with Alaina in such a different way. I love that none of the characters are perfect because it made them real. And it sure didn't hurt that there was a few steamy scenes.
Overall, this book was an amazing read. The fact that I finished over 500 pages in less than 24 hours proves that I literally couldn't put this book down. Everything about this book was so perfect, I had to rush to get this review out before the adrenaline wore off. I'm seriously dreading the book slump this will put me in, but thankfully book 2 is supposedly coming out sometime in December. I can only hope that's true, because I'm in desperate need of some answers.
I don't even know where to start. It's almost December and I think I've finally found my favorite book of the year.
Writing: The writing in this book was phenomenal. I would never believe this was the author's debut novel. The writing style has such a perfect flow with a great combination of dialogue and internal monologues. I also loved the way the plot unfolded, with the time jumps and flashbacks.
Plot: I'm a huge sucker for the trope "stranded on a deserted island", which is what got me to download the story. Alaina and her husband Chris set out on a vacation in an effort to rekindle the spark in their marriage. Due to unforeseen circumstances, their seats are separated on the flight to Bora Bora, with Alaina seated in first class next to her childhood celebrity crush, and Chris in the back of the plane. The plane hits a freak storm, destroying the back of the plane and sending the front into the ocean. After their plane crashed in the middle of the pacific, 13 people are set adrift in a small life raft. After days of floating, the boat finally reaches the shores of a deserted island. All of the strangers are forced to work together to survive each other and the elements. There's plenty of drama, romance and mystery. Although nothing is officially confirmed in this first book, there's something not quite right with the island. I was definitely concerned with the love triangle and the "forbidden love", but I felt like it was handled perfectly. The entire timeline of the story made everything respectful and realistic. My only problem was the final pages of the story. That cliffhanger?!?!?
Characters: Alaina was a strong and complex character. As readers, we get to see Alaina experience so much and survive horrifying situations (in both the past and present). I loved how realistic not just Alaina and Chris were, but also the people stranded on the island. Just like what would happen in reality, nobody who survived the crash came out unscathed. Everyone was forced to face their own demons, which made the story all the more believable. You can't tell me people who survived a plane crash and seen so much horror would just bounce back and become the perfect survivalists. As the leading lady, Alaina was complex and embodied so many emotions. There are moments when you just want to scream at Alaina, but you can always understand why she was holding back or lashing out. Both of the men in Alaina's life were amazing and so wonderfully flawed. The flashbacks of Chris makes us understand how deep his love for Alaina was, even though the story is told only in Alaina POV. With Jack, we got to watch him fall in love with Alaina in such a different way. I love that none of the characters are perfect because it made them real. And it sure didn't hurt that there was a few steamy scenes.
Overall, this book was an amazing read. The fact that I finished over 500 pages in less than 24 hours proves that I literally couldn't put this book down. Everything about this book was so perfect, I had to rush to get this review out before the adrenaline wore off. I'm seriously dreading the book slump this will put me in, but thankfully book 2 is supposedly coming out sometime in December. I can only hope that's true, because I'm in desperate need of some answers.
September 4, 2021
Y’all, I haven’t read anything like this book before and it was super refreshing.
This book follows Alaina who is in a plane crash on the way to the vacation that was supposed to save her marriage.
The story is intriguing to say the least, your girl is pretty good at predicting shit and I still have no clue what’s happening, but in the best way. It’s been ages since I read a book that had me so unsure as to how it was going to end and I loved it.
I also have to say that the supporting characters in this book are phenominal. It does found family so well and I was unprepared to like everyone as much as I did.
I like going into a book as blind as possible so I’ll leave it at this: think all the Lost vibes with All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover mixed in. Sounds weird but the angst with the unique premise totally worked for me.
This series is unfinished and this book ends in one hell of a cliffhanger.
I feel the need to warn y’all, this is different from the books I normally read and recommend.
I won’t lie, its probably the least spicy I’ve read in a while, but not all books are about the spice y’all. If you’re here for a good story and angst, this book delivers!
Don’t get me wrong, there is spice just not as much as you may come to expect from my recs.
