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Risking It All
Kennedy Monroe barely got her foot in her college dorm her freshman year before she was being warned about a certain dark-haired, blue-eyed self-proclaimed Casanova. There were only so many tales of heartache – and incredibly steamy nights – she could listen to before she started to believe them. But after a run in with the most sought after college womanizer, her ill feelings toward him change and soon a friendship forms that surprises everyone.
Twelve years later Kennedy and Memphis Adams are closer than ever - and only friends despite what those around them think, including Kennedy’s boyfriend Ian Brooks. When Kennedy accepts an invitation to vacation in Alaska from Memphis, her relationship with Brooks is tested as is her restraint when it comes to the desire she has always had for her best friend.
Alone with Memphis in Alaska, Kennedy finds it increasingly harder to ignore temptation and wants nothing more than to give into her secret desires with the one man that has always been off limits. But is one night of passion worth the possible risk of losing their friendship over?
Feeling torn between doing the right thing and doing what she wants, Kennedy fears losing her best friend. She knows she needs to sort out her feelings for the two men in her life and deal with the consequences of her actions, but how can she when everything seems to be falling apart so fast? And how much can Memphis take before he’s pushed too far and can no longer take Kennedy’s inability to make a decision about what and who she wants?
Kennedy discovers the harsh reality of how one night can change everything and leave her risking it all.
Twelve years later Kennedy and Memphis Adams are closer than ever - and only friends despite what those around them think, including Kennedy’s boyfriend Ian Brooks. When Kennedy accepts an invitation to vacation in Alaska from Memphis, her relationship with Brooks is tested as is her restraint when it comes to the desire she has always had for her best friend.
Alone with Memphis in Alaska, Kennedy finds it increasingly harder to ignore temptation and wants nothing more than to give into her secret desires with the one man that has always been off limits. But is one night of passion worth the possible risk of losing their friendship over?
Feeling torn between doing the right thing and doing what she wants, Kennedy fears losing her best friend. She knows she needs to sort out her feelings for the two men in her life and deal with the consequences of her actions, but how can she when everything seems to be falling apart so fast? And how much can Memphis take before he’s pushed too far and can no longer take Kennedy’s inability to make a decision about what and who she wants?
Kennedy discovers the harsh reality of how one night can change everything and leave her risking it all.
280 pages, Paperback
First published September 12, 2012
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1038 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Schmidt
6 books66 followersEver since learning to read, Jennifer’s always had a love for books. There’s hardly been a time since second grade that she didn’t have a book in her hand or close by. Her love for the written word soon inspired her to write her own stories. However, it wasn’t until she found an online writing community that she took the first step and, hiding behind a penname, posted her work. After some persuasion from family and friends, Jennifer shed the penname and entered the 2010 TWCS Original Fiction Contest and won for best romance. In 2011, Jennifer published her first novel, Last Call.
When she’s not glued to her laptop making her characters’ lives as chaotic as possible, she’s chasing after her two young sons, Hayden and Nicholas, and doing the “mom thing”.
When she’s not glued to her laptop making her characters’ lives as chaotic as possible, she’s chasing after her two young sons, Hayden and Nicholas, and doing the “mom thing”.
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January 29, 2015
I’m really torn over how to rate this book. I absolutely loved the beginning. A friends to lovers story set 12 years after Kennedy and Memphis met in College, and became instant, if unlikely, friends. It reminded me very much of Travis and Abby from Beautiful Disaster - if they had never actually gotten together. But towards the end, the book dissolved into a love triangle that became a bigger issue than it really needed to be, and turned an otherwise likable heroine into an absolute idiot.
But first the good, and it’s all Memphis. SWOOOON!! Wow, this guy is gorgeous! He’s funny, he’s smart, he’s sexy and although he’s a bit of a man whore (Kennedy says about him - “If it walks, talks, and acts like a girl, then it’s suitable for fucking”), he has a heart of gold, and is incredibly caring and protective of Kennedy.
Kennedy is, initially, a very likeable heroine, and is in a two year long relationship that isn’t really working. She has always had what she considered a ‘crush’ on Memphis, but it’s totally obvious that she’s madly in love with him.
The bond between Kennedy and Memphis is really beautifully written, and there is a really nice build up of sexual tension between them. Then Memphis organises for the two of them to travel to Alaska together for a week and between his dropped hints and Kennedy’s frustration, they fight, and in a brilliant outburst, Kennedy lets her feelings fly…
“Goddamn it, you obviously have no idea the confusion I have going on inside me right now. You’re supposed to be my friend, Memphis. That’s all you’re supposed to be. But now… now all I can think about is how much I want you, how nothing else matters except being with you since that kiss.
So if you’re going to run from me, at least run knowing that it was all about you. I kissed you because I wanted you. And I stopped you from kissing me just now because it scares me how much I want you. But none of that, not the fear, not knowing that in the end we could ruin all these years of being what we are to each other, is enough to stop me from needing you in a way I’ve never needed anyone before.”
…
“Are you done?” His voice was deep and menacing.
“Yes!”
“Good.”
And then it’s all on! Up against the door, no less. Freaking hot! And even though the two of them never actually discuss what’s going on between them, they proceed to steam up their little holiday cabin with little to no thought of life back at home. There are some really beautiful moments here, and I was alternating between fanning myself and swooning completely away.
But then it all just falls to shit. Again, it could all be resolved if they FREAKING TALKED TO EACH OTHER!!! But of course, they don’t. The love triangle (which up until this point didn’t really seem like much of a triangle as Kennedy’s relationship is pretty much in tatters) is suddenly thrust back into the spotlight and drawn out in intensely frustrating detail as Kennedy, who I really liked up until this point, deteriorates into a whiny, indecisive sap who strings both guys along. Memphis’ phone message to her just broke my heart! “Make a choice, beautiful. And call me once you have.” *sniff*
For some reason Kennedy just can't let go of her dysfunctional relationship (she doesn’t even love the guy!). And at the same time she’s battling with her feelings about Memphis - admittedly the best thing in her life - she’s desperate for more with him but terrified to take the chance in case she loses him completely. Why these things are dependent upon each other, I have no idea, but apparently they are. And even though the author does a good job showing Kennedy’s struggle I just didn’t understand her motivations towards the end of the book, when the answer is so freaking obvious, and I ended up completely irritated with her and wanting to slap her stupid!
The big highlight for me was an absolutely brilliant fight scene between Memphis and Kennedy. Memphis absolutely let her have it, and I was cheering and fist-pumping him on the whole way. It was sensational! But then after that, Kennedy just gets even stupider. I actually screeched ‘WHAT THE FUCK’ while contemplating hurling my kindle across the room. Why Kennedy? Why, why, why??? I understand her initial concerns, but I felt it just got drawn out way too long. And in an attempt to prolong the drama, it just got taken to a place that didn’t make sense to me.
All is resolved of course, and there is a HEA, although it seemed very rushed and by that point I was so annoyed with her I was hoping she’d end up alone!
I must warn that I am developing quite the low tolerance for stupidity in my books, so I’m probably a bit jaded, but I’m giving this 3 stars. I really loved it up until about the 70% mark, but that last 30% or so just bought the rest of it down for me I’m afraid.
But first the good, and it’s all Memphis. SWOOOON!! Wow, this guy is gorgeous! He’s funny, he’s smart, he’s sexy and although he’s a bit of a man whore (Kennedy says about him - “If it walks, talks, and acts like a girl, then it’s suitable for fucking”), he has a heart of gold, and is incredibly caring and protective of Kennedy.
Kennedy is, initially, a very likeable heroine, and is in a two year long relationship that isn’t really working. She has always had what she considered a ‘crush’ on Memphis, but it’s totally obvious that she’s madly in love with him.
The bond between Kennedy and Memphis is really beautifully written, and there is a really nice build up of sexual tension between them. Then Memphis organises for the two of them to travel to Alaska together for a week and between his dropped hints and Kennedy’s frustration, they fight, and in a brilliant outburst, Kennedy lets her feelings fly…
“Goddamn it, you obviously have no idea the confusion I have going on inside me right now. You’re supposed to be my friend, Memphis. That’s all you’re supposed to be. But now… now all I can think about is how much I want you, how nothing else matters except being with you since that kiss.
So if you’re going to run from me, at least run knowing that it was all about you. I kissed you because I wanted you. And I stopped you from kissing me just now because it scares me how much I want you. But none of that, not the fear, not knowing that in the end we could ruin all these years of being what we are to each other, is enough to stop me from needing you in a way I’ve never needed anyone before.”
…
“Are you done?” His voice was deep and menacing.
“Yes!”
“Good.”
And then it’s all on! Up against the door, no less. Freaking hot! And even though the two of them never actually discuss what’s going on between them, they proceed to steam up their little holiday cabin with little to no thought of life back at home. There are some really beautiful moments here, and I was alternating between fanning myself and swooning completely away.
But then it all just falls to shit. Again, it could all be resolved if they FREAKING TALKED TO EACH OTHER!!! But of course, they don’t. The love triangle (which up until this point didn’t really seem like much of a triangle as Kennedy’s relationship is pretty much in tatters) is suddenly thrust back into the spotlight and drawn out in intensely frustrating detail as Kennedy, who I really liked up until this point, deteriorates into a whiny, indecisive sap who strings both guys along. Memphis’ phone message to her just broke my heart! “Make a choice, beautiful. And call me once you have.” *sniff*
For some reason Kennedy just can't let go of her dysfunctional relationship (she doesn’t even love the guy!). And at the same time she’s battling with her feelings about Memphis - admittedly the best thing in her life - she’s desperate for more with him but terrified to take the chance in case she loses him completely. Why these things are dependent upon each other, I have no idea, but apparently they are. And even though the author does a good job showing Kennedy’s struggle I just didn’t understand her motivations towards the end of the book, when the answer is so freaking obvious, and I ended up completely irritated with her and wanting to slap her stupid!
The big highlight for me was an absolutely brilliant fight scene between Memphis and Kennedy. Memphis absolutely let her have it, and I was cheering and fist-pumping him on the whole way. It was sensational! But then after that, Kennedy just gets even stupider. I actually screeched ‘WHAT THE FUCK’ while contemplating hurling my kindle across the room. Why Kennedy? Why, why, why??? I understand her initial concerns, but I felt it just got drawn out way too long. And in an attempt to prolong the drama, it just got taken to a place that didn’t make sense to me.
All is resolved of course, and there is a HEA, although it seemed very rushed and by that point I was so annoyed with her I was hoping she’d end up alone!
I must warn that I am developing quite the low tolerance for stupidity in my books, so I’m probably a bit jaded, but I’m giving this 3 stars. I really loved it up until about the 70% mark, but that last 30% or so just bought the rest of it down for me I’m afraid.
September 21, 2012
For whatever reason, I never read the summary past the first paragraph and thought this was a mature YA/new adult book.
Then I went back right before I started and read the summary and glanced briefly at the GR shelving and thought I was going to be reading an erotic book.
If I'd taken more than 10 seconds to look, I would have found that this is a contemporary romance.
Note to self number 1 : figure out what you're reading before you start, so you're not completely puzzled about why you were expecting one thing and getting another.
Note to self number 2 : quit reading books while you're half asleep so you don't forget things the next day and stare at a blank computer screen for 10 minutes trying to figure out what to put in your review.
Note to self number 3 : take a trip to Alaska.
Memphis and Kennedy have been friends for over 10 years. You know, I thought that was a fine starting sentence, until I realized that I'd written Anna instead of Kennedy. Was there even a character named Anna in this book? I don't think there was. It's time to refer back to note number 2 already, I guess...
Okay, back to the review. This was a sweet little friends-to-lovers romance. I thought the idea of using a remote Alaskan resort as a location was a catchy idea. With most romances such as this, the couple would not have left the confines of the bedroom and the setting would have been wasted, but there were a few adventures for Memphis and Kennedy outside of the bedroom. Although, I would have loved to have learned more about the Alaskan setting in the process, other than the basics of the temperature and weather.
Of course, there were going to be a few bumps in the road for this couple before they found their groove. The use of Kennedy's existing relationship as a barrier was not the best way of accomplishing tension though. The readers were clued in from the start that Kennedy was in a bad relationship. Heck, the main character even knew. So even if she was not going to hook up with her best friend, there was no reason for her not to drop the relationship she was in, instead of letting it drag on. The whole situation turned into "conflict for no reason."
I would have preferred Kennedy and Memphis have a different obstacle to finding love other than a side relationship getting in the way. The chemistry was there. The setting was nice. Their back-story was sweet. I just wanted to see more sizzle...perhaps more adventure. It would have been nice to have seen this story get a slight adrenaline boost. If it wasn't going to be with more intense sex scenes, then I would have liked a crazy story twist.
The steam level was pretty good for a contemporary romance. The limited amount of sex scenes were well-written but had me craving more, since we were dancing on the borderline of Kennedy discovering that she liked an extremely alpha male type (in the bedroom at least). In this case, I would have liked to have seen just how far these two would be willing to bend for each other. We got a taste of what things could be, but I think one more added scene with some extra intensity would have been the icing on the cake. While I like a couple who treats each other with friendship and respect, I wanted to see more of the raw desire that had been pent up for over 10 years finally become unleashed in a stronger way.
Sexual content/language ahead.
I would have loved to have seen this attitude (in the bedroom only) pushed stronger to the forefront of the story :
"Mine," he growled as he thrust back in.
"Yes," she groaned, pushing against him as he plunged into her, making him sink even deeper.
"Tell me."
"Yours," she breathed, encouraging him with that one word to fuck her even harder. "I'm yours."
Overall, this was a fine contemporary romance - a pleasant read with decent sex, but there was a slightly weak execution in bringing it all together.
This book was provided from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Then I went back right before I started and read the summary and glanced briefly at the GR shelving and thought I was going to be reading an erotic book.
If I'd taken more than 10 seconds to look, I would have found that this is a contemporary romance.
Note to self number 1 : figure out what you're reading before you start, so you're not completely puzzled about why you were expecting one thing and getting another.
Note to self number 2 : quit reading books while you're half asleep so you don't forget things the next day and stare at a blank computer screen for 10 minutes trying to figure out what to put in your review.
Note to self number 3 : take a trip to Alaska.
Memphis and Kennedy have been friends for over 10 years. You know, I thought that was a fine starting sentence, until I realized that I'd written Anna instead of Kennedy. Was there even a character named Anna in this book? I don't think there was. It's time to refer back to note number 2 already, I guess...
Okay, back to the review. This was a sweet little friends-to-lovers romance. I thought the idea of using a remote Alaskan resort as a location was a catchy idea. With most romances such as this, the couple would not have left the confines of the bedroom and the setting would have been wasted, but there were a few adventures for Memphis and Kennedy outside of the bedroom. Although, I would have loved to have learned more about the Alaskan setting in the process, other than the basics of the temperature and weather.
Of course, there were going to be a few bumps in the road for this couple before they found their groove. The use of Kennedy's existing relationship as a barrier was not the best way of accomplishing tension though. The readers were clued in from the start that Kennedy was in a bad relationship. Heck, the main character even knew. So even if she was not going to hook up with her best friend, there was no reason for her not to drop the relationship she was in, instead of letting it drag on. The whole situation turned into "conflict for no reason."
I would have preferred Kennedy and Memphis have a different obstacle to finding love other than a side relationship getting in the way. The chemistry was there. The setting was nice. Their back-story was sweet. I just wanted to see more sizzle...perhaps more adventure. It would have been nice to have seen this story get a slight adrenaline boost. If it wasn't going to be with more intense sex scenes, then I would have liked a crazy story twist.
The steam level was pretty good for a contemporary romance. The limited amount of sex scenes were well-written but had me craving more, since we were dancing on the borderline of Kennedy discovering that she liked an extremely alpha male type (in the bedroom at least). In this case, I would have liked to have seen just how far these two would be willing to bend for each other. We got a taste of what things could be, but I think one more added scene with some extra intensity would have been the icing on the cake. While I like a couple who treats each other with friendship and respect, I wanted to see more of the raw desire that had been pent up for over 10 years finally become unleashed in a stronger way.
Sexual content/language ahead.
I would have loved to have seen this attitude (in the bedroom only) pushed stronger to the forefront of the story :
"Mine," he growled as he thrust back in.
"Yes," she groaned, pushing against him as he plunged into her, making him sink even deeper.
"Tell me."
"Yours," she breathed, encouraging him with that one word to fuck her even harder. "I'm yours."
Overall, this was a fine contemporary romance - a pleasant read with decent sex, but there was a slightly weak execution in bringing it all together.
This book was provided from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2012
Reviewed at http://toughcriticbookreviews.blogspo...
This book found my "g" spot! BEST FRIEND ROMANCES!
In fact, that's what attracted me to Risking it All to begin with. Nothing's better than BFFFF's (best friends forever finally f**ing). It's like my Christmas!
First, let me tell you the things about the book thatturned me on I loved. Memphis Adams! Sex with Memphis Adams, all things Memphis Adams! Seriously, Jennifer Schmidt knows how to write sex physical intimacy. I really think the flames on the cover came shooting from between my legs! The passion between Memphis and Kennedy, the intensity, the effin camera scene!! Flames straight from my va-jay-jay! BFFFF's!!!
The story would have been so much better if there would have been more friendship development between Memphis and Kennedy. Yes, the book tells us they've been BFF's for years, but I wanted to experience it! Not to mention I wanted to scream, yell, and kick Kennedy in the face...repeatedly. I never understood her, I never understood Ian, I never understood her and Ian.
This book had everything going for it; the best friend romance, scenes that make you want to cry out in ecstasy. But the plot as a whole was disappointing, more specifically, I didn't like how everything came about. It was still a good book and if I knew about the book what I know now, would I have read it? Hells yeah! Memphis made it worth it (I'm definitely not complaining how he came about)!
It was like hooking up with a really hot guy. His performance may have sucked in a few "areas" (not in the good way, lol), but you overlook the fact that you didn't get off because he was totally hot!!! THIS BOOK WAS TOTALLY HOT!!
READ ON!
This book found my "g" spot! BEST FRIEND ROMANCES!
In fact, that's what attracted me to Risking it All to begin with. Nothing's better than BFFFF's (best friends forever finally f**ing). It's like my Christmas!
First, let me tell you the things about the book that
The story would have been so much better if there would have been more friendship development between Memphis and Kennedy. Yes, the book tells us they've been BFF's for years, but I wanted to experience it! Not to mention I wanted to scream, yell, and kick Kennedy in the face...repeatedly. I never understood her, I never understood Ian, I never understood her and Ian.
This book had everything going for it; the best friend romance, scenes that make you want to cry out in ecstasy. But the plot as a whole was disappointing, more specifically, I didn't like how everything came about. It was still a good book and if I knew about the book what I know now, would I have read it? Hells yeah! Memphis made it worth it (I'm definitely not complaining how he came about)!
It was like hooking up with a really hot guy. His performance may have sucked in a few "areas" (not in the good way, lol), but you overlook the fact that you didn't get off because he was totally hot!!! THIS BOOK WAS TOTALLY HOT!!
READ ON!
July 16, 2012
I received Risking it All as an ARC from The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House via Netgalley. Thank you for the opportunity.
I could not be more pleased with this book at this moment. I stayed up until 1am to finish it because I couldn’t put it down. I could not go to sleep and not know what happened!
Kennedy Monroe meets the handsome, charming and womanizing Memphis Adams in college. Firmly stating that she would NOT sleep with him the two become friends, best friends and a friendship that lasts 12 years. Through their relationship they have always been there for one another, supporting and encouraging each others paths in life. Though Kennedy has a boyfriend (Brooks) Memphis is there for her when she needs it the most, and is there for her when Brooks is not.
Memphis a travel photographer, gets an assignment in Alaska which just happens to be the one place Kennedy has been dreaming of going. He invites her to go with him and what we find between these two long time friends is the decision to Risk it All or not.
Memphis and Kennedy have great chemistry, both as friends and more. The way they both know each other so well makes this such an interesting read. I found myself falling in love with Memphis from the beginning and just wanting him to have everything he deserves. Kennedy was really confused with her decision she needed to make and I felt for her, it wasn’t simple though it really seemed that way.
One of my favorite scenes was in the cabin when Kennedy tells Memphis their first kiss wasn’t about Brooks…that scene was so intense it rivaled the speech Holden (Ben Affleck) gives Alyssa (Joey Lauren Adams) in the car in the movie Chasing Amy! There was so much emotion just spilling from her mouth and then when he responds “Are you done?” Holy Hot Sex Scene! Can I get a high five for sex on the wall/door! Goodness that scene was steamy. Ms. Schmidt really has these scenes down; I could not get enough of them. The scenes are not just about sex; they portray the emotion, sensuality, playfulness and down right levels of erotica that had me blushing. I can say that I have never thought of a handicap bathroom being as sexy as I did in this book. I need a fan and a glass of cold water please.
Memphis Adams ranks high on my list of hot, romantic men in books. He is up there with Brian Ross from Rock Me and Kellan Kyle from Thoughtless/Effortless.
Risking it All takes you on a journey of emotions; the ones you wear on your sleeve and the ones you keep deep inside because of fear. Friendship, lust, love, angst, anger, happiness, fear, frustration and more…it is all in this book! The story doesn’t make you feel like a voyeur but draws you in that you become one with the characters. I felt Kennedy’s struggle as well as Memphis trying to do what was right regardless of what he felt. I even felt something for Brooks though it wasn’t kind at all. I cannot get my favorite scenes out of my head and that always leads me to how I will rate the book. I am giving this book 5 stars; I cannot stop thinking about the story and I have taken way too long writing the review because I kept getting lost going over my favorite scenes.
I could not be more pleased with this book at this moment. I stayed up until 1am to finish it because I couldn’t put it down. I could not go to sleep and not know what happened!
Kennedy Monroe meets the handsome, charming and womanizing Memphis Adams in college. Firmly stating that she would NOT sleep with him the two become friends, best friends and a friendship that lasts 12 years. Through their relationship they have always been there for one another, supporting and encouraging each others paths in life. Though Kennedy has a boyfriend (Brooks) Memphis is there for her when she needs it the most, and is there for her when Brooks is not.
Memphis a travel photographer, gets an assignment in Alaska which just happens to be the one place Kennedy has been dreaming of going. He invites her to go with him and what we find between these two long time friends is the decision to Risk it All or not.
Memphis and Kennedy have great chemistry, both as friends and more. The way they both know each other so well makes this such an interesting read. I found myself falling in love with Memphis from the beginning and just wanting him to have everything he deserves. Kennedy was really confused with her decision she needed to make and I felt for her, it wasn’t simple though it really seemed that way.
One of my favorite scenes was in the cabin when Kennedy tells Memphis their first kiss wasn’t about Brooks…that scene was so intense it rivaled the speech Holden (Ben Affleck) gives Alyssa (Joey Lauren Adams) in the car in the movie Chasing Amy! There was so much emotion just spilling from her mouth and then when he responds “Are you done?” Holy Hot Sex Scene! Can I get a high five for sex on the wall/door! Goodness that scene was steamy. Ms. Schmidt really has these scenes down; I could not get enough of them. The scenes are not just about sex; they portray the emotion, sensuality, playfulness and down right levels of erotica that had me blushing. I can say that I have never thought of a handicap bathroom being as sexy as I did in this book. I need a fan and a glass of cold water please.
Memphis Adams ranks high on my list of hot, romantic men in books. He is up there with Brian Ross from Rock Me and Kellan Kyle from Thoughtless/Effortless.
Risking it All takes you on a journey of emotions; the ones you wear on your sleeve and the ones you keep deep inside because of fear. Friendship, lust, love, angst, anger, happiness, fear, frustration and more…it is all in this book! The story doesn’t make you feel like a voyeur but draws you in that you become one with the characters. I felt Kennedy’s struggle as well as Memphis trying to do what was right regardless of what he felt. I even felt something for Brooks though it wasn’t kind at all. I cannot get my favorite scenes out of my head and that always leads me to how I will rate the book. I am giving this book 5 stars; I cannot stop thinking about the story and I have taken way too long writing the review because I kept getting lost going over my favorite scenes.
August 21, 2012
I think I have grown up. Perhaps this type of book would have appealed to me more at a different stage of my life. Or then perhaps not.
Kennedy and Memphis. So who's the Hero, who's the Heroine? I had a problem with these androgynous character names. I am not familiar with American names and I got lost in who was was who, constantly having to remind myself that Kennedy's the girl, Memphis...oh right the guy. Painful!
Memphis (the guy) is a sexy Casanova who decided to be just friends with Kennedy (she's the girl). Seeing something in her that was worth more than a one night stand. I liked Memphis, he was a good guy, a great friend.
Kennedy was just one on those heroines that you would like to punch in the head. Honestly, she needed to grow a set. There was absolutely nothing that endeared me to her. She was immature, manipulative and selfish. I skimmed so many of her ramblings, because really Kennedy? I just didn't care!
At about 22% in I started thinking about taking a long walk off a short pier to wake up! I was a wandering in my head again. The only emotion I felt was ennui.
I've read this all before. It's nothing new, nothing to get me all fired up. That was until I dragged my mind back from the fog at about 80% when the Memphis (the guy) decided to see the light and Kennedy managed to annoy me even more with her indecisive selfishness. I'm not a fan of the love triangle, but I get it when it's worthy of a fight or when the indecision is warranted. Kennedy confessed to what and who she wanted halfway through, so why then for the next half of the book do we have to be regaled with her BS?
There was far too many negative emotions in this novel that only fed my annoyance and frustration. I've never felt so relieved to finish a book.
I really do not like rating a book so low. I understand how much work goes into a novel. So when I do rate a book negatively, it is because it left me feeling unhappy, annoyed and angry that I wasted my time. In this case it has no reflection on the Author's writing ability. It has everything to do with the plot and characters. It just was not for me. Not at all.
Sent to me for an honest unbiased review from the publisher via netgally.
Kennedy and Memphis. So who's the Hero, who's the Heroine? I had a problem with these androgynous character names. I am not familiar with American names and I got lost in who was was who, constantly having to remind myself that Kennedy's the girl, Memphis...oh right the guy. Painful!
Memphis (the guy) is a sexy Casanova who decided to be just friends with Kennedy (she's the girl). Seeing something in her that was worth more than a one night stand. I liked Memphis, he was a good guy, a great friend.
Kennedy was just one on those heroines that you would like to punch in the head. Honestly, she needed to grow a set. There was absolutely nothing that endeared me to her. She was immature, manipulative and selfish. I skimmed so many of her ramblings, because really Kennedy? I just didn't care!
At about 22% in I started thinking about taking a long walk off a short pier to wake up! I was a wandering in my head again. The only emotion I felt was ennui.
I've read this all before. It's nothing new, nothing to get me all fired up. That was until I dragged my mind back from the fog at about 80% when the Memphis (the guy) decided to see the light and Kennedy managed to annoy me even more with her indecisive selfishness. I'm not a fan of the love triangle, but I get it when it's worthy of a fight or when the indecision is warranted. Kennedy confessed to what and who she wanted halfway through, so why then for the next half of the book do we have to be regaled with her BS?
There was far too many negative emotions in this novel that only fed my annoyance and frustration. I've never felt so relieved to finish a book.
I really do not like rating a book so low. I understand how much work goes into a novel. So when I do rate a book negatively, it is because it left me feeling unhappy, annoyed and angry that I wasted my time. In this case it has no reflection on the Author's writing ability. It has everything to do with the plot and characters. It just was not for me. Not at all.
Sent to me for an honest unbiased review from the publisher via netgally.
July 19, 2012
3.75 Stars
You’re about as close as I’ll have to a wife, anyway, I’m sure.
First off, thank you to the Writer’s Coffee Shop for allowing me to read this ARC. I was so excited to read this and I am ecstatic to have been given the opportunity. Thank you!
Okay, where to begin, where to begin… I’ve always been a fan of love stories that involve two long time friends. When one of those friends happens to have had a reputation as a college Casanova with commitment issues, well, the story just got more interesting.
Kennedy first met Memphis Adams in college. She was well aware of his reputation, so when they met, Memphis’ charms didn’t really have the desired effect he wanted. Instead of being another notch in Memphis’ bedpost, they ended up being each other’s best friend. Fast forward twelve years and their friendship is as strong as ever. Memphis’ travels the world as a photographer, while Kennedy builds up her career as a painter and sculptor. No matter where Memphis is, he has always travel back home to be there for Kennedy. While he remains single, Kennedy has been in a relationship with Ian Brooks for the past two years. Brooks is thirteen years older than Kennedy and he has a very busy career as a Doctor. Memphis and Brooks do not get along. Brooks has always been suspicious of their friendship, while Memphis doesn’t approve of the fact that, Brooks always picks work before Kennedy.
Memphis is in between assignments, when he comes home. While catching up with Kennedy, he informs her that his next assignment is in Alaska, taking photographs for a resort that will soon open. Kennedy, having seen Memphis’ photos of his previous assignments in Alaska, has always dreamed of going there. Memphis makes a deal with the resort owner and is able to invite Kennedy along for the trip. She wants to go, but knowing Brooks’ reaction deters her from screaming out an immediate “yes!” Meanwhile, her career is taking off and soon finds her work up for display in an upcoming showing at an art gallery. This is a huge moment for her. When the big day arrives, Memphis is there, but where is Brooks? The good ole Doctor doesn’t show up. She has had it with his constant stream of excuses and decides that this trip to Alaska might be the space she needs to think about things. However, when discussing the situation with Brooks to Memphis, she inadvertently asks Memphis to kiss her. He does and that’s when things start to get interesting. So what happens in Alaska? What about Brooks? Is she willing to risk it all, their friendship, and her relationship with Brooks, to be with Memphis?
The drama in this story was laid on thick. There were times where I was left severely frustrated with both Memphis and Kennedy. They kept on giving each other mixed signals and not clarifying any of them. The phrase, “what did you mean by that?” must have been said dozens of times, without neither of them answering it. Ugh! However, when they finally succumb to the inevitable, man, oh, man was it hot.
Overall, I really liked the story, but I didn’t outright love it. Memphis is very swoon-worthy and any girl having a best friend like that would likely risk it all to be with him. He was extremely sweet and caring towards Kennedy. To say they have a strong friendship is an understatement. The story was relatable and I was able to understand Kennedy’s hesitation, but I did find myself getting flustered at her lack of balls, so to speak. lol. The ending felt a little rushed and I wanted just a little more. However, they did get their HEA, which made me happy and giddy, and that itself made this journey worthwhile.
You’re about as close as I’ll have to a wife, anyway, I’m sure.
First off, thank you to the Writer’s Coffee Shop for allowing me to read this ARC. I was so excited to read this and I am ecstatic to have been given the opportunity. Thank you!
Okay, where to begin, where to begin… I’ve always been a fan of love stories that involve two long time friends. When one of those friends happens to have had a reputation as a college Casanova with commitment issues, well, the story just got more interesting.
Kennedy first met Memphis Adams in college. She was well aware of his reputation, so when they met, Memphis’ charms didn’t really have the desired effect he wanted. Instead of being another notch in Memphis’ bedpost, they ended up being each other’s best friend. Fast forward twelve years and their friendship is as strong as ever. Memphis’ travels the world as a photographer, while Kennedy builds up her career as a painter and sculptor. No matter where Memphis is, he has always travel back home to be there for Kennedy. While he remains single, Kennedy has been in a relationship with Ian Brooks for the past two years. Brooks is thirteen years older than Kennedy and he has a very busy career as a Doctor. Memphis and Brooks do not get along. Brooks has always been suspicious of their friendship, while Memphis doesn’t approve of the fact that, Brooks always picks work before Kennedy.
Memphis is in between assignments, when he comes home. While catching up with Kennedy, he informs her that his next assignment is in Alaska, taking photographs for a resort that will soon open. Kennedy, having seen Memphis’ photos of his previous assignments in Alaska, has always dreamed of going there. Memphis makes a deal with the resort owner and is able to invite Kennedy along for the trip. She wants to go, but knowing Brooks’ reaction deters her from screaming out an immediate “yes!” Meanwhile, her career is taking off and soon finds her work up for display in an upcoming showing at an art gallery. This is a huge moment for her. When the big day arrives, Memphis is there, but where is Brooks? The good ole Doctor doesn’t show up. She has had it with his constant stream of excuses and decides that this trip to Alaska might be the space she needs to think about things. However, when discussing the situation with Brooks to Memphis, she inadvertently asks Memphis to kiss her. He does and that’s when things start to get interesting. So what happens in Alaska? What about Brooks? Is she willing to risk it all, their friendship, and her relationship with Brooks, to be with Memphis?
The drama in this story was laid on thick. There were times where I was left severely frustrated with both Memphis and Kennedy. They kept on giving each other mixed signals and not clarifying any of them. The phrase, “what did you mean by that?” must have been said dozens of times, without neither of them answering it. Ugh! However, when they finally succumb to the inevitable, man, oh, man was it hot.
Overall, I really liked the story, but I didn’t outright love it. Memphis is very swoon-worthy and any girl having a best friend like that would likely risk it all to be with him. He was extremely sweet and caring towards Kennedy. To say they have a strong friendship is an understatement. The story was relatable and I was able to understand Kennedy’s hesitation, but I did find myself getting flustered at her lack of balls, so to speak. lol. The ending felt a little rushed and I wanted just a little more. However, they did get their HEA, which made me happy and giddy, and that itself made this journey worthwhile.
August 25, 2012
I wanted to like this book, really, I did. And the writing itself is not bad, but the plot and the characterizations in this novel drove me batty.
Kennedy and Memphis have been best friends since college. He's a bit of a Casanova, don't-tie-me-down kinda guy, and she's pretending to be an adult, reading possibly too much into the warnings to stay out of his bed because he is rumored to just use and discard women. Fast forward 12 years, Kennedy is dating Brooks, a doctor, who's as one-dimensional as you can get, and not happy in the relationship.
Afraid to rock the boat and possibly end up alone, she whines and complains to Memphis about Brooks (over and over), yet refuses to take his advice or that of her friend Vanessa to just end things with the doctor. When the good doctor doesn't show up for her first art show, she decides that kissing Memphis is a good idea.
Miscommunication and confusion ensues.
Then Memphis invites her on a trip to Alaska, where he's going to shoot photos of a new resort. It is there that the two hook up and have sex. Multiple times, each time being in response to some misunderstanding between the two of them. Kennedy is one of the stupidest heroines I've read in a while, and Memphis, with his wishy-washy comments isn't helping the situation.
Then Kennedy leaves Alaska early, Brooks shows up with flowers and an apology, and she decides to give him another chance, which culminates in restaurant sex with Memphis, an engagement ring from Brooks and a huge fight between Kennedy and Memphis, upon which he terminates the friendship and she accepts the good doctor's proposal.
I couldn't stand Kennedy at all, and Memphis wasn't much better. They are both so obtuse that it almost seemed as if they were doing this dance on purpose, and being in Kennedy's head (with all her whining and self-doubts and OMG, he doesn't want me and OMG, this could ruin our friendship but let me have sex with him anyway) got really tiring about halfway through.
The finale reads like a bad romance, and even the fact that Memphis and Kennedy finally had a real conversation and were brutally honest didn't do anything to save this book for me.
This had much potential as a friends-turned-lovers book, but the execution of that potential failed in my eyes.
While this sort of story may have appealed to me in my younger years, I couldn't get past the sheer stupidity of the characters' actions, nor the fact that they are supposedly in their thirties when this story takes place.
If you like your romance with a lot of angst and drama, and don't mind a TSTL heroine, this might be a book for you.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Kennedy and Memphis have been best friends since college. He's a bit of a Casanova, don't-tie-me-down kinda guy, and she's pretending to be an adult, reading possibly too much into the warnings to stay out of his bed because he is rumored to just use and discard women. Fast forward 12 years, Kennedy is dating Brooks, a doctor, who's as one-dimensional as you can get, and not happy in the relationship.
Afraid to rock the boat and possibly end up alone, she whines and complains to Memphis about Brooks (over and over), yet refuses to take his advice or that of her friend Vanessa to just end things with the doctor. When the good doctor doesn't show up for her first art show, she decides that kissing Memphis is a good idea.
Miscommunication and confusion ensues.
Then Memphis invites her on a trip to Alaska, where he's going to shoot photos of a new resort. It is there that the two hook up and have sex. Multiple times, each time being in response to some misunderstanding between the two of them. Kennedy is one of the stupidest heroines I've read in a while, and Memphis, with his wishy-washy comments isn't helping the situation.
Then Kennedy leaves Alaska early, Brooks shows up with flowers and an apology, and she decides to give him another chance, which culminates in restaurant sex with Memphis, an engagement ring from Brooks and a huge fight between Kennedy and Memphis, upon which he terminates the friendship and she accepts the good doctor's proposal.
I couldn't stand Kennedy at all, and Memphis wasn't much better. They are both so obtuse that it almost seemed as if they were doing this dance on purpose, and being in Kennedy's head (with all her whining and self-doubts and OMG, he doesn't want me and OMG, this could ruin our friendship but let me have sex with him anyway) got really tiring about halfway through.
The finale reads like a bad romance, and even the fact that Memphis and Kennedy finally had a real conversation and were brutally honest didn't do anything to save this book for me.
This had much potential as a friends-turned-lovers book, but the execution of that potential failed in my eyes.
While this sort of story may have appealed to me in my younger years, I couldn't get past the sheer stupidity of the characters' actions, nor the fact that they are supposedly in their thirties when this story takes place.
If you like your romance with a lot of angst and drama, and don't mind a TSTL heroine, this might be a book for you.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
![Profile Image for Michelle [Helen Geek].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1448463806i%2F5557851._CR0%2C13%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
September 10, 2012
**** ADDITIONAL POSTING INFORMATION COMING SOON ****
Overall Rating: DNF after 60% read [1.5]
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 1 / 3 = total of 2
Writer’s Voice = 2
Character Development = 3
Story Appreciation = 1
Worth the Chili = 1 [ARC from Pub via Netgalley, but didn’t finish]
Well the premise was good. And the book started pretty good. I read to the 60% mark and didn’t see it going anywhere really. Bored me silly.
We had Kennedy Monroe and Memphis Adams. They meet in college. He is a “bad boy”, and she is immediately attracted to him, but decides she isn’t going to be a Memphis statistic. Through a series of unimportant and uninteresting events, they decide to become good friends, then eventually best friends…
Three things I liked about this book:
1.) I liked Memphis, but his story didn’t move along fast enough for me and then it got bogged down with Kennedy.
2.) The first few pages, a chapter or so, I liked Kennedy, until I didn’t. I think I’m in a heroine rut lately. We have these people [fem characters] who can’t seem to make up their mind. They act immature, undecided and display a total lack of courage. This is exactly how I would describe Kennedy. She couldn’t make up her mind. And, she was supposed to be the BFF of Memphis, but there was so many wrong signals and mis-communication between these two and largely due to Kennedy. I liked Kennedy for about 5 minutes.
3.) This is one of those books where you may be better off sticking with the book blurb and forgetting the book. So, yes, the book blurb isn’t half bad.
What three things did I not like or not appreciate:
1.) This story was going nowhere. If you read the blurb you have it. Nothing more interesting or involved than this. I read more than I should have, because I liked Memphis. Don’t you hate when you have a halfway decent character caught up in a crap book? I felt sorry for Memphis, but just couldn’t hang any longer.
2.) Kennedy was beyond annoying. She really had these internal struggles, for no reason really other than she was a nitwit. She had a doctor boyfriend who treated her like she was nothing, but she has these discussions with herself about the status of their relationship. What relationship? Then, she has this really cool best friend who she loves, but treats like crap, then love, then treats like crap. It was a true yo-yo scenario. She lacked depth in her character, she was immature, she really was pretty stupid, just not worth my time.
3.) This one was an ARC from the publisher, “The Writer’s Coffee Shop”, via Netgalley, so I’m not sure how much it will cost. It isn’t listed on Amazon yet, but another by this author is on Amazon and is listed for $10. Obviously, I wouldn’t pay much for this book because I didn’t finish it. A new author and a mediocre storyline is not worth $10. I’m not a good judge of the “price point” for this book, but no eBook is worth $10.
I had the ARC for a while, but just wasn’t in the mood to read it. Others I know have read and liked this book, but it didn’t appeal to me at all. I can’t recommend a book I don’t finish. My advice is to read the blurb to see if it appeals then based on price, make your decision. And, remember, for me, the blurb was the best part...
I don’t think you will be Happy Reading this one!
I want to thank Netgalley and “The Writer’s Coffee Shop” for advancing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
++++++++++++++++++
ARC buddy read.
Overall Rating: DNF after 60% read [1.5]
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 1 / 3 = total of 2
Writer’s Voice = 2
Character Development = 3
Story Appreciation = 1
Worth the Chili = 1 [ARC from Pub via Netgalley, but didn’t finish]
Well the premise was good. And the book started pretty good. I read to the 60% mark and didn’t see it going anywhere really. Bored me silly.
We had Kennedy Monroe and Memphis Adams. They meet in college. He is a “bad boy”, and she is immediately attracted to him, but decides she isn’t going to be a Memphis statistic. Through a series of unimportant and uninteresting events, they decide to become good friends, then eventually best friends…
Three things I liked about this book:
1.) I liked Memphis, but his story didn’t move along fast enough for me and then it got bogged down with Kennedy.
2.) The first few pages, a chapter or so, I liked Kennedy, until I didn’t. I think I’m in a heroine rut lately. We have these people [fem characters] who can’t seem to make up their mind. They act immature, undecided and display a total lack of courage. This is exactly how I would describe Kennedy. She couldn’t make up her mind. And, she was supposed to be the BFF of Memphis, but there was so many wrong signals and mis-communication between these two and largely due to Kennedy. I liked Kennedy for about 5 minutes.
3.) This is one of those books where you may be better off sticking with the book blurb and forgetting the book. So, yes, the book blurb isn’t half bad.
What three things did I not like or not appreciate:
1.) This story was going nowhere. If you read the blurb you have it. Nothing more interesting or involved than this. I read more than I should have, because I liked Memphis. Don’t you hate when you have a halfway decent character caught up in a crap book? I felt sorry for Memphis, but just couldn’t hang any longer.
2.) Kennedy was beyond annoying. She really had these internal struggles, for no reason really other than she was a nitwit. She had a doctor boyfriend who treated her like she was nothing, but she has these discussions with herself about the status of their relationship. What relationship? Then, she has this really cool best friend who she loves, but treats like crap, then love, then treats like crap. It was a true yo-yo scenario. She lacked depth in her character, she was immature, she really was pretty stupid, just not worth my time.
3.) This one was an ARC from the publisher, “The Writer’s Coffee Shop”, via Netgalley, so I’m not sure how much it will cost. It isn’t listed on Amazon yet, but another by this author is on Amazon and is listed for $10. Obviously, I wouldn’t pay much for this book because I didn’t finish it. A new author and a mediocre storyline is not worth $10. I’m not a good judge of the “price point” for this book, but no eBook is worth $10.
I had the ARC for a while, but just wasn’t in the mood to read it. Others I know have read and liked this book, but it didn’t appeal to me at all. I can’t recommend a book I don’t finish. My advice is to read the blurb to see if it appeals then based on price, make your decision. And, remember, for me, the blurb was the best part...
I don’t think you will be Happy Reading this one!
I want to thank Netgalley and “The Writer’s Coffee Shop” for advancing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
++++++++++++++++++
ARC buddy read.
July 30, 2014
I find it so pissing off that authors being women can even write such characters of a shallow spineless dependable women. I mean have some self-respect.
We like feisty bitches, not whiney pussies.
THIS BOOK PISSED THE SHIT OUT OF ME.
After reading such books, my reaching is always like *looking up to the sky and mumbling* Why am I a girl? They suck! They think from their fucking vaginas.
The main character sucked. I mean Kennedy was HORRIBLE; even that word doesn't do her character justice.
She is just the person you'd want to bitch slap very very very hard. Kennedy totally reminded me of a doormat.
I only liked Memphis' character and even his name was a little blah.. I mean it only reminded me of the dog from Heaven and Hell by KA
Btw, I really liked Memphis. He was smart, and everything wonderful. And kinda perfect.
About the book, some parts were weird. I mean they are talking about one thing for a moment then the next second they jump onto a totally different area of dialogue. It was chaotic.
Didn't work me for me.. other than bringing my blood pressure up and frustrating this book did nothing for me.
Disappointed.
We like feisty bitches, not whiney pussies.
THIS BOOK PISSED THE SHIT OUT OF ME.
After reading such books, my reaching is always like *looking up to the sky and mumbling* Why am I a girl? They suck! They think from their fucking vaginas.
The main character sucked. I mean Kennedy was HORRIBLE; even that word doesn't do her character justice.
She is just the person you'd want to bitch slap very very very hard. Kennedy totally reminded me of a doormat.
I only liked Memphis' character and even his name was a little blah.. I mean it only reminded me of the dog from Heaven and Hell by KA
Btw, I really liked Memphis. He was smart, and everything wonderful. And kinda perfect.
About the book, some parts were weird. I mean they are talking about one thing for a moment then the next second they jump onto a totally different area of dialogue. It was chaotic.
Didn't work me for me.. other than bringing my blood pressure up and frustrating this book did nothing for me.
Disappointed.
November 28, 2012
Kennedy Monroe was warned away from bad boy Memphis Adams in her first year of university; she had only to watch all of his bitter and dejected one night stand's to see why. But when she met him, she found herself becoming his friend instead of his latest conquest - and the two have been best friends ever since.
Twelve years have gone by since that first meeting, and with Memphis's support Kennedy has finally made it as an artist with her own exhibition - never mind what her parents wanted her to do. Memphis is a successful photographer for a travel magazine, and gets to fly around the world to snap locations - and he's still a commitment-phobe, or so Kennedy has always believed. Kennedy doesn't have that problem: for two years now she's been going out with the head neurosurgeon at Vancouver General Hospital, Ian Brooks. Over a decade older than her, he seems to be everything she wants, and yet his job always comes first and he never wants to talk about the baby they lost just months into their relationship, no matter how devastated Kennedy is by the loss.
Things become even rockier with Brooks when he forgets to turn up for the opening of her exhibition, while Memphis is, of course, there for her. When Memphis tells her he's going to Alaska again to photograph a new resort and talked the owner into letting him bring a guest, Kennedy jumps at the chance. She's never travelled, and has wanted to see Alaska since she saw the photos from his previous trip. And it will give her time to decide whether she will keep trying with Brooks or simply end it, though her feelings are even more confused after the drunken kiss she shared with Memphis the night of her exhibition.
In Alaska, things change between the best friends, when their growing sexual tension explodes into fulfilment. But what does it mean, really? Kennedy is now torn between her best friend and her boyfriend. She'd like nothing more than to be with Memphis, but she doesn't believe he's looking for something long-term and permanent, whereas Brooks is stable, predictable. Mostly. Things get even messier when she returns early to Vancouver and Brooks wants to start over. Kennedy's fear of being alone threatens to cause her to make a decision she will always regret.
This is an intense, emotionally-taught story in the vein of Beautiful Disaster and similar contemporary romances, with boiling sexual tension and some serious angst. I have a mixed reaction to this, as I usually do with such stories: on the one hand, I loved the sexual tension, it was practically throbbing on the page, and I easily let myself get sucked into the story, like watching a soap opera (which I don't do - this is as close as I get). But the angst was so much, and Kennedy's flaws, her insecurities and the things she put the two men through because of them, did make me gnash my teeth. I tend to look on the positive side: I cared enough to be annoyed. Nothing worse than reading a book and feeling completely disinterested.
The drama - or melodrama, as you could easily call it - was something I enjoyed while reading it, and afterwards felt a bit surprised at myself for getting into it as much as I did. I put the success of that down to Schmidt's compulsive writing style, which flows well from scene to scene and has that dose of realism that really makes it come alive in your head. It's easy to visualise the story, and get caught up in the characters' lives.
But Kennedy, oh Kennedy! She has me conflicted because, adhering to that realism I mentioned above, she's a likeable character, a woman who's worked hard to be independent and follow her own interests and make a career out of it. She values her friendships. She respects Memphis even though she secretly thinks he's a womaniser. And I could empathise with - or at least understand - why she stuck it out with Brooks. Even though they weren't living together, Kennedy's fears and insecurities around losing him and being alone were understandable, even if they were too often the basis of causing hurt to others - including Brooks. Her fears were all too understandable, including her worry about giving in to the intense sexual tension between her and Memphis - introducing sex could destroy their friendship, and she doesn't feel that she could live with that.
You can see Kennedy's flaws clearly from early on, her fears, but it takes Memphis pointing them out to her in a moment of raw honesty for her to really own up to them. By that point, I wanted to shake her myself, and I was proud of Memphis for putting his foot down and stopping her from dicking him around constantly. She was getting ridiculous. But Memphis himself could have helped by being clear about his feelings and motivations and hopes for the future - though, if he had, Kennedy wouldn't have learnt her lesson and stopped using people to plug her own hole of fear. Still, whenever I read stories with seemingly needless misunderstandings and the heartache that ensues, I tend to get a bit frustrated. One of the key ingredients in a relationship is open communication, and when none of the characters practices it, I start to wonder whether they can work as a couple at all. But I think there are a lot of people like Kennedy and Memphis.
Memphis was perhaps the real strength of the novel. He is a fantastic romantic lead, revealing a vulnerable, sensitive side at key moments, ferocious in bed, intensely charismatic and so clearly in love with Kennedy, even if she can't see it (and he does a good job of dissembling and protecting himself from rejection). His character is revealed in the small, thoughtful details, and while he has his moments of over-reacting too, he gets my respect for owning up to it and apologising once he's cooled down. He's not domineering, and while that final scene the night Brooks proposes is heartbreaking, it's also cleansing, and increased my respect for Memphis even more. He wasn't going to let Kennedy use him forever, and toy with him. She needed that, boy did she need that. It has to be one of the most satisfying yet sad scenes I've read in ages. What makes it work exceptionally well, is that you can see - and feel - from the beginning that these two should be together, that they make each other better people, complement each other, make each other happy. Without that, the story would never have worked, and their chemistry is spot-on.
As a romance, it was highly satisfying. It hit all the marks, even the ones I don't care for. As a drama, likewise. This will be compulsive, engrossing reading for people who enjoyed dramatic romance, or should we call them "intense love stories full of drama, gentle tender moments, real life and flawed characters, and incredible chemistry". That works. I definitely enjoyed it, and I look forward to reading more by Schmidt.
My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Netgalley.
Twelve years have gone by since that first meeting, and with Memphis's support Kennedy has finally made it as an artist with her own exhibition - never mind what her parents wanted her to do. Memphis is a successful photographer for a travel magazine, and gets to fly around the world to snap locations - and he's still a commitment-phobe, or so Kennedy has always believed. Kennedy doesn't have that problem: for two years now she's been going out with the head neurosurgeon at Vancouver General Hospital, Ian Brooks. Over a decade older than her, he seems to be everything she wants, and yet his job always comes first and he never wants to talk about the baby they lost just months into their relationship, no matter how devastated Kennedy is by the loss.
Things become even rockier with Brooks when he forgets to turn up for the opening of her exhibition, while Memphis is, of course, there for her. When Memphis tells her he's going to Alaska again to photograph a new resort and talked the owner into letting him bring a guest, Kennedy jumps at the chance. She's never travelled, and has wanted to see Alaska since she saw the photos from his previous trip. And it will give her time to decide whether she will keep trying with Brooks or simply end it, though her feelings are even more confused after the drunken kiss she shared with Memphis the night of her exhibition.
In Alaska, things change between the best friends, when their growing sexual tension explodes into fulfilment. But what does it mean, really? Kennedy is now torn between her best friend and her boyfriend. She'd like nothing more than to be with Memphis, but she doesn't believe he's looking for something long-term and permanent, whereas Brooks is stable, predictable. Mostly. Things get even messier when she returns early to Vancouver and Brooks wants to start over. Kennedy's fear of being alone threatens to cause her to make a decision she will always regret.
This is an intense, emotionally-taught story in the vein of Beautiful Disaster and similar contemporary romances, with boiling sexual tension and some serious angst. I have a mixed reaction to this, as I usually do with such stories: on the one hand, I loved the sexual tension, it was practically throbbing on the page, and I easily let myself get sucked into the story, like watching a soap opera (which I don't do - this is as close as I get). But the angst was so much, and Kennedy's flaws, her insecurities and the things she put the two men through because of them, did make me gnash my teeth. I tend to look on the positive side: I cared enough to be annoyed. Nothing worse than reading a book and feeling completely disinterested.
The drama - or melodrama, as you could easily call it - was something I enjoyed while reading it, and afterwards felt a bit surprised at myself for getting into it as much as I did. I put the success of that down to Schmidt's compulsive writing style, which flows well from scene to scene and has that dose of realism that really makes it come alive in your head. It's easy to visualise the story, and get caught up in the characters' lives.
But Kennedy, oh Kennedy! She has me conflicted because, adhering to that realism I mentioned above, she's a likeable character, a woman who's worked hard to be independent and follow her own interests and make a career out of it. She values her friendships. She respects Memphis even though she secretly thinks he's a womaniser. And I could empathise with - or at least understand - why she stuck it out with Brooks. Even though they weren't living together, Kennedy's fears and insecurities around losing him and being alone were understandable, even if they were too often the basis of causing hurt to others - including Brooks. Her fears were all too understandable, including her worry about giving in to the intense sexual tension between her and Memphis - introducing sex could destroy their friendship, and she doesn't feel that she could live with that.
You can see Kennedy's flaws clearly from early on, her fears, but it takes Memphis pointing them out to her in a moment of raw honesty for her to really own up to them. By that point, I wanted to shake her myself, and I was proud of Memphis for putting his foot down and stopping her from dicking him around constantly. She was getting ridiculous. But Memphis himself could have helped by being clear about his feelings and motivations and hopes for the future - though, if he had, Kennedy wouldn't have learnt her lesson and stopped using people to plug her own hole of fear. Still, whenever I read stories with seemingly needless misunderstandings and the heartache that ensues, I tend to get a bit frustrated. One of the key ingredients in a relationship is open communication, and when none of the characters practices it, I start to wonder whether they can work as a couple at all. But I think there are a lot of people like Kennedy and Memphis.
Memphis was perhaps the real strength of the novel. He is a fantastic romantic lead, revealing a vulnerable, sensitive side at key moments, ferocious in bed, intensely charismatic and so clearly in love with Kennedy, even if she can't see it (and he does a good job of dissembling and protecting himself from rejection). His character is revealed in the small, thoughtful details, and while he has his moments of over-reacting too, he gets my respect for owning up to it and apologising once he's cooled down. He's not domineering, and while that final scene the night Brooks proposes is heartbreaking, it's also cleansing, and increased my respect for Memphis even more. He wasn't going to let Kennedy use him forever, and toy with him. She needed that, boy did she need that. It has to be one of the most satisfying yet sad scenes I've read in ages. What makes it work exceptionally well, is that you can see - and feel - from the beginning that these two should be together, that they make each other better people, complement each other, make each other happy. Without that, the story would never have worked, and their chemistry is spot-on.
As a romance, it was highly satisfying. It hit all the marks, even the ones I don't care for. As a drama, likewise. This will be compulsive, engrossing reading for people who enjoyed dramatic romance, or should we call them "intense love stories full of drama, gentle tender moments, real life and flawed characters, and incredible chemistry". That works. I definitely enjoyed it, and I look forward to reading more by Schmidt.
My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book via Netgalley.
December 13, 2012
*deep breath*
I finished this book a couple of days ago, and I was so incredibly angry and disappointed with it - well, not with it, more like with her, Kennedy (main character) - that I decided to give it a few days before I tried to review it, that way I would cool off and give a review that was not harsh at all. Turns out I feel worse, I was planning on giving it two stars and with all my thinking it went down to one.
Now I'm going to take a really deep breath and try to do this in the most civil way.
Risking it all had a great premise, had a great guy that was hot and smart and that I really loved, along with some hot well made scenes. But then there's Kennedy - She was a bit naive and dumb in certain aspects at the beginning but, well, no problem with that, I can be pretty naive an dumb at times. No biggie. So it was all good - kept being good - kept being good - then it got a bit weird - then bad - then even more bad - then some more, until Kennedy ended up being plain stupid.
It was a slow and torturous processes of watching this book and story go down the drain because of Kennedy, around 70% she became intolerable, and by 96% it just got impossible. I was not going to continue reading, but there was only 4% left. So I just sucked it up and finished. It was impossible for it to get worse.
Everything was perfect until she comes back from Alaska and starts playing with both guys. She can't decide if she should dump Brooks or not, here's a quote:
"She knew it was a horrible thing to lead him on, but she convinced herself that it would be cruel to dump him right before Christmas and would be better to wait until after the holidays."
What the F? that's selfish and cruel! Because not only does she lead him on, but she's also a bitch to him during the whole holidays!!!! It would have been 10 times better if she dumped him right on Christmas!
and then there's Memphis, and he gets tired of her:
"I can't let you jerk me around anymore. You want me to be your friend? Fine I'll be your friend. You want me to be your man? I can do that! I know what I want and what I can do, Kennedy. It's you who has to fucking clue what she wants. And I'm not waiting around to find out."
BRAVO!!!!! I Love you Memphis!!! After this she keept complaining and blames him for everything, like an immature child! But BAM, Memphis is back:
"And that's the problem right there, Kennedy," he said. "You wouldn't end it with him unless you knew you had something with me. Why couldn't you just do what you wanted to do and see where things went between us naturally? Why did you have to know for sure before you could make a move with Brooks? Are you that afraid to be alone?"
and then he kicks her out. I'm proud of you Memphis, I really am. But right after that was when my breaking point arrived. After more whining and more thinking she's right and he's wrong, she goes after the other guy - the guy that's not Memphis. ASDGFASDHwtgag@#r!#$^$hfgxadf!!!!!!!! if it had been a physical copy of the book I would've thrown this at the wall.
Oh but no worries, this is a Happily Ever After book, so she eventually finds her way back to Memphis. Problem? She learned nothing, she does break up with Brooks but because of different events, she gets back with Memphis because he goes back to her -BOOOO Memphis!! we were doing so good! - Risking It All???? Pardon me but she didn't risk anything!! Anything!!!!!!
I know the author is smart, she created Memphis and Memphis was a smart character, she made Kennedy that way deliberately, knowing her flaws. I'm almost sure that was part of the intentions with the book, to make her realize she's a 'two-timing bitch who only kept guys around as plan B' (quote directly taken form the book) and make amends, but I just hated her. She took away the 5 stars I was giving this book. Miscommunication is why most relationships fail and I hate people that never say what they want or do things for themselves without worrying what others will think, and I know I'm not perfect - now that's for sure - but I want characters I can admire and look up to, that make mistakes but that they also learn from them. Kennedy failed to fulfill my wishes.
I was loving this book, and the amount of sadness I feel for how it turned out is unimaginable :( I wanted to cry because it was THIS close to ending in my favorites shelf. Why Kennedy? Why D:!
I finished this book a couple of days ago, and I was so incredibly angry and disappointed with it - well, not with it, more like with her, Kennedy (main character) - that I decided to give it a few days before I tried to review it, that way I would cool off and give a review that was not harsh at all. Turns out I feel worse, I was planning on giving it two stars and with all my thinking it went down to one.
Now I'm going to take a really deep breath and try to do this in the most civil way.
Risking it all had a great premise, had a great guy that was hot and smart and that I really loved, along with some hot well made scenes. But then there's Kennedy - She was a bit naive and dumb in certain aspects at the beginning but, well, no problem with that, I can be pretty naive an dumb at times. No biggie. So it was all good - kept being good - kept being good - then it got a bit weird - then bad - then even more bad - then some more, until Kennedy ended up being plain stupid.
It was a slow and torturous processes of watching this book and story go down the drain because of Kennedy, around 70% she became intolerable, and by 96% it just got impossible. I was not going to continue reading, but there was only 4% left. So I just sucked it up and finished. It was impossible for it to get worse.
Everything was perfect until she comes back from Alaska and starts playing with both guys. She can't decide if she should dump Brooks or not, here's a quote:
"She knew it was a horrible thing to lead him on, but she convinced herself that it would be cruel to dump him right before Christmas and would be better to wait until after the holidays."
What the F? that's selfish and cruel! Because not only does she lead him on, but she's also a bitch to him during the whole holidays!!!! It would have been 10 times better if she dumped him right on Christmas!
and then there's Memphis, and he gets tired of her:
"I can't let you jerk me around anymore. You want me to be your friend? Fine I'll be your friend. You want me to be your man? I can do that! I know what I want and what I can do, Kennedy. It's you who has to fucking clue what she wants. And I'm not waiting around to find out."
BRAVO!!!!! I Love you Memphis!!! After this she keept complaining and blames him for everything, like an immature child! But BAM, Memphis is back:
"And that's the problem right there, Kennedy," he said. "You wouldn't end it with him unless you knew you had something with me. Why couldn't you just do what you wanted to do and see where things went between us naturally? Why did you have to know for sure before you could make a move with Brooks? Are you that afraid to be alone?"
and then he kicks her out. I'm proud of you Memphis, I really am. But right after that was when my breaking point arrived. After more whining and more thinking she's right and he's wrong, she goes after the other guy - the guy that's not Memphis. ASDGFASDHwtgag@#r!#$^$hfgxadf!!!!!!!! if it had been a physical copy of the book I would've thrown this at the wall.
Oh but no worries, this is a Happily Ever After book, so she eventually finds her way back to Memphis. Problem? She learned nothing, she does break up with Brooks but because of different events, she gets back with Memphis because he goes back to her -BOOOO Memphis!! we were doing so good! - Risking It All???? Pardon me but she didn't risk anything!! Anything!!!!!!
I know the author is smart, she created Memphis and Memphis was a smart character, she made Kennedy that way deliberately, knowing her flaws. I'm almost sure that was part of the intentions with the book, to make her realize she's a 'two-timing bitch who only kept guys around as plan B' (quote directly taken form the book) and make amends, but I just hated her. She took away the 5 stars I was giving this book. Miscommunication is why most relationships fail and I hate people that never say what they want or do things for themselves without worrying what others will think, and I know I'm not perfect - now that's for sure - but I want characters I can admire and look up to, that make mistakes but that they also learn from them. Kennedy failed to fulfill my wishes.
I was loving this book, and the amount of sadness I feel for how it turned out is unimaginable :( I wanted to cry because it was THIS close to ending in my favorites shelf. Why Kennedy? Why D:!
August 14, 2012
I really loved this book! Something about these two characters really crawled right under my skin! Sometimes there is just a book that grabs you and holds on tight all the way through and this was that book for me!
Any one who knows me knows that I am a total sucker for a friends to lovers story and that is really what this wonderful book was but with so much more!
In college Kennedy Monroe heard all the gossip about Memphis Adams and knew there was no way she was going to simply be another notch on his bedpost and told him exactly that. Memphis decides that he wants Kennedy as a friend too much to simply had sex with and alas, a beautiful friendship is born! They become inseparable, best friends.
Over a decade later and they are both adults in the real world and still thick as thieves. When Kennedy begins to realize her long time doctor boyfriend just may not be the one for her she starts to wonder if the one for her has been with her all along. Knowing that bringing sex and her feelings into the equation with Memphis could ruin what they have Kennedy is very hesitant, especially since she doesn't believe he feels anything more than friendship for her, until the one amazing kiss....
Memphis has been in love with Kennedy for as long as he can remember and was content to be her friend but that is all about to change. A photographer, Memphis has an assignment in Alaska, someplace Kennedy had always wanted to go so he asks her to come along. Things don't go exactly as planned but I will say this is where EVERYTHING changes! From this point on I felt the story became very emotionally charged and at times I actually wanted to smack Kennedy in the face my own self but I soon realized, like the rest of you will, that she just needed to work everything out on her own to come to the right conclusion. The thing I loved most about this book was the authors ability to show the true strength of the friendship between Kennedy and Memphis above all else.
If you are a fan of friends to lovers stories please give this one a try, I promise you will not be disappointed!!
***This book was provided to me as an ARC by Netgalley!
Any one who knows me knows that I am a total sucker for a friends to lovers story and that is really what this wonderful book was but with so much more!
In college Kennedy Monroe heard all the gossip about Memphis Adams and knew there was no way she was going to simply be another notch on his bedpost and told him exactly that. Memphis decides that he wants Kennedy as a friend too much to simply had sex with and alas, a beautiful friendship is born! They become inseparable, best friends.
Over a decade later and they are both adults in the real world and still thick as thieves. When Kennedy begins to realize her long time doctor boyfriend just may not be the one for her she starts to wonder if the one for her has been with her all along. Knowing that bringing sex and her feelings into the equation with Memphis could ruin what they have Kennedy is very hesitant, especially since she doesn't believe he feels anything more than friendship for her, until the one amazing kiss....
Memphis has been in love with Kennedy for as long as he can remember and was content to be her friend but that is all about to change. A photographer, Memphis has an assignment in Alaska, someplace Kennedy had always wanted to go so he asks her to come along. Things don't go exactly as planned but I will say this is where EVERYTHING changes! From this point on I felt the story became very emotionally charged and at times I actually wanted to smack Kennedy in the face my own self but I soon realized, like the rest of you will, that she just needed to work everything out on her own to come to the right conclusion. The thing I loved most about this book was the authors ability to show the true strength of the friendship between Kennedy and Memphis above all else.
If you are a fan of friends to lovers stories please give this one a try, I promise you will not be disappointed!!
***This book was provided to me as an ARC by Netgalley!
July 16, 2012
This book felt really familiar. And by familiar, I mean it felt a bit like a P2P fic I've read somewhere. For a minute in the middle of book, it actually had a lot of promise, but then the author decided to throw in a few more loops into an already complicated roller coaster of a story and it sort of ruined it for me.
The back and forth between Kennedy & Memphis - was endearing at first, but by the last third of the book, I honestly wanted to bash their skulls in for being so freaking obtuse. Kennedy was wishy washy and fell flat for me as a character. Memphis, while the author states he's really popular with women, I didn't really get that feel from his actions.
Then you throw in Brooks, Kennedy's busy and highly successful doctor of a boyfriend and it's supposed to be this crazy love triangle, but Brooks was made out to be this stereotypical antagonist, who you really don't have any idea why the MC is even with him in the first place. It honestly made Kennedy look even more wimpy in my opinion.
The premise really had a lot of promise, but I just couldn't get over the overabundance of up and downs of the story. If the author had perhaps taken out one or two of the valleys, I might have enjoyed the ride a bit more.
The back and forth between Kennedy & Memphis - was endearing at first, but by the last third of the book, I honestly wanted to bash their skulls in for being so freaking obtuse. Kennedy was wishy washy and fell flat for me as a character. Memphis, while the author states he's really popular with women, I didn't really get that feel from his actions.
Then you throw in Brooks, Kennedy's busy and highly successful doctor of a boyfriend and it's supposed to be this crazy love triangle, but Brooks was made out to be this stereotypical antagonist, who you really don't have any idea why the MC is even with him in the first place. It honestly made Kennedy look even more wimpy in my opinion.
The premise really had a lot of promise, but I just couldn't get over the overabundance of up and downs of the story. If the author had perhaps taken out one or two of the valleys, I might have enjoyed the ride a bit more.
September 11, 2012
This is one of those books that will appeal to the friends-first-lovers-later romantics of the world. Kennedy and Memphis (such rockstar names!) have been best friends since college. They agreed early on that their friendship was simply too precious to both of them to ruin it by sleeping together. They are always there for each other, open and honest, keeping no secrets from one another, except … that they actually would like nothing more than reconsider the no-sex policy. While Kennedy is in a committed relationship with a self-involved workaholic who is never there for her when it counts, Memphis is still the incorrigible two-week-relationship-record womaniser.
Memphis asks Kennedy to accompany him to Alaska on a business trip where he is meant to take photos of a new couples resort. Even before they reach their romantic destination, one night after her boyfriend didn’t show up at another important milestone in her life, Kennedy and Memphis kiss. They both want to dismiss the kiss as a drunken mistake but secretly they are overwhelmed by how right it felt to kiss one another. So they leave for Alaska. Beautiful sceneries, romantic activities, open fires, you would think they would be at ‘it’ like bunnies, but instead all they do is fight. Yes, they do end up having steaming-hot sex and all but they just can’t stop fighting, on and on… It felt like a game of push and pull - I want you, you don’t want me, I don’t want you, you want me, …. Argh!!! I was pulling my own hair. The chemistry between them was sizzling and undeniable but it got so annoying listening to them bickering about their relationship, doubting each other, never finishing a damn thought, that half way through I was already spent.
I understand that when two people have been best friends for so long as Kennedy and Memphis have, the scariest thing is to lose that friendship by taking it to the next level. They were a perfect match in every possible way. They made each other better and stronger people and a deeper connection between them could have made it all even better, but bringing sex into the equation also had the potential of destroying everything. I understood why they were both so reluctant and spooked by it but their ups and downs were making me dizzy. Kennedy also had the added complication of the boyfriend back home, Brooks. He was not the man she hoped he would be, he was neglectful and he didn’t make her feel the way Memphis did, but he offered her stability, something that Memphis up to that point didn’t even have in his DNA. She is torn - I am with Brooks, I shouldn’t be doing this, I don’t want to be with Brooks anymore, I should be doing this… So she runs back home to ‘think things through’. Personally, I would have suggested a lobotomy at this point…
We do get a nice little HEA in the end and all is right in the world, but I was left unsure about the ‘journey’ to that HEA. I know that I sound overly critical of this story and all this might appear to be in conflict with the high number of stars I am giving this book, but I actually enjoyed reading it and never, not even once, wanted to give up and not finish it. It fed the masochistic romance glutton in me and I enjoyed it for the same reasons I occasionally sneak a peek at Bold and the Beautiful to see who is sleeping with whom and who is pulling whose hair. No judging please. It was well written, it was engaging even though the engagement on my part included pulling my own hair at times, and I am glad I read it.
~ N ♥
See this review on my blog!
Memphis asks Kennedy to accompany him to Alaska on a business trip where he is meant to take photos of a new couples resort. Even before they reach their romantic destination, one night after her boyfriend didn’t show up at another important milestone in her life, Kennedy and Memphis kiss. They both want to dismiss the kiss as a drunken mistake but secretly they are overwhelmed by how right it felt to kiss one another. So they leave for Alaska. Beautiful sceneries, romantic activities, open fires, you would think they would be at ‘it’ like bunnies, but instead all they do is fight. Yes, they do end up having steaming-hot sex and all but they just can’t stop fighting, on and on… It felt like a game of push and pull - I want you, you don’t want me, I don’t want you, you want me, …. Argh!!! I was pulling my own hair. The chemistry between them was sizzling and undeniable but it got so annoying listening to them bickering about their relationship, doubting each other, never finishing a damn thought, that half way through I was already spent.
I understand that when two people have been best friends for so long as Kennedy and Memphis have, the scariest thing is to lose that friendship by taking it to the next level. They were a perfect match in every possible way. They made each other better and stronger people and a deeper connection between them could have made it all even better, but bringing sex into the equation also had the potential of destroying everything. I understood why they were both so reluctant and spooked by it but their ups and downs were making me dizzy. Kennedy also had the added complication of the boyfriend back home, Brooks. He was not the man she hoped he would be, he was neglectful and he didn’t make her feel the way Memphis did, but he offered her stability, something that Memphis up to that point didn’t even have in his DNA. She is torn - I am with Brooks, I shouldn’t be doing this, I don’t want to be with Brooks anymore, I should be doing this… So she runs back home to ‘think things through’. Personally, I would have suggested a lobotomy at this point…
We do get a nice little HEA in the end and all is right in the world, but I was left unsure about the ‘journey’ to that HEA. I know that I sound overly critical of this story and all this might appear to be in conflict with the high number of stars I am giving this book, but I actually enjoyed reading it and never, not even once, wanted to give up and not finish it. It fed the masochistic romance glutton in me and I enjoyed it for the same reasons I occasionally sneak a peek at Bold and the Beautiful to see who is sleeping with whom and who is pulling whose hair. No judging please. It was well written, it was engaging even though the engagement on my part included pulling my own hair at times, and I am glad I read it.
~ N ♥
See this review on my blog!
July 24, 2012
I was very fortunate to have an opportunity at an ARC of Risking It All. My first impression with the blurb was wonderful. One of my favorite story lines is the friends to lovers theme.
Kennedy and Memphis have been best friends for 12 years. Their relationship began back in college when Memphis attempted to turn his ladies man charm onto Kennedy. Not in anyway keen to the idea of being just another notch in Memphis's bed post, Kennedy immediately turns him down.. After their initial meeting they both decided that though a romantic relationship would never work, they enjoyed each other's company and from that point on they were best friends.
Twelve years later Kennedy is an artist, in a serious relationship with a work aholic doctor, and harboring secret feelings for her best friend. Memphis is a well known travel photographer and makes Kennedy the offer of a life time when he lands a job photographing a new resort in Alaska. Kennedy has dreamed of visiting Alaska for years and though she takes Memphis up on his offer for the trip, she finds herself in over her head when both she and Memphis can no longer hold their feelings towards each other in check.
The premise of the book started out great, the characters had personality and though I can't say I always (or really ever) liked Kennedy, Memphis was truly a great hero. His character stayed true to his nature throughout the entire book, unlike Kennedy's. Kennedy just had too many wishy washy and TSTL (too stupid too live) moments that I just couldn't bring myself to route for her. I find it a problem that instead of waiting with baited breath for the hero and heroine to find their happily ever after together, I was hoping he would leave her and find someone else.
Character driven books can be wonderfully entertaining to read, most of my favorite books are character driven. The reader doesn't always have to LIKE the characters. I feel the important part is that the characters inspire some sort of strong emotions. Hate, disgust and anger can be just as important as love, hope and happiness. Unfortunately the feeling of irritability is not an emotion I like to feel while reading. The main conflict throughout the whole book was that the heroine continued to be her own worst enemy and made horrible decision after horrible decision. Her poor choices and then continuously feeling sorry for herself following those choices brought this book down to a 3 star read for me. The H and h need to be evenly matched out, in this instance however the heroine just didn't measure up.
Kennedy and Memphis have been best friends for 12 years. Their relationship began back in college when Memphis attempted to turn his ladies man charm onto Kennedy. Not in anyway keen to the idea of being just another notch in Memphis's bed post, Kennedy immediately turns him down.. After their initial meeting they both decided that though a romantic relationship would never work, they enjoyed each other's company and from that point on they were best friends.
Twelve years later Kennedy is an artist, in a serious relationship with a work aholic doctor, and harboring secret feelings for her best friend. Memphis is a well known travel photographer and makes Kennedy the offer of a life time when he lands a job photographing a new resort in Alaska. Kennedy has dreamed of visiting Alaska for years and though she takes Memphis up on his offer for the trip, she finds herself in over her head when both she and Memphis can no longer hold their feelings towards each other in check.
The premise of the book started out great, the characters had personality and though I can't say I always (or really ever) liked Kennedy, Memphis was truly a great hero. His character stayed true to his nature throughout the entire book, unlike Kennedy's. Kennedy just had too many wishy washy and TSTL (too stupid too live) moments that I just couldn't bring myself to route for her. I find it a problem that instead of waiting with baited breath for the hero and heroine to find their happily ever after together, I was hoping he would leave her and find someone else.
Character driven books can be wonderfully entertaining to read, most of my favorite books are character driven. The reader doesn't always have to LIKE the characters. I feel the important part is that the characters inspire some sort of strong emotions. Hate, disgust and anger can be just as important as love, hope and happiness. Unfortunately the feeling of irritability is not an emotion I like to feel while reading. The main conflict throughout the whole book was that the heroine continued to be her own worst enemy and made horrible decision after horrible decision. Her poor choices and then continuously feeling sorry for herself following those choices brought this book down to a 3 star read for me. The H and h need to be evenly matched out, in this instance however the heroine just didn't measure up.
August 15, 2012
This is a wonderful story of two best friends, risking it all for love. I read this all in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down! My heart bled for Kennedy and Memphis. They kept trying and doing everything wrong.
Memphis and Kennedy definitely had that spark and energy of two people dying to be more than friends, but neither one was willing to take that chance. Once they did finally take the plunge, they kept saying and doing the wrong things. They just ended up hurting each other as only two people in love could. I cried so hard over all the things Kennedy and Memphis kept saying to each other. I just wanted to shout at them to stop it!
Jennifer Schmidt did a fantastic job of building a romance between two wonderful people. We should all be so lucky to find the kind of love and passion she painted in her story.
Follow this and more reviews at: http://www.mysecretromancebookreviews...
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Memphis and Kennedy definitely had that spark and energy of two people dying to be more than friends, but neither one was willing to take that chance. Once they did finally take the plunge, they kept saying and doing the wrong things. They just ended up hurting each other as only two people in love could. I cried so hard over all the things Kennedy and Memphis kept saying to each other. I just wanted to shout at them to stop it!
Jennifer Schmidt did a fantastic job of building a romance between two wonderful people. We should all be so lucky to find the kind of love and passion she painted in her story.
Follow this and more reviews at: http://www.mysecretromancebookreviews...
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2013
3.5 stars
Kennedy Monroe barely got her foot in her college dorm her freshman year before she was being warned about a certain dark-haired, blue-eyed self-proclaimed Casanova. There were only so many tales of heartache – and incredibly steamy nights – she could listen to before she started to believe them. But after a run in with the most sought after college womanizer, her ill feelings toward him change and soon a friendship forms that surprises everyone.
Twelve years later Kennedy and Memphis Adams are closer than ever - and only friends despite what those around them think, including Kennedy’s boyfriend Ian Brooks. When Kennedy accepts an invitation to vacation in Alaska from Memphis, her relationship with Brooks is tested as is her restraint when it comes to the desire she has always had for her best friend.
I did like this book but there were some things missing that caused me to not love it.
I absolutely love a friends to lovers story and I especially love feeling involved in the friendship and see the characters move to the next level and herein lies my problem. I didn't get that - I felt that I didn't get to experience the friendship side of the Memphis and Kennedy's relationship before it moved to the next level. I would have like a little more time and detail spent on this part of the story.
I liked the story being set in Alaska and I really loved Memphis - all that bad boy with yet so much more had me in his corner but Kennedy....she tested me.
He indecision frustrated me at times and though and I found it hard to understand how she couldn't see that Memphis was the obvious choice. I didn't really follow her relationship with Ian and she did frustrate me.
This book did keep my interest and I did enjoy it but it didn't get to that next level with me as I felt it just fell a little short.
This was provided as an ARC from Netgalley
Kennedy Monroe barely got her foot in her college dorm her freshman year before she was being warned about a certain dark-haired, blue-eyed self-proclaimed Casanova. There were only so many tales of heartache – and incredibly steamy nights – she could listen to before she started to believe them. But after a run in with the most sought after college womanizer, her ill feelings toward him change and soon a friendship forms that surprises everyone.
Twelve years later Kennedy and Memphis Adams are closer than ever - and only friends despite what those around them think, including Kennedy’s boyfriend Ian Brooks. When Kennedy accepts an invitation to vacation in Alaska from Memphis, her relationship with Brooks is tested as is her restraint when it comes to the desire she has always had for her best friend.
I did like this book but there were some things missing that caused me to not love it.
I absolutely love a friends to lovers story and I especially love feeling involved in the friendship and see the characters move to the next level and herein lies my problem. I didn't get that - I felt that I didn't get to experience the friendship side of the Memphis and Kennedy's relationship before it moved to the next level. I would have like a little more time and detail spent on this part of the story.
I liked the story being set in Alaska and I really loved Memphis - all that bad boy with yet so much more had me in his corner but Kennedy....she tested me.
He indecision frustrated me at times and though and I found it hard to understand how she couldn't see that Memphis was the obvious choice. I didn't really follow her relationship with Ian and she did frustrate me.
This book did keep my interest and I did enjoy it but it didn't get to that next level with me as I felt it just fell a little short.
This was provided as an ARC from Netgalley
February 20, 2015
re-read
Risking it all is about two friends Memphis and Kennedy who have been friends for twelve years who are afraid to risk there friendship to see if they can become more, and two people who are to afraid to let it all hang out and tell the other how they really feel. Until a trip to Alaska pushes their feelings to the forefront and they can no longer help but face how they feel. Memphis was one of the best heroes I have read about in a long time. My only complaint was that the end was a little rushed and I would have liked to have a little more in the ending or to have had an epilogue. I can't wait to see what Jennifer has in store for us next. She did a great job of drawing me in and getting me very invested in Kennedy and Memphis's lives. Jennifer Schmidt is a fantastic author and I couldn't wait to read this book. She is definitely and author to watch.
**I received an ARC from NetGallery to review***
Risking it all is about two friends Memphis and Kennedy who have been friends for twelve years who are afraid to risk there friendship to see if they can become more, and two people who are to afraid to let it all hang out and tell the other how they really feel. Until a trip to Alaska pushes their feelings to the forefront and they can no longer help but face how they feel. Memphis was one of the best heroes I have read about in a long time. My only complaint was that the end was a little rushed and I would have liked to have a little more in the ending or to have had an epilogue. I can't wait to see what Jennifer has in store for us next. She did a great job of drawing me in and getting me very invested in Kennedy and Memphis's lives. Jennifer Schmidt is a fantastic author and I couldn't wait to read this book. She is definitely and author to watch.
**I received an ARC from NetGallery to review***
May 27, 2015
This book has been on my TRL forever. So glad I decided to give it a try because I LOVED it ! A friends to lovers that was full of angst and sexy. Kennedy and Memphis met in college and became best friends. 12 years later and things change. Great story with likable characters, although Kennedy will get under your skin and you will want to slap her upside the head. Loved the build up and flow. My only issue with this story was that I felt the ending was very rushed and I would of liked a bit more. I did enjoy this authors style of writing and look forward to her other books. Nice read.
September 24, 2012
What and excellent book. I loved their story. Memphis was oh so swoony and Kennedy was just as perfect. I am so glad I decided to read this book and would recommend it to everyone.
May 19, 2015
Review source: Publisher
A passionate romance that's more about relationships and friendship.
My Take
Oh, I like this. I don't agree with the assessment that this is erotica so much as it's passionate about relationships and Schmidt sucks us in and relates an excellent life lesson to be true to yourself.
It's today with a flashback that introduces us to a major influence on Kennedy's life. Memphis is the man who, through his own existence, gives Kennedy the courage to choose to follow her own path.
Schmidt does an amazing job of pushing and pulling on our emotions as she pokes and prods at Kennedy, Brooks, and Memphis. It's obvious how Kennedy feels. She is, after all, the primary protagonist around whom it all revolves. Brooks is the foil around whom the push-me/pull-me revolves with it being obvious [to us] what the right path is. The question is if Kennedy has the strength to realize it. Memphis has his own issues related to his past.
It's a delicate and fragile balance Schmidt is creating and I'm irritated with it because it's so true to life. When you consider all the garbage we each haul around in our heads, the worries we harbor, the fears of rejection...well, it makes sense that both parties are terrified to make that plunge.
That said. All three of them behave badly. Why does Memphis think Kennedy can suddenly read his mind after all these years? As for Brooks. He is such a selfish egotist! I'd like to know what attracted him to Kennedy in the first place and Schmidt really doesn't say. I'm most disappointed with Kennedy for being such a schmuck. I think Memphis was right. She was playing him, not consciously, but definitely hedging her bets. Why? Is she so desperate for a man in her bed that she'd accept these crumbs?
I get how difficult it is to tell someone, especially when he shows up as he does, but it's not honest nor is it true.
Arghh, what is her problem? She knows what she wants. Christ, she's known for years. Lord, Memphis is absolutely no help. Yes, he's honest, but NO HELP!
God, this is such an emotional back-and-forth, and Memphis is right. He is so right. She is SUCH a weasel!
I guess if I can get so worked up over the emotional travails of this group, then Schmidt has done an amazing job of writing. I certainly pushed on, reading as fast as I could to find out what would happen next.
The Story
Schmidt introduces us to the triangle that is Kennedy, her boyfriend, and her best friend.
Brooks thinks a vacation directly across from the hospital is perfect while Kennedy has always wanted to travel and she is so envious of Memphis' opportunities as a freelance photographer. When Memphis offers her the chance to go with him to Alaska, no question. She's goin'!
Just before their trip, however, is the opening for her first solo art show and, oh, yeah, Memphis will definitely be in town for this. Which is more than she can say for her own boyfriend who will try to make it.
It's this lack of caring that makes Kennedy ask that question of Memphis as well as Brooks' reaction to her wanting him at the show's opening, to her going off to Alaska with Memphis, that has her wondering.
That kiss has her wondering even more.
The Characters
Kennedy Monroe is a rebellious daughter who chooses to follow her heart to be an artist. It's her best friend who encourages her to be true to herself. The self -proclaimed Casanova, Memphis Adams, who simply wants to be friends. Twelve years later, they're still best friends and he's a freelance photographer, mostly working for Hot Spots, a travel magazine. Hope and David Monroe are her parents and they wanted her to pursue a degree in criminology. Hope is ambivalent and David is an ass about her preferred career path. Only Memphis is her real support about her art.
Her boyfriend of two years is Ian Brooks, the head neurosurgeon at Vancouver General Hospital. Neither man likes the other.
Ryder Hennessy is an art collector and the owner of Strokes of Passion, a local art gallery where Kennedy is having her first solo show. The pregnant Vanessa, along with her husband Joseph, are among Kennedy's friends. Tanner Bradley has built a new couples resort in Spruce Falls, Alaska. Alec Bell owns a number of businesses in Fairbanks; he's warned Kennedy about Bradley.
The Cover
The cover is so appropriate as this story is about passion---I do like the heart shape the flames form which frame the title! Flames of passion, yearning, and romance all at once.
The title is all too true, individually, Memphis and Kennedy are Risking It All.
A passionate romance that's more about relationships and friendship.
My Take
Oh, I like this. I don't agree with the assessment that this is erotica so much as it's passionate about relationships and Schmidt sucks us in and relates an excellent life lesson to be true to yourself.
It's today with a flashback that introduces us to a major influence on Kennedy's life. Memphis is the man who, through his own existence, gives Kennedy the courage to choose to follow her own path.
Schmidt does an amazing job of pushing and pulling on our emotions as she pokes and prods at Kennedy, Brooks, and Memphis. It's obvious how Kennedy feels. She is, after all, the primary protagonist around whom it all revolves. Brooks is the foil around whom the push-me/pull-me revolves with it being obvious [to us] what the right path is. The question is if Kennedy has the strength to realize it. Memphis has his own issues related to his past.
It's a delicate and fragile balance Schmidt is creating and I'm irritated with it because it's so true to life. When you consider all the garbage we each haul around in our heads, the worries we harbor, the fears of rejection...well, it makes sense that both parties are terrified to make that plunge.
That said. All three of them behave badly. Why does Memphis think Kennedy can suddenly read his mind after all these years? As for Brooks. He is such a selfish egotist! I'd like to know what attracted him to Kennedy in the first place and Schmidt really doesn't say. I'm most disappointed with Kennedy for being such a schmuck. I think Memphis was right. She was playing him, not consciously, but definitely hedging her bets. Why? Is she so desperate for a man in her bed that she'd accept these crumbs?
I get how difficult it is to tell someone, especially when he shows up as he does, but it's not honest nor is it true.
Arghh, what is her problem? She knows what she wants. Christ, she's known for years. Lord, Memphis is absolutely no help. Yes, he's honest, but NO HELP!
God, this is such an emotional back-and-forth, and Memphis is right. He is so right. She is SUCH a weasel!
I guess if I can get so worked up over the emotional travails of this group, then Schmidt has done an amazing job of writing. I certainly pushed on, reading as fast as I could to find out what would happen next.
The Story
Schmidt introduces us to the triangle that is Kennedy, her boyfriend, and her best friend.
Brooks thinks a vacation directly across from the hospital is perfect while Kennedy has always wanted to travel and she is so envious of Memphis' opportunities as a freelance photographer. When Memphis offers her the chance to go with him to Alaska, no question. She's goin'!
Just before their trip, however, is the opening for her first solo art show and, oh, yeah, Memphis will definitely be in town for this. Which is more than she can say for her own boyfriend who will try to make it.
It's this lack of caring that makes Kennedy ask that question of Memphis as well as Brooks' reaction to her wanting him at the show's opening, to her going off to Alaska with Memphis, that has her wondering.
That kiss has her wondering even more.
The Characters
Kennedy Monroe is a rebellious daughter who chooses to follow her heart to be an artist. It's her best friend who encourages her to be true to herself. The self -proclaimed Casanova, Memphis Adams, who simply wants to be friends. Twelve years later, they're still best friends and he's a freelance photographer, mostly working for Hot Spots, a travel magazine. Hope and David Monroe are her parents and they wanted her to pursue a degree in criminology. Hope is ambivalent and David is an ass about her preferred career path. Only Memphis is her real support about her art.
Her boyfriend of two years is Ian Brooks, the head neurosurgeon at Vancouver General Hospital. Neither man likes the other.
Ryder Hennessy is an art collector and the owner of Strokes of Passion, a local art gallery where Kennedy is having her first solo show. The pregnant Vanessa, along with her husband Joseph, are among Kennedy's friends. Tanner Bradley has built a new couples resort in Spruce Falls, Alaska. Alec Bell owns a number of businesses in Fairbanks; he's warned Kennedy about Bradley.
The Cover
The cover is so appropriate as this story is about passion---I do like the heart shape the flames form which frame the title! Flames of passion, yearning, and romance all at once.
The title is all too true, individually, Memphis and Kennedy are Risking It All.
July 17, 2012
Reviewed at The Book List
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Risking It All from The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House through NetGalley. I could not be more impressed, or more happy that I had the privilege of reading and reviewing this book.
The synopsis does a great job of setting up Risking It All, so I won't repeat it. We meet Kennedy and Memphis (btw, what awesome names!) 12 years after their friendship begins. I was immediately drawn in to their story. I couldn't get enough of Memphis from the very beginning, I was in love right away. The way he supported Kennedy and was just there for her without question, putting her before everything, was amazing. They were so at ease with each other and I just loved how their friendship worked. There has never been anything more between them than friendship, despite what those around them think. But after an extremely important event in her life, Kennedy realizes that Memphis is a better "boyfriend" to her than her actually boyfriend, Brooks, who never puts her first and doesn't make any effort to be there for her. Memphis presents Kennedy with the opportunity to go away with him to Alaska, where she's always dreamed of going, and this trip brings all her feelings about both men into question.
I read Risking It All in less than 24 hours. I started it yesterday evening, stayed up until an ungodly hour last night because I just couldn't get enough of it, had to force myself to get some sleep, woke up thinking about the book, read through breakfast, read on my way to work and finished the book with tears in my eyes sitting at my desk. Needless to say, this story is completely addicting. It consumed me and was all I could think about until I finished it.
Jennifer Schmidt takes you on a passionate and emotional journey through Memphis and Kennedy's friendship as they try to figure out if they really are willing to risk it all. She has done a fantastic job, and has written an amazing story of friendship, love and life and how dealing with all of these things is always easier said than done.
I was in heaven right along with Kennedy as her trip and feelings for Memphis unwound. After so many years of them being "just friends" and keeping any other emotions tucked safely away, it was messy and confusing, but so exciting. I loved their playfulness and how they knew each other so well but were still shy and getting to know each other in a whole new way. I loved everything about Memphis. It was so clear, through his actions, how he felt about Kennedy that sometimes I wanted to crawl through the pages and give her a little smack on the forehead. But she needed more, she needed to hear it. Watching the two of them find their way was so sweet and at times completely heartbreaking.
There were parts in this book where I didn't know whether to laugh, cry, scream or bang my head against the wall in frustration...or do all those things at once! It brought out so many emotions and, to me, that is a sign of a really great read! Jennifer Schmidt knew just when to lighten the mood with a snarky comment, when to spice it up with her amazing sex scenes (so HOT!) and when to rip your heart out and leave you completely raw and vulnerable.
Memphis may be one of my favorite characters. He had the bad ass act down pat, but he was so much more. I just rooted for him from day one and wanted him to be happy. And as much as I wanted to shake Kennedy sometimes, her character was so real and I could understand what she was going through.
This book was just such a great read. Thank you, Jennifer Schmidt, for ripping me right out of my book slump :) I can't wait to recommend this to all of my book friends!
July 2, 2015
What if everything you ever needed was staring you in the face all along?
When Kennedy Monroe began life as a college student, she knew her sole focus would be school…not the darkly handsome, bad-boy-ladies-man, Memphis Adams. In fact, her whole goal was to steer clear of this self-proclaimed Casanova – that was before she caught a rare glimpse into the real Memphis Adams, not the campus man-whore he portrays himself to be. Kennedy Monroe is still safe though, because Memphis tells her he never wants to sleep with her, he just wants to be her friend and although those words sting Kennedy’s ego a bit, she accepts what he is offering.
Twelve long years later, Memphis and Kennedy are still as thick as thieves – the best of friends. Their relationship has remained strictly platonic. Memphis is still running from commitment and Kennedy is in love with a successful doctor. They are just about as happy as they can be with their lives – both successful artists, happy with their love lives and they still have each other… but I said they were just about as happy as they can be… They have the blinders on when it comes to one little thing and that one little thing can actually make them happier. Happier? Who knew that was possible?
I instantly fell in love with the characters in RISKING IT ALL. They are the kind of characters you can see yourself being friends with in real life – really good friends that you only hope to cross paths with at some point.
RISKING IT ALL is one of those books that you never want to end. If a sweet romance is what you are craving, then this might just do the trick, but that’s not all you are going to get. You are going to get some killer chemistry, some hot, bang-you-up-against-the-wall kind of sex and some lovely characters with angst to spare - who are clearly so right for each other you will want to smack them for stringing you along and making you wait for the light bulb to finally turn on!
This one is definitely worth putting housework, dinner and everything else on hold for ☺ Enjoy!
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
___________________________________________________
If you like this type of book, you might enjoy one of these groups. Check us out!
Menage Readers
Erotic Enchants
Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
When Kennedy Monroe began life as a college student, she knew her sole focus would be school…not the darkly handsome, bad-boy-ladies-man, Memphis Adams. In fact, her whole goal was to steer clear of this self-proclaimed Casanova – that was before she caught a rare glimpse into the real Memphis Adams, not the campus man-whore he portrays himself to be. Kennedy Monroe is still safe though, because Memphis tells her he never wants to sleep with her, he just wants to be her friend and although those words sting Kennedy’s ego a bit, she accepts what he is offering.
Twelve long years later, Memphis and Kennedy are still as thick as thieves – the best of friends. Their relationship has remained strictly platonic. Memphis is still running from commitment and Kennedy is in love with a successful doctor. They are just about as happy as they can be with their lives – both successful artists, happy with their love lives and they still have each other… but I said they were just about as happy as they can be… They have the blinders on when it comes to one little thing and that one little thing can actually make them happier. Happier? Who knew that was possible?
I instantly fell in love with the characters in RISKING IT ALL. They are the kind of characters you can see yourself being friends with in real life – really good friends that you only hope to cross paths with at some point.
RISKING IT ALL is one of those books that you never want to end. If a sweet romance is what you are craving, then this might just do the trick, but that’s not all you are going to get. You are going to get some killer chemistry, some hot, bang-you-up-against-the-wall kind of sex and some lovely characters with angst to spare - who are clearly so right for each other you will want to smack them for stringing you along and making you wait for the light bulb to finally turn on!
This one is definitely worth putting housework, dinner and everything else on hold for ☺ Enjoy!
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
___________________________________________________
If you like this type of book, you might enjoy one of these groups. Check us out!
Menage Readers
Erotic Enchants
Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
September 3, 2012
At first, I was really thrilled as I loved the passion and fire provided by Memphis Adams... Then I was caught by other readings. When I had to finally write my review, the excitement was settled...
Attention, I had a great time and I really enjoyed reading this hot sexy romance. But after a few days, the hotness side of Memphis Adams has fallen and then some aspect that have troubled me when I was turning the pages have taken more space in my review.
For example, I would have loved to have more friendship time/scene between Kennedy and Memphis. As the author tells us that they are friends and that friendship has become solid but there are not really any proof. There has always been some ambiguous scenes. One of the characters (sometimes both of them) have always felt or thought of their attraction for each other. Since all the scenes where they are together are full of sexual electricity and innuendo.
Then there is the relationship between Ian and Kennedy. Incomprehensible! I am having difficulty identifying myself to women who are in a relationship for safety or for fear of being alone. Why get stuck and unhappy just because you do not know what the future holds? It is precisely the interest of life: to be surprised!
The fact that Kennedy could still return to her doctor after her stay in Alaska made me bristle hair. If I could have throw my book out of frustration after her reactions, I would have done it!
However, the writing is fluid, enjoyable and the author knows how to give goosebumps to its readers. An exciting novel with a male character, far from being a prince charming but honest enough to admit it.
Funny, touching, frustrating, exciting, sensual this book will not leave you indifferent ...
Lucie
http://newbooksonmyselves.blogspot.fr...
Attention, I had a great time and I really enjoyed reading this hot sexy romance. But after a few days, the hotness side of Memphis Adams has fallen and then some aspect that have troubled me when I was turning the pages have taken more space in my review.
For example, I would have loved to have more friendship time/scene between Kennedy and Memphis. As the author tells us that they are friends and that friendship has become solid but there are not really any proof. There has always been some ambiguous scenes. One of the characters (sometimes both of them) have always felt or thought of their attraction for each other. Since all the scenes where they are together are full of sexual electricity and innuendo.
Then there is the relationship between Ian and Kennedy. Incomprehensible! I am having difficulty identifying myself to women who are in a relationship for safety or for fear of being alone. Why get stuck and unhappy just because you do not know what the future holds? It is precisely the interest of life: to be surprised!
The fact that Kennedy could still return to her doctor after her stay in Alaska made me bristle hair. If I could have throw my book out of frustration after her reactions, I would have done it!
However, the writing is fluid, enjoyable and the author knows how to give goosebumps to its readers. An exciting novel with a male character, far from being a prince charming but honest enough to admit it.
Funny, touching, frustrating, exciting, sensual this book will not leave you indifferent ...
Lucie
http://newbooksonmyselves.blogspot.fr...
July 8, 2012
Wow. First off, I have to start by saying that this book is really horribly priced. Reading the description left me thinking “This book will be amazing!” but the price left me thinking “I’ll never read it because it’s way too expensive!”
So with that thought, I have to thank a really generous friend who bought this, read it, loved it, kept it and let me borrow it.
I was hooked from page one. I loved Memphis and Kennedy. There was definitely angst and drama but I loved every moment of it! Memphis will definitely go down as one of my all-time favorite heroes.
You could feel, from page one, how much Memphis loved Kennedy…even though they were just friends. And the connection was there for Kennedy too. Memphis was the person that mattered most to her, the person she relied on.
If you want to read a really great review, with some really lovely photos…check out Alyssa's review.
I could say a million great things about this book, and these characters but it all boils down to one thing…this is a must read book. It’s as simple as that.
I will definitely be buying this book, and it will definitely be a re-read for me. Jennifer Schmidt has a brand new fan.
So with that thought, I have to thank a really generous friend who bought this, read it, loved it, kept it and let me borrow it.
I was hooked from page one. I loved Memphis and Kennedy. There was definitely angst and drama but I loved every moment of it! Memphis will definitely go down as one of my all-time favorite heroes.
You could feel, from page one, how much Memphis loved Kennedy…even though they were just friends. And the connection was there for Kennedy too. Memphis was the person that mattered most to her, the person she relied on.
If you want to read a really great review, with some really lovely photos…check out Alyssa's review.
I could say a million great things about this book, and these characters but it all boils down to one thing…this is a must read book. It’s as simple as that.
I will definitely be buying this book, and it will definitely be a re-read for me. Jennifer Schmidt has a brand new fan.
September 28, 2012
What did i think of this book?? At times frustrated, at times flustered!! I know we've all read a book similiar to this. Guy/Girl best friends, underlying attraction, love, lust, etc... But these two held out for 12 years! At times I was wanting to yell "get a clue, read between the lines, or effing speak up and say what you need to say!". But the way the book was drawn out I liked. Misunderstandings are always frustrating, but i liked the passionate reward. The intimate scenes were well written. You know i had to bookmark my favorites! Overall i did like this book. I admit i was sad to get to the end and there wasnt an epilogue. I kinda look forward to that in a good book. Brooks was a retard, it was his loss. The only thing i didnt like about this was the ebook price, 9.99...
March 4, 2015
Oh, my Lord, this one was HOT! Travel photographer Memphis Adams has now been added to my (long) list of fictional boyfriends, especially after his particular prowess in the colds of Alaska. The heroine, Kennedy, was so dense sometimes about his feelings for her that you just wanted to slap her, but when they got together it was soooo good!
Jennifer writes vividly, so much so that I could see every scene in my head. I shouted "nooooo!", and sighed and swooned, which I guess is the sign of true investment in a story. I haven't read her earlier book but I'm definitely grabbing it now. Highly recommended.
Jennifer writes vividly, so much so that I could see every scene in my head. I shouted "nooooo!", and sighed and swooned, which I guess is the sign of true investment in a story. I haven't read her earlier book but I'm definitely grabbing it now. Highly recommended.
October 2, 2012
Ugh. Ok - I love Memphis( if not his name) but Kennedy (who's name also drove me nuts) made me want to punch her in the face. I was so so frustrated with her dithering between Memphis and Brooks - that I pretty much lost all respect for her and wanted Memphis to go off and find some other nice girl. Also - some of the platonic interactions that had been eluded to (like how they had been naked with each other in the past and it wasn't a big deal) just seemed strange. Plus, I could not understand what prompted Memphis to finally make move after 12 years - but then refuse to be honest about it. I really wanted to like this one - but I just couldn't .u
September 26, 2012
This book actually had one of the most infuriating heroines in it. I really don't know how i managed to keep from throwing my kindle across the room with every dumb decision Kennedy made. But.. boy did Memphis make up for that. He was just perfect in this book.
It was full of angst and the last 50% of the book I had to read in one go to find out how it ended. And many times I didn't think it would it how I wanted. The author kept you guessing right until the very end.
I would highly recommend this book if you're craving some finger nail biting angst.
October 28, 2012
Things with you have never been simple,Kennedy,not since that day.If they were,then I wouldn’t be in love with you.That’s why I took you to Alaska,Kennedy.I took you because I fucking love you.I’ve been in love with you for twelve years now,and I wanted to somehow finally show you.I think I started to fall for you that first day on the beach,”he continued.“Why do you think I decided that nothing could ever happen between us?You were the only good thing in my life,and I didn’t want to fuck up like everything else.And then just by simply taking your hand, I knew.You were it,and it terrifed me as much as it excited me.”
“When you walked out tonight to go back to him—I’ve never felt that kind of punch in the gut before.You see me with someone else,and you think you’re the only one who’s hurting,but you have no idea what I’m feeling when I see or even think of you with him.And what I realized tonight is I can’t do it anymore.“You need to choose,Kennedy.And whatever you choose,I’ll support you and be there for you.But I can’t be there until you do.Make a choice,beautiful.And call me once you have
To kill or not to kill Kennedy?That's the question that has been in my mind most of the time I was reading this book.First it reminded me Beautiful Disaster which was perfect as B.D. is one of my favorites.But especially after Alaska(and a little when they were there)I wanted to kill Kennedy and the book stopped having any similarity to B.D..It had to much drama and it could have ended 80 pages earlier if she got the balls to say what she really wanted to.I don't get why she didn't opened her fucking mouth and I won't try to analyze it.
My life doesn’t work without you because you’re my other half
Kennedy and Memphis are friends for 12 years.Kennedy always felt something for him but she couldn't act on it because she was afraid he won't return the crush/attraction/love she felt for him and it would destroy their relationship.Now she is dating Brooks.But I couldn't say they have the best relationship.He forgets the things she says to him and always work comes first.Memphis invites her to Alaska where he has a work to do and since he knows how much she wants to go there she makes sure she will.One kiss though the night of Kennedys show will change things.They won't be able to refuse whatever is between them.
It only took one kiss to show her how wrong she had been.
It wasn’t merely a crush.
It never had been
Now I will analyze how blind Kennedy was for 12 years.It was clear from word one that Memphis is love with her but she doesn't get it.I will write now some quotes of the book and see it yourselves.
”You really have no idea,do you?
“I really have no idea about what?”
“Nothing"
If you read it in the book you will realise that what Memphis wants to say is "You really have no idea that I love you,do you?"
“Memphis said he’d lower his fee if he could bring me along"
He doesn't care about money.He knows she wants to go so he makes her dream come true
"Obviously Memphis was there"
There is no question that Memphis will be there(this time she is talking about Kennedy's show).They all know that if only one person would show up somewhere related to Kennedy that would be Memphis unlike Brooks who forgot her show.
The conversation she had with him on the boardwalk that day flashed in her head.She’d asked if he regretted never being more than friends.He never really gave her an answer.
When he doesn't give a direct answer that means that he is trying to hide his feeling for her.Note:he will answer later in the book.
He’d seen her in all her cartoon glory before—had even bought her a few pairs himself—so why should it bother her now?
Brooks had loved it, but Memphis had told her even though she looked great,he preferred her natural look.She never straightened it again(her hair)
He prefers her just the way she is.He doesn't want her to wear something she doesn't like or spend two hours making her hair.
“It means he wants you for himself,dear sweet Kennedy"
When they are in Alaska and he finds out that she is drunk and with Alec(this is Alec's quote to herz)she gets jealous(hard to miss that,but she does!)and she should be glad he didn't put her over his shoulder like a sack of patatoes.I really loved this scene(I like the scenes where someone is jealous and acts on it by doing whatever he/she can to take her/him from the other person).
“You don’t need me?” His tone was sad, like a child being told there was no Santa Claus.
What can I say about that?The quotes says it all itself.
That's it I have a few more quotes though:
I’m sorry. For everything.”“Everything?”“Well,not everything.”He gave her that sexy smirk that made her insides melt.“I’m not sorry for being with you. I’ll never be sorry for that.But I am sorry for everything I said to you that night.I was angry and hurt and confused.”“I know. I’m sorry too.
“So if you’re going to run from me, at least run knowing that it was all about you.I kissed you because I wanted you.And I stopped you from kissing me just now because it scares me how much I want you.But none of that,not the fear,not knowing that in the end we could ruin all these years of being what we are to each other,is enough to stop me from needing you in a way I’ve never needed anyone before.“Is that what you thought,Memphis?”she said.“Is all that anything close to what you believed,you self-righteous pain in the ass?”“Are you done?”His voice was deep and menacing.
Yes!”“Good.”And before she could blink,Memphis had crossed the distance between them,pulled her into his arms,and crushed his mouth to hers.
“Because you’re here with me,Kennedy. And...”He paused,as if struggling to get the words out.“And it hurt that the only reason you kissed me is because Brooks was being an ass.You instantly regretted what happened between us,but you’ll hook up with a stranger
“No.”Memphis gave her a stern look.“Even if I had been halfway around the world,I would still make it home for this.I will always come home for you.You come first.
"And just so you know,”he added,“it meant everything to me,as well"
“When you walked out tonight to go back to him—I’ve never felt that kind of punch in the gut before.You see me with someone else,and you think you’re the only one who’s hurting,but you have no idea what I’m feeling when I see or even think of you with him.And what I realized tonight is I can’t do it anymore.“You need to choose,Kennedy.And whatever you choose,I’ll support you and be there for you.But I can’t be there until you do.Make a choice,beautiful.And call me once you have
To kill or not to kill Kennedy?That's the question that has been in my mind most of the time I was reading this book.First it reminded me Beautiful Disaster which was perfect as B.D. is one of my favorites.But especially after Alaska(and a little when they were there)I wanted to kill Kennedy and the book stopped having any similarity to B.D..It had to much drama and it could have ended 80 pages earlier if she got the balls to say what she really wanted to.I don't get why she didn't opened her fucking mouth and I won't try to analyze it.
My life doesn’t work without you because you’re my other half
Kennedy and Memphis are friends for 12 years.Kennedy always felt something for him but she couldn't act on it because she was afraid he won't return the crush/attraction/love she felt for him and it would destroy their relationship.Now she is dating Brooks.But I couldn't say they have the best relationship.He forgets the things she says to him and always work comes first.Memphis invites her to Alaska where he has a work to do and since he knows how much she wants to go there she makes sure she will.One kiss though the night of Kennedys show will change things.They won't be able to refuse whatever is between them.
It only took one kiss to show her how wrong she had been.
It wasn’t merely a crush.
It never had been
Now I will analyze how blind Kennedy was for 12 years.It was clear from word one that Memphis is love with her but she doesn't get it.I will write now some quotes of the book and see it yourselves.
”You really have no idea,do you?
“I really have no idea about what?”
“Nothing"
If you read it in the book you will realise that what Memphis wants to say is "You really have no idea that I love you,do you?"
“Memphis said he’d lower his fee if he could bring me along"
He doesn't care about money.He knows she wants to go so he makes her dream come true
"Obviously Memphis was there"
There is no question that Memphis will be there(this time she is talking about Kennedy's show).They all know that if only one person would show up somewhere related to Kennedy that would be Memphis unlike Brooks who forgot her show.
The conversation she had with him on the boardwalk that day flashed in her head.She’d asked if he regretted never being more than friends.He never really gave her an answer.
When he doesn't give a direct answer that means that he is trying to hide his feeling for her.Note:he will answer later in the book.
He’d seen her in all her cartoon glory before—had even bought her a few pairs himself—so why should it bother her now?
Brooks had loved it, but Memphis had told her even though she looked great,he preferred her natural look.She never straightened it again(her hair)
He prefers her just the way she is.He doesn't want her to wear something she doesn't like or spend two hours making her hair.
“It means he wants you for himself,dear sweet Kennedy"
When they are in Alaska and he finds out that she is drunk and with Alec(this is Alec's quote to herz)she gets jealous(hard to miss that,but she does!)and she should be glad he didn't put her over his shoulder like a sack of patatoes.I really loved this scene(I like the scenes where someone is jealous and acts on it by doing whatever he/she can to take her/him from the other person).
“You don’t need me?” His tone was sad, like a child being told there was no Santa Claus.
What can I say about that?The quotes says it all itself.
That's it I have a few more quotes though:
I’m sorry. For everything.”“Everything?”“Well,not everything.”He gave her that sexy smirk that made her insides melt.“I’m not sorry for being with you. I’ll never be sorry for that.But I am sorry for everything I said to you that night.I was angry and hurt and confused.”“I know. I’m sorry too.
“So if you’re going to run from me, at least run knowing that it was all about you.I kissed you because I wanted you.And I stopped you from kissing me just now because it scares me how much I want you.But none of that,not the fear,not knowing that in the end we could ruin all these years of being what we are to each other,is enough to stop me from needing you in a way I’ve never needed anyone before.“Is that what you thought,Memphis?”she said.“Is all that anything close to what you believed,you self-righteous pain in the ass?”“Are you done?”His voice was deep and menacing.
Yes!”“Good.”And before she could blink,Memphis had crossed the distance between them,pulled her into his arms,and crushed his mouth to hers.
“Because you’re here with me,Kennedy. And...”He paused,as if struggling to get the words out.“And it hurt that the only reason you kissed me is because Brooks was being an ass.You instantly regretted what happened between us,but you’ll hook up with a stranger
“No.”Memphis gave her a stern look.“Even if I had been halfway around the world,I would still make it home for this.I will always come home for you.You come first.
"And just so you know,”he added,“it meant everything to me,as well"
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