What do you think?
Rate this book
Calm Like Home
Alexa Clausen has never fallen. She’s never soared. She’s lived her entire life floating midway between passion and despondency, never experiencing those extremes. But all it takes is one evening with Adam Westbrook to draw her out of her shell, to leave her feeling bold for the first time ever. He is fiery and magnetic. He is gravitational, that inescapable pull no one can avoid. After a few chance encounters, Alexa finally accepts that she can’t stay away, can’t deny the electricity she feels every time he comes around.
But as the intensity between them deepens, she also can’t avoid the subtle hints that Adam is hiding something. His wide smile and radiant eyes obscure some burning secret, some detail of his past that resurfaces to steal his joy. The farther Alexa falls, the more she realizes just how little she really knows about Adam and how far he is willing to go to cover up the truth.
Calm Like Home is a story about love and longing, growth and stagnation, discovering one’s counterpart but losing oneself, and ultimately finding that one person truly has the power to change everything.
But as the intensity between them deepens, she also can’t avoid the subtle hints that Adam is hiding something. His wide smile and radiant eyes obscure some burning secret, some detail of his past that resurfaces to steal his joy. The farther Alexa falls, the more she realizes just how little she really knows about Adam and how far he is willing to go to cover up the truth.
Calm Like Home is a story about love and longing, growth and stagnation, discovering one’s counterpart but losing oneself, and ultimately finding that one person truly has the power to change everything.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2015
About the author
Kaisa Clark
1 book31 followersKaisa Clark is the author of the new adult novel Calm Like Home. She is passionate about reading and writing and also has an intense love for music, coffee, and dark chocolate. She lives with her amazing husband and daughter and their sweet dog and kooky cat.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 17, 2016
3.5 stars
While I didn't fall head over heels in love with this book, I found it very enjoyable. Calm like home is a sweet yet emotional, slow-burn, New Adult romance with an authentic, relatable heroine and a likeable hero.
It took me a little while to get into the story, but I loved the friends-to-lovers development and the growing chemistry between Alexa and Adam. One thing I tend to enjoy less and less these days, though, is constant hot and cold behavior within a relationship, which is why I wasn't as much into the rest of the story as I would have liked. It was just too much needless angst that could have been avoided by talking things out.
Still, I really liked the characters, the writing and the dialogues. Kaisa Clark created a quick, light read that will leave you with a content smile on your face.
Free copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
While I didn't fall head over heels in love with this book, I found it very enjoyable. Calm like home is a sweet yet emotional, slow-burn, New Adult romance with an authentic, relatable heroine and a likeable hero.
It took me a little while to get into the story, but I loved the friends-to-lovers development and the growing chemistry between Alexa and Adam. One thing I tend to enjoy less and less these days, though, is constant hot and cold behavior within a relationship, which is why I wasn't as much into the rest of the story as I would have liked. It was just too much needless angst that could have been avoided by talking things out.
Still, I really liked the characters, the writing and the dialogues. Kaisa Clark created a quick, light read that will leave you with a content smile on your face.
Free copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2015
I really enjoyed this book, it really pulls you in right from the start. Once I started it I could not put it down. The story is very touching and heartwarming. I look forward to reading more from this author.
April 23, 2016
You can read full review here
My Rating: *3.5 Stars*
Okay before I start I want to tell you that I read this book in just one sitting. Why? Because it was short(I thought) and quiet engrossing that I was not able to put it down.
Again a romance novel but I liked the story because I could relate to it, something that I experienced last year. I found it very enjoyable.
Characters : Alexa is a math student, she loves math and is someone who is not good with words. I really adored the character of Alexa.
Adam is a med student and he have this shiny personality, the one which makes everyone like him. But he also have this secretive, and unexpected side which Alexa have no idea about.
Plot : This book follows a timeline, and the relationship between Alexa and Adam take different roads and different turns with changing seasons(that was good idea) along the way.
It starts with Spring, where a friendship between Alexa and Adam grows deeper. This part of the book was sweet and fun, all sunny, bright and mellow.
Then came Summer, Summer Romance which was cute and intense. I really loved this part(I love summer romance even though I hate summers).
But with their budding romance they only had 31 days of togetherness!
With the end of summer and the start of long distance thing, things changed, they had this undefined relationship(I don’t know if it’s called a relationship or not). What I didn’t like is the lack of communication and a mature talk.
I felt it difficult to go through the long-distance relationship portion since I found what Alexa was feeling very relatable, but she was on a very different level. She turned into a non-functional human being that was nauseating, that I never went through.
Then came Winter, the time when their relationship blew. She turned into a total wreck. But I really liked the writing, and the emotions that writer poured into this book.
However as John Keats wrote these lines in his poem Ode to Autumn:
“Where are the songs of Spring? Ay, where are they?
Think not of them, theu hast thy music too,-
While barred clouds bloom the soft-dying day,
And touch the stubble-plains with rosy hue;”
This starts with the lament of the poet due to the absence of the song of spring but soon the regret is over. The setting sun with its rosy hue indicates the end of the day and also the end of the season. So, optimism over powers the apparent gloom and these lines breeds with spirit of hope and renewal of life, that if winter comes can spring be far behind!
This story is about love and second chances… and with the end of winter they do get back together.
Only thing that I didn’t like is that this book is missing a bigger picture, I wanted to know what was Adam thinking all along, I wanted to know how he felt.
I liked the friendship between Annabelle and Alexa, her best friend was very supportive…
When Adam’s secrete was reveled, that was unexpected but when I read it I totally related it with Catcher in the Rye character Holden, Subtle.
Indeed one person has power to change everything!
Will I recommend book? Yes!
I liked this book and looking forward to reading more from Kaisa Clark.
Happy Reading!
My Rating: *3.5 Stars*
Okay before I start I want to tell you that I read this book in just one sitting. Why? Because it was short(I thought) and quiet engrossing that I was not able to put it down.
Again a romance novel but I liked the story because I could relate to it, something that I experienced last year. I found it very enjoyable.
Characters : Alexa is a math student, she loves math and is someone who is not good with words. I really adored the character of Alexa.
Adam is a med student and he have this shiny personality, the one which makes everyone like him. But he also have this secretive, and unexpected side which Alexa have no idea about.
Plot : This book follows a timeline, and the relationship between Alexa and Adam take different roads and different turns with changing seasons(that was good idea) along the way.
It starts with Spring, where a friendship between Alexa and Adam grows deeper. This part of the book was sweet and fun, all sunny, bright and mellow.
Then came Summer, Summer Romance which was cute and intense. I really loved this part(I love summer romance even though I hate summers).
But with their budding romance they only had 31 days of togetherness!
With the end of summer and the start of long distance thing, things changed, they had this undefined relationship(I don’t know if it’s called a relationship or not). What I didn’t like is the lack of communication and a mature talk.
I felt it difficult to go through the long-distance relationship portion since I found what Alexa was feeling very relatable, but she was on a very different level. She turned into a non-functional human being that was nauseating, that I never went through.
Then came Winter, the time when their relationship blew. She turned into a total wreck. But I really liked the writing, and the emotions that writer poured into this book.
However as John Keats wrote these lines in his poem Ode to Autumn:
“Where are the songs of Spring? Ay, where are they?
Think not of them, theu hast thy music too,-
While barred clouds bloom the soft-dying day,
And touch the stubble-plains with rosy hue;”
This starts with the lament of the poet due to the absence of the song of spring but soon the regret is over. The setting sun with its rosy hue indicates the end of the day and also the end of the season. So, optimism over powers the apparent gloom and these lines breeds with spirit of hope and renewal of life, that if winter comes can spring be far behind!
This story is about love and second chances… and with the end of winter they do get back together.
Only thing that I didn’t like is that this book is missing a bigger picture, I wanted to know what was Adam thinking all along, I wanted to know how he felt.
I liked the friendship between Annabelle and Alexa, her best friend was very supportive…
When Adam’s secrete was reveled, that was unexpected but when I read it I totally related it with Catcher in the Rye character Holden, Subtle.
Indeed one person has power to change everything!
Will I recommend book? Yes!
I liked this book and looking forward to reading more from Kaisa Clark.
Happy Reading!
July 13, 2015
I received a copy of this book for an honest review
Alexa is a young woman who glides through life , not really letting her emotions show. She longs to feel a deep connection with someone, to love so fiercely that she breathes with force as she thinks about him. Will she ever find that love, she wonders ?
Adam is a tall, good looking guy who works with Alexa. They have a great friendship and are comfortable around each other. One day that changed when they both begin to spend time together away from work . Slowly their friendship becomes a relationship so intense that they realize they can't be without each other.