This book follows Alaina who is in a plane crash on the way to the vacation that was supposed to save her marriage.
The story is intriguing to say the least, your girl is pretty good at predicting shit and I still have no clue what’s happening, but in the best way. It’s been ages since I read a book that had me so unsure as to how it was going to end and I loved it.
I also have to say that the supporting characters in this book are phenominal. It does found family so well and I was unprepared to like everyone as much as I did.
I like going into a book as blind as possible so I’ll leave it at this: think all the Lost vibes with All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover mixed in. Sounds weird but the angst with the unique premise totally worked for me.
This series is unfinished and this book ends in one hell of a cliffhanger.
I feel the need to warn y’all, this is different from the books I normally read and recommend.
I won’t lie, its probably the least spicy I’ve read in a while, but not all books are about the spice y’all. If you’re here for a good story and angst, this book delivers!
Don’t get me wrong, there is spice just not as much as you may come to expect from my recs.
July 6, 2024
Just to get this out there right off the bat ... this book is loooooong. Almost 700 pages. And like most 500+ page books in our modern era, it could have used some trimming. There was no reason for it to be quite so long. But, having said that, I never felt bored by the reading. I never felt like things got bogged down. I kept grabbing the book to see what happened next. Maybe this has to do with my sweet spot for castaway book plots. They fascinate me. What would you do to survive if you were thrown onto a deserted island with no contact from the outside world for an extended time? How would that change/create group dynamics when faced with such a dilemma? In this case, this group manages to land themselves on an island stocked with a bootlegger's/transporter's supplies of alcohol/clothing/tools/etc that make life easier. They also are lucky enough to have someone with them who seems to know everything about the local flora and fauna that make it possible for them to create amazing meals from scratch without a problem. I'm not sure what sort of things are stocked in an emergency life raft on a plane, but it seemed like they had a ton of perfect items to get them through months and months of isolation. Need a way to store and transport water? No problem. Glass bottles galore appear all the time. Need to have new clothes to wear? No problem. Some of the people can magically sew beautiful new garments all the time. Makeup aplenty seems to be there. There is even an iphone that manages to keep a charge enough to play a romantic song a year into the ordeal. Hooray! But I didn't mind. I was happy to suspend belief enough to just enjoy the ride.
Some thoughts ...
The main character and 1st person narrator for this story is Alaina, and, I have to admit, she could be hard to love at first. In fact, I kind of hated her. As the story begins she is heading off on a delayed honeymoon with her husband of ten years who she obviously cannot stand. This marriage seems to be a lost cause from the start, but things get much more complicated when the couple gets separated for the flight. Something happens to cause catastrophic failure in the plane. While the front half of the plane with Alaina stays intact enough to get the occupants into a life raft, the back half with her husband, Chris, seems to have been destroyed. Now Alaina is on a raft with a group of strangers who have to work together to survive. Alaina is obviously conflicted in her feelings for her husband because she seems to be devastated that he is probably dead, even though she spent all of the time we saw them together thinking horrible thoughts about him. But they have been married for ten years. There is probably more to this story. And there is. This story is told in an interesting way, alternating between present day scenes on the island and scenes involving the growth of the relationship between Alaina and Chris. What a beautiful relationship they had to start! Chris is/was a sweetheart of the highest magnitude. It is obvious that something terrible must have happened to ruin what seemed like a perfect marriage. And it was terrible. Not to diminish the thing that was the beginning of the end of their happy relationship (no spoilers here!), but what really happened was that Alaina went into a DEEP depression after this event, and she pushed everyone away, including Chris. She was HORRIBLE to him, and at some point it was too much. They fell apart. It was interesting to see the growth and decline of their relationship juxtaposed with the rise of Alaina's relationship with Jack. Two very different relationships ... both wonderful. But the Alaina pre-tragedy is a different Alaina than the one who found herself as a castaway with a group of strangers. She needed the chance to heal, and this disaster provided her that much needed balm to her soul. While I sort of hated the Alaina at the beginning of the book, I ended up (mostly) liking the Alaina at the end.
I REALLY liked both Chris and Jack. Chris exists simply as a memory for most of this story, but it is obvious that he is lovely in almost every way. In another life without the giant tragedy that threw their marriage into shambles, Chris and Alaina would have been the perfect couple with the perfect HEA. In another world Jack wouldn't have taken two seconds to notice Alaina, but in this one he sees her and loves her and is just what she needs to heal her heart and find hope again. I did like them both, but I was rooting for Jack all the way in this book. I want him to get his HEA.
I happened to see the blurb for book two in this series, so I wasn't totally shocked by the giant cliffhanger at the end of this book, but be forewarned ... there is a whopper of a cliffhanger. Despite there being 600+ pages in this book, we are obviously only at the beginning of this story. There are some crazy things going on, and we haven't even scratched the surface of what they might be. They are alluded to in this book, but it hasn't been revealed yet.
I thought that I was just going to read this first book of the series and call it good, but I can't. I want to know what happens next. I want to see WHY things are happening. I am a little (ok, A LOT) worried about the direction this story is getting ready to take, based on the cliffhanger. I have a feeling I am going to be REALLY irritated with Alaina and her inability to just make a decision in her life. But I'm hoping for the best. I generally like the supporting characters in the book, despite the stereotypical nature of many of them. I have met my fair share of humble, poorly educated, backwoods people in my life, and none of them sound anything like Jimmy. His characterization is WAY over the top, but I'll forgive this fault and tendency in Trinity Dunn's writing to create cartoon versions of everybody. It all seems to work out in the end, and I forget about this as I just immerse myself in their stories and root for their continued survival. I'm off to read book two ... also almost 700 pages long (sigh). I'm hoping it keeps up the level of engagement created in the first book. I'll give this four strong stars. I really liked it.
Some thoughts ...
The main character and 1st person narrator for this story is Alaina, and, I have to admit, she could be hard to love at first. In fact, I kind of hated her. As the story begins she is heading off on a delayed honeymoon with her husband of ten years who she obviously cannot stand. This marriage seems to be a lost cause from the start, but things get much more complicated when the couple gets separated for the flight. Something happens to cause catastrophic failure in the plane. While the front half of the plane with Alaina stays intact enough to get the occupants into a life raft, the back half with her husband, Chris, seems to have been destroyed. Now Alaina is on a raft with a group of strangers who have to work together to survive. Alaina is obviously conflicted in her feelings for her husband because she seems to be devastated that he is probably dead, even though she spent all of the time we saw them together thinking horrible thoughts about him. But they have been married for ten years. There is probably more to this story. And there is. This story is told in an interesting way, alternating between present day scenes on the island and scenes involving the growth of the relationship between Alaina and Chris. What a beautiful relationship they had to start! Chris is/was a sweetheart of the highest magnitude. It is obvious that something terrible must have happened to ruin what seemed like a perfect marriage. And it was terrible. Not to diminish the thing that was the beginning of the end of their happy relationship (no spoilers here!), but what really happened was that Alaina went into a DEEP depression after this event, and she pushed everyone away, including Chris. She was HORRIBLE to him, and at some point it was too much. They fell apart. It was interesting to see the growth and decline of their relationship juxtaposed with the rise of Alaina's relationship with Jack. Two very different relationships ... both wonderful. But the Alaina pre-tragedy is a different Alaina than the one who found herself as a castaway with a group of strangers. She needed the chance to heal, and this disaster provided her that much needed balm to her soul. While I sort of hated the Alaina at the beginning of the book, I ended up (mostly) liking the Alaina at the end.
I REALLY liked both Chris and Jack. Chris exists simply as a memory for most of this story, but it is obvious that he is lovely in almost every way. In another life without the giant tragedy that threw their marriage into shambles, Chris and Alaina would have been the perfect couple with the perfect HEA. In another world Jack wouldn't have taken two seconds to notice Alaina, but in this one he sees her and loves her and is just what she needs to heal her heart and find hope again. I did like them both, but I was rooting for Jack all the way in this book. I want him to get his HEA.
I happened to see the blurb for book two in this series, so I wasn't totally shocked by the giant cliffhanger at the end of this book, but be forewarned ... there is a whopper of a cliffhanger. Despite there being 600+ pages in this book, we are obviously only at the beginning of this story. There are some crazy things going on, and we haven't even scratched the surface of what they might be. They are alluded to in this book, but it hasn't been revealed yet.
I thought that I was just going to read this first book of the series and call it good, but I can't. I want to know what happens next. I want to see WHY things are happening. I am a little (ok, A LOT) worried about the direction this story is getting ready to take, based on the cliffhanger. I have a feeling I am going to be REALLY irritated with Alaina and her inability to just make a decision in her life. But I'm hoping for the best. I generally like the supporting characters in the book, despite the stereotypical nature of many of them. I have met my fair share of humble, poorly educated, backwoods people in my life, and none of them sound anything like Jimmy. His characterization is WAY over the top, but I'll forgive this fault and tendency in Trinity Dunn's writing to create cartoon versions of everybody. It all seems to work out in the end, and I forget about this as I just immerse myself in their stories and root for their continued survival. I'm off to read book two ... also almost 700 pages long (sigh). I'm hoping it keeps up the level of engagement created in the first book. I'll give this four strong stars. I really liked it.
July 5, 2021
Not what I expected
Interesting plot idea: plane crash victims stuck on an island with a possible time warp connection (Lost anyone?). Main character, Aliana, is a self absorbed emotional basket case. Other characters aren’t much better off. Too many mishaps and broken bones that manage to heal. Won’t bother to find out what happened next.
Interesting plot idea: plane crash victims stuck on an island with a possible time warp connection (Lost anyone?). Main character, Aliana, is a self absorbed emotional basket case. Other characters aren’t much better off. Too many mishaps and broken bones that manage to heal. Won’t bother to find out what happened next.
August 19, 2022
Excellent! I really enjoyed book 1 to 3!!!!! Just an FYI- each book ends on a cliff hanger. Also, sadly, I didn't realize there is going to be a book 4....so now i must wait!
Looking forward to more from this author!
Looking forward to more from this author!
May 5, 2021
Omg write the next one already!
I can’t wait for them next one. The ending is the biggest cliff hanger and all I can say is I need the next one ASAP
I can’t wait for them next one. The ending is the biggest cliff hanger and all I can say is I need the next one ASAP
May 13, 2021
I need more!!!!!!
I am so in love with this book !!!! And if I can't get the second one I might just die!!!!
I am so in love with this book !!!! And if I can't get the second one I might just die!!!!
April 12, 2022
Castaways
Beautifully written with good characters and dialogue. It's a very detailed book with interwoven characters with good character development. The driving force behind this though is the story, it moves effortlessly and is so engaging. It kinda reminded me of lost and highlander.
It's very entertaining, romantic and there's a lot of drama whilst the characters get to know one another. Of course you form an attachment to the main ones. I'm invested enough for the next book. I loved it.
Beautifully written with good characters and dialogue. It's a very detailed book with interwoven characters with good character development. The driving force behind this though is the story, it moves effortlessly and is so engaging. It kinda reminded me of lost and highlander.
It's very entertaining, romantic and there's a lot of drama whilst the characters get to know one another. Of course you form an attachment to the main ones. I'm invested enough for the next book. I loved it.
April 19, 2021
I loved this book! I could not put it down! The story line has a little bit of everything, love, loss, joy, tears, laughter, adventure, mystery, family and plenty of twists and turns. The writing is clear and concise, draws you right in. You come to love these characters they are so completely and complexly crafted. What an accomplishment for your first book. I am anxiously awaiting book 2 and beyond!!
January 7, 2022
My sister recommended this book to me, and I'm glad she did. This is a survival story with a twist. Not to brag but I did guess the twist before hand but still. The story revolves around the cast of characters that are all stranded after their plane goes down. The author does put some effort into fleshing out her cast.
Overall this was a really good book and luckily I'm reading it right before the sequel comes out so I'll be able to get some answers!
Overall this was a really good book and luckily I'm reading it right before the sequel comes out so I'll be able to get some answers!
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