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Brighter #1
Brighter
Sometimes the detour gets us home faster than the main road ever could...
Overachiever Alina Wright has two goals: blaze through grad school, and snag a job in marine conservation. Her academic career has always been meticulously planned and executed, so when a summer internship falls through, she’s at a loss.
Until her friend-with-benefits, Theo, invites her on a trip to the tropics.
Days of glimmering beaches and nights dancing beneath the stars, a vibrant culture and a community of close friends, life on St. Croix is meant to be savored. It doesn’t take long for Alina to fall in love with the island—or with Jude Larsen, the irresistible bartender downtown.
All vacations come to an end. Will Alina navigate back to her safe, carefully scripted life, or will she take a chance on something brighter?
Overachiever Alina Wright has two goals: blaze through grad school, and snag a job in marine conservation. Her academic career has always been meticulously planned and executed, so when a summer internship falls through, she’s at a loss.
Until her friend-with-benefits, Theo, invites her on a trip to the tropics.
Days of glimmering beaches and nights dancing beneath the stars, a vibrant culture and a community of close friends, life on St. Croix is meant to be savored. It doesn’t take long for Alina to fall in love with the island—or with Jude Larsen, the irresistible bartender downtown.
All vacations come to an end. Will Alina navigate back to her safe, carefully scripted life, or will she take a chance on something brighter?
- GenresRomanceContemporary
182 pages, Paperback
First published December 3, 2017
About the author
Rochelle Allison
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Born and raised in the sunny US Virgin Islands, Rochelle Allison has been making up stories since she was a little girl. Nowadays, Rochelle lives just outside of Atlanta with her one true love and their kids. When she’s not writing, she's reading, hiking, swimming, having coffee with friends, playing word games or taking pictures. She can almost always be found with a book…and, often, chocolate.
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Sign up for my newsletter-
https://rochelleallison.myflodesk.com...
Follow me on Bookbub -
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/roche...
And on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/author/rochell...
And on Facebook - www.facebook.com/rochelleallisonwrites
***
Born and raised in the sunny US Virgin Islands, Rochelle Allison has been making up stories since she was a little girl. Nowadays, Rochelle lives just outside of Atlanta with her one true love and their kids. When she’s not writing, she's reading, hiking, swimming, having coffee with friends, playing word games or taking pictures. She can almost always be found with a book…and, often, chocolate.
Subscribe to her newsletter - be the first to know about new releases, sales, early chapters & free short stories!
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 23, 2017
I’m fairly sure that Rochelle moonlights as a travel agent for St Croix. Surely she’s getting a cut of all the new tourist money flocking to the islands after they read her books. If it wasn’t half the world away, I’d be booking a flight in a heartbeat.
Brighter is another lovely story. Beautiful island imagery and a big cast and (of course) a cute boy. The story has its ups and downs but nothing that really makes you fear that a happy ending isn’t on its way. It’s a soft, ambling, sunshine-filled, sweet-toothed love story that makes you swoon and smile and that’s what I’ve come to love about Rochelle’s stories.
Alina. What can I say about Alina? She’s an over-thinker and a for real goody toe shoes, but she’s sweet and kind and too smart for her own good. Adorable.
Jude? JUDE? Le sigh. LEEEEEEEE SIIIIIIGHHHHHH.
I’m interested to see what book 2 is about and will eagerly await it. Eternally grateful to Ro for her words.
Brighter is another lovely story. Beautiful island imagery and a big cast and (of course) a cute boy. The story has its ups and downs but nothing that really makes you fear that a happy ending isn’t on its way. It’s a soft, ambling, sunshine-filled, sweet-toothed love story that makes you swoon and smile and that’s what I’ve come to love about Rochelle’s stories.
Alina. What can I say about Alina? She’s an over-thinker and a for real goody toe shoes, but she’s sweet and kind and too smart for her own good. Adorable.
Jude? JUDE? Le sigh. LEEEEEEEE SIIIIIIGHHHHHH.
I’m interested to see what book 2 is about and will eagerly await it. Eternally grateful to Ro for her words.
