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Calico
Coralie
Twelve years ago, I ran to stay alive.
Port Royal, South Carolina, was my home. I was born there. I fell in love there. And I nearly died there. I never thought I’d go back. Now, after so many years, I have to return to bury the man who made my life a living hell. Some nights, I used to cry myself to sleep, praying my father would die. Other nights were different. Other nights, there was him.
Callan Cross.
My first confidante. My first kiss. My first love. My first everything: Callan was the glue that held me together when everything else was falling apart. He was my savior. He was there for me whenever I needed him…
Until he wasn’t.
Every night, I’ve seen the love of my life in my sleep.
I just never thought I’d have to face him again.
Callan
Twelve years ago, I f*#@ed up big time.
Living life through a camera lens is sometimes easier than dealing with it head on. Scratch that. It’s always easier. For over a decade, I’ve been a master of my art, taking photographs all over the world. Yet despite all of the countries I’ve visited, the amazing things I’ve seen, the beautiful women I’ve screwed, my heart has remained in pieces.
Coralie’s the only woman I’ve ever loved, will ever love. And I’m determined to show her that we’re meant to be together. Even if it means unearthing the bones of the past in the process.
A lifetime and a thousand miles have stood between us.
Now, there’s no length of time I won’t wait, no distance I won’t travel, in order to make her mine.
Twelve years ago, I ran to stay alive.
Port Royal, South Carolina, was my home. I was born there. I fell in love there. And I nearly died there. I never thought I’d go back. Now, after so many years, I have to return to bury the man who made my life a living hell. Some nights, I used to cry myself to sleep, praying my father would die. Other nights were different. Other nights, there was him.
Callan Cross.
My first confidante. My first kiss. My first love. My first everything: Callan was the glue that held me together when everything else was falling apart. He was my savior. He was there for me whenever I needed him…
Until he wasn’t.
Every night, I’ve seen the love of my life in my sleep.
I just never thought I’d have to face him again.
Callan
Twelve years ago, I f*#@ed up big time.
Living life through a camera lens is sometimes easier than dealing with it head on. Scratch that. It’s always easier. For over a decade, I’ve been a master of my art, taking photographs all over the world. Yet despite all of the countries I’ve visited, the amazing things I’ve seen, the beautiful women I’ve screwed, my heart has remained in pieces.
Coralie’s the only woman I’ve ever loved, will ever love. And I’m determined to show her that we’re meant to be together. Even if it means unearthing the bones of the past in the process.
A lifetime and a thousand miles have stood between us.
Now, there’s no length of time I won’t wait, no distance I won’t travel, in order to make her mine.
256 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2016
722 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 673 reviews
August 8, 2016
This was a deeply emotional read.
"I didn't need this to be plagued by memories of the past, Coralie. I couldn't have forgotten about you even if I'd tried. The seas could have frozen over. The heavens could have come crashing down to earth. Time could have stood still, and I would never have been able to cleanse myself of you."
Coralie and Callan have a lot of history full of a beautiful teenage love but also of secrets and abuse. Their past changed them in different ways and it's time for them to finally come to terms with it.
"I wake up sometimes and I can't fucking breathe, Coralie. Just like you do. I walk down the street and I see you everywhere. Just like you see me..."
The beginning made me picture Callan in a way that I really didn't think I would end up liking him but it almost feels like that guy and the one we get to know after he goes back home are two different people. I honestly wish I hadn't been introduced to him in the way I did because I didn't like that guy.
"Just let go. Stop fighting. Stop working so hard to hate me. Hating me feels safe. I know, but loving me would be so much better. How can anything terrible come from something so beautiful? The way I love you feels beautiful to me, bluebird. It doesn't make me scared. It doesn't make me angry, or makes me feel cheated. Loving you is just part of what makes me who I am. I knew that the moment I met you, and you did, too."
I want to think of him as the guy that could say and mean those things. He goes through a period of doubt where he reacts poorly but hey, we're human. Coralie has a lot to work through and a confession that is hard to process. Through all the hurt I am glad these two can come out on the other end better for it. The plot was interesting and dealt with some strong themes including severe abuse. I'd like to say it was far-fetched but unfortunately there are real life instances of people looking the other way when faced with abuse situations. The characters were certainly flawed and I feel like this was why I connected with them. The romance was definitely hot but the emotion behind it was what made it beautiful.
"The present and the future can't chant the past," he whispers. "But the passing of time makes the pain at our backs less severe. All we have to do is fave forward and look into the light. Behind us may be dark, bluebird, but I know it in my bones. There are great things up ahead."
Safety: Callan is in a friends with benefits relationship before returning to town. Coralie has a boyfriend before she rolls in. She does cheat on her boyfriend with Callan but does not return to him at any point except to break it off. They were with others during their separation. There is no sharing. There is severe physical and emotional abuse with hints of eventual sexual tendencies if she had not left. It is difficult to read and may be a trigger.
PS: I don't normally do quotes but this one was full of really good ones lol ;) Might have to start including some.
"I didn't need this to be plagued by memories of the past, Coralie. I couldn't have forgotten about you even if I'd tried. The seas could have frozen over. The heavens could have come crashing down to earth. Time could have stood still, and I would never have been able to cleanse myself of you."
Coralie and Callan have a lot of history full of a beautiful teenage love but also of secrets and abuse. Their past changed them in different ways and it's time for them to finally come to terms with it.
"I wake up sometimes and I can't fucking breathe, Coralie. Just like you do. I walk down the street and I see you everywhere. Just like you see me..."
The beginning made me picture Callan in a way that I really didn't think I would end up liking him but it almost feels like that guy and the one we get to know after he goes back home are two different people. I honestly wish I hadn't been introduced to him in the way I did because I didn't like that guy.
"Just let go. Stop fighting. Stop working so hard to hate me. Hating me feels safe. I know, but loving me would be so much better. How can anything terrible come from something so beautiful? The way I love you feels beautiful to me, bluebird. It doesn't make me scared. It doesn't make me angry, or makes me feel cheated. Loving you is just part of what makes me who I am. I knew that the moment I met you, and you did, too."
I want to think of him as the guy that could say and mean those things. He goes through a period of doubt where he reacts poorly but hey, we're human. Coralie has a lot to work through and a confession that is hard to process. Through all the hurt I am glad these two can come out on the other end better for it. The plot was interesting and dealt with some strong themes including severe abuse. I'd like to say it was far-fetched but unfortunately there are real life instances of people looking the other way when faced with abuse situations. The characters were certainly flawed and I feel like this was why I connected with them. The romance was definitely hot but the emotion behind it was what made it beautiful.
"The present and the future can't chant the past," he whispers. "But the passing of time makes the pain at our backs less severe. All we have to do is fave forward and look into the light. Behind us may be dark, bluebird, but I know it in my bones. There are great things up ahead."
Safety: Callan is in a friends with benefits relationship before returning to town. Coralie has a boyfriend before she rolls in. She does cheat on her boyfriend with Callan but does not return to him at any point except to break it off. They were with others during their separation. There is no sharing. There is severe physical and emotional abuse with hints of eventual sexual tendencies if she had not left. It is difficult to read and may be a trigger.
PS: I don't normally do quotes but this one was full of really good ones lol ;) Might have to start including some.
June 6, 2016
"They're not imperfections, Coralie. They're differences between you and the rest of the herd. They make you interesting. I like interesting.
This was my first read by Callie Hart, and a good introduction to her writing. I liked the characters she created for us and the balance between past and present. I don't typically like second chance romance books, especially not ones that go back and forth between the then and the now. But with Calico, I actually liked getting some of Callan and Coralie's past. It wasn't shown too much so it didn't feel like what happened back then was taking over the story.
I had some issues when some things would be mentioned and then never brought up again. Like Coralie apparently had an eating disorder and it was sort of mentioned a few times, but then was never heard of again. It made it seem like I wasn't getting the full story which bothered me.
Overall, I would recommend this story for anyone that likes a second chance romance, and doesn't mind the story going back to the past a few times. The relationship with Coralie and Callan was very intriguing and I think most people will enjoy it.
May 14, 2016
4 STARS
I'm a huge Callie Hart and always will be because she gave me Zeth Mayfair from the Blood & Roses Series Book One: Deviant & Fracture series. This was an emotionally intense read. Two broken souls who get a second chance but have an ocean of secrets and unsaid things between them. There were a few things that happened that were a bit out there but this is fiction after all and it certainly moved things along. The writing was great and lots of feels and angst.
This was BR with the ever-sweet Anna! Thanks darling. xo
I'm a huge Callie Hart and always will be because she gave me Zeth Mayfair from the Blood & Roses Series Book One: Deviant & Fracture series. This was an emotionally intense read. Two broken souls who get a second chance but have an ocean of secrets and unsaid things between them. There were a few things that happened that were a bit out there but this is fiction after all and it certainly moved things along. The writing was great and lots of feels and angst.
This was BR with the ever-sweet Anna! Thanks darling. xo
hell-fucking-no
April 18, 2016Pretty disappointed the author went this route. I absolutely hate when the hero leaves the heroine and sleeps with tons of other women during their separation. Not only that but there's descriptive sex with a long term fuck buddy in the book as well. He describes how he came all over her tits, how she had just gone down on him, and how he had gone down on her too.
*Sigh* another author bites the dust
*Sigh* another author bites the dust
September 17, 2025
Bluebird 💙
This was a deeply emotional story and I really liked every second.
The first books I’ve read from Callie Hart was maybe a month ago and it was a dark high school romance trilogy. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it because not all high school romances are a hit for me. But the Rebels of Raleigh High trilogy is incredible, way darker than I expected for a high school romance and from there I got CRAZY with Zeth and obviously I wanted to read about him but unfortunately she is reprinting those books and they will only be available again In January so I decided to go through her books….
From the trilogy and the other 2 books I’ve read from her I can tell she writes deeply emotional stories with men the way we love, those very devoted crazy in love men that are set on their girls and nothing else matters to them. And this book here was no different. The story is very emotional, special and Callan is or has been deeply in love with his Bluebird since high school. They spent 12 years apart but his love never faded and now that he has her around he won’t dance around the situation, he says what he feels and there’s no room for miscommunication, he already lost too much time, 12 years that wasn’t his decision.
