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Blackwood #1
A Reason To Stay
Who needs a man?
They're nothing but a distraction.
A disappointment.
They sweep you off your feet and promise you forever. Then, as soon as another beautiful woman shows interest, they leave you a bitter wreck.
And the sexy billionaire that keeps showing up everywhere I go is the definition of distraction and inevitable disappointment.
I have everything I need in life. There's no reason for me to chance heartbreak with him.
It's just a shame my heart didn't get the memo.
A Reason To Stay is Book 1 of the Blackwood Series and the first book of The Only One Duet.
They're nothing but a distraction.
A disappointment.
They sweep you off your feet and promise you forever. Then, as soon as another beautiful woman shows interest, they leave you a bitter wreck.
And the sexy billionaire that keeps showing up everywhere I go is the definition of distraction and inevitable disappointment.
I have everything I need in life. There's no reason for me to chance heartbreak with him.
It's just a shame my heart didn't get the memo.
A Reason To Stay is Book 1 of the Blackwood Series and the first book of The Only One Duet.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2017
1106 people are currently reading
984 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Ellen
21 books1,057 followersMelissa Ellen is an indie author of contemporary romance. She writes about modern-day couples that give you all the feels. A lover of both the big city and small towns, her stories are set in both. A Reason To Stay, book one of the Blackwood Series, was her debut novel.
She grew up as a bookworm, reading anything and everything, and still tries to read at least a book a week. She's always had an active imagination. Luckily, she now has time to put it to good use writing about the characters constantly swarming around in her head.
She went from designing buildings to crafting stories while living in Texas with her husband, son, their rescue dog, and her five chickens. Her number one goal in life is to own some land with a mini moo (tiny cow) and a horse. When she's not writing, you'll find her tackling her latest architectural design project, reading a good book, gardening, or spending time with her family.
Melissa Ellen's writing style is characterized by its relatable characters, emotional resonance, and ability to blend humor and heart into her stories. If you enjoy contemporary romance novels with depth, humor, and heartwarming themes, then Melissa Ellen's books are definitely worth checking out.
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She grew up as a bookworm, reading anything and everything, and still tries to read at least a book a week. She's always had an active imagination. Luckily, she now has time to put it to good use writing about the characters constantly swarming around in her head.
She went from designing buildings to crafting stories while living in Texas with her husband, son, their rescue dog, and her five chickens. Her number one goal in life is to own some land with a mini moo (tiny cow) and a horse. When she's not writing, you'll find her tackling her latest architectural design project, reading a good book, gardening, or spending time with her family.
Melissa Ellen's writing style is characterized by its relatable characters, emotional resonance, and ability to blend humor and heart into her stories. If you enjoy contemporary romance novels with depth, humor, and heartwarming themes, then Melissa Ellen's books are definitely worth checking out.
WANT TO BE PART OF MY ARC TEAM?
https://forms.gle/eREwuRLXoXkg8NLY8
LEARN MORE ON MY WEBSITE:
www.authormelissaellen.com
JOIN MY VIP READERS LIST NEWSLETTER:
http://bit.ly/mellenNL
FOLLOW ME ON BOOKBUB:
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/melis...
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM:
https://www.instagram.com/authormelis...
KEEP UP WITH ME ON FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/melissaellen...
JOIN MY READER FACEBOOK GROUP:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/11703...
LET'S CONNECT ON TIKTOK:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
January 16, 2018
DNF 40%
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!
Obviously I'm a minority here, but... God Damn I was bored. It was like nothing happened.
Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!
Obviously I'm a minority here, but... God Damn I was bored. It was like nothing happened.
May 26, 2018
This author has a knack for over explaining mundane things but not elaborating on the important parts. We need to actually be involved in the main characters conversations. You can’t just say they talk for hours and expect us to fall in love with them.
Rhett is the typical Christian Grey/Gideon Cross type. He is arrogant and controls everything about Ava. Ava is the typical little woman that lets the guy walk all over her. Yes, she puts up a token protest but that is it. She just finds him way too sexy to not follow his every command.
Rhett is the typical Christian Grey/Gideon Cross type. He is arrogant and controls everything about Ava. Ava is the typical little woman that lets the guy walk all over her. Yes, she puts up a token protest but that is it. She just finds him way too sexy to not follow his every command.
June 29, 2017
3 STARS
This is my first read from this author and I didn’t know what to expect, but if you are looking for some steamy hot sexy stuff, this book is not the one, so move along.For the steamy hot sexy stuff, you have to put your imagination to work… So just romance.
My initial review was different. I was harsher on it, but reading book 2 immediately, make me change my mind. The luck was that kept my review, and not posting it…So back to our book and review…
The book starts with Ava…a young college student who wants to be an architect.
She works part time in one fine restaurant, she lives with her best friend and party with her. One day, before one of her exams, she decides to study in a coffee shop, but when she sees how her time flown, she runs out running right into one hell of a “Sex God”.
Obviously, the attraction between them was off the charts and more important… was mutual.
Rhett…is one of the sexiest eligible bachelor’s from Boston and New York.
He is one rich sexy guy, tall, well build, gorgeous with sexy and mischievous blue eyes. He knows what he wants, and what he wants is what he gets… No matter what. He wants and likes control, he craves control in every aspect of his life. But when he meets Ava, all his world and life turns upside down.
He’s a guy with a tormented past. She is a girl with trust and relationships issues. What is going to happen with and between them?
At the beginning of the book, I was like…
I didn’t like several aspects in the book. The book, or at least at the beginning of it, was full of boring details. Too many unimportant details about decoration and stuff related with architecture… In my opinion.
Rhett is a little too much insta “in love”. It doesn’t say it, but you as a reader see it, feel it. The action, the connection between them is too fast, too sudden. Too overall.
It would have been better if it was more concentrate on them, as a couple, how they build their relationship slowly. I love insta love, but this was way insta. Another moment that I didn’t like was their first moment as a couple. I not telling anything about this one, because I don’t want to ruin the joy for other readers.
What I love about the book…
Rhett is a possessive, protective, dominant, control freak Son of a Beach. Ava defies him every moment, but of course, she doesn’t win, she just pisses him off more.
I’m not judging the book because is just romance. No… I love romance.
Towards the end of the book, the book got better.
The book got more concentrate on the characters. And especially that final part from Rhett’s POV. I loved Rhett’s sister and can’t wait to read her story.
This is my first read from this author and I didn’t know what to expect, but if you are looking for some steamy hot sexy stuff, this book is not the one, so move along.For the steamy hot sexy stuff, you have to put your imagination to work… So just romance.
My initial review was different. I was harsher on it, but reading book 2 immediately, make me change my mind. The luck was that kept my review, and not posting it…So back to our book and review…
The book starts with Ava…a young college student who wants to be an architect.
She works part time in one fine restaurant, she lives with her best friend and party with her. One day, before one of her exams, she decides to study in a coffee shop, but when she sees how her time flown, she runs out running right into one hell of a “Sex God”.
Obviously, the attraction between them was off the charts and more important… was mutual.
Rhett…is one of the sexiest eligible bachelor’s from Boston and New York.
He is one rich sexy guy, tall, well build, gorgeous with sexy and mischievous blue eyes. He knows what he wants, and what he wants is what he gets… No matter what. He wants and likes control, he craves control in every aspect of his life. But when he meets Ava, all his world and life turns upside down.
He’s a guy with a tormented past. She is a girl with trust and relationships issues. What is going to happen with and between them?
At the beginning of the book, I was like…
I didn’t like several aspects in the book. The book, or at least at the beginning of it, was full of boring details. Too many unimportant details about decoration and stuff related with architecture… In my opinion.
Rhett is a little too much insta “in love”. It doesn’t say it, but you as a reader see it, feel it. The action, the connection between them is too fast, too sudden. Too overall.
It would have been better if it was more concentrate on them, as a couple, how they build their relationship slowly. I love insta love, but this was way insta. Another moment that I didn’t like was their first moment as a couple. I not telling anything about this one, because I don’t want to ruin the joy for other readers.
What I love about the book…
Rhett is a possessive, protective, dominant, control freak Son of a Beach. Ava defies him every moment, but of course, she doesn’t win, she just pisses him off more.
I’m not judging the book because is just romance. No… I love romance.
Towards the end of the book, the book got better.
