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The Tricky Series #2
Tricky Chances: The Clinical Years
Moving into the final years of Harvard Medical School, Darcy Wright matures with every fatigue-riddled experience she endures, however, the rigorous schedule of clinical rotations clashes with her attempts to navigate her sanity and her happiness. Olivia, her temperamental girlfriend with too many rules, is an asset amidst the chaos; someone she can rely on and someone she can support in return, but can their relationship withstand the intensifying pressure?
Tested by exhaustion and Olivia’s troubled past, Darcy does what she can to hold on to the woman she loves, but misunderstandings and frayed emotions expose and amplify rifts between them. Surely no relationship can withstand the ambitious tunnel-visioned life of a medical student?
New chances, new friends, and a new understanding of how precious life is helps Darcy through the maze of med school. The question is, can she make it out the other side without irreparable psychological damage? And when everything seems to fall apart, will Olivia still be with her at the end?
107,600 words
Tested by exhaustion and Olivia’s troubled past, Darcy does what she can to hold on to the woman she loves, but misunderstandings and frayed emotions expose and amplify rifts between them. Surely no relationship can withstand the ambitious tunnel-visioned life of a medical student?
New chances, new friends, and a new understanding of how precious life is helps Darcy through the maze of med school. The question is, can she make it out the other side without irreparable psychological damage? And when everything seems to fall apart, will Olivia still be with her at the end?
107,600 words
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
October 16, 2018
Tricky Wisdom was one of those books that just stayed with you. I will honestly tell you I have read it more than once. Yes, I am one of those people! What I loved about the book was how complicated and multifaceted each of the two main characters are. As the book went on you learned more about them and it didn’t help that the sexual tension was off the charts. I love a great story full of angst and bits or humor. So, with that being said I needed the sequel in my life. Thank the heavens it finally arrived this week. Tricky Chances: The Clinical Years is absolutely as good as its predecessor is not just a hair better. Don’t you just love it when a sequel is awesome! Not an easy feat, I applaud you, Camryn Eyde.
We come back to the story, (yes you must read the first one first) as Darcy and Olivia head into the second year at Harvard Medical School. If they thought the first year was difficult, well just add in clinical rotations on top of class and studying. You got it, they barely have time to breath much less eat or sleep. This new schedule causes havoc on their social lives and their relationship. You see the daily stress they are under, those hairline fractures in their love become under a constant pressure. What it makes for is strain, anguish, and some tears. What it gives you as the reader: a fantastic story that will be damn hard to put down.
If you ready the first one in this series, hold your hat, cause you are in for one hell of an awesome ride. If you haven’t, well I’m a little jealous of you getting to read that book for the first time. Darcy and Olivia are characters that will steal your heart.
A big 5 stars!
We come back to the story, (yes you must read the first one first) as Darcy and Olivia head into the second year at Harvard Medical School. If they thought the first year was difficult, well just add in clinical rotations on top of class and studying. You got it, they barely have time to breath much less eat or sleep. This new schedule causes havoc on their social lives and their relationship. You see the daily stress they are under, those hairline fractures in their love become under a constant pressure. What it makes for is strain, anguish, and some tears. What it gives you as the reader: a fantastic story that will be damn hard to put down.
If you ready the first one in this series, hold your hat, cause you are in for one hell of an awesome ride. If you haven’t, well I’m a little jealous of you getting to read that book for the first time. Darcy and Olivia are characters that will steal your heart.
A big 5 stars!
October 16, 2017
Great series! well written story with the same likable characters...
April 7, 2017
I thought this was a fantastic read and even better than the first book. I would not recommend this as a standalone just because reading the first book will offer so much more depth to this one.
Olivia and Darcy's chemistry continues to jump off the page and both characters mature through the narrative. The fact that the book takes place over several years helps to make events more organic and believable where nothing suddenly falls apart or is instantly fixed. It felt real.
Each chapter and transition made me want to never stop reading about these two. There's heart, humor, sadness, drama, compassion, and, overall, it's a feel good read.
I particularly enjoyed Olivia's character. Olivia, who is a traumatically "damaged" ice-queen type persona, is one I often see depicted in lesfic but is usually done so in a more two-dimensional, 'oh, now that I have love, I'm magically melted and healed' type way. In a highly skilled manner, Camryn Eyde successfully spins Olivia into a complex three-dimensional person and basically gives her, an avoidant type personality, a real voice. We see Olivia for who she is "warts and all" and, though she does push through some of her defenses, she is not suddenly free and healed but is still a full person.
Darcy and Olivia's ability to accept each other as they are while pushing themselves outside of their comfort zones to be relational and somehow still holding onto their own integrity was really beautiful. Love is not always rainbows and sunshine, requiring work and commitment and, even then, things aren't perfect but ultimately can be worth it. Eyde expertly told us this story.
On a side note, since Eyde is an Australian author but this is a book that takes place in the United States I saw a few Australian terms used that gave that tell away. That pulled me out of the story here and there but most of it was regionally accurate.
I'll be adding this to my favorites shelf and definitely recommend.
Olivia and Darcy's chemistry continues to jump off the page and both characters mature through the narrative. The fact that the book takes place over several years helps to make events more organic and believable where nothing suddenly falls apart or is instantly fixed. It felt real.
Each chapter and transition made me want to never stop reading about these two. There's heart, humor, sadness, drama, compassion, and, overall, it's a feel good read.
I particularly enjoyed Olivia's character. Olivia, who is a traumatically "damaged" ice-queen type persona, is one I often see depicted in lesfic but is usually done so in a more two-dimensional, 'oh, now that I have love, I'm magically melted and healed' type way. In a highly skilled manner, Camryn Eyde successfully spins Olivia into a complex three-dimensional person and basically gives her, an avoidant type personality, a real voice. We see Olivia for who she is "warts and all" and, though she does push through some of her defenses, she is not suddenly free and healed but is still a full person.
Darcy and Olivia's ability to accept each other as they are while pushing themselves outside of their comfort zones to be relational and somehow still holding onto their own integrity was really beautiful. Love is not always rainbows and sunshine, requiring work and commitment and, even then, things aren't perfect but ultimately can be worth it. Eyde expertly told us this story.
On a side note, since Eyde is an Australian author but this is a book that takes place in the United States I saw a few Australian terms used that gave that tell away. That pulled me out of the story here and there but most of it was regionally accurate.
I'll be adding this to my favorites shelf and definitely recommend.
November 20, 2019
You know I'm having a reading slump when my last two ratings have been 2 stars. I can't even remember the last time I've even given a 2 star before this week!
I must have listened to different books than everyone else. This Tricky series is very favorably reviewed and I just don't get it at all.
Darcy is the most annoying and frustrating character in any book I've ever read. She was so immature and over dramatic about every emotion and feeling and action. She could not figure out the proper way to handle anything. You know what was the absolute worst? Darcy getting upset at how Olivia treated her and then APOLOGIZING for it later. Every. Single. Time. Olivia was a selfish, self centered, nightmare. SHE should have been groveling and apologizing to Darcy for her dumb and emotionally stunted behavior.
I never understood why they liked each other. Didn't feel it at all. They argued and treated each other poorly. They just seemed so desperately dependent on each other by the end.
And after everything, the most important question was never answered. Sam or Kara? I suppose mention of their final locations alluded to that answer? Oh well. Just another unsatisfying thing about this.
PLUS this was way too long and contained too much gratuitous sex. And I'm sorry. If you can smell her arousal from across the room, then I question her hygiene.
I must have listened to different books than everyone else. This Tricky series is very favorably reviewed and I just don't get it at all.
Darcy is the most annoying and frustrating character in any book I've ever read. She was so immature and over dramatic about every emotion and feeling and action. She could not figure out the proper way to handle anything. You know what was the absolute worst? Darcy getting upset at how Olivia treated her and then APOLOGIZING for it later. Every. Single. Time. Olivia was a selfish, self centered, nightmare. SHE should have been groveling and apologizing to Darcy for her dumb and emotionally stunted behavior.
I never understood why they liked each other. Didn't feel it at all. They argued and treated each other poorly. They just seemed so desperately dependent on each other by the end.
And after everything, the most important question was never answered. Sam or Kara? I suppose mention of their final locations alluded to that answer? Oh well. Just another unsatisfying thing about this.
PLUS this was way too long and contained too much gratuitous sex. And I'm sorry. If you can smell her arousal from across the room, then I question her hygiene.
September 15, 2017
IT WAS LIKE GREY'S ANATOMY BUT WITHOUT PEOPLE DYING AND HETEROSEXUALITY
October 28, 2019
Review of ‘Tricky Wisdom: Year One’ and ‘Tricky Chances: The Clinical Years’ by Camryn Eyde
This is a double audio feature narrated by Nikki Jacobs and available now through Audible’s Escape membership.
I was thrilled to see this one come up and immediately moved it up my ‘to be listened list’. I read these two books back to back a couple of years ago (the first one was released in 2015 and the second one in 2017; can we hope for another one in 2019?) and loved them. This was the beginning of my lesfic journey so I wanted to see if the ‘re-read’ would be as fascinating as my memory of it. The result is a mix bag of feelings but a good experience overall.
‘Tricky Wisdom: Year One’ is the story of Darcy Wright, who leaves Minnesota for the city of Boston and Harvard Medical School. Told in first person from Darcy’s point of view, the reader gets inside all her insecurities and genuine cluelessness as she navigates a new challenging experience. She rents a room from Olivia Boyd, another first year medical student. The sparks between them are anything but romantic as Olivia is anal, abrasive and just plain insufferable. Basically the opposite to Darcy, who is a small town sweet, laid back and carefree gal. As the new school year begins, Darcy’s closeted life is shaken when her Minnesota straight best friend and one sided first love announces she is dating a woman. Darcy can’t believe she has missed out and begs Olivia to be her pretend girlfriend on her trip back home. And so the game of who loves who begins.
‘Tricky Chances: The Clinical Years’ is a longer read/listen and takes us through the end of medical school. The pressure of medial school is evident as class room gives way to clinical rotations. Long hours put stress on Darcy’s newfound relationship while new friends come in and help carry each other to the end.
Okay, so I gave this some thought. Perhaps the story reads more like they are coming out of high school than really a four year college degree. The problem was exacerbated in my opinion by Ms Jacobs narration. Olivia’s voice was terrible and made an unlikable character (Ice Queen for those who like that) even worse. I had to really power through this narration in the first book. By the second one, either it got better or my tolerance grew. Either way, I was locked on this story and kept listening until the end (18 hours 11 minutes).
There is angst for those of us who enjoy it. Even I will admit enjoying the Ice Queen meltdown as Olivia’s past is exposed and some light shed on the reason for her guarded personality. The secondary characters are good and the friends form a tight group to share medical school misery with. This story worked for me because I could identify with Darcy. Her innocence (yes, yes, that was me) and her struggle to work through certain life experiences. That made the story plausible for me. And a little more real thinking about long hours at a hospital.
Overall, enjoyed this one although beware of the narration. I think the read is better but I will still likely re-listen to this one along the way. The second book ends on a little cliffhanger. Rumor has it the third installment is on the works so worth catching up now gals. 4 stars
This is a double audio feature narrated by Nikki Jacobs and available now through Audible’s Escape membership.
I was thrilled to see this one come up and immediately moved it up my ‘to be listened list’. I read these two books back to back a couple of years ago (the first one was released in 2015 and the second one in 2017; can we hope for another one in 2019?) and loved them. This was the beginning of my lesfic journey so I wanted to see if the ‘re-read’ would be as fascinating as my memory of it. The result is a mix bag of feelings but a good experience overall.
‘Tricky Wisdom: Year One’ is the story of Darcy Wright, who leaves Minnesota for the city of Boston and Harvard Medical School. Told in first person from Darcy’s point of view, the reader gets inside all her insecurities and genuine cluelessness as she navigates a new challenging experience. She rents a room from Olivia Boyd, another first year medical student. The sparks between them are anything but romantic as Olivia is anal, abrasive and just plain insufferable. Basically the opposite to Darcy, who is a small town sweet, laid back and carefree gal. As the new school year begins, Darcy’s closeted life is shaken when her Minnesota straight best friend and one sided first love announces she is dating a woman. Darcy can’t believe she has missed out and begs Olivia to be her pretend girlfriend on her trip back home. And so the game of who loves who begins.
‘Tricky Chances: The Clinical Years’ is a longer read/listen and takes us through the end of medical school. The pressure of medial school is evident as class room gives way to clinical rotations. Long hours put stress on Darcy’s newfound relationship while new friends come in and help carry each other to the end.
Okay, so I gave this some thought. Perhaps the story reads more like they are coming out of high school than really a four year college degree. The problem was exacerbated in my opinion by Ms Jacobs narration. Olivia’s voice was terrible and made an unlikable character (Ice Queen for those who like that) even worse. I had to really power through this narration in the first book. By the second one, either it got better or my tolerance grew. Either way, I was locked on this story and kept listening until the end (18 hours 11 minutes).
There is angst for those of us who enjoy it. Even I will admit enjoying the Ice Queen meltdown as Olivia’s past is exposed and some light shed on the reason for her guarded personality. The secondary characters are good and the friends form a tight group to share medical school misery with. This story worked for me because I could identify with Darcy. Her innocence (yes, yes, that was me) and her struggle to work through certain life experiences. That made the story plausible for me. And a little more real thinking about long hours at a hospital.
Overall, enjoyed this one although beware of the narration. I think the read is better but I will still likely re-listen to this one along the way. The second book ends on a little cliffhanger. Rumor has it the third installment is on the works so worth catching up now gals. 4 stars
April 15, 2017
A sweet continuation of this look at the lives of medical students Darcy, Olivia, Kara and Sam. I've enjoyed watching Olivia and Darcy's relationship blossom.
August 29, 2018
This is better than prior installment. I love how far the growth of MCs.
January 12, 2018
I loved the first in the series, this one was amazing but I’m really not sure my heart can take a third in the series (fortunately it doesn’t look like it’s been written yet).
Darcy and Olivia met when they became roommates in Tricky Wisdom: Year 1 with both of them at Harvard Medical School. After a fairly rocky start they became involved and book two picks up when they start their second year and clinical rotations.
They are an odd pairing and really shouldn’t work, but they do and even when they’re having difficulties, they need to be together. I think they are one of my favourite pairings and they stayed in my head long after I finished the first book and I think this one will be no different.
Darcy is like and exuberant puppy. She’s excitable, lacking in finesse, impulsive, wears her heart on her sleeve and flippy-floppies all over the place emotionally. She speaks without thinking, Misses social cues and fails to notice if she’s being flirted with. She’s also clumsy, hates housework and can’t cook. She would be extraordinarily irritating if she weren’t so likeable.
Olivia is the polar opposite. She sees everything in black and white. She’s stark, blunt, cold, incredibly private and closed. Her primary focus is med school (which must really hurt if you’re the person in love with her) and her time is dedicated to study and it takes precedence over everything. She is also unflinchingly honest, neat, stiff and humourless. The demons of her past are always just bubbling below the surface and her biggest battle is keeping them there.
As a person Olivia would be the most frustrating, single-minded, difficult human but as a character she is exquisite. So often authors create an ice queen then as they fall in love, they soften and become happy and nice to others. Olivia’s personality is unchanging; this is who she is.
With Olivia and Darcy diametrically opposed, it’s extraordinary that they even manage to get through a conversation. And then they don’t. They’re so different that their relationship will never be easy. Everything about it takes hard work and it’s one of the things that made the book for me. They need each other but to be together they will always have to work through their clashes.
As for other characters, there is the welcome return of Taylor and Kara with some new ones into the mix. Sam is ridiculously tall and feeds Darcy’s caffeine addiction, Pearl is annoying and Jed is smelly.
Tricky Chances is written in first person from Darcy’s point of view but I didn’t notice that until I was nearly finished. Often first person leaves me clueless as to other characters thoughts and motivations but I didn’t find that to be the case here. I was completely emotionally involved with the characters and their lives. Wonderful book!
Darcy and Olivia met when they became roommates in Tricky Wisdom: Year 1 with both of them at Harvard Medical School. After a fairly rocky start they became involved and book two picks up when they start their second year and clinical rotations.
They are an odd pairing and really shouldn’t work, but they do and even when they’re having difficulties, they need to be together. I think they are one of my favourite pairings and they stayed in my head long after I finished the first book and I think this one will be no different.
Darcy is like and exuberant puppy. She’s excitable, lacking in finesse, impulsive, wears her heart on her sleeve and flippy-floppies all over the place emotionally. She speaks without thinking, Misses social cues and fails to notice if she’s being flirted with. She’s also clumsy, hates housework and can’t cook. She would be extraordinarily irritating if she weren’t so likeable.
Olivia is the polar opposite. She sees everything in black and white. She’s stark, blunt, cold, incredibly private and closed. Her primary focus is med school (which must really hurt if you’re the person in love with her) and her time is dedicated to study and it takes precedence over everything. She is also unflinchingly honest, neat, stiff and humourless. The demons of her past are always just bubbling below the surface and her biggest battle is keeping them there.
As a person Olivia would be the most frustrating, single-minded, difficult human but as a character she is exquisite. So often authors create an ice queen then as they fall in love, they soften and become happy and nice to others. Olivia’s personality is unchanging; this is who she is.
With Olivia and Darcy diametrically opposed, it’s extraordinary that they even manage to get through a conversation. And then they don’t. They’re so different that their relationship will never be easy. Everything about it takes hard work and it’s one of the things that made the book for me. They need each other but to be together they will always have to work through their clashes.
As for other characters, there is the welcome return of Taylor and Kara with some new ones into the mix. Sam is ridiculously tall and feeds Darcy’s caffeine addiction, Pearl is annoying and Jed is smelly.
Tricky Chances is written in first person from Darcy’s point of view but I didn’t notice that until I was nearly finished. Often first person leaves me clueless as to other characters thoughts and motivations but I didn’t find that to be the case here. I was completely emotionally involved with the characters and their lives. Wonderful book!
April 23, 2017
Falling in love is so different from being in love. I like the title because life and love is tricky. You can either navigate life alone or with others. Darcy chooses with others and Olivia chooses alone. Darcy Wright is quite the engaging character with her intelligence, quirkiness, deep care and concern for others. Olivia Boyd has been beaten down by life but has the determination, drive and purpose to keep going. Olivia thought and prepared to go it alone but fate and the offer of love in the name of Darcy blocked her path and wow these two women are a fantastic example of opposites attract. Love is not simple. Love is not easy. Love is grand when you find the one and communicate through the inevitable challenges along the way. Wonderful read with wonderful storylines along the way.
April 8, 2017
I thought that the first book was good but this second one lets you understand the characters' souls more, especially Olivia's personality. It's amazing how the author through this journey can build a very simple story but at the same time full of complex feelings, insecurities and fears. Camryn Eyde knows how to give readers a dose of angst but at the same time quickly gives you a powerful antidote. I hope a sequel is coming very soon where we can see more about Darcy and Olivia's lives.
February 3, 2024
4 stars
Generally very good. Solid writing.
But
One thing I didn't really like was how everything was perpetually Darcy's fault. Don't get me wrong, she messed up a lot, but for about half the times Olivia was mad at her, I, the reader, had no clue why that was either. It takes two to communicate and the only one I saw perpetually trying was Darcy and she isn't a mind-reader nor a fortune-teller.
Don't get me wrong, somehow I still really liked Olivia as a character. I just found it unfair, that Darcy was consistently punished or blamed for stuff she either couldn't know or wasn't unreasonable to want/ask for.
So as fun as it was reading about them...
This wasn't a healthy relationship.
Generally very good. Solid writing.
But
One thing I didn't really like was how everything was perpetually Darcy's fault. Don't get me wrong, she messed up a lot, but for about half the times Olivia was mad at her, I, the reader, had no clue why that was either. It takes two to communicate and the only one I saw perpetually trying was Darcy and she isn't a mind-reader nor a fortune-teller.
Don't get me wrong, somehow I still really liked Olivia as a character. I just found it unfair, that Darcy was consistently punished or blamed for stuff she either couldn't know or wasn't unreasonable to want/ask for.
So as fun as it was reading about them...
This wasn't a healthy relationship.
September 16, 2022
Another great read and a wonderful series… will there be a book 3 in the pipeline? Would really love to read more about Olivia and Darcy as they go through life together in the next phase of their lives.
March 26, 2017
I finished this book yesterday night and I still don´t really know how to put this experience into words. At first I was a little bit anxious as I started to read because the blurb indicated a rough time ahead for one of my favourite couples and I hoped they wouldn´t break apart.
I really loved the first book Tricky Wisdom, which you should read before this one, so I had high expectations and this sequel didn´t disappoint. You get right back into this world that I didn´t want to put the book down and I sympathized with the Charakters Olivia and Darcy through all the up and downs.
I would say this story tells a realistic development of a relationship especially when there is a lot of pressure in other departments and someone carrys around old painful baggage.
The story spans over a long time, nearly 4 Years, which makes it in my opinion even better because often authors put a lot of story and emotions in a short time span which often makes ist unrealistic for me.
I don´t want to go into to much detail but you should defintily read this series. I love Camryn Eyds writing style because she can put in a great heartfelt story some really funny scenes in and it doesn´t seem off. The Charakters she developed here are great even they are total opposites or maybe because of it. I like them very much maybe Olivia a little more becuase she can often surprise you with her actions.
I can´t wait till the next book in this series comes out!
I really loved the first book Tricky Wisdom, which you should read before this one, so I had high expectations and this sequel didn´t disappoint. You get right back into this world that I didn´t want to put the book down and I sympathized with the Charakters Olivia and Darcy through all the up and downs.
I would say this story tells a realistic development of a relationship especially when there is a lot of pressure in other departments and someone carrys around old painful baggage.
The story spans over a long time, nearly 4 Years, which makes it in my opinion even better because often authors put a lot of story and emotions in a short time span which often makes ist unrealistic for me.
I don´t want to go into to much detail but you should defintily read this series. I love Camryn Eyds writing style because she can put in a great heartfelt story some really funny scenes in and it doesn´t seem off. The Charakters she developed here are great even they are total opposites or maybe because of it. I like them very much maybe Olivia a little more becuase she can often surprise you with her actions.
I can´t wait till the next book in this series comes out!
March 29, 2017
Fantastic book and even better than the first in the series. Darcy and Olivia are complete opposites but they compliment each other beautifully. Olivia has had a terribly hard life and it has made her defenses virtually impermeable. If anything has the power to breach those walls it will be love. And to top it all off, this book is damn funny. My compliments to the author. Great job.
April 9, 2021
This is a wonderful book. I read book one about two years ago, and I am going to go back and read both books over and over. Love the characters. The writing is excellent. The secondary characters are entertaining.
January 25, 2023
Although I really liked the first book in the series, this one felt like it was dragging too much.
Darcy is one of the most infuriating characters I've come across. The never-ending misunderstandings, stuttering, angst, Darcy's constant cluelessness and the ever so present line "I don't know" became very tiring by the middle of the book.
I was however grateful for the ending and finally having some closure. I would keep up with the series if there is ever a next book.
Darcy is one of the most infuriating characters I've come across. The never-ending misunderstandings, stuttering, angst, Darcy's constant cluelessness and the ever so present line "I don't know" became very tiring by the middle of the book.
I was however grateful for the ending and finally having some closure. I would keep up with the series if there is ever a next book.
May 23, 2021
Rarely do I find sequels on par with the first book, yet this exceeded my expectations as it was remarkably written. It depicted a genuine maturity to the story's progression between the two MCs. The character development of both Darcy and Olivia were exceptional, and their portrayal remained true to their nature based on how they were pictured in Tricky Wisdom: Year I. The pacing of when each circumstance took place was great. I got immersed in this story just as I was in the first book. You won't suffer from boredom in following these women's story at any given point, as they always leave you wondering what's next in store for them.
When setting the story for conflicts, you could sometimes tell when an author deliberately includes outrageous events to get the ball rolling. You won't observe that in this book, as the challenges the MCs went through were believable, and they never made uncharacteristic decisions.
This book presents us with a story that shows examples of trials a relationship is bound to face. The authenticity of the love shown in this book lies in its illustration of a relationship that isn't always gonna be smooth sailing but will always prove worth it. On that note, the Tricky Series by Camryn Eyde is proving to be one of best book series out there that leaves you wanting more.
When setting the story for conflicts, you could sometimes tell when an author deliberately includes outrageous events to get the ball rolling. You won't observe that in this book, as the challenges the MCs went through were believable, and they never made uncharacteristic decisions.
This book presents us with a story that shows examples of trials a relationship is bound to face. The authenticity of the love shown in this book lies in its illustration of a relationship that isn't always gonna be smooth sailing but will always prove worth it. On that note, the Tricky Series by Camryn Eyde is proving to be one of best book series out there that leaves you wanting more.
April 15, 2017
Do not read without a full box of tissues!
A few days ago i re-read book 1 of "the tricky series" which I figured would help me get back into the story as I started book 2. We meet up again with clumsy "it wasn't me" Darcy Wright and Olivia "more issues than Cosmo" Boyd. These two truly are opposites of each other but as we saw in book 1 sometimes that just works for some people.
This book was such an incredible roller coaster ride. As I expected it made me laugh so many times because Darcy is still a cute clumsy caffeine addicted weirdo. This time however she is joined by Sam and Kara who along with best friend Taylor have become the sweet, thoughtful, funny and supportive secondary characters. As for Olivia, we see her growing from initially only interacting with Darcy and sometimes Taylor to now also include Sam and Kara and even making a friend of her own, Pearl (tertiary character)!
We follow these women, and Sam along their clinical years as they battle sleep deprivation, endless study sessions, nerve wracking exams, difficult patients, stress, death and of course, life. Relationships aren't easy and in this case is made even more difficult when you hardly have time to sleep much less spend time with each other.
Reading the story of Darcy and Olivia has been truly heartbreaking and I had to pause several times because I was just crying my eyes out. Without getting into details I love that we got some more of Olivia's backstory but it was nowhere near enough for me. There are still so many questions I have but hopefully we will get those answered in the final book.
This book really has it all; heartbreak, laughter, amazing characters and hot sex scenes. I for one can't wait for book 3!
A few days ago i re-read book 1 of "the tricky series" which I figured would help me get back into the story as I started book 2. We meet up again with clumsy "it wasn't me" Darcy Wright and Olivia "more issues than Cosmo" Boyd. These two truly are opposites of each other but as we saw in book 1 sometimes that just works for some people.
This book was such an incredible roller coaster ride. As I expected it made me laugh so many times because Darcy is still a cute clumsy caffeine addicted weirdo. This time however she is joined by Sam and Kara who along with best friend Taylor have become the sweet, thoughtful, funny and supportive secondary characters. As for Olivia, we see her growing from initially only interacting with Darcy and sometimes Taylor to now also include Sam and Kara and even making a friend of her own, Pearl (tertiary character)!
We follow these women, and Sam along their clinical years as they battle sleep deprivation, endless study sessions, nerve wracking exams, difficult patients, stress, death and of course, life. Relationships aren't easy and in this case is made even more difficult when you hardly have time to sleep much less spend time with each other.
Reading the story of Darcy and Olivia has been truly heartbreaking and I had to pause several times because I was just crying my eyes out. Without getting into details I love that we got some more of Olivia's backstory but it was nowhere near enough for me. There are still so many questions I have but hopefully we will get those answered in the final book.
This book really has it all; heartbreak, laughter, amazing characters and hot sex scenes. I for one can't wait for book 3!
March 19, 2019
First book was pretty good, this one was better . Can't wait for Darcy and Olivia in book 3 :D
March 29, 2017
Book 2 didn't disappoint. It's like I'm watching reality tv. I'm with them on their journey watching them. From their ups and downs I'm there. They make me laugh, they annoy me, they make me cry, they make me cheer for them.
I think book 2 is twice longer than book 1. It's a 3 years journey on their clinical lives so watch out for too much drama.
I have so much respect with people like Olivia. Yeah, she's difficult and a lot of people usually avoided her or instantly gave her a dislike but If you look into it, she's just a fragile woman hoping for someone to stick with her.
She's been through so much in her life and it's what makes her special.
Darcy is also an amazing character. Yeah, she's child like sometimes. She also doesn't have filter on her thought and words and kinda oblivious to her surroundings but she's really sweet and caring. And I think it's what Olivia needs.
I'm also wishing to take a peek on Olivia's POV. She's kind of the "jealous type" and kind of controlling but she's also very caring and loving and if you break into her barriers.
They really compliment each other. I agree with Darcy's mom with the Yin yang comment.
Again, be patient with this book and I hope you could give it a chance.
A lot of likable characters here. Especially Sam, Taylor, Darcy's parents and even Kara.
Kara's the only one that could get away kissing Darcy in front of Olivia. (Stolen kisses actually) she really likes to pissed Liv always.
I hope the author can also write about Taylor-Sam-Kara triangle.
I'm in love with Olivia. :)
Can't wait for the final book.
4.5
I think book 2 is twice longer than book 1. It's a 3 years journey on their clinical lives so watch out for too much drama.
I have so much respect with people like Olivia. Yeah, she's difficult and a lot of people usually avoided her or instantly gave her a dislike but If you look into it, she's just a fragile woman hoping for someone to stick with her.
She's been through so much in her life and it's what makes her special.
Darcy is also an amazing character. Yeah, she's child like sometimes. She also doesn't have filter on her thought and words and kinda oblivious to her surroundings but she's really sweet and caring. And I think it's what Olivia needs.
I'm also wishing to take a peek on Olivia's POV. She's kind of the "jealous type" and kind of controlling but she's also very caring and loving and if you break into her barriers.
They really compliment each other. I agree with Darcy's mom with the Yin yang comment.
Again, be patient with this book and I hope you could give it a chance.
A lot of likable characters here. Especially Sam, Taylor, Darcy's parents and even Kara.
Kara's the only one that could get away kissing Darcy in front of Olivia. (Stolen kisses actually) she really likes to pissed Liv always.
I hope the author can also write about Taylor-Sam-Kara triangle.
I'm in love with Olivia. :)
Can't wait for the final book.
4.5
April 21, 2017
Darcy and Olivia are one of my all time favorite couples. I'll probably go read the first book again now.
After this book i decided that I need to go read some other books by this author. She really mastered captivating her audience.
side note: i get frustrated when a book lists all the beta readers and editors but still has obvious mistakes. luckily i love this story enough to not let that take away a star.
pps: did we get cliffhangered at the end or did i just completely miss where Darcy is going? wait wait! use spoiler tags if you tell me. ;)
After this book i decided that I need to go read some other books by this author. She really mastered captivating her audience.
side note: i get frustrated when a book lists all the beta readers and editors but still has obvious mistakes. luckily i love this story enough to not let that take away a star.
pps: did we get cliffhangered at the end or did i just completely miss where Darcy is going? wait wait! use spoiler tags if you tell me. ;)
February 22, 2019
*This commentary applies to the entire Tricky series (thusfar, with I believe, the 3rd and final installment yet to be released) including Book 1 "Tricky Wisdom" and Book 2 "Tricky Chances."
Camryn Eyde's Tricky series, "Tricky Wisdom" (Book 1) and "Tricky Chances" (Book 2), essentially is a series that chronicled the personal voyage of one medical student, Darcy Wright, through her eyes and point-of-view as she stumbled her way through medical training in Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital, whilst also getting her previously non-existent love life all bent out of shape by being entangled with her roomie and her best mate! Yeh, Darcy's life was definitely interesting!
Speaking of the medical part of the story, whilst Eyde did cover Darcy's (and some of Olivia's albeit in conjunction with Darcy's) clinical experience in various settings, i.e. ER/Trauma, paediatrics, operating theatres and surgery, and of cos lectures, through both installments, there weren't specific medical details, i.e. procedures, surgeries, protocols, per se. The clinical portions were more about the interactions between Darcy and her peers and residents/attendings. In other words, Eyde's Tricky series was primarily character-driven. Think "Grey's Anatomy" (character-driven) instead of "ER" (plot-driven).
Before I get into the nitty-gritty of the story, can I just say that reading Darcy's story in the series was like reading someone's personal journal, with every private little detail including slews of secrets being highlighted and scrutinised. What made it feel even more personal was the fact that the entire story was written in a first-person narrative, complete with every little internal monologue in all its glory! Naturally, the "personal touch" was more acutely felt and experienced as a reader. At least I felt like I was sneaking a good long peek at someone's very private journal about her whole entire life! Crikey! Everything, I mean, everything, to me, as I rode this journey along with Darcy, I felt the utter realism of it all. So real was it that in fact, I felt like I was observing everything in person, hand on heart!
Full commentary here: In Bugs' Own Words
Camryn Eyde's Tricky series, "Tricky Wisdom" (Book 1) and "Tricky Chances" (Book 2), essentially is a series that chronicled the personal voyage of one medical student, Darcy Wright, through her eyes and point-of-view as she stumbled her way through medical training in Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital, whilst also getting her previously non-existent love life all bent out of shape by being entangled with her roomie and her best mate! Yeh, Darcy's life was definitely interesting!
Speaking of the medical part of the story, whilst Eyde did cover Darcy's (and some of Olivia's albeit in conjunction with Darcy's) clinical experience in various settings, i.e. ER/Trauma, paediatrics, operating theatres and surgery, and of cos lectures, through both installments, there weren't specific medical details, i.e. procedures, surgeries, protocols, per se. The clinical portions were more about the interactions between Darcy and her peers and residents/attendings. In other words, Eyde's Tricky series was primarily character-driven. Think "Grey's Anatomy" (character-driven) instead of "ER" (plot-driven).
Before I get into the nitty-gritty of the story, can I just say that reading Darcy's story in the series was like reading someone's personal journal, with every private little detail including slews of secrets being highlighted and scrutinised. What made it feel even more personal was the fact that the entire story was written in a first-person narrative, complete with every little internal monologue in all its glory! Naturally, the "personal touch" was more acutely felt and experienced as a reader. At least I felt like I was sneaking a good long peek at someone's very private journal about her whole entire life! Crikey! Everything, I mean, everything, to me, as I rode this journey along with Darcy, I felt the utter realism of it all. So real was it that in fact, I felt like I was observing everything in person, hand on heart!
Full commentary here: In Bugs' Own Words
October 7, 2021
So, I'm not sure why there was a book 2 for this couple. I liked the first one, it was short, the back and forth of the warring personalities kept me on my toes, some hot sex, the end. There was nothing that I felt needed to be pursued, except maybe more meat to Olivia's story, as she did interest me. I like complicated characters. But that could have been beefed up in book 1 easily.
I hate to say it, but I felt this book was a hot mess. Redundancy is REAL, it kept reliving the exact same storylines as book 1: They study endlessly, med school hard, at least 3 Minnesota trips where sex in single bed with parents in house happens too much (ugh!), Darcy works on her car, she destroys her stomach with too much coffee, she fights with Olivia, she makes up with Olivia, she is so clueless I wanted to claw my eyeballs out, Olivia continues to get black out drunk on the anniversary of her sad loss at the exact same bar with the exact same friend with the exact same consequences as book 1, there is a lot of sex, bad eating, and was I the only one who found all of her friends highly annoying?
The level of immaturity also astounded me. Spin the bottle, really? Kara making out with everyone to make others jealous? It felt like high school.
Darcy's charm from book one completely disappeared. I did like that more of Olivia's story was opened up, there are some heart breaking moments for sure, but it wasn't executed well. She kept giving these ultimatums to Darcy that didn't make sense, and strung her along, giving mixed messages, and Darcy was left spluttering and not able to do anything right.
No thanks, book 3, if it ever comes out. I don't need to know what happens to any of the characters. Oi. Ack.
I hate to say it, but I felt this book was a hot mess. Redundancy is REAL, it kept reliving the exact same storylines as book 1: They study endlessly, med school hard, at least 3 Minnesota trips where sex in single bed with parents in house happens too much (ugh!), Darcy works on her car, she destroys her stomach with too much coffee, she fights with Olivia, she makes up with Olivia, she is so clueless I wanted to claw my eyeballs out, Olivia continues to get black out drunk on the anniversary of her sad loss at the exact same bar with the exact same friend with the exact same consequences as book 1, there is a lot of sex, bad eating, and was I the only one who found all of her friends highly annoying?
The level of immaturity also astounded me. Spin the bottle, really? Kara making out with everyone to make others jealous? It felt like high school.
Darcy's charm from book one completely disappeared. I did like that more of Olivia's story was opened up, there are some heart breaking moments for sure, but it wasn't executed well. She kept giving these ultimatums to Darcy that didn't make sense, and strung her along, giving mixed messages, and Darcy was left spluttering and not able to do anything right.
No thanks, book 3, if it ever comes out. I don't need to know what happens to any of the characters. Oi. Ack.
November 16, 2022
I wish the story would continue.
November 27, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this series…very sweet and romantic. Both MCs are well written and flow is smooth.
March 29, 2017
Loved this book. I couldn't stop reading it. It's funny and heartwarming and I just really liked everything about it.
June 17, 2022
I’m so invested in this series, I NEED more😭
Eyde said that the Tricky series book three is into the first draft, but that was two years ago...I’m still very hopeful tho. (Please note that Tricky Chances is not a standalone read, you need to read Tricky Wisdom first.)
I love how Eyde deepens the story in Tricky Chances, even the side characters become vivid(and every single one is lovable.) I also think this is one of the most realistic wlw romances I’ve read when people fall in love with someone who has intimacy issues. I didn’t at once feel annoyed or repetitive by Olivia's behavior because Camryn Eyde is an incredible storyteller, and you’d only feel related to Olivia.
And at the end, you’d witness how Olivia and Dracy grow together. It’s a beautiful love story. (Just had the song Grow As We Go by Ben Platt in my head when I finished this book)
Eyde said that the Tricky series book three is into the first draft, but that was two years ago...I’m still very hopeful tho. (Please note that Tricky Chances is not a standalone read, you need to read Tricky Wisdom first.)
I love how Eyde deepens the story in Tricky Chances, even the side characters become vivid(and every single one is lovable.) I also think this is one of the most realistic wlw romances I’ve read when people fall in love with someone who has intimacy issues. I didn’t at once feel annoyed or repetitive by Olivia's behavior because Camryn Eyde is an incredible storyteller, and you’d only feel related to Olivia.
And at the end, you’d witness how Olivia and Dracy grow together. It’s a beautiful love story. (Just had the song Grow As We Go by Ben Platt in my head when I finished this book)
May 25, 2017
I liked it a lot. I think the first one was better, but this one is also really good. Olivia keeps being Olivia, but with faces where you could seen how see was before the death of Jayden. And Darcy keeps being an obtuse person, a little bit self-absorbed sometimes. But the dinamic this duo have is amazing and if what makes this book work so good.
I just hope the author do not take so long publishing the third book =)
I just hope the author do not take so long publishing the third book =)
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