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Checked #1
Checked
Checked is the first book in a new trilogy.
Callie spends countless hours staring at appliances to make sure they are really unplugged. She wastes obscene amounts of time checking for murderers in various corners of her house and entire sleepless nights performing pointless checking rituals. Then every spare minute is filled with inspecting doorknobs, chairs, floors, etc. for minuscule traces of germs. Oh, and she does all of this as she counts to three over and over again in her head. She does this every day. Without fail. Dr. Blake just doesn't fit into her schedule. Until he does. Until Callie begins to trust him. Until she starts to need him. And want him. And . . .
Callie spends countless hours staring at appliances to make sure they are really unplugged. She wastes obscene amounts of time checking for murderers in various corners of her house and entire sleepless nights performing pointless checking rituals. Then every spare minute is filled with inspecting doorknobs, chairs, floors, etc. for minuscule traces of germs. Oh, and she does all of this as she counts to three over and over again in her head. She does this every day. Without fail. Dr. Blake just doesn't fit into her schedule. Until he does. Until Callie begins to trust him. Until she starts to need him. And want him. And . . .
336 pages, Paperback
First published December 17, 2013
About the author
Jennifer Jamelli
5 books84 followersJennifer Jamelli has spent most of her life reading and writing; she holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in English, and she is an 8th grade English teacher.
She also directs a musical production each school year. Her most recent show was Miss Saigon.
Jennifer lives with her husband and her seven-year-old son.
She, like the main character in her debut novel, has a rather hopeless case of OCD.
Facebook - www.facebook.com/jamellijennifer
She also directs a musical production each school year. Her most recent show was Miss Saigon.
Jennifer lives with her husband and her seven-year-old son.
She, like the main character in her debut novel, has a rather hopeless case of OCD.
Facebook - www.facebook.com/jamellijennifer
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
February 9, 2014
Full disclosure: Jennifer Jamelli is my friend's sister, so I was predisposed to like this book. Fuller disclosure: I am not the kind of psychologist who helps people, but I contribute to the training of ones who do. Thus, I have only one reservation about a romance that blossoms during treatment for OCD, and that's the professional ethics problem. I want my students to be respectable health professionals, so it's a tad uncomfortable to read a book in which boundaries are crossed. But then I reminded myself that THIS IS FICTION, and if all the characters behaved with perfect ethics, it wouldn't be such a juicy, enjoyable, Grey's Anatomy-like story. To give one example, Jamelli even managed to add sexual tension to a blood pressure and heart rate check.
The best part of "Checked" is the main character, Callie. Jamelli shows Callie to be a witty, kind, sensitive, and stylish woman, who, yes, is struggling with OCD. If you don't already know someone with an anxiety disorder in real life, by the end of "Checked," you'll feel like you do. I liked hearing the specifics of Callie's condition and especially her thoughts and feelings about the ways it affects her and the people she cares about. There are definitely sad parts, and the aforementioned professionally problematic parts, but "Checked" is mostly funny and warm with clever details I won't spoil here. The ending took me by surprise. I can't wait for the follow-up!
The best part of "Checked" is the main character, Callie. Jamelli shows Callie to be a witty, kind, sensitive, and stylish woman, who, yes, is struggling with OCD. If you don't already know someone with an anxiety disorder in real life, by the end of "Checked," you'll feel like you do. I liked hearing the specifics of Callie's condition and especially her thoughts and feelings about the ways it affects her and the people she cares about. There are definitely sad parts, and the aforementioned professionally problematic parts, but "Checked" is mostly funny and warm with clever details I won't spoil here. The ending took me by surprise. I can't wait for the follow-up!
January 5, 2015
Nothing makes me happier than picking up a book and being taken by surprise... and this book did just that! I think it was because it was refreshingly different and the character of Callie and her life of living with extreme OCD was perfectly written. It was so interesting being inside her mind and I was feeling her struggles and frustrations right along with her. I actually think I have a much clearer understanding of OCD and the impact it not only has on the person with it... but also how it affects those around them. They live in constant worry and it can be exhausting.
Callie has an amazing family who supports her and looks after her very carefully, especially her sisters... but at the same time they live with the hope that she will find a way to overcome her OCD issues so that she can live a more fulfilling life. She is a prisoner to this affliction... her fear of germs and of all things dirty makes it difficult to enjoy even the smallest trips out anywhere. Her world is all about routine, obsessive cleaning and avoidance of anything that might make her sick. Even though she knows that most of her fears are ridiculous, she can't seem to rid herself of them. She has a running dialogue of music in her head... I didn't recognize a lot of the music... but, if you do then that part of the story will be very entertaining.
She decides to begin seeking medical treatment for her OCD and this leads her to Dr. Blake. Dr. Blake takes an invested interest in helping Callie because he has quite a lot of experience with living with someone with OCD. I fell in love with this guy very quickly... his patient and understanding ways were the best medicine for Callie. Callie develops a rare trust in him, their attraction to each other grows and you begin to see a light of hope for her.
And then, we have that ending... sighhhhh... why???? It is a bit of a cliffhanger... I do hope the way it ended means we are getting a second book! Normally I would rate a bit lower because of this... I hate cliffies. But, I can't ignore the fact that these characters were so well written, the story was very engaging and original and it left me wanting more. So, I do think that it is deserving of 5 stars for that alone.
So glad I decided to pick this one up...
ARC was provided by the author via "I Heart Romance" Book Tours
www.ktbookreviews.com
Callie has an amazing family who supports her and looks after her very carefully, especially her sisters... but at the same time they live with the hope that she will find a way to overcome her OCD issues so that she can live a more fulfilling life. She is a prisoner to this affliction... her fear of germs and of all things dirty makes it difficult to enjoy even the smallest trips out anywhere. Her world is all about routine, obsessive cleaning and avoidance of anything that might make her sick. Even though she knows that most of her fears are ridiculous, she can't seem to rid herself of them. She has a running dialogue of music in her head... I didn't recognize a lot of the music... but, if you do then that part of the story will be very entertaining.
She decides to begin seeking medical treatment for her OCD and this leads her to Dr. Blake. Dr. Blake takes an invested interest in helping Callie because he has quite a lot of experience with living with someone with OCD. I fell in love with this guy very quickly... his patient and understanding ways were the best medicine for Callie. Callie develops a rare trust in him, their attraction to each other grows and you begin to see a light of hope for her.
And then, we have that ending... sighhhhh... why???? It is a bit of a cliffhanger... I do hope the way it ended means we are getting a second book! Normally I would rate a bit lower because of this... I hate cliffies. But, I can't ignore the fact that these characters were so well written, the story was very engaging and original and it left me wanting more. So, I do think that it is deserving of 5 stars for that alone.
So glad I decided to pick this one up...
ARC was provided by the author via "I Heart Romance" Book Tours
www.ktbookreviews.com
April 25, 2014
* I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.*
Such an amazing book! I loved, loved, loved it! But that ending!!!! If I hadn't found out there would be a second book, I would have had to only give it 4 stars because that ending broke my poor little book reading heart!!
So much 'squeeing' in my head while reading this book, I love Callie and Dr. Blake aka Aiden! I somewhat relate to Callie because I occasionally show signs of OCD. Nothing even remotely close to Callie but certain little things like door checking and faucet checking etc. I can't imagine how it must feel like to have to go through everything she goes through. I'm glad she has a supportive family around her. Now Aiden, love him! All the little things he did for Callie......just put a smile on my face while reading!
I loved every little thing about this book (well that ending!!!) and cannot wait for the second one!!!!
I recommend this book to everyone!!! :)
Such an amazing book! I loved, loved, loved it! But that ending!!!! If I hadn't found out there would be a second book, I would have had to only give it 4 stars because that ending broke my poor little book reading heart!!
So much 'squeeing' in my head while reading this book, I love Callie and Dr. Blake aka Aiden! I somewhat relate to Callie because I occasionally show signs of OCD. Nothing even remotely close to Callie but certain little things like door checking and faucet checking etc. I can't imagine how it must feel like to have to go through everything she goes through. I'm glad she has a supportive family around her. Now Aiden, love him! All the little things he did for Callie......just put a smile on my face while reading!
I loved every little thing about this book (well that ending!!!) and cannot wait for the second one!!!!
I recommend this book to everyone!!! :)
November 9, 2016
Three major niggles about this book caused me to dnf pretty near the end.
1. The formatting is bad. Paragraphs are indented but there is also an extra space between paragraphs which makes for WAY too much white space on a Kindle and makes the reading experience somewhat jerky.
2. Callie is severely OCD. - unable to touch people, open doors with her bare hands, sit on a chair that someone else has used, etc etc... but within three weeks (or even less) she is having sex with her doctor.!!!! Read that again. She is having sex with her doctor.
which brings me to point ...
3. Abuse of the relationship between doctor and patient is abuse. Simple as that. Callie is emotionally unstable. And he takes advantage of her.
I gave up at this point.
From reading other reviews it seems that this ends on a cliff hanger, which is another reason not to continue.
1. The formatting is bad. Paragraphs are indented but there is also an extra space between paragraphs which makes for WAY too much white space on a Kindle and makes the reading experience somewhat jerky.
2. Callie is severely OCD. - unable to touch people, open doors with her bare hands, sit on a chair that someone else has used, etc etc... but within three weeks (or even less) she is having sex with her doctor.!!!! Read that again. She is having sex with her doctor.
which brings me to point ...
3. Abuse of the relationship between doctor and patient is abuse. Simple as that. Callie is emotionally unstable. And he takes advantage of her.
I gave up at this point.
From reading other reviews it seems that this ends on a cliff hanger, which is another reason not to continue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2014
One....two....three....Welcome to Calista "Callie" Royce's life where everything is done to a count of three.
I know. I know. Finding a book boyfriend in a book about a twenty something female with OCD is unusual. But after meeting Dr. Aiden Blake, clearly not impossible. Checked by Jennifer Jamelli is the story of Calista's struggle with obsessive/compulsive disorder and the doctor who tries to help her.
Callie's story appealed to me for several reasons. I can most definitely identify with obsessive and compulsive thoughts. Not to the extent that Callie does, but enough to really get her story.
Checked begins with Callie going to meet Dr. Keith Spencer, a psychiatrist, who is going to begin treating Callie for OCD which affects the quality of Callie's everyday life. Her days consist of rituals that take up 85% of her time. In addition to the rituals that she needs to get through her days, she also has obsessive thoughts about murderers, germs and a whole collection of other scary things.
By seeing Dr. Spencer, Callie is hoping to get some medication that will help quell her crazy. Unfortunately, Dr. Spencer is called on an emergency just as Callie arrives for her appointment. He asks another psychologist, (the swoon worthy, Dr. Aiden Blake) to do her intake meeting. The thing is Dr. Blake doesn't seem to want to meet with Callie. Well, you get the sense he doesn't see OCD patients at all. When Callie and Dr. Blake first meet he seems to be against medications and he barely looks Callie in the eye. At first I wasn't crazy about Dr. Blake. That thought changed fairly quickly.
I should mention something about Callie before I go on. Many of her thoughts are accompanied by particular songs that are fitting to events occurring at any given moment. I know, weird right? But then I thought, sometimes I think of songs that go with certain events in my life. One song you might have to listen to is The Blower's Daughter by Damien Rice to get the meaning. I know I had to. I did enjoy the soundtrack to Callie's thoughts. Her brain plays lots of good tunes.
Somehow, instead of just doing her intake meeting, Dr. Blake begins therapy sessions with Callie. Dr. Blake's idea for Callie's therapy is sort of an immersion approach. He asks her to list her obsessions and compulsions, then tries to make her face them, eliminate them, and try to live with them. During their therapy, you learn that Dr. Blake's mother had OCD. You also learn that she has passed away (you'll find out when you read it.) These sessions take on a personal note. You know Callie is attracted to Dr. Blake, hence the Damien Rice song. But what surprised me was the feelings Dr. Blake developed for Callie. At the start of Checked he seemed almost afraid of her, not making eye contact, never smiling, then he makes it his mission to help her. Finally, he becomes Aiden instead of Dr. Blake and falls in love with her. Even with her OCD issues, Callie lets Aiden in and allows herself to love him. Aiden is so caring and protective of Callie, you can't help but fall in love with him. Even with Callie's OCD issues her relationship with Aiden is physical and has the potential to get pretty steamy.
I loved the dynamic of Callie's family. They care so much about her and want her to get well. Her sisters Mandy and Melanie support her and take care of her. Her dad and her brother try to use humor to help her deal with her OCD. No one makes her feel bad about herself or belittles her for her rituals. They love her the way she is and try the best they can to protect Callie.
Checked let's us see inside a world many of us are not familiar with. The rituals Callie performs to just get to bed are exhausting. One of her compulsions that stuck with me is the peeling off of her nail polish. The poor girl must go through bottles and bottles. Not to mention the amount of time it takes to keep repolishing. I also found her choice of employment interesting. Being a graduate assistant and working for a creepy professor seemed like something she wouldn't be able to handle, but she does. For all of the nonsense she deals with, Callie is a compassionate and an easy to like character. I know I rooted for her throughout her story.
I also rooted for Aiden and Callie because he is so damn hot and Callie deserves someone wonderful after the last awful boyfriend she dealt with. But.....just when you think everything is going to work out for Callie and Aiden......plot twist! And damn it's a doozy.
I can't lie. I cannot wait for the follow up sequel to Checked because I live for happily ever afters (hint hint Jennifer Jamelli!) Anyway, I have it on good authority that Callie and Aiden's story is not over and that it will be a trilogy. So pleaseeeeeeeeee release book two soon.
I learned something while reading Checked. I don't always have to go for the bad boy book boyfriend. I mean mostly I do because inevitably, I want a bad boy who turns into a good boy because of me (don't we all kind of want that?) But Dr. Aiden Blake is a new and refreshing book boyfriend for me. I can't wait to be up with him for another night during books two and three!
Anyway........a four lipstick print review for Checked
Waiting impatiently for the next book!! Of course I want you to read it and then tell me what you think!!
I know. I know. Finding a book boyfriend in a book about a twenty something female with OCD is unusual. But after meeting Dr. Aiden Blake, clearly not impossible. Checked by Jennifer Jamelli is the story of Calista's struggle with obsessive/compulsive disorder and the doctor who tries to help her.
Callie's story appealed to me for several reasons. I can most definitely identify with obsessive and compulsive thoughts. Not to the extent that Callie does, but enough to really get her story.
Checked begins with Callie going to meet Dr. Keith Spencer, a psychiatrist, who is going to begin treating Callie for OCD which affects the quality of Callie's everyday life. Her days consist of rituals that take up 85% of her time. In addition to the rituals that she needs to get through her days, she also has obsessive thoughts about murderers, germs and a whole collection of other scary things.
By seeing Dr. Spencer, Callie is hoping to get some medication that will help quell her crazy. Unfortunately, Dr. Spencer is called on an emergency just as Callie arrives for her appointment. He asks another psychologist, (the swoon worthy, Dr. Aiden Blake) to do her intake meeting. The thing is Dr. Blake doesn't seem to want to meet with Callie. Well, you get the sense he doesn't see OCD patients at all. When Callie and Dr. Blake first meet he seems to be against medications and he barely looks Callie in the eye. At first I wasn't crazy about Dr. Blake. That thought changed fairly quickly.
I should mention something about Callie before I go on. Many of her thoughts are accompanied by particular songs that are fitting to events occurring at any given moment. I know, weird right? But then I thought, sometimes I think of songs that go with certain events in my life. One song you might have to listen to is The Blower's Daughter by Damien Rice to get the meaning. I know I had to. I did enjoy the soundtrack to Callie's thoughts. Her brain plays lots of good tunes.
Somehow, instead of just doing her intake meeting, Dr. Blake begins therapy sessions with Callie. Dr. Blake's idea for Callie's therapy is sort of an immersion approach. He asks her to list her obsessions and compulsions, then tries to make her face them, eliminate them, and try to live with them. During their therapy, you learn that Dr. Blake's mother had OCD. You also learn that she has passed away (you'll find out when you read it.) These sessions take on a personal note. You know Callie is attracted to Dr. Blake, hence the Damien Rice song. But what surprised me was the feelings Dr. Blake developed for Callie. At the start of Checked he seemed almost afraid of her, not making eye contact, never smiling, then he makes it his mission to help her. Finally, he becomes Aiden instead of Dr. Blake and falls in love with her. Even with her OCD issues, Callie lets Aiden in and allows herself to love him. Aiden is so caring and protective of Callie, you can't help but fall in love with him. Even with Callie's OCD issues her relationship with Aiden is physical and has the potential to get pretty steamy.
I loved the dynamic of Callie's family. They care so much about her and want her to get well. Her sisters Mandy and Melanie support her and take care of her. Her dad and her brother try to use humor to help her deal with her OCD. No one makes her feel bad about herself or belittles her for her rituals. They love her the way she is and try the best they can to protect Callie.
Checked let's us see inside a world many of us are not familiar with. The rituals Callie performs to just get to bed are exhausting. One of her compulsions that stuck with me is the peeling off of her nail polish. The poor girl must go through bottles and bottles. Not to mention the amount of time it takes to keep repolishing. I also found her choice of employment interesting. Being a graduate assistant and working for a creepy professor seemed like something she wouldn't be able to handle, but she does. For all of the nonsense she deals with, Callie is a compassionate and an easy to like character. I know I rooted for her throughout her story.
I also rooted for Aiden and Callie because he is so damn hot and Callie deserves someone wonderful after the last awful boyfriend she dealt with. But.....just when you think everything is going to work out for Callie and Aiden......plot twist! And damn it's a doozy.
I can't lie. I cannot wait for the follow up sequel to Checked because I live for happily ever afters (hint hint Jennifer Jamelli!) Anyway, I have it on good authority that Callie and Aiden's story is not over and that it will be a trilogy. So pleaseeeeeeeeee release book two soon.
I learned something while reading Checked. I don't always have to go for the bad boy book boyfriend. I mean mostly I do because inevitably, I want a bad boy who turns into a good boy because of me (don't we all kind of want that?) But Dr. Aiden Blake is a new and refreshing book boyfriend for me. I can't wait to be up with him for another night during books two and three!
Anyway........a four lipstick print review for Checked
Waiting impatiently for the next book!! Of course I want you to read it and then tell me what you think!!
January 31, 2014
All I want to say is WHOA! READ THIS BOOK! Checked by debut author Jennifer Jamelli is going to take you into the world of a woman who must deal with OCD every second of every day. Callie is faced with NEEDING to follow a set of self-imposed routines, phobias, and her own personal kind of Hell on Earth-what if her routines are altered, or she fails to follow every single step? What if one man, a professional invests more than is appropriate in “fixing” her? Is she willing to step out of her comfort zone and risk her sanity on learning to live? Is she doing it for herself or is it for HIM? Whose needs are greater? Callie needs and wants to be a functioning and whole person. Dr. Blake has his own reasons to be so fully invested in helping Callie. Are they healthy for either of them? Will his brand of therapy work or will it damage them both even further?
Do not think for one minute that Checked is completely dark and painful. Yes, it can be edgy, there are moments you truly feel for Callie’s out of control problems and you might get frustrated with her, but there is humor, a supportive family, and Callie’s outlook isn’t one of the timid victim, she has an inner strength you can feel trying to break through. Aiden was a professional, but he had his own demons to exorcise and he found Callie as the perfect way to “fix” the undeserved guilt he has carried from his past.
Jennifer Jamelli has created a world that is real, from the backgrounds to the characters. The mental dialogue that bounces around Callie’s brain is as chaotic as her condition, as gut wrenching as her torment. The dialogue between Aiden and Callie is often subtle, but his deeper meaning and his intent glides beneath the surface of his simple requests. You feel the electricity between these two through Callie. With wonderful supporting characters rounding out this tale, it is nothing short of amazing.
If this is what we can expect from Jennifer Jamelli, readers are in for a slice of creative, intense reading, plots that flow with the moment and characters that will crawl into your hearts-in other words, some great reading! Jennifer Jamelli has taken a difficult topic and entertained while she gave insight into the life of someone who is truly OCD.
I received a review copy from Jennifer Jamelli in exchange for my honest review. I highly recommend this book, this author-honest!
Publication Date: December 17, 2013
Publisher: 48fourteen
ISBN-10: 1937546241
ISBN-13: 978-1937546243
Genre: Adult Fiction
Number of Pages: 336
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
January 12, 2015
While I love reading, I love it even more when I learn something new. Checked deals with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and how debilitating it can be. People often times will joke about being OCD or anal retentive when they need to have certain things done just so. For those that suffer from the condition, it controls them in every aspect of their life. It often is a coping mechanism for anxiety, but it can cause alienation of those around them that grow frustrated by the patterns and rituals they repeat over and over again.
Callie suffers from OCD. She is in grad school and is seeking treatment for her condition with a couple of specialists. When her case is assigned to a new psychologist, she is resistant to starting over with a new clinician. Dr. Aiden Blake has seen first hand the devastating affects OCD can have. He knows that in order to push her outside her comfort zone, he is going to have to earn her trust.
I blew through this book today. Every chance I had to read it, my nose was buried. Jennifer has a very engaging writing style and I could feel the emotions between Callie, her family and Dr. Blake. The way Jennifer took Callie through her daily rituals, the streaming playlist in her head and overwhelming fears provided such insight as to what someone with OCD goes through even with dealing with the most mundane tasks. The constant need for control over their environment is exhausting and I have a new found appreciation and empathy for the condition.
What I wished I had known before I started this is book 1 of a trilogy and book 3 has not released yet. I was going to dive right into Checked Again, book 2, but want to find out how soon book 3 is coming out. There is a significant cliffhanger at the end of this book that leaves the story with multiple directional possibilities. Jennifer can expect me to start stalking her about the release of book 3.
Callie suffers from OCD. She is in grad school and is seeking treatment for her condition with a couple of specialists. When her case is assigned to a new psychologist, she is resistant to starting over with a new clinician. Dr. Aiden Blake has seen first hand the devastating affects OCD can have. He knows that in order to push her outside her comfort zone, he is going to have to earn her trust.
I blew through this book today. Every chance I had to read it, my nose was buried. Jennifer has a very engaging writing style and I could feel the emotions between Callie, her family and Dr. Blake. The way Jennifer took Callie through her daily rituals, the streaming playlist in her head and overwhelming fears provided such insight as to what someone with OCD goes through even with dealing with the most mundane tasks. The constant need for control over their environment is exhausting and I have a new found appreciation and empathy for the condition.
What I wished I had known before I started this is book 1 of a trilogy and book 3 has not released yet. I was going to dive right into Checked Again, book 2, but want to find out how soon book 3 is coming out. There is a significant cliffhanger at the end of this book that leaves the story with multiple directional possibilities. Jennifer can expect me to start stalking her about the release of book 3.
December 31, 2013
At first I thought that Callie would get irritating with all her OCD routines, her checking and sanitizing. But she is funny, and quirky, and endearing. I really enjoyed how she approaches her condition with humor and a desire to get better. I read this very quickly and was entertained by the interactions of Callie and Aiden, as well as with her sisters. Fair warning, the end will leave you anxious for a sequel!
February 28, 2014
Okay, all right...
Brilliant, great, fantastic, unique, loved this, loved this, loved this!
I need more!
WHEN IS BOOK 2?
Jennifer, you have a talent. Please give us more!
Brilliant, great, fantastic, unique, loved this, loved this, loved this!
I need more!
WHEN IS BOOK 2?
Jennifer, you have a talent. Please give us more!
May 11, 2014
Calista, called Callie by her family, is a grad student with an almost debilitating case of OCD. The book starts with Callie going to see a psychiatrist with the intention of getting on medication to help ease some of the anxiety due to it. On the day of her appointment, though, her psychiatrist has a family emergency and needs one of his colleagues to complete the initial consult for Clarissa. Even though he normally doesn't take OCD patients, Dr. Aiden Blake agrees to see Callie. In this strangest appointment ever, Dr. Blake refuses to almost even look at Callie and is obviously against the use of medication (even accusing Callie of seeking out a medicinal bandage). During the super short session, Dr. Blake asks Callie to write to him about her earliest symptoms. When they do actually make eye contact at the end of the appointment, Callie is blow away by the sorrow and tragedy that she sees in Dr. Blake's eyes.
Callie writes a pretty humorous story about the evils of forks and dangerous mouse droppings for Dr. Blake, which Dr. Blake doesn't find amusing. He decides to change up the format by sending lists of topics by email and expecting quick and uncensored responses. The first few lists go well, but you can tell there is almost an undercurrent of something more.
One of Callie's classes consists of published writers talking about what their writing and publishing process. Callie is shocked when Dr. Blake is the presenter for her class talking about the need to help patients causing him to publish work. To make it even worse, he demonstrates by saying how he wants to "fix" a patient that threw away a purse, which he shows, after her appointment. It's Callie's purse. She threw it away after their appointment, because she dropped it on the ground in his office. She's mortified, but Dr. Blake convinces her to see him and then convinces her to allow him to treat her. His method of treatment is a 12-day immersion therapy. He pushes her out of her comfort zone by taking her places she normally wouldn't go and by adjusting her normal routine. He sees or talks to Callie every day during this treatment and it doesn't take long for things to shift from doctor-patient to man-woman. He stops being "Dr. Blake" and becomes "Aiden" and she stops being "Ms. Royce" or "Calista" and becomes "Callie". He opens up to her during their time together by talking about his past, which explains why he doesn't normally treat OCD patients. Everything changes for this new relationship, though, when Dr. Spencer returns and still wants to meet with Callie to discuss medicinal options.
This book is written from Callie's POV and it is enlightening and also funny. You see her counting, the numerous checks, all of the quirky habits she has through the day. I especially love the songs that are almost constant in her head. The funniest part is the way she speeds up her counting when she wants to do something quickly or counts to 3 multiple times when she's nervous about something. My husband has a mild case of OCD and some of these quirks I can see in him. It's kind of endearing in a way. Aiden is not your typical hero, but he is swoon-worthy in his own way. The little things he does for Callie, like getting her a purse hook for his office and her own chair, are so adorable. Seeing the change in him from being sad to laughing is so sweet. You can't help but smile reading at the way Callie and Aiden interact. You also see a lot of Callie's family and how they handle and accept her OCD.
I feel like I would be doing a disservice by not mentioning that this is NOT a standalone novel. I was not prepared for the cliffhanger and I am anxiously awaiting book 2 in this series.
Reviewing on behalf of Fierce and Fabulous Book Diva Blog – check us out at http://www.fierceandfabbookdiva.com/.
Complimentary copy provided for honest review.
Callie writes a pretty humorous story about the evils of forks and dangerous mouse droppings for Dr. Blake, which Dr. Blake doesn't find amusing. He decides to change up the format by sending lists of topics by email and expecting quick and uncensored responses. The first few lists go well, but you can tell there is almost an undercurrent of something more.
One of Callie's classes consists of published writers talking about what their writing and publishing process. Callie is shocked when Dr. Blake is the presenter for her class talking about the need to help patients causing him to publish work. To make it even worse, he demonstrates by saying how he wants to "fix" a patient that threw away a purse, which he shows, after her appointment. It's Callie's purse. She threw it away after their appointment, because she dropped it on the ground in his office. She's mortified, but Dr. Blake convinces her to see him and then convinces her to allow him to treat her. His method of treatment is a 12-day immersion therapy. He pushes her out of her comfort zone by taking her places she normally wouldn't go and by adjusting her normal routine. He sees or talks to Callie every day during this treatment and it doesn't take long for things to shift from doctor-patient to man-woman. He stops being "Dr. Blake" and becomes "Aiden" and she stops being "Ms. Royce" or "Calista" and becomes "Callie". He opens up to her during their time together by talking about his past, which explains why he doesn't normally treat OCD patients. Everything changes for this new relationship, though, when Dr. Spencer returns and still wants to meet with Callie to discuss medicinal options.
This book is written from Callie's POV and it is enlightening and also funny. You see her counting, the numerous checks, all of the quirky habits she has through the day. I especially love the songs that are almost constant in her head. The funniest part is the way she speeds up her counting when she wants to do something quickly or counts to 3 multiple times when she's nervous about something. My husband has a mild case of OCD and some of these quirks I can see in him. It's kind of endearing in a way. Aiden is not your typical hero, but he is swoon-worthy in his own way. The little things he does for Callie, like getting her a purse hook for his office and her own chair, are so adorable. Seeing the change in him from being sad to laughing is so sweet. You can't help but smile reading at the way Callie and Aiden interact. You also see a lot of Callie's family and how they handle and accept her OCD.
I feel like I would be doing a disservice by not mentioning that this is NOT a standalone novel. I was not prepared for the cliffhanger and I am anxiously awaiting book 2 in this series.
Reviewing on behalf of Fierce and Fabulous Book Diva Blog – check us out at http://www.fierceandfabbookdiva.com/.
Complimentary copy provided for honest review.
April 26, 2014
One, two, three - this book is incredible, fantastic, amazingly beautiful and one of the best reads so far this year ...
Checked is the story of Calista (Callie) Royce’s life where everything is done in three’s due to her Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Callie is a very likeable woman who was able to laugh at her own condition which helped to make her condition more light-hearted for me. I laughed but sometimes I also felt tears.
This book is extremely well written and is told from Callie’s point of view. What I really liked was that she often supported her thoughts with her inner soundtrack of popular song lyrics that seemed so appropriate to the various situations she found herself in. Her condition gives you an insight into OCD and you soon discover that Callie has a “leaving the house” routine and a “before bed” routine which seems to take hours plus her obsessions take up most of her daily routine which are to say the least exhausting. I was really happy when she started her “alternative” therapy with Dr Aiden Blake who steps up when her actual Psychiatrist cannot make her first appointment.
You watch her struggle through the various steps of her alternative therapy that Aiden takes her though. Some more than others you feel may actually be helping but there a couple where you just feel despair for her. Aiden falls for Callie very quickly and you soon discover that there is more to Aiden than just a therapist. He also had a mother who suffered severely and lost her battle with the disorder. Callie lets Aiden in as one of her safe people, people who she can be around, who can hug her and be physical with her.
Don’t you just love it when a book surprises you with its incredible, fantastic, amazingly beautiful awesomeness. When I started reading this book I had no idea what it was really going to be about - all I had to go on was the blurb and the fact that one of my friends had added it to her To Be Read list on Goodreads. As I was between reads I started it straight away and I was so glad that I didn’t leave it on my kindle to be read at a later date. This book has a pretty major plot twist and has caused major author stalking for me. As far as I am concerned book two cannot come fast enough. This was a five star plus read for me.
Checked is the story of Calista (Callie) Royce’s life where everything is done in three’s due to her Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Callie is a very likeable woman who was able to laugh at her own condition which helped to make her condition more light-hearted for me. I laughed but sometimes I also felt tears.
This book is extremely well written and is told from Callie’s point of view. What I really liked was that she often supported her thoughts with her inner soundtrack of popular song lyrics that seemed so appropriate to the various situations she found herself in. Her condition gives you an insight into OCD and you soon discover that Callie has a “leaving the house” routine and a “before bed” routine which seems to take hours plus her obsessions take up most of her daily routine which are to say the least exhausting. I was really happy when she started her “alternative” therapy with Dr Aiden Blake who steps up when her actual Psychiatrist cannot make her first appointment.
You watch her struggle through the various steps of her alternative therapy that Aiden takes her though. Some more than others you feel may actually be helping but there a couple where you just feel despair for her. Aiden falls for Callie very quickly and you soon discover that there is more to Aiden than just a therapist. He also had a mother who suffered severely and lost her battle with the disorder. Callie lets Aiden in as one of her safe people, people who she can be around, who can hug her and be physical with her.
Don’t you just love it when a book surprises you with its incredible, fantastic, amazingly beautiful awesomeness. When I started reading this book I had no idea what it was really going to be about - all I had to go on was the blurb and the fact that one of my friends had added it to her To Be Read list on Goodreads. As I was between reads I started it straight away and I was so glad that I didn’t leave it on my kindle to be read at a later date. This book has a pretty major plot twist and has caused major author stalking for me. As far as I am concerned book two cannot come fast enough. This was a five star plus read for me.
November 18, 2020
Taking a break from reading mystery novels, I was scrolling through my older books on my Kindle and came across Checked. I wasn't 100% sure what this book was about but I had an idea that it focused on OCD as the book tagline indicated about obsessiveness and counting which is one symptom of OCD. In Checked we meet Callie and as we can tell her childhood anxieties and OCD arose from things that her parents told her and she took them to heart and over the years they manifested until it became a real fear. Not sleeping well and it starting to affect her work as a TA she is referred to a therapist to prescribe her some medicine. Depending on how you wish to view it, the therapist she was meant to see has a family emergency and so she is referred to the other therapist Aiden. Unlike the one, she was supposed to see Aiden is against medicine or as he calls it covering the disease with a medicinal bandage. As the book goes along, we read as Aiden and Callie bond and start an immersion therapy trial, and overtime after spending so much time together, they end up almost dating. I liked Aiden as he helped Callie grow out of her shell and then a tragedy occurs and Callie ends up in the hospital. This part sort of annoyed me as Aiden should have been there to help her rather than wimping away, though as you learn the reason in the book it still frustrated me. Checked also ends on a cliffhanger but I am in two minds about continuing with this series. If you are a fan of mental illnesses/ disorders in fiction, then check out Checked: a tale of Callie's journey with OCD.
December 17, 2015
I loved this book. There was a depth of emotion and a level of connection to the characters and their story that left me astounded that this is the first published novel by this author. Astounded! The writing is superb in style, format, and content. I have read most of the other reviews and I'm unsurprised at the flow of love that has come in for this story. I will not go into detail about the plot (I hate to do that). Subject matter, yes. The topic that this story focuses on is refreshingly new. I say new because, while there have been other novels that shed light on or tried to incorporate this particular illness, I have read nothing else that comes close to capturing the complete scope of how OCD dictates someone's entire existence. The negative reviewers (and they are a small number) complain about how exhausted they were with the monotony of Callie's routine. There was grumbling about her lack of progress. To those individuals I would say that THAT is exactly where Jennifer Jamelli got it right! OCD is exhausting! It is monotonous and frustrating and overwhelming. OCD is exhausting (it bears repeating) for everyone...the individual who struggles with this mental illness and all of the people who are part of this person's life. It was a brilliant move to refrain from proceeding as many would assume in Callie's and Aiden's relationship. Diagnosis does not equate with some kind of epiphany-type cure. Nor does any attempt to seek help, whether through medication or therapy or both, indicate that progress will be imminent. What a struggle! Rationality and the logical thoughts that accompany that rationality are the gift of those who do not suffer from mental illness. This is where mental illness is so often misunderstood. Yes, Callie has a wicked sense of humor. She is intelligent and has managed to form significant bonds with her family members. She is pursuing a graduate degree! To everyone watching, that would seem to indicate that she is capable of surmounting anything. In reality, it is the coping mechanisms that are trademark OCD behaviors that have both facilitated Callie's few successes in life and held her captive in perpetual, paralyzing fear. It is the unseen, the thoughts that are twirling inside her head independently of her attempts at reason, that hold our character back from a "normal" life. Callie has all of the desire in the world to exist in a healthier fashion. She can recognize that her thoughts are "ridiculous". Changing those thoughts will be a monumental challenge.
I was completely caught up in Callie's journey! The narration was so well-written that it was possible to start anticipating what her reactions were going to be in situations as they were unfolding. The anxiety was palpable! I loved the dynamic between Callie and Aiden and the slow-build of their romance. Also, her relationships with her sisters...LOVED! This book is the first in what I understand will be a trilogy. The second book, Checked Again, is currently available. I read it and I loved it. Now, I am very excitedly anticipating the third book!
Thank you, Jennifer Jamelli, for writing this story with such care for the telling of what it means to be Calysta Royce. You have done a magnificent job! I would hazard a guess that writing this love story was a great labor of love. It is beautiful!
I was completely caught up in Callie's journey! The narration was so well-written that it was possible to start anticipating what her reactions were going to be in situations as they were unfolding. The anxiety was palpable! I loved the dynamic between Callie and Aiden and the slow-build of their romance. Also, her relationships with her sisters...LOVED! This book is the first in what I understand will be a trilogy. The second book, Checked Again, is currently available. I read it and I loved it. Now, I am very excitedly anticipating the third book!
Thank you, Jennifer Jamelli, for writing this story with such care for the telling of what it means to be Calysta Royce. You have done a magnificent job! I would hazard a guess that writing this love story was a great labor of love. It is beautiful!
September 24, 2014
I don't know where to start.
I actually really liked this. Despite the relationship cynic inside me and my tendency to turn my nose up at most chick-lit, I think this one is different. It is really well-written. It's cute. It's light and breezy. It has an extremely likeable and relateable protagonist. Who has a real world problem that is very accurately portrayed. A lot of writers could learn quite a few things from Jennifer Jamelli.
Psssttttt.....Stephenie Meyer.....I'm talking to you sweetie. Read this book and then take notes, k?
Callie is a wonderful narrator and I loved her character immediately. I'm really serious when I say that this book is well-written. I don't usually think of books of this genre as being well-written, but this one is. And it makes it so much easier to get through. I breezed through this in a few short days. The whole novel is told from Callie's point of view, which is actually more like stream-of-consciousness writing since most of the novel takes place inside her own head. Oh, did I forget to mention that Callie has a very extreme and debilitating form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder? Well she does, and it adds such depth to a cute little story. Which totally makes the writing so much better. It kind of reminded me of Bridget Jones Diary (which I looooooved) in the way that the reader is inside Callie's mind constantly. Everything we learn we learn from her, and it really is a fantastic journey. Stream-of-consciousness is tough to pull off for some veterans who are writing from the POV of a normal person. I think it is a credit to this author to be able to pull off an entire novel in stream-of-consciousness fashion from the POV of a woman battling severe OCD. And not only is it believable, but it's compelling! And did I mention that this is a debut novel? That's right. Lots of brownie points for writing and characterization here.
The romantic cynic reared her ugly head about halfway through when Callie and Aiden's romance started to take over. Because I just don't believe in Aiden. Gosh-darn-it. I wish that cynic would just go away sometimes, because this time I REALLY wanted to believe in this relationship. But I couldn't. I just don't believe that Aiden exists in real life. He really has no flaws. He's too perfect. In looks and manners. Don't get me wrong, I WISH SOMEONE LIKE HIM EXISTED FOR ME!! But I know that one does not. I am a realist. And a cynic. And that combination just doesn't mesh well with romantic books. Also, the whole idea of him romancing his patient just weirds me out a little. I also found it a bit unbelievable that no one questioned it or figured it out. But again, these are reasons why this isn't my genre. So please, lovers of this book, take it easy on me. I tried.
Checked also lost a star because of the ending.
the ending. The Ending. THE ENDING. THE FREAKING ENDING!!!!!!!!
WAY TO GO ANITA SHREVE ON ME, JENNIFER JAMELLI!!!! ARRRRRRGHHHH
But this was still good. I'm just ranting about the end. And if you are at all familiar with my least favorite author mentioned just above, you will know what I'm talking about.
I actually really liked this. Despite the relationship cynic inside me and my tendency to turn my nose up at most chick-lit, I think this one is different. It is really well-written. It's cute. It's light and breezy. It has an extremely likeable and relateable protagonist. Who has a real world problem that is very accurately portrayed. A lot of writers could learn quite a few things from Jennifer Jamelli.
Psssttttt.....Stephenie Meyer.....I'm talking to you sweetie. Read this book and then take notes, k?
Callie is a wonderful narrator and I loved her character immediately. I'm really serious when I say that this book is well-written. I don't usually think of books of this genre as being well-written, but this one is. And it makes it so much easier to get through. I breezed through this in a few short days. The whole novel is told from Callie's point of view, which is actually more like stream-of-consciousness writing since most of the novel takes place inside her own head. Oh, did I forget to mention that Callie has a very extreme and debilitating form of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder? Well she does, and it adds such depth to a cute little story. Which totally makes the writing so much better. It kind of reminded me of Bridget Jones Diary (which I looooooved) in the way that the reader is inside Callie's mind constantly. Everything we learn we learn from her, and it really is a fantastic journey. Stream-of-consciousness is tough to pull off for some veterans who are writing from the POV of a normal person. I think it is a credit to this author to be able to pull off an entire novel in stream-of-consciousness fashion from the POV of a woman battling severe OCD. And not only is it believable, but it's compelling! And did I mention that this is a debut novel? That's right. Lots of brownie points for writing and characterization here.
The romantic cynic reared her ugly head about halfway through when Callie and Aiden's romance started to take over. Because I just don't believe in Aiden. Gosh-darn-it. I wish that cynic would just go away sometimes, because this time I REALLY wanted to believe in this relationship. But I couldn't. I just don't believe that Aiden exists in real life. He really has no flaws. He's too perfect. In looks and manners. Don't get me wrong, I WISH SOMEONE LIKE HIM EXISTED FOR ME!! But I know that one does not. I am a realist. And a cynic. And that combination just doesn't mesh well with romantic books. Also, the whole idea of him romancing his patient just weirds me out a little. I also found it a bit unbelievable that no one questioned it or figured it out. But again, these are reasons why this isn't my genre. So please, lovers of this book, take it easy on me. I tried.
Checked also lost a star because of the ending.
the ending. The Ending. THE ENDING. THE FREAKING ENDING!!!!!!!!
WAY TO GO ANITA SHREVE ON ME, JENNIFER JAMELLI!!!! ARRRRRRGHHHH
But this was still good. I'm just ranting about the end. And if you are at all familiar with my least favorite author mentioned just above, you will know what I'm talking about.
January 22, 2015
Jennifer Jamelli just might be one of my favorite authors. With her debut book Checked, she shares a story of a woman (Callie) with severe Obsessive Compulsive Disorder that she herself relates to. Callie's struggle is shown not to give the readers a heavy heart or to take pity on how sad her life is, rather it is to inform and to help others understand what people like her are going through.
CHARACTERS
The way Jamelli describes Callie and Aiden weren't as in your face beautiful as some of the YA/ NA novels are. There is a time though that she mentioned how good-looking the guy is but she didn't oversell it.
*DEFINITELY plus points* I can't even remember if she described how the other characters looked like. She mentioned the type of clothing but never focused on their physicality. It made me concentrate more on how the story will progress rather than how perfect they look together if they were actually real.
STORYLINE
The first half of the book was refreshing to read, a story of love blossoming with funny lines here and there. It was only on the latter part where I felt the weight of the story and how serious the subject is. And I like how that made me feel, it didn't give me a heavy heart all throughout, just a big blow right at the end.
Never did it cross my mind that OCD can be that serious. At first I didn't get the song playing, the daily shaving of legs, the counting. I even found parts of the book ludicrous, like the search for murderers and her thoughts of the inevitable. I too have the same paranoia sometimes and I think it's a nice touch to the story, but, it was more than just an element, because it's part of her affliction, it's part of a person with OCD that limits how they live. I feel that that part is a contribution on why they can never feel fully complete and can never really experience LIFE.
OVERALL
The book is perfectly written with the right dose of sugar and spice. Could've given it 5 stars but the cliffhanger didn't make me feel the gist of Callie and Aiden's story so I have to hold on to that star for now. If you are about to read the book, skip to the last part and make a playlist of the songs listed there. Didn't know there was one at first so I got to a point where I was frustrated with some of the songs used because I'm not familiar with them.
Now, I'm off to Callie's head - book2 Checked Again ;)
CHARACTERS
The way Jamelli describes Callie and Aiden weren't as in your face beautiful as some of the YA/ NA novels are. There is a time though that she mentioned how good-looking the guy is but she didn't oversell it.
*DEFINITELY plus points* I can't even remember if she described how the other characters looked like. She mentioned the type of clothing but never focused on their physicality. It made me concentrate more on how the story will progress rather than how perfect they look together if they were actually real.
STORYLINE
The first half of the book was refreshing to read, a story of love blossoming with funny lines here and there. It was only on the latter part where I felt the weight of the story and how serious the subject is. And I like how that made me feel, it didn't give me a heavy heart all throughout, just a big blow right at the end.
Never did it cross my mind that OCD can be that serious. At first I didn't get the song playing, the daily shaving of legs, the counting. I even found parts of the book ludicrous, like the search for murderers and her thoughts of the inevitable. I too have the same paranoia sometimes and I think it's a nice touch to the story, but, it was more than just an element, because it's part of her affliction, it's part of a person with OCD that limits how they live. I feel that that part is a contribution on why they can never feel fully complete and can never really experience LIFE.
OVERALL
The book is perfectly written with the right dose of sugar and spice. Could've given it 5 stars but the cliffhanger didn't make me feel the gist of Callie and Aiden's story so I have to hold on to that star for now. If you are about to read the book, skip to the last part and make a playlist of the songs listed there. Didn't know there was one at first so I got to a point where I was frustrated with some of the songs used because I'm not familiar with them.
Now, I'm off to Callie's head - book2 Checked Again ;)
January 12, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review… and honestly: this book is INCREDIBLE and everyone reading this should read Checked. From the blurb, I assumed it would be a sweet, perhaps predictable, story about a woman overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder while falling for her new therapist. I love it when a book surprises me.
Everything about this book was unpredictable: the extent of Callie’s OCD, her ability to attend school, work and family functions despite it, her sessions with Dr. Aiden, and I’m not the only one who didn’t see the last few chapters coming. I’m also not the only who loves this book. As of today, Checked has fourteen 5-star reviews on Amazon and a 4.7 average on Goodreads; the book has been out about 3 weeks.
One of my favorite qualities about this book is how well written it is. The storytelling is stellar. Checked is told from the point of view of Callie, the main character. Her narration is frequently supported by popular song lyrics that pop in her head during uncomfortable situations. This inner soundtrack provides an entertaining and compelling layer to Cassie’s condition. She also gives the time of day – and by following the entries, you discover Cassie starts the “leaving the house routine” at 3:05 pm and then “on my way” at 3:45. Its not until 25% in the book that you learn what she must do to leave the house, and I will never think of OCD the same way again.
Cassie is such a likable character, and I cheered for her wholeheartedly as she begins an alternate therapy technique with Dr. Aiden Blake. He is incredibly knowledgeable in OCD and very determined to avoid medicating Cassie if it can be helped. Their professional relationship becomes friendly and hints at becoming more. I wanted her recovery to work so that she could have a day that was not “approximately eighty-five percent” occupied by obsessions. I rooted for Cassie and Aiden to become more than friends, even though it was unprofessional. An unexpected event in the final chapters leaves much unresolved; and if you’re asking me: Book 2 can’t come fast enough.
Everything about this book was unpredictable: the extent of Callie’s OCD, her ability to attend school, work and family functions despite it, her sessions with Dr. Aiden, and I’m not the only one who didn’t see the last few chapters coming. I’m also not the only who loves this book. As of today, Checked has fourteen 5-star reviews on Amazon and a 4.7 average on Goodreads; the book has been out about 3 weeks.
One of my favorite qualities about this book is how well written it is. The storytelling is stellar. Checked is told from the point of view of Callie, the main character. Her narration is frequently supported by popular song lyrics that pop in her head during uncomfortable situations. This inner soundtrack provides an entertaining and compelling layer to Cassie’s condition. She also gives the time of day – and by following the entries, you discover Cassie starts the “leaving the house routine” at 3:05 pm and then “on my way” at 3:45. Its not until 25% in the book that you learn what she must do to leave the house, and I will never think of OCD the same way again.
Cassie is such a likable character, and I cheered for her wholeheartedly as she begins an alternate therapy technique with Dr. Aiden Blake. He is incredibly knowledgeable in OCD and very determined to avoid medicating Cassie if it can be helped. Their professional relationship becomes friendly and hints at becoming more. I wanted her recovery to work so that she could have a day that was not “approximately eighty-five percent” occupied by obsessions. I rooted for Cassie and Aiden to become more than friends, even though it was unprofessional. An unexpected event in the final chapters leaves much unresolved; and if you’re asking me: Book 2 can’t come fast enough.
March 9, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review... and honestly: this book is INCREDIBLE and everyone reading this should read Checked. From the blurb, I assumed it would be a sweet, perhaps predictable, story about a woman overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder while falling for her new therapist. I love it when a book surprises me.
Everything about this book was unpredictable: the extent of Callie's OCD, her ability to attend school, work and family functions despite it, her sessions with Dr. Aiden, and I'm not the only one who didn't see the last few chapters coming. I'm also not the only who loves this book. As of today, Checked has fourteen 5-star reviews on Amazon and a 4.7 average on Goodreads; the book has been out about 3 weeks.
One of my favorite qualities about this book is how well written it is. The storytelling is stellar. Checked is told from the point of view of Callie, the main character. Her narration is frequently supported by popular song lyrics that pop in her head during uncomfortable situations. This inner soundtrack provides an entertaining and compelling layer to Cassie's condition. She also gives the time of day - and by following the entries, you discover Cassie starts the "leaving the house routine" at 3:05 pm and then "on my way" at 3:45. Its not until 25% in the book that you learn what she must do to leave the house, and I will never think of OCD the same way again.
Cassie is such a likable character, and I cheered for her wholeheartedly as she begins an alternate therapy technique with Dr. Aiden Blake. He is incredibly knowledgeable in OCD and very determined to avoid medicating Cassie if it can be helped. Their professional relationship becomes friendly and hints at becoming more. I wanted her recovery to work so that she could have a day that was not "approximately eighty-five percent" occupied by obsessions. I rooted for Cassie and Aiden to become more than friends, even though it was unprofessional. An unexpected event in the final chapters leaves much unresolved; and if you're asking me: Book 2 can't come fast enough.
Everything about this book was unpredictable: the extent of Callie's OCD, her ability to attend school, work and family functions despite it, her sessions with Dr. Aiden, and I'm not the only one who didn't see the last few chapters coming. I'm also not the only who loves this book. As of today, Checked has fourteen 5-star reviews on Amazon and a 4.7 average on Goodreads; the book has been out about 3 weeks.
One of my favorite qualities about this book is how well written it is. The storytelling is stellar. Checked is told from the point of view of Callie, the main character. Her narration is frequently supported by popular song lyrics that pop in her head during uncomfortable situations. This inner soundtrack provides an entertaining and compelling layer to Cassie's condition. She also gives the time of day - and by following the entries, you discover Cassie starts the "leaving the house routine" at 3:05 pm and then "on my way" at 3:45. Its not until 25% in the book that you learn what she must do to leave the house, and I will never think of OCD the same way again.
Cassie is such a likable character, and I cheered for her wholeheartedly as she begins an alternate therapy technique with Dr. Aiden Blake. He is incredibly knowledgeable in OCD and very determined to avoid medicating Cassie if it can be helped. Their professional relationship becomes friendly and hints at becoming more. I wanted her recovery to work so that she could have a day that was not "approximately eighty-five percent" occupied by obsessions. I rooted for Cassie and Aiden to become more than friends, even though it was unprofessional. An unexpected event in the final chapters leaves much unresolved; and if you're asking me: Book 2 can't come fast enough.
May 3, 2017
I got this book for free back in October, and I'm trying to make my way through the books I've downloaded for free and give new authors a chance to surprise me. Boy, did Jennifer Jamelli surprise me.
The main character has OCD. Not just "oh, I'm OCD about my kitchen gadgets." Serious, clinic OCD. So to be in her head and go on the journey of her daily routines and interactions was fascinating to me and I was never bored no matter how many times she had to count one two three onetwothree to open an email or text that I wanted to know about. She was endearing, and I love Callie.
Then there is Dr. Aiden Blake, I loved the writing and his character and his slow slipping past the proper boundaries of a doctor/patient relationship (which I know is bad in real life, but this is fiction!!), and I loved every text, email, everything about him and their relationship.
Jennifer Jamelli had me hooked, and I stayed up hours to read this unexpectedly great book. I don't normally pay for books but check them out from the library unless I love it and I have to read it right away. Well, Jennifer got my money immediately. I read this Checked series back to back. And then went back and read the interactions with Aiden and Callie.
The side characters and story line was great, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Catch my next review of the 2nd book Checked Again. I will tell you that the ending is NOT a cliffhanger but things are definitely not resolved and you are left wanting to read the 2nd book immediately. Which I did!
The main character has OCD. Not just "oh, I'm OCD about my kitchen gadgets." Serious, clinic OCD. So to be in her head and go on the journey of her daily routines and interactions was fascinating to me and I was never bored no matter how many times she had to count one two three onetwothree to open an email or text that I wanted to know about. She was endearing, and I love Callie.
Then there is Dr. Aiden Blake, I loved the writing and his character and his slow slipping past the proper boundaries of a doctor/patient relationship (which I know is bad in real life, but this is fiction!!), and I loved every text, email, everything about him and their relationship.
Jennifer Jamelli had me hooked, and I stayed up hours to read this unexpectedly great book. I don't normally pay for books but check them out from the library unless I love it and I have to read it right away. Well, Jennifer got my money immediately. I read this Checked series back to back. And then went back and read the interactions with Aiden and Callie.
The side characters and story line was great, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Catch my next review of the 2nd book Checked Again. I will tell you that the ending is NOT a cliffhanger but things are definitely not resolved and you are left wanting to read the 2nd book immediately. Which I did!
February 8, 2014
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. I was so happy to get it in the mail, less than 36 hours ago. I sat right down and started in. Unfortunately, my life got in the way and I had to do laundry, be the mom and take daughter to school, *sigh* I even had to go to work! They all just don't understand....I wanted to read this book!
Usually when a Giveaway comes, it is an unedited version, or not the final draft, or some such thing.....Jennifer Jamelli has written a story that is instantly interesting, and perfectly written!
When I was about halfway through, I went to her facebook page to message her about how much I was enjoying the book so far. I just really enjoyed this book!
Callie is a girl who has OCD (I have tendencies, but have never been treated....I just deal)who ends up seeing a therapist, Dr. Blake. Dr. Blake's mother suffered from OCD so he seems to read her mind about things, when really it's just that he experienced them through his mother.
Dr. Blake asks her to trust him through an immersion therapy. Things go very well, until she decides to accept another doctor's suggestion for medication as well. Her world spins out of control then.
Ms. Jamelli messaged me on FB to let me know this is the first book of a trilogy. Let me just say, I'm ready for number 2 and 3! I don't know if I can stand the anticipation. I think you won't be disappointed in reading this book!
Usually when a Giveaway comes, it is an unedited version, or not the final draft, or some such thing.....Jennifer Jamelli has written a story that is instantly interesting, and perfectly written!
When I was about halfway through, I went to her facebook page to message her about how much I was enjoying the book so far. I just really enjoyed this book!
Callie is a girl who has OCD (I have tendencies, but have never been treated....I just deal)who ends up seeing a therapist, Dr. Blake. Dr. Blake's mother suffered from OCD so he seems to read her mind about things, when really it's just that he experienced them through his mother.
Dr. Blake asks her to trust him through an immersion therapy. Things go very well, until she decides to accept another doctor's suggestion for medication as well. Her world spins out of control then.
Ms. Jamelli messaged me on FB to let me know this is the first book of a trilogy. Let me just say, I'm ready for number 2 and 3! I don't know if I can stand the anticipation. I think you won't be disappointed in reading this book!
April 14, 2014
I was provide a copy by the Author for an honest review.
I just finish reading this book, I really like it I like the characters, I am gone keep this short since I don't want to give anything away. I have to be honest though this book sometime made me mad, cried and made me feel the pain that characters was going through, but I love every single minute of from the first page to the very last.
Callie is a woman who have to deal with OCD every second of every day, she have to face with a needing set of self-imposed routines, phobias, and have to deal with her own hell on earth, she is always checking to make sure that she is following her routine, and when she is in an uncomfortable situations, she start thinking about popular song lyrics that would make her feel better. she start to get her self more comfortable, when she start her therapy with Dr. Aiden Blake, now Aiden is a professional and he has invested to help out Callie, but Aiden also have his own demon to deal with, during the time that Aiden and Callie spend together, they become friends Aiden is determined to avoid medicating her. I cant wait to read the following book cause I want to know whats gone happened next. I really enjoy reading this book, and I could say that I will see OCD in a totally different way for now on, Author Jennifer Jamelli THANK YOU for introducing me to this amazing book and this awesome characters love it.
I just finish reading this book, I really like it I like the characters, I am gone keep this short since I don't want to give anything away. I have to be honest though this book sometime made me mad, cried and made me feel the pain that characters was going through, but I love every single minute of from the first page to the very last.
Callie is a woman who have to deal with OCD every second of every day, she have to face with a needing set of self-imposed routines, phobias, and have to deal with her own hell on earth, she is always checking to make sure that she is following her routine, and when she is in an uncomfortable situations, she start thinking about popular song lyrics that would make her feel better. she start to get her self more comfortable, when she start her therapy with Dr. Aiden Blake, now Aiden is a professional and he has invested to help out Callie, but Aiden also have his own demon to deal with, during the time that Aiden and Callie spend together, they become friends Aiden is determined to avoid medicating her. I cant wait to read the following book cause I want to know whats gone happened next. I really enjoy reading this book, and I could say that I will see OCD in a totally different way for now on, Author Jennifer Jamelli THANK YOU for introducing me to this amazing book and this awesome characters love it.
March 5, 2014
OCD you've seen cases of it in movies like Electra and of course the TV show Monk. Now come along the journey with Callie who's OCD is taken to new heights. She counts, she listens to the music in her head that deals with each situation of her day, and she has her routines. Now she's working to make herself better and Dr. Aiden Blake has a treatment plan to help her along, but as she spends more time with him the fluttery feelings she has around him have less to do with her OCD and more to do with the feelings she's developing towards Aiden. Will he help her or hurt her in the end?
33 checks 3 times. 33 checks 3 times. 33 checks 3 times. Callie's OCD works in three's and there's allot of repetation in her day and free time is a bad thing because it leaves too many things to think about. It was exhausting to read and I can only imagine how dealing with something like this is for people dealing with this in real life. Callie is a bit Naíve but considering her experiences with the real world it's believeable in the story. I loved seeing her grow the more she spent time with Aiden and how it helps her live life more. Excited to see more of Callie story to see how things go as the story continues in the next book.
33 checks 3 times. 33 checks 3 times. 33 checks 3 times. Callie's OCD works in three's and there's allot of repetation in her day and free time is a bad thing because it leaves too many things to think about. It was exhausting to read and I can only imagine how dealing with something like this is for people dealing with this in real life. Callie is a bit Naíve but considering her experiences with the real world it's believeable in the story. I loved seeing her grow the more she spent time with Aiden and how it helps her live life more. Excited to see more of Callie story to see how things go as the story continues in the next book.
December 2, 2015
I don't know how to describe how much I loved this book (THIS SERIES!!) This kind of stuff fascinates me but the way Jamelli went about bringing to life this beautiful character who suffers and lives through OCD was breathtaking! I honestly feel like this is now one of my favorite series ever!
Calista was complex, funny, quirky, but also very much in a deep place of "what the crap do I do?". I loved everything about her. Jamelli wrote her in the most realistic way, too. OCD is something a lot of people don't understand and the inner monologue, reactions, and worries Calista had were very much real and so incredibly accurate in the way she was portrayed.
Aiden... what can I say other than he was the perfect way to dive so much deeper into this world with Callie. His need to help her was not just some superficial and selfish thing when you truly got down to it. And his feelings for her add so much to the journey Callie must make. He was amazing! SO AMAZING!!
I LOVE THIS SERIES! I couldn't put it down and when I had to, I was thinking about it until I got to read again. BEAUTIFUL story, so well written!
It was lighthearted while dealing with issues that are NOT lighthearted. It was thoughtful AND Hopeful with humor, frustration, and memorable moments along the way!
5 ++++ STARS!!
Calista was complex, funny, quirky, but also very much in a deep place of "what the crap do I do?". I loved everything about her. Jamelli wrote her in the most realistic way, too. OCD is something a lot of people don't understand and the inner monologue, reactions, and worries Calista had were very much real and so incredibly accurate in the way she was portrayed.
Aiden... what can I say other than he was the perfect way to dive so much deeper into this world with Callie. His need to help her was not just some superficial and selfish thing when you truly got down to it. And his feelings for her add so much to the journey Callie must make. He was amazing! SO AMAZING!!
I LOVE THIS SERIES! I couldn't put it down and when I had to, I was thinking about it until I got to read again. BEAUTIFUL story, so well written!
It was lighthearted while dealing with issues that are NOT lighthearted. It was thoughtful AND Hopeful with humor, frustration, and memorable moments along the way!
5 ++++ STARS!!
April 19, 2014
Excellent!
This was a fascinating look into the daily life of a girl with OCD. Apparently the author has some experience with this condition. This allowed her to create the wonderful Callie who suffers from this disorder.
Since the book was written in Callie's voice it afforded the reader a real chance to see what it is like when your entire life is ruled by a compulsive need to follow a specific routine every day or risk disease or even death at least in her mind. I couldn't help but love Callie and was rooting for her throughput Checked. I also was very fond of her extremely supportive family.
The ending was rather abrupt and might have caused the book to go from a 5 star to a 4 star. I stuck with the 5 star because according to many other reviewers there is a Book 2 coming. I really hope that they are right because I would love to continue to watch Callie change and grow.
This was a fascinating look into the daily life of a girl with OCD. Apparently the author has some experience with this condition. This allowed her to create the wonderful Callie who suffers from this disorder.
Since the book was written in Callie's voice it afforded the reader a real chance to see what it is like when your entire life is ruled by a compulsive need to follow a specific routine every day or risk disease or even death at least in her mind. I couldn't help but love Callie and was rooting for her throughput Checked. I also was very fond of her extremely supportive family.
The ending was rather abrupt and might have caused the book to go from a 5 star to a 4 star. I stuck with the 5 star because according to many other reviewers there is a Book 2 coming. I really hope that they are right because I would love to continue to watch Callie change and grow.
January 8, 2015
What just happened? This book is a serious roller coaster ride. After the first chapter I was skeptical that I could make it through the entire book because it is written as if you're in the head of the main character Callie. And she has a really wicked case of OCD ... about EVERYTHING. If this is really what people with OCD have to deal with on a minute by minute basis then I have a new found sympathy for people suffering with OCD. This story is fascinating, sad, tragic, funny, crazy and everything in between. There are quite a few laugh out loud moments and you can't help but cheer for Callie to get better in therapy. She is trying so hard and knows in her heart that her fears are ridiculous but she just can't help herself. I almost rated the book a four because the cliffhanger ending is really, really mean. For once I was wishing for a 600 page book. I don't want to have to wait until the sequel comes out so I can learn more about Dr. Blake and Callie. Wonderful job Ms. Jamelli!
April 6, 2014
Checking all 5 stars for Jennifer Jamelli's first book in this series.
I loved the characters, the story line and everything about this book!!
Callie is such a funny character given that she can laugh at her own condition. Her inner thoughts and songs had me laughing throughout the book and give me the super sweet and sexy Dr. Blake any day!!
I loved seeing their relationship begin to develop and the end left me craving the next book to see how their story will continue.
I highly recommend this book.
Great job Ms. Jamelli!!
I loved the characters, the story line and everything about this book!!
Callie is such a funny character given that she can laugh at her own condition. Her inner thoughts and songs had me laughing throughout the book and give me the super sweet and sexy Dr. Blake any day!!
I loved seeing their relationship begin to develop and the end left me craving the next book to see how their story will continue.
I highly recommend this book.
Great job Ms. Jamelli!!
April 25, 2014
This is a truly amazing story. I've not read any other books about OCD so I was really interested in reading this book.
Although I was biting my nails reading this book I loved it. I really couldn't read it fast enough. Callie and Aiden are such great characters to read about. I'm so glad Callie had such a supportive family.
On the other side of the coin I loved that the author wrote about this subject. Like many others I didn't know much about OCD. This book opened my eyes to what a person with OCD goes through on a daily basis.
Received in return for an honest review.
Although I was biting my nails reading this book I loved it. I really couldn't read it fast enough. Callie and Aiden are such great characters to read about. I'm so glad Callie had such a supportive family.
On the other side of the coin I loved that the author wrote about this subject. Like many others I didn't know much about OCD. This book opened my eyes to what a person with OCD goes through on a daily basis.
Received in return for an honest review.
May 18, 2014
Wow what a read!!
What an amazing insight to a mental illness that I didn't know much about. I am so glad I read this book and that it has opened my eyes to the daily struggles and torment that someone living with OCD goes through.
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would for sure, please everyone - READ THIS BOOK.
The emotions I felt throughout were devastatingly low, but also mixed in with some amazing touching moments as well.
Jennifer Jamelli, you are an amazing author and the knowledge and emotion in your book astounds me. Thank you for writing something so amazing.
What an amazing insight to a mental illness that I didn't know much about. I am so glad I read this book and that it has opened my eyes to the daily struggles and torment that someone living with OCD goes through.
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would for sure, please everyone - READ THIS BOOK.
The emotions I felt throughout were devastatingly low, but also mixed in with some amazing touching moments as well.
Jennifer Jamelli, you are an amazing author and the knowledge and emotion in your book astounds me. Thank you for writing something so amazing.
March 7, 2014
5+ Stars for me. Jennifer Jamelli, debut author YOU ROCK! I totally enjoyed this book. Callie and her OCD. I really loved how she approaches her condition with humor and a desire to get better. Aiden, her doctor who has issues of his own but who really wants to help Callie control her OCD. The ending totally surprised me and I can't wait for book 2 to be released.
September 11, 2016
I have friends who deal with OCD and I've been told this book is very accurate with how they feel on a daily basis. I'm not usually drawn to fiction books, but it was suggested to me so I gave it a shot. It was very easy to put myself into the story (even as a man) and very entertaining. Very much looking forward to the second installment.
June 20, 2014
This would have been a three-star book if it had had an ending. But there was no ending! You have to read the sequel to get an ending! Actually, it turns out there's a third book coming, so probably you have to read the third book to get an ending--maybe. Not what I signed up for.
No, I'm not going to read the sequel!
No, I'm not going to read the sequel!
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