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Pre-war
“Friends forever, pinky promise.”
And we always were. I thought we always would be, but war changed that.
This is the story of us: the pikey, the fat kid, and the half breed before everything was tainted, before everything became complicated, when everything was simple.
When we had no way to know everything about this would one day be an epic story of love.
- GenresRomance
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2017
7 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Lynne
3 books35 followersNicole Lynne is the collaborative pen name for Stevie J. Cole & L.P. Lovell.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 16, 2017
Genre: General Fiction/Romance
Type: Book 0.5 from War series
POV: First Person - Multiple
Rating:
Poppy Turner was a lonely American girl who just moved to Ireland with her father. Struggling to fit in, she kept to herself until two boys noticed her.
Brandon O'Kieffe and Connor Blaine has been best friends for a long time. Even though coming from different social status and completely different personalities, both of them would always have each other's back - even with a girl between them.
I love Brandon in War Poppy with his loyalty for Connor. So to be able to see where it stemmed from is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
Their friendship was so precious, it made me want to wrap them in a cocoon do they won't get hurt by the real world when they grew up. Childhood innocence has always been my kryptonite and just thinking how it would all change made me sad lol!
Pre-war is a coming of age story that follows the lives of three best friends. It is a good background story to the main book, War Poppy.
Books in the series:
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Book 0.5 from War series
POV: First Person - Multiple
Rating:
Poppy Turner was a lonely American girl who just moved to Ireland with her father. Struggling to fit in, she kept to herself until two boys noticed her.
Brandon is mean to her, and my ma says he's trouble. I'm nice to Poppy. I like her, but she's really nice to Brandon. I don't know why.
Brandon O'Kieffe and Connor Blaine has been best friends for a long time. Even though coming from different social status and completely different personalities, both of them would always have each other's back - even with a girl between them.
I wish I could be deserving. This is a form of torture all its own—loving her but staying away for fear of ruining everything. The fact is, I need her.
I love Brandon in War Poppy with his loyalty for Connor. So to be able to see where it stemmed from is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
I know it will send me straight to hell, but I want to be like Brandon. I want to be a rebel, a pikey… because that's what Poppy likes.
Their friendship was so precious, it made me want to wrap them in a cocoon do they won't get hurt by the real world when they grew up. Childhood innocence has always been my kryptonite and just thinking how it would all change made me sad lol!
It's not fair because deep down, Brandon has the kindest heart. He's just so broken.
Pre-war is a coming of age story that follows the lives of three best friends. It is a good background story to the main book, War Poppy.
Books in the series:
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
February 24, 2017
I have to start this review by shouting from the rooftops about War Poppy (War, #1). It was the first book released in this series and its brilliant! It takes you on an emotional journey, that will stick in your throat and linger in your mind.
This book, Pre-War (War series, book #0), is the prequel and it's soul-stirring and poignant. You're given an insight into the characters that you would undoubtably have forged an attachment to.
The only criticism, and it's a small one, is that there was a part in book #1 that's refers to the timeline in book #0 and I was really looking forward to reading about it - it wasn't in the prequel. It's a personal niggling feeling that fellow (obsessive) readers will appreciate but it by no means detracts from the story.
I read book #1 first and I'm not sure whether the authors have a reading preference but I think they could be read in either order. Personally I think they should be devoured in the order they were released, book #1 then book #0.
A powerfully moving 5 stars.
This book, Pre-War (War series, book #0), is the prequel and it's soul-stirring and poignant. You're given an insight into the characters that you would undoubtably have forged an attachment to.
The only criticism, and it's a small one, is that there was a part in book #1 that's refers to the timeline in book #0 and I was really looking forward to reading about it - it wasn't in the prequel. It's a personal niggling feeling that fellow (obsessive) readers will appreciate but it by no means detracts from the story.
I read book #1 first and I'm not sure whether the authors have a reading preference but I think they could be read in either order. Personally I think they should be devoured in the order they were released, book #1 then book #0.
A powerfully moving 5 stars.
February 18, 2017
Loved it!!
February 13, 2017
Oh god my band aid just got ripped off!!
I can't get over War Poppy. I'm trying real hard but bleeding hell i can't.
This novella shows us Poppy, Connor and Brandon as children.
I love the insight into their past. It's wonderful to get a little bit of Connor. Although he wasn't in War Poppy his presence was and i loved knowing he was as special to both Poppy and Brandon as i thought he was.
Poppy has always been torn between them and it broke my heart a little more knowing that she felt that split pretty much her whole life. She was in love with these two boys. Both of them.
And finally Brandon. My beautiful broken Brandon. I don't think you're supposed to cry at this book but i bloody did! I'm not ashamed! i blubbed... AGAIN!!! To see the rubbish life he had as a child. His vile father, his living conditions. The way he thought his life was supposed to be when in reality he was so much better than that. GAH it just broke my heart all over again!!
