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Philadelphia #2
A Part of Me
You don’t always need a chance at a new beginning. Sometimes you just need a chance at a different ending.
Tom and Talia aren’t strangers. They’ve been walking a tight rope of attraction since the day they met, but after an accident rocks Tom’s world to the core and changes it forever, he spirals into a free fall of emotions. No longer the laid-back, happy guy, he now worries that he will never be enough for Talia. After all, who could possibly love such a broken man?
Talia is a tenacious ER nurse by day and a fun-loving loyal friend and party girl by night. Her developing feelings for Tom are put to the test after his accident as she fights to break through his walls and show him how much she cares, even as he continues to build them back up, determined to keep her out.
As Talia tries to take care of Tom, stronger feelings emerge for both, and neither of them will come out untouched. Everything they thought they knew about themselves and each other will be put to the test as they finally realize it isn’t important how many times you fall down, but only how many times you get back up.
Tom and Talia aren’t strangers. They’ve been walking a tight rope of attraction since the day they met, but after an accident rocks Tom’s world to the core and changes it forever, he spirals into a free fall of emotions. No longer the laid-back, happy guy, he now worries that he will never be enough for Talia. After all, who could possibly love such a broken man?
Talia is a tenacious ER nurse by day and a fun-loving loyal friend and party girl by night. Her developing feelings for Tom are put to the test after his accident as she fights to break through his walls and show him how much she cares, even as he continues to build them back up, determined to keep her out.
As Talia tries to take care of Tom, stronger feelings emerge for both, and neither of them will come out untouched. Everything they thought they knew about themselves and each other will be put to the test as they finally realize it isn’t important how many times you fall down, but only how many times you get back up.
140 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2013
5 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
About the author
Taryn Plendl
22 books311 followersTaryn is a USA Today Bestselling Author who is also a lover of books and wine, usually enjoying them together. Writing has been a way for her to step away from chaotic reality and live a bit through her fun and sometimes damaged characters. You will almost always find a Happy Ever After at the end of her stories. She can't help it, it's an addiction.
She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, but cherishes those quiet nights after everyone is asleep when she can curl up on the couch to read with her geriatric dog. (Shh, don't tell...He's not supposed to be on the couch.)
www.TarynPlendl.com
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She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, but cherishes those quiet nights after everyone is asleep when she can curl up on the couch to read with her geriatric dog. (Shh, don't tell...He's not supposed to be on the couch.)
www.TarynPlendl.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorTarynPl...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarynplendl/
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bCaXPn
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TarynPlendl
If you like what you read, please leave a review!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 15, 2013
Tom is a great guy. He loves being a teacher and a soccer coach. Unfortunately, he’s in a terrible car accident and loses the lower half of his left leg. Life over, right? Well, not if his friends have anything to say about it. Now I would have said two things to him:
Oscar Pistoius (Olympian) and
Alex Minsky (Afghanistan vet and on his way to becoming a supermodel)
Things in common? Missing parts of their legs.
Talia, a friend, and a nurse, decides to stay home with Tom for a few weeks to help him get back on his feet (or “foot” as he prefers to say). They are both wildly attracted to each other. Great, right?
Except Tom needs to have a pity party and drive Talia away because he’s now broken and not good enough for her. Mutual misery ensues.
Did anyone at the hospital ever bother to tell Tom he was going to need psychological therapy on top of physical? Nope. But then there might not have been a book.
It’s a short read, but it’s good. It’s told from dual viewpoints and I like that a lot. All of the characters are likeable (even when a certain someone is being a schmuck) and of course in books like these you know there will be an HEA, because otherwise, what’s the point?
My only complaints:
There were commas inexplicably tossed in to random sentences that had absolutely no reason for their existence (the commas, not the sentences)e.
These people do not speak using contractions (like I just didn’t!). Americans use contractions. People who live in big cities (here Philadelphia) especially use them because we just don’t have the time for excess words.
But all in all, a fun read, and I do recommend it.
Oscar Pistoius (Olympian) and
Alex Minsky (Afghanistan vet and on his way to becoming a supermodel)
Things in common? Missing parts of their legs.