I understood Cora’s decisions back then, she was in so much pain and so lost. She did what she had to do and that also cost her everything, she also never stopped loving him and was never happy. She just didn’t expect to ever see him again and have to confront all the pain, lies and feelings…
Very well done. I liked. Obviously I would prefer if it was a little darker, longer with more spice cause this one here was like 1🌶️ and I would like to explore more of her grief. But still a good book.
This was a deeply emotional story and I really liked every second.
The first books I’ve read from Callie Hart was maybe a month ago and it was a dark high school romance trilogy. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it because not all high school romances are a hit for me. But the Rebels of Raleigh High trilogy is incredible, way darker than I expected for a high school romance and from there I got CRAZY with Zeth and obviously I wanted to read about him but unfortunately she is reprinting those books and they will only be available again In January so I decided to go through her books….
From the trilogy and the other 2 books I’ve read from her I can tell she writes deeply emotional stories with men the way we love, those very devoted crazy in love men that are set on their girls and nothing else matters to them. And this book here was no different. The story is very emotional, special and Callan is or has been deeply in love with his Bluebird since high school. They spent 12 years apart but his love never faded and now that he has her around he won’t dance around the situation, he says what he feels and there’s no room for miscommunication, he already lost too much time, 12 years that wasn’t his decision.
I understood Cora’s decisions back then, she was in so much pain and so lost. She did what she had to do and that also cost her everything, she also never stopped loving him and was never happy. She just didn’t expect to ever see him again and have to confront all the pain, lies and feelings…
Very well done. I liked. Obviously I would prefer if it was a little darker, longer with more spice cause this one here was like 1🌶️ and I would like to explore more of her grief. But still a good book.
October 6, 2022
OK, another book where I expected too much. Why do I always do that???
I LOVE the cover. ♥ I loved the blurb. And I kinda loved our hero & heroine.
BUT - I kinda hated the writing. I wish a good American editior would've gone over the book again. There were so many missing words and wrong sentences and so much British hidden in there. I hate that. When I read a book about Americans living in America and someone says HE'S IN HOSPITAL - I want to throw the book through a window. No idea why I'm so weird with this. But I think if you're British, why not write a book about British people in London?
The story was good. A bit too 'created' though. Why didn't they just talk to each other back then. Yes, I get that they had to grow up and grow in general, but all those wasted years??? And the whole town looking the other way for 17 years? And even Cal NEVER noticing anything weird with the girl he loves??? Yup. Stupid.
And the painting? Her painting got totally lost in the story. It should be a more important part of her healing and of her life in general.
I loved the book, but I just stupidly expected more. It was all a bit boring and flat and with the writing constantly bothering me... Hm, I will definitely try Callie's next book, but I'm trying not to expexct too much next time. ☺
BUT - please don't let me scare you away from the book - most reviewers LOVED it - and you probably will too. I'm just weird with lots of things. Don't mind me. I'm leaving now.☺
I LOVE the cover. ♥ I loved the blurb. And I kinda loved our hero & heroine.
BUT - I kinda hated the writing. I wish a good American editior would've gone over the book again. There were so many missing words and wrong sentences and so much British hidden in there. I hate that. When I read a book about Americans living in America and someone says HE'S IN HOSPITAL - I want to throw the book through a window. No idea why I'm so weird with this. But I think if you're British, why not write a book about British people in London?
The story was good. A bit too 'created' though. Why didn't they just talk to each other back then. Yes, I get that they had to grow up and grow in general, but all those wasted years??? And the whole town looking the other way for 17 years? And even Cal NEVER noticing anything weird with the girl he loves??? Yup. Stupid.
And the painting? Her painting got totally lost in the story. It should be a more important part of her healing and of her life in general.
I loved the book, but I just stupidly expected more. It was all a bit boring and flat and with the writing constantly bothering me... Hm, I will definitely try Callie's next book, but I'm trying not to expexct too much next time. ☺
BUT - please don't let me scare you away from the book - most reviewers LOVED it - and you probably will too. I'm just weird with lots of things. Don't mind me. I'm leaving now.☺
April 24, 2016
3.75 Stars
April 22, 2016
3 - 3.5 Stars!!
Callie Hart is a new to me author, so I honestly didn’t know what to expect, but after reading the blurb and seeing the lovely cover I decided to give it a try. I love second chance romances and while this one didn’t turn out to be one of my favorite books with this premise I've read so far, I liked it and I’m glad I’ve discovered a new author. 'Calico' was an intense read, well-paced for the most part and equally heartbreaking and heartwarming, with some well-balanced angst and drama and a great love story that will many readers' hearts.
Coralie and Callan grew up next door to each other, but they became friends pretty late, when they were teenagers. Everything between them progressed very fast. From practically strangers they became best friends and soon after something more, falling in love with each other hard. For more than two years Coralie kept something from Callan. To protect him she suffered in silence, but eventually her pain became too much, so forced by circumstances she left their small town leaving Callan behind.
Coralie meets again Callan twelve years later when both of them are back in their hometown. While she desperately tries to escape her past and the boy, now man who used to means so much to her, Callan is ready to do anything to show Coralie that nothing changed between them, that she’s still his bluebird. He will not let her go. Not this time.
While I didn’t fully love this story, I have to say it was written pretty great. Actually the writing was one of my favorite aspects of the story. Both Coralie and Callan were well developed characters and they were likeable, if not from the beginning, as the story progressed. My heart broke for Coralie. Not only because she suffered so long without anyone knowing anything about it, but also because she was forced by circumstances to leave the one who loved the most. Callan knows what he wants. He’s determined to show Coralie that he’s the only one for her, making it clear that he still loves her and personally I liked that.
The romance between these two was great and the connection between them was palpable from the start, so expect some very hot, emotional sexy scenes.
Despite the fact that I liked this one, I had a couple of issues. First and foremost I found very hard to believe Callan and also his mother, a doctor, didn’t realize Coralie is abused physically and mentally. And I’m not talking about days or weeks…I’m talking about years. WTF?? Also, her neighbor who practically became Coralie’s protector in some way didn’t do anything to actually help the poor girl. It goes without saying I found these aspects of the story very unbelievable.
Also, some aspects of the story were OTT, others just angered me and others that were supposed to
move me, well….just didn’t.
Overall, this was just an ok read for me, but I'm sure it will be a winner for many readers!
“When Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet, he didn’t even come close to what we had.”
Callie Hart is a new to me author, so I honestly didn’t know what to expect, but after reading the blurb and seeing the lovely cover I decided to give it a try. I love second chance romances and while this one didn’t turn out to be one of my favorite books with this premise I've read so far, I liked it and I’m glad I’ve discovered a new author. 'Calico' was an intense read, well-paced for the most part and equally heartbreaking and heartwarming, with some well-balanced angst and drama and a great love story that will many readers' hearts.
“The seas could have frozen over. The heavens could have come crashing down to earth. Time could have stood still, and I would never have been able to cleanse myself of you.”
Coralie and Callan grew up next door to each other, but they became friends pretty late, when they were teenagers. Everything between them progressed very fast. From practically strangers they became best friends and soon after something more, falling in love with each other hard. For more than two years Coralie kept something from Callan. To protect him she suffered in silence, but eventually her pain became too much, so forced by circumstances she left their small town leaving Callan behind.
“I know you. I see into you. Your heart is my heart. Your breath is my breath. Your soul is my soul. Your pain…your pain is my fucking pain.”
Coralie meets again Callan twelve years later when both of them are back in their hometown. While she desperately tries to escape her past and the boy, now man who used to means so much to her, Callan is ready to do anything to show Coralie that nothing changed between them, that she’s still his bluebird. He will not let her go. Not this time.
While I didn’t fully love this story, I have to say it was written pretty great. Actually the writing was one of my favorite aspects of the story. Both Coralie and Callan were well developed characters and they were likeable, if not from the beginning, as the story progressed. My heart broke for Coralie. Not only because she suffered so long without anyone knowing anything about it, but also because she was forced by circumstances to leave the one who loved the most. Callan knows what he wants. He’s determined to show Coralie that he’s the only one for her, making it clear that he still loves her and personally I liked that.
The romance between these two was great and the connection between them was palpable from the start, so expect some very hot, emotional sexy scenes.
Despite the fact that I liked this one, I had a couple of issues. First and foremost I found very hard to believe Callan and also his mother, a doctor, didn’t realize Coralie is abused physically and mentally. And I’m not talking about days or weeks…I’m talking about years. WTF?? Also, her neighbor who practically became Coralie’s protector in some way didn’t do anything to actually help the poor girl. It goes without saying I found these aspects of the story very unbelievable.
Also, some aspects of the story were OTT, others just angered me and others that were supposed to
move me, well….just didn’t.
Overall, this was just an ok read for me, but I'm sure it will be a winner for many readers!
“Behind us may be dark, bluebird, but I know it in my bones. There are great things up ahead.”
May 2, 2016
4 “Bluebird” Stars
Coralie Taylor grew up in Port Royal, small, quiet town where everyone knows your name, but never knew Coralie’s secrets. Despite being raised by a tyrant and abusive father, Coralie manages to form a friendship with Callan Cross who later becomes her boyfriend with whom she shares many firsts. However, being with Callan as she had dreamed, doesn’t happen because she flees town as fast as she can and without a trace. Fast forward ten years, Coralie must return to her home town to bury her father and confront her worst nightmares.
Callan Cross is a fairly successful photographer who always looked at life uniquely through his lens. Growing up, he lived across the street from Coralie and always felt a pull toward her. As one of the school’s popular boys, Callan could have had his pick of girls, but he and Coralie shared a special connection. Callan’s family life wasn’t free of real problems but he had the innate trait to provide and protect and always remained true to his heart. Now living in New York, he receives news of Coralie’s father and decides to return to Port Royal to support Coralie despite her knowledge and his own shattered dreams.
As Coralie returns home, she battles old feelings of guilt, hatred, loss, fear and love. For years, she sought therapy to rid herself of destructive behavior, but now she can’t help but want to surrender to her old ways. When Callan and Coralie are first reunited, it is volatile. There is no doubt that they are still admittedly in love with each other, but Coralie fights it for fear of becoming undone and telling him the hurtful truth. Despite her fear, Coralie can’t fight how complete she feels with Callan, a feeling she always had with him from the very first time they met in the high school library. As Callan demands Coralie to acknowledge her feelings for him, details about their past are slowly revealed until Cora breaks but he is committed to help her put all the pieces back together.
