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Gravity
She may be poor...but she'll still kick your idiot ass.
JoEllen Astor grew up poor in one of the worst trailer parks in Oklahoma. A childhood spent taking care of her mother and working hard has succeeded in making her world-weary in her early twenties.
Holden Mayes is a man who thinks Jo is far too young for a man like him but can’t help but want her. He makes a mistake that almost derails their relationship before it ever starts and is determined to make it right…no matter how long it takes.
Their accidental friendship is the only thing that keeps her together when tragedy strikes. When a man is slow, steady, and determined in his pursuit…how long can you fight your feelings for him?
Step into an old-fashioned love story with modern-day heat.
Read other Wild and Unruly romances by Shayne McClendon...
Somebody
Scars
Sunny’s Heart
Little Bit Stronger
Yes to Everything
Starting Today
JoEllen Astor grew up poor in one of the worst trailer parks in Oklahoma. A childhood spent taking care of her mother and working hard has succeeded in making her world-weary in her early twenties.
Holden Mayes is a man who thinks Jo is far too young for a man like him but can’t help but want her. He makes a mistake that almost derails their relationship before it ever starts and is determined to make it right…no matter how long it takes.
Their accidental friendship is the only thing that keeps her together when tragedy strikes. When a man is slow, steady, and determined in his pursuit…how long can you fight your feelings for him?
Step into an old-fashioned love story with modern-day heat.
Read other Wild and Unruly romances by Shayne McClendon...
Somebody
Scars
Sunny’s Heart
Little Bit Stronger
Yes to Everything
Starting Today
Paperback
First published August 23, 2013
17 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Shayne McClendon
82 books620 followersShayne McClendon is the author of more than fifty published books and over six hundred short stories (and counting).
She writes heart-pounding romantic fiction as Shayne McClendon, thrilling paranormal romance as Sabrina Rue, and LGBTQ+ action-packed erotica as Charlize Rojos. Recently, she started writing light novels as Honeycomb and is absolutely loving how fun it is!
Shayne spends most of her waking hours writing in one genre or another. Currently living in Tulsa, Oklahoma near her kids (who are all grown up now) and kept company by the best furry companions on the planet, this author takes the hermit lifestyle to a whole different level.
Coffee consumption is too high, amount of sleep is too low, but the words always feel just right.
If you’re looking for your next great read...look no further than Shayne McClendon! Her dramatic and erotic romances will grab hold and not let you go until the very last page.
Stop by her website Always the Good Girl and read short stories for free!
She writes heart-pounding romantic fiction as Shayne McClendon, thrilling paranormal romance as Sabrina Rue, and LGBTQ+ action-packed erotica as Charlize Rojos. Recently, she started writing light novels as Honeycomb and is absolutely loving how fun it is!
Shayne spends most of her waking hours writing in one genre or another. Currently living in Tulsa, Oklahoma near her kids (who are all grown up now) and kept company by the best furry companions on the planet, this author takes the hermit lifestyle to a whole different level.
Coffee consumption is too high, amount of sleep is too low, but the words always feel just right.
If you’re looking for your next great read...look no further than Shayne McClendon! Her dramatic and erotic romances will grab hold and not let you go until the very last page.
Stop by her website Always the Good Girl and read short stories for free!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 28, 2014
I was given this book by the author for an honest review. This was the sweetest story from Shayne that I've read thus far. Having read about a third of her books I would say I am a huge fan of her erotic stories. The women she writes have strong survival personalities with the need to be loved by equally strong men. Who doesn't want to be with a loving man with manners, smarts, and compassion? Holden is my new book boyfriend and I don't usually play those games.
January 27, 2014
Gravity is a book that takes you through an emotional ride from the start tillthe finish. You will laugh cry and hold both Jo and Holden in your hearts with all they endure. Its a novel that will have you reading it over and over again just to come back to the connection they make. Excellently done once again Shayne. Love you girlie and never stop what you were born to do xoxo
January 27, 2014
The strength of the characters (both their attributes/attitudes and the way they all jump off the page and right into your heart!) is one of the best aspects of Ms. McClendon's writings, and she definitely isn't slacking with this book. Your heart will break and be mended stronger than ever as you get through Jo & Holden's story...a highly recommended read!
