Love Like Crazy

Crazy Love, Book 1

By: Carmen DeSousa

Narrated by: Stacey Glemboski

A coming-of-age story for anyone who's ever had a first love, an everlasting love....

College and career are hard enough without bringing love into the mix, so the last thing Jesse is looking for is a spring break fling. His future entails getting an MBA, taking over the reins of his father's small-time plumbing company, and making it successful. He doesn't have time for a girl, especially not one who's related to the spoiled rich girl who broke up his last relationship. One week with Kayla, though, changes everything.

Eighteen and in love, Jesse and Kayla now have everything they've ever wanted - until tragedy strikes. Now, thrust into a world of heartbreak and grief, others insist they are too young. But when you find the love of your life, no matter how young you are, no matter what happens, the only thing you can do is hold on and Love Like Crazy.

Although tastefully written, this coming-of-age story includes adult situations appropriate for listeners 16 and older.

©2017 Carmen DeSousa (P)2017 Carmen DeSousa

teen love

Jesse is mature beyond his years,. Kayla was from out of town visiting her grandmother.
A chance meeting, instant attraction. promises made to wait until marriage.
Both ate devoted to each other. I liked this story, but to me.his maturity level is not the norm of a typical teen at 18.
Tragedy strikes and they have to maneuver around their feelings. feeling of loss, no communication, grief, and danger in this story can tear them apart.
Stacey Glemboski narration. is very good

Well written and narrated

I think it was a good listen. didn't feel annoyed or hated it. characters were a little hard to feel like you could relate to them. so much going on in a short period of time for the characters. feel like it kinda all happened at once towards the end. but still decent.

Love like crazy

This was an entertaining book! Teens fall in love and find themselves in a long distance relationship. Your heart strings will be tugged as you follow them thru this dramatic story.

Crazy Sweet

Jesse and Kayla were cute together. So young and in "first" love. I thought they were perfect for each other. Jesse was an amazing friend and boyfriend who grew up way to fast.....from boy to a man with a wife and responisbilites. Only negative thing I would say is that I felt the ending was rather aburt. Definitely wanted more of a finish for them.

Sweetly poignant!

Love Like Crazy is poignant in its simplicity and sweet in the portrayal of characters who represent real people and real experiences, away from big city life.  In Crystal Beach, Florida, Jesse O'Brien works as a plumber for his father and helps Mrs. Johnson with odds and ends around the house. Gram adores him and he adores Gram. Who he doesn't adore is Gram's granddaughter, Charity. She is a snotty, spoiled rich girl who, even though she goes to school with him, has never been one bit considerate of him. He's about done with his chores for the day when the front door opens and he immediately tenses. He knows it's going to be Charity with lemonade for him, only because Gram insists she talk to him. But no, it's a lighter, friendlier voice and Jesse is immediately aware of the difference. The young girl standing on the steps is different too, unless Charity has become dantier and better-dressed overnight. It's her cousin, Kayla, and is a breath of fresh air. She follows Jesse around the yard, pitching in to help him clean and rake. Jesse can't help but wonder who is this nice person and why does she want to spend so much time with me? They are so sweet together and, when Charity sees them holding hands, her hackles are raised. Gram knew what she was doing when she paired Jesse and Kayla together, and they grow closer as they spend each day together. Jesse finds it refreshing to be able to teach her new things, things she has never experienced while growing up in North Carolina. Their trip down the river with "warnings" of the gators in the water is just one of the hilarious experiences for Kayla. Jesse finds it so thrilling, but In the back of his mind, he can't help but be slightly reluctant to get too involved because of the pain he still feels from the bad experience he had with his girlfriend, Morgan. But nothing deters Kayla from wanting to know him better and her attempt to ask him out was precious. The naivete of high school students is something that is portrayed so well. Everything progresses quickly for them and, on an afternoon drive, they ask and answer personal questions of each other. They have so much in common from absent parents to being responsible for so much at home. One reviewer said that this is unrealistic, but it's not. It's the truth for so many kids who grow up as the adult in the family. Kayla's father is a good man, somewhat rough around the edges, but he loves her dearly. Jesse's dad is a mess, ever since his wife ran away to pursue a happier life, and never has been a good father to Jesse. Once they make a decision to try to have a long distance relationship, everything happens quickly and they decide to get married. Sadly, there is a tragedy for Kayla that creates difficulties in their marriage. The way that they navigate their new life is so realistic. Even though there is some angst, the pure love radiates off the page. All of the characters are relatable and complex. I thoroughly enjoyed this story as an audiobook, as well. Stacey Glemboski does a wonderful job with each of the characters. She has a well-modulated voice and is able to give her characters a distinct personality. Nicely done! 

Why can't I give six stars?

I was completely swept away by this story. The love between Jesse and Kayla is so sweet and yet so strong that I couldn't help falling in love with their love. This is the kind of romance that everyone wants to find, to find it at such a young age is a gift and a challenge.

The writing is beautiful, I could see and feel everything that was happening. Right along with the characters I laughed and I cried.

I desperately need the next book!

The narration is fantastic, I've listened to quite a few books narrated by Stacey and yet I'm always amazed that one person can create such varied character voices and do so convincingly, I forget that I'm listening to one person. It was simply flawless.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.

If you found this review helpful would you please take a moment to click yes below.

Love Like Crazy

What a beautiful love story and how life can be just as tragic but as long as you have true love, faith and togetherness you can endure anything life throws your way at any age.