Conflicted is amazing and well written story but also extremely heart provoking
922398
Conflicted is amazing and well written story but also extremely heart provoking. The author did a phenomenal job of bringing your emotions to the forefront. The writing pulls you in and doesnt let go. You will not be able to put this book down. I devoured this read and found myself laughing, crying, and feeling angry. I really liked the characters, Lucy lusting for her new boss, and she knew it was wrong to feel the way she was when she was already married. But her marriage is lonely with John working all the time and when he gets home he's tired. Then there is her boss Cole he was a jerk at first, however as the story went on I really liked him.
3140344
This books brings out emotions in your heart you never even knew were there.  It's well written and flows so smoothly, you forget you're even reading.  It touches on topics that are often very difficult to read about but the author weaves in so many beautiful and almost unearthly elements, you end up feeling more moved by the story than saddened.  I think all of us fall into different times in our life when we question our purpose and search for something to validate ourselves.  There is a little bit of Erin in all of us so this book is relatable on so many levels.  Even though this book isn't really a suspense type novel, you will be blown away by the twists unraveled during this story.
1045269
This is a gripping story of love so strong, so pure but so conflicted it is destained to fail. Don't let the title fool you, it is like no other story of love and loss. My heart started pounding about 1/3 of the way through from the betrayal Yara felt and didn't stop throughout the book. I loved the book so much. Tarryn Fisher always takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster and this is no exception. An Absolute Must Read !!!
3625227
Addicted to You by Krista and Becca Ritchie deals with the story of Lily Calloway and Loren Hale  two trust fund kids who are living a lie that enables both of them to indulge in their addictions, without the interference (or shame) that would come with their families knowing about their true lives.

And it works for them, for a while. But what happens when real emotions start to take the place of the pretend ones that theyve been playing out in their fake relationship? I imagine this was a challenging story to tell. Sexual addiction, as well as alcohol addiction, are two topics that really bring in such a wide array of opinions  often times, these diseases are dismissed as a simple lack of control, or some sort of perversion, which makes it often difficult for a sufferer to get help.

This novel really gets to the crux of these issues without becoming disingenuous. Addiction is incredibly hard on both the individuals involved and the families that watch them suffer. The authors were able to capture all the emotions  vividly, sometimes tragically  and really make them shine through the characters of Lo and Lily. The writing is fantastic; the authors are truly talented.

Generally, this isn't the kind of story I read, but Im really glad I did. The characters are deep, flawed and relatable  these characters feel like real individuals dealing with hard issues (even if they're both trust fund kids who seemingly have it all) and by the end of the novel, I was racing to find out what happens next.

What really did it for me, however, was the love story between Lo and Lily. It was so heartbreaking  so many missed opportunities that piled up over the years  so touching and instantly relatable. I felt like I was being pulled along through their journey and that I really came to have a deeper understanding of their love and overall relationship. Sometimes the people we love the most bring out the worst in us and I can think of no better case for this than Lily and Lo. Their relationship was passionate and intense and made for an incredibly entertaining read.

Honestly, I really came to both love and hate the characters  emotionally I was quite invested. At certain points I could feel myself getting upset  why would you do this to yourself? Of course, as with any addiction, its not a choice. Which is the point  and a point that gets covered in such heartbreaking, realistic detail throughout the novel. Its hard to watch people you care about suffer (even if they're just characters in a book), and watching Lo and Lily having to battle through their addictions while trying to keep their relationship together was really beautiful and tragic.

It wasn't just the main characters that kept me reading, however, as Addicted to You has many well-written, interesting, secondary characters. Often times, I find that when Im reading a story, its the secondary characters that always come up lacking (whether thats perspective issues or just generally storytelling), but these secondary characters (especially Rose, Ryke and Connor) were fantastic. They were all unique and interesting  and didn't felt thrown in just to progress the plot. These characters were dynamic as well  shifting and changing throughout the novel  which really added to the overall fantastic story.

This is definitely a novel for mature readers. If you're not interested in reading about sex and how sexual addiction factors in the life of a woman and those around her, this probably isn't for you. But if you're willing to push past the boundaries youve set up for yourself and truly experience something fantastic and different, then I cant imagine anyone being disappointed with Addicted to You. Im so glad the sequel, Ricochet, is available  I cant wait to enjoy it!
3911496
I was lucky enough to receive an Arc of this story and I must say that I was swept up in Ben's story. I was not expecting a book that delved into the emotions this one did. You get to see a character with flaws that grows and evolves through the story. It is a story of forgiveness and redemption that goes much deeper than just a love story, it weaves a heartfelt story of fight both inner and outer demons and coming out on the other side.
4615763
"My Skylar" is the first book I read by Penelope Ward and I am really impressed by the depth of character development and by the emotional intensity of Mitch and Skylar's story/relationship. This is a powerful story about heartbreak, beating cancer, fighting disability, overcoming infertility issues but mainly about surviving love. The story ends on a sweet and happy note yet for my taste there was just too much suffering and drama in it. While I do like Skylar, it was clearly she who put them in this tragic situation after her return from therapy. I couldn't understand why Mitch felt guilty. It was she who couldn't trust him and who pushed him away. I understand insecurity issues but how can she not fully trust Mitch (with her infertility problems) when he waited and supported her for 2 years during her cancer treatment. And when he communicated his love on a constant basis? Also, the whole jealousy thing does really not suit anybody. It makes us human but neither do I like to feel nor read about it. Nevertheless, this book is very well written and definitely worth buying.
3704195
I bought this book at a used book store.  I haven't sat down to read a book in literally YEARS!  I picked up this book and couldn't put it down.  My husband was shocked.  The writing was extremely compelling and comparatively, the abuse was tame - but written in a very emotional way.  Once the story started resolving itself during the final chapters I did find my attention waining, but it added a few twists and turns to keep me going.  Overall I very much enjoyed it - and I admit it takes alot for me to get interested in sitting down and reading a book so that's saying ALOT.
2059482
This is an amazing story. I read the longer/unedited version before it was published and it really moved me. This story came to mind the other day, I looked it up and was so happy to see the author has finally had it officially published/released for Kindle! I plan to give it a re-read with the new edits.

I would highly recommend this book, it is very powerful and emotional. It isn't an easy read, so be prepared for some majorly upsetting and tragic stuff, however the story is well told and characters layered and well developed.

While there is a very lovely/sweet young adult romance storyline, it's not the main focus of the book. The main focus is Leo, and the physical and emotional abuse he suffers at the hands of his father. Leo just breaks your heart. Again, it's quite upsetting at times, but worth the journey. I know nothing about swimming, but I did enjoy reading about and learning some of the ins and outs of that world.

I hope more people find and read this little gem of a book. I think the story would be compelling for both adults and young adults.
118459
I found this book a challenging read. It dealt with issues that l felt deeply involved in and I had sympathies for all the characters in the story. A deeply engrossing story, well written with beautiful word pictures this story and its ethical dilemmas have stayed with me for days. There was never going to be a 'happily ever after ' ending for this story but it is certainly worth reading, pondering and sharing with others.
1690192
The Space Between Words is a complex, thought provoking and emotional book that encompasses historical as well as modern day tragedies. This book is one that will stay with the reader to ponder after reading the last word. It is hard to give an idea of all that this story is about because it seemed like a long journey to me and really it is. It begins in Paris.

Jessica and Vonda are on vacation visiting their roommate Patrick while he is spending time in Paris. On the last night of their stay in Paris, the two girls go to a concert while Patrick has other plans. Tragically, terrorists attack the concert goers where Jessica is shot. Vonda sustained no injuries but she is so shaken up that she went back to the states shortly afterwards. After leaving the hospital, Jessica decides to travel to the south of France on a previously planned treasure hunting trip. While staying in a cottage on an estate owned by an American named Mona, Jessica, she finds a handmade sewing chest at a flea market. The sewing box has a false bottom containing pages of an old bible and papers written in 1695 in old French by a Huguenot woman, Adeline Baillard, telling of the persecution her family endured at the hands of the French king because of their Protestant beliefs. Mona's brother, Grant, is very interested in the papers in the chest and happily helps Jessica translate the story. As Grant and Jessica unravel the story of the Baillard family, the two, along with Mona and her son Connor, follow the story of the Baillard family on an exploration trip to England. Some of the Baillard family leave France for England as did thousands of other Huguenots during the years of persecution.

Jessica is dealing with nightmares, fear, anger, bitterness and lack of desire to face what she has been through and what she saw happen to so many people at the hands of the terrorists who yelled support for Syria. She wonders how God would allow this to happen when He could prevent it. Grant has his own issues from his life in California. They both strongly want to follow through and get answers to what happened to the Baillard family. Did they reach England or did the king's dragoons get them? Jessica, Grant and even Mona are touched by what they find out in England. Jessica and Grant are drawn closer as they work through the story and their own issues. There is a side story of Patrick that you will need to read the story to hear.

This emotional story of persecution and horror shows how one's faith and courage leads them through whatever happens with God's strength. The historical background of the Huguenots was very interesting and I would like to research them more. As with other martyrs, their faith was amazing.

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the opportunity to read and give an honest review of this great story.
3601069
It's very hard to sum up in words how I feel about Find You in the Dark.  The cover of this book along with it's subject matter just kept calling to me so finally I relented and purchased it only to discover how incredibly amazing this book was.  I'd like to give A. Meridith Walters some major props for taking on the daunting task of writing about the affects of mental health problems.  It's not an easy subject to write or read about, much less to live with which I know from personal experience.  She managed to capture so much of the darkness inside those of us with similar problems, all the while showing the hints of light and beauty inside of someone who is deeply afflicted.  This wasn't an easy read, much like Clay's emotions, it was a roller coaster of intense ups and downs.  At times I felt like I was watching a train wreck, too fascinated to turn away yet shocked and horrified at the same time.  From the first chapter you know this is not your average happily ever after book.  The fact that the author was able to show how Clay's illness not only affected himself but also those around him, including Maggie is a testament to the authors knowledge and skill as a writer.  Far too often those like Maggie who are subjected to this type of relationship also develop their own brand of illness, the relationship became quite toxic as Clay's darkness seeped into her very soul.

  I cannot give this book enough praise and believe everyone, whether you know someone with a mental illness or not should read this book.  Brilliantly written, well thought out and truly a magnificent heart breaking story.  But there is a hint of light, there is a sequel: Light in the Shadows which I highly recommend to anyone who enjoyed this story.  Also the smaller novella Cloud Walking is an additional treat for anyone who wants to see Rachael and Daniels love begin to blossom and gives a look at how Maggie's best friends viewed their relationship and shows the power of true friendship.  Excellent book.  Thank you for tackling such a tough subject.
1954740
Taken by Storm is a heart wrenching, beautifully written story of forbidden love. It is written from dual points of view- Micheal's dive book written journal style and Leesie's in the form of poems. I devoured this book and am left craving more.
Micheal is a diver and he is the survivor of a hurricane that killed his parents, and understandably he is broken and depressed. He has flashbacks and yearning to get back into the water. He moves in with his Grandma in the winter in Teacup and ...more Taken by Storm is a heart wrenching, beautifully written story of forbidden love. It is written from dual points of view- Micheal's dive book written journal style and Leesie's in the form of poems. I devoured this book and am left craving more.
Micheal is a diver and he is the survivor of a hurricane that killed his parents, and understandably he is broken and depressed. He has flashbacks and yearning to get back into the water. He moves in with his Grandma in the winter in Teacup and is numb. The Mormon "Ice Queen" of the school breaks through his walls and they fall in love. Leesie feels for him and wants to help him, and Micheal comes to need her, and begins to want to feel, want to heal.
They are both wonderful characters with voices that come through strong in their writing. I felt emotionally invested in the characters, and wanted the best for them. But it is hard to discern what really is the best. Can love conquer all? Loving one another and staying together means that one of them will have to cave- Micheal is used to showing his love through sex, and Leesie strong religious convicts her that she is to stay pure (no tongue, both feet on the floor among other rules.)
Though religion is important to Leesie, she does not come off as preachy to me. I think that she does well to show that God is important to her, she does not want to cave in her beliefs and convictions, but she doesn't want to force it on Michael. She invites him to events and she talks to him about it, but she truly hopes that it might be the thing to help.
Spoiler!!!!

The ending to me is hard to process- but I also really appreciate it. They do what is best for them personally- pursuing college and his diving- their dreams, and hold off on their love because it would hold them back. It is hard though because I want it to work out for them to stay together and still fulfill their dreams, but I do know that there is a second book out, and I am eager to read it and see how it all comes together.

All in all I loved this story and would recommend it. It is a story of romance, staying true to self, healing, and friendship.
3461964
The emotion is this book is just amazing. As a reader I really felt that I was going on a journey with the characters. The way it is written is touching and touches your soul. It is a incredible read.
The reason I gave 4 not 5 stars is simply I felt there were a few to many places where the story was told not shown, and unfortunately my creative writing training had me wanting to get my pen out and rewriting parts of it.
Despite this I felt it had the potential to be an outstanding piece of writing, but even without a rewrite this book is beautifully written and stunning to read.
3785434
ALL THE UGLY AND WONDEFUL THINGS, a perfect title for this provocative tale which has an undoubtedly controversial but deeply thought provoking story arc that's gritty, heart breaking and distinctly uncomfortable all at the same time. Its about a girl called Wavonna, the dysfunctional environment she experiences, the way shes dragged up by a drugged up, crazy mother, actually scratch that, its the way she takes care of herself, despite her parentage and the crazy that surrounds her. The story is so much more UGLY and WONDERFUL than I could ever have imagined, it won't be for everyone, I cannot state that enough, no matter how open minded a reader is this book will push your thoughts and feelings to the max. Its a slow burn story of an innocent relationship that organically, through the years becomes more. The level of discomfort I felt whilst reading was, at times, exorbitant but as wrong as some aspects may be considered, there are characters far more dangerous to the well-being of the central characters. And Wavy lives in a different place than I, there was so much going on, things Id love to delve into and analyse but alas that will spoil this complex and highly evocative story.

Despite being from the multiple perspective of many characters, this story belongs to Wavy. Her voice shone the loudest for me, even in the midst of another characters narrative, it was always Wavy that I thought of. Her perspective is told in a very straightforward subtle way with an eloquence and determination that is incredibly inspiring. It's an absolutely fascinating look into a fictional world with a mesmerising quality depicting pureness within a gritty story that shakes your heart. For any readers thinking, is this for me? Id say if you start, be prepared to read it until the end to the garner the full impact and level of understanding from Wavy, because, as I keep saying, she is the most important aspect of this story. It's a direct window into her life, not for the reader to judge her life and decisions. I didn't have to like or agree with everything on the page to appreciate the quality of this story. This is not a book where I found myself swooning for the hero, its not a romance. Its a story about love, relationships, innocence and that feeling of safety. This author transported me to the world of Wavy bringing each scene to life with her richly vivid descriptions, giving me a front row seat to the happenings with the clearest of pictures. I felt for her, I wanted what she wanted, even though it may not have always been the right thing.

I felt the author dealt with each element of her story firmly and comprehensively with superb fluency. It touched my sensibilities, gave me a significant level of character understanding from their portrayal and development, and gave me an ending beyond perfect for my reading tastes. I know so many readers who have simply loved the sheer quality of the writing which is utterly outstanding with nuggets of pure brilliance. The depth of feeling and texture created by the vivid and highly evocative words that this author effortlessly covers her pages with is outstanding. I was totally immersed in the world of ALL THE UGLY AND WONDERFUL THINGS. Its a story I dived into whilst on holiday and simply could not put down, I was gripped from the first word of this powerful story until the very last. It's a reading experience that I highly recommend!

Note: This story is told in the first person narrative and from multiple perspectives
712125
The End of the World is a beautiful and heartbreaking story of two people whose lives are are a combination of pain, abuse, forgiveness, reconciliation, and love. This book was very hard to read, due to the subject matter, but I was sucked in by the first page and continued to hold my breath as I read to the very last page. I was in tears and heartbroken for these characters but spent the time rooting for them to find self-acceptance and love. I'm so thankful I was able to read this book and be pulled from my comfort zone. Amy's writing is phenomenal and you won't be able to put this book down once you start. I loved Cameron & Shaye so much and just wanted to take them both and hug them tight. This is an absolute Must Read!

This book was given to me as an advanced reader copy and the opinions are my own.
227883
I don't even know where to begin.  This story was amazing, unbelievably emotional and impossible to put down. The characters were written so well and I found myself caring about them and about what happened to them, not something that usually happens when I know I'm just reading about fictional characters.  I was so invested in the story, and the extremely emotional scenes moved me to tears multiple times-and not just some quick, "aww, isn't that sad" tears...I'm talking about sobbing, red-eyed, I-need-a-hug moments that really pull at your heart.

While there are some instances where the author makes Fern and her cousin Bailey seem like they talk and act younger than they are (as adults, they sometimes sound juvenile like they are still in high school), this is overwhelmingly made up for in how the rest of the story is told and the way the rest of the characters act and speak.  The characters all have great depth and as I stated before, you grow to care about them.

I'm normally a paranormal and contemporary romance reader, and while this book does have some romantic aspects, it is more of a coming of age drama.  I'm so glad to have read this, and would recommend it in a heartbeat.  Powerful, emotional and just spectacular.
4058713
This is one of those books where you know the final outcome yet it's the journey that you have to take to get there. Sometimes it was really hard to go on reading not because the story was bad but because the grief and despair at times just became to much to bear. I had to take several breaks because my poor heart kept breaking for several characters and I needed to get ahold of my own feelings. The author has done a wonderful job of bringing the characters and their trials to life and it is excellently written. I've read the other book in this series as well as the two short stories that go along with both books.
Reason its not 5 stars is because of the deep feelings it inspired. That shouldn't count against the book I know but I literally had to take days off from reading at times.