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Taking Chances #2
Cruel and Beautiful World
Cami is a mess. Perfect student by day, party girl by night. Rebelling against her controlling father is only half of it. Cami can control her actions at parties, no one else can. It’s a freedom she won’t let go of. And something she doesn’t need saving from.
Travis an all around great guy. He’s a tutor, good student, and has his act together. After crushing on Cami last semester and watching her spiral out of control, he only wants to help her. He wants to show her she deserves more than a night of fun. She deserves respect, freedom, and love.
Can Cami let her guard down long enough to let Travis in? Or will old habits ruin their chance at love?
Travis an all around great guy. He’s a tutor, good student, and has his act together. After crushing on Cami last semester and watching her spiral out of control, he only wants to help her. He wants to show her she deserves more than a night of fun. She deserves respect, freedom, and love.
Can Cami let her guard down long enough to let Travis in? Or will old habits ruin their chance at love?
Published November 16, 2017
About the author
Katrina Marie
66 books728 followersKatrina Marie lives in the Dallas area with her husband, two children, and fur baby. She is a lover of all things geeky and Gryffindor for life. When she’s not writing you can find her at her children’s sporting events, or curled up reading a book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 1, 2020
I enjoyed this book. i was glad to see Cami finally stand her ground with her dad and not let him control her life. Especially, since he was the cause of much of issues and anxiety! It was nice seeing her find a friend like Tonya at school. I loved Darcy! she was a sweetheart! Travis 😍😍 loved him as well and how protective he was over Cami.
October 28, 2017
This was a spectacular book. Katrina Marie is one hell of an author. This book will take the reader down a path of darkness, and eventually hopefully light. Cami feels like she is a ghost among her family, her friends, her peers, and even herself. Does she want to fight, or will she just give up? Travis watches Cami disappear more and more each day, loving her from afar but wanting to help her. Will he become her savior or will she learn that she can also save herself? Thank you for allowing me to read this and write a honest review.
Want to read
March 16, 2020🎁 Books 1 & 2 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (3/16/2020)! 🎁
November 5, 2017
This story struck a few cords with me, all in good ways. This was such an easy and quick read for me; I was sucked in so quick and I just couldn't stop. Cami and Travis are seriously adorable. I love how she thought he was stalker like, and how he couldn't help but want to take care of her. They both had so many different issues with their parents, but they also did a lot to overcome that.
Cami was someone who I could totally relate to. I have some anxiety issues, and I had some crazy times in my youth, although not quite as drastic. I know how it feels to have the kind of pressure she dealt with, it's not easy. She grew so much throughout this book and I was so proud of her. Then we have Travis, there was sooo much he was dealing with and handling everything so well. I loved how he was taken by Cami so quickly and how he had to become her white knight. I was pulling for Travis so much throughout this entire book, I was really taken by him. I loved the supporting characters too, Darcy and Tonya are both so amazing. Then we have Derrick, I'm so curious about him.
Basically I loved every single thing about this book!
Cami was someone who I could totally relate to. I have some anxiety issues, and I had some crazy times in my youth, although not quite as drastic. I know how it feels to have the kind of pressure she dealt with, it's not easy. She grew so much throughout this book and I was so proud of her. Then we have Travis, there was sooo much he was dealing with and handling everything so well. I loved how he was taken by Cami so quickly and how he had to become her white knight. I was pulling for Travis so much throughout this entire book, I was really taken by him. I loved the supporting characters too, Darcy and Tonya are both so amazing. Then we have Derrick, I'm so curious about him.
Basically I loved every single thing about this book!
October 20, 2017
Cruel and Beautiful World by Katrina Marie is the story of Cami, a college student who's slowly but surely unraveling. Suffering from Anxiety and dealing with her obsessively controlling Father, Cami begins to act out in a number of ways and she catches the eye of Travis. Travis first noticed Cami before her actions became a cry for help. Can Travis convince Cami to go out on a date with him? Can his love save her from herself?
This was my first book by Katrina Marie. The book would be excellent for youth or young adult readers. It was a quick and easy read that I would recommend to others who enjoy books they can finish in one sitting. I enjoyed it.
This was my first book by Katrina Marie. The book would be excellent for youth or young adult readers. It was a quick and easy read that I would recommend to others who enjoy books they can finish in one sitting. I enjoyed it.