As they become closer , Alexa begins to see a dark side of Adam. He has days where he becomes distant and withdrawn. What is making Adam seem to pull away from her? She is consumed with him and her days are filled with constant thoughts of him.
When Adam returns to college, Alexa becomes depressed and knows that Adam is the one who brings her happiness, who shows her a love like she has never experienced. It is hard for both of them to be apart from each other. One evening as they are out, an altercation between Adam and another guy will show Alexa a side of Adam that scares her. Can he control his temper without hurting someone? What is this deep embedded secret that tortures Adam and makes him pull away from Alexa at times?
The author has written such an amazing story of two people that experience a love that only comes along once in a lifetime. Her words are like smooth silk as she describes the tender moments between Alexa and Adam. The story takes the reader through heartache, hurt, and a passion between two people that will leave you breathless.
I found myself so engrossed in the story as the author wrote a book filled with emotions so raw and real that you could feel their pain and their total comittment to each other. This story will stay with you long after the last word is read.The author writes this powerful passage in the book that will touch your deepest emotion and leave you with a moment that touches the core of your heart. "Love has the power to draw you out, to break you down. It can force you to feel more than you ever thought possible, sending you soaring , floating, to carefree highs."
May 20, 2016
Reading Calm Like Home was a good break from all those fantasy and dystopian novels I’ve been reading for a long while. Nothing beats the summer heat better than falling in love during summer break, and that is exactly what Calm Like Home was about. Falling in love during the hottest time of the year.
Although a little slow paced, I enjoyed reading this book. It doesn’t have that love triangles and best friend dramas which is the common trend with contemporary books. This one was purely about the main character and her feelings toward the person she thought she had always known. The main character, Alexa, tries to get to know more about Adam’s family and past, as well as struggling on how to let him know how she truly feels.
These two main characters are the image of teenage couples’ innocence when it comes to relationships. Young couples that are guarding their relationship like it’s a fragile thing, and maybe it was for Alexa and Adam.
Another thing I liked about Calm Like Home is how friendships were portrayed in the story.
What I was slightly disappointed about it was that the ending was a little subtle. I didn’t feel much impact in the end, and I wish the story didn’t mainly focus with the two characters. Yes, it was good that there wasn’t any much drama asides for the two main characters, but I wish there was more to the supporting characters, and they’re not just there so that the main character wouldn’t be alone.
But all in all, I liked Calm Like Home and it was still worth the while to read. It is definitely recommended to everyone who wants to take a little time off from fantasy novels.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from Book Buddy Author Services in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event.
Although a little slow paced, I enjoyed reading this book. It doesn’t have that love triangles and best friend dramas which is the common trend with contemporary books. This one was purely about the main character and her feelings toward the person she thought she had always known. The main character, Alexa, tries to get to know more about Adam’s family and past, as well as struggling on how to let him know how she truly feels.
These two main characters are the image of teenage couples’ innocence when it comes to relationships. Young couples that are guarding their relationship like it’s a fragile thing, and maybe it was for Alexa and Adam.
Another thing I liked about Calm Like Home is how friendships were portrayed in the story.
What I was slightly disappointed about it was that the ending was a little subtle. I didn’t feel much impact in the end, and I wish the story didn’t mainly focus with the two characters. Yes, it was good that there wasn’t any much drama asides for the two main characters, but I wish there was more to the supporting characters, and they’re not just there so that the main character wouldn’t be alone.
But all in all, I liked Calm Like Home and it was still worth the while to read. It is definitely recommended to everyone who wants to take a little time off from fantasy novels.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from Book Buddy Author Services in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event.
July 7, 2015
Originally seen on Anette The Wicked:
First of all I would like to thank Kaisa Clark for giving me a copy and entrusting me with her work. It means a lot to me.
Everyone who's been in love has been through what Alexa has gone through. Pining for someone but that someone doesn't see you for anything else other than a friend. It hurts a lot, yes. That is the sad reality for us poor, hopeless souls. Alexa is going crazy with Adam. I mean, first there's the innocent touches and pick up lines that send her heart racing to edge. She doesn't know what to make of it.
Adam decides to change that. From the boring friendship, it blooms into a fiery passionate relationship that Alexa hopes will last after the summer. I think summer has got to be the shortest time of the year ever. Just when you want it to last, it comes to end.
Past summer, they try to make it work. Even if they've confessed their true feelings for each other, Alexa feels like Adam is still hiding something from her. You give everything and you feel empty because something is missing. Love should be a give and take relationship.
When Alexa falls, I felt like I fell too. I mean, ugh, I rooted for this couple since the start of this book and now everything's falling apart. I don't like it at all. I wished that Adam had a chance to explain more of his story in this book. I mean, he eventually explained himself and I understood the meaning of the title of this book.
Nonetheless, Calm Like Home lives up to its name. It's about that kind of love you long for and the kind of love that you want to give your all even if you're scared to get hurt in the process.
First of all I would like to thank Kaisa Clark for giving me a copy and entrusting me with her work. It means a lot to me.
Everyone who's been in love has been through what Alexa has gone through. Pining for someone but that someone doesn't see you for anything else other than a friend. It hurts a lot, yes. That is the sad reality for us poor, hopeless souls. Alexa is going crazy with Adam. I mean, first there's the innocent touches and pick up lines that send her heart racing to edge. She doesn't know what to make of it.
Adam decides to change that. From the boring friendship, it blooms into a fiery passionate relationship that Alexa hopes will last after the summer. I think summer has got to be the shortest time of the year ever. Just when you want it to last, it comes to end.
Past summer, they try to make it work. Even if they've confessed their true feelings for each other, Alexa feels like Adam is still hiding something from her. You give everything and you feel empty because something is missing. Love should be a give and take relationship.
When Alexa falls, I felt like I fell too. I mean, ugh, I rooted for this couple since the start of this book and now everything's falling apart. I don't like it at all. I wished that Adam had a chance to explain more of his story in this book. I mean, he eventually explained himself and I understood the meaning of the title of this book.
Nonetheless, Calm Like Home lives up to its name. It's about that kind of love you long for and the kind of love that you want to give your all even if you're scared to get hurt in the process.
June 3, 2016
Alexa is a sweet person. She is nice to her friends, she's a loyal employee and she's a good student. Alexa doesn't have much self-confidence and thinks she is nothing special and kind of plain. She works as a waitress together with her best friend Annabel. During the summer Adam comes home and works at the restaurant as well. Alexa's had a secret crush on Adam since a long time, but feels like they are stuck in the friend zone.
Adam is a bright and positive person. He lights up the room with his smile and he is known for his people skills and everyone loves him. He also has a darker side though, a side he tries to keep hidden. In the past he had to deal with a tragic loss. Adam has a lot of trouble letting go of the pain and sadness and he also has the feeling he has failed.
Alexa and Adam are perfect for each other. This is obvious as soon as you read about them when they are spending time together. They joke around and feel at ease. Alexa and Adam both find it hard to open up and to confess how they truly feel, but because their attraction is so strong they can't keep hiding it forever.
Calm Like Home is a beautiful story. Finding your one true love is not enough. Trust has to be part of the relationship too. When one person is ready to open up it doesn't mean that the other one is ready as well. Adam is struggling with this and he makes some bad decisions to hide his darkest secret. The way the story is being told and how the everything evolves are making Calm Like Home a gripping book and I didn't want to stop reading.
Home is where the Heart is and sometimes the Heart is closer at Home than you have ever imagined. Calm like home is Free on Amazon from the 16th till the 20th of May. Don't miss out on this sweet romance.
Adam is a bright and positive person. He lights up the room with his smile and he is known for his people skills and everyone loves him. He also has a darker side though, a side he tries to keep hidden. In the past he had to deal with a tragic loss. Adam has a lot of trouble letting go of the pain and sadness and he also has the feeling he has failed.
Alexa and Adam are perfect for each other. This is obvious as soon as you read about them when they are spending time together. They joke around and feel at ease. Alexa and Adam both find it hard to open up and to confess how they truly feel, but because their attraction is so strong they can't keep hiding it forever.
Calm Like Home is a beautiful story. Finding your one true love is not enough. Trust has to be part of the relationship too. When one person is ready to open up it doesn't mean that the other one is ready as well. Adam is struggling with this and he makes some bad decisions to hide his darkest secret. The way the story is being told and how the everything evolves are making Calm Like Home a gripping book and I didn't want to stop reading.
Home is where the Heart is and sometimes the Heart is closer at Home than you have ever imagined. Calm like home is Free on Amazon from the 16th till the 20th of May. Don't miss out on this sweet romance.
August 11, 2015
Calm Like Home is a sweet romance with a bit of drama thrown in. It definitely reads like a college / new adult romance where the most important thing happening at the time is that the boy you like stopped by, and breakups are over dramatized as the end of the world. I had forgotten how simple life could be when the most you needed to worry about was getting to class on time, how your presentation in class would go, and knowing where the next party was.
This book is written in first person perspective, but solely from Alexa's point of view. I felt like I was missing big parts of the story while it was happening because I had no idea what Alex was thinking and feeling as he was going through his relationship with Alexa. It makes the book read like a journal - Alexa's journal - and I often felt like I was just an observer in Alexa's life instead of part of her life.
The one thing I didn't like in the story is that Alexa blamed herself for the breakup with Alex. She lamented that it had to be her fault because she pushed him to tell her something he wasn't ready. I don't like the message that sends to girls - that they shouldn't do anything to piss off a boyfriend because he may break up with her. She had a right to demand honesty in him and to choose not to be with him if he didn't give it to her.
Calm Like Home is an easy read that shows the ups and downs of a college romance with the added difficulty of distance and a secret the boyfriend doesn't wish to divulge. It's got drama, romance, good friends, and strife - all of the key elements of a good, dramatic romance.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is written in first person perspective, but solely from Alexa's point of view. I felt like I was missing big parts of the story while it was happening because I had no idea what Alex was thinking and feeling as he was going through his relationship with Alexa. It makes the book read like a journal - Alexa's journal - and I often felt like I was just an observer in Alexa's life instead of part of her life.
The one thing I didn't like in the story is that Alexa blamed herself for the breakup with Alex. She lamented that it had to be her fault because she pushed him to tell her something he wasn't ready. I don't like the message that sends to girls - that they shouldn't do anything to piss off a boyfriend because he may break up with her. She had a right to demand honesty in him and to choose not to be with him if he didn't give it to her.
Calm Like Home is an easy read that shows the ups and downs of a college romance with the added difficulty of distance and a secret the boyfriend doesn't wish to divulge. It's got drama, romance, good friends, and strife - all of the key elements of a good, dramatic romance.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2015
Calm Like Home is a captivating new adult romance that follows the friends to lovers relationship of Alexa Clausen and Adam Westbrook. Author Kaisa Clark weaves an emotional tale of friendship, longing, love, insecurity, losing oneself, rediscovery, and life changing experiences that will tug at the heartstrings.
Told in the first person narrative by Alexa, the reader embarks on an emotional roller coaster ride that follows the trials and tribulations of Alexa and Adam's relationship, as it goes from friendship to passionate romance. With the change of relationship status and undeniable passion also comes a sense that something is missing in their relationship when the reality of how much a person really doesn't know the other becomes clear when they do not fully share themselves.
This story easily draws the reader into the intensity of their relationship, you can't help but feel the love and the pain, and the conflicting emotions that come with the uncertainty and inner turmoil of how far will their love go, and would it or could it even last. The story is well written and slow building that it keeps the reader engaged and turning the pages, you can't help but want to know just how strong Alexa and Adam's love really is, and the conclusion will leave you simply breathless.
Calm Like Home is a realistic, touching, and deeply emotional story of love that will stay with the reader for a long time.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Obsessive Pimpettes Promotions.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Told in the first person narrative by Alexa, the reader embarks on an emotional roller coaster ride that follows the trials and tribulations of Alexa and Adam's relationship, as it goes from friendship to passionate romance. With the change of relationship status and undeniable passion also comes a sense that something is missing in their relationship when the reality of how much a person really doesn't know the other becomes clear when they do not fully share themselves.
This story easily draws the reader into the intensity of their relationship, you can't help but feel the love and the pain, and the conflicting emotions that come with the uncertainty and inner turmoil of how far will their love go, and would it or could it even last. The story is well written and slow building that it keeps the reader engaged and turning the pages, you can't help but want to know just how strong Alexa and Adam's love really is, and the conclusion will leave you simply breathless.
Calm Like Home is a realistic, touching, and deeply emotional story of love that will stay with the reader for a long time.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Obsessive Pimpettes Promotions.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
May 16, 2016
I really enjoyed this book however i didn’t LOVE it.
Kaisa Clark is such an amazing writer. Like i said i didn’t love this book but it definitely did not make me want to stop reading. Something about the writing is just so captivating that made me keep going back to reading it. I did take a long time to finish this book (about a whole month) but that was because of my exams.
This book is put into 4 parts. The Spring, The Summer, The Fall and The Winter. It is something i enjoy a lot, seeing how their relationship progress throughout the year and how the different season kind of matches with what they are going through. Something i didn’t like in this book was the ending. It felt really rushed to me.
The characters. Lex was such a fresh character. Usually you will not get such main character in New Adult books like Lex. They usually have their problems to deal with but in this book, it really just focuses on Lex having a crush on Adam. There will definitely be problems that all character faced but it really was not a big thing in Lex life.
Adam however, i didn’t like him a lot? He was really annoying from time to time. Especially during the second half of the story where he was constantly angry. I get that he have his own problems and he is trying but he didn’t have to shout at a certain someone right?
Overall i enjoy this story and i will recommend it to those who love New Adult books and it is definitely a book perfect for summer.
Kaisa Clark is such an amazing writer. Like i said i didn’t love this book but it definitely did not make me want to stop reading. Something about the writing is just so captivating that made me keep going back to reading it. I did take a long time to finish this book (about a whole month) but that was because of my exams.
This book is put into 4 parts. The Spring, The Summer, The Fall and The Winter. It is something i enjoy a lot, seeing how their relationship progress throughout the year and how the different season kind of matches with what they are going through. Something i didn’t like in this book was the ending. It felt really rushed to me.
The characters. Lex was such a fresh character. Usually you will not get such main character in New Adult books like Lex. They usually have their problems to deal with but in this book, it really just focuses on Lex having a crush on Adam. There will definitely be problems that all character faced but it really was not a big thing in Lex life.
Adam however, i didn’t like him a lot? He was really annoying from time to time. Especially during the second half of the story where he was constantly angry. I get that he have his own problems and he is trying but he didn’t have to shout at a certain someone right?
Overall i enjoy this story and i will recommend it to those who love New Adult books and it is definitely a book perfect for summer.
June 27, 2015
What an emotional roller coaster this book took me on! This book was so well written it was like the story was actually happening to me instead of the main character, Alexa.
There were a couple of times that I laughed out loud – I don’t usually do that when reading a book. There were also times I realized I had a smile on my face, goose bumps on my arms, and tears in my eyes.
Alexa and Adam have been friends for a long time and have a fun, teasing relationship with each other. Their banter is casual and funny. It’s a really sweet relationship. As their friendship grows a little deeper, we see that Alexa’s feelings for Adam are deeper than she is admitting and there are hints that Adam’s feelings may be deeper as well but we can’t confirm that. We start to see that Adam is hiding some dark secret but we only get enough info to know there is something but have no idea what it could be and if will destroy the relationship that is slowly developing.
The book was written from Alexa’s point of view so I went through all the same emotions she did – giddiness, joy, excitement, longing, and devastation. Calm Like Home definitely gave me a book hangover. I finished the book and had to get my emotions in check before I could start another book.
There were a couple of times that I laughed out loud – I don’t usually do that when reading a book. There were also times I realized I had a smile on my face, goose bumps on my arms, and tears in my eyes.
Alexa and Adam have been friends for a long time and have a fun, teasing relationship with each other. Their banter is casual and funny. It’s a really sweet relationship. As their friendship grows a little deeper, we see that Alexa’s feelings for Adam are deeper than she is admitting and there are hints that Adam’s feelings may be deeper as well but we can’t confirm that. We start to see that Adam is hiding some dark secret but we only get enough info to know there is something but have no idea what it could be and if will destroy the relationship that is slowly developing.
The book was written from Alexa’s point of view so I went through all the same emotions she did – giddiness, joy, excitement, longing, and devastation. Calm Like Home definitely gave me a book hangover. I finished the book and had to get my emotions in check before I could start another book.
July 3, 2015
Wow, let me tell you. Once I started this book, I could not put it down. Calm Like Home is a book that is about second chances, falling in love, heartbreak, and trying to move on. This book was like something that a lot of us have gone through and depicts a real life relationship.
Alexa is mesmerized by Adam. They have been friends for a long time and after Adam comes back from school, their friendships grows little by little. There are hints here and there that Adam may be hiding something from Alexa and she wants to know more about this secret, but doesn't want to push him. Until one night, she finally asks and everything falls apart. This sets Alexa up for heartbreak and she has to figure out how to move on and try to live her life without Adam in it.
