a great, emotional read!
930351
I loved Gabe's story!! Loved the dynamic of Gabe's and Saylor together. I found myself giggling (especially imagining Gabe bust out boy band moves) and crying during the scenes at "The Home".

Can't wait for Wes and Kiersten's novella!!
1567794
The book is an emotional and gripping read that will drawn the reader in from the start. The book will pull on the readers heartstrings especially if they have experience a loss in there life. The story is a very heartwarming read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2983474
Hidden Scars is an intense, dark, emotional romantic standalone read told from the heroine, Emma's, POV. This story does contain triggers for some so if you have issues with emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse, this probably isn't the book for you. While these topics were done with care and sensitivity, it was difficult at times to read what all Emma had gone through. This book had me on the edge of my seat through the whole thing but it does go back and forth between Emma's past and present which got confusing at times.

This book was a very emotional book about Emma's struggles to overcome a past abusive relationship. Emma is the most lovable character that you just want to be happy. She trusts and see the best in everyone and she is super forgiving of everything even when she probably shouldn't be. She has amazing protective brothers, great friends and extended family, a job she loves, and an amazing guy who she meets while trying to rebuild her life after getting away from her ex. Nix meets Emma when she walks in to get a tattoo and immediately sees something special in her. The connection between the two is instant but Emma is still struggling with her past. Nix is the most patient, understanding, sweet, protective guy and he quickly works through Emma's hesitance and captures her heart. Just when they start to move forward with their life, Emma's ex starts threatening and stalking her, making it unbearable for everyone. She's afraid to plan for her future with Nix when it feels like her past is trying to suck her backward. Why can't he just let her go? Will she ever get her happily ever after?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Emma, Nix, and all the supporting characters are great and I can't wait to read about their stories. All the suspense and twist and turns kept me turning the pages the whole way through. The story really flowed together and although there were a lot of supporting characters introduced to us, it wasn't confusing to figure out and remember who was who. I can't wait to read the next books in the series! Thanks A.M. for a great story!
253603
4.5 stars  I received a free copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.

LOVED it.  Like, LOVED it.  It wasn't as dark as I was expecting, I don't know why I thought it would be.  So if you're looking for a really dark read, this probably won't fit.  But it was an emotional ride right from the prologue (especially since I started it 2 days after Vegas, hit a bit close to home).  I bawled off and on through the first few chapters.  I really do believe Ms. Regnery is trying to collect torn out bloody hearts for her collectionmaybe she stores them with the tears of her readers

OK, so Im not usually an insta-love kind of girl, but there are occasions where it just works for me and is kind of a guilty pleasure.  And this book contained that kind for me.  I think its because we start off meeting Cassidy and Brynn on their ownI got to know them, I fell in love with them, my heart ACHED for them both (for completely different reasons).  They both have such tragedy in their lives.

I truly empathized with Brynn and what she was going through post-Jem.  I cant relate, but I can only imagine how I would react in those circumstancesand I have a feeling it would be remarkably similar.  I feel like we got a really good look into her charactereven if we mostly see her in mourning.

And Cassidyoh my sweet boy.  My heart HURTS.  IT HURTS.  He just has such a sweet nature, and it was so hard to see it constantly existing beneath a cloud.  I really ended up loving him.  And he was strangely believable.  Like I could see how he turned out the way he did.  And he just stole my whole heart with his innocence, and his longing, and his forced isolation, and justeverything.  He was almost kind of a beta boyand we all know how much I love my beta boys.

And while I may have had to suspend my disbelief a tiny bit once Cass rescued Brynn and she woke up, I was willing to do it.  I realize in real life most people wouldnt have reacted as calmly as she did, but I was OK with it.  And there were moments where I expected certain reactions that didn't come to pass (like Cass using the cell phone at the store, I expected someone to question him later, but it didn't happen).  But I was OK letting those things just sort of slide by.  Because I was absorbed in the story, and I was OK just letting it play out as Ms. Regnery wanted it to.

I will admit I expected more steamier scenes than what I got.  Again, I think I expected a more risque novel.  But the steamy scene we did get was full of love and reverence, and it totally worked for me.  And Cass and Brynn together worked for me.  I was rooting for them, and dreading the moment when I knew things weren't going to go well.  And you know what?  The climax surprised me!  I was so certain it was going to go one way, and it didnt!  And then there were twists!!!  Like super twists!  And while Im not sure I buy into all that gene/DNA stuff, I appreciated the way the ending played out anyways.  And I got me a beautiful epilogue!

So yeah.  This was a Lenore book.  It just hit all the right spots with me, and parts of it were a bit guilty pleasure, and I highlighted the crap out of the book  I always worry when Ive been looking forward to a book, that it will somehow let me down.  So I was so ridiculously happy when this one wasn't one of those.  Now I need to read something light so I can recover
2870386
I know Ms. Shandwick wasn't writing for me, but there are a lot of things about Valerie, the heroine in this book, which I can relate to. At a young age, she meets a man who steals her heart. After meeting him, she is basically ruined for any others, but everyone around her (including Flynn, the man himself) believes she is too young for him. I met the man who would become my husband at the tender age of 14, so I know exactly where shes coming from. Additionally, Valerie grows into a strong, independent young woman well before others of her ageanother trait she and I share. Naturally, my similarities with this young lady endeared her to me, and I found myself wrapped up in her worlda world, incidentally, full of emotional ups, downs, and one heart-wrenching tragedy.

And, hello, can we talk about Flynn Docherty? I loved Alfie and Gibson, two of Ms. Shandwicks previous characters from other books, but Flynn? Dang, hes hot as sin! Perhaps what makes him so appealing to Valerie (and to me) is that he could have any woman on the planet, but he wants her. I love his propensity to remain devoted to her despite the forces that keep them apart.

I really enjoyed this book, and I certainly recommend reading it. I do, however, have one spoiler-free warningkeep a box of tissues handy. Ms. Shandwick isn't afraid to hit you hard with plot twists that will turn your stomach upside down. If you're looking for an emotional read and a book which will affect you, this is the one.
1505481
I absolutely loved this book. What an amazing story, of three foster brothers and their unbreakable bond. And we get to see each one of their very different lifestyles come together with love. By far, one of the best story ever told. And funny, her characters are so real, and such a hoot. It is a very emotional book though, I have to admit, that there were quite a few parts where I could not stop sobbing. But I love that about a book, that it can really bring out the emotions! Happy reading!
4139468
Mazie Baby by Julie Frayn

Mazie Reynolds is in an abusive marriage. One day she fears her husband Cullen will kill her or harm their daughter Ariel. She doesn't want to live this way anymore, and her mission is to save herself and her daughter.

A well written powerful, emotional story. We see how Mazie is treated, how she feels physically an emotionally. Sadly and devastatingly we see the physical and psychological damage that is done to Mazie, and how it affects young Ariel.

I really liked Mazie, her courage and strength, and determination to overcome a tragic life. Ariel is likable as well, and her love for her Mother is a bond no one can break. I liked the message that is told.

I strongly recommend Mazie Baby to all. A memorable, emotional read that will last for a long time.

This book was given to me as a gift
4145560
The Phantom's Baby by Holly Hart was a really good book! It was full of horrible pasts, difficult present and, yet, hope for the future. Both Cara and Valentine (Val) were raised in homes with anger, abuse, violence and abandonment, Cara is raising her 2-year-old daughter by herself and is working 2 jobs to make ends meet. Val is the son of a mafia leader and has been making plans to overthrow him. Cara and Val had known each other as children, grew a relationship but then were separated. With so much intrigue, drama and surprises along the way, this is quite an emotional journey of growth and learning to understand their feelings for one another. I love Kitty so much! She is a breath of fresh air and gives the angst-filled sections a sense of humor. There is so much going on at the same time and Holly writes them in such a way that they are clear, easy to follow and each arrives at an excellent conclusion.  The epilogue is fulfilling because it portrays Val and Cara as the people, and couple, they were destined to become.  I can highly recommend this as an excellent read!
I voluntarily wrote this review of a wonderful book!
721514
First off, let me tell you, this book is a huge emotional roller coaster! There is so much drama and heartbreak in this story, that you may feel the need to cry. There will be other times in which you will want to celebrate or just throw your hands up in the air and scream in frustration. I felt all these emotions and more because of this book.

The main character, Alexa, has a troubled past in which causes her to become guarded in everything she does. But when she (literally) runs into wealthy bachelor, Julian, her whole world turns upside down. Throughout the whole book, Alexa tries to run away from Julian, no matter how much he shows her he loves her or how much she wants to return his feelings. Julian tries to get her to open up to him about her past, but she refuses to let him in. Everyone around her tells her that her best friend, Luke, was in love with her, but she doesnt believe it until she decides to confront her problems head on.

Overall, I believe Author Hilary Wynne did an excellent job writing this book. The descriptions she uses are so vivid, I felt like I was in South Florida, personally witnessing the whole love story play out. There were many times I felt like shaking Alexa to make her realize what was right in front of her, to show her that most women would die to have a guy like Julian in their lives. I give this book a full 5 stars!
244462
I thought this was a great book, with a heartbreaking story that will pull you in immediately. Very few books have made me experience such a variety of emotions like the ones I felt while reading this one. Leila's story is one that would touch anyone, and that anyone can enjoy. Though her situation saddened me at first, it was very empowering to see her get out of the struggle she was in. This story helps me to remember there is a bright light at the end of every tunnel. Though I  don't usually read Kindle books, there was no paperback available at the time, but it was still worth it!! Thanks to my freind who recommended this great read!
2828323
I loved this book!  The characters were great and it had such a wide range of emotions throughout. Definitely suggest reading!!!
3279914
I really enjoyed this book.  There is so much emotion throughout that you have to be prepared to not want to set this book down.  Riley goes through so much.  She tries to do right but nothing works for her and she ends up with Buck.  He has to be the original first class jerk.  As circumstance puts Riley and Colt in the situation that they have to face the past its both fun and heartbreaking to read about not only their past, present and future.  This book is so much more than the simple romance being released daily.  It has a very real story, very real situations and tons of emotional issues.  I would recommend this book.  I received a free copy and this is a voluntary review
4632987
I was SO looking forward to this sequel, given how Totaled ended, and it did not disappoint!  The struggle for these characters was so real and so emotional that I could truly feel it myself.  I cried, I got angry, I smiled, I swooned...this story had it all.  It was not easy, it was not pretty and it was a lot of work, but the journey was SO worth it.  Great story!
4003635
I wasn't really sure what I was expecting when I opened up Signs of Attraction and began reading, but I definitely got more than I bargained for! This book was full of emotional ups and downs and I learned a lot about the deaf community through its pages as well.

Carli became hearing impaired at the age of 4 but received no support from her parents other than receiving hearing aids after school testing.  Her family absolutely broke my heart, and when the truth behind her hearing loss is revealed, I wanted to cry for her. She has gone through life trying her best to get by and blend in, but she has no idea how much she has missed and possibly misunderstood until she meets Reed in one of her classes.

Reed had the good fortune of being adopted by a loving and supportive family at the age of 3 despite being born deaf.  When he meets Carli, he is surprised by the lack of knowledge she has about her condition but he is immediately drawn to her and wants to help her.  With his connections in the community, he is able to show her exactly what people with hearing loss and deafness CAN do versus what they cannot do.

They have a definite attraction to each other, but it is a bit of a slow burn as they get to know each other.  Reed has been hurt badly in the past on multiple levels and he is extremely cautious with his feelings and his heart as a result.  He cant deny he wants Carli but his instincts are screaming at him to move slowly for both their sake.  Just when they finally get to a good place and are finding their rhythm together, Carli suffers a horrific experience that leaves her physically and emotionally broken.  On the edge of an abyss that may be too deep to escape, Reed has to find the strength to look beyond the similarities to his past and extend a helping hand to the woman he loves that she so desperately needs from him.

This story is filled with wonderful characters and no shortage of emotional ups and downs as I mentioned earlier.  Once I picked up Signs of Attraction I did not want to put it down. Dont hesitate to give this story a look and a 1-click today!
1123662
Resplendent Ruin was really an enjoyable, emotional read! I got all caught up in the emotions Juliette went through and was drawn right into her dilemma. She was truly stuck in her lonely, neglected, upscale life with handsome, driven, over-achieving Daniel. Bella J. gives a thorough background of Juliette and Daniels relationship with flashbacks I found really helpful. Daniel was lovable and I could sympathize with every step of Juliettes struggle.

Juliette finds herself in a crisis of life that she wasn't even fully aware of until she met her sisters boyfriends best friend, Knox (love that scene). He was the perfect, hot, alpha, standoffish male who referred to Juliette as Little Miss Uptight in his thoughts at first. I really enjoyed their initial banter and connection that wasn't rushed but definitely undeniable. Their scenes were fun, full of energy and later filled with scorching heat. Watching Knox fall for his Duchess and seeing him go through life changes of his own was awesome.

I was turning pages quickly and fully curious as to what came next. Does Juliette let go of her past and embrace a new future that fits her better or does she stick to what her heart comfortably knows and has planned and sacrificed for all along? Will it be self-assured, attentive, hot-alpha Knox or polished, driven, great-catch Daniel? I asked that question all the way until the end! The emotions were pure and nothing was sugar coated. Juliettes lonliness and indecision were heart breaking. The book almost felt too real at times and I took in the drama anxiously but the author was able to answer all of my questions to satisfaction and give surprises too! Bella J. also gives different points of view from the main characters which I always love and find really helpful. Lexi, Juliettes sister was a wonderful, helpful side character and I loved all of the scenes she was in! Bella J.s writing style will definitely make me watch for more books from her!
2041384
Wow, what an emotional roller-coaster! Rebecca Shea took me on a ride with Unbreakable that won't be soon forgotten! If you haven't read this raw emotional read....I highly suggest it! It was a great book. I love the emotion, pain, happiness, and wanting put into this beauty! It was a beautiful story from start to finish. I read this in one sitting - yes one sitting I had to know what was going to happen. It started out as a sweet love story and then BAM the unthinkable happens. Oh my heart was breaking for these characters.

Jess I loved her. She was your girl next door kinda gal and you couldn't help but love her. Dealing with the death of her mother and her workaholic father Jess sought comforter with the neighbors who took her in and were an almost surrogate family. She meshed with them and quickly became best friends with Ava and devolved one hell of a crush on the Ava's older brother Gabe.

While Ava and Jess visited Gabe at his college AZ State something sparked between Jess and Gabe and one kiss ignited everything! From there Jess was surprised to know she wasn't the only one with feelings for Gabe =) There love story was so sweet and sensual and I absolutely positively loved Gabe! He was AMAZING! Gabe was such a sweet guy. Then BAM a tragedy happens leaving Jess hurt, scarred, and broken. Can Gabe and Jess make it through or will bad boy persona and cop Landon snatch Jess's heart? Hmm, you will have to read Unbreakable to find out! Kudos to the author who did an amazing delivery of this story. For a debut novel I was thoroughly impressed! Well done Rebecca...Well done =) Happy Reading! xoxo

Unbreakable receives 4.5 STARS!

*I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review*
4037762
This was my first Jasinda Wilder book, and overall I really liked it. It was definitely a highly emotional read. I absolutely loved that Ever and Caden communicated through letters. Yes, it was old-fashioned and it is unlikely that teenagers these days would chose to communicate that way, but that's why I loved it so much. They were both very open about their lives and their relationships with others in their letters, and I liked how they supported each other through everything. I was so anxious to see how and when they would come together again.

Caden's pain in this story was so palpable. My heart broke many times for him. Ever certainly had her fair share of pain in life as well. I'm not sure if Caden would have been able to persevere without Ever. She was the one person in his life that he could hold onto, and he was definitely holding on for dear life. Ever was empty and emotionally closed off, and it was Caden who made her whole and helped her feel. I enjoyed watching their love blossom through their letters and seeing the way in which their brokenness bonded them. Their love and intense connection knocked me off my feet when they finally reconnected in person.

The main reason this was a four-star and not a five-star read for me was the pacing of the story. It was too slow for my taste, especially in the beginning, and I felt like certain parts were drawn out too much. I also felt like the ending was a bit much. The very last lines of the book made me roll my eyes and yell out, "Oh, come on!" As if there hadn't been enough pain in this story without that final blow. Nevertheless, this was a tender and beautiful story, and I am looking forward to reading the next two books in the series.