November 16, 2017
Cruel and Beautiful World was a quick and easy YA novel. This was Cami and Travis story. Cami was not handling the stress in her life and I loved how protective Travis was over her and how he looked out for her. It was a joy watching their relationship develop. This stand-alone novel had a bit of everything, family drama, romance, angst and friendship. There were complex well-developed main characters and secondary characters who all provided support through out the story. This was my first Katrina Marie story and I enjoyed it. It was a good read.
November 28, 2017
Cami is a young, beautiful college girl. But, she's also a partier. You go down her dark past and current lifestyle. Being controlled by her father for as long as she can remember. Her mom never sticking up for her. Cami is at the point in her life where she is ready to give up because it's no use when her father doesn't listen to her. Travis feels the need to protect her, but Cami is dead set on not needed help. Little does she know, she needs Travis.
Life isn't always perfect. Cami is learning that. She is taking a stand, but where will it leave her.
Life isn't always perfect. Cami is learning that. She is taking a stand, but where will it leave her.
December 13, 2017
This was a book that I read in one sitting, it was that good! I absolutely loved Travis from beginning to end. Not only is he struggling with his mom's destructive behavior he has also taking on the task of being Cami's knight by getting her out of bad situations that she continues to get herself into .
I was so glad when Cami decided to stand up to her father and take control of her life and make her own decisions. I am glad that she realized Travis really cares and wants what's best for her. I am definitely looking forward to reading more by this author.
I was so glad when Cami decided to stand up to her father and take control of her life and make her own decisions. I am glad that she realized Travis really cares and wants what's best for her. I am definitely looking forward to reading more by this author.
March 11, 2018
Cami is struggling dealing with an overbearing and controlling father and Travis is dealing with an addicted mother.
Travis decides that he needs to always be around to rescue Cami from self destruction. Cami resents him at first because she doesn't want anyone to control her. When she finally agrees to a date with Travis they are both apprehensive and excited.
Will this develop into a relationship or will Cami's self destruction and Travis' white knight in shining armor behavior get in their way? I recommend this book and let you find out what happens.
Travis decides that he needs to always be around to rescue Cami from self destruction. Cami resents him at first because she doesn't want anyone to control her. When she finally agrees to a date with Travis they are both apprehensive and excited.
Will this develop into a relationship or will Cami's self destruction and Travis' white knight in shining armor behavior get in their way? I recommend this book and let you find out what happens.
October 13, 2017
Cami is under a lot of pressure and doesn't deal with well at all. She's headed down a dark path. Travis has only had eyes for her for over a semester. He has a good heart and wonderful personality. All he wants is to save her. Can Cami let him?
This is sweet story of learning to trust someone and falling in love. Perfect for YA and Teen readers.
This is sweet story of learning to trust someone and falling in love. Perfect for YA and Teen readers.
November 6, 2017
This is cami story it’s a stand alone but we met cami in Tonya book welcome to your life that one is a complete stand alone too! Travis and cami they are too funny and I love them together! Love this book and can’t wait to read more from this author
February 17, 2021
This was the first book in the series that I didn't like. Cami was just too much for me. I get that her father was horrible. However, she made too many stupid decisions and I hated the way she treated Travis at first. Luckily she got over everything and was able to make it work with Travis.
July 20, 2018
So Cami has "stuff" and obviously you have to read to solve and figure everything out. So far she just wants control of her own life, which in turn ends up being her body with how she sees fit. Including hiding/lying to everyone in her life about how self distructive she truly has become
She has caught the attention of Travis, whom seems to be a stalker so to say, even to his own self. He just wants to help her be there and protect her. But he has know clue what he's trying to help/protect her from. All he knows is he wants her and wants to do what ever he can.
I really like the fact that in all honesty Cami is truly a relatable character. She has flaws and is not this perfect person and put together. Her life is chaotic and spirals out of control, some times over what seems like nothing at all. She is someone that I could step into and relate to in so many ways, especially with her anxiety and panic disorder.
It takes Cami a while to realize she needs to get herself together, put herself first and get out from the negative before she can ever truly be happy with herself get past her anxiety and be happy with her friends and relationships.
She has caught the attention of Travis, whom seems to be a stalker so to say, even to his own self. He just wants to help her be there and protect her. But he has know clue what he's trying to help/protect her from. All he knows is he wants her and wants to do what ever he can.
I really like the fact that in all honesty Cami is truly a relatable character. She has flaws and is not this perfect person and put together. Her life is chaotic and spirals out of control, some times over what seems like nothing at all. She is someone that I could step into and relate to in so many ways, especially with her anxiety and panic disorder.
It takes Cami a while to realize she needs to get herself together, put herself first and get out from the negative before she can ever truly be happy with herself get past her anxiety and be happy with her friends and relationships.
April 10, 2019
Good book
I really enjoy this book. Young love! College student with a troubled family! But they learn to lean on each other!
I really enjoy this book. Young love! College student with a troubled family! But they learn to lean on each other!
November 21, 2017
Amazing book with lots of feels! I laughed, I cried, I yelled..... love Cami and Travis
November 17, 2017
This is a college romance that reads more like a young adult rather than a new adult. The subject matter in this book is quite serious but the characters are a bit immature. Cami is on a self- destructing path as she deals with an anxiety disorder and the stress of her over controlling father. She becomes more reckless, parties hard and it’s not uncommon to find her wasted.
Travis has had a crush on Cami for a while and notices her downward spiral. He basically becomes her stalker, but I guess in a good way because he watches out for her and comes to her rescue a few times. Travis has his own demons and personal experience with watching someone he loves waste their life away with drugs and alcohol. He doesn’t want to see the same thing happen with Cami. There is some push and pull here as Travis tries to convince Cami to go on a date with him, but Cami is afraid Travis will become like her father and try and control her every move. I had some difficulty here understanding why she would come to this conclusion but nevertheless, this was her fear.
If I had one word to describe Travis, it would be PERSISTENT. This guy would not stop. Dare I say he became a bit annoying here. He pushed until Cami gave in and they find out they are good together. Once they become a couple there is low angst and they were a pretty sweet couple. I didn’t feel much chemistry between this couple and this is a very innocent read with the most adult content being kissing.
Overall a nice, quick read for lovers of young adult romance.
***Reviewed by Heather***
Travis has had a crush on Cami for a while and notices her downward spiral. He basically becomes her stalker, but I guess in a good way because he watches out for her and comes to her rescue a few times. Travis has his own demons and personal experience with watching someone he loves waste their life away with drugs and alcohol. He doesn’t want to see the same thing happen with Cami. There is some push and pull here as Travis tries to convince Cami to go on a date with him, but Cami is afraid Travis will become like her father and try and control her every move. I had some difficulty here understanding why she would come to this conclusion but nevertheless, this was her fear.
If I had one word to describe Travis, it would be PERSISTENT. This guy would not stop. Dare I say he became a bit annoying here. He pushed until Cami gave in and they find out they are good together. Once they become a couple there is low angst and they were a pretty sweet couple. I didn’t feel much chemistry between this couple and this is a very innocent read with the most adult content being kissing.
Overall a nice, quick read for lovers of young adult romance.
***Reviewed by Heather***
December 16, 2017
An enjoyable read about the relationship between a young woman who had a dark and difficult past and the man who was willing to help her find something better in herself and her life.
This was the first book I’ve read of Katrina Marie’s, and she made me love her work so much. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. It was something I sunk my teeth into and wanted it to turn out well. She did an amazing job setting up her characters and developing them and their stories. I thought it was also a good lesson in life. It was empowering to see how her lead female character, Cami, was able to break out of the chains her father had on her for so long. She was on a very dark and destructive path, falling more and more into a deep depression. Travis had watched Cami for some time, and he only wanted to be with her. He knew that. He watched as Cami went through all of her struggles, and he wanted to fix it. But Cami didn’t know if she could trust him. She had felt so low and unwanted, she had never had anyone who she could trust, and Travis was no different to her. Travis had to gain her trust, and she had to learn to accept the fact that not everyone in her life had to be so terrible.
I thought Katrina Marie’s book was very well written and enjoyable. It was an easy, one-sitting read. I especially loved her heart. I could feel that she poured herself into this book, and I am excited to see if I feel the same way about other books of hers.
This was the first book I’ve read of Katrina Marie’s, and she made me love her work so much. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. It was something I sunk my teeth into and wanted it to turn out well. She did an amazing job setting up her characters and developing them and their stories. I thought it was also a good lesson in life. It was empowering to see how her lead female character, Cami, was able to break out of the chains her father had on her for so long. She was on a very dark and destructive path, falling more and more into a deep depression. Travis had watched Cami for some time, and he only wanted to be with her. He knew that. He watched as Cami went through all of her struggles, and he wanted to fix it. But Cami didn’t know if she could trust him. She had felt so low and unwanted, she had never had anyone who she could trust, and Travis was no different to her. Travis had to gain her trust, and she had to learn to accept the fact that not everyone in her life had to be so terrible.
I thought Katrina Marie’s book was very well written and enjoyable. It was an easy, one-sitting read. I especially loved her heart. I could feel that she poured herself into this book, and I am excited to see if I feel the same way about other books of hers.
June 4, 2019
Cami has let the pressure from her unrelenting father and the lack of support from her mother put her in a bad place emotionally. She deals with it in the wrong ways, drinking, partying and taking her meds wrong. Travis has seen Cami at her worst and takes it upon himself to rescue her time after time. But Travis has his own demons and home life he is working through. It's a college romance which means not all of the choices are good ones, seeing that they are all not only experiencing college but it also gives them some space from the ugly that pulls them down. This is a great coming to Jesus read for Cami. Time to put her big girl pants on and handle business like the woman she wants to be seen as. This author does these kinds of reads well. She does great in blending the angst with a great story and keeps it clean as well. I love this author's style and look forward to her books and the warm brown fuzzys I have when I read them. There's drama and angst which isn't over the top but usually has a great message. Loved it.
April 15, 2021
Que Sera Sera...
by and1515
I know quite a few people who would have be jealous of my life after all I had a very comfy childhood and even brighter future.
Unfortunately all of that's just a flashy smokescreen because truthfully; I'm a walking-talking disaster looking for the nearest iceberg.
Then of course there's Mr. Super Hero and he's here, there, and everywhere.
I know all the signs and its really hard to watch someone who's young and tremendously brilliant traveling down such a rocky path.
Sometimes all you can do is just stop and wait; because as much as you want to help someone; sometimes you really have to let them sink or swim.
The one thing Cami finally realized you can't keep doing the same old same old hoping things will some how magically change.
And as cliche as this might sound if is meant to be then it will be.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
by and1515
I know quite a few people who would have be jealous of my life after all I had a very comfy childhood and even brighter future.
Unfortunately all of that's just a flashy smokescreen because truthfully; I'm a walking-talking disaster looking for the nearest iceberg.
Then of course there's Mr. Super Hero and he's here, there, and everywhere.
I know all the signs and its really hard to watch someone who's young and tremendously brilliant traveling down such a rocky path.
Sometimes all you can do is just stop and wait; because as much as you want to help someone; sometimes you really have to let them sink or swim.
The one thing Cami finally realized you can't keep doing the same old same old hoping things will some how magically change.
And as cliche as this might sound if is meant to be then it will be.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
April 8, 2019
We meet Cami on Welcome to Your Life, she's T's best friend who has some family issues and goes away to college after Tonya has to stay home.
Here we find out what has Cami so different from her bubbly persona. We see her struggles at being force to do and be someone she's not.
We meet Travis, cute, overprotective who's always at the right place at the right time despite what Cami may think. They both have their own issues and misunderstandings. After a while they talk and we are part of the developing of a beautiful relationship and the growing of this great characters.
What I've loved about Katrina's books is that they give you everyday situations, without unnecessary drama. We go to the point and our characters grow from there. I signed up voluntarily for an ARC and to give my review afterwards. I can't wait to read more from this author.
Here we find out what has Cami so different from her bubbly persona. We see her struggles at being force to do and be someone she's not.
We meet Travis, cute, overprotective who's always at the right place at the right time despite what Cami may think. They both have their own issues and misunderstandings. After a while they talk and we are part of the developing of a beautiful relationship and the growing of this great characters.
What I've loved about Katrina's books is that they give you everyday situations, without unnecessary drama. We go to the point and our characters grow from there. I signed up voluntarily for an ARC and to give my review afterwards. I can't wait to read more from this author.
April 25, 2021
Cruel and Beautiful World is standalone novel with beautiful storyline.
Cami and Travis story, they are the college students with all this romance, friendship as a young people go thru.
Cami was not handling the stress in her life and turn quite destructive to herself while Travis was looked out for her over and try to convince her that all could be better if she starts to believe in herself.
It was a joy watching their relationship develop, the books grab you from the beginning.
There were well-developed main characters and secondary characters who all provided support through out the story.
Definitely recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cami and Travis story, they are the college students with all this romance, friendship as a young people go thru.
Cami was not handling the stress in her life and turn quite destructive to herself while Travis was looked out for her over and try to convince her that all could be better if she starts to believe in herself.
It was a joy watching their relationship develop, the books grab you from the beginning.
There were well-developed main characters and secondary characters who all provided support through out the story.
Definitely recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 13, 2018
This was a great story! We got to know Cami some in the first book, but I really enjoyed delving into her chaotic life. She struggles with making her parents happy and chasing her own happiness. I loved watching her grow throughout this story, but that would not have happened without Travis, Darcy, and Tonya. Travis was a great match for Cami! I was so glad when she finally gave him a chance. I hope to see more about these two in future books and cannot wait to read more from Katrina Marie!
June 20, 2019
This is the 2nd book in this amazing series, and is Cami and Travis’ story. Cami is now at college, and is on a mission of self-destruction, and gets through life in the only way she knows how. Travis had a crush on Cam, and is watching from a distance as her life is spiralling out of control, and he knows he has to gain her trust before she will allow him to help her. This is a beautiful story which has me captivated throughout this addictive page turner, and I look forward to reading more in this series.
March 29, 2018
This is the second book in the series and once again Katrina Marie didn’t disappoint. I loved this book. In a way I was able to relate to Cami, with drinking away my feelings. But I was so glad that she had Travis, Tonya, and her roommate Darcy to set her straight. They way she put her dad in his place, it was great! No one deserves to be controlled like that. I will definitely continue reading Katrina’s book and can’t wait for the next one in the series!
April 25, 2018
Cami and Travis
Cami and Travis meet in an unlikely way. He comes from a troubled past. She comes from controlling parents. As Cami struggles to be the perfect person her parents expect, she lashes out, and becomes destructive. Travis having grown up in the destruction tries to save her all while falling for her. Cami pushes him away only to realize maybe taking a chance is worth it.
Both struggling to overcome their demons, they find happiness with each other.
Cami and Travis meet in an unlikely way. He comes from a troubled past. She comes from controlling parents. As Cami struggles to be the perfect person her parents expect, she lashes out, and becomes destructive. Travis having grown up in the destruction tries to save her all while falling for her. Cami pushes him away only to realize maybe taking a chance is worth it.
Both struggling to overcome their demons, they find happiness with each other.
April 23, 2021
This was my first read from this author. This is the story about Cami and Travis. I loved the first person point of view of the story. This is a deal breaker for me. I will be reading more from this author in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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April 27, 2021I enjoyed this story! Cami and Travis are so good for each other and adorable together. This is fairly quick read that does turns a little dark as Cami starts to act out. You could really feel her struggles and loved how she grew and developed through this story. Travis was so perfect for her because of his own struggles. Really enjoyed every bit of this read!
May 6, 2021
Travis and Cami are enjoyable characters with a lot of potential, the story just fell a little short for me! There was a strong sense of women standing up for themselves and supporting each other! There were also a lot of heavy issues that could have been well developed, but again fell a little short. The story is a quickly and sweet read!
May 6, 2021
The emotions invoked by this story were many and heartfelt. I wasn’t sure I liked her character in the beginning yet the more information revealed about her character, the mire I connected with her. It was a wonderfully captivating story to read.
I requested a copy of this book so I could provide an honest review.
I requested a copy of this book so I could provide an honest review.
August 7, 2020
Was a really good quick read
Really enjoyed this tender story of YA dealing with addiction and emotions. Cami did a lot of growing up and Travis was a great character to help her get there. Can’t wait to read more.
Really enjoyed this tender story of YA dealing with addiction and emotions. Cami did a lot of growing up and Travis was a great character to help her get there. Can’t wait to read more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews