“Sometimes the shit we go through does have a purpose. If we’re truly honest with ourselves, we can use that purpose to change our life for the better, not the worse.”
While I loved Katie Ashley’s The Proposition/Proposal Series because it made me happy to read, I love Nets and Lies by Katie Ashley for something else. It was an intense, emotional roller-coaster read, that grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let go. I.CHECKED.OUT. I turned off Facebook and Twitter. I stuck my kids in front of the TV, then I finished this book.
This story is about high school seniors, but the content is adult, as it deals with some very adult topics. One thing I really liked–the portrayal of today’s High School students was spot on. You can tell this was written by a person who is around students a lot. (The author is a former teacher). The story is told in alternating points of view from Melanie, the sweet, smart, innocent basketball star; and Jordan, the troublemaking school slut.
Melanie is all about basketball. She has been dating the school’s gorgeous basketball king, Will, for two years and they have an amazing relationship, though they have not gone “all the way” yet. Coach T, the beloved girl’s basketball coach is Will’s handsome father and Melanie is his star. All the girls have crushes on him, buy Jordan has taken it a step further and is having an affair with the married coach she thinks she loves. Until he breaks it off, and throws her away like yesterday’s garbage.
One evening, sweet Melanie gets hurt after practice and is left alone with the coach and Melanie…loses everything. But Jordan is waiting outside, sees her leaving and jumps to the wrong conclusion.
Jordan can’t really help who she is with the background she grew up with. Her father took off and she is left with a mother who sleeps with and uses men for everything. Jordan’s mom comes up with a plan to make Coach T “pay”. But when the plan backfires, Jordan is tortured at school, to the point that it is no longer safe for her. As she realizes the error in her ways, she decides to better herself, swear off men, and go to an all girls Catholic school. She also meets Nick, a recovering addict, at work. As she tells him her story, this wise beyond his years 19 year old helps her become that better person.
“It doesn’t really matter the logistics of how you fuck up your life. It’s what you do to change it.”…”Sometimes the shit we go through does have a purpose. If we are truly honest with ourselves, we can use that purpose to change our life for the better, not the worse.”
Nick’s friendship begins to help her turn her life around, by showing her that she can be loved for who she is inside.
“Do you want to live the rest of your life wondering how things could have been different if you made it right?”
But when the secret Melanie is keeping to protect her team, her school, her town and her boyfriend almost tears her apart….who else will be torn apart in it’s wake?
Likes:
- I could not put this book down. It was a one-sitting read.
- Despite it having high school aged characters, they didn’t have the typical High School angsty tone.
- Will was amazingly awesome.
- Such a tough subject was still written in a way that was an enjoyable read.
- While I bawled my eyes out at some parts, I smiled, laughed, and fell in love with two guys.
- Jordan, despite her lying and cheating was a redeemable character, and I was really rooting for her to get her shit together.
- Nick was a great freakin character. I loved him!!!!!
- Great ending.
- The epilogue told from Will’s POV just made the book complete.
Dislikes:
- Absolutely none.
Rating: 5 Stars 1/2 Heat
I went into this book not having a clue what it was about. I just knew I liked Katie’s books and wanted to read another. I certainly didn’t expect this type of book–The Proposition and The Proposal had me smiling throughout, this was way heavier. But as a testament to Katie’s writing, I loved this even more than the others (coming from someone who prefers books to be happy, that’s saying a lot!). I highly recommend this book for ages 17+.
“Forgiveness was about more than just words–it was actions and feelings”
Purchase Nets and Lies by Katie Ashley
Amazon | BN.com | Smashwords
Tell me, have you read this book? What are your thoughts?
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Amber G. says
I won this book in a blog giveaway. I too knew nothing about this book. It was a great read. I too cried and laughed. I was plesantly surprised with this read. I’m glad you enjoyed it too.
Ana's Attic says
🙂
Jessica says
Yet another on my TBR list!
Ana's Attic says
Move it up
Erin Hill says
I have this one loaded on my kindle ready to go, don’t know why I’m waiting to read it (most likely because my tbr is mile long). Your review has just put it at the top my *read next* list. I usually prefer books with a bit more heat, but I’ll trust you that this will be great without it 🙂
Ana's Attic says
Sometimes you just don’t need it.