August 7, 2020
Gah!! This book! 4.5 stars. Best friends with benefits decided to throw caution to the wind and jet off to the Caribbean. Loved all the food descriptions..I immediately checked Pinterest for some of the recipes. Alina and Theo were adorable, but I knew the moment she laid eyes on Jude the bartender that this wouldn’t End well. Instant chemistry and lust between them. Is it enough to build a relationship on though. I felt so bad for Theo, and his feelings for Alina. He loved her too, but things were changing..A story of young love and self discovery. Can’t wait to dive into Brightest!!!
August 19, 2023
Blown away as always....
Where do I even start? I've been reading Rochelle's writing for years and I've never been disappointed, Brighter was no exception. I hate that it took me so long to read Alien and Judge's story. I'm absolutely loving it and mentally planning a vacation to St. Croix.
Where do I even start? I've been reading Rochelle's writing for years and I've never been disappointed, Brighter was no exception. I hate that it took me so long to read Alien and Judge's story. I'm absolutely loving it and mentally planning a vacation to St. Croix.
December 5, 2017
3.5
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a review*
I love Allison's writing and stories and if you ask which ones I read over and over again is Brighter and The Bitter, The Sweet so I was pretty excited when she announced that Brighter will be published.
As with Heavenly Bodies this book will make you want to visit St. Croix as soon as possible. I know it is said in the book that the island life is not always games and fun but I still want to experience that lifestyle. You'll want to visit the beaches described, swim in the turquoise waters and taste the specific cuisine.
There are some changes of course which I enjoyed more or less but the main plot is the same and some of my favourite scenes are still there. I didn't like the main male character as much as I did in the fanfiction but that's probably because of the changed name and appearance but that's just my preference.
Also I didn't know what to expect of the ending with this being part one but I really loved how she did it.
So if you want to read about the island life and want a swoony romance with little drama this is your book !
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a review*
I love Allison's writing and stories and if you ask which ones I read over and over again is Brighter and The Bitter, The Sweet so I was pretty excited when she announced that Brighter will be published.
As with Heavenly Bodies this book will make you want to visit St. Croix as soon as possible. I know it is said in the book that the island life is not always games and fun but I still want to experience that lifestyle. You'll want to visit the beaches described, swim in the turquoise waters and taste the specific cuisine.
There are some changes of course which I enjoyed more or less but the main plot is the same and some of my favourite scenes are still there. I didn't like the main male character as much as I did in the fanfiction but that's probably because of the changed name and appearance but that's just my preference.
Also I didn't know what to expect of the ending with this being part one but I really loved how she did it.
So if you want to read about the island life and want a swoony romance with little drama this is your book !
July 13, 2018
Lovely. Full review at Ash Reads Stuff.
Read
March 21, 2019DNF - 13%
It’s not you, it’s me.
Definitely not my type of romance.
Stopped reading at the beginning of Chapter 5 because she keeps having sex with her “friend”. There’s no actual action (thank God), only explicit references to sex. They’ve just finished, he is all sweaty and she is still high from the orgasm.
Generally I wouldn’t consider this explicit, but it’s even too explicit when it’s one of the MCs with someone else. It’s a hard limit. Sex with OM/OW is a big fat NO, especially after the MCs have already met, which is exactly what happens here. Even though she’s already sexually attracted to the hero (and she feels it’s mutual), she still sleeps with her “friend”. Thanks, but no, thanks.
I’m sure the sequel is going to be better (for sure she won’t have sex with OM), but unfortunately I can’t just get over this. I tried for days, but nada - the story is already ruined for me.
However, RA’s writing never disappoints and I still love it. Her words are pure magic. I’ll just wait for the perfect plot for me.
To each their own.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
It’s not you, it’s me.
Definitely not my type of romance.
Stopped reading at the beginning of Chapter 5 because she keeps having sex with her “friend”. There’s no actual action (thank God), only explicit references to sex. They’ve just finished, he is all sweaty and she is still high from the orgasm.
Generally I wouldn’t consider this explicit, but it’s even too explicit when it’s one of the MCs with someone else. It’s a hard limit. Sex with OM/OW is a big fat NO, especially after the MCs have already met, which is exactly what happens here. Even though she’s already sexually attracted to the hero (and she feels it’s mutual), she still sleeps with her “friend”. Thanks, but no, thanks.
I’m sure the sequel is going to be better (for sure she won’t have sex with OM), but unfortunately I can’t just get over this. I tried for days, but nada - the story is already ruined for me.
However, RA’s writing never disappoints and I still love it. Her words are pure magic. I’ll just wait for the perfect plot for me.
To each their own.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
February 18, 2018
I love Rochelle’s writing and have for a while, so when I got an ARC of Brighter I kind of already knew I was going to love it, and I was pretty much right! Lol.
There were a lot of things I liked about this new version of the story. A few things I loved. And even a few things that I didn’t.
Our main character is Alina. She’s a recent college graduate whose plans are sidelined when reality happens and she doesn’t snag her dream internship. This leaves her summer empty of plans but full of doubt about herself and what her plans should be. Still, she holds steadfast to her dreams and her pretty messy friends with benefits situation that she’s in, and ventures off to St. Croix with her “lover” aka the messy best friend with benefits.
Now, to one of the things I didn’t like about this story. Theo. The aforementioned bed buddy. I couldn’t stand him. Nope. Not one bit. Rochelle did a really good job of trying to make him and their situation relatable. Even as I read it, and rolled my eyes at Theo, I could read what she was doing but I wasn’t falling for it! HA!
He is every guy who has ever had a good girl staring him in the face and didn’t give a damn to act on it until a sexier more suitable man noticed her. Theo could kick rocks for all I care. But Jude? JUDE?
Jude is hot. I know, I KNOW … it’s a romance so of course, the guy has to be hot. But no, Jude is, like, super-hot. The descriptions of him were spot on! He’s tatted. Has an island accent that slips through from time to time. Doesn’t take anyone’s shit, even razzes our heroine, but is such a real kind of dude that even in the few moments where he does kinda get on your nerves you want him to win.
When they first meet, their situations are blurred between single and unavailable. I won’t get much into it because it’s an important factor in the book that you need to read to understand. And even though I was okay with the “kind of love triangle” I can see that some people might not be with it. I would still say give it a chance. It’ll be worth it.
My biggest critique of the story is the too large (in my opinion) extra cast of characters. There were really a few too many for me to keep up with. I loved Alina’s best friend, Caroline, though really her island best friend is Ivy. Whose twin sister, Ariel, has a thing for Jude. Then there are the boys who Theo hangs out with, (Colin and them) and then their Alina and Theo’s landlords who also have kids. It’s a lot to remember and keep track of, and it doesn’t really take away from the story but the long list of secondary characters doesn’t really add to it, either. YET!
Because since Brighter is the first in a series (Rochelle says this so this isn’t a spoiler) we know that all these people and the ending (not a cliffhanger but more of a “Happily For Now”) will all come together. So it’s only slightly jarring, but not enough to hurt to story.
My biggest takeaway!?
This is a great beach read with a romance meets coming of age theme. And I most definitely recommend it.
There were a lot of things I liked about this new version of the story. A few things I loved. And even a few things that I didn’t.
Our main character is Alina. She’s a recent college graduate whose plans are sidelined when reality happens and she doesn’t snag her dream internship. This leaves her summer empty of plans but full of doubt about herself and what her plans should be. Still, she holds steadfast to her dreams and her pretty messy friends with benefits situation that she’s in, and ventures off to St. Croix with her “lover” aka the messy best friend with benefits.
Now, to one of the things I didn’t like about this story. Theo. The aforementioned bed buddy. I couldn’t stand him. Nope. Not one bit. Rochelle did a really good job of trying to make him and their situation relatable. Even as I read it, and rolled my eyes at Theo, I could read what she was doing but I wasn’t falling for it! HA!
He is every guy who has ever had a good girl staring him in the face and didn’t give a damn to act on it until a sexier more suitable man noticed her. Theo could kick rocks for all I care. But Jude? JUDE?
Jude is hot. I know, I KNOW … it’s a romance so of course, the guy has to be hot. But no, Jude is, like, super-hot. The descriptions of him were spot on! He’s tatted. Has an island accent that slips through from time to time. Doesn’t take anyone’s shit, even razzes our heroine, but is such a real kind of dude that even in the few moments where he does kinda get on your nerves you want him to win.
When they first meet, their situations are blurred between single and unavailable. I won’t get much into it because it’s an important factor in the book that you need to read to understand. And even though I was okay with the “kind of love triangle” I can see that some people might not be with it. I would still say give it a chance. It’ll be worth it.
My biggest critique of the story is the too large (in my opinion) extra cast of characters. There were really a few too many for me to keep up with. I loved Alina’s best friend, Caroline, though really her island best friend is Ivy. Whose twin sister, Ariel, has a thing for Jude. Then there are the boys who Theo hangs out with, (Colin and them) and then their Alina and Theo’s landlords who also have kids. It’s a lot to remember and keep track of, and it doesn’t really take away from the story but the long list of secondary characters doesn’t really add to it, either. YET!
Because since Brighter is the first in a series (Rochelle says this so this isn’t a spoiler) we know that all these people and the ending (not a cliffhanger but more of a “Happily For Now”) will all come together. So it’s only slightly jarring, but not enough to hurt to story.
My biggest takeaway!?
This is a great beach read with a romance meets coming of age theme. And I most definitely recommend it.
August 10, 2020
★★★★¾
My first read from this author and I really enjoyed it! I normally stay away from love triangles because somehow I either don't buy it or they aren't even enough for me. With this book, there is a definite imbalance of affection, but the tone is perfect.
I enjoyed the characters and as a person that loves the ocean, I can really understand Alina's feelings and affinity for conservationism and the island life. Theo and Jude each have their own positive attributes, but the attraction is absolutely there for Alina and Jude at first sight.
Overall, I love how Alina and Jude bond and have different experiences, but a similar world view. I appreciate a woman who is strong enough to know what she deserves and has a conflict that makes sense. I can't wait to read the 2nd book and find out what happens with all these amazing characters. Take me back to the island! 😍
My first read from this author and I really enjoyed it! I normally stay away from love triangles because somehow I either don't buy it or they aren't even enough for me. With this book, there is a definite imbalance of affection, but the tone is perfect.
I enjoyed the characters and as a person that loves the ocean, I can really understand Alina's feelings and affinity for conservationism and the island life. Theo and Jude each have their own positive attributes, but the attraction is absolutely there for Alina and Jude at first sight.
Overall, I love how Alina and Jude bond and have different experiences, but a similar world view. I appreciate a woman who is strong enough to know what she deserves and has a conflict that makes sense. I can't wait to read the 2nd book and find out what happens with all these amazing characters. Take me back to the island! 😍
December 7, 2017
***I received an ebook copy from the author at no cost***
I wish there was a way to swoon through my computer, because I would right now.
I love Alina. So, so much. She's got everything laid out, her life plans in place, and then things come along and get all out of whack, and she's left trying to piece things together. Fate has a few things in store for her though, and she ends up on the beautiful beaches of St. Croix for the summer, alongside her good friend and sometimes hook up buddy Theo. And then there's Jude...
No spoilers from me! It was easy to stereotype Jude from the first meeting, because he's an island bartender, but then Rochelle revealed more of him to us, and it wasn't long before I fell head over heels for him as a character. His relationship with Alina blossomed just as I'd expect it, and I was busy swooning (when am I not when I read a Rochelle book?) all along the way.
I love how Rochelle is able to capture the feel of the places that she writes about. I felt like I was in St. Croix alongside these characters. I would close my eyes and literally feel myself walking along the beach or enjoying the night life. Rochelle is such a talented writer, and one of her biggest strengths is her ability to paint a picture for readers with her words. And, as always, the romance in this story was breathtaking, which is yet another thing that Rochelle excels at. I had butterflies in my own stomach at multiple points when reading, and I loved that.