Normally I'm a big person on his and her views, but with this book I am glad that it was just in Alexa's view. This gave me the chance to actually be in her shoes and feel all of the emotions that she was feeling: love, happiness, devastation, and giddiness. I did not want this book to end. It was one of those moments when I kept clicking to make sure there were not any more pages! I would really love to see another book for these two, or even a book for Annabelle! I would love to see her get her happy ending.
Alexa is mesmerized by Adam. They have been friends for a long time and after Adam comes back from school, their friendships grows little by little. There are hints here and there that Adam may be hiding something from Alexa and she wants to know more about this secret, but doesn't want to push him. Until one night, she finally asks and everything falls apart. This sets Alexa up for heartbreak and she has to figure out how to move on and try to live her life without Adam in it.
Normally I'm a big person on his and her views, but with this book I am glad that it was just in Alexa's view. This gave me the chance to actually be in her shoes and feel all of the emotions that she was feeling: love, happiness, devastation, and giddiness. I did not want this book to end. It was one of those moments when I kept clicking to make sure there were not any more pages! I would really love to see another book for these two, or even a book for Annabelle! I would love to see her get her happy ending.
May 23, 2016
***Reviewed for Amo and Sarah’s Book Corner***
Have you met that one person you centre your whole world around? Well that’s what it’s like for Alexa she’s liked Adam Westbrook for forever it seems but that feeling just intensified when they started working together at a restaurant part-time. For her Adam was her one but with him being 1 year older and already gone away to college, Lex is sure that he doesn’t feel that way, until all of a sudden he does and Lex can’t quite believe her luck. Adam’s got some secrets but Lex lets it go as Adam really is her everything…but what happens that everything crashes down around her?...
It was a sweet, lovely story of a friendship that slowly forms into a relationship and Lex and Adam fall into each other. This is an angsty, emotional kind of love story that will have rooting for Lex and Adam all the way through.
For me though it was a bit slow starting but then the end seemed rushed. But i did like the characters, I loved Lex and Adam but I also really liked Annabelle, she was a constant support system for Lex, the kind of best friend that a girl needs. I did enjoy this book in all honesty I do like NA/YA on the whole.
3.5 stars
Sarah
Have you met that one person you centre your whole world around? Well that’s what it’s like for Alexa she’s liked Adam Westbrook for forever it seems but that feeling just intensified when they started working together at a restaurant part-time. For her Adam was her one but with him being 1 year older and already gone away to college, Lex is sure that he doesn’t feel that way, until all of a sudden he does and Lex can’t quite believe her luck. Adam’s got some secrets but Lex lets it go as Adam really is her everything…but what happens that everything crashes down around her?...
It was a sweet, lovely story of a friendship that slowly forms into a relationship and Lex and Adam fall into each other. This is an angsty, emotional kind of love story that will have rooting for Lex and Adam all the way through.
For me though it was a bit slow starting but then the end seemed rushed. But i did like the characters, I loved Lex and Adam but I also really liked Annabelle, she was a constant support system for Lex, the kind of best friend that a girl needs. I did enjoy this book in all honesty I do like NA/YA on the whole.
3.5 stars
Sarah
April 8, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed on behalf of 2 girls who love books .... Now where do I start. This book will give you tooth ache because it is just so sweet. A story of first love and all the new emotions, uncertainties, insecurities and the feeling of butterflies that comes with it. Adam and Alex are really likeable characters and I would of liked to of known more when it comes to the relationships with their families. It was a all just a bit too vague for me.
Usually I prefer my books much darker to this but I still really enjoyed it and got stuck right in. I didn't want to put it down which is always a good sign. It's really well written but i would of rated it higher if the sex scenes were more detailed, at some points I wasn't even sure Adam and Alexa had even had sex!
The epilogue though wasn't really an epilogue at all, I wanted to know so much more! So I'm really hoping there's more to come from this cute couple. I rate it at 4 stars
Reviewed on behalf of 2 girls who love books .... Now where do I start. This book will give you tooth ache because it is just so sweet. A story of first love and all the new emotions, uncertainties, insecurities and the feeling of butterflies that comes with it. Adam and Alex are really likeable characters and I would of liked to of known more when it comes to the relationships with their families. It was a all just a bit too vague for me.
Usually I prefer my books much darker to this but I still really enjoyed it and got stuck right in. I didn't want to put it down which is always a good sign. It's really well written but i would of rated it higher if the sex scenes were more detailed, at some points I wasn't even sure Adam and Alexa had even had sex!
The epilogue though wasn't really an epilogue at all, I wanted to know so much more! So I'm really hoping there's more to come from this cute couple. I rate it at 4 stars
April 6, 2016
3.5 stars.
I received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a lot of things. For one, it starts with Spring (my favourite season) and then there's a sweet, fleeting summer romance (which I love) and then as the cold seasons start creeping up, relationships start breaking away. This is my favourite part of the whole book.
I loved the story and only wished that it could've been executed a little better. There were feels everywhere, but I didn't feel them. The story went on monotonously at times. There was a lack of description, like how Annabelle or Alexa looked like, how they felt about themselves. Or how her room looked and felt like when she was cuddling up with Adam in her bed. This, I felt was the main reason why in some places it was really bland.
The story was so good! I can't seem to get enough of it! I want to get back into their world soon!
I received an eARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a lot of things. For one, it starts with Spring (my favourite season) and then there's a sweet, fleeting summer romance (which I love) and then as the cold seasons start creeping up, relationships start breaking away. This is my favourite part of the whole book.
I loved the story and only wished that it could've been executed a little better. There were feels everywhere, but I didn't feel them. The story went on monotonously at times. There was a lack of description, like how Annabelle or Alexa looked like, how they felt about themselves. Or how her room looked and felt like when she was cuddling up with Adam in her bed. This, I felt was the main reason why in some places it was really bland.
The story was so good! I can't seem to get enough of it! I want to get back into their world soon!
May 19, 2016
When Alexa gets to work, she finds out that Adam and Damien are back to work. Adam and Damien make things fun at work. Anabelle tells Alexa to go for it with Adam, she doesn't think that Adam thinks of her as anything more than a friend. Anabelle and Alexa go to a concert and they see the guys. Adam was hanging out with Alexa when the crowd got rowdy and when Lexa got hurt he protected her.
Alexa loves numbers, gets called Lex by Adam. She works at Milano's. She wants to be with Adam. Adam is studying pre med, he works at Milano's. He looked up how to make girls laugh. Damien's friend. Damien is Adam's friend, works at Milano's. Carly works at Milano's Alexa and Anabelle's friend. Anabelle is Alexa's friend, works at Milano's.
This is my first book by Kaisa Clark and it wont be my last. This book is very well written and the characters are very well developed. I loved how I felt very connected to the characters, I also loved that I was drawn in from the first page.
Alexa loves numbers, gets called Lex by Adam. She works at Milano's. She wants to be with Adam. Adam is studying pre med, he works at Milano's. He looked up how to make girls laugh. Damien's friend. Damien is Adam's friend, works at Milano's. Carly works at Milano's Alexa and Anabelle's friend. Anabelle is Alexa's friend, works at Milano's.
This is my first book by Kaisa Clark and it wont be my last. This book is very well written and the characters are very well developed. I loved how I felt very connected to the characters, I also loved that I was drawn in from the first page.
June 27, 2015
This book is the roller coaster of a realistic relationship. Starting from being friends to transitioning to more and their fireworks. But for Alexa and Adam with the fireworks lead to happily ever after or will they cause them to crash and burn. Every relationships has their struggles but when Adam doesn't want to open up about his life it slowly build a wall between them, although at first they are able to see over or look around it, eventually it needs to be torn down or they will separated. Falling for Adam so fast takes Alexa by surprise this was just supposed to be a fun summer fling before he goes back to school. Once he leave for school her life is upside down and she feels lost with out him around. Calm Like Home is a sweet book ( no sex scenes, just the sweet build up too). This is a book I would recommend for you to take the time to read.
July 1, 2015
Oh, my goodness. This book was so easy to identify with. It felt like a flashback to my college days. So many of Alexa's emotions in this book remind me of how I felt at her age. Really, the ups and downs of the story couldn't have been more perfect. Kaisa Clark did an amazing job. The story was sweet at times, but very real and raw. I loved it.
My only complaint with Calm Like Home is that it ended before I wanted to be done reading it. I wanted more Alexa and Adam! I would highly suggest it to readers that love emotionally packed NA romances. I would even say it's probably a safe read for a high school age kid since the sex scenes are not descriptive.
Thank you to Kaisa Clark for the opportunity to read and review Calm Like Home.
My only complaint with Calm Like Home is that it ended before I wanted to be done reading it. I wanted more Alexa and Adam! I would highly suggest it to readers that love emotionally packed NA romances. I would even say it's probably a safe read for a high school age kid since the sex scenes are not descriptive.
Thank you to Kaisa Clark for the opportunity to read and review Calm Like Home.
September 26, 2015
Calm Like Home by Kaisa Clark is a sweet romance that kept me hooked. I found it to be a fun, quick, and easy read. I'd definitely recommend it. I think it would be a great book to pull you out of a reading slump. Its quite short so you can fly through it!
The story follows the just friends to romance relationship of Alexa and Adam - a really cute couple. Their romance felt really authentic, and I liked how they had a great friendship first.
At times it left me feeling like I was on an emotional rollercoaster, one minute I was happy and the next it made me really sad! When Adam went off to college I knew there would be a lot of drama, but I'm glad it all worked out in the end. Definitely a cute read.
The story follows the just friends to romance relationship of Alexa and Adam - a really cute couple. Their romance felt really authentic, and I liked how they had a great friendship first.
At times it left me feeling like I was on an emotional rollercoaster, one minute I was happy and the next it made me really sad! When Adam went off to college I knew there would be a lot of drama, but I'm glad it all worked out in the end. Definitely a cute read.
May 22, 2016
This book will take you on an emotional roller coaster. I really liked the story line, and loved the characters, most definitely the main characters, Alexa and Adam. But what I loved most of all about this book was that it was so relatable. I'm pretty sure almost every female on the planet has fallen for a guy that only sees them as a friend. I read through this one pretty quickly, as I didn't want to put it down.
I give it 4 stars. Calm Like Home is a book that you should definitely check out!
I give it 4 stars. Calm Like Home is a book that you should definitely check out!
July 6, 2015
Review originally posted on The Slanted Bookshelf.
My Rating: 3.5 stars
The Characters
Alexa (Lex) is the main character and I really really liked her! A lot of new adult novels feature a main character who has a traumatic past or is very reserved when it comes to relationships, or something along those lines, and Calm Like Home doesn’t, which was so refreshing. Lex is just an average girl who goes to university and has the biggest crush on her friend and colleague, Adam. She knows how to have fun, is still responsible, and is just really nice and it was so easy to relate to her. Adam was also really refreshing! When we first meet him he isn’t brooding or a bad boy or some other trope, he’s just a nice guy with a great smile who looks out for Lex. And I freaking loved him. Lex and Adam’s friendship is so easy, even with the underlying romance, and they have a lot of fun together, which made me happy ;) My only complaint about Lex is that when her relationship goes wrong with Adam (this isn’t a spoiler, it happens in pretty much every single romance I’ve ever read) she doesn’t seem to cope well at all. It just seemed like Lex was slightly too dependent on Adam at times and wasn’t capable of feeling happy without him. I totally understand that she needed time to heal but even after a long period of time it seemed like Lex was still in the same place. But anyway, that was only really the last quarter of the book.
The Feels
While Calm Like Home starts off light there are some major feels in this book and towards the end my heart was starting to break, just like Lex’s. The author did such a great job of making me fall for Adam and then become a hard-core fan of the romance. Adam and Lex have known each other for a while but only move on from friendship at the beginning of the summer. They each go to different universities and aren’t sure what’s going to happen when school starts up again, so along with the happy and swoon-worthy moments there is a bit of tension, wondering what the heck would happen at the end of the summer. Basically, great feels in this book.
The Pace
Over the past year I’ve become a much bigger fan of slow-burn romance. Adam and Lex get together relatively soon in Calm Like Home but the pacing of pretty much the whole book was perfect. I didn’t feel like their relationship was rushed and guess what? THERE’S NO INSTA-LOVE!!! It’s obvious that both of them have serious feelings for each other but the word love isn’t even mentioned until way later on when it’s clear that they’re actually in love and not just close. Thank goodness. However, the ending… Overall I was perfectly fine with how Calm Like Home ended but I think it was a bit rushed. Everything was basically resolved in the last chapter and it felt like it all happened just a bit too quickly. I would have liked for their relationship to have become fixed more slowly instead of being perfect in one moment.
All in All
Calm Like Home was good! Yes I had some issues with the pace and the ending and Lex but I enjoyed the book overall and think it’s a nice summer read :)
New Adult
3.5 stars
**I received an e-copy of this book from the author for free in exchange for an honest review. All views and opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any way.**
My Rating: 3.5 stars
The Characters
Alexa (Lex) is the main character and I really really liked her! A lot of new adult novels feature a main character who has a traumatic past or is very reserved when it comes to relationships, or something along those lines, and Calm Like Home doesn’t, which was so refreshing. Lex is just an average girl who goes to university and has the biggest crush on her friend and colleague, Adam. She knows how to have fun, is still responsible, and is just really nice and it was so easy to relate to her. Adam was also really refreshing! When we first meet him he isn’t brooding or a bad boy or some other trope, he’s just a nice guy with a great smile who looks out for Lex. And I freaking loved him. Lex and Adam’s friendship is so easy, even with the underlying romance, and they have a lot of fun together, which made me happy ;) My only complaint about Lex is that when her relationship goes wrong with Adam (this isn’t a spoiler, it happens in pretty much every single romance I’ve ever read) she doesn’t seem to cope well at all. It just seemed like Lex was slightly too dependent on Adam at times and wasn’t capable of feeling happy without him. I totally understand that she needed time to heal but even after a long period of time it seemed like Lex was still in the same place. But anyway, that was only really the last quarter of the book.
The Feels
While Calm Like Home starts off light there are some major feels in this book and towards the end my heart was starting to break, just like Lex’s. The author did such a great job of making me fall for Adam and then become a hard-core fan of the romance. Adam and Lex have known each other for a while but only move on from friendship at the beginning of the summer. They each go to different universities and aren’t sure what’s going to happen when school starts up again, so along with the happy and swoon-worthy moments there is a bit of tension, wondering what the heck would happen at the end of the summer. Basically, great feels in this book.
The Pace
Over the past year I’ve become a much bigger fan of slow-burn romance. Adam and Lex get together relatively soon in Calm Like Home but the pacing of pretty much the whole book was perfect. I didn’t feel like their relationship was rushed and guess what? THERE’S NO INSTA-LOVE!!! It’s obvious that both of them have serious feelings for each other but the word love isn’t even mentioned until way later on when it’s clear that they’re actually in love and not just close. Thank goodness. However, the ending… Overall I was perfectly fine with how Calm Like Home ended but I think it was a bit rushed. Everything was basically resolved in the last chapter and it felt like it all happened just a bit too quickly. I would have liked for their relationship to have become fixed more slowly instead of being perfect in one moment.
All in All
Calm Like Home was good! Yes I had some issues with the pace and the ending and Lex but I enjoyed the book overall and think it’s a nice summer read :)
New Adult
3.5 stars
**I received an e-copy of this book from the author for free in exchange for an honest review. All views and opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any way.**
July 17, 2015
***Review can also be found at Jackie's Book World.:)***
Rating: 3.5/5
Calm Like Home is a story of love and of second changes...
From the very start Alexa has had a thing for Adam, but their friendship always gets in the way of them getting to admit that they like each other. What makes things worse for Alexa is having to see Adam for a very short time at work, but his playful personality remains her that their friendship is important to her, and she is not about to risk what she has with him. But with too many nights after work together, his flirtatious advances ultimately get the best of her and soon she is giving in to the attraction that she has always felt towards him. Yet after spending time together she is starting to realize that she feels deeply for Adam, and when he goes back to University, she is going to be lost without him. In the meantime, while Adam is away, Alexa tries to focus in school and work. Soon she gets to visit him and gets to see the other side of Adam that she didn't know about, his darker side that he isn't willing to talk about. With secrets between them, the two start to drift apart, and Alexa is willing to do anything to make things right with Adam again.
From the writing to the plot, Kaisa Clark brings us a story with with emotions that is hard to resist. Both Alexa and Adam have rough pasts that have changed their lives in a lot of ways. Their friendship has always been strong, and whenever Adam is back in town, he and his brother work at the same restaurant as Alexa. Their personalities are magnetic that brings happiness to everyone around them, and they are just plain funny. They had me laughing as I read the story, and Adam was such a sweet character that brought something new to the story. The characters' love story is the center of the story, we get to see their ups and downs, yet when they're apart we get to see how Alexa copes with this new change in her life. I have to say that, that part of the story felt a bit over dramatic to me, it just takes her a while to sort of move on but when she sees him again, she is right back at square one. It just didn't seem like she ever made the effort to move on, and when she does something towards the end of the story she is happily back with Adam again, in the mean time she already hurt someone else in the process. Overall the story had a nice pace at the beginning, their love story is sweet and entertaining to read. I enjoyed reading the book, but the ending killed it for me. It felt too rushed, and it felt incomplete. I wish the author could have taken more time to ease the characters back to their new relationship instead of forcing it at the end. I still liked the plot and if you like romantic stories filled with romantic scenes and lots of feelings then I would recommend reading this book. :)
***A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.***
Rating: 3.5/5
Calm Like Home is a story of love and of second changes...
From the very start Alexa has had a thing for Adam, but their friendship always gets in the way of them getting to admit that they like each other. What makes things worse for Alexa is having to see Adam for a very short time at work, but his playful personality remains her that their friendship is important to her, and she is not about to risk what she has with him. But with too many nights after work together, his flirtatious advances ultimately get the best of her and soon she is giving in to the attraction that she has always felt towards him. Yet after spending time together she is starting to realize that she feels deeply for Adam, and when he goes back to University, she is going to be lost without him. In the meantime, while Adam is away, Alexa tries to focus in school and work. Soon she gets to visit him and gets to see the other side of Adam that she didn't know about, his darker side that he isn't willing to talk about. With secrets between them, the two start to drift apart, and Alexa is willing to do anything to make things right with Adam again.
From the writing to the plot, Kaisa Clark brings us a story with with emotions that is hard to resist. Both Alexa and Adam have rough pasts that have changed their lives in a lot of ways. Their friendship has always been strong, and whenever Adam is back in town, he and his brother work at the same restaurant as Alexa. Their personalities are magnetic that brings happiness to everyone around them, and they are just plain funny. They had me laughing as I read the story, and Adam was such a sweet character that brought something new to the story. The characters' love story is the center of the story, we get to see their ups and downs, yet when they're apart we get to see how Alexa copes with this new change in her life. I have to say that, that part of the story felt a bit over dramatic to me, it just takes her a while to sort of move on but when she sees him again, she is right back at square one. It just didn't seem like she ever made the effort to move on, and when she does something towards the end of the story she is happily back with Adam again, in the mean time she already hurt someone else in the process. Overall the story had a nice pace at the beginning, their love story is sweet and entertaining to read. I enjoyed reading the book, but the ending killed it for me. It felt too rushed, and it felt incomplete. I wish the author could have taken more time to ease the characters back to their new relationship instead of forcing it at the end. I still liked the plot and if you like romantic stories filled with romantic scenes and lots of feelings then I would recommend reading this book. :)
***A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.***
September 11, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you
.
DATES READ: 9/1 - 9/4
Calm Like Home is a New Adult - College romance novel.
Alexa Clausen looks forward to working another summer with her crush Adam. She enjoys who she is around him, and how everything seems to be so effortless between them. She just can’t help but crush on him.
Adam is a fun, playful, and sweet, but there is another unexpected side to him that Alexa is unaware of.
Both characters struggle in progressing with one another because of their own inner conflicts.
Alexa and Adam end up having a roller coaster love story caused by their own doing.
How I felt about the story overall :
Cons:
• The story didn’t flow. It kept jumping, and it seemed choppy when I read it. I attempted to read this straight through in one sitting. I unfortunately couldn’t.
• There was too much unnecessary inner conflict going on in Alexa’s character. She was so strong, independent, and lively in the beginning of the story, and then we find that diminishing because of her mindset. (:/)
• I didn’t like how Alexa and Adam had the same setback. The lack of communication, or unwillingness to share feelings was beyond frustrating to read through.
• The other side of Adam that Alexa was unaware of was revealed too late. Why couldn’t this have been revealed sooner? I just felt like “FINALLY!”
Pros:
• I did love the romantic story line, when it existed. When Alexa and Adam were together, they were great. Their conversations, playfulness, and lovey dovey-ness made me feel happy. The way they existed around each other made me root for them to end up together.
• I enjoyed the best friend characters (Annabelle & Damien) as well.
• When Adam’s secretive side was finally revealed I was amazed. I didn’t see it coming like Alexa. I thought it was unexpected and excellent. This side through in some great twists.
“With the fuck-me hair you’re going to have, maybe you should lose the bra.”
This story wasn’t the best I’ve ever read, but it also wasn’t the worst. I rated this book 3.5 stars because I liked it but there are too many flaws. There were too many ways that I would have changed it. I loved the relationship between Alexa and Adam, and I wish there was more of them in the story. There were too many parts that made me frustrated, but there were also many parts that made me smile and laugh. Individuals that enjoy stories that tear at your heart strings, this one is definitely for you. :) Enjoy!
Recommend: Yes
DATES READ: 9/1 - 9/4
Calm Like Home is a New Adult - College romance novel.
Alexa Clausen looks forward to working another summer with her crush Adam. She enjoys who she is around him, and how everything seems to be so effortless between them. She just can’t help but crush on him.
Adam is a fun, playful, and sweet, but there is another unexpected side to him that Alexa is unaware of.
Both characters struggle in progressing with one another because of their own inner conflicts.
Alexa and Adam end up having a roller coaster love story caused by their own doing.
How I felt about the story overall :
Cons:
• The story didn’t flow. It kept jumping, and it seemed choppy when I read it. I attempted to read this straight through in one sitting. I unfortunately couldn’t.
• There was too much unnecessary inner conflict going on in Alexa’s character. She was so strong, independent, and lively in the beginning of the story, and then we find that diminishing because of her mindset. (:/)
• I didn’t like how Alexa and Adam had the same setback. The lack of communication, or unwillingness to share feelings was beyond frustrating to read through.
• The other side of Adam that Alexa was unaware of was revealed too late. Why couldn’t this have been revealed sooner? I just felt like “FINALLY!”
Pros:
• I did love the romantic story line, when it existed. When Alexa and Adam were together, they were great. Their conversations, playfulness, and lovey dovey-ness made me feel happy. The way they existed around each other made me root for them to end up together.
• I enjoyed the best friend characters (Annabelle & Damien) as well.
• When Adam’s secretive side was finally revealed I was amazed. I didn’t see it coming like Alexa. I thought it was unexpected and excellent. This side through in some great twists.
“With the fuck-me hair you’re going to have, maybe you should lose the bra.”
This story wasn’t the best I’ve ever read, but it also wasn’t the worst. I rated this book 3.5 stars because I liked it but there are too many flaws. There were too many ways that I would have changed it. I loved the relationship between Alexa and Adam, and I wish there was more of them in the story. There were too many parts that made me frustrated, but there were also many parts that made me smile and laugh. Individuals that enjoy stories that tear at your heart strings, this one is definitely for you. :) Enjoy!
Recommend: Yes
January 1, 2016
Alexa and Adam are a really cute couple. I liked reading about them falling in love, but as much as Adam brought light and love to Alexa’s life, he also brought a whole lot of unnecessary heartache and drama, too—all because neither of them would communicate openly with the other.
For me, the story had the effect of reading a young woman’s diary – filled with the play-by-play details of her love life. While reading, I questioned the plot and message of the story. Unfortunately, I’m not convinced there was any. The whole of the story revolves around the emotional highs and lows of Adam and Alexa’s relationship. There is no growth to Alexa’s character; no lesson learned from her experiences. She spends the entirety of the book locked in one of three dramatic emotional states, always in response to Adam’s behavior:
1) Elated, swoony in love. 2) Worried about the relationship. 3) All-out, heavy depression due to missing Adam.
These emotional states echo throughout the book, in cycles like wash, rinse, drain, and repeat, and to be honest, by the second and third time, it tired me out. I was able to jump past paragraphs of her emotional crisis and not miss anything important. Despite that, there was no denying how much Alexa loved Adam. That came through very clear.
The big reveal of Adam’s issue at the end left me unsatisfied. There was very little mention or buildup to it, and I when it was revealed, it was difficult to feel moved by his situation. I was, however, emotionally invested in Alexa. Though I wanted her and Adam together, I hankered for her to get a backbone and call him out. Instead, she blames herself for chasing him away. Maybe that is a realistic reaction, but it made her a weak heroine, especially since she hadn’t done anything wrong! She deserved answers, and she suffered… Lord, how she agonized over him! I hated when Adam finally does apologize, she just kowtows to him and accepts him back. I needed to see some type of reparation on Adam's part for all the pain and grief he put her through. I wanted to see him grovel and make a grand gesture to win her back.
Calm Like Home was an OK read for me (2.5 stars). I prefer a plot with more complexity to it, but the author did a wonderful job of conveying the narrator’s emotions and they came off as realistic, and that might be just the right thing for another reader.
Copy of book provided through New Adult Book Club's Read it, Review it
For me, the story had the effect of reading a young woman’s diary – filled with the play-by-play details of her love life. While reading, I questioned the plot and message of the story. Unfortunately, I’m not convinced there was any. The whole of the story revolves around the emotional highs and lows of Adam and Alexa’s relationship. There is no growth to Alexa’s character; no lesson learned from her experiences. She spends the entirety of the book locked in one of three dramatic emotional states, always in response to Adam’s behavior:
1) Elated, swoony in love. 2) Worried about the relationship. 3) All-out, heavy depression due to missing Adam.
These emotional states echo throughout the book, in cycles like wash, rinse, drain, and repeat, and to be honest, by the second and third time, it tired me out. I was able to jump past paragraphs of her emotional crisis and not miss anything important. Despite that, there was no denying how much Alexa loved Adam. That came through very clear.
The big reveal of Adam’s issue at the end left me unsatisfied. There was very little mention or buildup to it, and I when it was revealed, it was difficult to feel moved by his situation. I was, however, emotionally invested in Alexa. Though I wanted her and Adam together, I hankered for her to get a backbone and call him out. Instead, she blames herself for chasing him away. Maybe that is a realistic reaction, but it made her a weak heroine, especially since she hadn’t done anything wrong! She deserved answers, and she suffered… Lord, how she agonized over him! I hated when Adam finally does apologize, she just kowtows to him and accepts him back. I needed to see some type of reparation on Adam's part for all the pain and grief he put her through. I wanted to see him grovel and make a grand gesture to win her back.
Calm Like Home was an OK read for me (2.5 stars). I prefer a plot with more complexity to it, but the author did a wonderful job of conveying the narrator’s emotions and they came off as realistic, and that might be just the right thing for another reader.
Copy of book provided through New Adult Book Club's Read it, Review it
August 2, 2015
I recieved a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Secrets, lies, anger, resentment; all four words encompass Adam’s inner turmoil. He is a haunted character who hides behind smiles, a cool façade and a painful past which he cannot escape. It becomes abundantly clear that Alexi is the key to unlocking these secrets and with her comes a love like nothing else.
Although intense, the relationship doesn’t fell too forced. It covers natural insecurities within any relationship; both are unable to say what they truly feel, which inevitably leads to that conflict which is much needed in a book such as this.
Young adults from all over would find this story line particularly interesting as it covers the carefree lifestyles of college grads embark on parties, drinking, and sex.
Alexi’s inner monologue really allows you to delve into her deepest reservations. Although her conflicting emotions could make the avid reader’s head swim, you begin to justify her actions. Clark ensures that the she has been introduced well. Adam meanwhile is the mysterious type, however we expect this as Alexi is the only view point we encounter.
It would have been a great advantage to invest some time into other characters instead of limiting it to the protagonists. Damian for example is Adam’s eternal sidekick and would have been an interesting character to read about. As would Annabelle, Alexi’s right hand woman. Possibly there is scope to find out about their views in a novella perhaps?
The pacing of the book is very well done. There is a definition in the seasons which impacts on both readers’ and Alexi’s torment.
There is meaning behind the title that only becomes clear upon reading the book. One interpretation could be that the home doesn’t necessarily have to be defined as a place or a specific memory; it can be a person with which you build your life around. Alexi amplifies this theory by explaining that when Adam is gone, her apartment is not the same anymore.
I think Clark succeeded in portraying in her writing a couple whose souls were meant to be intertwined. It gives any reader the assurance that love can still be found within the depths of despair.
Secrets, lies, anger, resentment; all four words encompass Adam’s inner turmoil. He is a haunted character who hides behind smiles, a cool façade and a painful past which he cannot escape. It becomes abundantly clear that Alexi is the key to unlocking these secrets and with her comes a love like nothing else.
Although intense, the relationship doesn’t fell too forced. It covers natural insecurities within any relationship; both are unable to say what they truly feel, which inevitably leads to that conflict which is much needed in a book such as this.
Young adults from all over would find this story line particularly interesting as it covers the carefree lifestyles of college grads embark on parties, drinking, and sex.
Alexi’s inner monologue really allows you to delve into her deepest reservations. Although her conflicting emotions could make the avid reader’s head swim, you begin to justify her actions. Clark ensures that the she has been introduced well. Adam meanwhile is the mysterious type, however we expect this as Alexi is the only view point we encounter.
It would have been a great advantage to invest some time into other characters instead of limiting it to the protagonists. Damian for example is Adam’s eternal sidekick and would have been an interesting character to read about. As would Annabelle, Alexi’s right hand woman. Possibly there is scope to find out about their views in a novella perhaps?
The pacing of the book is very well done. There is a definition in the seasons which impacts on both readers’ and Alexi’s torment.
There is meaning behind the title that only becomes clear upon reading the book. One interpretation could be that the home doesn’t necessarily have to be defined as a place or a specific memory; it can be a person with which you build your life around. Alexi amplifies this theory by explaining that when Adam is gone, her apartment is not the same anymore.
I think Clark succeeded in portraying in her writing a couple whose souls were meant to be intertwined. It gives any reader the assurance that love can still be found within the depths of despair.
August 10, 2015
This is a sweet story story at its heart. Adam and Alexa’s innocent friendship builds and builds, turning into a life changing love from the first accidental touch.
but then….there’s so much push and pull and push and pull and crying and drinking and crying WHILE drinking and oh good lord I’m tired.
Adam and Alexa have a summer together…well, technically 31 days since they don’t actually get together until closer to the end of the summer, but I digress. Once Adam returns to school 300 miles away, they struggle to figure out whether their summer love can last or if it dissipated as the air turned crisp.
The long distance relationship thingy that they had was undefined and exhausting. For two people who are adults, they never actually talked about anything really important and that drove me nuts. I did a long distance relationship for three years and while it blew, I didn’t turn into a non functioning person when he wasn’t around. The codependency here was a little outrageous and made me want to shake Alexa.
Additionally, not that I really needed more drama, but there was always the hint of it to come and that left me on edge for about 60% of this book. *pulls hair* Of course, this is perfect if you’re looking for a relationship angsty read.
However, when Adam and Alexa came together and opened up to one another it was wonderful, fulfilling, and completely adorable. I was grinning right along with Alexa, happy because she was. I loved their inside jokes, love of ice cream, birthday connection and long drives of nothingness. Their hugs and caresses felt real and there was no denying their love for another.
I suppose I just wished that they communicated more, that the Big Secret that Adam withholds was told sooner and that I had more of an afterglow to bask in. However, I had no complaints about the writing and I’d definitely read from this author again.
Overall, lots of likes and some dislikes, but it was an enjoyable read. Calm Like Home kept me on edge but also made me smile with outstanding love. three stars!
[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]
This review looks prettier on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com/2015/0...
but then….there’s so much push and pull and push and pull and crying and drinking and crying WHILE drinking and oh good lord I’m tired.
Adam and Alexa have a summer together…well, technically 31 days since they don’t actually get together until closer to the end of the summer, but I digress. Once Adam returns to school 300 miles away, they struggle to figure out whether their summer love can last or if it dissipated as the air turned crisp.
The long distance relationship thingy that they had was undefined and exhausting. For two people who are adults, they never actually talked about anything really important and that drove me nuts. I did a long distance relationship for three years and while it blew, I didn’t turn into a non functioning person when he wasn’t around. The codependency here was a little outrageous and made me want to shake Alexa.
Additionally, not that I really needed more drama, but there was always the hint of it to come and that left me on edge for about 60% of this book. *pulls hair* Of course, this is perfect if you’re looking for a relationship angsty read.
However, when Adam and Alexa came together and opened up to one another it was wonderful, fulfilling, and completely adorable. I was grinning right along with Alexa, happy because she was. I loved their inside jokes, love of ice cream, birthday connection and long drives of nothingness. Their hugs and caresses felt real and there was no denying their love for another.
I suppose I just wished that they communicated more, that the Big Secret that Adam withholds was told sooner and that I had more of an afterglow to bask in. However, I had no complaints about the writing and I’d definitely read from this author again.
Overall, lots of likes and some dislikes, but it was an enjoyable read. Calm Like Home kept me on edge but also made me smile with outstanding love. three stars!
[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]
This review looks prettier on my blog: http://obsessedwithmyshelf.com/2015/0...
August 27, 2015
*I was given this book in exchange for an honest review*
This book was all over the place, but in the most amazing way. The story centers on Alexa and Adam, and the emotional roller coaster that is their relationship. Calm Like Home was one of those books that you just couldn’t put down! My boyfriend can vouch for this as I wouldn’t listen to him the whole time I read. I absolutely adored Alexa! She was a very relatable character, which I think many girls will be able to connect with. The book starts with Alexa and Adam working together for the summer, the banter between the two was very entertaining. I enjoyed the fact that things started out as a friendship and thought that Clark did an amazing job of creating a realistic relationship between the two. After lots of playful flirting the two finally get together, but after Adam leaves for college they are both left with questions. Was it just a summer fling or is it something more?
I had a difficult time relating to the long-distance relationship portion of the book. As someone who had to go through long distance for a year I found the emotions that Alexa was feeling realistic (and very well written) but I felt like it was just taken too far sometimes. It frustrated me that when Alexa and Adam were together they didn’t really talk about anything with substance (although their time together was always amazingly adorable!!!). I was also very frustrated with how Alexa handled herself at times, she became a little too co-dependent on Adam in my opinion. Usually, I enjoy a story when it stays in just one point of view, however, in this case I think it would have been beneficial to have Adams perspective as well. I think it would have made for a more rounded story.
The pacing was really well done in this story, I felt like everything happened exactly when it should have. The only issue I had was the ending! It was a little too abrupt for me and I think things should have played out a little more.
Overall, Calm Like Home was a very enjoyable read. While I did have some issues with it I really enjoyed Kaisa Clark’s writing. She made you feel every emotion that Alexa was experiencing and really made me care about the relationship between Alexa and Adam!
This book was all over the place, but in the most amazing way. The story centers on Alexa and Adam, and the emotional roller coaster that is their relationship. Calm Like Home was one of those books that you just couldn’t put down! My boyfriend can vouch for this as I wouldn’t listen to him the whole time I read. I absolutely adored Alexa! She was a very relatable character, which I think many girls will be able to connect with. The book starts with Alexa and Adam working together for the summer, the banter between the two was very entertaining. I enjoyed the fact that things started out as a friendship and thought that Clark did an amazing job of creating a realistic relationship between the two. After lots of playful flirting the two finally get together, but after Adam leaves for college they are both left with questions. Was it just a summer fling or is it something more?
I had a difficult time relating to the long-distance relationship portion of the book. As someone who had to go through long distance for a year I found the emotions that Alexa was feeling realistic (and very well written) but I felt like it was just taken too far sometimes. It frustrated me that when Alexa and Adam were together they didn’t really talk about anything with substance (although their time together was always amazingly adorable!!!). I was also very frustrated with how Alexa handled herself at times, she became a little too co-dependent on Adam in my opinion. Usually, I enjoy a story when it stays in just one point of view, however, in this case I think it would have been beneficial to have Adams perspective as well. I think it would have made for a more rounded story.
The pacing was really well done in this story, I felt like everything happened exactly when it should have. The only issue I had was the ending! It was a little too abrupt for me and I think things should have played out a little more.
Overall, Calm Like Home was a very enjoyable read. While I did have some issues with it I really enjoyed Kaisa Clark’s writing. She made you feel every emotion that Alexa was experiencing and really made me care about the relationship between Alexa and Adam!
August 17, 2015
Alexa has had a crush on Adam for a few summers. Something about him just pulls her in. It seems like this year is her year. He's talking to her more and hanging out with her. She just wants to spend time with him and now she is. The more time she spends with him the more time she wants. Something is off though. Adam doesn't spend a ton of time with his family and he doesn't talk about them either. Whatever he's hiding Alexa doesn't want to push because shes afraid she'll push him away. When they're together its great and she doesn't want to lose that before summer is over, because he has to go back to school anyway.
We don't really get a POV of Adam. We just hear his story through Alexa. I wish that we could of gotten in his head just a little bit. Maybe hear what he was thinking some.
This was an interesting story. There is some issues that Adam has going on that I don't want to delve into too much because I don't want to spoil things. Alexa is a typical girl, she doesn't know if she should call him, doesn't know if they're dating and definitely doesn't know how to act around him all the time. I enjoyed the story but in all honestly it kind of left me feeling a little underwhelmed. The story didn't resonate with me much. Overall I loved Adam when he was with Alexa. I enjoyed Alexa even if I wanted to smack her sometimes. Her BFF Anabelle was awesome and so was his BFF (do boys call their friends BFF's?) Damien. Let me know what you think? As always leave the author some love in the form of a review!!
We don't really get a POV of Adam. We just hear his story through Alexa. I wish that we could of gotten in his head just a little bit. Maybe hear what he was thinking some.
This was an interesting story. There is some issues that Adam has going on that I don't want to delve into too much because I don't want to spoil things. Alexa is a typical girl, she doesn't know if she should call him, doesn't know if they're dating and definitely doesn't know how to act around him all the time. I enjoyed the story but in all honestly it kind of left me feeling a little underwhelmed. The story didn't resonate with me much. Overall I loved Adam when he was with Alexa. I enjoyed Alexa even if I wanted to smack her sometimes. Her BFF Anabelle was awesome and so was his BFF (do boys call their friends BFF's?) Damien. Let me know what you think? As always leave the author some love in the form of a review!!
January 3, 2016
*Copy received from author in exchange for an honest review*
Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. I really loved both Alexa and Adam and their personalities and how they interacted within the story. Their playfulness at work along with their friends was a lot of fun to read about and there were a lot of parts that made me laugh and I loved that about this book. I loved how Adam called Alexa his "bear" and how he loved her 9 tooth smile. Those along with other little things within the story really stuck in my head and made their relationship unique and I loved seeing it develop over the course of the book. I knew that there was going to be some sort of conflict (because there always is), but I really think this was written really realistically and I was happy that it didn't drag on too long in the story. I also loved how Alexa and Adam knew each other for a long time and worked together and developed a friendship before they started dating. There was no insta-love in this story, it was something that developed naturally over time and that made their story so believable.
I also have to comment on how good the writing was. I could picture the story happening right along with the characters. I also appreciated all of the quirky things about all of the characters that made it that much more special. I'll definitely be looking for more from this author!
Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. I really loved both Alexa and Adam and their personalities and how they interacted within the story. Their playfulness at work along with their friends was a lot of fun to read about and there were a lot of parts that made me laugh and I loved that about this book. I loved how Adam called Alexa his "bear" and how he loved her 9 tooth smile. Those along with other little things within the story really stuck in my head and made their relationship unique and I loved seeing it develop over the course of the book. I knew that there was going to be some sort of conflict (because there always is), but I really think this was written really realistically and I was happy that it didn't drag on too long in the story. I also loved how Alexa and Adam knew each other for a long time and worked together and developed a friendship before they started dating. There was no insta-love in this story, it was something that developed naturally over time and that made their story so believable.
I also have to comment on how good the writing was. I could picture the story happening right along with the characters. I also appreciated all of the quirky things about all of the characters that made it that much more special. I'll definitely be looking for more from this author!
August 13, 2015
Review from Abibliophobia Anonymous Book Reviews
3.5 stars
From reading the synopsis, I really wanted to read, and love this book. It fell really flat for me though. I thought Alexa was very weak. She wasn’t strong at all and couldn’t stand on her own two feet while Adam was away at school. I didn’t like her. She actually reminded me of Bell in Twilight.
The whole long distance relationship was toxic. She couldn’t cope at only when Adam was back at school. He was only 300 miles away, so he wasn’t that far. She also went to school herself and has a job, and her friends. But yet, she gets so depressed because he doesn’t call or text her for weeks at a time. Maybe it’s because my husband is in the military and I’m use to him being gone, but even in the beginning, I wasn’t like she is. She was just too whiney and co-dependent for my tastes. I can understand not wanting to get out of bed, but not for weeks at a time. I like a strong female lead. I honestly found myself skimming when she was whining.
I didn’t care much for Adam either.
They were a cute couple when they were together though.
I will give Kaisa Clark another try though. It was well written, but this story just wasn’t for me, sorry.
3.5 stars
From reading the synopsis, I really wanted to read, and love this book. It fell really flat for me though. I thought Alexa was very weak. She wasn’t strong at all and couldn’t stand on her own two feet while Adam was away at school. I didn’t like her. She actually reminded me of Bell in Twilight.
The whole long distance relationship was toxic. She couldn’t cope at only when Adam was back at school. He was only 300 miles away, so he wasn’t that far. She also went to school herself and has a job, and her friends. But yet, she gets so depressed because he doesn’t call or text her for weeks at a time. Maybe it’s because my husband is in the military and I’m use to him being gone, but even in the beginning, I wasn’t like she is. She was just too whiney and co-dependent for my tastes. I can understand not wanting to get out of bed, but not for weeks at a time. I like a strong female lead. I honestly found myself skimming when she was whining.
I didn’t care much for Adam either.
They were a cute couple when they were together though.
I will give Kaisa Clark another try though. It was well written, but this story just wasn’t for me, sorry.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews