Online Interviews

S.P. Bowers
Lisa McManus
Operation Awesome Debut Author Spotlight
Evernight Spotlight: Rose Phillips Interview

Reviews

CUTTING TO THE CHASE

My Best of May was the debut YA novel Cutting to the Chase by Rose Phillips. (Amazon | B&N | Kobo) She captures the essence of being a teenager, where daily life can be a constant upheaval of emotions and changes. I found this far more engrossing than a dystopian saga about young adults, as Lizzy seems so very real. The choices she has to make, the relationships she navigates, all bring an intensity that is easy to overlook from the more adult perspective.

Lizzy is also a cutter. She needs the release of her razor blades, and the reader doesn't know how far she'll go to escape her angst. The book deals with so many teen issues: bullying, cutting, first love, being part of the out-group, mean girls, suicide, parents, and ethnicity. I loved it, and I couldn't put it down.

Darlene Marshall (Heroes and Heartbreakers Review)

Goodreads Reviews

Marj rated it really liked it ·

I just finished reading "Cutting to the Chase" OMGoodness, what a great book....It was tough to put it down, but I found moments in the day to read it. Working with teens, we never know what is really going on in their life. I saw so many stories in this book that I could relate to... school being their safe place, not wanting the holidays to come, because they would not have that safe place... the bullying... the friendships... the hiding what happens at home.... and so on... but the best was Ms. D, the science teacher who wore "awesome clothes and the best heels I've ever seen"... it even brought back a funny moment.. when a student asked her her first name, and she said Madame! I love the art teacher's depiction too =D

While reading this book, I cried, I cringed, I laughed, I smiled... it was wonderful Rose (and editor Keev). I will be donating mine to the school, to have as a supplementary reading book for our students. I am sure they will enjoy it as much as I did.

Can't wait for the next oneS

Rachel Rust rated it it was amazing ·

Author Rose Phillips captures the difficulties of teenage life in a stunningly astute way. I read this book in one day, which is a nod to both the story itself and the easy flow of the writing. Cutting to the Chase takes on very real and timely issues in a sensitive way, and would be a great read for anyone who enjoys both romance and drama.

Kathleen rated it really liked it ·

A very well written story with compassion and insight. Believable characters. The author brought insight to a behavior that is incomprehensible to many of us, self-injury. A very good read.

COLOR ME GRAY

Top Reviews from Amazon

Family and friends

Excellent read with twists and turns. Many bumps in the road of life and the book really emphasizes the true importance of friendship. Highly recommend for all young adults!

Compelling read!

I was hooked right from the first page. The story is filled with those heartrending choices that can take you down paths you never thought to walk. The subject matter is timeless and deftly written. Heartbreak and hope all wrapped up in a compassionate and intriguing package. I enjoyed every minute.

Five Stars

This was an amazing book. It was present and relevant and I connected with the characters.

Darlene rated it it was amazing ·

Shelves: young-adult-ya

We met Mags in Cutting to the Chase, the best friend who's socially awkward and naive, hiding her personal pain under a cheerful facade. A humiliating practical joke in high school only reinforces Mags' lack of self-esteem, so when a cute, older boy at a party pays attention to her, she thinks her life may be turning around.

Instead, it's a step toward personal disaster. Color Me Gray covers many of the issues that make up the tough life of young adulthood--sexuality, body image, domestic violence and career choices. But it also shows how friendship (sometimes in the most unexpected places) and family can lead to new beginnings and offer hope when all seems hopeless.

This is the second Rose Phillips YA I've enjoyed, and I'm hooked. Sometimes it's hard from the distance of years to appreciate how difficult life can be for those just stepping out into the world. Phillips brings teens and their issues to life, and does so in a way that's satisfying for readers of all ages.

Review from Goodreads.com

SLOWLY FALLING

Top reviews from Amazon

Awesome read!

I would highly recommend this book to any teen, or adult. As an adult I could relate to several of the characters. Having OCD, anxiety, and living in not an ideal family situation (along with being in the foster child care system) all of these topics were covered.

Nobody Does It Better

Love the way this author, Rose Phillips, weaves a story. Every one of her books is a gem.

Couldn't put it down!

Every time I pick up a book by Rose Phillips, I can't put it down, and this one also kept me up late! I loved the pace, the instant attraction between Chloe and Derrick, and the gradual deepening of their relationship. Also that on-tenterhooks feeling of not wanting them to be pulled apart but knowing that things are going to get rocky before they get even better. A great read for both teens and adults!

Engaging and encouraging.

This engaging read tackles current issues that affect teens and adults alike. Written with great empathy and encouragement. Highly recommended!