I can't wait to pick up the next installment in this series, or to see where Rochelle takes us with her next set of characters. This author will forever be on my immediate one-click list, because I know that I'm going to find myself immersed in a world of amazing characters and romance that leaves me starry eyed and feeling like I got the wind knocked out of me.
Brighter gets the Wordaholic Must Read seal of approval.
5 stars to this novel!
I wish there was a way to swoon through my computer, because I would right now.
I love Alina. So, so much. She's got everything laid out, her life plans in place, and then things come along and get all out of whack, and she's left trying to piece things together. Fate has a few things in store for her though, and she ends up on the beautiful beaches of St. Croix for the summer, alongside her good friend and sometimes hook up buddy Theo. And then there's Jude...
No spoilers from me! It was easy to stereotype Jude from the first meeting, because he's an island bartender, but then Rochelle revealed more of him to us, and it wasn't long before I fell head over heels for him as a character. His relationship with Alina blossomed just as I'd expect it, and I was busy swooning (when am I not when I read a Rochelle book?) all along the way.
I love how Rochelle is able to capture the feel of the places that she writes about. I felt like I was in St. Croix alongside these characters. I would close my eyes and literally feel myself walking along the beach or enjoying the night life. Rochelle is such a talented writer, and one of her biggest strengths is her ability to paint a picture for readers with her words. And, as always, the romance in this story was breathtaking, which is yet another thing that Rochelle excels at. I had butterflies in my own stomach at multiple points when reading, and I loved that.
I can't wait to pick up the next installment in this series, or to see where Rochelle takes us with her next set of characters. This author will forever be on my immediate one-click list, because I know that I'm going to find myself immersed in a world of amazing characters and romance that leaves me starry eyed and feeling like I got the wind knocked out of me.
Brighter gets the Wordaholic Must Read seal of approval.
5 stars to this novel!
December 13, 2017
*I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review*
i know it took awhile for me to write a review for this one.. i'm sorry Ro but real life reeaaallyy takes over (yes, it still does. Here i am try to cheat some reviewing time rather than writing some 'important assignment'..
so.. Brighter.
well, i love Allison's style in storytelling. the vibe. the characters. the conversation. they're all really good. And i follow and has read all her FFs back then just to prove that she is indeed one of my favorite author.
Among all her stories (FFs or officialy published books), Brighter (FF) was prolly on my top 10. it wasn't reaching my top 5 but definitely on best 10. when i heard that it will be published into an officially original story, i was excited.
it still the same, generally in this Brighter book. only some changes in characters' names and some minor adjustments but not much different.
it is still a lovely and beautiful love story in St. Croix.
and i don't know whether it was only me but i didn't really feel the depth of Alina's feeling toward Jude. it kinda lacking some way. like she was a well-planned and goal-oriented girl but her changing decision nearing the end of the book was a bit off for me. i know there were turtles to observe and all but i expect her to be more harsh on herself and stick to her planned goals first.
But hey, this is Rochelle Allison and i know there will be more to come from this story that's worth the wait. i expect only good stuff for 2nd book, Ro. i trust you.
i know it took awhile for me to write a review for this one.. i'm sorry Ro but real life reeaaallyy takes over (yes, it still does. Here i am try to cheat some reviewing time rather than writing some 'important assignment'..
so.. Brighter.
well, i love Allison's style in storytelling. the vibe. the characters. the conversation. they're all really good. And i follow and has read all her FFs back then just to prove that she is indeed one of my favorite author.
Among all her stories (FFs or officialy published books), Brighter (FF) was prolly on my top 10. it wasn't reaching my top 5 but definitely on best 10. when i heard that it will be published into an officially original story, i was excited.
it still the same, generally in this Brighter book. only some changes in characters' names and some minor adjustments but not much different.
it is still a lovely and beautiful love story in St. Croix.
and i don't know whether it was only me but i didn't really feel the depth of Alina's feeling toward Jude. it kinda lacking some way. like she was a well-planned and goal-oriented girl but her changing decision nearing the end of the book was a bit off for me. i know there were turtles to observe and all but i expect her to be more harsh on herself and stick to her planned goals first.
