Emerge by S.E. Hall ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@Sehallauthor)

Another new to me author that I have taken a chance on, and again not a bad start to the series. Those who don't like love triangles, beware! However, I look forward to see what happens next to one of the characters in the series.

Title: Emerge

Author: S.E. Hall

Series: Evolve #1

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Published: May 15th 2013

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“You never have to be without me, Laney, never.”

He lied…my everything I ever knew, trusted, wanted…I am, in fact, without him.

On my own and out of my shell, I learn new things about life, friendship and…myself.

Like what you’ve always known may not be what you’ve always wanted.

Dane Kendrick awakened things within me that I never knew existed, unraveling and uncovering the real Laney Jo Walker.

I’m a NEW adult…so is my story.

I picked up this book a while ago, and didn’t re-read the blurb, just dove into it, basically blind. I was introduced to a little tomboy called Laney, and how she became friends with Evan. They experienced a lot of firsts together, before having to go their separate ways for college.

It was hard for Laney when she first got to college, being without her best friend and having to make new friends. She was miserable and was unsure if she wanted to even play softball anymore. Her roommate dragged her out to meet others in her dorm and soon she made some friends… guy friends! Tate and Sawyer share a room, and Dane, Tate’s brother is often there, even though he’s not a student. They all become close and soon the connection between Laney and Dane becomes intense.

Laney was a sweet girl, and really discovered a lot about herself in this book. She was out of her comfort zone, having to fit in once again. I felt she was a little childish and over reacted at times, but it was all part of her growing process. I liked that she had a strong relationship with Evan, and it was sweet to see Dane fluster her. She was soon changed from a tomboy refusing to wear dresses, to a young lady wanting to impress a boy.

So, if you hate a love triangle in your reads, don’t pick this one up! Evan and Dane both share their perspectives throughout the story and I was torn between them both! They both care deeply for Laney and will do anything for her. There was another person who was close to Laney that really irked me and I couldn’t believe she stooped as low as what she did. It made me angry!  

It really was a sweet read and I am glad that I gave Emerge a go. It kind of ended abruptly in my opinion, but it has me keen to read more from this world. I liked meeting a lot of the secondary characters and hope to see a lot more of them in the future.

*** Swoon Thursday was first bought to us by YA Bound. Since they are no longer with us, and with permission from Trisha Wolfe, I have decided that those of us that love to swoon need a central meet up point.  So here it is ladies! I have a link up for everyone at the bottom of the post you can add your swoons to, and I’ll set it up every week! So tell all other swooners out there to come on over, link up so we can visit each other! ***


I have two moments today. The first one I thought was a little funny, but sweet. The second ... Dayum!! 


“My truck, I’m driving,” I tell him, even though it should go without saying.
“Not a chance, woman. You’re the worst driver I know, especially when you’re mad, and I’d just as soon get home alive. Hand ‘em over.”
“I’m not mad,” I huff, “I’m disappointed in myself… as usual.” I mumble the last part.
“Don’t talk about my girl that way, and don’t make me manhandle you for those keys.”

Kindle Page 14

“I can tell softball’s hard work and you’ve obviously dedicated yourself to it.”
“How do you know that?”
“By your body, Laney. No way has that happened on its own,” he remarks in a deeper tone.
“Um, Dane, have you been checking me out?” I blush.
“Only when I’m breathing.” He winks and gives me a sideways beam.

Kindle Page 141
Originally inspired by YA Bound

S.E.Hall, lover of all things anticipation and romance, is the author of The Evolve Series: Emerge, Embrace, Entangled, Entice and Baby Mama Drama, as well as the stand-alone novel Pretty Instinct. Her co-written works included The Provocative Professions Collection: Stirred Up, Packaged and Handled, One Naughty Night and full-length novel Matched with Angela Graham as well as Conspire, a romantic suspense with Erin Noelle. 
S.E. resides in Arkansas with her husband of 18 years and 3 daughters of the home. When not writing or reading, she can be found "enthusiastically cheering" on one of her girls' softball games.

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