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A Graceful Mess
Hiding behind the anguish from my past, my coyness seeps off of me like an aroma. I have felt like a stranger in my own skin, trying to claw my way out for far too long, allowing very few people to see past my façade…until my eyes met with his. I felt a sudden rush of energy all the way to my core. It jolted me in ways I never thought possible.
Never in a million years would I have expected to be in the mess I am today. It all leads back to the night Parker Porter turned my world upside down. The night his hazel eyes undressed me, peeling away the layers of the woman I tried so hard to be. He awoke desires that burned deep within me and changed me in one quick glance, leaving me vulnerable and exposed, picking up the shattered pieces of my carefully constructed life…a life I should not be living…a life I was not born into, but placed into by the state of Maine.
Parker opened a door that I am far from closing until I have answers and am able to face the life I was destined to live. I just have to decide if his love is worth the mess.
“They say be careful of the quiet ones.” –Grace
Warning: This book is intended for readers 18+ due to explicit language and sexual encounters.
Never in a million years would I have expected to be in the mess I am today. It all leads back to the night Parker Porter turned my world upside down. The night his hazel eyes undressed me, peeling away the layers of the woman I tried so hard to be. He awoke desires that burned deep within me and changed me in one quick glance, leaving me vulnerable and exposed, picking up the shattered pieces of my carefully constructed life…a life I should not be living…a life I was not born into, but placed into by the state of Maine.
Parker opened a door that I am far from closing until I have answers and am able to face the life I was destined to live. I just have to decide if his love is worth the mess.
“They say be careful of the quiet ones.” –Grace
Warning: This book is intended for readers 18+ due to explicit language and sexual encounters.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2013
18 people are currently reading
1740 people want to read
About the author
Nacole Stayton
13 books478 followersNacole Stayton is thirty-something years young and resides in the Bourbon Capital of the World with her husband and son. Her debut novel, The Upside of Letting Go is an Amazon top 100 bestseller. She spends her days working in healthcare as a practice administrator and her evenings pinning away on her next novel. She can usually be found playing with monster trucks and dodging Nerf gun darts or enjoying an iced coffee poolside.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
August 22, 2013
5 STARS
OMG!
HOLY SHIT!!
FANFUCKINGTASTIC!!!
WOW!!!! JUST WOW!!!! I had the privilege of being a beta reader for this book and I am completely blown away!! The emotional roller coaster that I was on from beginning to end was phenomenal!! I have read this book more than once and my reaction remained the same each time. I laughed. I cried. I wanted to scream and throw my laptop across the room. I cried some more. I smiled. I cried again. I swooned. I cried even more. I hurt deeply for the characters involved. Did I mention that I cried? No, well I did. I cried. Wanna know how badly I cried?
Even with all of the gut wrenching crying, I fell in love with Parker and Grace's story. I also cried happy tears. A Graceful Mess touched me to my core. I felt every emotion possible while reading it and was left feeling empty once I was done. I had one hell of a book hangover to say the least. Yes, I mean EVERY time I read it. I cannot wait for everyone to meet Parker and Grace so that you can all fall in love like I have! A Graceful Mess will hands down be one of my FAVORITE books of 2013 and Parker is for sure one of my TOP book boyfriends of ALL TIME!!
This is Grace:
Beautiful.
Smart.
Kind.
Loving.
Too many times outward appearances hinder others' ability to look deep inside of us and learn who we really are.
This is REALLY Grace:
Sad.
Lonely.
Afraid.
Broken.
Looking at Grace, one would assume that she was living the picture perfect life. She has a wonderful family, the best friend anyone could ask for and a hard earned education. Sadly, Grace had a horrendous past buried deep inside of her. A past that she tried to forget daily, but couldn't. She had secrets that would drive most crazy. Grace lived her own personal nightmare. My heart hurt so deeply for her throughout this book. There were several times where I wished that I was able to just hold her in my arms and comfort her. How she went on with her everyday life amazed me. Grace deserved happiness. She deserved love. She deserved her happy ending. But in order for any of this to happen, we have to bring on the man candy!!
This is Parker:
Gorgeous.
Hot.
Sexy.
Muscular.
Once again, outward appearances don't always reveal who we truly are. Yes, those words describe Parker perfectly, but there is so much more to him.
This is REALLY Parker:
Caring.
Brave.
Determined.
Protective.
Parker, oh Parker. That man is SEX ON LEGS!! I fell in love with Parker from the beginning. He is just...OMG!! He's everything a woman wants in a man. Parker has it all! Every time he said "Sweetheart" this was me
![]()
I guess I should give you a little bit of insight into what it was like when Parker and Grace met.
Grace sees Parker for the first time...
Parker sees Grace for the first time...
Later there is some of this...
And we had some of this...
With a little of this...
I was left doing this...
I'm pretty sure that you can use your imagination for the rest ;)
So, like every love story there has to be something that could potentially tear them apart, right? Oh yeah, this one is no different. Parker has his secrets. Secrets that could jeopardize any type of future with Grace if she found out. Grace has her insecurities. Insecurities so deep that have prevented her from learning how to trust and love, which in return could leave her lonely for the rest of her life. Relationships are a lot of work and these two, if they want to be together, they have to put their hearts and souls into it.
While Parker was incredibly hot, he had his moments where he made me so mad!
I wanted nothing more than to be able to be there with Grace so I could do this...
Grace had been through enough in her life and didn't need Parker's inconsistent bullshit. I wanted to choke him at times! Who am I kidding? I couldn't stay mad at Parker long and we were back to this...
Parker and Grace needed to find a happy medium. They had decisions to make. But could they make these decisions before it was too late or would they be left with regrets?
Would they learn how to love this deeply? If so, would it ever be strong enough to survive the nightmares that lurked in the background? I want nothing more than to be able to tell you. I want to SCREAM it from a mountain top, but I can't and I won't. This is a mess you have to figure out on your own. Will it be graceful or will it be a disaster? Only time will tell...
"Follow me, Sweetheart." - Parker
OMG!
HOLY SHIT!!
FANFUCKINGTASTIC!!!
WOW!!!! JUST WOW!!!! I had the privilege of being a beta reader for this book and I am completely blown away!! The emotional roller coaster that I was on from beginning to end was phenomenal!! I have read this book more than once and my reaction remained the same each time. I laughed. I cried. I wanted to scream and throw my laptop across the room. I cried some more. I smiled. I cried again. I swooned. I cried even more. I hurt deeply for the characters involved. Did I mention that I cried? No, well I did. I cried. Wanna know how badly I cried?
Even with all of the gut wrenching crying, I fell in love with Parker and Grace's story. I also cried happy tears. A Graceful Mess touched me to my core. I felt every emotion possible while reading it and was left feeling empty once I was done. I had one hell of a book hangover to say the least. Yes, I mean EVERY time I read it. I cannot wait for everyone to meet Parker and Grace so that you can all fall in love like I have! A Graceful Mess will hands down be one of my FAVORITE books of 2013 and Parker is for sure one of my TOP book boyfriends of ALL TIME!!
This is Grace:
Beautiful.
Smart.
Kind.
Loving.
Too many times outward appearances hinder others' ability to look deep inside of us and learn who we really are.
This is REALLY Grace:
Sad.
Lonely.
Afraid.
Broken.
Looking at Grace, one would assume that she was living the picture perfect life. She has a wonderful family, the best friend anyone could ask for and a hard earned education. Sadly, Grace had a horrendous past buried deep inside of her. A past that she tried to forget daily, but couldn't. She had secrets that would drive most crazy. Grace lived her own personal nightmare. My heart hurt so deeply for her throughout this book. There were several times where I wished that I was able to just hold her in my arms and comfort her. How she went on with her everyday life amazed me. Grace deserved happiness. She deserved love. She deserved her happy ending. But in order for any of this to happen, we have to bring on the man candy!!
This is Parker:
Gorgeous.
Hot.
Sexy.
Muscular.
Once again, outward appearances don't always reveal who we truly are. Yes, those words describe Parker perfectly, but there is so much more to him.
This is REALLY Parker:
Caring.
Brave.
Determined.
Protective.
Parker, oh Parker. That man is SEX ON LEGS!! I fell in love with Parker from the beginning. He is just...OMG!! He's everything a woman wants in a man. Parker has it all! Every time he said "Sweetheart" this was me
I guess I should give you a little bit of insight into what it was like when Parker and Grace met.
Grace sees Parker for the first time...
Parker sees Grace for the first time...
Later there is some of this...
And we had some of this...
With a little of this...
I was left doing this...
I'm pretty sure that you can use your imagination for the rest ;)
So, like every love story there has to be something that could potentially tear them apart, right? Oh yeah, this one is no different. Parker has his secrets. Secrets that could jeopardize any type of future with Grace if she found out. Grace has her insecurities. Insecurities so deep that have prevented her from learning how to trust and love, which in return could leave her lonely for the rest of her life. Relationships are a lot of work and these two, if they want to be together, they have to put their hearts and souls into it.
While Parker was incredibly hot, he had his moments where he made me so mad!
I wanted nothing more than to be able to be there with Grace so I could do this...
Grace had been through enough in her life and didn't need Parker's inconsistent bullshit. I wanted to choke him at times! Who am I kidding? I couldn't stay mad at Parker long and we were back to this...
Parker and Grace needed to find a happy medium. They had decisions to make. But could they make these decisions before it was too late or would they be left with regrets?
Would they learn how to love this deeply? If so, would it ever be strong enough to survive the nightmares that lurked in the background? I want nothing more than to be able to tell you. I want to SCREAM it from a mountain top, but I can't and I won't. This is a mess you have to figure out on your own. Will it be graceful or will it be a disaster? Only time will tell...
"Follow me, Sweetheart." - Parker
September 5, 2013
I was disappointed in this book and this review contains spoilers. I didn't like Parker and didn't enjoy knowing what he was thinking. He slept with another girl "a few" times after his wonderful night with Grace where he supposedly made a connection with her. When he goes to the bar to see Grace on her birthday he flirts with another girl because it's "fun". He talks about how kinky and freaky he is in the bedroom, but we don't see it when he is with Grace. He didn't seem too upset to me about his cheating ex girlfriend. He seemed like a very shallow guy looking for his next lay and I found it hard to believe he loved Grace and would be faithful to her. He mentioned how being with the woman that made him submit to her was the best thing ever and like a drug so why isn't he with her or looking for someone to dominate him? Nothing rang true to me and Grace didn't seem very smart- I didn't believe her being so in love with Parker either. The book was weak to me- too much going on and nothing fully developed.
August 15, 2013
Is it okay to say that the epilogue was my absolute favourite part of the whole book? Yes? Good.. because it blew me away. Perfect.
Grace Clearwater, a 23 year old broken girl who is on the verge of graduation, a girl who has sworn off guys for the past few years, a girl who is about to have her whole world rocked by a guy she meets one night in a bar.
Parker is a Private Investigator, hired to watch over Grace by a very important senator running in an election. The moment his eyes spy Grace on a piece of paper he's a goner. He knows he mustn't mix business with pleasure, being in the family business run by his father, he's practically had it drilled in to him. Nothing is stopping when it comes to Grace though, he just hopes he can do a good enough job of protecting her from all hurt and pain..
Told in both Grace and Parker's POV, we are given the privilege of being inside both of their head. It's my favourite thing in a book, I feel like it's truly the only way to get a well rounded feel for the story. Both Parker and Grace are hiding massive secrets from each other. Grace about her past and Parker about his present, and without the other knowing, their secrets entwine. I knew it was only going to be a matter of time before everything blew up, which it did, but I loved how it was all resolved. Nothing was forced or fake, everything felt very real.
*Reviewing for The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog as part of the 'A Graceful Mess' blog tour.*
"You're going to be my undoing, unraveling me piece by piece."
Grace Clearwater, a 23 year old broken girl who is on the verge of graduation, a girl who has sworn off guys for the past few years, a girl who is about to have her whole world rocked by a guy she meets one night in a bar.
Parker is a Private Investigator, hired to watch over Grace by a very important senator running in an election. The moment his eyes spy Grace on a piece of paper he's a goner. He knows he mustn't mix business with pleasure, being in the family business run by his father, he's practically had it drilled in to him. Nothing is stopping when it comes to Grace though, he just hopes he can do a good enough job of protecting her from all hurt and pain..
"I'm no hero, just a man in love with a jaded woman."
Told in both Grace and Parker's POV, we are given the privilege of being inside both of their head. It's my favourite thing in a book, I feel like it's truly the only way to get a well rounded feel for the story. Both Parker and Grace are hiding massive secrets from each other. Grace about her past and Parker about his present, and without the other knowing, their secrets entwine. I knew it was only going to be a matter of time before everything blew up, which it did, but I loved how it was all resolved. Nothing was forced or fake, everything felt very real.
"Sometimes you don't know how broken you once were, until you finally feel whole. Parker Porter filled a void I didn't know I had. He completed me and made me whole again."
*Reviewing for The Hopeless Romantics Book Blog as part of the 'A Graceful Mess' blog tour.*
June 22, 2013
I can't wait to share this one with you all! <3
August 22, 2013
Wowza. A Graceful Mess was amazeballs. It had it all. Everything. In spades.
A smokin hot book boy? ☑
Well developed loveable characters? ☑
Sexy times that rocked my world? ☑
Multi-layered angst and heartache? ☑
Moments that made me laugh? ☑
Times I needed tissues to wipe up my ugly messy crying? ☑
This book had me by the balls, ok ok, I don't have balls but if I did, A Graceful Mess would have had a hold on them the whole way through.
Sometimes you don't know how broken you once were, until you finally feel whole.
23 year old Grace is smart, quiet and shy. A homebody. She loves reading raunchy romance (who doesnt ;) !) she feels like a misfit in her family, has skeletons in her closet and keeps her cards close to her chest. She's been broken and I desperately wanted to know who broke her, how and why. I wanted to find that person and smash them to smithereens. Grace is the type of girl that would be easy to know and love. Things aren't easy for Grace as she's hit with box after box from her past. The Grace on the last page was such a contrast to the Grace we met at the start.
I think for the first time since I was eighteen, I have finally felt alive. I think Parker brought me back to life, and the scary part is that the version of me that was awakened isn't a Grace anyone knows, but the Grace that has been buried deep within me. His touch unleashed her, and there is no going back now.
Parker is so dreamy. So romantic. So hot. An adonis in the bedroom, and so in love. He writes letters (although they aren't always good ones!), he makes sure she's safe and he wants to take the shadows from her eyes and make her smile. He also has secrets of his own and that doesn't make for smooth sailing.
His breath so close to me is hot and feels like heaven, and then I feel his tongue. It keeps a steady movement, almost as if it is creating its own special melody and is conducting an orchestra. The sweet, sweet music his tongue is playing makes me want to clap my hands like a pleased crowd would.
This story told in dual pov took me on such a journey. So much happened throughout these pages. I was constantly on the edge of my seat trying to predict what was going to happen next. I was either laughing, horny or crying.
"You're going to be my undoing, unraveling me piece by piece,"
We had family secrets, betrayal, life & death, beautiful friendship, sexy times that blew my mind. It was a beautiful story that I adored from start to finish. Bravo Nacole ❤
If I learned anything from my past, it was that the moments that should have defeated you sometimes fuel you to move forward. I will not backtrack. Not now, not ever. ~ Grace
August 22, 2013
Parker is F'ing HOT! That's my review! No truly this book was really good. I will have a full review up soon!
August 22, 2013
Ok first of all the cover of this book alone made me want to read it immediately! Hot!
Moving on to my review! Omg! I can't stop fanning myself thinking about the hotness in this book! Nacole seriously made me blush over, and over again!
We meet Grace Clearwater entering 3 more years of law school. Grace hasn't really had a life in the last year except maybe talking and doing things with family, or friends. She hasn't let anyone into her heart in so long, and you will learn the reason for that as you read. All of that changes after one night at the bar! Get ready everyone it's gonna get HOT in here!
In walks Parker Porter!! Sweet mother of Pearl he is HOT! Bad Boy <<<< yes I said bad boy private investigator who is watching her for his job! He had no intention on falling for Grace but the heart wants what the heart wants right? Not to mention the night after the bar! You better get your fan on for the steam in this book. Let's just say Parker can investigate me any day! <<<<< Too much? You just wait you are going to love this man!
As the story unfolds we see Parker trying his best to not to fall in love with Grace and keep it professional. Will Grace find out who he really is? Will Parker go ahead and give into his feelings or will his job hold him back? I dont want to give too much away but you will love it. You will love these two and their beautiful journey to get to be together! With the odds against them it was so neat to see how they bring it all together! I give A Graceful Mess 5 Shiny Stars!! Thank you Nacole Stayton for this beautiful love story!
Moving on to my review! Omg! I can't stop fanning myself thinking about the hotness in this book! Nacole seriously made me blush over, and over again!
We meet Grace Clearwater entering 3 more years of law school. Grace hasn't really had a life in the last year except maybe talking and doing things with family, or friends. She hasn't let anyone into her heart in so long, and you will learn the reason for that as you read. All of that changes after one night at the bar! Get ready everyone it's gonna get HOT in here!
In walks Parker Porter!! Sweet mother of Pearl he is HOT! Bad Boy <<<< yes I said bad boy private investigator who is watching her for his job! He had no intention on falling for Grace but the heart wants what the heart wants right? Not to mention the night after the bar! You better get your fan on for the steam in this book. Let's just say Parker can investigate me any day! <<<<< Too much? You just wait you are going to love this man!
As the story unfolds we see Parker trying his best to not to fall in love with Grace and keep it professional. Will Grace find out who he really is? Will Parker go ahead and give into his feelings or will his job hold him back? I dont want to give too much away but you will love it. You will love these two and their beautiful journey to get to be together! With the odds against them it was so neat to see how they bring it all together! I give A Graceful Mess 5 Shiny Stars!! Thank you Nacole Stayton for this beautiful love story!
August 22, 2013
I was lucky to be a beta reader for Nacole for A Graceful Mess. This book broke my heart, made me cry, made me smile, made me laugh and feel sorrow and triumph! Nacole wrote a story that you won't want to put down until you've finished it. On top of all those feeling I had, Parker is one hot, sexy man! He's a mans man and a ladies man. He knows how to love the right woman. Lucky you Grace, lucky you!
August 22, 2013
Grace has a life where she likes to pretend that everything is okay. She's buried her past down deep and wants it to stay buried there. Her roommate and best friend Maci convinces her it's time to go out and celebrate their graduation from college at a local bar. What Grace doesn't realize is that Maci has set her up with a man named Carson who spends more than half his time starring at other women when they are near him or walk by. Feel alone and out of place she watches as her best friend flirts with her date and leaves her to fend off the unwanted advances of a complete stranger.
That's the night she meets Parker Porter. Parker meets up with his friend and brother for a drink after he's had a rough afternoon. Parker moved to Iowa from Alabama to help run a new branch that has just been opened. He's called into work on a Saturday and is not happy. That is until he opens up the file his father hands him indicating the girl in the photo is their next case. He's to follow her and report what she does all day everyday to biological father a man named Mark Jacobs. The moment he opens Grace's file, the fireworks go off and he knows that he'll have trouble staying away from this one because her innocent blue eyes hold so much promise within them.
He didn't expect to find her in the bar that night. He wasn't suppose to start trailing her until Monday. But a chance encounter between them will change everything for ever. Parker awakens a side of Grace she never knew she had. When they are together she's on longer the timid, quiet girl that she once was, now she's a woman who knows what she desires and goes after it.
Parker knows that he and Grace cannot be together at least not at this point in time with him being on the case that requires him to follow her and lie to her about how much he really knows about her. This story is full of lies and the quest to uncover the truth. For the longest time, Grace has been having the same dream of her being a little girl who is scared and alone, what she doesn't realize is that she's adopted and that little girl is herself. At the orphanage she met a kid named Brody and when she runs into him in high school he does the unthinkable and harms her and their unborn child. So what happens when Brody returns? Why is the senator so desperate to hide from Grace that he is her father? And what happens when all the lies and deceit from her family and Parker come to the surface and shatter her heart into a million pieces?
This book was amazing. Right from the start I could tell this was going to be a great book. Just starting with the cover alone, I knew this book would draw me right in. Nacole draws you right into her story that is full of lies, deceit, betrayal, and passion and has you hanging on the edge of your seat until the very last page. I cannot wait to read more of Nacole's work in the future because if her other books turn out the be half as good as this one was, Nacole has gained a new reader, 5 stars!
***ARC provided by author in exchange for ahonest review***
That's the night she meets Parker Porter. Parker meets up with his friend and brother for a drink after he's had a rough afternoon. Parker moved to Iowa from Alabama to help run a new branch that has just been opened. He's called into work on a Saturday and is not happy. That is until he opens up the file his father hands him indicating the girl in the photo is their next case. He's to follow her and report what she does all day everyday to biological father a man named Mark Jacobs. The moment he opens Grace's file, the fireworks go off and he knows that he'll have trouble staying away from this one because her innocent blue eyes hold so much promise within them.
He didn't expect to find her in the bar that night. He wasn't suppose to start trailing her until Monday. But a chance encounter between them will change everything for ever. Parker awakens a side of Grace she never knew she had. When they are together she's on longer the timid, quiet girl that she once was, now she's a woman who knows what she desires and goes after it.
Parker knows that he and Grace cannot be together at least not at this point in time with him being on the case that requires him to follow her and lie to her about how much he really knows about her. This story is full of lies and the quest to uncover the truth. For the longest time, Grace has been having the same dream of her being a little girl who is scared and alone, what she doesn't realize is that she's adopted and that little girl is herself. At the orphanage she met a kid named Brody and when she runs into him in high school he does the unthinkable and harms her and their unborn child. So what happens when Brody returns? Why is the senator so desperate to hide from Grace that he is her father? And what happens when all the lies and deceit from her family and Parker come to the surface and shatter her heart into a million pieces?
This book was amazing. Right from the start I could tell this was going to be a great book. Just starting with the cover alone, I knew this book would draw me right in. Nacole draws you right into her story that is full of lies, deceit, betrayal, and passion and has you hanging on the edge of your seat until the very last page. I cannot wait to read more of Nacole's work in the future because if her other books turn out the be half as good as this one was, Nacole has gained a new reader, 5 stars!
***ARC provided by author in exchange for ahonest review***
August 22, 2013
What do I say??? I LOVE Parker. LOVE LOVE LOVE! He is ranked very high on the list of book boyfriends. He is loving, he is protective and he is alpha! He can make your panties melt!
Grace is gorgeous and smart and has had some awful things happen to her. All she wants to feel comfortable in her own skin.
This book is amazing! Nacole knows how to write a hot and steamy emotional book. I was completely drawn in from page one!!
Grace is gorgeous and smart and has had some awful things happen to her. All she wants to feel comfortable in her own skin.
This book is amazing! Nacole knows how to write a hot and steamy emotional book. I was completely drawn in from page one!!
June 17, 2013
Me encanta la portada! ♥
August 24, 2013
Grace Clearwater has a past just like most of us but for her, her past is something she has tried to forget. Her past has changed the once happy go lucky, energetic, free spirited girl she once was to the closed off, shy, empty girl she is now. Living her life day to day trying to keep her past in the past has taken its toll and all that changed when her eyes landed on one Parker Porter.
Parker Porter has never been shy about what he wants and he goes after it with everything he has. When he laid eyes on Grace he knew that no matter what he was suppose to do he couldn’t stop his body from craving her touch. He needed her like he needed his next breath and going against everything he knew was right he went after her and he wouldn’t stop until he knew what she felt like pressed up against him.
When Grace’s past starts to unravel in front of her eyes it takes everything in her not to lose all the sanity she has left. Can Grace overcome the past that she never really dealt with and survive it? Will Parker walk away after finding out the skeletons that are in her closest? What happens when something from your past has already crossed paths with your future? Is Grace and Parkers connection strong enough to overcome the lies and betrayal?
Nacole brought us a beautiful story about 1 girl who was put through hell and back and still managed to come out in one piece. Grace is a strong and beautiful character that endured things nobody should have to endure. She was lied to and betrayed so many times that I wondered how she wasn’t more of a mess than what she currently was.
They say to be careful of the quiet ones. A statement I never truly understood, to be honest. What is wrong with being quiet or a little on the shy side? It’s a demeanor I use as a mask to hide myself from a world I don’t feel like I fit into. In one false move, the life I’ve so carefully constructed could crumble, leaving me vulnerable and exposed. – A Graceful Mess
When Grace and Parker first meet there is something between them that pulls them towards each other. Something about Parker that lights a fire deep within her soul and slowly she starts to find the girl she once was. She holds onto that dearly even though a part of her is scared of having her heart broken again. She has trouble with trusting people because of her past but Parker is determined to break those walls down that Grace has built and make her his.
The reflection of the girl staring back at me has a glimmer in her eye, one I don’t recall ever noticing. I am sure it has to do with the hunk of a man in there on my bed. The thought makes me want to jump up and down like a little girl excited about her first pony ride. – A Graceful Mess
Parker is steamy hot and very sexy. He carries himself with a confidence that will draw you in and keep you there until the very end. He knows what he wants and he gets it. He is strong and passionate. He protects what is his with everything he has and will do whatever he can to put a smile on Grace’s face. But the secret he is keeping from her is eating away at him and he doesn’t know if he should tell her ask risk losing her and keep his secret in hopes of after time together the truth won’t make her turn and walk away.
And oh lord can I say when these two get together things are very hot. Parker is very sweet but likes to dominate in the bedroom, which I love. He knows how to work Grace under she is about to break knowing that it will be a pleasure she will NEVER forget.
“Parker, I swear to God, if you don’t tell me to come in the next minute I am going to kill you!”
“Come.”
A simple word.
A simple instruction.
A simple tremor of my pelvic muscles and the juices that had been building inside of me are finally released.
“Holy shit, baby, you taste so good. God.” Rubbing my core in his face, my body goes limp on top of him.
My heart was breaking for Grace when her world started crashing around her. She was finally getting her old self back and then everything changed. Secrets from long ago come out and demons from her past make an appearance and everything she has worked for changes in an instant. She finds out the ones she has loved and trusted her entire life have lied to her, and the new loves in her life have lied as well. Her heart is breaking again and she doesn’t know if she will survive it this time.
“…Make me forget about all the bad, Parker. Help me forget, please.”
I can’t believe all the hell one person could go through, it was like a domino effect and everything that ever haunted Grace and everything that she was unaware came out in a ripple effect. She was strong enough to endure it once, would she be strong enough to endure it again? Or will her past consume her and create a graceful mess?
“……Please baby, come on. Just stay with me!”
I loved this story. It was beautiful and honest. The characters were real with real fears and real emotions. I found my heart breaking when theirs were and found my face smiling when they smiled. I think Nacole did a beautiful job and I can't wait to read more of her work.
Parker Porter has never been shy about what he wants and he goes after it with everything he has. When he laid eyes on Grace he knew that no matter what he was suppose to do he couldn’t stop his body from craving her touch. He needed her like he needed his next breath and going against everything he knew was right he went after her and he wouldn’t stop until he knew what she felt like pressed up against him.
When Grace’s past starts to unravel in front of her eyes it takes everything in her not to lose all the sanity she has left. Can Grace overcome the past that she never really dealt with and survive it? Will Parker walk away after finding out the skeletons that are in her closest? What happens when something from your past has already crossed paths with your future? Is Grace and Parkers connection strong enough to overcome the lies and betrayal?
Nacole brought us a beautiful story about 1 girl who was put through hell and back and still managed to come out in one piece. Grace is a strong and beautiful character that endured things nobody should have to endure. She was lied to and betrayed so many times that I wondered how she wasn’t more of a mess than what she currently was.
They say to be careful of the quiet ones. A statement I never truly understood, to be honest. What is wrong with being quiet or a little on the shy side? It’s a demeanor I use as a mask to hide myself from a world I don’t feel like I fit into. In one false move, the life I’ve so carefully constructed could crumble, leaving me vulnerable and exposed. – A Graceful Mess
When Grace and Parker first meet there is something between them that pulls them towards each other. Something about Parker that lights a fire deep within her soul and slowly she starts to find the girl she once was. She holds onto that dearly even though a part of her is scared of having her heart broken again. She has trouble with trusting people because of her past but Parker is determined to break those walls down that Grace has built and make her his.
The reflection of the girl staring back at me has a glimmer in her eye, one I don’t recall ever noticing. I am sure it has to do with the hunk of a man in there on my bed. The thought makes me want to jump up and down like a little girl excited about her first pony ride. – A Graceful Mess
Parker is steamy hot and very sexy. He carries himself with a confidence that will draw you in and keep you there until the very end. He knows what he wants and he gets it. He is strong and passionate. He protects what is his with everything he has and will do whatever he can to put a smile on Grace’s face. But the secret he is keeping from her is eating away at him and he doesn’t know if he should tell her ask risk losing her and keep his secret in hopes of after time together the truth won’t make her turn and walk away.
And oh lord can I say when these two get together things are very hot. Parker is very sweet but likes to dominate in the bedroom, which I love. He knows how to work Grace under she is about to break knowing that it will be a pleasure she will NEVER forget.
“Parker, I swear to God, if you don’t tell me to come in the next minute I am going to kill you!”
“Come.”
A simple word.
A simple instruction.
A simple tremor of my pelvic muscles and the juices that had been building inside of me are finally released.
“Holy shit, baby, you taste so good. God.” Rubbing my core in his face, my body goes limp on top of him.
My heart was breaking for Grace when her world started crashing around her. She was finally getting her old self back and then everything changed. Secrets from long ago come out and demons from her past make an appearance and everything she has worked for changes in an instant. She finds out the ones she has loved and trusted her entire life have lied to her, and the new loves in her life have lied as well. Her heart is breaking again and she doesn’t know if she will survive it this time.
“…Make me forget about all the bad, Parker. Help me forget, please.”
I can’t believe all the hell one person could go through, it was like a domino effect and everything that ever haunted Grace and everything that she was unaware came out in a ripple effect. She was strong enough to endure it once, would she be strong enough to endure it again? Or will her past consume her and create a graceful mess?
“……Please baby, come on. Just stay with me!”
I loved this story. It was beautiful and honest. The characters were real with real fears and real emotions. I found my heart breaking when theirs were and found my face smiling when they smiled. I think Nacole did a beautiful job and I can't wait to read more of her work.
August 24, 2013
I reviewed this book at MustReadBooksOrDie with my friend Shelley.
Shel: This may tell you everything you need to know about this book: I read it in one sitting. I think it took 4 hours--only stopping for coffee and donuts. So, as you can guess, I really enjoyed it! Court: Hahaha, it did read really, really fast. Although you could've shared the donuts! ;)
Shel: At the very beginning we have an interesting scene from Grace's past--that will come in to play later--and then we plunge right into her current life. She's graduating from college and has a summer before law school and it's in this time frame that we get to see the romance blossom between Grace and Parker. Because this novel is shorter than others, the pacing of their story is fast and I quite liked it. Nacole Stayton explained the gaps in time very nicely and I never felt that I was missing out on any part of their story.
Court: I completely loved their story because Grace is pretty inexperienced and awkward. And that is so awesome and great. There is a part fairly early on that I seriously laughed for five minutes straight because you can just see the train crash coming...and it just cracked me up...Let's just say she caught him doing something he should've waited to get home to do...and had NO idea...giggling now just thinking about it. That being said...I enjoyed the happy and carefree first half of this story because it was simply that. It is obvious angst is coming, but I pretended it wasn't!
Shel: I found the adoption storyline interesting and I absolutely loved that the families involved were shown in a positive light--no abuse or horror stories about evil parents or siblings here. I also enjoyed the secondary characters; none of them were strongly featured but their contributions were important to adding conflict, relief, and humor throughout the story.
Court: I was grateful for that too. As all of the events unfold, she is hurt by not knowing things...but really at the end of the day they meant her no harm and loved her so much. Not every adoption story goes that way, so it was a refreshing direction. She has some growing up to do, and it was cool to see it play out. Park...he didn't handle a few things the way he should have, and again I could see the train crash coming but this time I was not laughing. The last few chapters are hard for Grace in way too many ways. Whoo!
Court: We both discussed how much writing growth we see having read a previous novel of Nacole's before (and enjoyed that) so it is even more enjoyable and exciting because she writes sooooo good!
Shel: I liked this story so much that I wish that it was longer and that Nacole Stayton would write a new story about ANY of the secondary characters; I'd love to read more about them all. Court: As would I. Can we have Carson up first? I need to know more about that guy!
Shelley: 4 Stars
Courtney: 4 Stars
Shel: This may tell you everything you need to know about this book: I read it in one sitting. I think it took 4 hours--only stopping for coffee and donuts. So, as you can guess, I really enjoyed it! Court: Hahaha, it did read really, really fast. Although you could've shared the donuts! ;)
Shel: At the very beginning we have an interesting scene from Grace's past--that will come in to play later--and then we plunge right into her current life. She's graduating from college and has a summer before law school and it's in this time frame that we get to see the romance blossom between Grace and Parker. Because this novel is shorter than others, the pacing of their story is fast and I quite liked it. Nacole Stayton explained the gaps in time very nicely and I never felt that I was missing out on any part of their story.
Court: I completely loved their story because Grace is pretty inexperienced and awkward. And that is so awesome and great. There is a part fairly early on that I seriously laughed for five minutes straight because you can just see the train crash coming...and it just cracked me up...Let's just say she caught him doing something he should've waited to get home to do...and had NO idea...giggling now just thinking about it. That being said...I enjoyed the happy and carefree first half of this story because it was simply that. It is obvious angst is coming, but I pretended it wasn't!
Shel: I found the adoption storyline interesting and I absolutely loved that the families involved were shown in a positive light--no abuse or horror stories about evil parents or siblings here. I also enjoyed the secondary characters; none of them were strongly featured but their contributions were important to adding conflict, relief, and humor throughout the story.
Court: I was grateful for that too. As all of the events unfold, she is hurt by not knowing things...but really at the end of the day they meant her no harm and loved her so much. Not every adoption story goes that way, so it was a refreshing direction. She has some growing up to do, and it was cool to see it play out. Park...he didn't handle a few things the way he should have, and again I could see the train crash coming but this time I was not laughing. The last few chapters are hard for Grace in way too many ways. Whoo!
Court: We both discussed how much writing growth we see having read a previous novel of Nacole's before (and enjoyed that) so it is even more enjoyable and exciting because she writes sooooo good!
Shel: I liked this story so much that I wish that it was longer and that Nacole Stayton would write a new story about ANY of the secondary characters; I'd love to read more about them all. Court: As would I. Can we have Carson up first? I need to know more about that guy!
Shelley: 4 Stars
Courtney: 4 Stars
August 24, 2013
"They say be careful of the quiet ones. A statement I never really understood to be honest. What is wrong with being quiet or a little on the shy side? It's a demeanor I use as a mask to hide myself from a world I don't feel like I fit into."
I just finished, A Graceful Mess, and I'm kind of at a loss for words. What can I say that will convey how much I loved and adored this book? I just hope I can do it justice.
There are some books that you read that are good but you breeze through them and can put them down and come back and it's no big deal. But, then there are books like A Graceful Mess. A book that kept my attention from the beginning. A book that created such deep emotions in me that I laughed and yelled and cried, I mean ugly cried. Yep. It's that good.
Grace Clearwater goes through life feeling vulnerable. She is shy and quiet and doesn't like to be in large crowds or out of her comfort zone. She keeps a small number of people by her side and she doesn't deviate from that. Grace hasn't had it easy. In high school, her boyfriend, Brody, seemed normal at first, but then the beast within came out and damaged Grace beyond belief. Brody was sentenced for 10 years in jail.
Parker Porter...holy hell...this man can come into my bed anytime! Parker is taking over the family private investigator business from his father when what he really wants to do is open a gym. His first assignment is to follow Grace Clearwater around so that she doesn't cause trouble for aspiring mayor Mark Jacobs.
Parker's father and Mark Jacobs warn Parker to not get too close to Grace but Parker can't help the connection he feels when he meets her.
"My eyes watch Grace, step by step. My throat feels dry, so I take a swig of my drink and allow an ice cube to rest on my tongue and then I suck on it. The coolness of the small square cube in my warm mouth does nothing to quench my thirst."
Parker tries to stay away from Grace. He knows he's lying to her and that can only end badly. She is just supposed to be an assignment, nothing more. However, the closer they get, the more he doesn't care about his assignment, and only cares about his love for Grace. They have a chemistry that cannot be denied. And, let me tell you, Nacole Stayton knows how to write one hell of a love scene! I had to turn on the fan a few times!
A series of events unfold that I won't giveaway but you must read the book so that you can experience the same emotions I did. Find out what happens when Grace learns things about her past she had forgotten and the heartbreak that ensues. My mouth dropped open a few times and my hand covered over it in shock at what was happening. This book does have an ending and you won't have to wait for another book to find out what it is!
I loved The Upside of Letting Go, Nacole's first book, but with this book, I believe she has grown even more as an author and I know readers will love it as much as I did.
August 25, 2013
See full review here http://fallinginfall.blogspot.com/201...
I rated Nacole Stayton’s A Graceful Mess three and a half wonderful leaves. Let me start off by saying that this book was nothing like I expected it to be. However, it was very riveting from the moment I started. Talk about unputdownable. I wasn’t expecting there to be a dark past in the storyline. I loved the hint of suspense that it brought to the plot. I loved Parker, he was sexy, protective, dominant, and intense. I am still up in the air about the protagonist, Grace. She was strong, exceptionally strong given what you find out about her messed up past towards the middle of the book. But, she just wasn’t the strong, feisty girl I look for it most protagonists. I’ll give her credit though, because she grew confident and sexy around Parker. The two of them together is explosive. They have a strong magnetic pull that I found doubtful at times, but, hey it makes for a great story. It all happened a bit fast if you ask me, but when you know you know right? Besides, they make it well worth it for us readers.
The prologue is a scene of a little girl at an adoption shelter who is holding her stuffed bunny and is deathly afraid of the storm. We also know that her best friend is Brody and he is leaving to be adopted. Fast forward in the next chapter and Grace is graduating college with her best friend, Maci. Grace is not too excited because now she is heading to law school and also because she is broken and depressed on the inside. Why? We don’t know yet, but it has to do with an ex. Maci is our standard best friend who brings Grace out in an attempt to make her more normal. I think I would have hated A Graceful Mess if it didn’t switch POVs between Grace and Parker. I loved getting into Parker’s head. He is being groomed to handle the family business which is private investigation. The first project his father entrusts to him is to watch Grace, whom he immediately falls in love with after one picture. He doesn’t fully know it yet, but he is completely captivated by her. The legislator that has hired them to watch is her biological father but she was given up for adoption. Parker’s part of the story is fairly predictable. He has to watch her, he can’t stay away, they fall in love, but, oh wait, he’s keeping it a secret that he was hired to follow her. All the twists come from Grace’s past, but even they can be predictable. And that’s only if you can calm yourself down from the steamy scenes in this book. Damn, Parker is dirty in bed. And Grace’s shy façade lasts for maybe half a night with him. She matches him in and out of the bedroom.
All in all, I found this to be a pleasant, quick read. A Graceful Mess was a perfect way to wind down by the pool. Actually, maybe not given all the hot scenes and the adrenaline-inducing plot twists. But, anyway, it was a wonderful book from an author I have never read before and I look forward to seeing what she comes out with next. A book about her best friend Maci maybe?
I rated Nacole Stayton’s A Graceful Mess three and a half wonderful leaves. Let me start off by saying that this book was nothing like I expected it to be. However, it was very riveting from the moment I started. Talk about unputdownable. I wasn’t expecting there to be a dark past in the storyline. I loved the hint of suspense that it brought to the plot. I loved Parker, he was sexy, protective, dominant, and intense. I am still up in the air about the protagonist, Grace. She was strong, exceptionally strong given what you find out about her messed up past towards the middle of the book. But, she just wasn’t the strong, feisty girl I look for it most protagonists. I’ll give her credit though, because she grew confident and sexy around Parker. The two of them together is explosive. They have a strong magnetic pull that I found doubtful at times, but, hey it makes for a great story. It all happened a bit fast if you ask me, but when you know you know right? Besides, they make it well worth it for us readers.
The prologue is a scene of a little girl at an adoption shelter who is holding her stuffed bunny and is deathly afraid of the storm. We also know that her best friend is Brody and he is leaving to be adopted. Fast forward in the next chapter and Grace is graduating college with her best friend, Maci. Grace is not too excited because now she is heading to law school and also because she is broken and depressed on the inside. Why? We don’t know yet, but it has to do with an ex. Maci is our standard best friend who brings Grace out in an attempt to make her more normal. I think I would have hated A Graceful Mess if it didn’t switch POVs between Grace and Parker. I loved getting into Parker’s head. He is being groomed to handle the family business which is private investigation. The first project his father entrusts to him is to watch Grace, whom he immediately falls in love with after one picture. He doesn’t fully know it yet, but he is completely captivated by her. The legislator that has hired them to watch is her biological father but she was given up for adoption. Parker’s part of the story is fairly predictable. He has to watch her, he can’t stay away, they fall in love, but, oh wait, he’s keeping it a secret that he was hired to follow her. All the twists come from Grace’s past, but even they can be predictable. And that’s only if you can calm yourself down from the steamy scenes in this book. Damn, Parker is dirty in bed. And Grace’s shy façade lasts for maybe half a night with him. She matches him in and out of the bedroom.
All in all, I found this to be a pleasant, quick read. A Graceful Mess was a perfect way to wind down by the pool. Actually, maybe not given all the hot scenes and the adrenaline-inducing plot twists. But, anyway, it was a wonderful book from an author I have never read before and I look forward to seeing what she comes out with next. A book about her best friend Maci maybe?
August 27, 2013
This review posted also at www.mysecretromancebookreviews.com
Hiding behind the anguish from my past, my coyness seeps off of me like an aroma. I have felt like a stranger in my own skin, trying to claw my way out for far too long, allowing very few people to see past my façade…until my eyes met with his. I felt a sudden rush of energy all the way to my core. It jolted me in ways I never thought possible.
Never in a million years would I have expected to be in the mess I am today. It all leads back to the night Parker Porter turned my world upside down. The night his hazel eyes undressed me, peeling away the layers of the woman I tried so hard to be. He awoke desires that burned deep within me and changed me in one quick glance, leaving me vulnerable and exposed, picking up the shattered pieces of my carefully constructed life…a life I should not be living…a life I was not born into, but placed into by the state of Maine.
Parker opened a door that I am far from closing until I have answers and am able to face the life I was destined to live. I just have to decide if his love is worth the mess.
“They say be careful of the quiet ones.” –Grace
Grace had suffered something tragic that made her hide her true self, she only lets very few close and even fewer know her secret. When she meets Parker it is almost like he holds the key to unlocking her true personality, but he keeps pushing her away every time they get close. Watching her come out of her shell when around Parker was a great thing. At times, Grace acted immature when she would find information out or something would happen. She gets mad at Parker at one point, and while she did have a good reason to be upset, she took it to the extreme. It took something serious to happen for her eyes to open and stop acting like she was towards him.
Parker wanted Grace from the moment he first saw her, but he knew he had to keep his distance for more than one reason. He was hired to keep an eye on Grace, he is a private investigator. He has a job to do and doesn’t want to screw it up. Once Parker finally accepts his feelings for Grace, he refuses to let her go again. He really is this emotional guy and what he feels for her is strong. He screwed up in keeping secrets from Grace, but he will do anything to protect her.
I liked A Graceful Mess, it did start off slow but it’s worth reading the entire thing through. It gets very emotional, especially when you find out what happened to Grace. Parker I just loved, he was sweet, sexy, protective, slightly Dominate in the bedroom and overall a good guy and would love to have him at my side any day of the week. The emotional roller coaster you go on is one you won’t forget. Make sure you have tissues close by cause you will need them.
Hiding behind the anguish from my past, my coyness seeps off of me like an aroma. I have felt like a stranger in my own skin, trying to claw my way out for far too long, allowing very few people to see past my façade…until my eyes met with his. I felt a sudden rush of energy all the way to my core. It jolted me in ways I never thought possible.
Never in a million years would I have expected to be in the mess I am today. It all leads back to the night Parker Porter turned my world upside down. The night his hazel eyes undressed me, peeling away the layers of the woman I tried so hard to be. He awoke desires that burned deep within me and changed me in one quick glance, leaving me vulnerable and exposed, picking up the shattered pieces of my carefully constructed life…a life I should not be living…a life I was not born into, but placed into by the state of Maine.
Parker opened a door that I am far from closing until I have answers and am able to face the life I was destined to live. I just have to decide if his love is worth the mess.
“They say be careful of the quiet ones.” –Grace
Grace had suffered something tragic that made her hide her true self, she only lets very few close and even fewer know her secret. When she meets Parker it is almost like he holds the key to unlocking her true personality, but he keeps pushing her away every time they get close. Watching her come out of her shell when around Parker was a great thing. At times, Grace acted immature when she would find information out or something would happen. She gets mad at Parker at one point, and while she did have a good reason to be upset, she took it to the extreme. It took something serious to happen for her eyes to open and stop acting like she was towards him.
Parker wanted Grace from the moment he first saw her, but he knew he had to keep his distance for more than one reason. He was hired to keep an eye on Grace, he is a private investigator. He has a job to do and doesn’t want to screw it up. Once Parker finally accepts his feelings for Grace, he refuses to let her go again. He really is this emotional guy and what he feels for her is strong. He screwed up in keeping secrets from Grace, but he will do anything to protect her.
I liked A Graceful Mess, it did start off slow but it’s worth reading the entire thing through. It gets very emotional, especially when you find out what happened to Grace. Parker I just loved, he was sweet, sexy, protective, slightly Dominate in the bedroom and overall a good guy and would love to have him at my side any day of the week. The emotional roller coaster you go on is one you won’t forget. Make sure you have tissues close by cause you will need them.
August 27, 2013
I very much enjoyed this book. Yeah, there were a few things I would have liked to have seen done different but overall, I enjoyed it :) It was a quick and easy read with a great story line, but the thing that bothered me the most was the dialogue. And you know what, it probably won’t bother you all…I am so damn picky when it comes to dialogue, especially male dialogue ;)
This is Parker Porter and Grace Clearwater’s crazy story. For once, both characters are not broken…only one this time. It seems that I have read so many books lately about 2 broken people finding each other and this was a relief to me that they both weren’t. Parker might have had a few hiccups in his past but it is nothing in comparison to Grace. Grace is one tough cookie and she doesn’t even know it. Half the crazy shit that went on in her life, she doesn’t even remember. But, her past is coming back to haunt her, in so many ways. And her present even has a few surprises for her, too.
I wanted to cry for this girl. I am talking, bawl my eyes out for her!!! Her life was just a ball of lies and my heart hurt for her. I hurt for her before and after she found out, because I knew the pain was coming and I can’t even imagine how she was feeling. And then, Parker….he was stuck in a bad place. Do I say it was ok the way he handled things?? Not sure. I feel like he was just stuck. Family, love, and responsibility all made him make the decision he did. I couldn’t be pissed at him, but I also couldn’t just say everything he did was ok.
Can you see how the drama builds up and the emotions take over in this story?!? I am trying to explain how emotional it is without giving too much away. There are some heavy situations discussed in this story and it is definitely a tear jerker. But, it is also a steamy one , too. You wouldn’t think with all the stressful situations going that there would be so much heat, but there is. I am not sure where all the dominant men are coming from but Parker Porter is another one that no woman in their right mind would shove out of bed ;)
To sum it all up for ya, I really enjoyed this story. Yeah, as I said before, the dialogue did bother me a little and there were a few scenes that I just couldn’t connect with, but overall, I think everyone will definitely love this story and I can’t wait to hear what you all think about it. Read it!! Enjoy it!! And let me know what you think :)
*ARC received from the author for an honest review on www.bookbitchesblog.com*
This is Parker Porter and Grace Clearwater’s crazy story. For once, both characters are not broken…only one this time. It seems that I have read so many books lately about 2 broken people finding each other and this was a relief to me that they both weren’t. Parker might have had a few hiccups in his past but it is nothing in comparison to Grace. Grace is one tough cookie and she doesn’t even know it. Half the crazy shit that went on in her life, she doesn’t even remember. But, her past is coming back to haunt her, in so many ways. And her present even has a few surprises for her, too.
I wanted to cry for this girl. I am talking, bawl my eyes out for her!!! Her life was just a ball of lies and my heart hurt for her. I hurt for her before and after she found out, because I knew the pain was coming and I can’t even imagine how she was feeling. And then, Parker….he was stuck in a bad place. Do I say it was ok the way he handled things?? Not sure. I feel like he was just stuck. Family, love, and responsibility all made him make the decision he did. I couldn’t be pissed at him, but I also couldn’t just say everything he did was ok.
Can you see how the drama builds up and the emotions take over in this story?!? I am trying to explain how emotional it is without giving too much away. There are some heavy situations discussed in this story and it is definitely a tear jerker. But, it is also a steamy one , too. You wouldn’t think with all the stressful situations going that there would be so much heat, but there is. I am not sure where all the dominant men are coming from but Parker Porter is another one that no woman in their right mind would shove out of bed ;)
To sum it all up for ya, I really enjoyed this story. Yeah, as I said before, the dialogue did bother me a little and there were a few scenes that I just couldn’t connect with, but overall, I think everyone will definitely love this story and I can’t wait to hear what you all think about it. Read it!! Enjoy it!! And let me know what you think :)
*ARC received from the author for an honest review on www.bookbitchesblog.com*
August 25, 2013
I never expected this book when I began reading it. It was amazing. Grace had a rough few years, but she was on the path to becoming something great. She had her future all planned out and sadly because of her haunting past; she is planning on them mostly alone. Grace is a strong and independent woman who knows what she wants out of life. But she keeps everything bottled inside knowing that she will never experience that nightmare again.
But something happens the night that Parker walks into the bar. She sees something in him and she is instantly drawn to him. She is not sure why, but it seems Parker has awoken something within her soul. She knows she wants him but she’s not sure she can break out of her shell long enough to get what she wants.
The good news is that Parker sees that same spark and wants the same things from her. He is instantly drawn to her. The bad news, it is his job to keep her at a distance. Yup… his job… GAH! What that equates to in my world is one big sticky mess… and it kind of ends up that way.
The attraction between these two is so amazing, but her past, his past, and their present all collide and everything ignites. Sparks fly and these two are amazing together, but can they be together or will their issues keep them apart?
This book was full of angst and suspense but within all of that is a beautiful love story between Grace and Parker. When they find each other, the world seems right and it makes sense. But when things go bad, you just keep reading because you want them to be good again. But will his job or her past be the end of the relationship and the love that the share?
I loved this book so much! Grace was so broken from her past, but she doesn’t realize how broken her past really is. Parker is running from his past and he knows his job is preventing Grace from being his future. This book had great tension and even more amazing passion. I loved the emotions in these characters and the romance and yes, even the drama that went along with all of it.
It tugged at my heart and kept me on the edge of my seat. I wanted to laugh, cry, and throw things and hurt people. But more than all of that I wanted to see the love. A beautifully written story about a beautifully broken girl and the only man that can bring her back!
*I received a complimentary copy of A Graceful Mess in exchange for an honest review*
But something happens the night that Parker walks into the bar. She sees something in him and she is instantly drawn to him. She is not sure why, but it seems Parker has awoken something within her soul. She knows she wants him but she’s not sure she can break out of her shell long enough to get what she wants.
The good news is that Parker sees that same spark and wants the same things from her. He is instantly drawn to her. The bad news, it is his job to keep her at a distance. Yup… his job… GAH! What that equates to in my world is one big sticky mess… and it kind of ends up that way.
The attraction between these two is so amazing, but her past, his past, and their present all collide and everything ignites. Sparks fly and these two are amazing together, but can they be together or will their issues keep them apart?
This book was full of angst and suspense but within all of that is a beautiful love story between Grace and Parker. When they find each other, the world seems right and it makes sense. But when things go bad, you just keep reading because you want them to be good again. But will his job or her past be the end of the relationship and the love that the share?
I loved this book so much! Grace was so broken from her past, but she doesn’t realize how broken her past really is. Parker is running from his past and he knows his job is preventing Grace from being his future. This book had great tension and even more amazing passion. I loved the emotions in these characters and the romance and yes, even the drama that went along with all of it.
It tugged at my heart and kept me on the edge of my seat. I wanted to laugh, cry, and throw things and hurt people. But more than all of that I wanted to see the love. A beautifully written story about a beautifully broken girl and the only man that can bring her back!
*I received a complimentary copy of A Graceful Mess in exchange for an honest review*
October 7, 2013
WOW FIVE FUCKING STARS
★★★★★
This booked sucked me in from the beginning to the very end! I felt every emotion that Grace was feeling in this book and I couldn't help but feel connected to it. I cried, I laughed and wanted to throw my phone across the room! Nacole rocked my emotion boat and I loved it! I fell in love with Grace and Parker's story.
Grace has a tainted past and just exists day to day instead of LIVING. She is a shell of herself and tries to move on from what her ex boyfriend Brody has done to her, but she is constantly reminded of his ugliness everyday.
"I get that blonde hair and fair skin is attractive to the human eye, but what's inside is what matters, and I am as hollow as they come. ~Grace~
Her best friend Maci has always been there for her. She helps Grace try to live a little and get out of her shell more.
Grace and Parker meet in a club while celebrating her and Maci graduating college. Ahhhh Parker Porter, that man just screams SEX!
" I wish I was that piece of ice right now, in his mouth, being licked by his sweet tongue" ~Grace~
They instantly connect and have a night full of passion that will end up being short lived because of a letter.
"There is never a good in goodbye and I hate saying it in a letter, but I don't think I have the courage to do it face to face"~Parker~
Parker is a private investigator who is hired to trail Grace falls. She has no idea what his "day job" is. Parker tried to keep his feelings to himself but soon finds himself confessing his love for her, that could cost him his job, and Grace.
Grace's past comes full force and crashes right into her life. She is forced to face the one person who still haunts her dreams....Brody! Grace's life seems to be falling apart, her world is flipped upside down and she is not prepared for what lies ahead of her. Will she let her past destroy her? Will Parker and Grace's love survive?
"Never in a million years would I have imagined I would be where I am today" ~Grace~
★★★★★
This booked sucked me in from the beginning to the very end! I felt every emotion that Grace was feeling in this book and I couldn't help but feel connected to it. I cried, I laughed and wanted to throw my phone across the room! Nacole rocked my emotion boat and I loved it! I fell in love with Grace and Parker's story.
Grace has a tainted past and just exists day to day instead of LIVING. She is a shell of herself and tries to move on from what her ex boyfriend Brody has done to her, but she is constantly reminded of his ugliness everyday.
"I get that blonde hair and fair skin is attractive to the human eye, but what's inside is what matters, and I am as hollow as they come. ~Grace~
Her best friend Maci has always been there for her. She helps Grace try to live a little and get out of her shell more.
Grace and Parker meet in a club while celebrating her and Maci graduating college. Ahhhh Parker Porter, that man just screams SEX!
" I wish I was that piece of ice right now, in his mouth, being licked by his sweet tongue" ~Grace~
They instantly connect and have a night full of passion that will end up being short lived because of a letter.
"There is never a good in goodbye and I hate saying it in a letter, but I don't think I have the courage to do it face to face"~Parker~
Parker is a private investigator who is hired to trail Grace falls. She has no idea what his "day job" is. Parker tried to keep his feelings to himself but soon finds himself confessing his love for her, that could cost him his job, and Grace.
Grace's past comes full force and crashes right into her life. She is forced to face the one person who still haunts her dreams....Brody! Grace's life seems to be falling apart, her world is flipped upside down and she is not prepared for what lies ahead of her. Will she let her past destroy her? Will Parker and Grace's love survive?
"Never in a million years would I have imagined I would be where I am today" ~Grace~
August 25, 2013
3.5 stars.
This was one of those books where the cover totally pulled me in. Then there was the title. And there really was a graceful mess after the fallout from this storyline.
Parker Porter is a private investigator who is hired to watch the illegitimate daughter of a US Senator. He figures this is his chance to prove to his father that he can run expansion office of their company. It may not be the dream job Porter wants, but he got him away from home and his cheating ex.
Grace Clearwater, who is about ready to graduate college, lives a bit of a lie. Tortured by dreams she can't understand and unable to let people get close to her, Grace spends a lot of her time and energy putting up a front for everyone, including her parents. But everything changes after a chance meeting with Parker. He sees through to the real Grace and she finds herself willingly sharing pieces of herself she'd never shared before.
Of course, it's clear there is going to be a huge conflict of interest between Parker's job and his relationship with Grace, but even knowing that this was a story that had me happily turning pages and hoping Parker could figure out a way to keep Grace. She helped heal his relationship wounds after his ex cheated on him and he helped Grace learn to open up and really live. Grace may not have known what was truly happening with Parker, but you wanted her to fight for their relationship and realize that Parker was stuck between a rock and a hard place and that he truly loved her.
This was one of those books that I was glad I had the opportunity to read. Nacole Stayton carefully crafted two characters who I would have never imagined together and made them fit perfectly...issues and all.
This was one of those books where the cover totally pulled me in. Then there was the title. And there really was a graceful mess after the fallout from this storyline.
Parker Porter is a private investigator who is hired to watch the illegitimate daughter of a US Senator. He figures this is his chance to prove to his father that he can run expansion office of their company. It may not be the dream job Porter wants, but he got him away from home and his cheating ex.
Grace Clearwater, who is about ready to graduate college, lives a bit of a lie. Tortured by dreams she can't understand and unable to let people get close to her, Grace spends a lot of her time and energy putting up a front for everyone, including her parents. But everything changes after a chance meeting with Parker. He sees through to the real Grace and she finds herself willingly sharing pieces of herself she'd never shared before.
Of course, it's clear there is going to be a huge conflict of interest between Parker's job and his relationship with Grace, but even knowing that this was a story that had me happily turning pages and hoping Parker could figure out a way to keep Grace. She helped heal his relationship wounds after his ex cheated on him and he helped Grace learn to open up and really live. Grace may not have known what was truly happening with Parker, but you wanted her to fight for their relationship and realize that Parker was stuck between a rock and a hard place and that he truly loved her.
This was one of those books that I was glad I had the opportunity to read. Nacole Stayton carefully crafted two characters who I would have never imagined together and made them fit perfectly...issues and all.
November 7, 2014
So this so happens to be my first journey with Ms. Nacole Stayton and let me tell you I have thoroughly enjoyed this ride.A Graceful Mess had all of my bookish requirements. There was drama, angst, and lots of smexyness. Not to mention a forbidden love..aaaggghhh what more could I ask for.
Grace recently graduated and is on her way to becoming a lawyer. She also has been hurt in the past and now she is very cautious of who she trust. After much persuasion for her best friend she goes out on the town, which had to be the best thing that happened to her.
Parker is hired by Grace bio dad (whom she know nothing about to) follow her ensuring she does not do anything or become noticed causing a smear in his upcoming campaign. Not only does Parker keep a close eye on Grace but he also places his hands and mouth on places that they don’t belong.
This stand alone novel had my heart racing, I just couldn’t get enough of these two. I just wanted to read this one again and again. This little romance is told from a dual POV which I absolutely love being able to get into both of their heads.
Please do yourself a favor and read A Graceful Mess, you do not want to miss this one
**Huge thanks to the author/ publisher for providing me with an arc copy in exchange for my honest opinion**.
Grace recently graduated and is on her way to becoming a lawyer. She also has been hurt in the past and now she is very cautious of who she trust. After much persuasion for her best friend she goes out on the town, which had to be the best thing that happened to her.
Parker is hired by Grace bio dad (whom she know nothing about to) follow her ensuring she does not do anything or become noticed causing a smear in his upcoming campaign. Not only does Parker keep a close eye on Grace but he also places his hands and mouth on places that they don’t belong.
This stand alone novel had my heart racing, I just couldn’t get enough of these two. I just wanted to read this one again and again. This little romance is told from a dual POV which I absolutely love being able to get into both of their heads.
Please do yourself a favor and read A Graceful Mess, you do not want to miss this one
**Huge thanks to the author/ publisher for providing me with an arc copy in exchange for my honest opinion**.
August 25, 2013
I really enjoyed this book and it was more emotional than I thought it was going to be. The main character Grace is an overachiever and very anal with keeping everything in order. Instead of taking a break from graduating from college she is going straight to law school. It's the only way she knows how to keep going. While her friends are having fun and partying and enjoying life, Grace is studying and planning her future. Then one day she meets Parker, who can be my hero any time lol... Grace believes their meeting was just by chance and has no idea who or what Parker is. I feel bad for Parker because falling in love with Grace was not in his plans. She completely blew him away, and Grace finally met somebody who made her feel cherished. However, she has some secrets as well that Parker doesn't know. It all comes down one day where everything is revealed and words are said hearts are broken, and nothing is what it seems. Grace grew up with a lie and is hurt by everybody that knew and didn't tell her which also includes Parker. This book kept me captured all the way to the end. The first few chapters were just a bit slow but if you keep reading you will not regret it.
August 28, 2013
I love Nacole and her writing. A Graceful Mess did not disappoint. I love the chemistry that connects her characters, not only the hero/heroine but also with the supporting characters. Now those of you who read The Upside of Letting Go, let me tell you that A Graceful Mess is STEAMY! I fell in love with Parker and Grace and I loved his instant connection with her. Love Nacole and can't wait to read more from this up and coming author! She just makes me smile! :)
December 6, 2013
The cover was the best thing about this book. The characters were not well developed, too many coincidences, I just didn't see what the love was based on. The ending was week, juvenile & I thought very lazily done by the author.
Read
November 28, 2015Another charming one...
Self note:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Self note:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
January 11, 2014
3.5 Stars
You can read this and other reviews at Madison Says!
Grace Clearwater is a little socially withdrawn, some may even categorize her as shy. I think that’s why I had such a hard time imagining her as a law student. To me a lawyer is ruthless, fearless and maybe even heartless. (No offense to any lawyers out there.) Grace doesn’t strike me as any of those things. It was a little tough connecting with Grace’s character because she seemed so conflicted in who she was. You can’t be a tough as nails lawyer who is afraid of your own shadow. I understand that Parker helps her come into her own, but she decided on a law career long before she met him. Just seemed a little…strange.
Grace is broken. And the sad part is, just as she begins to glue herself back together, she starts breaking apart again.
In one false move, the life I’ve so carefully constructed could crumble, leaving me vulnerable and exposed.
Being adopted isn’t the worst thing in the world, unless everyone around you knows, and they’re keeping you in the dark.
Grace’s bio-daddy has recently hired Parker Porter to trail her, in the hopes that she doesn’t become an issue for the upcoming political elections. You see, he’s running for state legislator. Her father has kept her a secret for a long time and he’s doing everything possible to keep her identity and connection to him out of the media.
The reality is she is nothing and everything in the same being. She is Grace, and she is my client’s long lost love child. The thought makes me sick so I drink it away with the Jack.
Parker is a big, muscular teddy bear of a man. His outward appearance would imply that he is all alpha, and while I guess in the bedroom he is, the Parker outside those walls is deep and emotional. Parker is the kind of man every woman dreams of. When his eyes first gaze upon Grace’s picture, he’s done for. We’re talking love at first sight. Well, at least lust. He wants her, and he wants her bad. He soon realizes that being her “fuck buddy” isn’t enough. He wants it all – the white picket fence and 2.5 children. Unfortunately that’s not really in the cards for these two. As hard as he tries to stay away, he just can’t. Mixing business with pleasure is never a good idea. Someone always gets burned. The pull to Grace is just too strong, and eventually Parker can’t fight his feelings any longer.
Add in a psycho ex-boyfriend and you’ve got yourself one heck of a story
I may look like “Billy the Bad Ass” with my broad shoulders and jacked up truck, but deep down I’m a pretty emotional guy. This whole situation has just been messing with my head.
I would have liked a little more info about Brody (the psycho ex). He obviously has, or should I say had, some major psychological issues. How did he get that way? How do you go from being someone’s best friend to wanting to harm them? It seems like even before the “incident” he had violent thoughts regarding Grace. I guess I have a hard time imagining that he cared so deeply for her and could just snap, becoming some heinous monster.
The sex scenes were pretty hot and heavy with a sprinkling of BDSM flavor. Nothing too extreme, just the occasional handcuffs and a little bossy behavior. It was just enough kink to make it fun without making the reader uncomfortable (especially if erotica isn’t your cup o’ tea).
The name of the book says it all. This is A Graceful Mess. I laughed, cringed and even shed a few tears. If you’re looking for a semi-emotional read with some hot and heavy undertones, this is the book for you.
You can read this and other reviews at Madison Says!
Grace Clearwater is a little socially withdrawn, some may even categorize her as shy. I think that’s why I had such a hard time imagining her as a law student. To me a lawyer is ruthless, fearless and maybe even heartless. (No offense to any lawyers out there.) Grace doesn’t strike me as any of those things. It was a little tough connecting with Grace’s character because she seemed so conflicted in who she was. You can’t be a tough as nails lawyer who is afraid of your own shadow. I understand that Parker helps her come into her own, but she decided on a law career long before she met him. Just seemed a little…strange.
Grace is broken. And the sad part is, just as she begins to glue herself back together, she starts breaking apart again.
In one false move, the life I’ve so carefully constructed could crumble, leaving me vulnerable and exposed.
Being adopted isn’t the worst thing in the world, unless everyone around you knows, and they’re keeping you in the dark.
Grace’s bio-daddy has recently hired Parker Porter to trail her, in the hopes that she doesn’t become an issue for the upcoming political elections. You see, he’s running for state legislator. Her father has kept her a secret for a long time and he’s doing everything possible to keep her identity and connection to him out of the media.
The reality is she is nothing and everything in the same being. She is Grace, and she is my client’s long lost love child. The thought makes me sick so I drink it away with the Jack.
Parker is a big, muscular teddy bear of a man. His outward appearance would imply that he is all alpha, and while I guess in the bedroom he is, the Parker outside those walls is deep and emotional. Parker is the kind of man every woman dreams of. When his eyes first gaze upon Grace’s picture, he’s done for. We’re talking love at first sight. Well, at least lust. He wants her, and he wants her bad. He soon realizes that being her “fuck buddy” isn’t enough. He wants it all – the white picket fence and 2.5 children. Unfortunately that’s not really in the cards for these two. As hard as he tries to stay away, he just can’t. Mixing business with pleasure is never a good idea. Someone always gets burned. The pull to Grace is just too strong, and eventually Parker can’t fight his feelings any longer.
Add in a psycho ex-boyfriend and you’ve got yourself one heck of a story
I may look like “Billy the Bad Ass” with my broad shoulders and jacked up truck, but deep down I’m a pretty emotional guy. This whole situation has just been messing with my head.
I would have liked a little more info about Brody (the psycho ex). He obviously has, or should I say had, some major psychological issues. How did he get that way? How do you go from being someone’s best friend to wanting to harm them? It seems like even before the “incident” he had violent thoughts regarding Grace. I guess I have a hard time imagining that he cared so deeply for her and could just snap, becoming some heinous monster.
The sex scenes were pretty hot and heavy with a sprinkling of BDSM flavor. Nothing too extreme, just the occasional handcuffs and a little bossy behavior. It was just enough kink to make it fun without making the reader uncomfortable (especially if erotica isn’t your cup o’ tea).
The name of the book says it all. This is A Graceful Mess. I laughed, cringed and even shed a few tears. If you’re looking for a semi-emotional read with some hot and heavy undertones, this is the book for you.
August 27, 2013
Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak
The cover was very beautiful and I was crossing my fingers hoping that this book would live up to it. And it did – way, way more.
Grace knew how to fake her way into living a happy life. But deep inside – she was broken. She has an ugly past that she would gladly forget if it were that simple. It was a nightmare that is constantly haunting her. She tries to managed by putting it at the back of her brain, bury it somewhere and try to live her life one day at a time. Readers will surely have the urge to jump into the pages just to give her a hug. Yet, I find her strong – because some would probably give up after what she experienced. Grace? She tries to live her life as normally as possible and even join her best friend Maci for some fun. If anyone deserves happiness and happy ending in this book – its gotta be her!
Now here comes a potential prince charming for our happy ever after – Parker. He’s hot, sexy, and has secrets of his own. He’s a private investigator who was hired by a very important man to watch over Grace. The moment he took the picture out of the envelope that was handed to him – he’s a total goner. Being a professional, he knew he must not mix business with pleasure. That night when they officially met at the bar, the chemistry was undeniable, the attraction was overwhelming that he forgotten (ahem) professionalism. So he did the second best – protect the woman he learned to care for from pain and danger.
Relationship between these two is a lot of hard work – not just because of the secrets that is looming above them like knives ready to strike down – but personal issues that is already present in each of the characters. Grace has been insecure and has problems with trust because of a very bad experience with a previous relationship. Parker had earned her trust, and knew he’s about to lose it the moment Grace founds out about his secret. Despite this fact – their relationship did something good for the both of them. Grace helped Parker to overcome the pain his cheating ex-girlfriend left and Parker motivated Grace to open up and live life.
It is not only the threat in their relationship, when Grace past suddenly came into the picture and throws in a lot of ‘secrets’ everything in their world starts to crumble, and one by one Grace learns the truth. Will she be able to surpass this and forgive Parker?
One of my favorite things about this book is that it’s in dual POV – I love being inside Grace and Parker’s head. I was not held second-guessing about what might the other thinks. I love how the conflict was resolved – it was simple, real and not much drama. The ending? Wow. It was just great and everyone got what they deserved.
A Graceful Mess got me from the cover page down to the last. It was HOT (if it gets hotter – my kindle would surely be in fire), steamy, sweet, maddening at times, and surprising. It will make you smile, cry, laugh and will have that strong urge of throwing punches every now and then. Trust me, you will keep on turning the pages until you finish this one!
The cover was very beautiful and I was crossing my fingers hoping that this book would live up to it. And it did – way, way more.
Grace knew how to fake her way into living a happy life. But deep inside – she was broken. She has an ugly past that she would gladly forget if it were that simple. It was a nightmare that is constantly haunting her. She tries to managed by putting it at the back of her brain, bury it somewhere and try to live her life one day at a time. Readers will surely have the urge to jump into the pages just to give her a hug. Yet, I find her strong – because some would probably give up after what she experienced. Grace? She tries to live her life as normally as possible and even join her best friend Maci for some fun. If anyone deserves happiness and happy ending in this book – its gotta be her!
Now here comes a potential prince charming for our happy ever after – Parker. He’s hot, sexy, and has secrets of his own. He’s a private investigator who was hired by a very important man to watch over Grace. The moment he took the picture out of the envelope that was handed to him – he’s a total goner. Being a professional, he knew he must not mix business with pleasure. That night when they officially met at the bar, the chemistry was undeniable, the attraction was overwhelming that he forgotten (ahem) professionalism. So he did the second best – protect the woman he learned to care for from pain and danger.
Relationship between these two is a lot of hard work – not just because of the secrets that is looming above them like knives ready to strike down – but personal issues that is already present in each of the characters. Grace has been insecure and has problems with trust because of a very bad experience with a previous relationship. Parker had earned her trust, and knew he’s about to lose it the moment Grace founds out about his secret. Despite this fact – their relationship did something good for the both of them. Grace helped Parker to overcome the pain his cheating ex-girlfriend left and Parker motivated Grace to open up and live life.
It is not only the threat in their relationship, when Grace past suddenly came into the picture and throws in a lot of ‘secrets’ everything in their world starts to crumble, and one by one Grace learns the truth. Will she be able to surpass this and forgive Parker?
One of my favorite things about this book is that it’s in dual POV – I love being inside Grace and Parker’s head. I was not held second-guessing about what might the other thinks. I love how the conflict was resolved – it was simple, real and not much drama. The ending? Wow. It was just great and everyone got what they deserved.
A Graceful Mess got me from the cover page down to the last. It was HOT (if it gets hotter – my kindle would surely be in fire), steamy, sweet, maddening at times, and surprising. It will make you smile, cry, laugh and will have that strong urge of throwing punches every now and then. Trust me, you will keep on turning the pages until you finish this one!
August 27, 2013
A Graceful Mess is my first experience with a Nacole Stayton novel, and it will definitely not be my last. Romantic hero, angst, surprises, plot twists, and a lot of drama are what I got while reading A Graceful Mess.
I was taken in immediately by the prologue depicting a touching....almost torturous...scene of a small child in an orphanage who was terribly frightened by storms. The prologue set the tone and provided clues for what was to come later in the novel. I wasn't really sure how or where the prologue would fit into the story as I kept reading, but I experienced one of those rare aha moments when secrets were revealed and twists were unwound. If it had been a snake, it would have bitten me....expect the unexpected in this plot twist when all is made known. Don't you love it when that happens?
Parker Porter. P-a-r-k-e-r P-o-r-t-e-r ← This man is all kinds of schmexy! He is so protective, caring, and compassionate. He was stuck in a job following in his father's footsteps as a private investigator, when he really wanted to manage a gym. But that job led him to Grace, the woman who captivated him with just a photo and a file. He is every woman's perfect dream man...especially when he calls Grace, "Sweetheart." *swoon* I adore Parker. Unfortunately, Grace is off limits to Parker, but the attraction and chemistry is too strong for him to fight it. He wants her, and no matter how he tries, he can't stay away from her.
Grace Clearwater is obsessive compulsive, anal retentive, organized, neat, and ....a mess. She has a traumatic past that is kept hidden, leaving me guessing throughout most of the novel. I really liked that everything wasn't just laid out in a neat and tidy package with a pretty little bow on top. Grace's secret grabbed my attention and held on tight as the suspense and curiosity had me intrigued. When her secret is finally revealed, I was shocked. It wasn't at all what I was expecting or thinking. She has overcome some very high obstacles, and the last thing on her mind is a man. However, when she sees Parker at a bar while out with her best friend, the attraction is there and she just can't fight off his southern charm.
Grace is shy and sweet on the outside, but when she and Parker finally come together....fireworks! She certainly fits the old saying of "Lady in the parlor and whore in the bedroom." Parker is in every man's Heaven when he learns just how sexy his sweet and shy Grace can be. So, how is Parker in the bedroom? This man will melt you into a puddle with his ...ahem...skills and dirty talk. Together, these two set off sparks that could light up a small town during a blackout. H-O-T.
I honestly thought this was going to be a repeat of so many things we see in other novels, but I was happily proven wrong. There are a few things in the novel that are predictable, but they are very minor and in all honesty...they were meant to be predictable. I'm not really sure what I expected with A Graceful Mess, but what I got was a sweet love story with plot twists that will have your jaw dropping and your adrenaline pumping. A Graceful Mess has me sold on Nacole Stayton, an author I've never read before, but one who will be on my radar in the future.
I was taken in immediately by the prologue depicting a touching....almost torturous...scene of a small child in an orphanage who was terribly frightened by storms. The prologue set the tone and provided clues for what was to come later in the novel. I wasn't really sure how or where the prologue would fit into the story as I kept reading, but I experienced one of those rare aha moments when secrets were revealed and twists were unwound. If it had been a snake, it would have bitten me....expect the unexpected in this plot twist when all is made known. Don't you love it when that happens?
Parker Porter. P-a-r-k-e-r P-o-r-t-e-r ← This man is all kinds of schmexy! He is so protective, caring, and compassionate. He was stuck in a job following in his father's footsteps as a private investigator, when he really wanted to manage a gym. But that job led him to Grace, the woman who captivated him with just a photo and a file. He is every woman's perfect dream man...especially when he calls Grace, "Sweetheart." *swoon* I adore Parker. Unfortunately, Grace is off limits to Parker, but the attraction and chemistry is too strong for him to fight it. He wants her, and no matter how he tries, he can't stay away from her.
Grace Clearwater is obsessive compulsive, anal retentive, organized, neat, and ....a mess. She has a traumatic past that is kept hidden, leaving me guessing throughout most of the novel. I really liked that everything wasn't just laid out in a neat and tidy package with a pretty little bow on top. Grace's secret grabbed my attention and held on tight as the suspense and curiosity had me intrigued. When her secret is finally revealed, I was shocked. It wasn't at all what I was expecting or thinking. She has overcome some very high obstacles, and the last thing on her mind is a man. However, when she sees Parker at a bar while out with her best friend, the attraction is there and she just can't fight off his southern charm.
Grace is shy and sweet on the outside, but when she and Parker finally come together....fireworks! She certainly fits the old saying of "Lady in the parlor and whore in the bedroom." Parker is in every man's Heaven when he learns just how sexy his sweet and shy Grace can be. So, how is Parker in the bedroom? This man will melt you into a puddle with his ...ahem...skills and dirty talk. Together, these two set off sparks that could light up a small town during a blackout. H-O-T.
I honestly thought this was going to be a repeat of so many things we see in other novels, but I was happily proven wrong. There are a few things in the novel that are predictable, but they are very minor and in all honesty...they were meant to be predictable. I'm not really sure what I expected with A Graceful Mess, but what I got was a sweet love story with plot twists that will have your jaw dropping and your adrenaline pumping. A Graceful Mess has me sold on Nacole Stayton, an author I've never read before, but one who will be on my radar in the future.
September 6, 2013
When I saw the title to Nacole Stayton's new book, A Graceful Mess, and was asked to read and review by the lovely Miss Anna I said sure! Thinking it was a very lighthearted Story. Now don't get me wrong, it is somewhat lighthearted but it touch on some big things.. I love the characters Grace Clearwater and Parker Porter! She is the Jaded hurt not knowing much about her actual past female lead and he is the hot, sexy, good guy male lead.. Grace Clearwater had a traumatic event happen to her when she was a teen that causes her to be closed up and timid. Her best friend Maci sticks by her no matter what. Thanks to Maci (being the pushy outgoing friend that she is) Grace is set up with a double date she has yet to meet. At the Club they go to celebrate their graduation from college and to meet tattoo artist Spencer Ramsey and Carson Porter (Parker's little bro). Carson tells his big bro to meet him at the club. While Carson gets Grace a drink and flirts with the chick next to him Parker eyes Grace and is instantly infatuated with her.. Now here's the kicker ! (and a teeny tiny spoiler) Parker is hired by Grace's biological father (yes she's adopted) to shadow her .. and is told to stay away and just follow . Here is a little insight to what Parker thinks the first time "I see the pair emerge from the ladies' room a few minutes later. Recognizing her face, I am shocked, but my eyes are instantly glued to her smile so wide, the sounds of laughter coming out of her mouth echo in the small hallway. I raise my glass to my lips and take a draw. The burning sensation reminds me this isn't a daydream. Although I wish it were. I can only picture the naughty positions I would lay her toned body in underneath me." HOLY MOLY!! I nearly died right there! Grace is scared and careful, Having a psycho ex-boyfriend who traumatized her would do that. Parker fights to stay away but can't. As the relationship between Parker and Grace grow it only gets hotter... The SEX gets hotter. Parker~ "Well there is no words. Feel this. This is what you do to me .Just the sight of you makes me hard as a rock." Grace~ "You know what you do to me, Parker. Touch me. Feel me. I'm so wet and you haven't even laid a finger on me. Now that's what you do to me. Better yet, taste me." HOLY SHIT! I nearly came apart just from Grace's words alone! Can Parker and Grace overcome her past? Will they stay together you ask? Do you really want to know?? Do ya? Just go on and One-Click A Graceful Mess by Nacole Stayton and you will find out. I laughed, I cried , My heart was broken. But I will tell you this There is an HEA for all of you readers that love HEA's! GO ON CLICK! You won't regret it! ;) ~ Christina
August 26, 2013
Holy Smokes! Nacole Stayton has done it again….A Graceful Mess was fan-flippin-tastic. I was entranced throughout this novel and it left me thirsty for more. Nacole definitely knows how to spin a story and keep the reader entranced and flipping the pages. I was enthralled while reading it A Graceful Mess and didn’t want it to end…It was that damn good.
Oh where do I start? Grace Clearwater has been through hell and back in her lifetime and my heart broke for her. What do you do when you find out those you thought loved you lied and deceived you? How many times can your heart break and tragedy happen to one beautiful girl? Grace put’s up a façade in front of others but inside she is empty, a shell of the girl she use to be. She is constantly battling her inner secrets that could expose her and her secrets. I wanted to reach through the book and hug this girl and tell her it would I work out; that life does go on and that she could be whole, vibrant, and lively again. Hmm, well in comes Parker Porter and things are about to change.
Parker Porter is seriously yummy! He made me hot with need and want so I can only imagine how Grace felt. He slowly began breaking down the barrios that Grace so carefully built to keep others out and her secrets in. Will Parker run when he finds out what Grace is hiding? Will Parker’s secret destroy them? I was wondering all of these things while reading this beautiful spun story. I can tell you when Parker gets a glimpse of something he wants….He gets it. He has no plans of letting Grace get away but sometimes lies and deceit have a way of pulling people apart.
OMG! Can we talk about the sex in this novel…..F’N HOTNESS! Parker is a machine in the bedroom and left me panting and needing a cold shower! It was like by day he was sweet, caring, and yummy and by night he turned into this man who dominated in the bedroom. I can guarantee Grace will not be forgetting those orgasms anytime soon. He commanded her body and left her aching for him. Shit he even commanded my body and I was just reading about him….
This is one emotional story that will have you wondering what the outcome will be. The characters are real and the writing was flawless. It truly was an amazing read. Graces’ story tore at my heart and one could only hope she would make it out of this unscathed. That Parker and Grace could make it work. That neither would run away but fight for what they knew they couldn’t live without. Will they? Hmm, you will have to read A Graceful Mess to find out. Happy Reading! xoxo
*I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review*
Oh where do I start? Grace Clearwater has been through hell and back in her lifetime and my heart broke for her. What do you do when you find out those you thought loved you lied and deceived you? How many times can your heart break and tragedy happen to one beautiful girl? Grace put’s up a façade in front of others but inside she is empty, a shell of the girl she use to be. She is constantly battling her inner secrets that could expose her and her secrets. I wanted to reach through the book and hug this girl and tell her it would I work out; that life does go on and that she could be whole, vibrant, and lively again. Hmm, well in comes Parker Porter and things are about to change.
Parker Porter is seriously yummy! He made me hot with need and want so I can only imagine how Grace felt. He slowly began breaking down the barrios that Grace so carefully built to keep others out and her secrets in. Will Parker run when he finds out what Grace is hiding? Will Parker’s secret destroy them? I was wondering all of these things while reading this beautiful spun story. I can tell you when Parker gets a glimpse of something he wants….He gets it. He has no plans of letting Grace get away but sometimes lies and deceit have a way of pulling people apart.
OMG! Can we talk about the sex in this novel…..F’N HOTNESS! Parker is a machine in the bedroom and left me panting and needing a cold shower! It was like by day he was sweet, caring, and yummy and by night he turned into this man who dominated in the bedroom. I can guarantee Grace will not be forgetting those orgasms anytime soon. He commanded her body and left her aching for him. Shit he even commanded my body and I was just reading about him….
This is one emotional story that will have you wondering what the outcome will be. The characters are real and the writing was flawless. It truly was an amazing read. Graces’ story tore at my heart and one could only hope she would make it out of this unscathed. That Parker and Grace could make it work. That neither would run away but fight for what they knew they couldn’t live without. Will they? Hmm, you will have to read A Graceful Mess to find out. Happy Reading! xoxo
*I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review*
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