But hey, this is Rochelle Allison and i know there will be more to come from this story that's worth the wait. i expect only good stuff for 2nd book, Ro. i trust you.
December 5, 2017
Rochelle Allison’s newest novel Brighter tells the age old story of life is what happens when you are busy making other plans with the backdrop of beautiful St Croix and amazing characters.
Alina has her life all planned-head before heart. School comes first. When there is a bump in the road she heads to St Croix with her friend with benefits to await the start of graduate school
Alina is a bright, funny and confident woman. Enter Jude Lawson-St Croix native who makes her feel a” tingly”” acute”” flicker of attraction” the second they meet.
Jude is hot, sure of himself and a successful business owner who avoids getting involved with tourists to protect his heart. Alina and Jude’s relationship and how it unfolds is the backbone of this great story. Along the way the reader learns about the characters but also gets an amazing
virtual vacation in St Croix! Alina and Jude learn that you can follow your heart but still achieve what your head has planned
Rochelle has done it again-her ability to use words to evoke emotion and make you feel like you are actually there is among the best I have read. In addition she creates multidimensional characters that you can totally picture and fall in love with.
I recommend Brighter for anyone who wants a great romance that is just as special and unique as chaney and bioluminescence and schools of dolphins at the beach!
December 5, 2017
Reading this book was like getting to go on a romantic getaway to St. Croix. Rochelle Allison doesn't just tell you a story - her descriptions are captivating and she gets into your head and your heart. This book is no exception. Our heroine is young and driven and has reasons for keeping her plans for the future front and center and keeping her "eye on the prize" where her education is concerned. This story is about what happens when she broadens her horizons and starts to question if her future might be brighter if she made some changes to her plan. Of course, there is a love story happening on those gorgeous beaches and a hero who's willing to support her on whatever path she takes. I love broadening my own horizons and reading about Island life was fascinating to me! Seeing how different life is, just a short hop from the mainland was interesting but I also enjoyed seeing all that we had in common. We all struggle to make the most of our lives, hoping to make a difference and to find love and a brighter future. Read "Brighter" and see how one young girl goes about making that happen!
November 24, 2017
Disclosure 1: Received an ARC Disclosure 2: Read the previous fan fiction version of this book. Disclosure 3:For those familiar with the FF version of Brighter, this is a complete re-write and it's all the better for it.
Rochelle took the heart of the story and kept it there but rebuilt the characters and story around it. There are faint traces of the FF, but this is an original working of the story.
I loved the changes and they made it feel like a completely new story. I loved the interactions between Alina and Jude. I love that Alina had more of a focus on herself and goals and tried staying true to herself.
I love the Jude's supportive and chill nature with her. These two felt like a real couple and their instant connection was palpable.
As always, Rochelle's writing brings you there in the moment and actually makes you feel (or remember your falling in love).
You can't help but wonder when reading if Rochelle is bringing parts of her life into the story or her storytelling is just that fantastic. Either way, she's always a great read.
Rochelle took the heart of the story and kept it there but rebuilt the characters and story around it. There are faint traces of the FF, but this is an original working of the story.
I loved the changes and they made it feel like a completely new story. I loved the interactions between Alina and Jude. I love that Alina had more of a focus on herself and goals and tried staying true to herself.
I love the Jude's supportive and chill nature with her. These two felt like a real couple and their instant connection was palpable.
As always, Rochelle's writing brings you there in the moment and actually makes you feel (or remember your falling in love).
You can't help but wonder when reading if Rochelle is bringing parts of her life into the story or her storytelling is just that fantastic. Either way, she's always a great read.
December 4, 2017
I've loved everything Rochelle has ever written, so when she offered ARCs of her latest book I jumped at the chance to read it.
Alina is focused on her future and refuses to let anything derail her plans...until she meets Jude while on vacation in St. Croix. Her romance is farther complicated by the fact she came to St. Croix with her best friend (with benefits) Theo. Rochelle carefully navigates both the relationship between Alina and Theo, and Alina and Jude. She doesn't make Alina the bad guy for falling in love with Jude, and you can understand Alina's feelings for both men. And as always, Rochelle makes you feel every emotion along with the characters. She has such a vivid way of writing you can't help but be swept up in the story.
I can't wait to read the next part of the story, and to spend more time on St. Croix with Aline, Jude, and their wonderful cast of supporting characters.
Alina is focused on her future and refuses to let anything derail her plans...until she meets Jude while on vacation in St. Croix. Her romance is farther complicated by the fact she came to St. Croix with her best friend (with benefits) Theo. Rochelle carefully navigates both the relationship between Alina and Theo, and Alina and Jude. She doesn't make Alina the bad guy for falling in love with Jude, and you can understand Alina's feelings for both men. And as always, Rochelle makes you feel every emotion along with the characters. She has such a vivid way of writing you can't help but be swept up in the story.
I can't wait to read the next part of the story, and to spend more time on St. Croix with Aline, Jude, and their wonderful cast of supporting characters.
December 5, 2017
Rochelle Allison’s book Brighter is an amazing love story that lets you see into the island of St. Croix. This book was a beautiful heart-warming story of love and devotion, of family and compassion, of understand and acceptance but, most of all it was the story of believing what your heart and soul is telling you and not settling for anything other than your perfect HEA. I can't say enough good things about this book. I feel in love with Jude from the very beginning. The author does an exception job of detailing the passion that builds between Jude and Alina. Can’t wait to read more in the next book.
December 6, 2017
Rochelle Allison’s latest work is a coming of age story which follows Alina as she navigates around detours in her plans. These detours include not getting a prized internship, a messy “friend” relationship and meeting island native Jude.
Rochelle’s words allowed me to see the bioluminescence waves and chaney bracelets just as if I was right there in the moment with the characters. This is no exaggeration, because Rochelle uses words to paint a brilliant picture in your mind.
The book is well written and edited, and I couldn’t put it down.
Rochelle’s words allowed me to see the bioluminescence waves and chaney bracelets just as if I was right there in the moment with the characters. This is no exaggeration, because Rochelle uses words to paint a brilliant picture in your mind.
The book is well written and edited, and I couldn’t put it down.
November 29, 2017
LOVED this book.
I've never been to the island, but I feel like I have. The descriptions of the locations were so thorough, I could picture each scene in my mind. The characters are thoughtfully written and delightfully imperfect. The story flowed wonderfully. My only complaint would be the abrupt ending. Can't wait to see what's to come.
I've never been to the island, but I feel like I have. The descriptions of the locations were so thorough, I could picture each scene in my mind. The characters are thoughtfully written and delightfully imperfect. The story flowed wonderfully. My only complaint would be the abrupt ending. Can't wait to see what's to come.
December 5, 2017
Brighter is a warm, sunny story about a young woman who is growing up and learning about herself and true happiness. She is in a comfortable relationship at the beginning of the book but meets "the one" while on holiday between semesters in grad school. The writing is excellent and the characters are all very likable and easy to relate to.
February 1, 2018
Of course I enjoyed this book. I've always been a fan of Rochelle. She should be a travel agent, for how well she advertised St Croix in this book lol. I enjoyed getting to know all the characters, even Theo, who bugged the hell out of me. I'm kinda bummed there's a sequel, though, because I thought it ended perfectly. Great job, Rochelle!
January 4, 2019
Loved it!
I absolutely love Rochelle Allison's writing! This was a great story. I love her descriptions of St. Croix. It makes me want to visit. The story is about Alina and what was meant to be a short vacation that leads to so much more. I can't wait to read the next book in this story!
I absolutely love Rochelle Allison's writing! This was a great story. I love her descriptions of St. Croix. It makes me want to visit. The story is about Alina and what was meant to be a short vacation that leads to so much more. I can't wait to read the next book in this story!
December 25, 2017
Bright Caribbean sun may be the lure
Break Caribbean sunshine may be the lure but life is calling. Will it be Staying on the predictable and well-defined path or will the brighter sun here on St. Croix illuminate a different path
Break Caribbean sunshine may be the lure but life is calling. Will it be Staying on the predictable and well-defined path or will the brighter sun here on St. Croix illuminate a different path
July 23, 2018
This was such a joy to read. The author perfectly captures the feeling of falling in love so well.
And boy do I ever want to travel to this island. For real. The author describes it so thoroughly.
I spent the bulk if the reading time with a giant cheesy smile on my face. A
And boy do I ever want to travel to this island. For real. The author describes it so thoroughly.
I spent the bulk if the reading time with a giant cheesy smile on my face. A
November 25, 2017
Anything by this author is great. This story just gives me the feels. Nobody tells beach stories like she does!
March 19, 2018
3.5 "why is this 165 pages with a sequel?!" stars
June 26, 2018
I love Rochelle's books! The feelings that are stirred evoke my younger self - and all those feelings of falling in love...
August 27, 2018
A lovely, sweet story. I love Rochelle's writing. I was invested in the story, in the characters, I could relate to who they are and what they're going through.
October 22, 2018
A warm read
A warm read on a chilly fall day. Rochelle’s storytelling is a pleasure to experience. I recommend any of her books!
A warm read on a chilly fall day. Rochelle’s storytelling is a pleasure to experience. I recommend any of her books!
January 24, 2019
First, I'd like to say that Rochelle Allison is an amazing author and storyteller. Any of her stories I've ever read have sucked me in. This was no exception. Allison writes like one of your best friends is telling you a story.
Brighter kept me going in this smooth, rolling ease, about a girl who learns to trust herself, couched between the lines of love and friendship and what is essentially a backdrop of the author's love for St Croix. I want to take a trip now!
At first read, I had an objection to a friends with benefits scenario between two characters in the story. They were essentially friends in denial as to what feelings come with that kind of intimacy. I'm glad I waited to review and thought about it. Where I wouldn't make those choices, the characters actions really speak to where they are and the lack of self-awareness and denial of emotional fallout. We see these characters grow and understand themselves better once they're able to wrap their heads around their heart. Friends with Benefits always falls into emotions, one-sided or not. Allison writes this scenario very well.
I also enjoyed that the romances weren't front-and-center. The story involved some life choices and the real sacrifices we make whether we intend to or not. And further how those choices are there, be it tangible or in faith, diectly shaping our lives.
As I said before, a major character is not even a person. How do you even write that? You'll fall in love with the island of Saint Croix. Sun, sand, and laid back islander life. If you've never been, by the time you finish this book you will be considering a vacation. I know I did.
Overall, a fun read.
*** The author provided me with a free digital copy. All opinions herein are my own***
Brighter kept me going in this smooth, rolling ease, about a girl who learns to trust herself, couched between the lines of love and friendship and what is essentially a backdrop of the author's love for St Croix. I want to take a trip now!
At first read, I had an objection to a friends with benefits scenario between two characters in the story. They were essentially friends in denial as to what feelings come with that kind of intimacy. I'm glad I waited to review and thought about it. Where I wouldn't make those choices, the characters actions really speak to where they are and the lack of self-awareness and denial of emotional fallout. We see these characters grow and understand themselves better once they're able to wrap their heads around their heart. Friends with Benefits always falls into emotions, one-sided or not. Allison writes this scenario very well.
I also enjoyed that the romances weren't front-and-center. The story involved some life choices and the real sacrifices we make whether we intend to or not. And further how those choices are there, be it tangible or in faith, diectly shaping our lives.
As I said before, a major character is not even a person. How do you even write that? You'll fall in love with the island of Saint Croix. Sun, sand, and laid back islander life. If you've never been, by the time you finish this book you will be considering a vacation. I know I did.
Overall, a fun read.
*** The author provided me with a free digital copy. All opinions herein are my own***
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