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Everything Changes
I knew a boy once.
He was a boy that changed everything.
I didn't know Parker O’Neil outside of the occasional smile and wink. The AMA Supercross racer came to our small town one winter, and I had no idea what he was capable of. How could I have known that he would change my life forever that summer? Eventually, the occasional smile became a smile I grew to love and longed to see. The occasional wink became a gesture that made my soul sway and my heart ache. In the canyons of the desert, he showed me his lifestyle and his love.
What I didn't see was the control he had over me. It was a power the glitz and glamour of his professional lifestyle had and eventually what tore apart any life I thought I knew. In his world of banging bars and soaring jumps, there was no room for someone like me. But for five years, every time he called or touched me, everything changed again. It was a touch that could heal anything and a smile that could light even the darkest nights.
He was a boy that changed everything.
I didn't know Parker O’Neil outside of the occasional smile and wink. The AMA Supercross racer came to our small town one winter, and I had no idea what he was capable of. How could I have known that he would change my life forever that summer? Eventually, the occasional smile became a smile I grew to love and longed to see. The occasional wink became a gesture that made my soul sway and my heart ache. In the canyons of the desert, he showed me his lifestyle and his love.
What I didn't see was the control he had over me. It was a power the glitz and glamour of his professional lifestyle had and eventually what tore apart any life I thought I knew. In his world of banging bars and soaring jumps, there was no room for someone like me. But for five years, every time he called or touched me, everything changed again. It was a touch that could heal anything and a smile that could light even the darkest nights.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2013
44 people are currently reading
3188 people want to read
About the author
Shey Stahl
63 books2,198 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author, Shey Stahl is a lover of sunsets, dirt track racing, collecting antiques, and the south, where her soul wants to be. Writing is her passion, giving words meaning, and readers experiences they’ll never forget. Currently she’s living in the pacific northwest with her husband and daughter, she can usually be found near a dirt track with an iced coffee in hand.
Visit her website for additional information and keep up to date on new releases: www.sheystahl.com
You can also find her on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/sheystahlauthor
Follow on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2Bdh0t4
Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/2rfQ0cI
Visit her website for additional information and keep up to date on new releases: www.sheystahl.com
You can also find her on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/sheystahlauthor
Follow on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2Bdh0t4
Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/2rfQ0cI
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January 21, 2014
It's been brought to my attention that a passage in this book contains sections lifed from my Twilight fanfiction, The Art Teacher ( http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6460434/1... ). Here is a screencap of the relevant section:
Here are the pertinent sections from chapter 4 of my fic:
The first moment is tentative, just holding still, lips on lips, but as Edward’s fingers find new skin, his mouth moves over mine and everything in me responds at once. First, it’s hot and needy. His mouth is soft and supple. He opens, I open. Then it’s tongues and I’m gasping and he’s moaning. His hands slide higher and pull me forward. My knees spread and he moves between them. I push my fingers into his hair and it feels so, so good. Just like I imagined....
He kisses like no one else on Earth. It’s soft sometimes and thorough and absolutely devastating. Then it’s hard and desperate, and I feel all that he’s been holding back and trying to hide from me. I feel it in every inch of him that’s touching me; he wants me. I revel in it and triumph; he wants me....
I hang on and give him all of myself. I let go of his hair and wrap both arms tight around his shoulders, pulling myself in tight against his chest....
When he’s had his fill of my mouth, his hand in my hair pulls my head back and I feel his mouth on my neck. I close my eyes and tip back, letting him have what he wants. It’s his lips, his tongue, his teeth, all over my neck and moving down....
Considering I posted the fic in 2010 when this author was active in our fandom as a reader and writer, this is far too close to be coincidence.
e.t.a.
The full comparison, after reading the whole book:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4vUz...
Here are the pertinent sections from chapter 4 of my fic:
The first moment is tentative, just holding still, lips on lips, but as Edward’s fingers find new skin, his mouth moves over mine and everything in me responds at once. First, it’s hot and needy. His mouth is soft and supple. He opens, I open. Then it’s tongues and I’m gasping and he’s moaning. His hands slide higher and pull me forward. My knees spread and he moves between them. I push my fingers into his hair and it feels so, so good. Just like I imagined....
He kisses like no one else on Earth. It’s soft sometimes and thorough and absolutely devastating. Then it’s hard and desperate, and I feel all that he’s been holding back and trying to hide from me. I feel it in every inch of him that’s touching me; he wants me. I revel in it and triumph; he wants me....
I hang on and give him all of myself. I let go of his hair and wrap both arms tight around his shoulders, pulling myself in tight against his chest....
When he’s had his fill of my mouth, his hand in my hair pulls my head back and I feel his mouth on my neck. I close my eyes and tip back, letting him have what he wants. It’s his lips, his tongue, his teeth, all over my neck and moving down....
Considering I posted the fic in 2010 when this author was active in our fandom as a reader and writer, this is far too close to be coincidence.
e.t.a.
The full comparison, after reading the whole book:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B4vUz...
Read
September 23, 2013EDIT 23/9/2013
Due to recent development of the events considering the plagiarism the fact that book has been pulled from Amazon, I decided to erase my rating and initial review!
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More info: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Due to recent development of the events considering the plagiarism the fact that book has been pulled from Amazon, I decided to erase my rating and initial review!
*********************************************************
More info: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
July 8, 2020
3.5 Stars
This was a story about a girl named Rowan and a guy named Parker. They were each others first, and only loves. No matter what happened between them, the miscommunication, the time that passed... they always gravitated back to each other.
If I ever had to find a time when I was happiest, it was that summer with Parker.
Rowan was a 17 year old girl who worked at her dads garage with her best friend Addy. One day, the O’Neil brothers came to work. 19 year old Justin and 17 year old Parker, who was a pro-motorcross racer. Justin was friendly and out going, he and Addy hit it off pretty quickly. Parker was shy. He rarely talked to anyone. But he always had a smile for Ro, and sometimes a wink. Rowan spent the whole year with a huge crush on Parker. Summer was getting ready to start, and Justin invited Abby and Ro to go on a vacation with he and Parker. They camp for a few days, then go to the boy’s house in Utah. That summer will change everything for Parker and Ro. They talk, spend time together, fall in love.
It was like being in love. Sometimes you just closed your eyes and you fell. I fell that was for sure.
After spending that perfect summer together, when they come home, not much changes. They work and spend all their free time with one another. But a few months down the road, Parker gets a deal to race with a sponsor. He has to leave town. Justin stays behind to stay with Abby, but Parker has to go. It destroys Ro. They go months without any contact, then the first call comes. Parker wants Ro to come and see him. She does. They both realize they can’t be without one another.
Five years pass, and they are still in the same routine. Parker calls Rowan when he can, and she comes. She always comes. It really is no way to live for either of them, but neither is strong enough to stay away from the other. Its breaking both of their hearts to continue the way that they do...
Rowan has been dating someone from home for years, but she can’t fully give herself to him. That part of her is only for Parker. He is the only one that holds her heart. When Parker finds out, he is pretty upset. He wants Rowan with him. Even with the money and the fame, girls constantly throwing themselves at him, he has only ever seen Rowan. She is all he wants.
“Don’t you see it, Ro? The blood that runs through my veins, the air that fills my lungs, it belongs to you. It’s only ever been you for me.”
Something big happens to Parker, and after several months, he comes home. Only to find Rowan engaged. Yeah. I’m not going to lie... Rowan was a likable character in the beginning and very end of the book, but for this part- I really struggled to like her. She frustrated me to no end! I wanted to reach through my nook and slap her! All this time, they just could never get it together. I understood her reasoning for some of the things she did, but others... No. Their relationship was just a mess for a while. I think Addy says it best-
“You two are a train wreck.”
Now that Parker is back, that pull between the two of them is stronger than ever... will they succumb to it, or continue to break each others hearts?
Parker and Rowan were so adorable together in the beginning. I loved them and their relationship! But life happened. Their journey was not easy. They were both stubborn, and majorly lacked communication. Each were worried to talk about certain subjects or ask questions that they really didn’t want the answer too. They had a lasting first love. One of my favorite things about their relationship . I’m not going to lie, this book had some really frustrating moments. But I did really enjoy it. It had a lot of sweet moments, and funny ones too. Over all, a really good read :D
April 23, 2013
This book frustrated me. In a very bad way. I could not connect with Rowan. And I wanted to. Connect.
My fist.
With her face.
In a bad way.
She almost made me throw my kindle. She was a continuos stream of wtf is she DOING/THINKING/SAYING ??? I was lost and frustrated and I powered through just so i could get answers. I kept my song on repeat. Tried to let the lyrics calm my ass down.
EVERYTHING CHANGES by STAIND
The first half of the book I was in love. They had a perfect summer of FIRSTS ;) and it was cute !!! I loved it! I was really giddy content. Then came the train wreck. They go from inseparable to no communication. Zilch. Zero. None. For months. ( are you having a wtf moment ? ) Then when Parker does call. She goes. She always does. Drop everything and go. Drop everyone and go. This continued for 5 years.
Now that's some booty call.
Here's some more wtf moments..... She has a guy on the side but they don't " do anything" because she can only do that with Parker. She's committed to Parker. She loves Parker. SO WHAT'S THE PROBLEM. She loves him. He loves her. She goes. He asks her to stay. She leaves. EVERYTIME. WTF is going on here ???
COMMUNICATE !!!!!!!
So.... And here's my kindle throwing moment.... Something tragic happens to ❤Parker. And instead of dropping everything and running to the LOVE OF HER LIFE .... She doesn't go. She doesn't call. She does nothing. OH EXCEPT GET ENGAGED TO THE OTHER GUY ???? Til the 11th hour the wedding was still on..........
Ok I have to stop. I do not like writing a review that is an ongoing rant. I think there will be people who will love this book. I'm sorry if this dissuades you in any way. We all read with different eyes. I can dig that !
5 star moments leading to train wreck 1 star moments to end up right in the middle.
3 stars and if you read this book have a glass of wine :) to go with the whine !
❤
❤
April 18, 2013
3.5 stars!
"When the ground shifts beneath you and everything you thought you once knew changes, can you handle it or do you collapse?"
I was really psyched to read this book. Shey Stahl is an amazing author and after I read her last book I waited in anticipation for this.
The story did not WOW me. Im not sure if this is because im not really into the whole bike riding thing?
Rowan is a 17year old girl who is a good girl, never goes out and is always helping her family. She works at her step dads mechanic shop and coffee shop and helps during the holidays too.
One summer two boys come and work for her dad - Justin and Parker
Ro is mesmerised by Parker- They don't talk for weeks but still glances and smiles and winks.
Justin is dating Rowans best friend so they invite them to go to with them.
Parker and Ro get to know each other and talk a little. They kiss and stay in the same room.
Kisses turn into much more and by the end of the summer Ro is sure she's in love with him.
She is the first person who 'gets' him.
They are each others first everything!
The problem is that Parker is a pro rider and has to leave. So she tells Parker it was a cool summer fling and they part ways. She refuses to tell him how she feels because at the end of the day she won't hold him back from his career.
They stop speaking and Ro is devastated. She goes into a depression with just her best friend for support.
3 long months later Parker finally calls.. Says he misses her and wants to see her. This is the start of a LONG cycle...
Parker calls every few months, Rowan goes, they have sex and she leaves.
He has her heart and she doesn't want anyone else.
Until Sean comes into her life..
He is everything Parker isn't..
His there for her and his the 'SAFE' choice.
While dating Sean she still meets Parker and Parker is jealous. But he never asks her to stay.
She knows what she's doing is wrong but she can't help herself.
"Sometimes you just closed your eyes and you fell. I fell that was for sure."
She wants an identity of her own- but eventually settles for a mundane life..
5yrs of the same cycle...
Waiting for that call...
How far does it have to go for Parker and Rowan to admit their feelings?
Years of dating Sean, Rowan doesn't have sex with him.. Sean thinks she's 'saving herself'
The cycle was getting monotonous! Firstly, why the hell couldn't these two just admit to each other how they feel??!
The story is addictive! I expected MORE but it was sweet and a good HEA!
"When the ground shifts beneath you and everything you thought you once knew changes, can you handle it or do you collapse?"
I was really psyched to read this book. Shey Stahl is an amazing author and after I read her last book I waited in anticipation for this.
The story did not WOW me. Im not sure if this is because im not really into the whole bike riding thing?
Rowan is a 17year old girl who is a good girl, never goes out and is always helping her family. She works at her step dads mechanic shop and coffee shop and helps during the holidays too.
One summer two boys come and work for her dad - Justin and Parker
Ro is mesmerised by Parker- They don't talk for weeks but still glances and smiles and winks.
Justin is dating Rowans best friend so they invite them to go to with them.
Parker and Ro get to know each other and talk a little. They kiss and stay in the same room.
Kisses turn into much more and by the end of the summer Ro is sure she's in love with him.
She is the first person who 'gets' him.
They are each others first everything!
The problem is that Parker is a pro rider and has to leave. So she tells Parker it was a cool summer fling and they part ways. She refuses to tell him how she feels because at the end of the day she won't hold him back from his career.
They stop speaking and Ro is devastated. She goes into a depression with just her best friend for support.
3 long months later Parker finally calls.. Says he misses her and wants to see her. This is the start of a LONG cycle...
Parker calls every few months, Rowan goes, they have sex and she leaves.
He has her heart and she doesn't want anyone else.
Until Sean comes into her life..
He is everything Parker isn't..
His there for her and his the 'SAFE' choice.
While dating Sean she still meets Parker and Parker is jealous. But he never asks her to stay.
She knows what she's doing is wrong but she can't help herself.
"Sometimes you just closed your eyes and you fell. I fell that was for sure."
She wants an identity of her own- but eventually settles for a mundane life..
5yrs of the same cycle...
Waiting for that call...
How far does it have to go for Parker and Rowan to admit their feelings?
Years of dating Sean, Rowan doesn't have sex with him.. Sean thinks she's 'saving herself'
The cycle was getting monotonous! Firstly, why the hell couldn't these two just admit to each other how they feel??!
The story is addictive! I expected MORE but it was sweet and a good HEA!
April 19, 2013
http://www.amazon.com/Everything-Chan... (Thanks Lucia - she found it for me)
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Can anybody please tell me if this book is coming out today??? 16 April 2013?? I want this book and I don't find it on AMAZON!
PLLLLLLLLEASE come out today!!!!!
*********************************************************
Can anybody please tell me if this book is coming out today??? 16 April 2013?? I want this book and I don't find it on AMAZON!
PLLLLLLLLEASE come out today!!!!!
October 22, 2014
PLAGIARISM ALERT
It looks like there are sections of this book that were taken from the popular Twilight fan fic The Art Teacher by spanglemaker9.
Here are the pertinent sections from chapter 4 of The Art Teacher:
The first moment is tentative, just holding still, lips on lips, but as Edward’s fingers find new skin, his mouth moves over mine and everything in me responds at once. First, it’s hot and needy. His mouth is soft and supple. He opens, I open. Then it’s tongues and I’m gasping and he’s moaning. His hands slide higher and pull me forward. My knees spread and he moves between them. I push my fingers into his hair and it feels so, so good. Just like I imagined....
He kisses like no one else on Earth. It’s soft sometimes and thorough and absolutely devastating. Then it’s hard and desperate, and I feel all that he’s been holding back and trying to hide from me. I feel it in every inch of him that’s touching me; he wants me. I revel in it and triumph; he wants me....
I hang on and give him all of myself. I let go of his hair and wrap both arms tight around his shoulders, pulling myself in tight against his chest....
When he’s had his fill of my mouth, his hand in my hair pulls my head back and I feel his mouth on my neck. I close my eyes and tip back, letting him have what he wants. It’s his lips, his tongue, his teeth, all over my neck and moving down....
It looks like there are sections of this book that were taken from the popular Twilight fan fic The Art Teacher by spanglemaker9.
Here are the pertinent sections from chapter 4 of The Art Teacher:
The first moment is tentative, just holding still, lips on lips, but as Edward’s fingers find new skin, his mouth moves over mine and everything in me responds at once. First, it’s hot and needy. His mouth is soft and supple. He opens, I open. Then it’s tongues and I’m gasping and he’s moaning. His hands slide higher and pull me forward. My knees spread and he moves between them. I push my fingers into his hair and it feels so, so good. Just like I imagined....
He kisses like no one else on Earth. It’s soft sometimes and thorough and absolutely devastating. Then it’s hard and desperate, and I feel all that he’s been holding back and trying to hide from me. I feel it in every inch of him that’s touching me; he wants me. I revel in it and triumph; he wants me....
I hang on and give him all of myself. I let go of his hair and wrap both arms tight around his shoulders, pulling myself in tight against his chest....
When he’s had his fill of my mouth, his hand in my hair pulls my head back and I feel his mouth on my neck. I close my eyes and tip back, letting him have what he wants. It’s his lips, his tongue, his teeth, all over my neck and moving down....
April 28, 2013
To say I'm a HUGE fan of Shey Stahl's would be an understatement ~ I'M HER FREAKING BIGGEST FAN ~ lol I'm sure some would disagree with that statement but when I got the ARC of Everything Changes in exchange for my honest opinion I seriously.........................................
Rowan, "Ro", has secretly had the hot's for Parker the professional dirt bike racer. Quiet he barely says much to Ro but hell that boy didn't need to say anything he was hotness PERSONIFIED. Addy, Ro's best friend, had her own O'Neil boy, yep Parkers brother Justin. Sounds like the makings of a perfect summer to me. Two best friends heading out for a couple months to Moab Utah with the O'Neil boys. What's not to love?????? Cue up a little.............................
Well in typical Shey fashion Everything Changes pulled every single last emotion out of me. Hell, I felt like a gas tank being siphoned and by the end of this book I was re-fueled and ready for MORE. Yes this is a summer where Parker & Ro discover each other and I mean that in more ways than one. Will this quiet boy open himself up to Ro? Will Ro fall head-over-heels deep? Well, read it if you haven't and you will find out pretty quickly what goes down but don't expect this one to be all unicorns & fairy dust ~ nope like any groomed dirt bike track there are hills, bumps, jumps, and a few wipe outs to contend with. The best way to describe this book is for me to show you how I felt while reading it.
First, Parker........................................................
Well, hell I have a think for mo-mo boys (dirt bikers yep hubby was just that when I met him) but the more I got to know Parker there were more times I just wanted to............................................
and what this boy went through before he meet Ro had me ..............
Ro, freaking adore her, she and Addy will have you.....................
Add in Justin & Parker and there are some definite first in store for the girls.............................................................
but there is also some times I just..................................
and of course, there is a certain someone I wanted to ................
I started to get a little scared I mean I was doing this..............
and Ro thinking she was going to do something I totally disagreed with had me thinking that I was about to be very conflicted with the ending of this one. I seriously did a lot of this towards the latter half of the book..............................................................
and I had thought this ..............................................
but isn't a great book supposed to have those bumps & jumps in them? I mean come on how fun is a book that's so sweet you get a cavity by just looking at it. Well, that's not the type of book I want to read and THANK GOD I got so much more from Shey. I was doing this by the end of Everything Changes.............................................
I swear the end will leaving you .....................................
UNFREAKING-BELIEVABLE ~ AWESOME SIMPLY AWESOME!! I love Parker & Ro.. So much more than 5 stars ~ This one will make you laugh, cry, gasp, sad, shake your head, smile and freaking dance like a cray-cray person!!!!!!! I don't think I could fall more in love with a book ~ If you haven't read this well what are you waiting for?
I recommend you grab it now and start it immediately. You will read it in one sitting just like I did. If you start at night don't expect to sleep but when you do I guarantee you will have FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC dreams. Shey Stahl I ADORE you~ another book for my favorite reads of all times and I'm dying for more from you. Beautifully written and so freaking awesome. You will learn about dirt bike racing ~ as in Shey's Racing on the Edge Series each chapter starts out with a term and it's description which makes it easy for dummies like me but also totally relates back to the chapter I read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rowan, "Ro", has secretly had the hot's for Parker the professional dirt bike racer. Quiet he barely says much to Ro but hell that boy didn't need to say anything he was hotness PERSONIFIED. Addy, Ro's best friend, had her own O'Neil boy, yep Parkers brother Justin. Sounds like the makings of a perfect summer to me. Two best friends heading out for a couple months to Moab Utah with the O'Neil boys. What's not to love?????? Cue up a little.............................
Well in typical Shey fashion Everything Changes pulled every single last emotion out of me. Hell, I felt like a gas tank being siphoned and by the end of this book I was re-fueled and ready for MORE. Yes this is a summer where Parker & Ro discover each other and I mean that in more ways than one. Will this quiet boy open himself up to Ro? Will Ro fall head-over-heels deep? Well, read it if you haven't and you will find out pretty quickly what goes down but don't expect this one to be all unicorns & fairy dust ~ nope like any groomed dirt bike track there are hills, bumps, jumps, and a few wipe outs to contend with. The best way to describe this book is for me to show you how I felt while reading it.
First, Parker........................................................
Well, hell I have a think for mo-mo boys (dirt bikers yep hubby was just that when I met him) but the more I got to know Parker there were more times I just wanted to............................................
and what this boy went through before he meet Ro had me ..............
Ro, freaking adore her, she and Addy will have you.....................
Add in Justin & Parker and there are some definite first in store for the girls.............................................................
but there is also some times I just..................................
and of course, there is a certain someone I wanted to ................
I started to get a little scared I mean I was doing this..............
and Ro thinking she was going to do something I totally disagreed with had me thinking that I was about to be very conflicted with the ending of this one. I seriously did a lot of this towards the latter half of the book..............................................................
and I had thought this ..............................................
but isn't a great book supposed to have those bumps & jumps in them? I mean come on how fun is a book that's so sweet you get a cavity by just looking at it. Well, that's not the type of book I want to read and THANK GOD I got so much more from Shey. I was doing this by the end of Everything Changes.............................................
I swear the end will leaving you .....................................
UNFREAKING-BELIEVABLE ~ AWESOME SIMPLY AWESOME!! I love Parker & Ro.. So much more than 5 stars ~ This one will make you laugh, cry, gasp, sad, shake your head, smile and freaking dance like a cray-cray person!!!!!!! I don't think I could fall more in love with a book ~ If you haven't read this well what are you waiting for?
I recommend you grab it now and start it immediately. You will read it in one sitting just like I did. If you start at night don't expect to sleep but when you do I guarantee you will have FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC dreams. Shey Stahl I ADORE you~ another book for my favorite reads of all times and I'm dying for more from you. Beautifully written and so freaking awesome. You will learn about dirt bike racing ~ as in Shey's Racing on the Edge Series each chapter starts out with a term and it's description which makes it easy for dummies like me but also totally relates back to the chapter I read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 19, 2013
Can I just say WOW and more WOW for this book. Where to start this review is beyond me. I laughed, I cried, and then I laughed. Crap I have never been so emotional over a book in a long time. I mean DAM this book was such an emotional journey that I never expected I was just taken by surprise. Shey is a great writer who pulls you in and keeps you right there in the moment. Man I have to say that I was right there every step of the way with Parker and Rowan. I loved how their relationship came to be and how it unfolded and how they had to both grow up and see things for what they were. They needed to stop living on fear and enjoy what they have.
Parker is a shy guy that moves to another town after a tragedy in his life. His older brother Justin and him move in with family and decide they will make a go at this town they are in. Parker is the star of the brothers because he is an AMA Supercross Racer. He has won several titles and stopped racing for a while to get his head cleared. It is in this new town that he takes a job at the local body shop and meets the owners daughter Rowan or Ro as he calls her. Because Parker is shy and keeps everything bottled up inside Ro does not realize Parker likes her. As the school year winds down and the summer approaches Parker wants Ro to go with him on the road while he practices his racing. Ro agrees only because her best friend Addy is in love with Parker's older brother Justin.
Ro is a quiet girl who works for her fathers body shop. She hangs with her best friend Addy and loves to take care of her sick mom. Addy has never had a boyfriend so when she feels something for Parker she is not sure what it is. AT first she thinks it is just a crush but as they get to know each other she realizes that it is love. She is excited that her and Addy are going to spend the summer with the O'Neil boys but she is nervous as well because she gets all flustered around Parker and can't seem to get words out to talk to him.
As Addy and Ro get ready to go on the road for the summer Ro is about to realize her life is going to change and in a very big way. Ro realizes that Parker is her first love and she will do anything to hold on to him but she is also guarding her heart because she knows that Parker's first love is Supercross Racing. As the two develop a relationship and and try and find balance between them something happens that will rock their worlds and they will have to fight for what they want. But what happens when you don't know how to express yourself? What happens when the rubber meets the road and you have to make a decision between being comfortable or living on the edge.
This story will rock you to the core of your being. If you are looking for a great love story this is it with all it's toss and turns and curve balls this is the BEST NA book I have read all year! This is a must read and I will read it again and again!
Parker is a shy guy that moves to another town after a tragedy in his life. His older brother Justin and him move in with family and decide they will make a go at this town they are in. Parker is the star of the brothers because he is an AMA Supercross Racer. He has won several titles and stopped racing for a while to get his head cleared. It is in this new town that he takes a job at the local body shop and meets the owners daughter Rowan or Ro as he calls her. Because Parker is shy and keeps everything bottled up inside Ro does not realize Parker likes her. As the school year winds down and the summer approaches Parker wants Ro to go with him on the road while he practices his racing. Ro agrees only because her best friend Addy is in love with Parker's older brother Justin.
Ro is a quiet girl who works for her fathers body shop. She hangs with her best friend Addy and loves to take care of her sick mom. Addy has never had a boyfriend so when she feels something for Parker she is not sure what it is. AT first she thinks it is just a crush but as they get to know each other she realizes that it is love. She is excited that her and Addy are going to spend the summer with the O'Neil boys but she is nervous as well because she gets all flustered around Parker and can't seem to get words out to talk to him.
As Addy and Ro get ready to go on the road for the summer Ro is about to realize her life is going to change and in a very big way. Ro realizes that Parker is her first love and she will do anything to hold on to him but she is also guarding her heart because she knows that Parker's first love is Supercross Racing. As the two develop a relationship and and try and find balance between them something happens that will rock their worlds and they will have to fight for what they want. But what happens when you don't know how to express yourself? What happens when the rubber meets the road and you have to make a decision between being comfortable or living on the edge.
This story will rock you to the core of your being. If you are looking for a great love story this is it with all it's toss and turns and curve balls this is the BEST NA book I have read all year! This is a must read and I will read it again and again!
October 27, 2014
I'm not one who usually leaves reviews for books but I reviewed her Racing on the Edge series, read and love Waiting for You, and felt like I should leave a review for Everything Changes because it was different from her other books. Shey Stahl has easily become one of my most favorite authors. I love all her books simply because she has a way with her words in her writing that make you feel connected to the character whether it be told from one specific point of view or alternating ones. And well, her books have never failed me yet because I love them all. I'm partial towards Jameson & Sway though, their love story is by far my favorite out of all the books I've read.
I felt that I should leave a review for this one because though her style of writing was the same the way the characters met were different. They didn't know each other since they were kids like with Jameson & Sway (ROTE) or Dylan & Bailey (Waiting for You). They met during one summer when Parker and his brother, Justin, were looking for work. They met, they stole glances, they talked, they struggled, they fell in love.
They didn't know each other right off the bat, in fact, they knew absolutely nothing about each other. They had to learn about each other and still even when that did happen, they acted and then retracted. From the beginning you knew that they were meant to be. But they're both entirely stubborn, hard-headed, hopeful, delusional about the clusterfuck they're in. Because that's exactly what it is.
From the beginning it was a love story waiting to happen and that's what it was. Though they didn't exactly fit into each other's lifestyles at times, the love between them never faded. It remained the same throughout the entire book. It doesn't mean that there weren't any obstacles thrown at them, because believe me there were. But no matter the situation, the love never faded.
Their story will make you laugh, swoon, and make you irritated at the same time. It's really difficult to write a review or at attempt to write one without spoilers because they're are so many things I could include about the book, but it would give away exactly what happens. So you'll have to read it yourself. But it's well-well worth the read
."You could be anywhere when your life begins but you wouldn't know it until it changed everything you though you knew"
"Everyone's life was a series of events. Every step, every breath, every choice, and every word leads you to another moment in your life that will change you"
"Sometimes love hits you in an instant and you have no idea how to process it or what it means or how it can control you."
May 8, 2013
41% of reviews on GR as of today are 5 stars. Did I read a different book? Because the book I read, was painfully awful. The relationship between this couple was purely based on sex, and even that was awkward at best. I forced myself to finish this book. There was just nothing to it really. Teenagers fall in love, fail to communicate, fall apart, fall back together, and again repeat multiple times. Aside from the motor-cross stuff, there really wasn’t much to these people.
Not only did I not like this book, but made me feel incredibly skeevy reading this with the underage sex. New Adult should be based on the “of age” subjects. I have read a few that touch on the budding romance of the under-age with obvious undertones, but then it will skip ahead to when it is more acceptable for the specifics of the actual deed. This book was detailed on 17 year olds getting it on and the awkwardness that it all involves. Thanks, but I’m not interested in reading that. As an adult reading that, I looked around and felt pervy reading that. I have no qualms reading about sex, as you may see on my book lists; my taste is far from prude. I just feel that there are many YA/NA examples of how that can be tastefully done.
Not only did I not like this book, but made me feel incredibly skeevy reading this with the underage sex. New Adult should be based on the “of age” subjects. I have read a few that touch on the budding romance of the under-age with obvious undertones, but then it will skip ahead to when it is more acceptable for the specifics of the actual deed. This book was detailed on 17 year olds getting it on and the awkwardness that it all involves. Thanks, but I’m not interested in reading that. As an adult reading that, I looked around and felt pervy reading that. I have no qualms reading about sex, as you may see on my book lists; my taste is far from prude. I just feel that there are many YA/NA examples of how that can be tastefully done.
April 19, 2013
This book aggravated me on so many levels. It spent 1/3 of the book talking about the trip that summer and the other 2/3 spanned over years...They were holding onto everything they had during that summer...
I just wanted to slap some sense into Rowan.
I mean they let this mess drag on for 5 years and no one can put their foot down? I call
While reading the unnecessary crap about Motocross I kept thinking:
And Sean didn't hit it for 5 years, I mean:
I love Shey Stahl but this wasn't her best work. This book had a HEA but I wasn't quite feeling the book as a whole.
I just wanted to slap some sense into Rowan.
I mean they let this mess drag on for 5 years and no one can put their foot down? I call
While reading the unnecessary crap about Motocross I kept thinking:
And Sean didn't hit it for 5 years, I mean:
I love Shey Stahl but this wasn't her best work. This book had a HEA but I wasn't quite feeling the book as a whole.
May 11, 2013
Love Shey Stahl but this one simply didn't connect with me. I felt as if this story's plot never passed beyond the YA genre. I was rather interested for perhaps the first 35%, but then this 5 year separation/booty call thing began, and it just quit working for me. I found Rowan's character annoying towards the end because of her ambivalence in making a mature decision; one that should have been more than easy to make. And let's not forget Sean. I mean come on. Just did not ring true to me.
I will also say that the motorcross/racing theme was not my favorite. Perhaps because it is something I simply have no frame of reference with.
I felt there were events that happened too quickly or without explanation, and that Rowan's constant leaving became just a pain in the ass. When the "big" incident occurs and she doesn't even contact Parker once, she simply dropped low on my scale of silly heroines. Even when Parker "discovers" her so called secret for constantly leaving, I was like WTF? This is the "biggie" that has had her running away for 5 years?
Shey is a remarkable author and I certainly don't fault her for my lack of connection. Not every book will be fore every reader. She still remains as one of my favorite authors. I will continue reading her books; this one just didn't give me a story I would want to reread.
I will also say that the motorcross/racing theme was not my favorite. Perhaps because it is something I simply have no frame of reference with.
I felt there were events that happened too quickly or without explanation, and that Rowan's constant leaving became just a pain in the ass. When the "big" incident occurs and she doesn't even contact Parker once, she simply dropped low on my scale of silly heroines. Even when Parker "discovers" her so called secret for constantly leaving, I was like WTF? This is the "biggie" that has had her running away for 5 years?
Shey is a remarkable author and I certainly don't fault her for my lack of connection. Not every book will be fore every reader. She still remains as one of my favorite authors. I will continue reading her books; this one just didn't give me a story I would want to reread.
June 5, 2013
Loved this book, I wanted to bang Parker and Rowens heads together which makes a change for me as I usually only wanna shake one of the main characters!!! I thought their relationship came across real regarding the fumbling intimate moments and though it was frustrating their lack of communication I thought it a nice love story!!! And it had motorbikes which I love :)
April 22, 2013
*me reading this whole freaking book
I am all for angsty reads but the reason the main characters in this book are separated for so long (4 years) is because they DIDN'T FUCKING TALK!!. My number one hated reason for story conflict is the MISUNDERSTANDING. I'll take another reason. Anything else at all:
(1) he's a werewolf and she's a vampire (preferred)
(2) alien abduction
(3) evil twin
(4) alien abduction by an evil twin
Another case where one character assumes something about the other despite evidence to the contrary. I swear sometimes these female characters make me feel mysogenistic about my own sex! Rowan in fear of being a deemed Parker's groupie . Arrrrrgggh!
Oh well...they can't be all winners.
I am all for angsty reads but the reason the main characters in this book are separated for so long (4 years) is because they DIDN'T FUCKING TALK!!. My number one hated reason for story conflict is the MISUNDERSTANDING. I'll take another reason. Anything else at all:
(1) he's a werewolf and she's a vampire (preferred)
(2) alien abduction
(3) evil twin
(4) alien abduction by an evil twin
Another case where one character assumes something about the other despite evidence to the contrary. I swear sometimes these female characters make me feel mysogenistic about my own sex! Rowan in fear of being a deemed Parker's groupie . Arrrrrgggh!
Oh well...they can't be all winners.
April 20, 2013
Glad that I kept reading and did not give up on this book, It kept getting better. Loved Parker, his loyalty to Ro was endearing. Wanted to hit Ro on the head a few times but in the end she redeemed herself. Love the HEA with no cliffhanger!
April 22, 2013
"Sometimes everything changes and you're left wondering how it happened and where you could have down shifted. Sometimes you wonder how you missed the track changing and then before you know it...your pitched from the bike."
Everything Changes is a book that made me take a step back and think hard about it. I wasn't sure how I was going to rate, so many things worked for me and then again so many things didn't. I rode the fence on this one. I chatted with Kim and we pondered for a while, bouncing thoughts off each other. Both pointing out different aspects of the story and defending why we felt the way we did. To me this is what reading is about. Everything Changes made me feel, made me remember why I am so addicted to words that run across the pages. Reading is an escape for me, takes me away from the real world. I lost my focus and it was no longer that escape, it was more like a job. Shey Stahl is amazing with her dialogue and her descriptions. My first foray into her world was fascinating, and she has made me a fan. I know Everything Changes has some mixed reviews, I have read them. Even before, I started Parker and Ro's journey. I can totally see all the different valid points and even agree with many, but for me this story just worked. I felt while it was very real for two 17 year olds; it was also very frustrating to read at times. Especially as they began to age and still couldn't get their issues on the same page. My nerves were rubbed raw and on many occasions, I wanted to stop and move on. Put the book to the side and go back later. Nevertheless, I am hooked; hook line and sinker. I needed this story. I needed to feel something other than boredom. Shey Stahl did that. She gave me the kick in the butt I needed to focus on more than when the book would end.
"We felt so comfortable around each other that we didn't need to say anything. But sometime words would have been nice."
Parker and Ro, I don't even know where to begin. If any two people could screw it up, it was these two. Every fricken chance they got, after a while all I could hope for was an ending where they finally get their train wreck of a relationship under control! 75% of the book was spent NOT communicating with their mouths. So many damn complications, so many consequences that could have been avoided over the 5 year span. Why, because while they were comfortable in each others presence, with each others bodies, they were not comfortable with telling the other how they really felt. Park made assumptions, Rowan made assumptions. Anyway, we all know where assumptions get you, right?
"Confused and broken, everything had changed. But like I said, it wasn't just one mistake that led us here. It was one after another."
Their relationship takes everyone on a roller coaster ride of frustration and pure love. The chemistry and interaction intense. They were a couple who didn’t always need words to express their wants and desires, but this was their downfall because when they needed it the most they both failed miserably. The love they felt towards each other was expressed through words on many occasions, but I don’t think either actually stopped and acknowledged what the meaning really meant. Neither Parker nor Ro stopped to let it settle in, if they had taken that brief moment maybe there would have been a different outcome. Parker and Ro had years of not getting their crap together, so many chances to give not only each other, but themselves what they truly needed. It was far from perfect, but their moments together when they were just being “them,” those were perfect. I rooted for THAT couple. Those moments defined them; those moments are what caused them to cling desperately to each other so it was especially hard to watch as they screwed it up time and time again. While they may not have been able to discuss their relationship, Shey had no trouble portraying the love, the anguish of not being together, the want, the passion. All of this flowed beautifully off the pages, it was raw and gritty. She didn’t tell you, she showed you. You felt each emotion as though you were in front of them personally. This book leaves you feeling one way or another. Whether it frustrated you, left you feeling dissatisfied or you really loved it. You FELT, to me that is the sign of a well written story.
"I only hoped we didn't destroy each other in the process. How could you tell your heart not to love someone? It was almost like I had to be bitched slapped to fight for myself in this and fight. His words and his truth bitch slapped me and damned if my cheek didn't sting."
There were many moments when I wanted to smack Ro; damn I wanted to smack her so hard. I teared up when she ripped out Parker's heart. On more than one occasion I couldn't grasp why she made the decisions she did. My heart was often in my stomach. Ro is a heroine everyone will love to hate. I won't lie and say she wasn't selfish because she was. Especially towards the end, but in all honesty Parker wasn't all-innocent. No matter how much I wanted to believe he was. I wanted to blame Ro for everything; she made herself an easy target giving you plenty of reasons to hate her. Yes, there were times I HATED her, but in the same sense, I got her. It's not always easy to love. Parker was just as much to blame, just in a different sense. In the beginning, he could have done so many things differently. So while she was majorly to blame in the end, Parker played his part too. One thing I had to constantly remind myself about was age and maturity. Yes, they were 21 at the critical part of the story, BUT they weren't always 21. They started out at 17. Parker and Ro became everything to each other. They experienced all their firsts with each other (let me take a second to thank Shey for keep this real). Neither had great role models to base their relationship on, nor had either been with anyone else. Our hero and heroine handled adult emotions with childlike minds and behavior.
"...you'd see that while you broke his, he broke yours just as much."
Therefore, from my review you see this story was frustrating and it was flawed; other reviewers are right. However, that is what made it work in my humble opinion. Above are just some of the many reasons I fell in love with Parker's journey. The ending was perfection all in its self. Left me wanting more of the adult Parker. I loved watching him blossom and grow up; his character development was amazing. His shy quiet demeanor is what drew me to him, I lived for the moments we got to see "fun quirky" Parker. The boy only Ro got to see. I know Shey tied this story up, but I became captivated by "grown" Parker and it makes me yearn for more of him.
I decided to go with 5 stars because no matter how frustrating Ro got, or how unrealistic it seemed that two adults wouldn't have sex once in a 4 year relationship I couldn't pull myself away from their world. I was captivated by their love for each other. I felt strongly for the first time in weeks. I enjoyed the world of motocross. I adored Justin and Addy. The ending as I said was perfection. Not to mention I really enjoyed Shey's writing style. Her mixture of past, present and future piqued my interest and flowed seamlessly. Although, my favorite parts were when she gave us Parker's pov. Reading his thoughts changed the intensity and the meaning of their journey for me.
Thank you to Shey Stahl for providing me the ARC of Everything Changes for my honest opinion.
Everything Changes is a book that made me take a step back and think hard about it. I wasn't sure how I was going to rate, so many things worked for me and then again so many things didn't. I rode the fence on this one. I chatted with Kim and we pondered for a while, bouncing thoughts off each other. Both pointing out different aspects of the story and defending why we felt the way we did. To me this is what reading is about. Everything Changes made me feel, made me remember why I am so addicted to words that run across the pages. Reading is an escape for me, takes me away from the real world. I lost my focus and it was no longer that escape, it was more like a job. Shey Stahl is amazing with her dialogue and her descriptions. My first foray into her world was fascinating, and she has made me a fan. I know Everything Changes has some mixed reviews, I have read them. Even before, I started Parker and Ro's journey. I can totally see all the different valid points and even agree with many, but for me this story just worked. I felt while it was very real for two 17 year olds; it was also very frustrating to read at times. Especially as they began to age and still couldn't get their issues on the same page. My nerves were rubbed raw and on many occasions, I wanted to stop and move on. Put the book to the side and go back later. Nevertheless, I am hooked; hook line and sinker. I needed this story. I needed to feel something other than boredom. Shey Stahl did that. She gave me the kick in the butt I needed to focus on more than when the book would end.
"We felt so comfortable around each other that we didn't need to say anything. But sometime words would have been nice."
Parker and Ro, I don't even know where to begin. If any two people could screw it up, it was these two. Every fricken chance they got, after a while all I could hope for was an ending where they finally get their train wreck of a relationship under control! 75% of the book was spent NOT communicating with their mouths. So many damn complications, so many consequences that could have been avoided over the 5 year span. Why, because while they were comfortable in each others presence, with each others bodies, they were not comfortable with telling the other how they really felt. Park made assumptions, Rowan made assumptions. Anyway, we all know where assumptions get you, right?
"Confused and broken, everything had changed. But like I said, it wasn't just one mistake that led us here. It was one after another."
Their relationship takes everyone on a roller coaster ride of frustration and pure love. The chemistry and interaction intense. They were a couple who didn’t always need words to express their wants and desires, but this was their downfall because when they needed it the most they both failed miserably. The love they felt towards each other was expressed through words on many occasions, but I don’t think either actually stopped and acknowledged what the meaning really meant. Neither Parker nor Ro stopped to let it settle in, if they had taken that brief moment maybe there would have been a different outcome. Parker and Ro had years of not getting their crap together, so many chances to give not only each other, but themselves what they truly needed. It was far from perfect, but their moments together when they were just being “them,” those were perfect. I rooted for THAT couple. Those moments defined them; those moments are what caused them to cling desperately to each other so it was especially hard to watch as they screwed it up time and time again. While they may not have been able to discuss their relationship, Shey had no trouble portraying the love, the anguish of not being together, the want, the passion. All of this flowed beautifully off the pages, it was raw and gritty. She didn’t tell you, she showed you. You felt each emotion as though you were in front of them personally. This book leaves you feeling one way or another. Whether it frustrated you, left you feeling dissatisfied or you really loved it. You FELT, to me that is the sign of a well written story.
"I only hoped we didn't destroy each other in the process. How could you tell your heart not to love someone? It was almost like I had to be bitched slapped to fight for myself in this and fight. His words and his truth bitch slapped me and damned if my cheek didn't sting."
There were many moments when I wanted to smack Ro; damn I wanted to smack her so hard. I teared up when she ripped out Parker's heart. On more than one occasion I couldn't grasp why she made the decisions she did. My heart was often in my stomach. Ro is a heroine everyone will love to hate. I won't lie and say she wasn't selfish because she was. Especially towards the end, but in all honesty Parker wasn't all-innocent. No matter how much I wanted to believe he was. I wanted to blame Ro for everything; she made herself an easy target giving you plenty of reasons to hate her. Yes, there were times I HATED her, but in the same sense, I got her. It's not always easy to love. Parker was just as much to blame, just in a different sense. In the beginning, he could have done so many things differently. So while she was majorly to blame in the end, Parker played his part too. One thing I had to constantly remind myself about was age and maturity. Yes, they were 21 at the critical part of the story, BUT they weren't always 21. They started out at 17. Parker and Ro became everything to each other. They experienced all their firsts with each other (let me take a second to thank Shey for keep this real). Neither had great role models to base their relationship on, nor had either been with anyone else. Our hero and heroine handled adult emotions with childlike minds and behavior.
"...you'd see that while you broke his, he broke yours just as much."
Therefore, from my review you see this story was frustrating and it was flawed; other reviewers are right. However, that is what made it work in my humble opinion. Above are just some of the many reasons I fell in love with Parker's journey. The ending was perfection all in its self. Left me wanting more of the adult Parker. I loved watching him blossom and grow up; his character development was amazing. His shy quiet demeanor is what drew me to him, I lived for the moments we got to see "fun quirky" Parker. The boy only Ro got to see. I know Shey tied this story up, but I became captivated by "grown" Parker and it makes me yearn for more of him.
I decided to go with 5 stars because no matter how frustrating Ro got, or how unrealistic it seemed that two adults wouldn't have sex once in a 4 year relationship I couldn't pull myself away from their world. I was captivated by their love for each other. I felt strongly for the first time in weeks. I enjoyed the world of motocross. I adored Justin and Addy. The ending as I said was perfection. Not to mention I really enjoyed Shey's writing style. Her mixture of past, present and future piqued my interest and flowed seamlessly. Although, my favorite parts were when she gave us Parker's pov. Reading his thoughts changed the intensity and the meaning of their journey for me.
Thank you to Shey Stahl for providing me the ARC of Everything Changes for my honest opinion.
August 8, 2018
I actually started reading the because I found it on a mm list. It is not mm. However it is a very good YA/NA story with a happy ending.
July 3, 2013
**See more of my reviews at www.girlbooklove.com!
BAH!! I love Shey Stahl, but I wanted to strangle these characters!! This book….oh this book. I loved it. I hated it. I hated loving it. Honestly, I’m all over the place. Hah!
In the beginning…get yourself ready for the sweetest “falling in love” story ever! They meet at her dad’s car shop. She is super nervous and he makes up excuses to get closer to her but doesn’t talk to her! They steal glances, they wink, they sigh… (ok, I made up the sighing…but you get the idea!) Then they get the chance to spend the summer together, without parental supervision!! Woohoo!
“My mom, Sarah, used to tell me that you could be anywhere when your life begins but you wouldn’t know it until it changed everything you thought you knew.”
Rowan’s life began that summer.
“Parker O’Neil was someone you noticed, no matter how hard you tried not to. Whether you wanted to admit it or not, he drew you in.”
“It was that confidence under the shyness that most people failed to see. But that same confidence came and went as quickly as it appeared, and he protected himself with a wall of tires. A wall I’d spend the next five years trying to break down one tire at a time.”
The next five years are absolutely “throw your kindle” frustrating. They come together and leave each other more times then I want to count. The whole time I was reading I just wanted to grab them and make them communicate!!
c.o.m.m.u.n.i.c.a.t.i.o.n. they suck at it.
The ending is cute though…
“Everyone’s life was a series of events. Every step, every breath, every choice, and every word leads you to another moment in your life that will change you.”
My Parker and Rowan-
BAH!! I love Shey Stahl, but I wanted to strangle these characters!! This book….oh this book. I loved it. I hated it. I hated loving it. Honestly, I’m all over the place. Hah!
In the beginning…get yourself ready for the sweetest “falling in love” story ever! They meet at her dad’s car shop. She is super nervous and he makes up excuses to get closer to her but doesn’t talk to her! They steal glances, they wink, they sigh… (ok, I made up the sighing…but you get the idea!) Then they get the chance to spend the summer together, without parental supervision!! Woohoo!
“My mom, Sarah, used to tell me that you could be anywhere when your life begins but you wouldn’t know it until it changed everything you thought you knew.”
Rowan’s life began that summer.
“Parker O’Neil was someone you noticed, no matter how hard you tried not to. Whether you wanted to admit it or not, he drew you in.”
“It was that confidence under the shyness that most people failed to see. But that same confidence came and went as quickly as it appeared, and he protected himself with a wall of tires. A wall I’d spend the next five years trying to break down one tire at a time.”
The next five years are absolutely “throw your kindle” frustrating. They come together and leave each other more times then I want to count. The whole time I was reading I just wanted to grab them and make them communicate!!
c.o.m.m.u.n.i.c.a.t.i.o.n. they suck at it.
The ending is cute though…
“Everyone’s life was a series of events. Every step, every breath, every choice, and every word leads you to another moment in your life that will change you.”
My Parker and Rowan-
April 26, 2013
This is about two young inexperienced 17 years old, Parker and Rowan who discover love, sex and heartache together.
I really like the way this book is written, it gripped me straight way. The story felt like a realistic love story, complicated because of the lack of communication, but real.
Over the course of 5 years Rowan and Parker pretty much learn everything together except communicating, at times it was frustrating but i had to remind myself that at 17 we don't tend to communicate our feelings very well, especially to a boyfriend or girlfriend, it's not easy. Sex was quite a way for them to express their feelings and hell it's a lot easier then talking!
I have to say it was nice to finally have a heroin who didn't come 5 times on her first experience like they tend to in other books i've read (I was seriously starting to wonder if my first boyfriend had been my wrong first!)
They both make mistakes but Rowan makes the most and the worse ones (I still don't get the part where she's with someone else for years, gets engaged and doesn't sleep with the guy), at some point i didn't think there was going to be an HEA -
I know nothing on motorcross or bikes for that matter but reading this book i wanted to go watch a competition well truly i wanted to watch Parker compete, i am sure it would have been amazing to watch him - He was a sweety and made me wish i was 17 and in Moab :)
I really like the way this book is written, it gripped me straight way. The story felt like a realistic love story, complicated because of the lack of communication, but real.
Over the course of 5 years Rowan and Parker pretty much learn everything together except communicating, at times it was frustrating but i had to remind myself that at 17 we don't tend to communicate our feelings very well, especially to a boyfriend or girlfriend, it's not easy. Sex was quite a way for them to express their feelings and hell it's a lot easier then talking!
I have to say it was nice to finally have a heroin who didn't come 5 times on her first experience like they tend to in other books i've read (I was seriously starting to wonder if my first boyfriend had been my wrong first!)
They both make mistakes but Rowan makes the most and the worse ones (I still don't get the part where she's with someone else for years, gets engaged and doesn't sleep with the guy), at some point i didn't think there was going to be an HEA -
I know nothing on motorcross or bikes for that matter but reading this book i wanted to go watch a competition well truly i wanted to watch Parker compete, i am sure it would have been amazing to watch him - He was a sweety and made me wish i was 17 and in Moab :)
April 22, 2013
i'm thinking this one is more like 2.5 stars.
i liked it but i had several issues with it at the same time. Please no more FIST PUMPING. The writing got a little repetitive at times. I felt like I was rereading chapters at time. Yes I get it that you guys share this special connection under the moon light, and i've REALLY got it now that you've told me about thirty times. Yes, you are lonely, you miss Parker, and you've never had a normal life. I got that when you mentioned it the last four chapters. It got a little old after a while, but luckily it didn't last for the duration of the book.
Then there is Ro and Parker. I thought their shyness was adorable at first. And then they did start to open up to each other so I thought, okay this is good. And then they both just shut down and couldn't tell each other how they felt, and then they would hook up and they still couldn't tell each other how they felt, repeat that action several more times. And on top of that, have Ro be in love with Parker, but dating another guy, while still sleeping with Parker, but not sleeping with her "boyfriend".... and then have them get engaged even though Ro is STILL in love with Parker and it's obvious her fiance knows it too. I mean EVERYONE KNOWS! That girl just needed someone to slap her. I was SO annoyed with her by the end. Ugh.
The ending was a cute, but I was just so fed up with those two by the end I had a hard time enjoying it.
It was a nice lazy sunday afternoon distraction.
i liked it but i had several issues with it at the same time. Please no more FIST PUMPING. The writing got a little repetitive at times. I felt like I was rereading chapters at time. Yes I get it that you guys share this special connection under the moon light, and i've REALLY got it now that you've told me about thirty times. Yes, you are lonely, you miss Parker, and you've never had a normal life. I got that when you mentioned it the last four chapters. It got a little old after a while, but luckily it didn't last for the duration of the book.
Then there is Ro and Parker. I thought their shyness was adorable at first. And then they did start to open up to each other so I thought, okay this is good. And then they both just shut down and couldn't tell each other how they felt, and then they would hook up and they still couldn't tell each other how they felt, repeat that action several more times. And on top of that, have Ro be in love with Parker, but dating another guy, while still sleeping with Parker, but not sleeping with her "boyfriend".... and then have them get engaged even though Ro is STILL in love with Parker and it's obvious her fiance knows it too. I mean EVERYONE KNOWS! That girl just needed someone to slap her. I was SO annoyed with her by the end. Ugh.
The ending was a cute, but I was just so fed up with those two by the end I had a hard time enjoying it.
It was a nice lazy sunday afternoon distraction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2013
This one is hard for me to review. I loved the plot and story line. A quiet boy, races motorcycles, love it. However, some parts of the story are very, very repetitive. We are told that she is seventeen...often. Other parts just seemed to tell the same bit of story over and over. Ex: how much Ro missed Parker when he was away. There are also still quite a few errors in this story. I can overlook a few but honestly, I felt that if this book would have been edited better it may have been incredible. I did enjoy the first part much better than the last. I didn't understand their conflict completely. I felt they just needed to say "HEY, here is what I am feeling". I know they were young but it just got a little old after a while.
But again, the plot was great. I loved how the characters got together and that we get to meet them years before now (90s). The first part had me completely hooked and it brought back fond memories of that first love. Ro's best friend and Parker's brother were great. I enjoyed getting to know them. It just needs some work. I'm still glad I read it though.
But again, the plot was great. I loved how the characters got together and that we get to meet them years before now (90s). The first part had me completely hooked and it brought back fond memories of that first love. Ro's best friend and Parker's brother were great. I enjoyed getting to know them. It just needs some work. I'm still glad I read it though.
April 22, 2013
When the hero is a shy guy kicking his foot through the sand next to the heroine who is a shy girl kicking her foot through the sand, the reader sometimes will get so frustrated that she wants to kick sand AT the both of them.
The story follows Parker and Rowan from 17 to 22. Their story of young first love, which was sweet at first, quickly became tedious. This reader can only take so many shy glances and awkwardness back and forth before something needs to happen - and I'm not taking about just sex - I mean *anything*. I felt like I flipped through most of the book. It's this non-communication that is the source of all of the angst in this book.
I actually think this book could have been pretty decent with a skilled editor to hack off at least half of non-essential narrative. I like the author's voice and would consider picking up another of her books.
April 21, 2013
3.5 Stars
Well it took awhile but everyone got there shit together and made a life..sheesh.. I enjoyed the watching of a timeless first love..that always feeds my soul! I don't think you have to know about Motor cross to get the book I actually enjoyed learning bits and pieces..angsty with heart which I enjoy..
Well it took awhile but everyone got there shit together and made a life..sheesh.. I enjoyed the watching of a timeless first love..that always feeds my soul! I don't think you have to know about Motor cross to get the book I actually enjoyed learning bits and pieces..angsty with heart which I enjoy..
September 25, 2013
Guys, please check this review from one of the authors of a fanfic that has been plagiarized by Shey Stahl. Yes, this book is also a plagiarism from a Twilight fanfic.
Do not support plagiarism guys!
Do not support plagiarism guys!
April 18, 2013
Absolutely love this author's writing style. 5 stars from me x
April 17, 2013
It is a good story... I just got tired of all the chasing after who and what.... love how it ended...
April 20, 2013
I so loved this book read in a day - couldn't put the book down; although Rowan was so frustrating - will she marry/won't she marry. I always enjoy books by Shey Stahl.
April 22, 2013
OMG - the book could have been half the length if it lost all the meaningless prose. I think I would have enjoyed it more has the author tightened up the story and left out useless info.
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