November 6, 2025
I love Shayne's book and this one was so great
January 28, 2014
This is such an amazing story!! The ups and downs of life are glaring in this one. I love the way Shayne gets all the little details just right so you really feel like you're watching what is going on with these people. This is a wonderful story of love and loss and I hope everyone will give it a read.
January 10, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
JoEllen was raised by a mother that needed care more than she gave care. She works as hard as she can to better herself and take care of her mother. While working one night, Jo meets Holden. They have an instant chemistry. But Jo’s not looking for a relationship, she’s got too much going on in her life as it is. What happens when a man wants a woman, even after making a horrible mistake? What happens when tragedy strikes and changes everything Jo’s worked for?
I loved this book. I loved Jo’s attitude. She didn’t let anything get her down. She had her goals and worked hard to better herself. Holden, what to say about Holden. At first, I got the impression that he was a whole lot older only to find out he was in his thirties. I loved his dedication to his family and Jo, after his crazy mistake. This book was very well written and easy to read. It’s great for an afternoon read.
JoEllen was raised by a mother that needed care more than she gave care. She works as hard as she can to better herself and take care of her mother. While working one night, Jo meets Holden. They have an instant chemistry. But Jo’s not looking for a relationship, she’s got too much going on in her life as it is. What happens when a man wants a woman, even after making a horrible mistake? What happens when tragedy strikes and changes everything Jo’s worked for?
I loved this book. I loved Jo’s attitude. She didn’t let anything get her down. She had her goals and worked hard to better herself. Holden, what to say about Holden. At first, I got the impression that he was a whole lot older only to find out he was in his thirties. I loved his dedication to his family and Jo, after his crazy mistake. This book was very well written and easy to read. It’s great for an afternoon read.
February 2, 2014
# of times cried-3 1/2
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July 25, 2020
Once again, Shayne McClendon has blown me away with her ability to create such believable characters. JoEllen has been through so much in such a short life that I was amazed at her strength. Her ability to stick up for herself is awesome to see yet heartbreaking at the same time since we know that it came at such a huge cost to her. But that is where Shayne excels. I have read so many stories where the women in the book put up with so much and have such a "Woe is me" attitude that it astounds me how they can function. Shayne's characters all have such a huge sense of self worth which is what I wish more authors would do. That is the message that we need to get out there and the story that I want to read. Holden is wonderful in his quiet way of just being there for JoEllen no matter what she needs. I absolutely adored this couple and their story and as always I will buy any book this woman writes because I know that she will blow my mind every time!! She just keeps getting better.
January 30, 2014
Can I just say WOW!!! This is not only a beautiful story but also a beautifully written story.
Holden is such a patient man. He is a little bent but not broken. Jo has had a hard life.
She is a fighter, a survivor. She has plans for her life and she is going to do everything she can to make it happen. Life can be tragic and unfair but sometimes when you least expect it
Life will hand you an opportunity. Hold on and Jo were each other's opportunity.
They were each missing a piece of there puzzle. Who knew that the other had that missing piece. This story made my heart hurt for so many reasons that I can't share. I can share this
Shayne McClendon I totally ❤️you. Every book I read of yours blows me away
This story is beautiful. You have totally left me at Awe.
Read the story and you will feel the same way. I give it 10 Stars.
Holden is such a patient man. He is a little bent but not broken. Jo has had a hard life.
She is a fighter, a survivor. She has plans for her life and she is going to do everything she can to make it happen. Life can be tragic and unfair but sometimes when you least expect it
Life will hand you an opportunity. Hold on and Jo were each other's opportunity.
They were each missing a piece of there puzzle. Who knew that the other had that missing piece. This story made my heart hurt for so many reasons that I can't share. I can share this
Shayne McClendon I totally ❤️you. Every book I read of yours blows me away
This story is beautiful. You have totally left me at Awe.
Read the story and you will feel the same way. I give it 10 Stars.
January 29, 2014
JoEllen and Holden are absolutely stunning people, they have great strength and are amazing characters. Books written by Shayne are super to read, easy language even for not native English people like me. The characters take you through ever possible emotion, you can really feel that when you read this book. I laughed, giggled, became angry and cried even felt hopeless at one point. If you want to read a good book that does not take long to read this is the one. I read it in 5 hours and read it in one sitting because I could not stop. It takes my mind of daily slumbers and gives me a sense of fulfillment when I read it.
If nothing else just read it, it's a good book.
If nothing else just read it, it's a good book.
January 29, 2014
LOVED This Book! First its a great story based on local places and towns I know. JoEllen Has to overcome so much to find who and what she wants out of life and to not fall pray to the world she grew up in. Holden is a man that has been dealt a great deal of crap in his life and screwed over more than once. Together they are friends and mean more to each other than they realizes. Can they over come all life struggles to be Happy with each other? We meet some of their friends and I hope they get stories and we Get to see more of Jo and Holden.
September 3, 2016
A short story that left me feeling happy. It doesn't start out that way, the life that Jo had brought tears in my eyes, but she came out strong and very level-headed and love her for it. Holden... wasn't sure I liked him at he beginning, but that shows that first impressions sometimes are not true. He is what a man should be, strong, caring, protective. Thank you Ms. McClendon for another wonderful story. Any of your books that I read, I can tell you write from the heart.
January 30, 2014
I am always excited to read Shayne's new work and the re-read those already out! This is such a wonderful story Jo has been through so much but she never gives up on her dream. I love Holden wish i could find a guy like that in real life. They have both been through ups and downs but don't give up. This is a must read and if it's the first book from Shayne you will become addicted.
January 29, 2014
Shayne delivered again....Jo and Holden are my new ebook friends and Shayne has my heart inconditionnaly :-)
I loved the story ..its amazing..as always when you choose to read a book written by the wonderful author....
Buy it, read it and be moved by it :-)
I loved the story ..its amazing..as always when you choose to read a book written by the wonderful author....
Buy it, read it and be moved by it :-)
February 1, 2014
JoEllen Astor grew up the hard way. Her mother was young when she was born and not the most responsible of people. To survive, Jo had to raise herself and pretty much take care of her mom in the process. She figured out young that a good education would be the only thing to take her out of the trailer park she lives in. Jo throws herself into learning everything she can, a continuing process into her early 20’s, when she’s finally comfortable with the thought of leaving her mother’s trailer and starting a life of her own. She knows she’ll still have to take care of her mom, and starts putting things in place to make sure it will happen.
Jo meets Holden when she’s working as a waitress in a local bar. He doesn’t have a lot to say, but always sits in Jo’s section. They become friendly with one another, and meet up outside of the bar in what understatedly could be called an uncomfortable situation, but it brings the two of them together, even though Jo swears it won’t. But in the end, it’s Holden who is there when the very worst thing imaginable happens and Jo needs someone to lean on.
Shayne McClendon can not do anything wrong in her books. I have yet to read one of her books where I don’t laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time. Her characters are so relatable, that it’s tough to remember they aren’t real people. Gravity has its horribly sad moments but you’re rooting for both Jo and Holden to get with the program you want them on and get together. I never believed that there wasn’t going to be a happily ever after for them, complete with the birds spelling out “The End” in pretty script on the last page. But that doesn’t mean it was a simple story or that it was a given that these two were going to end up together. But in my gut, I knew it had to happen.
Another spectacular story by Shayne McClendon, I don’t know how she continues to come up with the smart, sweet and sexy stories that she does, but I’m ever so thankful that she does!
Jo meets Holden when she’s working as a waitress in a local bar. He doesn’t have a lot to say, but always sits in Jo’s section. They become friendly with one another, and meet up outside of the bar in what understatedly could be called an uncomfortable situation, but it brings the two of them together, even though Jo swears it won’t. But in the end, it’s Holden who is there when the very worst thing imaginable happens and Jo needs someone to lean on.
Shayne McClendon can not do anything wrong in her books. I have yet to read one of her books where I don’t laugh and cry, sometimes at the same time. Her characters are so relatable, that it’s tough to remember they aren’t real people. Gravity has its horribly sad moments but you’re rooting for both Jo and Holden to get with the program you want them on and get together. I never believed that there wasn’t going to be a happily ever after for them, complete with the birds spelling out “The End” in pretty script on the last page. But that doesn’t mean it was a simple story or that it was a given that these two were going to end up together. But in my gut, I knew it had to happen.
Another spectacular story by Shayne McClendon, I don’t know how she continues to come up with the smart, sweet and sexy stories that she does, but I’m ever so thankful that she does!
January 30, 2014
Those are the words The Divine Ms. M wrote on the opening page of Gravity.
That one sentence, that seemingly innocuous quote, is one everyone should live by.
If you want an example, take a look at JoEllen.
JoEllen Kya Astor is a survivor.
Born to a teenage mother who was a child herself, Jo learned at a young age her home life was different from most.
Most kids had two parents. Most mothers didn't drink themselves away daily. Most mothers didn't have a different male friend every night.
Most kids slept in a room with a window.
Most kids slept on a bed.
JoEllen didn't.
When Jo decides she wants a better life for herself, she makes it happen.
At the age of 16, she enters college.
By the age of 22, she's a master at her crafts, with a plan and a purpose to make her dreams come true.
What she doesn't plan for is Holden.
One day Holden shows up at the bar Jo works at. Two strangers who lives entwine in one brief moment.
Holden is instantly attracted to Jo. He sees that instead of being bitter and angry, she is strong and unwilling to compromise her plans.
Then he makes a mistake.
A mistake that could end something with JoEllen before it began. Holden is used to getting what he wants, but can he put aside his own bitterness and convince Jo to give him a chance?
Reading this book, I was connected to Jo.
I was enthralled and transported to the little town of Skiatook, Oklahoma, and a part of me stayed there.
Watching as Jo overcame the life she was born into, the life that didn't give her a chance, was inspiring.
If there was ever a person who deserved the best that life had fulfillment and joy, it's Jo.
Thank you Shayne, for bringing these characters to life. Again, I applaud you, and will continue to do so.
That one sentence, that seemingly innocuous quote, is one everyone should live by.
If you want an example, take a look at JoEllen.
JoEllen Kya Astor is a survivor.
Born to a teenage mother who was a child herself, Jo learned at a young age her home life was different from most.
Most kids had two parents. Most mothers didn't drink themselves away daily. Most mothers didn't have a different male friend every night.
Most kids slept in a room with a window.
Most kids slept on a bed.
JoEllen didn't.
When Jo decides she wants a better life for herself, she makes it happen.
At the age of 16, she enters college.
By the age of 22, she's a master at her crafts, with a plan and a purpose to make her dreams come true.
What she doesn't plan for is Holden.
One day Holden shows up at the bar Jo works at. Two strangers who lives entwine in one brief moment.
Holden is instantly attracted to Jo. He sees that instead of being bitter and angry, she is strong and unwilling to compromise her plans.
Then he makes a mistake.
A mistake that could end something with JoEllen before it began. Holden is used to getting what he wants, but can he put aside his own bitterness and convince Jo to give him a chance?
Reading this book, I was connected to Jo.
I was enthralled and transported to the little town of Skiatook, Oklahoma, and a part of me stayed there.
Watching as Jo overcame the life she was born into, the life that didn't give her a chance, was inspiring.
If there was ever a person who deserved the best that life had fulfillment and joy, it's Jo.
Thank you Shayne, for bringing these characters to life. Again, I applaud you, and will continue to do so.
July 29, 2016
If you have read the synopsis of this book, you pretty much know what this story is about. So no need to rehash the plot here...
As some other reviewers already stated, Shayne McClendon is really "one of those writers that when you have read one of her books you have to read them all".
My little obsession with her started with a freebie on Amazon and now I am gradually working my way through her books.
This was really a awesome read and maybe if you are curious enough to want to read it, you will find yourself rating it higher than I did...
Right from the very first pages and while reading it, I really thought this would be at least the next four- or even five-star-read for me.
But then I stumbled into something that totally killed my mood. It started with all this crazy talking about the bridal night between soon-to-be mother-in-law and JoEllen. I cannot believe that such conversations happen! Even if I had a mother-in-law, I would have straight-out refused to talk with her about such matters. And because I don´t want to spoil the reading experience for you, I will just say that the mentioning of hygienic wipes and honey dust in the following chapter, felt like a cold shower for me. Although I have to confess, I had to google "honey dust"; so it was somehow educational... :))
I really liked and felt for the characters, but: "People! Don´t talk so much during sex! I cannot concentrate!"
All in all, the last third of the book was a little too syrupy for my tastes and so a three-star-rating it is from me!
As some other reviewers already stated, Shayne McClendon is really "one of those writers that when you have read one of her books you have to read them all".
My little obsession with her started with a freebie on Amazon and now I am gradually working my way through her books.
This was really a awesome read and maybe if you are curious enough to want to read it, you will find yourself rating it higher than I did...
Right from the very first pages and while reading it, I really thought this would be at least the next four- or even five-star-read for me.
But then I stumbled into something that totally killed my mood. It started with all this crazy talking about the bridal night between soon-to-be mother-in-law and JoEllen. I cannot believe that such conversations happen! Even if I had a mother-in-law, I would have straight-out refused to talk with her about such matters. And because I don´t want to spoil the reading experience for you, I will just say that the mentioning of hygienic wipes and honey dust in the following chapter, felt like a cold shower for me. Although I have to confess, I had to google "honey dust"; so it was somehow educational... :))
I really liked and felt for the characters, but: "People! Don´t talk so much during sex! I cannot concentrate!"
All in all, the last third of the book was a little too syrupy for my tastes and so a three-star-rating it is from me!
January 30, 2014
"Life should keep you grounded...it should never keep you down."
Life is tough enough as it is but some of us have it tougher than others. JoEllen is that person, who was forced to become an adult when she was still a little girl. Along her path of life she meets Holden and he and his girls become a stability for Jo. A family she can be part of. I really enjoyed this book as I do all of Shayne's work. Sometimes reality can be harsh, and Shayne doesn't sugarcoat it, but her characters are strong and determined and are able to overcome the difficulties life throws at them. You cry with them and cheer them on as they finally reach their HEA. Grab this book you'll be taken in from the first page.
Life is tough enough as it is but some of us have it tougher than others. JoEllen is that person, who was forced to become an adult when she was still a little girl. Along her path of life she meets Holden and he and his girls become a stability for Jo. A family she can be part of. I really enjoyed this book as I do all of Shayne's work. Sometimes reality can be harsh, and Shayne doesn't sugarcoat it, but her characters are strong and determined and are able to overcome the difficulties life throws at them. You cry with them and cheer them on as they finally reach their HEA. Grab this book you'll be taken in from the first page.
January 30, 2014
First I will say that I love all of Shayne McClendon's books that I have read so far. All of them I have not wanted to put down, and most often I had to force myself to put them down so that I could work! Dang work! I will say that this was no different than her other books, that left me on the edge of my seat wanting....no needing... no CRAVING more. There were parts that I wanted to reach in and punch someone, and others that had me crying.
The best piece of advice that I can give you, is that you absolutely MUST get this book! It will not leave you disappointed!
The best piece of advice that I can give you, is that you absolutely MUST get this book! It will not leave you disappointed!
March 23, 2014
...If two people are meant to be together, they will find a way.
Jo and Holden put me through the wringer, and I absolutely loved it! I adore Shayne's books, there is just something always about them that never disappoints me. She always writes such amazing stories, with strong survival personalities in her female characters, who also have this need to be loved by equally strong men. Just how I like my fiction to be.
January 31, 2014
I've finally found it! A reality based romance/erotica with a no nonsense female character with a soft side that only the right man can bring out of her. I'm in awe at how I feel like I know the characters so well that I'm sad when the book ends. I want to maintain my glimpse into their story forever. It takes a special book & talented author to make me think of a book long after I've read it & moved on to many more. Read it, your only disappointment will be when it's over.
February 2, 2014
Perfect combination of feisty and sensual. It gave me a renewed sense of strength and compassion that every woman should hope to find in themselves. Confidence is hidden but not lost. Incredible story. Robert Frost's The Road Not Taken comes to mind.
February 1, 2014
Gravity was an awesome read! I truly felt like I was right there as the characters are so real. I enjoyed every chapter of this book as well as every emotion that I felt while reading. Great job Shayne!
January 31, 2014
Shayne does it again. I love her strong female characters and her stories of survival. Crying and smiling go hand and hand in all of her books!
April 9, 2022
I loved Jo from the every start. She had an awful childhood but rose above it all and became a badass. Her mom is a prostitute. The one thing I couldn't and won't get over is that the love interst Holden slept with her mom. I repeat, he fucked her mom. He kept calling her kid and they are going to fall in love? Nope!!!! She wants to be better than her mom and have a better life and she goes and falls for the man who paid her mom for sex. No thank you. I stopped reading after we found out he slept with the mom. I'm sorry but that is just too weird for me. Jo was doing well on her own but to fall for the man who paid her mom for sex just goes against everything she wants for herself. It's honestly disgusting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2018
Sweet and Gentle Romance in Life of Gritty Realness
This book is written in such a gentle and simple way. It’s a tale of love, friendship and parenthood. It sounds straightforward and to a certain extent, it is. However, it’s a story that exists in a gritty and real world, where people make mistakes and lead lives that lead to damage and danger. All that darkness is dealt with in the same matter of fact way as the friendship, the romance and love of a parent for a child and child for a parent.
It’s a lovely story that exists in a very real and dark world.
This book is written in such a gentle and simple way. It’s a tale of love, friendship and parenthood. It sounds straightforward and to a certain extent, it is. However, it’s a story that exists in a gritty and real world, where people make mistakes and lead lives that lead to damage and danger. All that darkness is dealt with in the same matter of fact way as the friendship, the romance and love of a parent for a child and child for a parent.
It’s a lovely story that exists in a very real and dark world.
August 23, 2017
Jo
What can I say? Always enjoy the mind and imagination of Shayne. She always has me on my toes and love her strong women in her stories. Jo was definitely a fighter and I'm glad she found her BATMAN.
What can I say? Always enjoy the mind and imagination of Shayne. She always has me on my toes and love her strong women in her stories. Jo was definitely a fighter and I'm glad she found her BATMAN.
June 17, 2019
Quite the Rollercoaster
Dynamic story of surviving and thriving. Appreciated the complicated relationship between Donna and Jo. Oddest meet-cute ever, but love the way the author brought it around.
Dynamic story of surviving and thriving. Appreciated the complicated relationship between Donna and Jo. Oddest meet-cute ever, but love the way the author brought it around.
February 3, 2014
A moving novel that has a clear message, you can overcome your circumstances with hard work and education. A well thought out storyline with realistic characters.
Taking care of herself and her young mother her whole life JoEllen (Jo) is a force to be reckoned with in many ways. She is the head of her household and working to make a better life for herself.
Jo’s mother, Donna, is young and carefree. She has Jo to take care of her. The role reversal is sad in so many ways. A life not lived, chances not given or taken, self worth and self-esteem never present. Donna is a mess.
Donna liked having men stare at her and would often sunbathe in the front yard wearing a string bikini with the American flag on it. Since a lot of their neighbors were also vets, it sent a message loud and clear. ~musings about Jo’s mother Donna
When Jo moves forward into the responsible role, she is very young. She is proud of her accomplishments and will not let anyone take them from her or belittle them.
“Call me kid one more f*cking time and I’m gonna go seriously white trash on you’re a**. I’m twenty-two, a high school graduate, a master welder and carpenter, a web designer, and working to become a master electrician. I pay all the bills in this house and haven’t been a kid since I was four.” ~Jo telling Holden off for calling her a kid
Living in a closet for her entire life, she has never had windows to stare out and daydream. She has never witnessed the beauty around her, keeping her head down and plowing forward to her goals.
Raising her head for the first time, she discovers an unlikely friend, Holden. He has been slowly creeping into her life with the patience of a saint. Pursuing her with out her even realizing what is happening. His patience and restraint are unreal, but his end goal will be worth it.
True love and all it entails can be within their grasp if they only have the courage to grab it with both hands.
This is a moving story of a lost childhood and finding love right under your nose. Plot twists and turns keep you involved in the story. A love that will warm your heart and stay with you long after you have put the novel down.
The Ratings*:
Hero: 5
Heroine: 5
Story/Plot/HEA: 5
*The rating system is based on 1-5, 5 being the best and 1 the worst.
Hero - The main male character of the story. Heroine - The main female character of the story. Story/Plot/HEA (Happy Ever After) - The over all story line and culmination of the main plot or theme.
Taking care of herself and her young mother her whole life JoEllen (Jo) is a force to be reckoned with in many ways. She is the head of her household and working to make a better life for herself.
Jo’s mother, Donna, is young and carefree. She has Jo to take care of her. The role reversal is sad in so many ways. A life not lived, chances not given or taken, self worth and self-esteem never present. Donna is a mess.
Donna liked having men stare at her and would often sunbathe in the front yard wearing a string bikini with the American flag on it. Since a lot of their neighbors were also vets, it sent a message loud and clear. ~musings about Jo’s mother Donna
When Jo moves forward into the responsible role, she is very young. She is proud of her accomplishments and will not let anyone take them from her or belittle them.
“Call me kid one more f*cking time and I’m gonna go seriously white trash on you’re a**. I’m twenty-two, a high school graduate, a master welder and carpenter, a web designer, and working to become a master electrician. I pay all the bills in this house and haven’t been a kid since I was four.” ~Jo telling Holden off for calling her a kid
Living in a closet for her entire life, she has never had windows to stare out and daydream. She has never witnessed the beauty around her, keeping her head down and plowing forward to her goals.
Raising her head for the first time, she discovers an unlikely friend, Holden. He has been slowly creeping into her life with the patience of a saint. Pursuing her with out her even realizing what is happening. His patience and restraint are unreal, but his end goal will be worth it.
True love and all it entails can be within their grasp if they only have the courage to grab it with both hands.
This is a moving story of a lost childhood and finding love right under your nose. Plot twists and turns keep you involved in the story. A love that will warm your heart and stay with you long after you have put the novel down.
The Ratings*:
Hero: 5
Heroine: 5
Story/Plot/HEA: 5
*The rating system is based on 1-5, 5 being the best and 1 the worst.
Hero - The main male character of the story. Heroine - The main female character of the story. Story/Plot/HEA (Happy Ever After) - The over all story line and culmination of the main plot or theme.
February 3, 2014
Book Worms was given this book as an ARC for an honest review.
We gave this book 5 stars.
Heather a Book Worms reviewer left this review.
Thank you Heather.
Review of Gravity:
Shayne McClendon does it again! Another 5 star read all the way! This book is meant for 18+ due to strong language, violence, and sexual content. There is very little violence only one scene. These are some very hot sexual encounters. Now for the good stuff!
"Life should keep you grounded.......it should never keep you down"
I love this quote and I love how the main character JoEllen or Jo as she likes to called lives by this quote. Jo grew up the daughter of the trailer park whore. Her mom wasn't the best person in the world. She drinks to much, can't keep a job, and sleeps with any man who is willing to pay. Jo dreams of a different life for herself and she sets out to get it. Jo is a jack of all trades really, and is trying to finish up her last classes before she moves out of her moms place. While working in the bar she meets Holden.
Holden has had bad luck with women. But the moment he sets eyes on Jo he knows he wants her. One mistake makes it harder than he thought to win Jo over. But he keeps at it becoming a friend to Jo. Someone for her to talk to, and lean on. Holden helps Jo more then anyone ever has when disaster strikes close to Jo's home. From there trust and love blooms between Jo and Holden. Jo lets Holden into her past and Holden gives her something she thought she would never have. But then the past returns. Can their love make it through, and what will the past bring that could bring them even closer?
Shayne knocks it out of the ball park once again! This is a live story all the way. There is nothing that could stop Jo and Holden from being together. You know from the first moments that they really meet and talk they are meant to be together. I loved that this story focused more on the love between these two characters then anything else. Its not a mystery, or thriller. Its not even all that anguish. It's just a love story. This is one that you need to read if you want a great love story. I fell in love with Jo and Holden and I think you will too! Way to go Shayne!
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