Talia, a friend, and a nurse, decides to stay home with Tom for a few weeks to help him get back on his feet (or “foot” as he prefers to say). They are both wildly attracted to each other. Great, right?
Except Tom needs to have a pity party and drive Talia away because he’s now broken and not good enough for her. Mutual misery ensues.
Did anyone at the hospital ever bother to tell Tom he was going to need psychological therapy on top of physical? Nope. But then there might not have been a book.
It’s a short read, but it’s good. It’s told from dual viewpoints and I like that a lot. All of the characters are likeable (even when a certain someone is being a schmuck) and of course in books like these you know there will be an HEA, because otherwise, what’s the point?
My only complaints:
There were commas inexplicably tossed in to random sentences that had absolutely no reason for their existence (the commas, not the sentences)e.
These people do not speak using contractions (like I just didn’t!). Americans use contractions. People who live in big cities (here Philadelphia) especially use them because we just don’t have the time for excess words.
But all in all, a fun read, and I do recommend it.
February 7, 2019
Editing help
Really needs some editing for spell ck. Made me a little crazy after awhile. Sweet story and good character all around but the " I'm doing this for your own good " trope was a bit annoying. Maybe just me
Really needs some editing for spell ck. Made me a little crazy after awhile. Sweet story and good character all around but the " I'm doing this for your own good " trope was a bit annoying. Maybe just me
May 19, 2013
4.5☆....Book two and this series is getting better and better.
We get to experience Tom in the first book. He shows his interest in Ava's mouthy, quirky friend, Talia, in the first book. There was some flirting, some dancing and some sort of friendship developing. He even broke out of his mold and defended her honor at one point in book one...so out of character for him that it shocks his friends, as well as Talia.
But in this book, an unfortunate turn of events truly pushes these two characters to the very edge...to the point that they are going to either jump together, jump alone or not jump at all. But whatever they choose to do, the question will remain, "Will they be able to fix what is broken if the wrong decision is made?"
Talia is on the receiving end of the unfortunate incident that occurs in the very beginning of this book. I found myself clutching my chest and gasping for air when I read it. It was like, "NO NO NO." The author wasted no time dragging you in, pulling you under and surrounding you with fear, grief, shock, pain, surprise and uncertainty. Tom was the most calm, honest and level headed of the group and now....*sighs*
But Talia refuses to leave Tom alone to suffer through this ordeal. She not only cares for him, but considers him a friend and wants to be there for him in every way possible...not just for his benefit but for that of her own heart.
While it is understandable that Tom is feeling deflated, and even his behavior and harsh tone and words are understandable, it does not make the blow of them any easier to hear or witness. It makes sense, it is realistic and it makes you hurt for Talia and ache for Tom's healing. You hope he realizes what he is doing and has done and snaps out of it.
But I admired Talia, and all of their friends. Nick, especially. They stood up to Tom, tried to shake him and talk sense into him, and never joined his pity party. But Talia, she took the high road...she never tried to make things harder for Tom and did just as he asked and said he wanted....SHE LEFT HIM ALONE.
Tom's journey is hard, heart wrenching, slow but determined and, in the end, rewarding and triumphant, as he is able to get a bit of himself back...a part of him he lost when his life took a turn for the worse.
The ending of this book was perfect and heart felt and I was thrilled with how it worked out. There was something so believable in watching a relationship develop even when the two were not together. It was real because there was angst, struggle, sadness and hope.
Loved this second installment.
We get to experience Tom in the first book. He shows his interest in Ava's mouthy, quirky friend, Talia, in the first book. There was some flirting, some dancing and some sort of friendship developing. He even broke out of his mold and defended her honor at one point in book one...so out of character for him that it shocks his friends, as well as Talia.
But in this book, an unfortunate turn of events truly pushes these two characters to the very edge...to the point that they are going to either jump together, jump alone or not jump at all. But whatever they choose to do, the question will remain, "Will they be able to fix what is broken if the wrong decision is made?"
Talia is on the receiving end of the unfortunate incident that occurs in the very beginning of this book. I found myself clutching my chest and gasping for air when I read it. It was like, "NO NO NO." The author wasted no time dragging you in, pulling you under and surrounding you with fear, grief, shock, pain, surprise and uncertainty. Tom was the most calm, honest and level headed of the group and now....*sighs*
But Talia refuses to leave Tom alone to suffer through this ordeal. She not only cares for him, but considers him a friend and wants to be there for him in every way possible...not just for his benefit but for that of her own heart.
While it is understandable that Tom is feeling deflated, and even his behavior and harsh tone and words are understandable, it does not make the blow of them any easier to hear or witness. It makes sense, it is realistic and it makes you hurt for Talia and ache for Tom's healing. You hope he realizes what he is doing and has done and snaps out of it.
But I admired Talia, and all of their friends. Nick, especially. They stood up to Tom, tried to shake him and talk sense into him, and never joined his pity party. But Talia, she took the high road...she never tried to make things harder for Tom and did just as he asked and said he wanted....SHE LEFT HIM ALONE.
Tom's journey is hard, heart wrenching, slow but determined and, in the end, rewarding and triumphant, as he is able to get a bit of himself back...a part of him he lost when his life took a turn for the worse.
The ending of this book was perfect and heart felt and I was thrilled with how it worked out. There was something so believable in watching a relationship develop even when the two were not together. It was real because there was angst, struggle, sadness and hope.
Loved this second installment.
January 18, 2013
Well I got to hear about Ava & Trevor which I love hearing about past characters as their HEA move forward. You could kind of see what was coming with Tom but it didn't make the story line any less Fabulous. A little bit of Hot Steamy Sex nothing detailed or raunchy and not until the very end. Good ending. There will be another book about Nick so we will get
to hear more about where life for Talia & Tom go from here.
Quotes:
"Look at you. Aren't you cute with all the happiness, pouring off of you! Oh wait....
you got a little bullshit by your mouth there, you might want to wipe that off."
"Fine Sara, but if I am required to manage my anger, then stupid people should be required to manage their stupid. Either that, or I should be allowed Margaritas at work."
Read more on my blog iloveladyporn.com
to hear more about where life for Talia & Tom go from here.
Quotes:
"Look at you. Aren't you cute with all the happiness, pouring off of you! Oh wait....
you got a little bullshit by your mouth there, you might want to wipe that off."
"Fine Sara, but if I am required to manage my anger, then stupid people should be required to manage their stupid. Either that, or I should be allowed Margaritas at work."
Read more on my blog iloveladyporn.com
May 31, 2013
After finishing the first book, In My Arms, I was so glad to see that book two would involve Tom and Talia. I loved these two characters when I read about them in Ava and Trevor's story and wanted to know more. I wasn't expecting some of the heartbreaking moments such as the scene in the ER where Talia works, I won't spoil it by saying more. This was another sweet romance by the author with some steamy moments in between. Nick graced us with his presence again and his fun quips with Talia are always entertaining. I love the friendship between the three guys, Trevor, Nick, and Tom, the brotherly love guy bond they share is wonderful. Ava calling Talia on her BS moments are priceless. I really enjoyed reading about these characters and just bought book 3!
January 20, 2013
I cried so many times reading this book it was fantastic. Talia and Tom were meant to be together but the message was clear. I just loved how Tom was willing to fight his feelings so she could have more but loving someone through up and downs are epic. Tragedy stuck but Talia heart was there no matter what. She gave her all and it paid off once Tom complete the stages of grief. The walking for the wedding was amazing. Great book #2.
September 16, 2015
So much "sweet", I believe I might become diabetic just for reading it-__-
The characters were so bland and mediocre I wasn't interested in whether or not they pursued a HEA; and I had a hard time distinguishing them from each other when their POV's changed. Tom's "voice" was so obviously written by a woman it was off putting.
I have the third book because it was free on my Kindle, but I am deleting it since I have no intention on reading it after this one.
June 19, 2013
Loved this follow up book of Tom and Talia's story. The plot line was deeper, more involved and while it could have been longer exploring the time apart, it worked and kept a very fast pace. Enjoyed as a quick read.
May 15, 2013
This more is a great book and well worth the time of reading. Can't wait get the next book which will be soon.
May 29, 2013
This was a perfect short book. I read these books as a filler while waiting for a much anticipated sequel. This was a short and sweet read!
May 14, 2013
I enjoyed it. Very sweet and simple
May 21, 2013
Good story - quick & cute!!
May 14, 2013
Such an unexpected twist and I couldn't have enjoyed this story more.
August 14, 2018
Despite the huh?! hot-&-coldness of Tom once he was almost fully recovered & the mistaken-identity trope @ the end, I enjoyed this tale. I liked that though Talia was portrayed as a party girl and Tom was reserved (but hot for her), they waited to become fully intimate, and it was *after* they cleared up some major misunderstandings and vowed to be open w/each other from that point on.
February 24, 2021
Story was just bland, nothing overly exciting. Extremely predictable by the second chapter. Even with what story was there is was beyond rushed. Plenty of spelling errors and incorrect pronouns were used. Just not impressed at all.
October 7, 2018
Not my favorite type of plot. H pushes h away because he doesn’t want to be a burden. So you spend most of the story with a H who is feeling sorry for himself. I was not a huge fan of the H, but I liked the other characters.
August 12, 2013
"Love is irrational, but so it pain."
Talia has a nurse by day and party girl at night. She loves her job and one night the unexpected happened when a patient came in mangled from a car accident. After working on him Talia went on as usually until she heard the patients name, Tom, her Tom. Tom and Taila have had this connection for days and she takes it upon herself to be his nurse to help him get on his feet...foot. After the accident Tom is constantly being hot and cold. One minuet they are getting hot and heavy then he pushes her away with hurtful words. Will their friendship last this hard time?
"Sometimes we push away the ones we love and need the most because we think it's best for them."
I loved this short and sweet book. I loved the characters. I loved that there was more then one point of view. I probably would've been mad at Tom's character if I didn't get his point of view. I can understand why he was hot and cold. Many people in his position would probably feel the same. Tom was an active guy who loved to move then the accident taken it away from him so I can get why he got to a depressed level and why he wouldn't feel like a whole man after that accident. I loved Taila she was sarcastic, witty, loyal, and caring. She took time off of work to work for a friend in need. I loved both characters, in the book they felt realistic with the struggles and angst they went through.
"Courage does not mean you possess the strength to carry on; it means that you will carry on when you feel that you no longer have the strength."
Talia has a nurse by day and party girl at night. She loves her job and one night the unexpected happened when a patient came in mangled from a car accident. After working on him Talia went on as usually until she heard the patients name, Tom, her Tom. Tom and Taila have had this connection for days and she takes it upon herself to be his nurse to help him get on his feet...foot. After the accident Tom is constantly being hot and cold. One minuet they are getting hot and heavy then he pushes her away with hurtful words. Will their friendship last this hard time?
"Sometimes we push away the ones we love and need the most because we think it's best for them."
I loved this short and sweet book. I loved the characters. I loved that there was more then one point of view. I probably would've been mad at Tom's character if I didn't get his point of view. I can understand why he was hot and cold. Many people in his position would probably feel the same. Tom was an active guy who loved to move then the accident taken it away from him so I can get why he got to a depressed level and why he wouldn't feel like a whole man after that accident. I loved Taila she was sarcastic, witty, loyal, and caring. She took time off of work to work for a friend in need. I loved both characters, in the book they felt realistic with the struggles and angst they went through.
"Courage does not mean you possess the strength to carry on; it means that you will carry on when you feel that you no longer have the strength."
August 20, 2013
Tom....... Tom....... Tom....... what a foolish man you are!
A Part Of Me is the story of Tom and Talia and oh what a quick fun and frustrating story it was to read. Tom is a happy go lucky doing what he loves to do. He is a teacher by day and coach by night. Then one day he is in a car accident that takes part of his leg. It is at this point Tom wants to curl up in the corner and die. He thinks his life is over because part of his leg is gone. This is when we get to meet Talia who is an ER nurse and a friend. As she brings Tom home and tries to help him she realizes right off the bat that Tom is trying to push her away.
Talia is a strong women who will not allow Tom to push her away so she stays day after day taking care of him. Soon stronger feelings develop and Talia is willing to do anything to be with him and make him happy. Tom on the other hand thinks how could Talia love him because he is a broken man so he continues to try and push her away and when she won't leave Tom realizes this is the real deal and let's Talia in.
This is a great short emotional read that had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next because Tom kept pushing and I thought he was going to push Talia right out the door!
A Part Of Me is the story of Tom and Talia and oh what a quick fun and frustrating story it was to read. Tom is a happy go lucky doing what he loves to do. He is a teacher by day and coach by night. Then one day he is in a car accident that takes part of his leg. It is at this point Tom wants to curl up in the corner and die. He thinks his life is over because part of his leg is gone. This is when we get to meet Talia who is an ER nurse and a friend. As she brings Tom home and tries to help him she realizes right off the bat that Tom is trying to push her away.
Talia is a strong women who will not allow Tom to push her away so she stays day after day taking care of him. Soon stronger feelings develop and Talia is willing to do anything to be with him and make him happy. Tom on the other hand thinks how could Talia love him because he is a broken man so he continues to try and push her away and when she won't leave Tom realizes this is the real deal and let's Talia in.
This is a great short emotional read that had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next because Tom kept pushing and I thought he was going to push Talia right out the door!
March 27, 2014
I read this book on the plane on my way to Wicked Book Weekend, and it had me choked up the whole way.....I can recall the ladies sitting next to me on the plane, glancing at me wondering why I'm sniffling and choking back tears.....tears of sadness and sorrow, but also tears of pride, love and joy.
Poor Tom and Foolish Tom, but I get it! he was struggling with his own demons and I guess in a way, his own pity party. But who wouldn't in his situation?!?!?! I can see where he thought he was doing to 'right' thing....regardless of how stupid he was being.
And Talia. ....oh poor Talia, what a heart of gold! The strength, patience and devotion that was shown, was truly heartwarming!
This was a very enjoyable short read and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series
Poor Tom and Foolish Tom, but I get it! he was struggling with his own demons and I guess in a way, his own pity party. But who wouldn't in his situation?!?!?! I can see where he thought he was doing to 'right' thing....regardless of how stupid he was being.
And Talia. ....oh poor Talia, what a heart of gold! The strength, patience and devotion that was shown, was truly heartwarming!
This was a very enjoyable short read and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series
September 14, 2015
What a beautiful story!
This was such a hard book to read, because it was so emotional. You really felt you were in their shoes, and feeling all their pain. Even through all of the trying times these characters had to face, I felt enriched. This author is definitely one I'll follow. She captures the souls of her characters and makes you see their pain and their joys. I thought her snarky, intelligent wit was outstanding! It made me want to not down those expressions to save to use later.
This was such a hard book to read, because it was so emotional. You really felt you were in their shoes, and feeling all their pain. Even through all of the trying times these characters had to face, I felt enriched. This author is definitely one I'll follow. She captures the souls of her characters and makes you see their pain and their joys. I thought her snarky, intelligent wit was outstanding! It made me want to not down those expressions to save to use later.
May 27, 2013
Very predictable and not well written. I feel like I have read this story 100 times. When Tom walks at the wedding, it was so fake. I have 2 family members that use prosthetics, and it took a lot longer than a month of pt to be able to use them!
April 12, 2013
La verdad que este libro no estuvo tan genial como el primero, pero la historia fue mucho más romántica.... el amor de los protagonistas vale oro
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May 12, 2013Amazon Freebie 5/12/13
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September 12, 2013
Yes just as good as the first, now on to #3
September 14, 2013
What a twist. What a sad story.
March 18, 2014
Awesome short read loved this whole series
December 27, 2014
Wow! And the hotness continues.
July 9, 2016
3.5 stars
May 11, 2013
awwww linda historia :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews