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Carry Your Heart
Champion skier Pippa Baker lost everything in the avalanche: her boyfriend, his best friend, and her will to win. After a year of grief, she returns to competition.
She finds more than buried memories and steep slopes in Utah. She finds Hunter Dawson, a heartbreaking daredevil with the gold medals to prove it. And she finds that his reputation doesn’t stop her from falling hard, and that her heart might not be as broken as she once believed.
But, Hunter has scars and memories too—scars that make him believe falling in love might hurt too much, scars that make him run.
Pippa knows how much love hurts when it’s gone. Will she stop herself before she’s in too deep? Or will she let herself fall?
She finds more than buried memories and steep slopes in Utah. She finds Hunter Dawson, a heartbreaking daredevil with the gold medals to prove it. And she finds that his reputation doesn’t stop her from falling hard, and that her heart might not be as broken as she once believed.
But, Hunter has scars and memories too—scars that make him believe falling in love might hurt too much, scars that make him run.
Pippa knows how much love hurts when it’s gone. Will she stop herself before she’s in too deep? Or will she let herself fall?
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 4, 2013
14 people are currently reading
1487 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
August 1, 2013
Philippa "Pippa" Bradley is on top of the world! She loves to ski and is an Olympic hopeful. She has a wonderful loving boyfriend great friends and her entire life in front of her...
And then one day, while she's being young and carefree the unthinkable happens...
In the blink of an eye. Everything is changed. Pippa loses her boyfriend and best friend in one tragic accident. An accident that she walked away from.
When Pippa finally decides that something is missing from her life and that she wants to attempt to live again she is met with many obstacles. Her guilt about living, the guilt of leaving those in what had become her world behind, and the expectations and thoughts of others as to what she should do and who she should be with. The biggest of the complications is 6'2" with beautiful green eyes and is a known womanizer with a serious asshole streak - AKA - Hunter Dawson.
Despite what everyone tells her about him she finds herself falling fast and hard for someone who never dates and has never done a relationship. He appears to be the complete opposite of her ex but she sees something deeper...
Something that makes her feel safe, happy, and alive again...
And just maybe he feels it too...
They are both scared and confused by this fast fall...
...and yet so comfortable and natural with one another.
Everything appears to have changed again, but Pippa still battles her past, can she let go and let him in? Can Hunter be what she needs him to be or is he just like everyone has told her he was?
It won't be an easy journey, but love never is...
This was a wonderful story. There were so many inspirational nuggets and the message of hope shined bright. Hunter was adorable and hilarious and when I wasn't shaking my head at him I was swooning SO hard. I am not going to give it a full five stars because I think it definitely needed a few more once overs by an editor as the errors were distracting at times. Overall though, I loved it!
And then one day, while she's being young and carefree the unthinkable happens...
In the blink of an eye. Everything is changed. Pippa loses her boyfriend and best friend in one tragic accident. An accident that she walked away from.
When Pippa finally decides that something is missing from her life and that she wants to attempt to live again she is met with many obstacles. Her guilt about living, the guilt of leaving those in what had become her world behind, and the expectations and thoughts of others as to what she should do and who she should be with. The biggest of the complications is 6'2" with beautiful green eyes and is a known womanizer with a serious asshole streak - AKA - Hunter Dawson.
Despite what everyone tells her about him she finds herself falling fast and hard for someone who never dates and has never done a relationship. He appears to be the complete opposite of her ex but she sees something deeper...
Something that makes her feel safe, happy, and alive again...
And just maybe he feels it too...
They are both scared and confused by this fast fall...
...and yet so comfortable and natural with one another.
Everything appears to have changed again, but Pippa still battles her past, can she let go and let him in? Can Hunter be what she needs him to be or is he just like everyone has told her he was?
It won't be an easy journey, but love never is...
This was a wonderful story. There were so many inspirational nuggets and the message of hope shined bright. Hunter was adorable and hilarious and when I wasn't shaking my head at him I was swooning SO hard. I am not going to give it a full five stars because I think it definitely needed a few more once overs by an editor as the errors were distracting at times. Overall though, I loved it!
January 7, 2017
4.5 out of 5 Stars; First, I want to say that I am sometimes leery of books that are about girls who lost their boyfriends through a tragic accident that they have a hard time getting over it. When I began reading this book, I forgot that this book was about that until I started reading it. The reason I am leery of these types of books is that the girl usually keeps mentioning the deceased boyfriend so much that I can never connect with the new boyfriend and if I can’t connect with the new boyfriend the book is just blah for me.
Audrey Bell did an amazing job allowing me to connect with the old, deceased boyfriend and the new relationship.
I loved this book. I had no expectations at all when I started this one. I was so surprised. I love stories with male athletes and I never read a book about a professional snowboarder, so thought “why not?”
Did I feel connected to the characters? Yes. First, the love interest in this book, Hunter, he is not perfect, he is not sweet, he is actually kind of a jerk. He is a man whore. However, you see his goodness, his heart and you begin to understand why he does the things he does. There is no insta-love, but you feel Hunter and Pippa’s chemistry instantly with their banter. I love how he tries to “pick up” Pippa.
“Laurel hates your f***g guts, by the way.”- Hunter
“Yeah, So I’ve heard” - Pippa
He shrugs, not saying anything back to me.
“So, what’s your deal with her? She’s your girlfriend?”- Pippa
He takes a long sip of beer, buying a little more time. He swallows and smirks. “I guess it depends on whether you want to come home with me?”-Hunter
Hunter is so direct that sometimes you just don’t know how to take him, but I loved it and I loved him.