This story is told in alternating point of views between Callan and Coralie and also between the past and present and it allows for deep character development and empathy. Coralie’s chapters are dark and cover disturbing events about abuse and there’s no doubt as to why Coralie made that crucial decision as a teen. While I was eager to see how Coralie and Callan can heal together in the present, the chapters focusing on their past made the most impact on me. With Callan’s loving nature, you just want him to envelope Coralie and ooze all that warmth and love into her body via osmosis (and some other ways too! Lol!)
In starting this book, I wasn’t sure what to expect since many said it is a departure from Callie’s other series. Well, that is true in that it is a heavier and a more emotion driven plot focusing on love, abuse, pain, guilt, healing and redemption. There are moments in Coralie’s life when you just want to curl up and cry with her and other times when you share in the joys of first love. Toward the ending, there was one part where I wanted a little more of resolution but I understood the symbolism of how Callan extinguished the past. The only doubt left in my mind was about The epilogue is quite special to Coralie and Callan and it felt as though they truly came full circle.
Coralie Taylor grew up in Port Royal, small, quiet town where everyone knows your name, but never knew Coralie’s secrets. Despite being raised by a tyrant and abusive father, Coralie manages to form a friendship with Callan Cross who later becomes her boyfriend with whom she shares many firsts. However, being with Callan as she had dreamed, doesn’t happen because she flees town as fast as she can and without a trace. Fast forward ten years, Coralie must return to her home town to bury her father and confront her worst nightmares.
“If my life were a movie, this would be the part where the camera pans back away from my father and me. It would be the part the director wants to spare the viewer.”
Callan Cross is a fairly successful photographer who always looked at life uniquely through his lens. Growing up, he lived across the street from Coralie and always felt a pull toward her. As one of the school’s popular boys, Callan could have had his pick of girls, but he and Coralie shared a special connection. Callan’s family life wasn’t free of real problems but he had the innate trait to provide and protect and always remained true to his heart. Now living in New York, he receives news of Coralie’s father and decides to return to Port Royal to support Coralie despite her knowledge and his own shattered dreams.
“I couldn’t have forgotten about you even if I’d tried. The seas could have frozen over. The heavens could have come crashing down to earth. Time could have stood still, and I would never have been able to cleanse myself of you.”
As Coralie returns home, she battles old feelings of guilt, hatred, loss, fear and love. For years, she sought therapy to rid herself of destructive behavior, but now she can’t help but want to surrender to her old ways. When Callan and Coralie are first reunited, it is volatile. There is no doubt that they are still admittedly in love with each other, but Coralie fights it for fear of becoming undone and telling him the hurtful truth. Despite her fear, Coralie can’t fight how complete she feels with Callan, a feeling she always had with him from the very first time they met in the high school library. As Callan demands Coralie to acknowledge her feelings for him, details about their past are slowly revealed until Cora breaks but he is committed to help her put all the pieces back together.
“The present and the future can’t change the past,” he whispers. “But the passing of time makes the pain at our backs less severe. All we have to do is face forward and look into the light. Behind us may be dark, bluebird, but I know it in my bones. There are great things up ahead.”
This story is told in alternating point of views between Callan and Coralie and also between the past and present and it allows for deep character development and empathy. Coralie’s chapters are dark and cover disturbing events about abuse and there’s no doubt as to why Coralie made that crucial decision as a teen. While I was eager to see how Coralie and Callan can heal together in the present, the chapters focusing on their past made the most impact on me. With Callan’s loving nature, you just want him to envelope Coralie and ooze all that warmth and love into her body via osmosis (and some other ways too! Lol!)
In starting this book, I wasn’t sure what to expect since many said it is a departure from Callie’s other series. Well, that is true in that it is a heavier and a more emotion driven plot focusing on love, abuse, pain, guilt, healing and redemption. There are moments in Coralie’s life when you just want to curl up and cry with her and other times when you share in the joys of first love. Toward the ending, there was one part where I wanted a little more of resolution but I understood the symbolism of how Callan extinguished the past. The only doubt left in my mind was about The epilogue is quite special to Coralie and Callan and it felt as though they truly came full circle.
May 16, 2016
I've been a huge fan of Callie Hart's ever since I met Zeth Mayfair in her Blood & Roses series. She has a way of writing and bringing characters to life in such a way that you will not forget. I was excited to hear about Calico and couldn't wait to read since this is a second chance love story. While I enjoyed this book, I will say that it felt very heavy to me.
"When Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet, he didn’t come close to what we had."
Callan Cross and Coralie Taylor both came from a small town in South Carolina. Callan is now a photographer in New York and Coralie is an artist in California. They were high school sweethearts and each other's first loves. When Coralie's father dies she finds herself going back to the small town that she ran away from ten years ago to hopefully bury the past for good.
"My heart sings and weeps with equal parts."
After Coralie's mother died, her father became physically and mentally abusive towards her. He would come home drunk constantly and beat her for no reason. She quickly learned how to hide the bruises or come up with some excuse if she couldn't. She literally suffered in silence. Boys were definitely a no no for her. Her father made that clear, but when Callan Cross bumped into her at the library and began wanting to spend time with her, she couldn't say no.
Callan lived next door to her, so he began walking her to school each day. She would sneak time to be with him when she could. Their friendship quickly turned into love as most teenage loves do, but this love was real.
But when their dreams of being together come crashing down, Coralie runs as quickly and as far from this little town as she can leaving Callan behind. She gets through life basically just floating along. When she gets back to her hometown she does her best to avoid as many people as possible, but soon runs into Callan. He'd come home for her when he had heard about her father passing. Now she's forced to face Callan and explain why she left him all those years ago.
"You can run away for ten years. You can change your hair...wear different clothes...but there's not a damn thing you can do to hide your soul from mine."
This second chance romance alternates between the present and the past giving the reader the entire story. It's also told from dual POVs which I happen to love. Any chance that I get to get both sides of the story is always a plus for me. As I mentioned before, this story was heavy to me, especially when reading about the abuse Coralie went through, so keep that in mind as it could be a trigger for some.
Originally when this book first came out I saw many mixed reviews on it. Being a fan of Callie's though I knew I was going to read it. After reading it, I find myself on the love side for this book. I especially loved the epilogue and seeing how these two were able to heal and move on to find their happiness.
"When Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet, he didn’t come close to what we had."
Callan Cross and Coralie Taylor both came from a small town in South Carolina. Callan is now a photographer in New York and Coralie is an artist in California. They were high school sweethearts and each other's first loves. When Coralie's father dies she finds herself going back to the small town that she ran away from ten years ago to hopefully bury the past for good.
"My heart sings and weeps with equal parts."
After Coralie's mother died, her father became physically and mentally abusive towards her. He would come home drunk constantly and beat her for no reason. She quickly learned how to hide the bruises or come up with some excuse if she couldn't. She literally suffered in silence. Boys were definitely a no no for her. Her father made that clear, but when Callan Cross bumped into her at the library and began wanting to spend time with her, she couldn't say no.
Callan lived next door to her, so he began walking her to school each day. She would sneak time to be with him when she could. Their friendship quickly turned into love as most teenage loves do, but this love was real.
But when their dreams of being together come crashing down, Coralie runs as quickly and as far from this little town as she can leaving Callan behind. She gets through life basically just floating along. When she gets back to her hometown she does her best to avoid as many people as possible, but soon runs into Callan. He'd come home for her when he had heard about her father passing. Now she's forced to face Callan and explain why she left him all those years ago.
"You can run away for ten years. You can change your hair...wear different clothes...but there's not a damn thing you can do to hide your soul from mine."
This second chance romance alternates between the present and the past giving the reader the entire story. It's also told from dual POVs which I happen to love. Any chance that I get to get both sides of the story is always a plus for me. As I mentioned before, this story was heavy to me, especially when reading about the abuse Coralie went through, so keep that in mind as it could be a trigger for some.
Originally when this book first came out I saw many mixed reviews on it. Being a fan of Callie's though I knew I was going to read it. After reading it, I find myself on the love side for this book. I especially loved the epilogue and seeing how these two were able to heal and move on to find their happiness.
October 23, 2016
CH has let me down! Why would she go down that route of showing "hero" with ow? So this ow had everything done intimately by him and she slept over and we are expected to believe heroine was his soulmate? Well frankly I can't get past his fuck buddy Rae and I didn't FEEL how different heroine was to him sexually.....he really disgusted me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2021
2.5 Stars
I struggled how to rate this. Parts were good (especially the last 20%) and parts were boring. Some of the plot was written well; while other parts were just dropped. (bulimia, drinking issues, partners) In a nutshell, I’m rounding up, but this isn’t a solid 3 for me.
I’m a big Callie Hart fan, but I’ve mostly read her crime/crazy people series where there’s a little OTT element, so I was interested to see her go serious. Calico is a second-chance romance for Callan and Coralie. The couple had a 2-yr HS "soul mate" relationship before they broke up.
First, I did look over some reviews (the low ratings) and there are several readers upset about OW stuff so I thought I’d give more info to help potential fence sitters. Callan and Coralie have been broken up for 12 years with zero contact. Coralie has dated some, and has a long-term BF Ben. Callan has had zero relationships and lots of sex. The book opens with his current gal, Rae laying naked on his bed after sex. There’s no sex on-page, but he thinks about some details while packing (her lips are swollen from BJ...her showing him her lady bits when they first met...etc.), but mostly how both only care about sex. This is all in the first chapter, and other than a phone call, Rae is never around again. She’s only mentioned once when they are discussing their recent sexual partners, and it’s done matter-of-factly. (no hurt feelings) Both Rae and Ben just disappear…So, if that would bother you, you could easily skip the first chapter and not miss anything impactful. Moving on…
My issues were all personal preference. I thought the bones were good; I just didn’t care for the delivery. I don’t love long separations. I’m not a huge fan of the randomly dispersed flashback method of giving us backstory. I also don’t like when we (the reader) don’t know what caused the breakup for the majority of the book. It’s teased a lot… she has a secret…she lied…it’s not what Callan thinks… which frustrated me. I need the facts to determine if it’s something I can deal with. I also felt the pacing was slow; it takes 25% for them to even reconnect. Then the middle is slow going with lots of side conversations with secondary characters. The POV changes a lot, which I do like, but sometimes it switches mid-chapter, and the only heads up is *******.
There’re a few things that didn’t seem super realistic that you’ll need to get on board with. SPOILER
Bottom Line- Reader enjoyment depends heavily on your mood, and what you accept as truth. So, while this was a miss for me, my gripes are small, and another reader could easily overlook them. My hang-ups prevented me from becoming connected to the story, so I checked out emotionally. I wasn’t invested in their story or have many feels, but others loved it. It’s free on KU, and easy to try.
** I’m doing this on my phone so I can’t check to see if this comes with a trigger warning, but readers should know there’s physical child abuse. Only one scene is very graphic, and it’s heartbreaking… and the only time I really felt much emotion.
I struggled how to rate this. Parts were good (especially the last 20%) and parts were boring. Some of the plot was written well; while other parts were just dropped. (bulimia, drinking issues, partners) In a nutshell, I’m rounding up, but this isn’t a solid 3 for me.
I’m a big Callie Hart fan, but I’ve mostly read her crime/crazy people series where there’s a little OTT element, so I was interested to see her go serious. Calico is a second-chance romance for Callan and Coralie. The couple had a 2-yr HS "soul mate" relationship before they broke up.
First, I did look over some reviews (the low ratings) and there are several readers upset about OW stuff so I thought I’d give more info to help potential fence sitters. Callan and Coralie have been broken up for 12 years with zero contact. Coralie has dated some, and has a long-term BF Ben. Callan has had zero relationships and lots of sex. The book opens with his current gal, Rae laying naked on his bed after sex. There’s no sex on-page, but he thinks about some details while packing (her lips are swollen from BJ...her showing him her lady bits when they first met...etc.), but mostly how both only care about sex. This is all in the first chapter, and other than a phone call, Rae is never around again. She’s only mentioned once when they are discussing their recent sexual partners, and it’s done matter-of-factly. (no hurt feelings) Both Rae and Ben just disappear…So, if that would bother you, you could easily skip the first chapter and not miss anything impactful. Moving on…
My issues were all personal preference. I thought the bones were good; I just didn’t care for the delivery. I don’t love long separations. I’m not a huge fan of the randomly dispersed flashback method of giving us backstory. I also don’t like when we (the reader) don’t know what caused the breakup for the majority of the book. It’s teased a lot… she has a secret…she lied…it’s not what Callan thinks… which frustrated me. I need the facts to determine if it’s something I can deal with. I also felt the pacing was slow; it takes 25% for them to even reconnect. Then the middle is slow going with lots of side conversations with secondary characters. The POV changes a lot, which I do like, but sometimes it switches mid-chapter, and the only heads up is *******.
There’re a few things that didn’t seem super realistic that you’ll need to get on board with. SPOILER
Bottom Line- Reader enjoyment depends heavily on your mood, and what you accept as truth. So, while this was a miss for me, my gripes are small, and another reader could easily overlook them. My hang-ups prevented me from becoming connected to the story, so I checked out emotionally. I wasn’t invested in their story or have many feels, but others loved it. It’s free on KU, and easy to try.
** I’m doing this on my phone so I can’t check to see if this comes with a trigger warning, but readers should know there’s physical child abuse. Only one scene is very graphic, and it’s heartbreaking… and the only time I really felt much emotion.
July 12, 2016
5 Heart-breaking, heart-wrenching, heart-warming, Bluebird Stars!!!!
“I’m not your fair weather boyfriend back in LA,” Callan growls. “... I’m not someone who’ll swallow something, simply because the words tumbled out of your mouth. I know you. I see into you. Your heart is my heart. Your breath is my breath. Your soul is my soul. Your pain… your pain is my fucking pain."
Synopsis: Callan and Coralie were neighbours who met when they were in highschool. They immediately felt an incredible pull towards eachother and soon found themselves falling in love. But Coralie hides a terrible secret, the consequences of which force her to run away, leaving a shattered Callan behind.
Twelve years later a funeral brings them together, and Callan is determined not to lose Coralie again. But as Callan fights to win her back he uncovers secrets that will change both of them forever.
The best bits: Callie Hart's writing had me totally engrossed from page one. She has the ability to create such beautifully haunting imagery, that echoed the intensity of love, pain and passion explored through this book. She expertly developed a range of characters that will stay with me forever, characters that just seemed so real to me. I could picture each one so perfectly in my head, I could see their movements, hear their voices, and feel the darkness as well as the light. I have never read a book by this author before but just one chapter made me a fan of her work.
There are so many things to love about this story. The two main characters tugged at my heart and I fell in love with both of them. Callan was an exceptional man, strong on both the inside and the outside, and his ability to see the beauty in those he loved was inspiring. He was so completely thoughtful, so romantic and ultimately so tortured but a totally sexy, demanding, alpha in the bedroom. Hot. He was. Very. Hot.
The supporting characters, particularly Friday and Amanda were scene-stealers, adding strength and security to a world full of fear and doubt. I was amazed at how well Hart could make them so real with just a line or two of dialogue, and how they perfectly balanced the mood of the story and were always used as a pre-cursor to a major plot development. They were brilliant!
Also... and you'll need to read this to understand, but the whole disposable camera idea was just the most amazing, most romantic, most beautiful, wish-I-had-done-that idea ever. Read it. You're heart will inevitably melt and soar at the same time!
The worst bit:
Recommended for: fans of dark friends-to-lovers/ second chance romances, with stunningly powerful imagery. However, some abuse scenes are quite graphic and may disturb some readers.
5 "I’m going to kiss you eventually" STARS!!!!
“I’m not your fair weather boyfriend back in LA,” Callan growls. “... I’m not someone who’ll swallow something, simply because the words tumbled out of your mouth. I know you. I see into you. Your heart is my heart. Your breath is my breath. Your soul is my soul. Your pain… your pain is my fucking pain."
Synopsis: Callan and Coralie were neighbours who met when they were in highschool. They immediately felt an incredible pull towards eachother and soon found themselves falling in love. But Coralie hides a terrible secret, the consequences of which force her to run away, leaving a shattered Callan behind.
Twelve years later a funeral brings them together, and Callan is determined not to lose Coralie again. But as Callan fights to win her back he uncovers secrets that will change both of them forever.
The best bits: Callie Hart's writing had me totally engrossed from page one. She has the ability to create such beautifully haunting imagery, that echoed the intensity of love, pain and passion explored through this book. She expertly developed a range of characters that will stay with me forever, characters that just seemed so real to me. I could picture each one so perfectly in my head, I could see their movements, hear their voices, and feel the darkness as well as the light. I have never read a book by this author before but just one chapter made me a fan of her work.
There are so many things to love about this story. The two main characters tugged at my heart and I fell in love with both of them. Callan was an exceptional man, strong on both the inside and the outside, and his ability to see the beauty in those he loved was inspiring. He was so completely thoughtful, so romantic and ultimately so tortured but a totally sexy, demanding, alpha in the bedroom. Hot. He was. Very. Hot.
The supporting characters, particularly Friday and Amanda were scene-stealers, adding strength and security to a world full of fear and doubt. I was amazed at how well Hart could make them so real with just a line or two of dialogue, and how they perfectly balanced the mood of the story and were always used as a pre-cursor to a major plot development. They were brilliant!
Also... and you'll need to read this to understand, but the whole disposable camera idea was just the most amazing, most romantic, most beautiful, wish-I-had-done-that idea ever. Read it. You're heart will inevitably melt and soar at the same time!
The worst bit:
Recommended for: fans of dark friends-to-lovers/ second chance romances, with stunningly powerful imagery. However, some abuse scenes are quite graphic and may disturb some readers.
5 "I’m going to kiss you eventually" STARS!!!!
April 21, 2016
I love Callie Hart and I loved the premise of this book. I have been a huge fan of Callie's since Zeth and when I saw she was writing something different from her usual gritty and dark norm, I couldn't wait to dive in. This was definitely a step away from her usual, and not in a bad way. If you're looking for an angsty contemporary with a little grit splashed in, I highly recommend it. I enjoyed the writing style, the angst was deliciously palpable and gripped me from the very first chapter. I love a second chance romance, and if there's angst involved, consider me done for.
Unfortunately, somewhere around the second half it began to lose me. Certain things felt too unbelievable and almost OTT. I did not like the turn the characters took towards the end and I especially didn't like the reaction that Callan had with a particular revelation. As a matter of fact, I never truly got over it or my anger with it.
Calico had a lot of emotion, a touch of grit, and a whole lot of angst. Had it not been for the aforementioned issues I had, it could have easily been a 5 star for me. But different strokes for different folks, right? So give it a shot and perhaps it may be a 5 star for you ;)
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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April 30, 2016
Calico is the emotional second-chance romance of two people who have suffered immeasurable pain. It is a heartbreaking story of loss, shame, guilt, and regret, but also a beautiful story of redemption, acceptance, and forgiveness.
Coralie and Callan are high school sweethearts who everyone believes will get married and live happily ever after. Unfortunately, there are too many secrets and lies for Coralie to stay in Port Royal. Twelve years goes by and Coralie and Callan are on opposite coasts, having no contact at all, but never forgetting what they once had. Neither have completely moved on from the other, alive but not truly living. When they return to town for Coralie’s father’s funeral, sparks still fly, but now they are more likely to cause a deadly explosion than wild passion.
My heart broke several times while reading about the pain and loss both Coralie and Callan suffered. Life has not been kind to either of them, but once they start to actually communicate with one another, healing is able to begin. While I may have been heartbroken, I feel that the highly emotional and abusive situations were handled with care and the writing reflects the total devastation of the characters. However, there were a couple of minor things that I found incongruous in the writing (no one knew about the abuse, etc), but it didn’t take me out of the story too much. I was definitely swept up in the gut-wrenching emotions of the story. It's truly a story I won't forget anytime soon.
▸ ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
▸ Order: Kindle | Paperback | iBooks
▸ For more reviews, visit
Coralie and Callan are high school sweethearts who everyone believes will get married and live happily ever after. Unfortunately, there are too many secrets and lies for Coralie to stay in Port Royal. Twelve years goes by and Coralie and Callan are on opposite coasts, having no contact at all, but never forgetting what they once had. Neither have completely moved on from the other, alive but not truly living. When they return to town for Coralie’s father’s funeral, sparks still fly, but now they are more likely to cause a deadly explosion than wild passion.
My heart broke several times while reading about the pain and loss both Coralie and Callan suffered. Life has not been kind to either of them, but once they start to actually communicate with one another, healing is able to begin. While I may have been heartbroken, I feel that the highly emotional and abusive situations were handled with care and the writing reflects the total devastation of the characters. However, there were a couple of minor things that I found incongruous in the writing (no one knew about the abuse, etc), but it didn’t take me out of the story too much. I was definitely swept up in the gut-wrenching emotions of the story. It's truly a story I won't forget anytime soon.
▸ ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
▸ Order: Kindle | Paperback | iBooks
▸ For more reviews, visit
April 30, 2016
"Like time has stopped, ground to a stubborn halt, as your soul starts singing. I fall, melt, burn and fly all at once. I kiss him back, opening my mouth to him, staggered by the intensity of emotion I feel for him as he cups my face with one hand."
I really loved this story Calico by Callie Hart. A beautiful story of Callan and Coralie. It was quite heartbreaking at times, but what an amazing journey to be a part of. A Huge fan of this book and can't wait to read more amazing titles by this author.
September 4, 2016
“—[…] Te conozco. Veo dentro de ti. Tu corazón es mi corazón. Tu aliento es mi aliento. Tu alma es mi alma. Tu dolor… tu dolor es mi maldito dolor.”
Éste libro me hizo sentir bien luego de una etapa de historias triste con finales aún más tristes que las historias, siento que puedo volver a respirar.
Calico, es la historia de las segundas oportunidades; dos personas que tuvieron un bonito pasado lleno de amor, colores y tomas fotográficas, pero eso era sólo la mínima parte de ese pasado que también estaba lleno de secretos, golpes, dolor, tristeza… perdidas, separaciones. Pasa el tiempo y por cosas de la vida, en este caso justa, y el deseo de un chico por tener otra oportunidad y no dejarla escapar esta vez lo que hace mucho tiempo se fue de su lado, se encuentran sus caminos nuevamente, pero con secretos sin revelar… ah y también fotografías y, heridas que aún no han sanado.
“Antes te amaba como un niño. Ahora planeo amarte como un hombre. ¿Sabes lo que eso significa? ¿Crees que puedes manejar la maldita cosa?"
Me gustó cada personaje, Callan es el chico que toda lectora quisiera tener, desde adolescente era un pícaro, un poco arrogante, romántico y entregado, que fijo sus ojos en Coralie, y desde allí sus almas quedaron prendadas la una de la otra, pero como en todo cuento siempre hay un antagonista, aquí no podía faltar, una persona que les causó tanto daño, más que un moretón o una paliza.
Me gustó el desarrollo de la historia, regresaba al pasado en los momentos adecuados a contar lo ocurrido y retomaba el presente de igual forma. Corta, ligera, romántica que hace que crees que para el amor siempre hay segundas oportunidades y con ello llega la felicidad y es así cuando las heridas empiezan a sanar.
Éste libro me hizo sentir bien luego de una etapa de historias triste con finales aún más tristes que las historias, siento que puedo volver a respirar.
Calico, es la historia de las segundas oportunidades; dos personas que tuvieron un bonito pasado lleno de amor, colores y tomas fotográficas, pero eso era sólo la mínima parte de ese pasado que también estaba lleno de secretos, golpes, dolor, tristeza… perdidas, separaciones. Pasa el tiempo y por cosas de la vida, en este caso justa, y el deseo de un chico por tener otra oportunidad y no dejarla escapar esta vez lo que hace mucho tiempo se fue de su lado, se encuentran sus caminos nuevamente, pero con secretos sin revelar… ah y también fotografías y, heridas que aún no han sanado.
“Antes te amaba como un niño. Ahora planeo amarte como un hombre. ¿Sabes lo que eso significa? ¿Crees que puedes manejar la maldita cosa?"
Me gustó cada personaje, Callan es el chico que toda lectora quisiera tener, desde adolescente era un pícaro, un poco arrogante, romántico y entregado, que fijo sus ojos en Coralie, y desde allí sus almas quedaron prendadas la una de la otra, pero como en todo cuento siempre hay un antagonista, aquí no podía faltar, una persona que les causó tanto daño, más que un moretón o una paliza.
Me gustó el desarrollo de la historia, regresaba al pasado en los momentos adecuados a contar lo ocurrido y retomaba el presente de igual forma. Corta, ligera, romántica que hace que crees que para el amor siempre hay segundas oportunidades y con ello llega la felicidad y es así cuando las heridas empiezan a sanar.
April 16, 2016
5 stars!
As a fan of Callie Hart, I pretty much went into this blind.
And I'm going to return the favor.
No description of the book.
No telling of what occurred.
No swooning over the hero (even though I did).
No other artwork or quotes.
Just a few short statements about how I felt about this book.
It takes a lot for a book to sucker punch me in the feel-zone. This book definitely got me right in the gut.
I laughed and I cried. Oh hell, I probably ran through every emotion while reading it. It was the perfect example of not wanting to put down.
It's content and repaired now, but my heart broke into many pieces while reading. Callie Hart did such an amazing job creating multiple layers to this story and characters.
Please read this beautiful second chance romance. I hope you love it as much as I did.
As a fan of Callie Hart, I pretty much went into this blind.
And I'm going to return the favor.
No description of the book.
No telling of what occurred.
No swooning over the hero (even though I did).
No other artwork or quotes.
Just a few short statements about how I felt about this book.
It takes a lot for a book to sucker punch me in the feel-zone. This book definitely got me right in the gut.
I laughed and I cried. Oh hell, I probably ran through every emotion while reading it. It was the perfect example of not wanting to put down.
It's content and repaired now, but my heart broke into many pieces while reading. Callie Hart did such an amazing job creating multiple layers to this story and characters.
Please read this beautiful second chance romance. I hope you love it as much as I did.
April 20, 2016
This was an intense read. There were a lot of things I loved about the story and the writing - but also struggled to understand/accept a few things. Regardless, as a whole, I found myself thoroughly invested in the story and the characters.
March 24, 2021
3,5 stars rounded up to 4
This book is about a painful love story of two soul mates who were torn apart years ago mostly because of things that were out of their control. I normally do not prefer to read second chance romance but the raw beauty of this book appealed to me.
Coralie and Callan had a pure love when they were teenagers. They were one and only for each other. Even then, Callan knew he wanted to marry her. However, Coralie was keeping a lot of secrets from him, especially about her life at home and how her father physically abused her and was on the brink of sexually abusing her. When things got out of control after a certain point, Coralie saw no other solution but leave her home and also leave Callan. She couldn’t ask him to leave with her for reasons you will see when you read the book. She had her own rationale and she thought she was doing it right but she stole his chance to decide what to do. She stole their future.
I know she was the one who suffered terrible things but she could have reported all of it. She could have asked help from her boyfriend or from her neighbors. She kept it as a secret and her father went more and more brutal on her. As he always did physical damage on the places no one would see, people didn’t understand she was brutally beaten. When she had bruises on her face, she either didn’t leave the house for a while or used make-up to cover it.
I was both sorry and angry about how their beautiful and innocent love was ruined in the hands of a sick man. I was also upset that Callan was losing his mother because of a fatal disease and was also hurting about it.
In short, life was not fair for those kids.
The book starts with their reunion after 12 years during the funeral of her father. Callan is there for her and determined to win her back but Coralie resists for a while.
*********************************************
The book goes back and fort between the past and the present and it is written in dual point of view.
The writing is mostly impressive and makes you feel. However, there are parts that are somehow boring, as well. Weird but the book is a bunch of contradictions. It is epic and intense one moment and boring and dragging another moment. I deducted -0,5 point for that!
Also, there are a few editing mistakes.
*********************************************
I loved the hero more than I loved the heroine. I think I was upset about her weakness and how she didn’t try to find a solution for so many years. I was upset about how she later refused to talk about things during therapy and how she ruined her health even worse with eating disorder and alcohol. Callan resorted to meaningless sex and hard work after losing the most precious two women in his life and I was more OK with that than what she did.
*********************************************
WARNING:
I have read that some readers hated the hero because of thinking or mentioning about other women he has been with in a vulgar way. And although I could have done without these lines I am giving you below 👇, I didn't dislike him for the things he said or thought. He was such a lovable person and such an amazing boyfriend that I just chose to ignore those bits. He is close to perfect and that’s enough for me.
Yeah, but as I said, I could have done without them and I don’t know why the writer repeated all those things times and times again so I deducted -1 point for it. 👇
Coming back here was a terrible fucking idea. I should have known better. I could be licking Rae’s uncomplicated pussy, covered in her sweet sweat right now, and instead I’m back here in this hellhole, and I don’t know what to do with myself. I was wrong before. The house doesn’t just smell like mothballs. It smells like death, too.
***
“I wake up sometimes and I can’t fucking breathe, Coralie. Just like you do. I walk down the street and I see you everywhere. Just like you see me. I find myself inside some woman I just fucking met and it’s your mouth I feel on mine, your hands I feel on my body, your voice I hear calling out my fucking name. You can’t tell me that you’re not imagining me inside you every single goddamn time you have sex with someone else, Coralie. You just can’t, because I know it’s not true.”
***
“You were the first girl I ever touched. The first girl I ever tasted. The first girl I was inside. Every single woman I’ve been with since has been a shadow of you. They’ve never been this perfect. I’ve never wanted to exhaust myself making them come with my tongue the way I’m about to do with you. I’ve never wanted to feel them tighten around my dick as they scream out my name. I’ve never wanted to feel them come all over me as I seal my body with theirs. It’s always been mechanical. My heart hasn’t been in it, because it’s been with you all along.”
IF you can stomach this 👆 and decide to read this book, you will see how wonderful a boy Callan was when he was young. When he was a teenager, he was the best of all boyfriends. He knew Coralie was the only one for him. He was her first, she was his first. He wanted to spend all his life with her.
Although Coralie left him after making a lot of bad decisions, he was never able to forget her. He never knew why she left her. His beloved mother was dying and he couldn’t go after Coralie. Callan thought she was upset about something else he did because she lied to him. Therefore, he blamed himself for it during all those years whereas, in reality, she was leaving him for other reasons.
*********************************************
Safety:
And if you wonder about cheating, when they reunited and had sex again, she still hadn’t broken up with her boyfriend and he had a fuck-buddy he hadn’t broken up with yet. If you have strict lines about this kind of cheating, then let me warn you about it, as well. I don’t mind it as long as the cheating is NOT between the hero and the heroine.
Also, during their separation of 12 years, Coralie had a few boyfriends but she never loved them. Callan had lots of meaningless fuck-buddies and never loved anyone else or never had a serious girlfriend.
*********************************************
Some QUOTES from the book
I could never forget about Coralie, the girl next door, no matter how hard I tried. Moreover, I didn’t want to. She is still the one part of my past that I haven’t jettisoned from my life. She’s either a shard of glass under myskin or the only thing that’s keeping me from losing my shit altogether, depending on the day and the time and the place. Right now, she’s the glass.
***
My mother was bedridden the last time I saw Coralie. I was standing outside her room. Mom was sleeping, and Coralie was standing in the hallway, right where I’m standing now, staring at me. I had never nor have I seen since such pain in a person’s eyes. I’d wanted to get up, to go to her, take her in my arms, tell her how sorry I was, but it was too late for that. Coralie had a bag in her hand, and I knew she was leaving. She shook her head at me and that was it. I knew The End Of Callan Cross’s Life: Part One was beginning. It took two years for Part Two to come along and crush me once and for all.
***
“I didn’t need this tattoo to be plagued by memories of the past, Coralie. I have my own brain for that. I couldn’t have forgotten about you even if I’d tried. The seas could have frozen over. The heavens could have come crashing down to earth. Time could have stood still, and I would never have been able to cleanse myself of you.”
I sit myself down on the edge of Callan’s bed, overcome with all of the love and the pain that existed between us in this room once. Some of the most formative moments of my teen years happened right here. Others took place next door in my own bedroom. One took place in my father’s basement.
***
Fuck him.
Fuck him for coming back here.
Fuck him for hurting and loving me, and looking so damn perfect, and for making me feel things I don’t want to feel.
And fuck me for what I did, too.
***
“We were never going to work out, Callan. We were bound to fall apart at some point.”
“Fucking bullshit.” He says this quietly, nonchalantly, like he’s asking me to pass the salt or something. “We were always going to work out. We were never just stupid kids, Coralie. When Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet, he didn’t even come close to what we had. You know I’m right.”
***
“I was the guy who was meant to look out for you and take care of you, and you didn’t give me the fucking chance. You lied to me, told me you were fine. You told me your father was okay with you, over protective, sure, but okay. When all the while he was manipulating you and hurting you in places no one…” He chokes on the words. “No one would ever see. I should have fucking killed him for what he did to you. I should have fucking torn him limb from limb. I should have kept you safe, but you took that opportunity from me.”
Fire courses through me, wild and unstoppable. I want to leap out of the bed and slap him so hard that his head pops off his shoulders like a rock ‘em sock ‘em robot. How dare he make what happened to me about him. I was the one who got hurt. I was the one who suffered in silence. I was the one who lived with the fear and the panic and the nightmares. “I saved you from it,” I hiss.
***
“I’m not your fair weather boyfriend back in LA,” Callan growls. “I’m not Friday. I’m not Shane or Tina. I’m not someone who’ll swallow something, simply because the words tumbled out of your mouth. I know you. I see into you. Your heart is my heart. Your breath is my breath. Your soul is my soul. Your pain…your pain is my fucking pain. So don’t expect me to believe you when you say you stopped loving me, because I looked you in the eye when you said goodbye to me, bluebird. My heart broke when yours did. My lungs stopped breathing when yours did. My soul hurt when yours did. My pain felt like it was killing me, just like yours did. You loved me then. You never stopped. You still love me now, the same way I still fucking love you.”
His mouth comes crashing down, his lips pressing hard against mine, and I feel it all at once—everything he was talking about. Our souls, hearts, bodies and minds truly as one, breaking and sealing together all over again.
I hurt for her, for everything she’s been through, but I’m also a little resentful, too. If only she’d had faith in us. If only she’d trusted me to protect her. Sure, I was a teenaged idiot at the time, but the love we had was real. I would have laid down my life for her if I’d thought for a second she was in danger. I’d have moved mountains and held back the seas if only it meant that she was safe.
***
“I know you probably won’t be able to forgive me, Callan, but you should know that I’ve regretted my decision every day since I said goodbye to you. I know I should have told you, and I know I should have stayed.”
*********************************************
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This book is about a painful love story of two soul mates who were torn apart years ago mostly because of things that were out of their control. I normally do not prefer to read second chance romance but the raw beauty of this book appealed to me.
Coralie and Callan had a pure love when they were teenagers. They were one and only for each other. Even then, Callan knew he wanted to marry her. However, Coralie was keeping a lot of secrets from him, especially about her life at home and how her father physically abused her and was on the brink of sexually abusing her. When things got out of control after a certain point, Coralie saw no other solution but leave her home and also leave Callan. She couldn’t ask him to leave with her for reasons you will see when you read the book. She had her own rationale and she thought she was doing it right but she stole his chance to decide what to do. She stole their future.
I know she was the one who suffered terrible things but she could have reported all of it. She could have asked help from her boyfriend or from her neighbors. She kept it as a secret and her father went more and more brutal on her. As he always did physical damage on the places no one would see, people didn’t understand she was brutally beaten. When she had bruises on her face, she either didn’t leave the house for a while or used make-up to cover it.
I was both sorry and angry about how their beautiful and innocent love was ruined in the hands of a sick man. I was also upset that Callan was losing his mother because of a fatal disease and was also hurting about it.
In short, life was not fair for those kids.
The book starts with their reunion after 12 years during the funeral of her father. Callan is there for her and determined to win her back but Coralie resists for a while.
*********************************************
The book goes back and fort between the past and the present and it is written in dual point of view.
The writing is mostly impressive and makes you feel. However, there are parts that are somehow boring, as well. Weird but the book is a bunch of contradictions. It is epic and intense one moment and boring and dragging another moment. I deducted -0,5 point for that!
Also, there are a few editing mistakes.
*********************************************
I loved the hero more than I loved the heroine. I think I was upset about her weakness and how she didn’t try to find a solution for so many years. I was upset about how she later refused to talk about things during therapy and how she ruined her health even worse with eating disorder and alcohol. Callan resorted to meaningless sex and hard work after losing the most precious two women in his life and I was more OK with that than what she did.
*********************************************
WARNING:
I have read that some readers hated the hero because of thinking or mentioning about other women he has been with in a vulgar way. And although I could have done without these lines I am giving you below 👇, I didn't dislike him for the things he said or thought. He was such a lovable person and such an amazing boyfriend that I just chose to ignore those bits. He is close to perfect and that’s enough for me.
Yeah, but as I said, I could have done without them and I don’t know why the writer repeated all those things times and times again so I deducted -1 point for it. 👇
Coming back here was a terrible fucking idea. I should have known better. I could be licking Rae’s uncomplicated pussy, covered in her sweet sweat right now, and instead I’m back here in this hellhole, and I don’t know what to do with myself. I was wrong before. The house doesn’t just smell like mothballs. It smells like death, too.
***
“I wake up sometimes and I can’t fucking breathe, Coralie. Just like you do. I walk down the street and I see you everywhere. Just like you see me. I find myself inside some woman I just fucking met and it’s your mouth I feel on mine, your hands I feel on my body, your voice I hear calling out my fucking name. You can’t tell me that you’re not imagining me inside you every single goddamn time you have sex with someone else, Coralie. You just can’t, because I know it’s not true.”
***
“You were the first girl I ever touched. The first girl I ever tasted. The first girl I was inside. Every single woman I’ve been with since has been a shadow of you. They’ve never been this perfect. I’ve never wanted to exhaust myself making them come with my tongue the way I’m about to do with you. I’ve never wanted to feel them tighten around my dick as they scream out my name. I’ve never wanted to feel them come all over me as I seal my body with theirs. It’s always been mechanical. My heart hasn’t been in it, because it’s been with you all along.”
IF you can stomach this 👆 and decide to read this book, you will see how wonderful a boy Callan was when he was young. When he was a teenager, he was the best of all boyfriends. He knew Coralie was the only one for him. He was her first, she was his first. He wanted to spend all his life with her.
Although Coralie left him after making a lot of bad decisions, he was never able to forget her. He never knew why she left her. His beloved mother was dying and he couldn’t go after Coralie. Callan thought she was upset about something else he did because she lied to him. Therefore, he blamed himself for it during all those years whereas, in reality, she was leaving him for other reasons.
*********************************************
Safety:
And if you wonder about cheating, when they reunited and had sex again, she still hadn’t broken up with her boyfriend and he had a fuck-buddy he hadn’t broken up with yet. If you have strict lines about this kind of cheating, then let me warn you about it, as well. I don’t mind it as long as the cheating is NOT between the hero and the heroine.
Also, during their separation of 12 years, Coralie had a few boyfriends but she never loved them. Callan had lots of meaningless fuck-buddies and never loved anyone else or never had a serious girlfriend.
*********************************************
Some QUOTES from the book
I could never forget about Coralie, the girl next door, no matter how hard I tried. Moreover, I didn’t want to. She is still the one part of my past that I haven’t jettisoned from my life. She’s either a shard of glass under myskin or the only thing that’s keeping me from losing my shit altogether, depending on the day and the time and the place. Right now, she’s the glass.
***
My mother was bedridden the last time I saw Coralie. I was standing outside her room. Mom was sleeping, and Coralie was standing in the hallway, right where I’m standing now, staring at me. I had never nor have I seen since such pain in a person’s eyes. I’d wanted to get up, to go to her, take her in my arms, tell her how sorry I was, but it was too late for that. Coralie had a bag in her hand, and I knew she was leaving. She shook her head at me and that was it. I knew The End Of Callan Cross’s Life: Part One was beginning. It took two years for Part Two to come along and crush me once and for all.
***
“I didn’t need this tattoo to be plagued by memories of the past, Coralie. I have my own brain for that. I couldn’t have forgotten about you even if I’d tried. The seas could have frozen over. The heavens could have come crashing down to earth. Time could have stood still, and I would never have been able to cleanse myself of you.”
I sit myself down on the edge of Callan’s bed, overcome with all of the love and the pain that existed between us in this room once. Some of the most formative moments of my teen years happened right here. Others took place next door in my own bedroom. One took place in my father’s basement.
***
Fuck him.
Fuck him for coming back here.
Fuck him for hurting and loving me, and looking so damn perfect, and for making me feel things I don’t want to feel.
And fuck me for what I did, too.
***
“We were never going to work out, Callan. We were bound to fall apart at some point.”
“Fucking bullshit.” He says this quietly, nonchalantly, like he’s asking me to pass the salt or something. “We were always going to work out. We were never just stupid kids, Coralie. When Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet, he didn’t even come close to what we had. You know I’m right.”
***
“I was the guy who was meant to look out for you and take care of you, and you didn’t give me the fucking chance. You lied to me, told me you were fine. You told me your father was okay with you, over protective, sure, but okay. When all the while he was manipulating you and hurting you in places no one…” He chokes on the words. “No one would ever see. I should have fucking killed him for what he did to you. I should have fucking torn him limb from limb. I should have kept you safe, but you took that opportunity from me.”
Fire courses through me, wild and unstoppable. I want to leap out of the bed and slap him so hard that his head pops off his shoulders like a rock ‘em sock ‘em robot. How dare he make what happened to me about him. I was the one who got hurt. I was the one who suffered in silence. I was the one who lived with the fear and the panic and the nightmares. “I saved you from it,” I hiss.
***
“I’m not your fair weather boyfriend back in LA,” Callan growls. “I’m not Friday. I’m not Shane or Tina. I’m not someone who’ll swallow something, simply because the words tumbled out of your mouth. I know you. I see into you. Your heart is my heart. Your breath is my breath. Your soul is my soul. Your pain…your pain is my fucking pain. So don’t expect me to believe you when you say you stopped loving me, because I looked you in the eye when you said goodbye to me, bluebird. My heart broke when yours did. My lungs stopped breathing when yours did. My soul hurt when yours did. My pain felt like it was killing me, just like yours did. You loved me then. You never stopped. You still love me now, the same way I still fucking love you.”
His mouth comes crashing down, his lips pressing hard against mine, and I feel it all at once—everything he was talking about. Our souls, hearts, bodies and minds truly as one, breaking and sealing together all over again.
I hurt for her, for everything she’s been through, but I’m also a little resentful, too. If only she’d had faith in us. If only she’d trusted me to protect her. Sure, I was a teenaged idiot at the time, but the love we had was real. I would have laid down my life for her if I’d thought for a second she was in danger. I’d have moved mountains and held back the seas if only it meant that she was safe.
***
“I know you probably won’t be able to forgive me, Callan, but you should know that I’ve regretted my decision every day since I said goodbye to you. I know I should have told you, and I know I should have stayed.”
*********************************************
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May 15, 2016
the writing style back and forth between past and present,second chance romance with groun ups that broke up,cause of tragick surcumstuncess as teens reminded me a lot of One day soon, as well as the sad and sweet tearjerker style of writing and plot. This book isnt the action hot,BDSM/violence and Mafia,trafficking kinda book,like the once i got to know Callie Heart by.This once more of a sad story that still has hope as i said vibe and writing vise it reminded me more of such tearjerker,bittersweet reads, like One Day Soon, Bright Side,Gus,than Callie's ussual books. I cant call this book exactly original even the teen pregnancie tragick miscariage were done to death before.But the book made me emotional and i did feel for both Coralie and Callan and hate her horrid father
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2016
Esta reseña puede contener spoilers!
Antes que nada quiero agradecerle a Sandy porque si no hubiera sido por ella no se si le hubiera dado una oportunidad a esta historia.
Calico es la primera lectura que leo de Callie Hart y narra la historia de amor entre Coralie y Callan.
Hace unos dias me encontre con este libro y lo primero que me llamo la atencion fue la portada, no es que sea hermosa a simple vista pero tiene algo que la hace especial, un poco atipica, aun asi al leer la sinopsis no me termine de animar a leerlo ... hasta que hace unos dias lei la reseña de Sandy, fue tan convincente que tuve unas ganas locas de leerlo y casi inmediatamente lo busque.
Los capitulos alternan entre pasado y presente para narrarnos la relacion entre la pareja protagonista, los capitulos narrados en pasado son dulces, tiernos y romanticos, nos muestra las mejores partes del primer amor ( exceptuando algunas partes realmente duras entre Coralie y su padre ), mientras que los capitulos en presente son mas maduros y serios, realmente la autora hizo un muy buen trabajo con su forma de narrarnos la historia, los capitulos se complementan unos con otros.
Reconozco que mis partes favoritas fueron las del pasado, leer sobre el amor de Callan y Coralie fue especial. Es cierto que el libro no trata un tema nuevo o uno del que otras autoras no hayan escrito pero aun asi Callie Hart consiguio una lectura amena, tierna y rapida de leer, me gusto que fuera muy fluida, el ritmo no decae en ningun momento y lo lees sin darte cuenta.
Definitivamente este no sera mi ultimo libro de la autora.
3.5 Estrellas!
May 14, 2018
4.5 bluebird stars.
Calico was my first book by Callie Hart and certainly won’t be my last. It is a modern-day romance about high school sweethearts reconnecting over a decade later. Duel point of views bouncing between current day and flashback chapters of their past. Trigger warning child abuse.
I loved Callan’s character, he was sexy and dominant without being an asshole and I adore the photography aspect he brought to the book. Coralie is flawed but lovable and overall a strong female lead.
Coralie was abused by her father as a child/teenager after her mother’s death, she hides the abuse well and doesn’t tell anyone. After a tragedy steaming from the abuse she flees her hometown and father without explaining why to her boyfriend or friends. She goes back to the small town 12 years later for her father’s funeral after he commits suicide and the love of her life Callan Cross has also returned for the service. The story follows the couple as Callan eventually learns the truth about Coralies childhood and why she left.
The writing was amazing, and I really enjoyed the story. I read the entire thing eagerly. The negatives I had that stopped it from being 5 stars though was 1. I didn’t feel like too much actually happened in the book because between all the flashbacks of the past and the duel POV’s the current storyline was only spread out over a few days (besides the epilogue). 2ndly I can never understand abuse and the reasoning behind how an abuser can harm a person with no real justification and the abusee for not telling, things could have been very different if she just spoke up. I feel like I never got justice. I wanted Malcom punished. Thirdly, there is unnecessary cheating, declining someone’s calls until they get the hint is not the same as braking up with them, especially in long term relationships.
I would recommend this to any romance lovers out there, it was steamy, emotional and touching. I really enjoyed the writing, characters and storyline.
Calico was my first book by Callie Hart and certainly won’t be my last. It is a modern-day romance about high school sweethearts reconnecting over a decade later. Duel point of views bouncing between current day and flashback chapters of their past. Trigger warning child abuse.
I loved Callan’s character, he was sexy and dominant without being an asshole and I adore the photography aspect he brought to the book. Coralie is flawed but lovable and overall a strong female lead.
Coralie was abused by her father as a child/teenager after her mother’s death, she hides the abuse well and doesn’t tell anyone. After a tragedy steaming from the abuse she flees her hometown and father without explaining why to her boyfriend or friends. She goes back to the small town 12 years later for her father’s funeral after he commits suicide and the love of her life Callan Cross has also returned for the service. The story follows the couple as Callan eventually learns the truth about Coralies childhood and why she left.
The writing was amazing, and I really enjoyed the story. I read the entire thing eagerly. The negatives I had that stopped it from being 5 stars though was 1. I didn’t feel like too much actually happened in the book because between all the flashbacks of the past and the duel POV’s the current storyline was only spread out over a few days (besides the epilogue). 2ndly I can never understand abuse and the reasoning behind how an abuser can harm a person with no real justification and the abusee for not telling, things could have been very different if she just spoke up. I feel like I never got justice. I wanted Malcom punished. Thirdly, there is unnecessary cheating, declining someone’s calls until they get the hint is not the same as braking up with them, especially in long term relationships.
I would recommend this to any romance lovers out there, it was steamy, emotional and touching. I really enjoyed the writing, characters and storyline.
December 12, 2016
I couldn't believe my eyes while reading this one. So extremely tragic! I can't even imagine what poor Coralie went through. Her young life was horrible after her mother's passing. It was unreal how much that young girl could take from her abusive father. What a tyrant! He does so many unthinkable things to her. He's just off his rocker! And, her young boyfriend, Callen, has no idea. She hides it from him very well. But, when her father does something so horrific, she decides to leave. If she didn't fear for her life so much, she would have stuck around. Callen is dealing with a heartbreaking situation of his own, and Coralie just couldn't bear to ask him to come with her. It would have been so selfish and unfair. So, after twelve years the two meet again under some undo circumstances. They both feel the emotions coming to the surface. What to do with their relationship now? And, when some horrifying secrets are revealed, Callen just doesn't know how to deal with them. Will this couple find their way back to each other?
Whew! That was one emotional book! Her emotions. His emotions. All over the place. Tears were shed. Words were expressed. And, truths finally were exchanged. I think when Callen finally learns of all the abuse that Coralie had gone through in the past, it breaks him. He knew that her father was protective, but he had no idea as to what degree that he would go to keep Coralie all to himself. He was one sick excuse for a human being.
I really enjoyed this book, but it was sad. Finally, though, in the end the couple finds some peace from all the destruction. I so so needed for them to move on. This definitely was a far cry from Ms. Hart's Blood & Roses series. Not so suspenseful. But, definitely worth the read. You won't be disappointed with this one. A little on the short side, but so much happened between those pages. So many things resolved for the better to enable this couple to be together.
"The present and the future can't change the past. But the passing of time makes the pain at our backs less severe. All we have to do is face forward and look in the light. Behind us may be dark, bluebird, but I know it in my bones. There are great things up ahead." ~ Callen (Chap. 25)
Whew! That was one emotional book! Her emotions. His emotions. All over the place. Tears were shed. Words were expressed. And, truths finally were exchanged. I think when Callen finally learns of all the abuse that Coralie had gone through in the past, it breaks him. He knew that her father was protective, but he had no idea as to what degree that he would go to keep Coralie all to himself. He was one sick excuse for a human being.
I really enjoyed this book, but it was sad. Finally, though, in the end the couple finds some peace from all the destruction. I so so needed for them to move on. This definitely was a far cry from Ms. Hart's Blood & Roses series. Not so suspenseful. But, definitely worth the read. You won't be disappointed with this one. A little on the short side, but so much happened between those pages. So many things resolved for the better to enable this couple to be together.
"The present and the future can't change the past. But the passing of time makes the pain at our backs less severe. All we have to do is face forward and look in the light. Behind us may be dark, bluebird, but I know it in my bones. There are great things up ahead." ~ Callen (Chap. 25)
May 8, 2017
Finally a book that got me out of my book stump. I loved it
September 5, 2016
**** 4.5 BLUEBIRD STARS****
Tenía cero expectativas con este libro y la verdad es que si me gustó mucho, no suelen gustarme los libros que mezclan capítulos del presente y el pasado porque me frustran quiero saber que va a pasar y en este libro no me disgustó para nada al contrario me gustó, porque saber como se conocieron como comenzaron su relación y ay me encantó; su amor de adolescente era super tierno y demasiado lindo, me hacía suspirar y que me salieran corazoncitos por los ojos y también quería saber el motivo de su separación.
Coralie: En su etapa de adolescencia era una chica tímida, pero se me hacía tan tierna y dulce y la forma en que quería a Callan aww me encantaba, en su etapa adulta era arisca con más inseguridades y no me agradaba tanto al principio sentí justificada su actitud pero conforme fue avanzando la historia y revelandose las cosas se me hacía que no tenía sentido, o sea sí pero no dirigido hacia Callan , creo que por eso bajé un poco la calificación.
Callan: Lo amé en sus dos etapas era tan lindo y no me decepcionó, sufría por todas las cosas que le pasaron creo que empaticé más con él y me encantó que fuera un fotógrafo hipster sexy
Odié al papá del Coralie, es un cabrón hijo de puta ese tipo se merecía el peor de los castigos y las torturas del mundo y ojalá que se esté quemando en el infierno no merece el perdón ni la redención
Tenía cero expectativas con este libro y la verdad es que si me gustó mucho, no suelen gustarme los libros que mezclan capítulos del presente y el pasado porque me frustran quiero saber que va a pasar y en este libro no me disgustó para nada al contrario me gustó, porque saber como se conocieron como comenzaron su relación y ay me encantó; su amor de adolescente era super tierno y demasiado lindo, me hacía suspirar y que me salieran corazoncitos por los ojos y también quería saber el motivo de su separación.
Coralie: En su etapa de adolescencia era una chica tímida, pero se me hacía tan tierna y dulce y la forma en que quería a Callan aww me encantaba, en su etapa adulta era arisca con más inseguridades y no me agradaba tanto al principio sentí justificada su actitud pero conforme fue avanzando la historia y revelandose las cosas se me hacía que no tenía sentido, o sea sí pero no dirigido hacia Callan , creo que por eso bajé un poco la calificación.
Callan: Lo amé en sus dos etapas era tan lindo y no me decepcionó, sufría por todas las cosas que le pasaron creo que empaticé más con él y me encantó que fuera un fotógrafo hipster sexy
Odié al papá del Coralie, es un cabrón hijo de puta ese tipo se merecía el peor de los castigos y las torturas del mundo y ojalá que se esté quemando en el infierno no merece el perdón ni la redención
March 7, 2018
3.5 stars
Calico was a completely different type of story than Callie Hart’s Blood & Roses series (which I absolutely loved!). That was dark and violent, whereas, this was raw and emotional, mostly.
I really don’t know what happened. I loved the first part of the book, LOVED it! I was completely consumed by the raw and emotional story. I was captivated by the writing and waiting for all the pieces of the puzzle to be put together. And I say mostly, because, for the first part, I was a freaking mess, as you can see from my few status updates (on Goodreads and Facebook). Now this is where I struggle, because unfortunately, I never found them. It was like I had all of the corner and side pieces, but the middle ones were lost. Now, if you follow my reviews, I usually just rate a book I kind of liked a 3 or 3.5 and just give a synopsis of that book, rarely do I explain what I didn't like about it. But I feel like I have to give some explanation because I was raving about how much I was loving this book.
Now, please don’t read the rest of this review, unless you have read the book because it will be majorly spoilery if you do and I don't want to ruin the book for you. That is why it is in spoiler tags!!! You have been WARNED!!
Please know, I was very close to claiming this as a top favorite of the year. Sadly, there were too many holes and loose ends. As well, I felt like we were lead on some paths that didn't go anywhere. Calico was a 5 Star read up until about 3/4 of the way through. I know many people who found this to be a 4 and 5-star worthy book and who were not as bothered by those things that I listed. So take this review for what it is, an opinion.
Calico was a completely different type of story than Callie Hart’s Blood & Roses series (which I absolutely loved!). That was dark and violent, whereas, this was raw and emotional, mostly.
I really don’t know what happened. I loved the first part of the book, LOVED it! I was completely consumed by the raw and emotional story. I was captivated by the writing and waiting for all the pieces of the puzzle to be put together. And I say mostly, because, for the first part, I was a freaking mess, as you can see from my few status updates (on Goodreads and Facebook). Now this is where I struggle, because unfortunately, I never found them. It was like I had all of the corner and side pieces, but the middle ones were lost. Now, if you follow my reviews, I usually just rate a book I kind of liked a 3 or 3.5 and just give a synopsis of that book, rarely do I explain what I didn't like about it. But I feel like I have to give some explanation because I was raving about how much I was loving this book.
Now, please don’t read the rest of this review, unless you have read the book because it will be majorly spoilery if you do and I don't want to ruin the book for you. That is why it is in spoiler tags!!! You have been WARNED!!
Please know, I was very close to claiming this as a top favorite of the year. Sadly, there were too many holes and loose ends. As well, I felt like we were lead on some paths that didn't go anywhere. Calico was a 5 Star read up until about 3/4 of the way through. I know many people who found this to be a 4 and 5-star worthy book and who were not as bothered by those things that I listed. So take this review for what it is, an opinion.
April 16, 2016
Calico is a beautiful heart-whelming story about abuse, secrets, redemption, forgiveness and second chance love.
The storyline follows Callan and Coralie in their adolescence to adulthood. They were best friends when they were younger and soon became lovers. Her strict and abusive father made life hell for her. She managed though to keep her abuse a secret from Callan. When she felt brave enough, she escaped from her abusive father in order to protect herself and the boy she cared for and deeply loved. Now, twelve years since she left, she comes back to her hometown to bury her father. Callan, also, returns to his childhood home, in order to meet her, get answers and show her that they’re destined to be together.
It’s clear that there are still deep emotions at play. The simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible and their chemistry is undeniable. Being around him makes Coralie feel more alive than she’s ever felt before.
Coralie suffered far more abuse than a young girl should. It truly broke my heart the abuse that she suffered as a young girl at the hands of the person that is supposed to protect you. Can Coralie look past her fears to allow Callan into her heart again? Can he protect the only woman he's ever loved? And, will they find their way back to each other?
The main characters come together in a touching way that makes you love them all the more. Calico is a story about two broken people and their road to healing, but also the unexpected connection found through mutual pain. I really loved the style of writing, it was very appealing and it just blew my mind. I loved Callan, it was more than obvious that he loved Coralie.
This book definitely satisfied my love of an emotionally angst read. It is full of gut wrenching moments, lots of love, and lots of turmoil. Highly recommended for fans of emotional and memorable novels.
The storyline follows Callan and Coralie in their adolescence to adulthood. They were best friends when they were younger and soon became lovers. Her strict and abusive father made life hell for her. She managed though to keep her abuse a secret from Callan. When she felt brave enough, she escaped from her abusive father in order to protect herself and the boy she cared for and deeply loved. Now, twelve years since she left, she comes back to her hometown to bury her father. Callan, also, returns to his childhood home, in order to meet her, get answers and show her that they’re destined to be together.
It’s clear that there are still deep emotions at play. The simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible and their chemistry is undeniable. Being around him makes Coralie feel more alive than she’s ever felt before.
Coralie suffered far more abuse than a young girl should. It truly broke my heart the abuse that she suffered as a young girl at the hands of the person that is supposed to protect you. Can Coralie look past her fears to allow Callan into her heart again? Can he protect the only woman he's ever loved? And, will they find their way back to each other?
The main characters come together in a touching way that makes you love them all the more. Calico is a story about two broken people and their road to healing, but also the unexpected connection found through mutual pain. I really loved the style of writing, it was very appealing and it just blew my mind. I loved Callan, it was more than obvious that he loved Coralie.
This book definitely satisfied my love of an emotionally angst read. It is full of gut wrenching moments, lots of love, and lots of turmoil. Highly recommended for fans of emotional and memorable novels.
August 23, 2017
Completely captivating!!! I love Callie Hart's writing and Calico is no exception. Some sweet scenes, several raw and difficult parts, never falling in clichés or cheesiness. The characters are exceptional and stay true to themselves all along.
This book is a beautiful story. Callie kept it simple (in a good way), which was refreshing. If you are in need of a fireworks of emotions READ IT! ;)
This book is a beautiful story. Callie kept it simple (in a good way), which was refreshing. If you are in need of a fireworks of emotions READ IT! ;)
April 19, 2016
Loved every word!
A beautifully written, second chance romance, that ventures from young loves first kiss, to physical and mental abuse, to facing those demons as an adult. Loved it!
A beautifully written, second chance romance, that ventures from young loves first kiss, to physical and mental abuse, to facing those demons as an adult. Loved it!
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