The book got more concentrate on the characters. And especially that final part from Rhett’s POV. I loved Rhett’s sister and can’t wait to read her story.
Want to read
July 14, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/14/2020)! 🎁
August 1, 2020
2 ⭐⭐ - Meh!
“Where were you last night?” He hesitated answering, his expression changing from desire to something else. Stress? Worry? Regret? “I was with Serena,” he carefully watched my eyes as he said the words.
I couldn’t move forward with him unless he told me everything I needed to know about him and Serena. There was something there. Something else that tied them together. It had to be more than her just being a family friend. I couldn’t trust him without knowing the full story.
August 9, 2018
Heroine is not likable at all. Good luck with this one.
January 28, 2018
A Reason to Stay and The Only One feature Rhett and Ava’s romance, as the first two books in Melissa Ellen’s debut Blackwood Series. She is a ‘new to me’ author that I had the pleasure of meeting at an author signing awhile back, and since I always love to support new authors, definitely wanted to check this series out. All I can say is my goodness, the angst! Rhett and Ava’s story is tumultuous, both heartbreaking and heartwarming, and I think she is off to a great start with her writing career!
Above all, I loved the characters in this story! I loved all their individual personalities and their close-knit relationships between Rhett and Ava’s family and friends – at least the ones I was supposed to! They were fun and flawed, which made them very true to life, and there was such a heartwarming connection between all of them.
While I did like Ava’s character overall and understood this to be a coming of age story, she seemed unnecessarily flighty and immature at times. I really felt for her, but at the same time, I wished she didn’t cry so much and seriously wanted to throttle her too. Ava definitely had some major trust issues with men – especially handsome wealthy men like Rhett. There was so much push and pull with them, and Rhett worked so hard in his determination to prove himself!
This isn’t a racy romance by any means, and there was a simmering attraction between Rhett and Ava that billowed over into an ‘insta-love’ relationship. I did feel that the first book could have used a little bit more intimacy on some level. Not necessarily sexy scenes, but anything to convey more passion between Rhett and Ava and reveal more depth of their feelings, other than just attraction. Towards the end of the first book and then as the story progressed, the feelings for this passionate pair were conveyed very well, but I was frustrated it wasn’t earlier in the story.
This was quite an addictive read, and there was a lot of ‘story’ to Rhett and Ava’s romance. I really enjoyed the storyline, and Melissa Ellen’s descriptive writing had a lot of depth and dimensions to both the characters and the settings. There were twists, misunderstandings, and a lot of emotion that really drew me in and gave me angsty feels that pulled on my heartstrings.
You will definitely want to have the first two books in the series in hand, because the cliffhanger at the end of A Reason to Stay will catapult you directly into The Only One seeking answers!
I recommend this if you are looking for a really sweet, emotional, and angsty romance centered around a wealth of family and friends, and I am excited to find a new author to enjoy!
*** 3.5 stars for me, but I am rounding it to 4 because I am teetering on the line with intrigue! ***
*** Read my full review A Reason to Stay and The Only One on the blog: DG Book Blog ***
*** ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange of an honest review ***
Above all, I loved the characters in this story! I loved all their individual personalities and their close-knit relationships between Rhett and Ava’s family and friends – at least the ones I was supposed to! They were fun and flawed, which made them very true to life, and there was such a heartwarming connection between all of them.
While I did like Ava’s character overall and understood this to be a coming of age story, she seemed unnecessarily flighty and immature at times. I really felt for her, but at the same time, I wished she didn’t cry so much and seriously wanted to throttle her too. Ava definitely had some major trust issues with men – especially handsome wealthy men like Rhett. There was so much push and pull with them, and Rhett worked so hard in his determination to prove himself!
This isn’t a racy romance by any means, and there was a simmering attraction between Rhett and Ava that billowed over into an ‘insta-love’ relationship. I did feel that the first book could have used a little bit more intimacy on some level. Not necessarily sexy scenes, but anything to convey more passion between Rhett and Ava and reveal more depth of their feelings, other than just attraction. Towards the end of the first book and then as the story progressed, the feelings for this passionate pair were conveyed very well, but I was frustrated it wasn’t earlier in the story.
This was quite an addictive read, and there was a lot of ‘story’ to Rhett and Ava’s romance. I really enjoyed the storyline, and Melissa Ellen’s descriptive writing had a lot of depth and dimensions to both the characters and the settings. There were twists, misunderstandings, and a lot of emotion that really drew me in and gave me angsty feels that pulled on my heartstrings.
You will definitely want to have the first two books in the series in hand, because the cliffhanger at the end of A Reason to Stay will catapult you directly into The Only One seeking answers!
I recommend this if you are looking for a really sweet, emotional, and angsty romance centered around a wealth of family and friends, and I am excited to find a new author to enjoy!
*** 3.5 stars for me, but I am rounding it to 4 because I am teetering on the line with intrigue! ***
*** Read my full review A Reason to Stay and The Only One on the blog: DG Book Blog ***
*** ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange of an honest review ***
November 9, 2017
I liked A reason to stay it does end in a cliffhanger witch I really don't like but the second book The only one is already out so looks like I'll be devouring that to see what happens to the couple , the epilogue was interesting because it was the only hero point of view and we got to know what was going on in his head . These two literally keep running into one another and one of those times ends with them finding their way to the bedroom with sex scenes that give you a big tease then fade right when it gets to the good part had me a bit flustered . Ava is a good heroine I just felt like she should have grew a back bone a lot sooner plus when she got angry that her male friend was sleeping with a woman she disliked thought is was a bit much at times . I really don't know how to feel about Rhett I like a dominating guy like any girl would but he kinda took it to an extreme to were I was ''like chill dude " but he did have his sweet moments plus my opinion did change a little the epilogue was what saved him in my eyes . Enjoyed the secondary romance going on with the heroines BFF hope to see more of that in the next book. Overall good read that will have you wanting more .
copy provided for honest review
****************************************
hero=8 heroine=8 secondary characters=8 Chemistry=9 steam=3
romance=8 humor=3 darkness level=3 action=2 mystery=4
enjoyment=8 angst=5 story line=8 Story ending=7
character development=9 pacing=9
cover=10 stars=4 author=8
would I recommend this book=
would I re read this book=
would I read future books by this author= yes
copy provided for honest review
****************************************
hero=8 heroine=8 secondary characters=8 Chemistry=9 steam=3
romance=8 humor=3 darkness level=3 action=2 mystery=4
enjoyment=8 angst=5 story line=8 Story ending=7
character development=9 pacing=9
cover=10 stars=4 author=8
would I recommend this book=
would I re read this book=
would I read future books by this author= yes
January 9, 2018
LOVE ME SOME ALPHA!
Wow this was so damn good. Rhet was EVERYTHING I want in my book boyfriend world. Pure sexiness, possessive, extreme alph~ness, and faithful... I'm so giddy to start #2.
Wow this was so damn good. Rhet was EVERYTHING I want in my book boyfriend world. Pure sexiness, possessive, extreme alph~ness, and faithful... I'm so giddy to start #2.
February 9, 2024
I had no idea what I was stepping into when I picked up this book but now my heart is broken and my emotions are a mess. I loved the storyline and characters (main & secondary). I loved both Ava and Rhett’s families. They gave the story so much more life and added another level of depth.
Ava was sweet, considerate and a little snarky. She’s been burned in the past and doesn’t intend to just fall all over anyone, especially Rhett. There were times when I thought she behaved immature & childish but I understood why and couldn’t really blame her.
Rhett was confident, arrogant and always got what he wanted, that included Ava. It was attraction at first sight and the sparks were explosive. They had such great chemistry. Rhett was extremely possessive and sometimes it was a tad scary, mostly it was just downright sexy so I’m not complaining too much🤷🏽♀️
My biggest pet peeve was the miscommunication & misunderstandings between Rhett & Ava. He also had a tendency to be oblivious, which was annoying. I wish they would have just talked and been more open with each other rather than waiting until things blew out of proportion. It would have saved a lot of time and prevented drama. But again, I understood why Ava was hesitant to broach certain topics with Rhett.
That ending made me so sad. My heart aches for both Rhett and Ava. I’m not a fan of the cliffhanger ending, like many others out there, but I just want them to get their HEA. Rhett’s gonna have to do a lot of groveling though, so I’m excited to see how things play out.
CONTENT
Romance: On page intimacy that mostly faded to black (while it wasn’t overly explicit, there were enough details that you could fill in the blanks).
Violence: Mild
Language: Some strong language (mostly in the last chapter/Rhett’s POV)
Ava was sweet, considerate and a little snarky. She’s been burned in the past and doesn’t intend to just fall all over anyone, especially Rhett. There were times when I thought she behaved immature & childish but I understood why and couldn’t really blame her.
Rhett was confident, arrogant and always got what he wanted, that included Ava. It was attraction at first sight and the sparks were explosive. They had such great chemistry. Rhett was extremely possessive and sometimes it was a tad scary, mostly it was just downright sexy so I’m not complaining too much🤷🏽♀️
My biggest pet peeve was the miscommunication & misunderstandings between Rhett & Ava. He also had a tendency to be oblivious, which was annoying. I wish they would have just talked and been more open with each other rather than waiting until things blew out of proportion. It would have saved a lot of time and prevented drama. But again, I understood why Ava was hesitant to broach certain topics with Rhett.
That ending made me so sad. My heart aches for both Rhett and Ava. I’m not a fan of the cliffhanger ending, like many others out there, but I just want them to get their HEA. Rhett’s gonna have to do a lot of groveling though, so I’m excited to see how things play out.
CONTENT
Romance: On page intimacy that mostly faded to black (while it wasn’t overly explicit, there were enough details that you could fill in the blanks).
Violence: Mild
Language: Some strong language (mostly in the last chapter/Rhett’s POV)
November 14, 2017
Ava is a very independent female, intent on working to put herself through college without anyone's help. It makes it that much easier when she has no use for men after catching her one & only boyfriend cheating on her, which has given her major trust issues. However, her life is thrown into chaos after running into a super sexy man that she feels an instant attraction to, but she won't give the time of day. But fate has other plans, as they keep running into each other. Rhett is a sexy playboy, used to getting what he wants, and he wants Ava. However, no matter how determined he is, she's putting him through the paces. As this cat & mouse game revs up, who will win in the end? Yeah, I'm sure that was a somewhat confusing description, but hey, don't want give anything away. A Reason To Stay was a story that I was held hostage cover to cover, especially since I couldn't put it down. I loved Ava, but she had flaws that drove me mad, while Rhett at times was too controlling, and made some questionable decisions. That didn't stop me from wanting them together, but I did want to shake them up a bit first. This was my first book by Melissa Ellen, and I fell in love with her talented & addictive writing style instantly. And the diabolical twists that kept me on the edge of my seat, also had me singing some serious f-bombs, while that ending was just torture, and even though I had the next book already, the time it took to pull up was too much. So I must add Ms. Ellen to the list of authors trying to KILL ME, and hashtag her my newest #EVILWHORE! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!
August 22, 2020
Superficial, slow, an immature h, ... and then there's a second part?
Read
May 10, 2024I started this book a while ago and stopped listening for some reason I can’t remember. Recently I inadvertently picked it up again. I don’t remember where I stopped last time, but I only got 2 or so hours in before I had to call it quits. The writing style is not for me. The dialogue is stiff, and the narrator is stiff which only served to highlight the awkwardness of the writing. The male MC is also meant to come off as a mysterious, dominant, sexy figure but he feels like an echo of a man like that. I don’t feel power in his actions or his words, I feel entitled rich boy playing at sexual prowess. In my experience, after reading far too many romances and pushing through many that I don’t vibe with, this kind of character with a writing style that I don’t connect with rarely (and when I say rarely it’s a polite way to say never) improves to the point where I actually like him. Since the fem MC has the personality of a paper bag, her friends have “stereotypical college kids” as their personalities, and the story itself was just getting started (but was not so far interesting enough to pull me in) I’ll mix it up this time and stop while I’m ahead.
November 16, 2017
A Heart Warming And Heart Breaking Love Story
This was my first book by Melissa Ellen and I was totally blown away. One I started reading I couldn't stop and finished in one evening. Since this ends on a cliffhanger I immediately purchased the sequel but unfortunately had to wait until the next day to read it.
Rhett and Ava were electric together. Everyone deserves a Rhett of their own. I wanted to cry for them both with all the miscommunications and missed opportunities. I wanted to reach out and shake them so they could see how perfect they were together.
Their family and friends rounded out the great cast of characters along with the usual villains. A heart warming and heart breaking love story that will put tears in your eyes.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
This was my first book by Melissa Ellen and I was totally blown away. One I started reading I couldn't stop and finished in one evening. Since this ends on a cliffhanger I immediately purchased the sequel but unfortunately had to wait until the next day to read it.
Rhett and Ava were electric together. Everyone deserves a Rhett of their own. I wanted to cry for them both with all the miscommunications and missed opportunities. I wanted to reach out and shake them so they could see how perfect they were together.
Their family and friends rounded out the great cast of characters along with the usual villains. A heart warming and heart breaking love story that will put tears in your eyes.
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
November 3, 2017
A Spellbinding Read
OMG!!!! This is a first read by this author but the next book is downloading as I write this review. The story of Ava and Rhett blew me away from the first page and I hated to put my Kindle down for even a minute. Ava is a stubborn and independent female working to put herself through college. Having giving up on men after catching her high school boyfriend cheating on her, you could say she has major trust issues. That's OK because she has her best friends with her. When she literally runs into Rhett at a coffeehouse, the chemistry is instantaneous and so potent Ava had a panic attack and flees. When their paths cross again, and again the attraction is still powerful enough to force Rhett to confront Ava. With Rhett's billionaire playboy status Ava is convinced it will be a one night stand but Rhett claims otherwise. As their relationship grows complications arise and of course the story isn't complete without the spoiled, rich manipulative scorned ex. This story had twists in it I definitely didn't see coming but only added to the strength of the characters through their heartbreak. As secrets are revealed and a loss Ava may never recover from, Rhett is determined not to give up but it may be too late. We'll have to read the next story to see what happens, but make sure you have tissues handy. Loved this story from the beginning and purchased is after reading twenty percent of an ARC!!!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
Thank You Melissa Ellen and Shifted Sheets
OMG!!!! This is a first read by this author but the next book is downloading as I write this review. The story of Ava and Rhett blew me away from the first page and I hated to put my Kindle down for even a minute. Ava is a stubborn and independent female working to put herself through college. Having giving up on men after catching her high school boyfriend cheating on her, you could say she has major trust issues. That's OK because she has her best friends with her. When she literally runs into Rhett at a coffeehouse, the chemistry is instantaneous and so potent Ava had a panic attack and flees. When their paths cross again, and again the attraction is still powerful enough to force Rhett to confront Ava. With Rhett's billionaire playboy status Ava is convinced it will be a one night stand but Rhett claims otherwise. As their relationship grows complications arise and of course the story isn't complete without the spoiled, rich manipulative scorned ex. This story had twists in it I definitely didn't see coming but only added to the strength of the characters through their heartbreak. As secrets are revealed and a loss Ava may never recover from, Rhett is determined not to give up but it may be too late. We'll have to read the next story to see what happens, but make sure you have tissues handy. Loved this story from the beginning and purchased is after reading twenty percent of an ARC!!!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
Thank You Melissa Ellen and Shifted Sheets
November 15, 2017
This is the first time I have read any of this authors’ work, therefore, I was not sure what to expect; but I need not have worried, I loved this! Ava is a strong and independent woman, who does what she has to in order to path her way alone. When she bumps into sexy Rhett, her life is sent into a spin at the attraction she feels. Rhett is a sexy playboy, who is used to getting anything that he wants, and the target is now Ava. This story ends in a cliffy, and I for one cannot wait to read the next book.
November 12, 2017
I am voluntarily reviewing an Advanced Reader Copy of this book that I received for free.
A Reason to Stay is part one off a two part story. I found myself thinking of another book at the beginning of this one; but once I got into the book it stood on it's own. Ava and Rhett draw you in and won't let you go. I lost myself in the emotions that Melissa stirred in this tale and just had to purchase the second part to see where their story went.
A Reason to Stay is part one off a two part story. I found myself thinking of another book at the beginning of this one; but once I got into the book it stood on it's own. Ava and Rhett draw you in and won't let you go. I lost myself in the emotions that Melissa stirred in this tale and just had to purchase the second part to see where their story went.
November 16, 2017
Wow, i really loved the story.. with all the drama and love.
I love that rhett and ava have a love for each other that makes them crazy ... they can not live without each other without the quarrels. the chemistry attracts them to each other despite the different living conditions. at the end of the book you get a bit more of rhett .. that kept me reading, because I really wanted to know what was going on inside him. I can not wait until I can start with the next part.
I love that rhett and ava have a love for each other that makes them crazy ... they can not live without each other without the quarrels. the chemistry attracts them to each other despite the different living conditions. at the end of the book you get a bit more of rhett .. that kept me reading, because I really wanted to know what was going on inside him. I can not wait until I can start with the next part.
November 14, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this one. It is well written and very romantic. A lot of fade to black scenes. It is also heartbreaking. Rhett is such an idiot. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I am voluntarily reviewing an Advanced Reader Copy of this book that I received through Shifted Sheets book promotions.
November 17, 2017
This novel was very interesting. It had a flair to you that draws you in. The characters have you begging for more. The storyline has you wondering what will happen next. The ending was heartbreaking and making you want more. Need more. I loved the story but I dislike cliffhangers. The story overall was inviting
February 5, 2019
4 books in this series, new to Melissa Ellen and her writing and i'll be curious where she will take us? okay i did a double take this was on Kindle Unlimited ... now apparently it is not? weird??! glad i saw it when it was??! great characters, love her writing style. well done. all the best to you! ( ;
November 15, 2017
Good book. Worth five stars. This book needed a cliff hanger to make it realistic. Can't wait to read the next book in he series. Ava had to make her way in life and Rhett needed to learn it's not all about controlling
November 23, 2017
I was introduced to a new to me author and started with her debut novel, A Reason to Stay. The story gained my attention quickly and I enjoyed the push and pull of the main characters- Ava and Rhett. Ava is strong and stubborn and I can't decide if I love Rhett or think he's an ass. Overall, it was a quick, easy read and I look forward to more of Ava and Rhett's story in the next book.
January 19, 2022
I had to hold back the review, I would have raged too much if I wrote this the day I finished.
So I have nothing to say about the narrators. Woman was narrating for 20 chapters, a man just for the epilogue. They were OK, I've listened to better, but also to a lot worse.
What I take exception is the contents of this book. Unfortunately it's not as easy to save horrible quotes from an audiobook (goodreads, please fix this), so I just had to save my own notes about each section.
I do not mark books as DNF. I read them to leave a bad review. Only then I can be honest about it so yeah. I didn't skim, I didn't read diagonally. I listened to every word. Sometimes 5x to save horrible quotes. But this is my honest analysis. My emotions is just part 3. And maybe the 2 emojis in there.
1. The language and contents of the book
At first the pace of the book was horribly slow, at the pace it was going I expected it to be at the length of an epic fantasy novel, because I was treated to long winding, nonsensical exposition before she arrived to her home town just setting up heroines supposedly traumatic one occasion of being cheated on, super long ago, with a boyfriend who lived with his wife and kid. Honestly, at that point I kind of expected him to be the MC, the way it was set up. But in the end, that whole beginning amounts to nothing. It shows contrasting relationships between Ava and her family (at first mother is unbearable, then apparently grandmother is overbearing and at the end she's super close to her family and happily visits whenever - by contrast her best friend Lizzy is not? And at the end she just wants to move far away from her family to do her masters? It is so confusing). So I was dealt with so much mundane that I was falling asleep at the wheel - so the first time this audiobook was dangerous for my driving.
And then starting with every encounter with Ava and Rhett it feels like the author just decided that this book will be split in half and had to write coming together and breaking apart, bearing nothing else in mind and wrote stupid exposition where plot should be.
I had to listen to descriptions of doing mundane things like going to bathroom, driving to Hamptons, being led around a house, waiting on tables, but an actual human interaction? It is 'We were on a date flirting and getting to know each other' LIKE WHAT? Also, the diatribe of mental vomit over how she can't pick the food, and then Rhett just orders special for her, and I wasn't even told what it is. If I was forced to listen to that horrible selection (not) of food I better receive the actual explicit description of said food. Not just that the food was 'orgasmic'.
I'll get into the macho stuff later, but one thing grates on my nerves. Ava goes to the party, gets drunk and needs a bathroom. A guy gropes her, just as she receives Rhett's call, but she escapes him to Stephen's bedroom and locks the door. Rhett goes all macho demanding to know where she is. Ava goes to the bathroom, and then lays on the floor and just stays there until Rhett breaks down the door (shocking, right?) and takes her to his home. Author LOVES leaving things off page, but taking into account the logic of the rules how world works, at best Ava has: A dress on her body, shoes on her feet and a purse. The next day Rhett is not allowing her to leave and just informs her that they are spending the weekend together. And at the end, they have to go on a date. As Ava prepares for the date she suddenly has a curling iron (not that men can't own those, but by previous descriptions, Rhett didn't have hair enough to curl), so is he the weirdo who bought a curling iron to fail to open a wine bottle? Or is it just simply wishful writings.
Because after that? All the other preparations for the date scream wishful writing. Ava suddenly admits that her dress is her favourite (Lizzy pulled it from her own closet, and almost forced her to wear it). So it is the dress from previous night. And then Ava suddenly has cream coloured shoes, that were red the previous night. I won't pick on her gorgeous makeup, but Rhett's jaw hanging open to the floor from her looks is just laughable. With what? Floor rag dress?
And so as not to feel petty, I'll try to be concise for the last points:
•Ava's career choice and the fact that author doesn't seem to know how college works.
•Grandmother having a 15 foot Christmas tree in her house (had to rewind it to make sure I didn't mishear)
•Boston and London are 5h apart
•Squealing or screaming with laughter
•Rhett gifting all her family super expensive and personalized gifts for Christmas, when he brought them from Boston and met them just the previous day
•he pulled out a shirt sized box there are boxes in the size of shirts? Did the author mean something flat and quite large like an envelope? So basically forgot the word ENVELOPE?
•And finally, my favourite bit it the weirdly fade-to-black sex scenes that sometimes have the body regions described as much as down there to kinda mentioning the organs, to suddenly having ONE single explicit word. Felt like the author started this book in middle school and then finished when was an adult, who was afraid to write sex scenes. Or maybe one funny editor just decided to add one word to see if anyone would catch it. I expect a normal unchanging level of explicitness. This was giving me a whiplash.
2. The TOXIC relationship
The weird relationship dynamic was built on Ava's failed relationship with her cheating high school sweetheart (that she thought they'd end up together) and in the beginning I already was so uncomfortable that the only thing Ava felt was head over heels lust for Rhett and pull towards him that he reciprocated. And considering that author didn't give me any insight in their relationship building, the book ended with them being just as much strangers as when they met, apart from the pregnancy story that happened on screen, and Ava telling Rhett that she wants to be an architect.
So I had to listen to Ava's inner monologue droning on and on how she lusts for him and feels a pull and countering it with that they can't be together. Sure, don't be together, and explicitly state it and move on.
But from then on it's skating on the verge of very non-consensual relationship, where Ava is either uncomfortable and saying no, or feeling yes, but saying no, and Rhett just asks, and asks again he gets that 'yes'. But that's not consent, that's browbeating into a verbal answer. And the only reason why Ava didn't feel raped, was because deep down she wanted it. This is so toxic, this is why men don't learn that no means no. Why some think they can needle until they get the correct answer.
Also there are bits were Ava is clearly uncomfortable and Rhett takes her to his apartment without her consent and doesn't let her leave essentially kidnapping her.
Then Rhett showing his ignorance by ignoring Ava being attacked by his ex on their date.
And then all his smiles, when Ava is clearly uncomfortable with the social situation where their wealth difference is shown.
Also all the grooming, the further in relationship we go, dressing Ava as a doll, wanting to cart her around to all sides of the world, telling her how to work (or not), showing her that his mother might have also been an architect, but how she just loves to decorate their Upper East Side apartments, and houses, and how she's so content to run social events and do charity. When Ava has explicitly told Rhett that she wants to make her way in the world.
Ava, who in the pit of a pique because Rhett stood up her and her friends for dinner, got drunk (so legit question - is Ava an alcoholic? YES maybe?).When Rhett picks her up, tells her he doesn't care what her friends think of him, and when she's about to Uber home, throws her over his shoulder, straps her in his car and takes her home. Where she tells him not to come to her. But crawls into her bed while she's unconscious to hold her. Sorry to tell you, but friends are the benchmark for filtering out toxic relationship, and if they don't approve, it's a red flag. And ignoring Ava's wishes? That's worse, it's mental abuse ignoring her autonomy.
And these word for word sentences:
•Alpha in him 🤮
•We don't want to wake nana. 🤮 (while having sex in the grandmothers house)
And finally Rhett calling Ava 'Beautiful' nothing else really. So a question? Does he even know her name?
And the only single time Rhett opens up with his Serena story, Ava immediately goes and excuses him. Why do woman do that? Ignore the supposed faults in their toxic partners? You can love someone who has faults, but excusing them is just a recipe for disaster.
And then apart from their relationship, but Ava was part of it. Does author not know what rape and consent is?
So yes, Lizzy sleeps around (not slut shaming or anything, she can do that, more power to her), and when she gets a boyfriend who wants to take it slow and doesn't want to have sex immediately. Her remark that she will tie him to a bed and just do the deed that way is still rape. It doesn't matter if a person deep down wants the intercourse. Going around that is rape.
3. My opinion
So I was honestly hoping for the endgame be Stephen, Ava was comfortable with him, actually jealous over him sleeping with another woman and he was protective of her and disliked Rhett. Yeah, me too. Not that I liked Ava much. She was a stupid, ditzy, smart girl, who was just gorgeous. Who cares.
I was hoping that they'd break over any of the red flags exhibited during the 8h I had to listen to this story. But not over the one stupid exchange that actually did cause the break. Because the breakup, as with anything that should have been on page, was left off. It was in the glances and assumptions. At the end, until epilogue, I felt like the book was gaslighting me that there would be Rhett's POV, and maybe he was a Mr. Evil mastermind who collected unsuspecting female with his lust. But in the end, he was just a stupid dork who could manipulate Ava sexually, could admit that he supposedly loved her to anyone, except to her. And when it mattered, in her apartment in the end suddenly lost his words. You want to tell me a billionaire entrepreneur, who did all of the above just lost his words when Ava asked him why she should stay?
Fork it. It's just one more example of wishful plotless writing that was put there to split this monstrosity in 2.
That said. Honestly 1/5. And I might be masochistic enough to read the second. Just to finish this. I'm invested now.
So I have nothing to say about the narrators. Woman was narrating for 20 chapters, a man just for the epilogue. They were OK, I've listened to better, but also to a lot worse.
What I take exception is the contents of this book. Unfortunately it's not as easy to save horrible quotes from an audiobook (goodreads, please fix this), so I just had to save my own notes about each section.
I do not mark books as DNF. I read them to leave a bad review. Only then I can be honest about it so yeah. I didn't skim, I didn't read diagonally. I listened to every word. Sometimes 5x to save horrible quotes. But this is my honest analysis. My emotions is just part 3. And maybe the 2 emojis in there.
1. The language and contents of the book
At first the pace of the book was horribly slow, at the pace it was going I expected it to be at the length of an epic fantasy novel, because I was treated to long winding, nonsensical exposition before she arrived to her home town just setting up heroines supposedly traumatic one occasion of being cheated on, super long ago, with a boyfriend who lived with his wife and kid. Honestly, at that point I kind of expected him to be the MC, the way it was set up. But in the end, that whole beginning amounts to nothing. It shows contrasting relationships between Ava and her family (at first mother is unbearable, then apparently grandmother is overbearing and at the end she's super close to her family and happily visits whenever - by contrast her best friend Lizzy is not? And at the end she just wants to move far away from her family to do her masters? It is so confusing). So I was dealt with so much mundane that I was falling asleep at the wheel - so the first time this audiobook was dangerous for my driving.
And then starting with every encounter with Ava and Rhett it feels like the author just decided that this book will be split in half and had to write coming together and breaking apart, bearing nothing else in mind and wrote stupid exposition where plot should be.
I had to listen to descriptions of doing mundane things like going to bathroom, driving to Hamptons, being led around a house, waiting on tables, but an actual human interaction? It is 'We were on a date flirting and getting to know each other' LIKE WHAT? Also, the diatribe of mental vomit over how she can't pick the food, and then Rhett just orders special for her, and I wasn't even told what it is. If I was forced to listen to that horrible selection (not) of food I better receive the actual explicit description of said food. Not just that the food was 'orgasmic'.
I'll get into the macho stuff later, but one thing grates on my nerves. Ava goes to the party, gets drunk and needs a bathroom. A guy gropes her, just as she receives Rhett's call, but she escapes him to Stephen's bedroom and locks the door. Rhett goes all macho demanding to know where she is. Ava goes to the bathroom, and then lays on the floor and just stays there until Rhett breaks down the door (shocking, right?) and takes her to his home. Author LOVES leaving things off page, but taking into account the logic of the rules how world works, at best Ava has: A dress on her body, shoes on her feet and a purse. The next day Rhett is not allowing her to leave and just informs her that they are spending the weekend together. And at the end, they have to go on a date. As Ava prepares for the date she suddenly has a curling iron (not that men can't own those, but by previous descriptions, Rhett didn't have hair enough to curl), so is he the weirdo who bought a curling iron to fail to open a wine bottle? Or is it just simply wishful writings.
Because after that? All the other preparations for the date scream wishful writing. Ava suddenly admits that her dress is her favourite (Lizzy pulled it from her own closet, and almost forced her to wear it). So it is the dress from previous night. And then Ava suddenly has cream coloured shoes, that were red the previous night. I won't pick on her gorgeous makeup, but Rhett's jaw hanging open to the floor from her looks is just laughable. With what? Floor rag dress?
And so as not to feel petty, I'll try to be concise for the last points:
•Ava's career choice and the fact that author doesn't seem to know how college works.
•Grandmother having a 15 foot Christmas tree in her house (had to rewind it to make sure I didn't mishear)
•Boston and London are 5h apart
•Squealing or screaming with laughter
•Rhett gifting all her family super expensive and personalized gifts for Christmas, when he brought them from Boston and met them just the previous day
•he pulled out a shirt sized box there are boxes in the size of shirts? Did the author mean something flat and quite large like an envelope? So basically forgot the word ENVELOPE?
•And finally, my favourite bit it the weirdly fade-to-black sex scenes that sometimes have the body regions described as much as down there to kinda mentioning the organs, to suddenly having ONE single explicit word. Felt like the author started this book in middle school and then finished when was an adult, who was afraid to write sex scenes. Or maybe one funny editor just decided to add one word to see if anyone would catch it. I expect a normal unchanging level of explicitness. This was giving me a whiplash.
2. The TOXIC relationship
The weird relationship dynamic was built on Ava's failed relationship with her cheating high school sweetheart (that she thought they'd end up together) and in the beginning I already was so uncomfortable that the only thing Ava felt was head over heels lust for Rhett and pull towards him that he reciprocated. And considering that author didn't give me any insight in their relationship building, the book ended with them being just as much strangers as when they met, apart from the pregnancy story that happened on screen, and Ava telling Rhett that she wants to be an architect.
So I had to listen to Ava's inner monologue droning on and on how she lusts for him and feels a pull and countering it with that they can't be together. Sure, don't be together, and explicitly state it and move on.
But from then on it's skating on the verge of very non-consensual relationship, where Ava is either uncomfortable and saying no, or feeling yes, but saying no, and Rhett just asks, and asks again he gets that 'yes'. But that's not consent, that's browbeating into a verbal answer. And the only reason why Ava didn't feel raped, was because deep down she wanted it. This is so toxic, this is why men don't learn that no means no. Why some think they can needle until they get the correct answer.
Also there are bits were Ava is clearly uncomfortable and Rhett takes her to his apartment without her consent and doesn't let her leave essentially kidnapping her.
Then Rhett showing his ignorance by ignoring Ava being attacked by his ex on their date.
And then all his smiles, when Ava is clearly uncomfortable with the social situation where their wealth difference is shown.
Also all the grooming, the further in relationship we go, dressing Ava as a doll, wanting to cart her around to all sides of the world, telling her how to work (or not), showing her that his mother might have also been an architect, but how she just loves to decorate their Upper East Side apartments, and houses, and how she's so content to run social events and do charity. When Ava has explicitly told Rhett that she wants to make her way in the world.
Ava, who in the pit of a pique because Rhett stood up her and her friends for dinner, got drunk (so legit question - is Ava an alcoholic? YES maybe?).When Rhett picks her up, tells her he doesn't care what her friends think of him, and when she's about to Uber home, throws her over his shoulder, straps her in his car and takes her home. Where she tells him not to come to her. But crawls into her bed while she's unconscious to hold her. Sorry to tell you, but friends are the benchmark for filtering out toxic relationship, and if they don't approve, it's a red flag. And ignoring Ava's wishes? That's worse, it's mental abuse ignoring her autonomy.
And these word for word sentences:
•Alpha in him 🤮
•We don't want to wake nana. 🤮 (while having sex in the grandmothers house)
And finally Rhett calling Ava 'Beautiful' nothing else really. So a question? Does he even know her name?
And the only single time Rhett opens up with his Serena story, Ava immediately goes and excuses him. Why do woman do that? Ignore the supposed faults in their toxic partners? You can love someone who has faults, but excusing them is just a recipe for disaster.
And then apart from their relationship, but Ava was part of it. Does author not know what rape and consent is?
So yes, Lizzy sleeps around (not slut shaming or anything, she can do that, more power to her), and when she gets a boyfriend who wants to take it slow and doesn't want to have sex immediately. Her remark that she will tie him to a bed and just do the deed that way is still rape. It doesn't matter if a person deep down wants the intercourse. Going around that is rape.
3. My opinion
So I was honestly hoping for the endgame be Stephen, Ava was comfortable with him, actually jealous over him sleeping with another woman and he was protective of her and disliked Rhett. Yeah, me too. Not that I liked Ava much. She was a stupid, ditzy, smart girl, who was just gorgeous. Who cares.
I was hoping that they'd break over any of the red flags exhibited during the 8h I had to listen to this story. But not over the one stupid exchange that actually did cause the break. Because the breakup, as with anything that should have been on page, was left off. It was in the glances and assumptions. At the end, until epilogue, I felt like the book was gaslighting me that there would be Rhett's POV, and maybe he was a Mr. Evil mastermind who collected unsuspecting female with his lust. But in the end, he was just a stupid dork who could manipulate Ava sexually, could admit that he supposedly loved her to anyone, except to her. And when it mattered, in her apartment in the end suddenly lost his words. You want to tell me a billionaire entrepreneur, who did all of the above just lost his words when Ava asked him why she should stay?
Fork it. It's just one more example of wishful plotless writing that was put there to split this monstrosity in 2.
That said. Honestly 1/5. And I might be masochistic enough to read the second. Just to finish this. I'm invested now.
November 6, 2017
4 Stars
I enjoyed Ava and Rhett's story but let me tell you, you will be a little frustrated by their choices. Communications and misunderstandings are the downfall for this couple. They will not have their HEA at the end of this book so be prepared for the minor cliffy. Overall a good read but sometimes too many details bogged the story down and I did skim some.
I enjoyed Ava and Rhett's story but let me tell you, you will be a little frustrated by their choices. Communications and misunderstandings are the downfall for this couple. They will not have their HEA at the end of this book so be prepared for the minor cliffy. Overall a good read but sometimes too many details bogged the story down and I did skim some.
Read
July 24, 2022Wow! Rhett & Ava’s Story Really Grew On Me. They Come From Different Worlds, But A Brief Chance Encounter Is All It Takes For Them To Know That They Belong Together. Ava Tries To Run From Rhett’s Magnetic Pull, But Their Chemistry Is Undeniable. They Each Have Baggage That Weighs Them Down, Threatening To Destroy Their Fragile Happiness.
This is book one of the Blackwood series. The series consists of four books – two duets. Siblings Rhett and Valerie are born into a life of privilege. These are their stories.
The Blackwood series includes:
The Only One Duet:
1. A Reason To Stay (Rhett & Ava’s story, part 1)
2. The Only One (Rhett & Ava’s story, part 2)
Forever Yours Duet:
3. A Reason To Leave (Liam & Valerie’s story, part 1)
4. Forever Yours (Liam & Valerie’s story, part 2)
ABOUT THE BLACKWOOD FAMILY:
Charles and Vivian Blackwood may live a life of opulent luxury, but the Blackwood family’s wealth and connections are new money. An entrepreneur, Charles began working on his fortune after finishing college when he started Blackwood Industries. Today, he is a self-made billionaire. Vivien enjoys working on charity events and dabbles in decoration. Though they are based out of New York, private jets give the family the flexibility to travel at a moment’s notice.
The press follows the Blackwoods’ business pursuits, and the attention spills over into the tabloids occasionally as well. The guest lists for their parties include a who’s who of the rich and famous. Despite all the pressures of high-stakes business deals and the distractions of living in the spotlight, the Blackwoods have a tight family. Charles and Vivian are supportive parents and surprisingly approachable, not hardened by their wealth.
IN THIS BOOK:
The story opens in the fall near Wellesley College, just outside of Boston.
Ava Conner, roughly twenty-one, is hard-working and stubbornly independent. She is beginning her senior year at Wellesley College where she is studying architecture. She fell in love with design as a little girl and is now working on her applications to graduate school. With her best friend since grade school at her side, Ava had left her hometown of Litchfield, Connecticut after graduating from high school three years ago, determined to make her own way in the world. She loves her family dearly, but she learned a hard lesson about depending upon others when she caught her high school boyfriend Chris cheating on her the summer before freshman year. Refusing any financial support from her family, she has worked her way through college ever since.
Ava began waiting tables at Christopher’s her freshman year. Named after its owner and sought-after chef, the high-class restaurant has no trouble drawing customers thanks to it proximity to Boston. It has become a second home of sorts to Ava over the years. She and her co-workers enjoy hanging out after hours, and sometimes her best friend Lizzie joins them. Ava treasures those friendships. Stephen and his younger brother Mike are especially dear – they feel like brothers to her. Stephen is handsome and popular with the women, but he always has time for Ava. Mike is handsome as well, but unlike Stephen, he has a reserved personality and is happier sitting on the sidelines. Despite the long hours devoted to school and work, Ava enjoys the company of her close group of friends.
Ava and Lizzie occasionally return home to Litchfield to catch up with their families. Nana is full of spunk and personality. She dotes on Ava, but she causes endless headaches for Ava’s mother. Ava adores her father, a kind man who exudes a quiet strength. Her mother is now caught up in the wedding planning for Ava’s sister’s wedding. Emily and her fiancé Jackson will finally exchange vows in the spring. Ava is so happy for them; they make a perfect couple. As for Ava, she has not considered dating since Chris broke her heart and her trust. Lizzie teases that Ava lives like a nun, and there is a little truth to it.
When Ava literally runs into a stranger one morning as she rushes to an exam, she finds herself dazed and confused. Just one look, one brief touch, is all it takes to shift her off her axis. After years of immunity to the charms of men, she suddenly finds herself drawn to the handsome and magnetic man. Every time he pops up again she runs, knowing her defenses won’t work against him. Her trust is still shattered, so she shies from making her heart vulnerable again. Eventually, however, she can no longer ignore him.
Rhett Blackwood, twenty-six, recently moved to Boston. After graduating with his master’s degree from Harvard just over three years ago, he went to work with is father at Blackwood Industries in New York City. It was some newer investments in Boston that led to his decision to relocate. Rhett’s name appears in business journals and tabloids alike, where he is pictured with a parade of blondes. One such blonde is Serena Archibald, the daughter of Charles Blackwood’s long-time best friend and business associate.
Ava has been cheated on in the past, so she is reluctant to give in to temptation. She isn’t the only one with misgivings, though; Rhett has also triggered Stephen’s protective instincts. He believes Rhett will leave her broken-hearted just like Chris, and he tries to warn her off. This creates a further complication as Rhett assigns other motives to Stephen.
Serena acts possessive of Rhett, and he allows it, though without encouraging it. Rhett insists he and Serena are strictly friends, but there must be a story he isn’t sharing. Serena appears to be exactly his type. Ava, on the other hand, is a petite brunette, not a blonde supermodel type. She dresses modestly and comes from humble beginnings. She doesn’t understand Rhett’s supposed attraction to her, but denying their insane chemistry is impossible. The couple faces challenges as they struggle to make a relationship work. This story ends in a devastating cliffhanger.
Rhett and Ava’s story concludes in book two, The Only One.
Wow! Rhett and Ava’s story really grew on me. I was not hooked at the beginning. Some of the writing felt too focused on minutia and unimportant things, but it did all build up, until finally, I was hooked. It could easily have been resolved here, but a somewhat manufactured situation assured that a divide would separate the couple. How long that separation lasts remains to be seen. I had not realized the book would have a sequel when I began reading, so it was a bit of a disappointment to discover that at the end. I want to read the second book, though I have some misgivings about the direction it might possibly go. The story really ought to wrap up quickly, but with an entire book ahead, I am afraid to learn what drama they put themselves through before earning their happy ending.
Rhett seems as taken with Ava as she is with him. They feel an unexplainable force that pulls them together. But Ava enters her relationship with Rhett while still suffering from a shattered heart and broken trust. She resists Rhett. When she finally caves to desire, she continues to push back at him at every turn. It seems to drive him crazy, but he never wavers. Everything else in his life seems to fall into place, easily controlled. Ava is the exception. Perhaps that is why they fit so well and feel so strongly about one another. Neither falls into a mold.
Ava is not the same young woman she was when she dated Chris. Her pain has transformed her. Though her confidence was destroyed by him, the pain made her stronger. Her altered heart gives her the strength to not cow to a man, but to stand up for herself instead. She is determined to be independent. She never wants to rely on anyone or give another the power to destroy her. Rhett has in all likelihood had a string of very willing women, so having to work so hard for Ava’s affections is new for him. Her hard-won affections are thus valued and treasured.
Rhett and Ava come from different worlds, but a brief chance encounter is all it takes for them to know that they belong together. Ava tries to run from Rhett’s magnetic pull, but their chemistry is undeniable. They each have baggage that weighs them down, threatening to destroy their fragile happiness. The story is nicely written. The plot is fairly simple. The story is character-driven. The characters are carefully crafted. There is a large cast of characters – including family and friends – that lends a realistic feeling to the story. The story is told in first person in Ava’s POV, with the epilogue in Rhett’s POV. I rate this book four stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is book one of the Blackwood series. The series consists of four books – two duets. Siblings Rhett and Valerie are born into a life of privilege. These are their stories.
The Blackwood series includes:
The Only One Duet:
1. A Reason To Stay (Rhett & Ava’s story, part 1)
2. The Only One (Rhett & Ava’s story, part 2)
Forever Yours Duet:
3. A Reason To Leave (Liam & Valerie’s story, part 1)
4. Forever Yours (Liam & Valerie’s story, part 2)
ABOUT THE BLACKWOOD FAMILY:
Charles and Vivian Blackwood may live a life of opulent luxury, but the Blackwood family’s wealth and connections are new money. An entrepreneur, Charles began working on his fortune after finishing college when he started Blackwood Industries. Today, he is a self-made billionaire. Vivien enjoys working on charity events and dabbles in decoration. Though they are based out of New York, private jets give the family the flexibility to travel at a moment’s notice.
The press follows the Blackwoods’ business pursuits, and the attention spills over into the tabloids occasionally as well. The guest lists for their parties include a who’s who of the rich and famous. Despite all the pressures of high-stakes business deals and the distractions of living in the spotlight, the Blackwoods have a tight family. Charles and Vivian are supportive parents and surprisingly approachable, not hardened by their wealth.
IN THIS BOOK:
The story opens in the fall near Wellesley College, just outside of Boston.
Ava Conner, roughly twenty-one, is hard-working and stubbornly independent. She is beginning her senior year at Wellesley College where she is studying architecture. She fell in love with design as a little girl and is now working on her applications to graduate school. With her best friend since grade school at her side, Ava had left her hometown of Litchfield, Connecticut after graduating from high school three years ago, determined to make her own way in the world. She loves her family dearly, but she learned a hard lesson about depending upon others when she caught her high school boyfriend Chris cheating on her the summer before freshman year. Refusing any financial support from her family, she has worked her way through college ever since.
Ava began waiting tables at Christopher’s her freshman year. Named after its owner and sought-after chef, the high-class restaurant has no trouble drawing customers thanks to it proximity to Boston. It has become a second home of sorts to Ava over the years. She and her co-workers enjoy hanging out after hours, and sometimes her best friend Lizzie joins them. Ava treasures those friendships. Stephen and his younger brother Mike are especially dear – they feel like brothers to her. Stephen is handsome and popular with the women, but he always has time for Ava. Mike is handsome as well, but unlike Stephen, he has a reserved personality and is happier sitting on the sidelines. Despite the long hours devoted to school and work, Ava enjoys the company of her close group of friends.
Ava and Lizzie occasionally return home to Litchfield to catch up with their families. Nana is full of spunk and personality. She dotes on Ava, but she causes endless headaches for Ava’s mother. Ava adores her father, a kind man who exudes a quiet strength. Her mother is now caught up in the wedding planning for Ava’s sister’s wedding. Emily and her fiancé Jackson will finally exchange vows in the spring. Ava is so happy for them; they make a perfect couple. As for Ava, she has not considered dating since Chris broke her heart and her trust. Lizzie teases that Ava lives like a nun, and there is a little truth to it.
When Ava literally runs into a stranger one morning as she rushes to an exam, she finds herself dazed and confused. Just one look, one brief touch, is all it takes to shift her off her axis. After years of immunity to the charms of men, she suddenly finds herself drawn to the handsome and magnetic man. Every time he pops up again she runs, knowing her defenses won’t work against him. Her trust is still shattered, so she shies from making her heart vulnerable again. Eventually, however, she can no longer ignore him.
Rhett Blackwood, twenty-six, recently moved to Boston. After graduating with his master’s degree from Harvard just over three years ago, he went to work with is father at Blackwood Industries in New York City. It was some newer investments in Boston that led to his decision to relocate. Rhett’s name appears in business journals and tabloids alike, where he is pictured with a parade of blondes. One such blonde is Serena Archibald, the daughter of Charles Blackwood’s long-time best friend and business associate.
Ava has been cheated on in the past, so she is reluctant to give in to temptation. She isn’t the only one with misgivings, though; Rhett has also triggered Stephen’s protective instincts. He believes Rhett will leave her broken-hearted just like Chris, and he tries to warn her off. This creates a further complication as Rhett assigns other motives to Stephen.
Serena acts possessive of Rhett, and he allows it, though without encouraging it. Rhett insists he and Serena are strictly friends, but there must be a story he isn’t sharing. Serena appears to be exactly his type. Ava, on the other hand, is a petite brunette, not a blonde supermodel type. She dresses modestly and comes from humble beginnings. She doesn’t understand Rhett’s supposed attraction to her, but denying their insane chemistry is impossible. The couple faces challenges as they struggle to make a relationship work. This story ends in a devastating cliffhanger.
Rhett and Ava’s story concludes in book two, The Only One.
Wow! Rhett and Ava’s story really grew on me. I was not hooked at the beginning. Some of the writing felt too focused on minutia and unimportant things, but it did all build up, until finally, I was hooked. It could easily have been resolved here, but a somewhat manufactured situation assured that a divide would separate the couple. How long that separation lasts remains to be seen. I had not realized the book would have a sequel when I began reading, so it was a bit of a disappointment to discover that at the end. I want to read the second book, though I have some misgivings about the direction it might possibly go. The story really ought to wrap up quickly, but with an entire book ahead, I am afraid to learn what drama they put themselves through before earning their happy ending.
Rhett seems as taken with Ava as she is with him. They feel an unexplainable force that pulls them together. But Ava enters her relationship with Rhett while still suffering from a shattered heart and broken trust. She resists Rhett. When she finally caves to desire, she continues to push back at him at every turn. It seems to drive him crazy, but he never wavers. Everything else in his life seems to fall into place, easily controlled. Ava is the exception. Perhaps that is why they fit so well and feel so strongly about one another. Neither falls into a mold.
Ava is not the same young woman she was when she dated Chris. Her pain has transformed her. Though her confidence was destroyed by him, the pain made her stronger. Her altered heart gives her the strength to not cow to a man, but to stand up for herself instead. She is determined to be independent. She never wants to rely on anyone or give another the power to destroy her. Rhett has in all likelihood had a string of very willing women, so having to work so hard for Ava’s affections is new for him. Her hard-won affections are thus valued and treasured.
Rhett and Ava come from different worlds, but a brief chance encounter is all it takes for them to know that they belong together. Ava tries to run from Rhett’s magnetic pull, but their chemistry is undeniable. They each have baggage that weighs them down, threatening to destroy their fragile happiness. The story is nicely written. The plot is fairly simple. The story is character-driven. The characters are carefully crafted. There is a large cast of characters – including family and friends – that lends a realistic feeling to the story. The story is told in first person in Ava’s POV, with the epilogue in Rhett’s POV. I rate this book four stars.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 30, 2020
I'm going to give this 4 stars. I read it in one day. It was a train wreck that I could not stop reading. Why 4 stars then? There were things I liked and things that were too familiar to me from other novels I'd read. No joke. And the heroine, Ava? Worst part. In some parts of the book she was mature, spot on, independent. In other parts? Immature as HELL. There was just something about her seeing a gorgeous, rich man, Rhett, that made her run like a scared rabbit. The song by The Flock of Seagulls kept playing in my head whenever Ava encountered Rhett (and I ran, I ran so far away.......). Her childishness made me grind my teeth. Maybe girls in high school do this but a so-called independent woman in college paying her way?
Rhett's problem with Serena also made me grind my teeth down to the gums. WHY do men tell you you're the ONLY one, they're only thinking of YOU, but cancel at the last minute because they have a ho hanging on them they can't shake off? He reminded me of a pimp (sorry). He expected Ava to take a back seat, be okay with his ho, believe that there was nothing going on anymore, and expected her to understand that Serena might be hanging on indefinitely. Good grief. Yeah - NO.
This situation reminded me of another novel where this very same thing was happening. Rhett expected Ava to be cool about everything but if she wanted to go somewhere, she had to make sure he was okay with it. Yeah - a pimp.
Her group of friends were pretty great. And her family was hilarious. I loved her Nana. Like I said, there were parts of the book I really did enjoy. Her family was so close and loyal to each other and I appreciated that.
The cliffhanger? I wished I could have just taken Ava and shook her until her teeth rattled. I kept wondering if Ava was all there sometimes. Some of her choices SUCKED to high heaven. I guess that's where the angst in the story comes to make it interesting but it drove me nuts. A misunderstanding that could have been resolved if she had listened.
On to book 2. Yes, I'm going to keep reading this train wreck to see if it gets better.
Rhett's problem with Serena also made me grind my teeth down to the gums. WHY do men tell you you're the ONLY one, they're only thinking of YOU, but cancel at the last minute because they have a ho hanging on them they can't shake off? He reminded me of a pimp (sorry). He expected Ava to take a back seat, be okay with his ho, believe that there was nothing going on anymore, and expected her to understand that Serena might be hanging on indefinitely. Good grief. Yeah - NO.
This situation reminded me of another novel where this very same thing was happening. Rhett expected Ava to be cool about everything but if she wanted to go somewhere, she had to make sure he was okay with it. Yeah - a pimp.
Her group of friends were pretty great. And her family was hilarious. I loved her Nana. Like I said, there were parts of the book I really did enjoy. Her family was so close and loyal to each other and I appreciated that.
The cliffhanger? I wished I could have just taken Ava and shook her until her teeth rattled. I kept wondering if Ava was all there sometimes. Some of her choices SUCKED to high heaven. I guess that's where the angst in the story comes to make it interesting but it drove me nuts. A misunderstanding that could have been resolved if she had listened.
On to book 2. Yes, I'm going to keep reading this train wreck to see if it gets better.
July 25, 2017
This is such a good, well written, true romance. There isn't a lot of hot, sexy, steamy sex scenes to keep the story moving. The story relies on the actions, personalities, and descriptions of the characters to move it along. Ava is a sweet, smart, sassy architecture student in Boston. She and her best friend Lizzie grew up together in Litchfield, CT. Ava comes from a warm loving family while Lizzie's family is barely a part of her life. Ava has recently been burned by a boyfiend and she's a little gun shy of men right now.
Ava works at a fancy, upscale restaurant with her friends that all seem to have her back and she's very close with. They hang out in the bars around campus and play darts at the Hamilton on regular basis.
Rhett and Ava bump into each other a couple of times before they actually decide to get together but from the first instance, running into each other at a coffee shop, they both react in a way that isn't normal for either. Rhett gets immediately "I have to have her" attitude while Ava immediately gets the "no way!" fight or flight response and generally chooses to flee, trying to avoid him. As his persistence continues he does break her down a little bit but he's so controlling and needing to know her every move from the beginning, nearly before they've even kissed, that it's a little off putting and Ava is not into it. Add to that the fact that he comes from a completely different lifestyle than she does and she's not sure how she can fit in with it, you have a good amount of tension building in this romance. Add to that you have a slightly bitchy but stunningly beautiful woman also pursuing Rhett, and you have tensions building that is palpable.
Which woman will win? Will Rhett and Ava be able to overcome these tensions to a smooth sailing romance? It's a beautiful story, not in a wispy, ethereal romance sense but a real sense with lots of sweet, spice, and everything nice.
Ava works at a fancy, upscale restaurant with her friends that all seem to have her back and she's very close with. They hang out in the bars around campus and play darts at the Hamilton on regular basis.
Rhett and Ava bump into each other a couple of times before they actually decide to get together but from the first instance, running into each other at a coffee shop, they both react in a way that isn't normal for either. Rhett gets immediately "I have to have her" attitude while Ava immediately gets the "no way!" fight or flight response and generally chooses to flee, trying to avoid him. As his persistence continues he does break her down a little bit but he's so controlling and needing to know her every move from the beginning, nearly before they've even kissed, that it's a little off putting and Ava is not into it. Add to that the fact that he comes from a completely different lifestyle than she does and she's not sure how she can fit in with it, you have a good amount of tension building in this romance. Add to that you have a slightly bitchy but stunningly beautiful woman also pursuing Rhett, and you have tensions building that is palpable.
Which woman will win? Will Rhett and Ava be able to overcome these tensions to a smooth sailing romance? It's a beautiful story, not in a wispy, ethereal romance sense but a real sense with lots of sweet, spice, and everything nice.
November 18, 2017
I spent the first part of this book wondering just exactly what I’d gotten myself into and how fast I could get myself out of it. But I’d made a commitment and I don’t take those lightly. Somewhere along the line, I’m not totally sure where, I got caught up in Ava and Rhett’s whirlwind romance. Knowing that this book is only the beginning of their story, and having read where the next book picks up, I became desperate to know how it happened. I think Rhett is a love-sick, possessive, oblivious idiot. He places trust where it shouldn’t be and yet doesn’t fully trust the one person he should. Because of her past experiences, Ava is overly sensitive to hints of infidelity. Mind you, there’s truth in that old wisecrack “just because you’re paranoid, doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you.” While she should probably give Rhett more of her trust, some of the people around him are extremely deserving of her suspicion. The supporting cast is filled with wonderful characters that occasionally try to steal the show, and it was so much fun watching them trying to run away with the script.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Shifted Sheets Book Promotions.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Shifted Sheets Book Promotions.
January 17, 2018
Wow! I loved this book. I fell in love with most of the characters, except Serena!! She was a total bitch! I liked Ava and Rhett. They were both strong willed people. And often stubborn. Sometimes I wanted to punch Rhett though, with his high handed demands, then smack Ava for succumbing to him when he manipulated her via sex. That annoyed me quite a bit actually.
I loved the storyline though, it was a great read. Interesting to see Rhett fall to his knees over someone he barely knew.
Oh man, it brought tears to me eyes when I read about Ava's father!! Hit close to home but where as it was her father, it was my mother for me. So I totally understood where she was coming from and feeling.
Totally fell in love with this book and couldn't put it down. I was thrilled when I seen that the next book was available in Kindle Unlimited.
I loved the storyline though, it was a great read. Interesting to see Rhett fall to his knees over someone he barely knew.
Oh man, it brought tears to me eyes when I read about Ava's father!! Hit close to home but where as it was her father, it was my mother for me. So I totally understood where she was coming from and feeling.
Totally fell in love with this book and couldn't put it down. I was thrilled when I seen that the next book was available in Kindle Unlimited.
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