I'm just glad that Brandon always had Connor and Poppy. Even when he did wrong they never turned their back on him or he on them.
The relationships and bonds these three had lasted a lifetime and beyond.
Just a brilliant addition to War Poppy that helps you heal maybe a tiny crack in your broken heart.
I can't get over War Poppy. I'm trying real hard but bleeding hell i can't.
This novella shows us Poppy, Connor and Brandon as children.
I love the insight into their past. It's wonderful to get a little bit of Connor. Although he wasn't in War Poppy his presence was and i loved knowing he was as special to both Poppy and Brandon as i thought he was.
Poppy has always been torn between them and it broke my heart a little more knowing that she felt that split pretty much her whole life. She was in love with these two boys. Both of them.
And finally Brandon. My beautiful broken Brandon. I don't think you're supposed to cry at this book but i bloody did! I'm not ashamed! i blubbed... AGAIN!!! To see the rubbish life he had as a child. His vile father, his living conditions. The way he thought his life was supposed to be when in reality he was so much better than that. GAH it just broke my heart all over again!!
I'm just glad that Brandon always had Connor and Poppy. Even when he did wrong they never turned their back on him or he on them.
The relationships and bonds these three had lasted a lifetime and beyond.
Just a brilliant addition to War Poppy that helps you heal maybe a tiny crack in your broken heart.
February 9, 2019
I have to start this review by shouting from the rooftops about War Poppy (War, #1). It was the first book released in this series and its brilliant! It takes you on a emotional journey, that will stick in your throat and linger in your mind.
This book, Pre-War (War series, book #0), is the prequel and it's soul-stirring and poignant. You're given an insight into the characters that you would undoubtably have forged an attachment to.
The only criticism, and it's a small one, is that there was a part in book #1 that's refers to the timeline in book #0 and I was really looking forward to reading about it - it wasn't in the prequel. It's a personal niggling feeling that fellow (obsessive) readers will appreciate but it by no means detracts from the story.
I read book #1 first and I'm not sure whether the authors have a reading preference but I think they could be read in either order. Personally I think they should be devoured in the order they were released, book #1 then book #0.
A powerfully moving 5 stars.
This book, Pre-War (War series, book #0), is the prequel and it's soul-stirring and poignant. You're given an insight into the characters that you would undoubtably have forged an attachment to.
The only criticism, and it's a small one, is that there was a part in book #1 that's refers to the timeline in book #0 and I was really looking forward to reading about it - it wasn't in the prequel. It's a personal niggling feeling that fellow (obsessive) readers will appreciate but it by no means detracts from the story.
I read book #1 first and I'm not sure whether the authors have a reading preference but I think they could be read in either order. Personally I think they should be devoured in the order they were released, book #1 then book #0.
A powerfully moving 5 stars.
February 10, 2017
I had already started reading War Poppy when I became aware of Pre-War. It was very helpful to understand the depth and intensity of the friendship between Brandon, Conner & Poppy. Now back to War Poppy!
February 12, 2017
A lovely story of 3 kids growing up together, their trials and tribulations, and how much they all mean to one another. I smiled all the way through it.
November 23, 2018
This was a great start to the War Poppy series. You get the see the 3 main characters growing up and how they bonded before joining the army.
I love all 3 characters the same, it was impossible to be swayed towards one. Poppy, Brandon and Connor were best friends from the age of ten and they each had a very different personality. Poppy was a sweet girl who loved both of her best friends equally and couldn't chose between them. Connor was the sweet guy who longed for Poppys attention but never had enough courage to act upon his feelings. Brandon was the typical lost child, brought up in a bad home with an abusive father.
Their bond was unbreakable and I loved their tight friendship. They stuck by eachother through everything.
I'm glad I read this book before starting War Poppy, it makes me feel more of a connection with the friends and understand their closeness. It broke my heart when the boys signed up but I cant wait to jump into War Poppy. (Judging by the blurb, War Poppy will hurt me even more!)
I love all 3 characters the same, it was impossible to be swayed towards one. Poppy, Brandon and Connor were best friends from the age of ten and they each had a very different personality. Poppy was a sweet girl who loved both of her best friends equally and couldn't chose between them. Connor was the sweet guy who longed for Poppys attention but never had enough courage to act upon his feelings. Brandon was the typical lost child, brought up in a bad home with an abusive father.
Their bond was unbreakable and I loved their tight friendship. They stuck by eachother through everything.
I'm glad I read this book before starting War Poppy, it makes me feel more of a connection with the friends and understand their closeness. It broke my heart when the boys signed up but I cant wait to jump into War Poppy. (Judging by the blurb, War Poppy will hurt me even more!)
May 9, 2017
Brandon, Conner and Poppy! Such a beautifully written set of characters. I loved this in depth little story into their years spent together as best friends and maybe a little more. I'm glad I read this first so I could get to know these characters, their stories and their unwavering love for one another. Even though it won't stop the heartbreak that's sure to be in War Poppy.
May 8, 2017
This story definitely helps out the back story from War Poppy. It's a great read.
March 28, 2018
This is not a current review but I absolutely loved this series! It's a great read!
March 4, 2017
I am glad I read this story before the war book as it really gives you a good insight how the three characters became friends all the way through their childhood.
I wish I would of just stayed with them as kids as the next book will pull at your heart strings in a big way.
I wish I would of just stayed with them as kids as the next book will pull at your heart strings in a big way.
February 27, 2017
What a great story to show the friendship of Poppy, Connor and Blake.
It was awesome to get an inside look at these best friends
It was awesome to get an inside look at these best friends
February 21, 2017
I think this short story is perfect. I love that it prepares us for War Poppy. It builds the relationship between all the characters. It definitely made me want more. One clicking War Poppy now.
February 17, 2017
This really gave a clear story how War & Poppy began. Connor, Brandon & Poppy's story was something that didn't just happen suddenly. Even as kids, it was clear their lives were intertwined
February 17, 2017
I really loved this story about three friends growing up together and how things evolved over the years. I can't wait to dive in to the rest of the story.
February 10, 2017
Great little prequel to War Poppy. The dynamics between the three are fun, yet serious. The love is there between all three. It may mean something different from one to the other but they are one unit, survive and cope best together.
I know War Poppy will break my heart and I'm sure I will be glad to have gotten to know Connor, Brandon and Poppy in their youth and watch them grow up, together.
Now on to War Poppy.
I know War Poppy will break my heart and I'm sure I will be glad to have gotten to know Connor, Brandon and Poppy in their youth and watch them grow up, together.
Now on to War Poppy.
February 8, 2017
A great backstory into Poppy, Brandon and Connor's childhood. The give and take that has bound them as friends, for always and forever, is so well written.
Pre-War sets the tone for War Poppy and I absolutely loved everything about. A great read no matter the order!
Pre-War sets the tone for War Poppy and I absolutely loved everything about. A great read no matter the order!
March 27, 2017
I was very excited to obtain a copy of this novella.
Poppy was a spunky little thing and I instantly liked her. There was so much classic childhood banter and it made me chuckle again and again. I could really relate to many of the situations and feelings that the friends were going through. Watching a ten year-old Brandon come around to the idea of having a girl hanging around with them was very entertaining. Their behavior was heart-warming at times and so perfectly child-like.
As they got older and feelings started emerging, I enjoyed watching their interactions. It was written perfectly.
The good and the bad that fourteen year-old Brandon goes through were very real and at times even heartbreaking.
I loved being able to read their differing thoughts and feelings for one another and their secret wants and desires.
This was a lovely story and definitely made me want to continue reading with War Poppy.
Poppy was a spunky little thing and I instantly liked her. There was so much classic childhood banter and it made me chuckle again and again. I could really relate to many of the situations and feelings that the friends were going through. Watching a ten year-old Brandon come around to the idea of having a girl hanging around with them was very entertaining. Their behavior was heart-warming at times and so perfectly child-like.
As they got older and feelings started emerging, I enjoyed watching their interactions. It was written perfectly.
The good and the bad that fourteen year-old Brandon goes through were very real and at times even heartbreaking.
I loved being able to read their differing thoughts and feelings for one another and their secret wants and desires.
This was a lovely story and definitely made me want to continue reading with War Poppy.
April 2, 2017
Excellent and emotional coming of age introduction to the characters in the War Series as they meet and grow into the young adults we'll get to know better in War Poppy.
April 17, 2017
Wow
A beautiful read. The ending had a lump on my throat.
5 beautiful stars.
This isn't what I'm used to reading by l.p. Lovell and Stevie j Cole but it's just as amazing. Give it a chance you won't be disappointed
A beautiful read. The ending had a lump on my throat.
5 beautiful stars.
This isn't what I'm used to reading by l.p. Lovell and Stevie j Cole but it's just as amazing. Give it a chance you won't be disappointed
April 24, 2017
I absolutely loved this story and found that it eased the sting in my heart after War Poppy. I don't think I have loved characters as much as these and although I laughed so much at their shenanigans, I also felt sad knowing the outcome.
I am so pleased that these authors decided to do a Pre-War novella and it was great to meet Connor. I think this series would make a great movie.
I am so pleased that these authors decided to do a Pre-War novella and it was great to meet Connor. I think this series would make a great movie.
May 2, 2017
What a great start. Loved Poppy, Bran and Con. They are thick as thieves growing up and exploring life together. Each boy owns a piece of Poppy and she owns both boys. Excited to see how book 2 goes. I have a feeling my heart is about to be broken time and time again.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews