I have been enjoying this series, although the storylines deal with situations that are not enjoyable (this one dealing With stalker/S.A. (Ms Dallas hI have been enjoying this series, although the storylines deal with situations that are not enjoyable (this one dealing With stalker/S.A. (Ms Dallas has written the story in a way that created a compelling read, where Lola eventually with the help of Drew and the Montgomery security team find's strength to face her demon's and fight for her future. I was totally immersed in the storyline, feeling the emotions of Lola, the frustration for Drew, as they battle to get justice for Lola. The Thailand chapters were intense, the scenes between Lola and Drew as their relationship deepens made my heart melt. The next book in this series is Gabriella's story and it was a long time in between this and her book, but although I recently read it I'm going to jump into it because I don't want to leave this world Ms Dallas set around a women's refuge.
If you haven't read the series yet, pick up the first book now and read them on order. My favorite quote in this book was( although I highlighted load's that really resonate with me.)...
“Don’t be afraid of death, be afraid of an unlived life. You don’t have to live forever, you just have to live.”...more
Annie has been a character that was introduced and continued to be in the other books, now it's time for her story. Her once happy marriage was torn apAnnie has been a character that was introduced and continued to be in the other books, now it's time for her story. Her once happy marriage was torn apart by mental illness, Annie had to make sure she and Eli were safe, so she left , but always looked over her shoulder and didn't let anyone close, now with the help of a phycologist, her husband is trying to get access. Annie has no choice, but her gut is saying something is wrong.
Dillon Montgomery has enough of a past that he knows it can leave a lasting mark on your soul. But to protect those he loves, Dillon is prepared to do whatever necessary, even if it means more blood on his hands.
Dillon has tried to get close to Annie, but each time she's pushed him away. Dillon will always be there for Annie and Eli, and when the threat comes to town he's there as well as the rest of the team.
There's a lot more going on in this book, but I don't want to spoil the plot.
My thoughts on this book are in part personal (someone close has dealt with an abusive relationship) and also objective of the plot of the story.
I got Annie being hesitant to ask fo help, her reluctance to let Dillon close. There was a lot going on in the story, and a surprising plot twist showed another hidden danger.
Some would say an unnecessary addition to the storyline, but then again, I think it was a good one because it brought to light how in the real world, things happen right under our noses, it opens your eyes up to realize that there are people out there who look normal and nice, but in reality they're struggling and can easily go down a path which ends badly.
I think you have to read these books in order and I'm now starting LOSING LOLA...more
So obviously I know this story from the TV series, which sometimes, most of the time really, clauses me issue. But the book's are way better because, So obviously I know this story from the TV series, which sometimes, most of the time really, clauses me issue. But the book's are way better because, boy the depth of the story, characters... Your imagination, well they make it ten times more powerful. It's a big book and sometimes I've needed a break, read other lighter books, but I've always come back to Jamie and Claire, when I want to escape deeply into a story. I own my own copies... My daughter in law bought them for me (but I never had time to read them, not did I want to ruin them ...more
I had just finished reading Hopeless and I'm not really a fan of reading a storyline I've already read from the second characters pov.
BUT...
This realI had just finished reading Hopeless and I'm not really a fan of reading a storyline I've already read from the second characters pov.
BUT...
This really did have me stuck to my reading app (it's my library e-reader) and I've read this book in one day. And not just because I can't do much else in a hospital ward... I went home and read on the bus and till I couldn't keep my eyes open anymore ...more
I have spent every moment possible Reading this Book, starting on the beach and then every spare time I got... from the first chapter @therealsjmaas hI have spent every moment possible Reading this Book, starting on the beach and then every spare time I got... from the first chapter @therealsjmaas had me captivated, my heart has ...more
This book had me turning pages and not wanting to put it down. I do love when Ms O'Leary focuses the storyline on a mission. The tension, suspense and tThis book had me turning pages and not wanting to put it down. I do love when Ms O'Leary focuses the storyline on a mission. The tension, suspense and the team just make it easy to fall into the story. Then there's the pull of attraction between the couple the books based on. A relationship starting in a war zone is always going to bring some interesting scenario's. I really enjoyed this one, Carys was once in another book, which I also have read, she is one gutsy doctor Who hasn't let her past stop her from caring about her patients. This mission was a very tense situation, the family, the children, it all creates a compelling storyline that pull's you in. When it Ended on a cliffhanger I was so thankful the next book was there to read. Ok I need to find out what happens next... Not nice Ms O'Leary, doing that to my poor heart ❤️...more
From the moment I started reading, I was hooked - to the final chapter, I really did't want it to end. The story brings one of my favourite series to From the moment I started reading, I was hooked - to the final chapter, I really did't want it to end. The story brings one of my favourite series to a thrilling conclusion. I laughed, Cried, my heart was seriously on a rollercoaster of emotions and I shook my fist at the author a number of times. But in the end I have to say - Bravo! An Exceptional Five Star read. The conclusion to the series meant that every page turned hurt me in the sense that I didn't want this world to end. This series has been one of my favorites and to know that it was ending was something I couldn't deal with to be honest. But in the end I did turn that last page, and was as happy as I could be, considering the books title. War has casualties...and my heart was torn asunder. Did I wish for an alternative ending where all the good guys get their hea...of course. But I applaud Ms Raithby for being true to her characters and the story....more
From the beginning of the book, l connected with Ellie and Connor, maybe because I met my soul mate at 13... so I felt everything they went through, aFrom the beginning of the book, l connected with Ellie and Connor, maybe because I met my soul mate at 13... so I felt everything they went through, and then after a certain point, I had this little bit of doubt that Ms Golland was going to be putting my heart through the wringer... Can't say which point as I would spoil the whole thing but ever since I have been rooting for this couple to make it to their HEA. There's been heartstopping moments, moments of joy... Moments of anger at the idiotic things teenage boys can do... This books got it all. One passage which really connected with me was this one:
'The truth was, no one ever lost, and no one ever failed. Life was a string of achievements, whether great or small and if you chose to look forward you moved forward. Always. You found your purpose again and again.'
The ending... that was beautiful, its truthfulness, I sobbed buckets and as I sit here trying to write this review through tears.
Thank you Ms Golland for writing a story that was a truly emotional roller-coaster, for keeping to your vision and not letting anyone tell you what rules you have to stick too. I loved how I got to grow up with Connor and Ellie throughout their epic love story. Everyone needs to read this book. It's one of my favourites of this year....more
The storyline is a second chance romance for both the lead characters.
Gwen has moved to Cat's Valley after the I give this book a good solid 4 stars.
The storyline is a second chance romance for both the lead characters.
Gwen has moved to Cat's Valley after the tragic death of her husband and childhood sweetheart, his death has caused her daughter to go mute, except for her prayers each night to God, which gives the book its title: Her whispered prayers break her... Gwen's young son Daniel has to deal with losing his dad, and his sister turning from a big sister who played with him to the quiet girl who spends all her time doing crosswords or studying.
The emotional content is a lot to take but although it is a sad set of circumstances the author has not made it too morose.
One day Gwen meets Alexander, the recluse who lives out of town, his tale is more tragic than Gwen's as at least she has her children to keep her going.
'Scars mar his body. Pain has left him in pieces…'
- this is an apt description and who wouldn't feel like this if they lost everything they loved in one night
Once snowy afternoon change's everything for both of them. Gwen and the kids need his help, and the snowstorm that follows brings Alexander a choice... to continue to live in the grip of his pain or to look forward and give Gwen and the kids a chance.
So the story was, on the one hand, predictable, but only in the sense of that, the storyline runs true to the second chance genre trope. But the emotional content is there, you can't help to get swept up in both characters pain and emotional journey towards starting again.
Overall I enjoyed the story, the writing is good, as I said the author created some very emotional moments, there is the HEA I wanted for the pair.
I must say when Alexander's tragedy is told I was choked up at the thought of having to live with that, and the scene of the anniversary of their death had me reading with a lump in my throat. BUT I wasn't a mess reading it, which I was surprised, or maybe because I knew both were going to have sad stories to tell that prepared me to be stronger? I am not sure, but I was surprised that I didn't cry more.
Although I knew that the story needed a 'shock moment' to jump start the ending of the story it was a tad predictable for me. And I am left wondering what happened to Pepper the dog?
And this is purely my personal opinion, the sex scenes - I wish they had been less descriptive. I appreciated that the pair had been alone for a while and when they finally got hot and bothered, the scene was appropriate but when they 'did the deed' it was just a tad over done. I guess this is why I prefer Young Adult as I can use my imagination.
I enjoyed reading this book and I will check out more of the author's books in the future.
If you want a book that will give you all the emotions you want in a read without making you into a bag of snot I think this book will be a sure fire choice.
*** I voluntarily reviewed this book, I gained no monetary incentives nor was I specifically requested to review the book, these are my honest ramblings and I hope you enjoy reading them - kat***...more
*** I voluntarily reviewed this book, I gained no monetary incentives nor was I specifically requested to review the book, these are my honest ramblin*** I voluntarily reviewed this book, I gained no monetary incentives nor was I specifically requested to review the book, these are my honest ramblings and I hope you enjoy reading them - kat***
What can I say? Read this series, its well worth it, but beware its not all chocolates and roses, well the blurb says it all, so you can see it will be an emotional read...
Phoebe Reede has suffered unimaginable tortures at the hands of her captors. Now home and safe, she can’t let go of the things that happened to her. No amount of therapy or coaxing by her parents can draw her from her shell.
How can she learn to live again, when everything she loved about herself is gone?
Well, I am keeping this short... read and see for yourself.
So what can I say about this book, I read this book a few weeks ago when I was sent the book to review I dropped everything and started reading, and didn't stop.
Ms Irwin has proved she can write emotionally charged stuff, the feelings and emotions she has put down on paper are heart-wrenching, I felt Phoebe's pain, torment and frustrations.
The book quite rightly so is not a light tale, its dark, but there is hope, we should always have hope even in the darkest of hours.
I really can't wait for the next book, I know its going to be worth the wait....more
The story of our Barrister Genevive and the Earl of Givenofucks has come to its conclusion, but I hope that this is not the last we see of them.
I likeThe story of our Barrister Genevive and the Earl of Givenofucks has come to its conclusion, but I hope that this is not the last we see of them.
I liked how in this book we got to meet favourite characters from previous books, such as Wolfram, Casmir and Maxence again.
I liked how Ms. Babylon had split this book into a Duology, as it needed this to show the growth Gen made from her initial meeting with Arthur (I loved his nickname that Cas and Max gave him - the Earl of Givenofucks really suited his outward appearance but in reality he did give everything for his beliefs, even if it cost him his life)
Now with that statement, I hope I have you intrigued with our Arthur. And I mean that literally since I am a Brit. I loved how Arthur loved and supported his black hole of a stately home, our historic buildings in England (anywhere in the world I suppose) take a lot of money and care to keep maintained for future generations. And Ms. Babylon brought that fact to life in her writing, she described the home she has created for Arthur so well I could imagine myself walking through the rooms gazing at portraits and antiques.
When you get to the around 48% - this is when I was having a hard time holding it together, holding back the tears, I had to keep reading (I was in the work canteen at the time, surrounded by men who would have taken great pleasure to rib me about crying at a book scene!)
"Remember, no matter where I am, no matter where I go, I will always love you. Always"
I was sobbing on my sofa at home by this sentence - thankfully.
Ms. Babylon had me so anxious I thought that we may not get our HEA... did we??? Well, I think that you should grab this Duology and see for yourself.
*** I voluntarily reviewed this book, I gained no monetary incentives nor was I specifically requested to review the book, these are my honest ramblings and I hope you enjoy reading them - kat*** Note: I read an early release copy so I am quoting from the book I read....more