Hunter is a huge, well known snowboarder. He is has huge sponsors, but he is who is he. And you will love him. Like I said he is honest and I love men who are honest. There are steamy scenes, but not detailed and not fade to black either. They were perfect. Sometimes I get bored with sex scenes when there is way too much detail. Some intimate scenes were cute, like when they giggled and were just having fun and then there were the scenes that you felt their connection.
Pace of the story: Perfect. Actually I am sad the book ended.
Positives: The author did an amazing job allowing me to connect to the living as well as deceased characters. I loved the banter between Pippa and Hunter and actually found myself laughing out loud. I could not stop reading. I had yard work to do and did not get anything done. I read the book in a few hours. I literally could not stop reading. I found myself nervous/anxious because like with any of these stories, you know you are going to get to that angsty part and I was so nervous about what it was and hoping that it was not going to be something that I sometimes hate in books. You know bad boys going back to being bad. So as I was approaching that 75% mark where I figured something was going to happen, I started thinking “Hunter do not disappoint me! I am your biggest cheerleader in this relationship. I repeat DO NOT DISAPPOINT or I will personally kick your a**!!!”
Negatives: The ending was too sudden. This book would have gotten without a doubt 5 stars if the story did not just “end.” I really loved this book. I would love a sequel! If there is sequel and it is about Pippa and Hunter, my rating has moved to a solid 5 STARS then!
So maybe some of the “angsty” part is a little immature, but I enjoyed it. There was the obvious misunderstanding that happened where I wish they would just communicate, but there has got to be some drama, right?!
Do I recommend? If I have not made it clear yet….YES!
Bottom line: I loved the book and will be reading more of Audrey Bell.
Book Format Read: A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Audrey Bell did an amazing job allowing me to connect with the old, deceased boyfriend and the new relationship.
I loved this book. I had no expectations at all when I started this one. I was so surprised. I love stories with male athletes and I never read a book about a professional snowboarder, so thought “why not?”
Did I feel connected to the characters? Yes. First, the love interest in this book, Hunter, he is not perfect, he is not sweet, he is actually kind of a jerk. He is a man whore. However, you see his goodness, his heart and you begin to understand why he does the things he does. There is no insta-love, but you feel Hunter and Pippa’s chemistry instantly with their banter. I love how he tries to “pick up” Pippa.
“Laurel hates your f***g guts, by the way.”- Hunter
“Yeah, So I’ve heard” - Pippa
He shrugs, not saying anything back to me.
“So, what’s your deal with her? She’s your girlfriend?”- Pippa
He takes a long sip of beer, buying a little more time. He swallows and smirks. “I guess it depends on whether you want to come home with me?”-Hunter
Hunter is so direct that sometimes you just don’t know how to take him, but I loved it and I loved him.
Hunter is a huge, well known snowboarder. He is has huge sponsors, but he is who is he. And you will love him. Like I said he is honest and I love men who are honest. There are steamy scenes, but not detailed and not fade to black either. They were perfect. Sometimes I get bored with sex scenes when there is way too much detail. Some intimate scenes were cute, like when they giggled and were just having fun and then there were the scenes that you felt their connection.
Pace of the story: Perfect. Actually I am sad the book ended.
Positives: The author did an amazing job allowing me to connect to the living as well as deceased characters. I loved the banter between Pippa and Hunter and actually found myself laughing out loud. I could not stop reading. I had yard work to do and did not get anything done. I read the book in a few hours. I literally could not stop reading. I found myself nervous/anxious because like with any of these stories, you know you are going to get to that angsty part and I was so nervous about what it was and hoping that it was not going to be something that I sometimes hate in books. You know bad boys going back to being bad. So as I was approaching that 75% mark where I figured something was going to happen, I started thinking “Hunter do not disappoint me! I am your biggest cheerleader in this relationship. I repeat DO NOT DISAPPOINT or I will personally kick your a**!!!”
Negatives: The ending was too sudden. This book would have gotten without a doubt 5 stars if the story did not just “end.” I really loved this book. I would love a sequel! If there is sequel and it is about Pippa and Hunter, my rating has moved to a solid 5 STARS then!
So maybe some of the “angsty” part is a little immature, but I enjoyed it. There was the obvious misunderstanding that happened where I wish they would just communicate, but there has got to be some drama, right?!
Do I recommend? If I have not made it clear yet….YES!
Bottom line: I loved the book and will be reading more of Audrey Bell.
Book Format Read: A copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
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August 26, 2013FREE today on Amazon US (8/26/2013)
http://www.amazon.com/Carry-Your-Hear...
June 16, 2014
Ugh, this book was a complete and total disappointment for me. It started out SO good, but then it just completely fell apart. I absolutely LOVED Love Show so I was even more excited that starting out I liked this one even more.
I really loved Pippa from the beginning. I really felt her loss and pain in the tragedy she went through with losing her boyfriend, Danny and his best friend (and hers) Ryan in an avalanche. The book starts out a year from that horrible event, and we get to really know and feel Pippa's struggles with deciding to try competitive skiing again. I admittedly didn't like Hunter from the beginning, but he grew on me. Once he and Pippa were together I really loved them together and I {gigantic red puffy heart} loved everything about the story, even the hard parts (there is a girl in this story who literally tries to make Pippa's life a living hell and starts a blog about Hunter and Pippa and then all of the people who felt like she betrayed Danny by dating Hunter then go on this blog and trash Pippa and call her names, etc.), until about 1/4 way to the end. Then it truly went downhill (pun intended) and it never came back up for me.
Like in all contemporary romance books you KNOW the couple is doomed to split for some reason. I don't feel like it's a spoiler to say that, it happens in 99.9% of contemporary romance novels. I knew it was coming, but I didn't know how it was going to happen. Well, this is what absolutely ruined this story for me. First of all, Pippa makes a decision about her and Hunter's relationship. I don't think she was completely right to do what she did, however I could see why she did it. She was hurt and sad and felt betrayed (even if nothing really happened) however, the emotional betrayal was still pretty awful and I could see that she felt she needed to do what she did. But the thing that got to me the most was Hunter. Hunter of all people knows what would hurt Pippa the most. So when their split happens and Hunter goes right to the person he knew would rip Pippa apart for him to go to, I just couldn't take it.
And not only that, which was incredibly hurtful, I just could not get over it. There is a point in this book early in the break up where Pippa says to herself that she has been through enough pain and hurt to last a lifetime (referring to both Ryan and Danny's deaths) and she shouldn't have to put up with any more hurt, especially from Hunter, when he knows how much she has already gone through. Well, ultimately I totally agree with that statement. In my opinion when Hunter comes back to her, his apology was anything but redeemable. It was completely half-a## and that was that. Totally NOT good enough for me and I was just livid. So livid that after I finished this book I was up half the night replaying it in my head over and over and couldn't sleep I was just SO angry.
Honestly I wouldn't have been SO mad if I hadn't loved the first 3/4 of the book so flipping much. I had been thinking to myself, this could end up being another one of my favorite books, I was loving it THAT much. I absolutely love the way Audrey Bell writes her relationships. They are sweet and tender and loving and so full of emotion. So to see her tear that apart and feel how much Pippa was hurting and what Hunter's betrayal was doing to her and then to not piece it back together in any way that was satisfying was just ultimately SO disappointing it made me want to throw my tablet across the room. I guess I'm just not as forgiving, or forgive as easily as Pippa. I ultimately thought she was stupid in the end. If you are a very forgiving person and can take lame two cent apologies, you might end up loving this book. Otherwise, I would strongly suggest you skip it and try something else. To anyone I actually like, I absolutely would NOT recommend this book. I'm very sad to say :(
I really loved Pippa from the beginning. I really felt her loss and pain in the tragedy she went through with losing her boyfriend, Danny and his best friend (and hers) Ryan in an avalanche. The book starts out a year from that horrible event, and we get to really know and feel Pippa's struggles with deciding to try competitive skiing again. I admittedly didn't like Hunter from the beginning, but he grew on me. Once he and Pippa were together I really loved them together and I {gigantic red puffy heart} loved everything about the story, even the hard parts (there is a girl in this story who literally tries to make Pippa's life a living hell and starts a blog about Hunter and Pippa and then all of the people who felt like she betrayed Danny by dating Hunter then go on this blog and trash Pippa and call her names, etc.), until about 1/4 way to the end. Then it truly went downhill (pun intended) and it never came back up for me.
Like in all contemporary romance books you KNOW the couple is doomed to split for some reason. I don't feel like it's a spoiler to say that, it happens in 99.9% of contemporary romance novels. I knew it was coming, but I didn't know how it was going to happen. Well, this is what absolutely ruined this story for me. First of all, Pippa makes a decision about her and Hunter's relationship. I don't think she was completely right to do what she did, however I could see why she did it. She was hurt and sad and felt betrayed (even if nothing really happened) however, the emotional betrayal was still pretty awful and I could see that she felt she needed to do what she did. But the thing that got to me the most was Hunter. Hunter of all people knows what would hurt Pippa the most. So when their split happens and Hunter goes right to the person he knew would rip Pippa apart for him to go to, I just couldn't take it.
And not only that, which was incredibly hurtful, I just could not get over it. There is a point in this book early in the break up where Pippa says to herself that she has been through enough pain and hurt to last a lifetime (referring to both Ryan and Danny's deaths) and she shouldn't have to put up with any more hurt, especially from Hunter, when he knows how much she has already gone through. Well, ultimately I totally agree with that statement. In my opinion when Hunter comes back to her, his apology was anything but redeemable. It was completely half-a## and that was that. Totally NOT good enough for me and I was just livid. So livid that after I finished this book I was up half the night replaying it in my head over and over and couldn't sleep I was just SO angry.
Honestly I wouldn't have been SO mad if I hadn't loved the first 3/4 of the book so flipping much. I had been thinking to myself, this could end up being another one of my favorite books, I was loving it THAT much. I absolutely love the way Audrey Bell writes her relationships. They are sweet and tender and loving and so full of emotion. So to see her tear that apart and feel how much Pippa was hurting and what Hunter's betrayal was doing to her and then to not piece it back together in any way that was satisfying was just ultimately SO disappointing it made me want to throw my tablet across the room. I guess I'm just not as forgiving, or forgive as easily as Pippa. I ultimately thought she was stupid in the end. If you are a very forgiving person and can take lame two cent apologies, you might end up loving this book. Otherwise, I would strongly suggest you skip it and try something else. To anyone I actually like, I absolutely would NOT recommend this book. I'm very sad to say :(
June 22, 2013
Why is it that good girls always fall for bad boys? It must be a chemical found only in females. WAIT! I think I remember reading about this in science class… *goes to look it up* Ah, yes! I was right! I KNEW IT! It’s the chemical called I'ᴍAᴅᴜᴍʙᴀssBᴜᴛOʜHᴇIsSᴏHᴏᴛGᴏᴛTᴏHᴀᴠᴇTʜᴀᴛDɪᴄᴋRɪɢʜᴛNᴏᴡ! This chemical makes girls lose all common sense in the presence of overly confident, hot and sexy males – I say girls, but don’t get excited, because it never goes away; in fact it sometimes gets more intense with age.
❝There is no fucking way I’m letting you toss my board into the bottom of an airplane. You know how many times I’ve lost my snowboard? Zero. You know how many times JetBlue has? Four. Four fucking times. How is that level of incompetence even possible?❞
See? That’s snowboarder and Gold Medalist, Hunter Dawson. Prime example right there. Any level headed female would run the other way – I mean, who would want a hot-head like that? Okay, who cares that he is perhaps the most gorgeous man you have seen in ages? He loses major points for possessing the asshole gene. DO NOT PASS GO! DO NOT COLLECT $200! And by all means, DO NOT GET IN BED WITH THIS MAN! Ha! Not so fast! Did you forget about the aforementioned chemical found in normally levelheaded females? Umm-hmm. Pippa Baker is a woman, so, yep! She has it!
Pippa Baker lost everything that meant anything to her in an avalanche over a year ago. Once a champion skier, she walked away from it all; lost in a world of grief over the death of her boyfriend and his best friend. She has pretty much stopped doing anything that ever brought her any joy, including skiing. She just can't go back to it. Her former coach isn’t taking “no” for an answer. He is determined to build her back up to the champion she once was. So, when she finally succumbs to his persistence, the last thing she is looking for is love – especially love with a loose cannon like Hunter Dawson.
Hunter throws off jerk vibes at every turn. He’s arrogant and he’s a womanizer. He has a bad reputation, but there is something truly magnetic about him. See? Even I’m getting sucked in and wouldn’t mind having a little piece of his "action," if I’m being honest. Hunter may seem like he has it all, but he has wounds from his past that need healing too. Once he drops the “tough guy” act and shows his tender side, there is just no way any woman could resist – and Pippa is no exception.
Pippa and Hunter have amazing chemistry, but old habits die-hard. Hunter is a bit like a puppy being potty trained… It takes a bit for him to learn, but once he gets it, he really gets it.
New author, Audrey Bell makes a fantastic debut with CARRY YOUR HEART. She did a wonderful job with creating great characters – characters that I look forward to learning more about. I’m a fan. I’m really looking forward to what she has in store for the second installment in this series called After Forever.
NOTE: Self-Published indicates no “professional editing” has occurred. With the exception of some grammatical and spelling errors, Bell has done a great job of giving the reader a lovely finished product. I know some readers take off stars for editing errors, so I thought this was worth mentioning - if the story is appealing to you, please don’t let this deter you from snatching it up. I can almost guarantee you will not be disappointed.
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
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❝There is no fucking way I’m letting you toss my board into the bottom of an airplane. You know how many times I’ve lost my snowboard? Zero. You know how many times JetBlue has? Four. Four fucking times. How is that level of incompetence even possible?❞
See? That’s snowboarder and Gold Medalist, Hunter Dawson. Prime example right there. Any level headed female would run the other way – I mean, who would want a hot-head like that? Okay, who cares that he is perhaps the most gorgeous man you have seen in ages? He loses major points for possessing the asshole gene. DO NOT PASS GO! DO NOT COLLECT $200! And by all means, DO NOT GET IN BED WITH THIS MAN! Ha! Not so fast! Did you forget about the aforementioned chemical found in normally levelheaded females? Umm-hmm. Pippa Baker is a woman, so, yep! She has it!
Pippa Baker lost everything that meant anything to her in an avalanche over a year ago. Once a champion skier, she walked away from it all; lost in a world of grief over the death of her boyfriend and his best friend. She has pretty much stopped doing anything that ever brought her any joy, including skiing. She just can't go back to it. Her former coach isn’t taking “no” for an answer. He is determined to build her back up to the champion she once was. So, when she finally succumbs to his persistence, the last thing she is looking for is love – especially love with a loose cannon like Hunter Dawson.
Hunter throws off jerk vibes at every turn. He’s arrogant and he’s a womanizer. He has a bad reputation, but there is something truly magnetic about him. See? Even I’m getting sucked in and wouldn’t mind having a little piece of his "action," if I’m being honest. Hunter may seem like he has it all, but he has wounds from his past that need healing too. Once he drops the “tough guy” act and shows his tender side, there is just no way any woman could resist – and Pippa is no exception.
Pippa and Hunter have amazing chemistry, but old habits die-hard. Hunter is a bit like a puppy being potty trained… It takes a bit for him to learn, but once he gets it, he really gets it.
New author, Audrey Bell makes a fantastic debut with CARRY YOUR HEART. She did a wonderful job with creating great characters – characters that I look forward to learning more about. I’m a fan. I’m really looking forward to what she has in store for the second installment in this series called After Forever.
NOTE: Self-Published indicates no “professional editing” has occurred. With the exception of some grammatical and spelling errors, Bell has done a great job of giving the reader a lovely finished product. I know some readers take off stars for editing errors, so I thought this was worth mentioning - if the story is appealing to you, please don’t let this deter you from snatching it up. I can almost guarantee you will not be disappointed.
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
___________________________________________________
If you like this type of book, you might enjoy one of these groups. Check us out!
Menage Readers
Erotic Enchants
Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
June 16, 2013
Carry Your Heart is an AMAZING book just simply amazing. I love a story with broken souls who try and find themselves in the midst of a storm. I have to say that I bawled like a crazy lady and then I was yelling at the book and then I wanted to huck my kindle across the room because I was so pissed by Hunter's behavior. Lord this book brought out so many emotions that I am going to try and give a spoiler free review because you have to read the book in order to get the full effect of what is going on and the ending let me just say if I could pull my hair out I would because I need book two like ASAP!
Pippa Baker is a skier and she is good. Good enough to get gold medals and all. She has it all school, her boyfriend and his best friend all hang out together. They are the trio that keeps on going. Then one day when Pippa and the guys are skiing there is an avalanche and a tragedy. This tragedy rips Pippa's heart out and she is left reeling and trying to live life. Her coaches convince her to come back to the competing scene and that is when she meets Hunter Dawson a gold winning Snowboarder who has a reputation on the slopes and off.
Hunter Dawson has his own demons and his own secrets he keeps but when he meets Pippa he is blown away by her and the two start a friendship. As their friendship blossoms they begin to have feelings for one another but Hunter does not do relationships and Pippa is still struggling with her past. Plus there is someone who will do anything to have Hunter and she will stop at nothing to ruin Pippa's reputation and get Hunter back.
What will Pippa do? Will she open her heart or will she keep locked up tight? What will Hunter do? Will Hunter let go of the past and move forward with Pippa or will he ruin it and let her go? This is such an AMAZING story and a great read for the beach that you will not be able to put it down. Charge your Kindles and Nooks or ipad and get to reading! Team Hunter all the way because I love a rough snowboarding bad boy!
Pippa Baker is a skier and she is good. Good enough to get gold medals and all. She has it all school, her boyfriend and his best friend all hang out together. They are the trio that keeps on going. Then one day when Pippa and the guys are skiing there is an avalanche and a tragedy. This tragedy rips Pippa's heart out and she is left reeling and trying to live life. Her coaches convince her to come back to the competing scene and that is when she meets Hunter Dawson a gold winning Snowboarder who has a reputation on the slopes and off.
Hunter Dawson has his own demons and his own secrets he keeps but when he meets Pippa he is blown away by her and the two start a friendship. As their friendship blossoms they begin to have feelings for one another but Hunter does not do relationships and Pippa is still struggling with her past. Plus there is someone who will do anything to have Hunter and she will stop at nothing to ruin Pippa's reputation and get Hunter back.
What will Pippa do? Will she open her heart or will she keep locked up tight? What will Hunter do? Will Hunter let go of the past and move forward with Pippa or will he ruin it and let her go? This is such an AMAZING story and a great read for the beach that you will not be able to put it down. Charge your Kindles and Nooks or ipad and get to reading! Team Hunter all the way because I love a rough snowboarding bad boy!
August 30, 2013
3.5 stars
Don't you love when books surprise you? And I don't mean with fancy twist and turns. I mean, I really love it when a book can suck me in. Obviously, I was interested in this story or I wouldn't have taken it for review, but I was quickly pulled into Pippa's life and I was really sad when the book was over. I think that's a good sign. Don't you?
I could relate to Pippa. Maybe it's because I was an athlete, so I understood her determination. I also generally liked her though too. After taking a year off from skiing, she makes her comeback. It's not as easy as she thought it would be. Not just physically, but mentally. She's also surrounded by the people she's been training with for years. Those same people were friends with the loved ones Pippa lost. Memories, new competition, and new love interests can be challenging to balance and confront.
I loved the way Pippa and Hunter met. They meet at the airport, both on their way to the training center in Utah. He's cocky, charming, and not at all the kind of guy that Pippa would typically pick. They found a connection through sports, but it went deeper than that. There's more to Hunter than just the all-star snowboarder. I fell for him pretty hard.
Overall, I really liked Carry Your Heart, but I will mention that it needs some good editing. That said, I think the story has good direction and I'm anxious to get my hands on the second book, Crash Into Me. I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.
Don't you love when books surprise you? And I don't mean with fancy twist and turns. I mean, I really love it when a book can suck me in. Obviously, I was interested in this story or I wouldn't have taken it for review, but I was quickly pulled into Pippa's life and I was really sad when the book was over. I think that's a good sign. Don't you?
I could relate to Pippa. Maybe it's because I was an athlete, so I understood her determination. I also generally liked her though too. After taking a year off from skiing, she makes her comeback. It's not as easy as she thought it would be. Not just physically, but mentally. She's also surrounded by the people she's been training with for years. Those same people were friends with the loved ones Pippa lost. Memories, new competition, and new love interests can be challenging to balance and confront.
I loved the way Pippa and Hunter met. They meet at the airport, both on their way to the training center in Utah. He's cocky, charming, and not at all the kind of guy that Pippa would typically pick. They found a connection through sports, but it went deeper than that. There's more to Hunter than just the all-star snowboarder. I fell for him pretty hard.
Overall, I really liked Carry Your Heart, but I will mention that it needs some good editing. That said, I think the story has good direction and I'm anxious to get my hands on the second book, Crash Into Me. I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.
October 28, 2013
Carry Your Heart was a really sweet story, reading more like YA than the typical NA novels that are published now though the characters were in their early 20s (nothing too racy or explicit about the love scenes). Pippa’s journey of healing and moving on after the tragedy that killed her boyfriend and best friend was touching. But I think I would’ve liked the story more if Hunter (the love interest/hero) wasn’t such a douche, the ending wasn’t so abrupt and there weren’t so many grammatical errors. I’m not usually one to be distracted by errors, but there were times I stopped to re-read sentences over again to figure out what the author was trying to say.
my-kindle-freebie-to-read
August 26, 2013FREE TODAY 8-26-13 on Amazon LINK: http://amzn.com/B00CMYSI7O
(Not sure for how long so grab it now)
(Not sure for how long so grab it now)
June 18, 2013
Lately, I seem to be on a roll reading books whose locales I'm familiar with. This one is set in Colorado, primarily. And it centers around skiing and snowboarding. :) Carry Your Heart is a thrilling and emotional read. I think the characters are engaging and I like that the story seems to have a message.
Pippa Baker is struggling to find herself after losing her boyfriend, Danny, and their best friend, Ryan, in an avalanche. She hasn't been on skis since that day, a year ago, and since skiing has been her life for years, it's hard to figure out which way to go. Then her former coach shows up at her kitchen table and manages to talk her into doing just one more race.
Hunter Dawson is a sexy, champion snowboarder. He's the son of a famous skier and he also happens to be fearful of airplanes. Hunter is also a complete playboy who somehow manages to balance his time between competitions, his string of girls, and his little brother.
Pippa and Hunter meet while flying out to Utah for the competition Pippa has agreed to do. They seem to have a real connection. But Pippa's broken and she's not sure she can be fixed. And Hunter isn't sure he's man enough to stick it out.
I really enjoyed the way Ms. Bell allowed the relationship between Pippa and Hunter to progress. Did I want to smack them both on occasion? Yes! But they both have their issues to work through and I was so proud of them both in the end. Pippa is a strong girl but realizes she has to let people in if she doesn't want to be lonely. Hunter has this whole tender side that is a shock considering the persona he's perfected. It was poignant watching the walls both had built begin to crumble and fall.
I also liked the racing/competition element of the story. Ms. Bell might know a thing or two about being a competitive skier or she did some in depth research. Her descriptions of the feelings a skier has, both when skiing and when having to deal with competitors feels very realistic. I feel as though I know have some insight into this world and the competitive nature of those in it.
Ms. Bell created a great supporting cast as well. Joe and Parker, friends of Pippa, Danny, and Ryan, are still struggling with the loss of their friends. And they seem to struggle even more so with the thought of Pippa moving on. Lottie, once one of Pippa's best friends on the team, has a difficult time coping with Pippa's return to being a competitor. Even Danny and Ryan, whom we only meet through memories, play integral roles in the story.
I'm kinda hoping we get to see more from these characters, as I grew attached to them. I loved the message of the story, which, in my opinion, is to live life to the fullest...none of knows how long we have. Carry Your Heart made me smile, it made me cry, and it made my heart pound and melt. And in the end, it made me sigh.
Pippa Baker is struggling to find herself after losing her boyfriend, Danny, and their best friend, Ryan, in an avalanche. She hasn't been on skis since that day, a year ago, and since skiing has been her life for years, it's hard to figure out which way to go. Then her former coach shows up at her kitchen table and manages to talk her into doing just one more race.
Hunter Dawson is a sexy, champion snowboarder. He's the son of a famous skier and he also happens to be fearful of airplanes. Hunter is also a complete playboy who somehow manages to balance his time between competitions, his string of girls, and his little brother.
Pippa and Hunter meet while flying out to Utah for the competition Pippa has agreed to do. They seem to have a real connection. But Pippa's broken and she's not sure she can be fixed. And Hunter isn't sure he's man enough to stick it out.
I really enjoyed the way Ms. Bell allowed the relationship between Pippa and Hunter to progress. Did I want to smack them both on occasion? Yes! But they both have their issues to work through and I was so proud of them both in the end. Pippa is a strong girl but realizes she has to let people in if she doesn't want to be lonely. Hunter has this whole tender side that is a shock considering the persona he's perfected. It was poignant watching the walls both had built begin to crumble and fall.
I also liked the racing/competition element of the story. Ms. Bell might know a thing or two about being a competitive skier or she did some in depth research. Her descriptions of the feelings a skier has, both when skiing and when having to deal with competitors feels very realistic. I feel as though I know have some insight into this world and the competitive nature of those in it.
Ms. Bell created a great supporting cast as well. Joe and Parker, friends of Pippa, Danny, and Ryan, are still struggling with the loss of their friends. And they seem to struggle even more so with the thought of Pippa moving on. Lottie, once one of Pippa's best friends on the team, has a difficult time coping with Pippa's return to being a competitor. Even Danny and Ryan, whom we only meet through memories, play integral roles in the story.
I'm kinda hoping we get to see more from these characters, as I grew attached to them. I loved the message of the story, which, in my opinion, is to live life to the fullest...none of knows how long we have. Carry Your Heart made me smile, it made me cry, and it made my heart pound and melt. And in the end, it made me sigh.
June 10, 2013
This is a must-read!
I downloaded it around 7 p.m. and had it finished by 2 a.m.
I just could not put it down! It was a raw read, full of emotion; a beautiful, yet tragic love story (that's not to say it was ALL sad).
I felt everything - and I do mean everything - these main characters were feeling.
The book centers around champion skier Pippa Baker (this author has a penchant for all things new and hip - like the main character sharing a name with a certain royal sister and brand-new music - didn't Icona Pop JUST explode onto the scene? But I digress). Pippa is one year off a horrible tragedy - she and her boyfriend and their best friend went skiing and landed themselves in an avalanche. Pippa survived, the boys did not.
Skiing is the last thing she wants any part of. She's enrolled herself in college classes, made a new best friend and is trying to put the incident behind her. Except her trainer doesn't want her giving up, wallowing in grief. He's convinced she could still be Olympic material - and he intends to prove it.
One competition and if she's miserable, he'll leave her alone. But that's the thing - Pippa isn't miserable, from the moment she steps on the plane and meets sexy snowboarder Hunter Dawson. She can't take her eyes off him, despite the fact she's still in love with her dead boyfriend.
Pippa must decide whether to continue competing, despite the bitchy girls in her skiing circle and the glares she gets when she starts to fall for Hunter.
It turns out Hunter has demons of his own, and when he shares them with Pippa, she falls harder. But can she let go of her own ghosts? Can she trust the womanizing man who swears he's left his bad boy behavior behind when he met her?
You will feel everything Pippa and Hunter feel when you read this book. If they are unhappy, you will be unhappy. If they are sad, get out the tissues. But if they feel lust - get ready for some steamy scenes. If they are happy, you are elated. If Pippa's irritated - you'll be stomping your foot!
My biggest complaint was some of the obvious grammatical and publishing errors. Not sure whose fault that was, but with a slight clean up, this book could - should - be No. 1 on the New York Times best-selling list.
I downloaded it around 7 p.m. and had it finished by 2 a.m.
I just could not put it down! It was a raw read, full of emotion; a beautiful, yet tragic love story (that's not to say it was ALL sad).
I felt everything - and I do mean everything - these main characters were feeling.
The book centers around champion skier Pippa Baker (this author has a penchant for all things new and hip - like the main character sharing a name with a certain royal sister and brand-new music - didn't Icona Pop JUST explode onto the scene? But I digress). Pippa is one year off a horrible tragedy - she and her boyfriend and their best friend went skiing and landed themselves in an avalanche. Pippa survived, the boys did not.
Skiing is the last thing she wants any part of. She's enrolled herself in college classes, made a new best friend and is trying to put the incident behind her. Except her trainer doesn't want her giving up, wallowing in grief. He's convinced she could still be Olympic material - and he intends to prove it.
One competition and if she's miserable, he'll leave her alone. But that's the thing - Pippa isn't miserable, from the moment she steps on the plane and meets sexy snowboarder Hunter Dawson. She can't take her eyes off him, despite the fact she's still in love with her dead boyfriend.
Pippa must decide whether to continue competing, despite the bitchy girls in her skiing circle and the glares she gets when she starts to fall for Hunter.
It turns out Hunter has demons of his own, and when he shares them with Pippa, she falls harder. But can she let go of her own ghosts? Can she trust the womanizing man who swears he's left his bad boy behavior behind when he met her?
You will feel everything Pippa and Hunter feel when you read this book. If they are unhappy, you will be unhappy. If they are sad, get out the tissues. But if they feel lust - get ready for some steamy scenes. If they are happy, you are elated. If Pippa's irritated - you'll be stomping your foot!
My biggest complaint was some of the obvious grammatical and publishing errors. Not sure whose fault that was, but with a slight clean up, this book could - should - be No. 1 on the New York Times best-selling list.
May 4, 2013
*4 1/2 stars*
I received an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review. This review will also be posted on under Books, Babes, and Cheap Cabernet.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I can't even begin to imagine what it would have been like to live through such a traumatic event the way that Pippa did.
" Everyone suffers tragedy. I know that. Few escape into adulthood unscathed by some serious loss or hurt or trauma. Life is too chaotic. Still, after Danny and Ryan died in an avalanche that for some knowable reason didn't kill me too, I felt like a stranger in a foreign country, where I understood the language, but no one understood me."
How do you pick up the pieces after such a traumatic event. In Pippa's cause, after some encouragement from her coach and after having taken a year off to go to college like "normal nineteen year olds", she went back to the one thing that she couldn't live without doing, and that's skiing competitively. Before her accident Pippa was training to compete in the Olympics. A dream she thought died after her accident. With a lot of patience and practice she was able to start competing professionally again, not quite Olympic level but it was a start.
On the airplane ride to the training camp, she meets Hunter Dawson. A cocky snowboarder with a bad attitude. There is just something about him that draws Pippa in.
Hunter is good and bad for Pippa. He helps her live in the now but their relationship is never easy, so at the same time he is bad for her concentration when it comes to competing. Which should be her first focus.
After a lot of heartache for these two they were finally on the same page, when tragedy strikes and the fate of Hunter is in the balance.
The ending is really open, I am hoping that is because we are going to get more of Pippa and Hunter. There so much left that needs to be answered. Come on book 2!
I received an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review. This review will also be posted on under Books, Babes, and Cheap Cabernet.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I can't even begin to imagine what it would have been like to live through such a traumatic event the way that Pippa did.
" Everyone suffers tragedy. I know that. Few escape into adulthood unscathed by some serious loss or hurt or trauma. Life is too chaotic. Still, after Danny and Ryan died in an avalanche that for some knowable reason didn't kill me too, I felt like a stranger in a foreign country, where I understood the language, but no one understood me."
How do you pick up the pieces after such a traumatic event. In Pippa's cause, after some encouragement from her coach and after having taken a year off to go to college like "normal nineteen year olds", she went back to the one thing that she couldn't live without doing, and that's skiing competitively. Before her accident Pippa was training to compete in the Olympics. A dream she thought died after her accident. With a lot of patience and practice she was able to start competing professionally again, not quite Olympic level but it was a start.
On the airplane ride to the training camp, she meets Hunter Dawson. A cocky snowboarder with a bad attitude. There is just something about him that draws Pippa in.
Hunter is good and bad for Pippa. He helps her live in the now but their relationship is never easy, so at the same time he is bad for her concentration when it comes to competing. Which should be her first focus.
After a lot of heartache for these two they were finally on the same page, when tragedy strikes and the fate of Hunter is in the balance.
The ending is really open, I am hoping that is because we are going to get more of Pippa and Hunter. There so much left that needs to be answered. Come on book 2!
July 3, 2013
Honestly my first thoughts of Hunter when we meet him was he's a conceited druggie a-hole, "sorry. I don't usually take Xanax. I'm not that crazy. I just effing hate planes." Then thanks to his cockiness and his 'no bulls*** attitude' that I started to fall in love with him, "I'm not terrified of it. I just don't like it. I don't like spinach either - doesn't mean I'm effing terrified of it." Then at times the s*** that comes out of my mouth confuses me, "nah," he says. "I really don't give a eff. And I say this as a person who really doesn't give a eff about anything - the way that I don't give a eff about Laurel breaking up with me for the fifth, sixth whatever time is exceptional." He'd totally do anything to avoid his father, "yeah, but I thought he'd want to mingle. Do you want to mingle? Let's go back into the crowd. Mingle. Love crowds. Love em'." He's quite funny when he's sick, "you're the only girl I made out with recently. Nobody else will kiss me when I'm throwing up. It's terrible." He's not to good in awkward situations either, "I don't know. It's the morning. I usually get breakfast in the morning. We can do something else. I also take showers in the morning, if you want to do that with me." This book was an interesting read, and I loved reading it.
May 13, 2013
Phillipa “Pippa” Baker has been to hell and back trying to carve a new life for herself. As an Olympian hopeful, Pippa was on the fast track, young, in love, talented, until an avalanche took it all away. A year later her former coaches relentless perusal to get her to return to downhill skiing has her giving it one last shot, before walking away for good, but everything about it reminds her why she loved the sport in the first place.
As If a new star wasn’t enough, Pippa forms an unusual friendship with Hunter Dawson, a snowboarder whose talent on the snow and off has earned him quite a reputation as a bad boy. Pippa sees past the image he portrays and a delicate relationship ensues, but both have a problem letting go of their past and outside influences are determined to tear them apart.
Excellent story, I thought there was a lot of realistic issues Pippa and Hunter faced. Both were not the best at communicating with one another in the sense of true feelings they had but they manage to fight their way back, when they need each other most. Would definitely read more from this talented author.
As If a new star wasn’t enough, Pippa forms an unusual friendship with Hunter Dawson, a snowboarder whose talent on the snow and off has earned him quite a reputation as a bad boy. Pippa sees past the image he portrays and a delicate relationship ensues, but both have a problem letting go of their past and outside influences are determined to tear them apart.
Excellent story, I thought there was a lot of realistic issues Pippa and Hunter faced. Both were not the best at communicating with one another in the sense of true feelings they had but they manage to fight their way back, when they need each other most. Would definitely read more from this talented author.
February 5, 2017
The story was good, but I couldn't really get into it because sometimes its hard to follow the mind of Pippa. I also get the feeling that the author sometimes misses in the names of the boys, I found myself thinking sometimes if she really means Hunter of Danny?
Also I think she took back Hunter to fast, He tell's her "I Love You" but when it becomes difficult he goes back to his ex - fuck buddy and she doesn't questions him about it but accepts it when they reconnect. Thought that was to fast and unbelieveble.
But overal a good story, i cried at the end when Pippa tell's what happend after the avalanche and how she found Danny and Ryan.
Also I think she took back Hunter to fast, He tell's her "I Love You" but when it becomes difficult he goes back to his ex - fuck buddy and she doesn't questions him about it but accepts it when they reconnect. Thought that was to fast and unbelieveble.
But overal a good story, i cried at the end when Pippa tell's what happend after the avalanche and how she found Danny and Ryan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2014
I just couldn't take the grammatical errors. I literally skimmed through the second half. It really made me not enjoy the book. I absolutely LOVED Love Show. I just felt like this book and that book were written by two different people. Some Sentences in this book even after going over them ten times I'm like "what the hell is that supposed to say?" It really seemed like she was drunk for some of those lines.
Love Show was amazing and beautiful and Hilarious.
This one I think was written just for the money. And if it wasn't, get a new editor.
Love Show was amazing and beautiful and Hilarious.
This one I think was written just for the money. And if it wasn't, get a new editor.
September 21, 2013
definitley not going to forget this one.. At last a girl i really like. At last a book with a real story not too much drama. It shows as well that you dont need a really descriptive love scenes in a romance story , ypu dont have to have erotic on every other page to enoy the story. I would really like to read some more books from this author.
May 14, 2013
This book was fantastic. I don't review a lot of books but this one was worth it. The troubled Pippa and her return to the sport she once ruled and the gorgeous but possibly misunderstood Hunter. This book made me laugh and cry and it had a great ending. I wish it was longer!
August 30, 2013
OMG a book that will keep you on your toes always wanting to read more. Pippa a skier trying to make a come back who meets Hunter. Its funny reading they how they interact with each other at times and others you feel so bad for her that you want to reach through the book and strangle him.
July 6, 2013
Really sweet story i enjoyed as a freebie
July 21, 2013
4.5 stars. Loved this one!
July 18, 2013
Thought it was a very sweet story of healing with a little love. Quick and enjoyable read.
August 19, 2013
Good so far
August 22, 2013
I would have given 5 starts but the Editing is Horrifying!!!!
September 8, 2013
Great Love Story. A nice quick read for me...
September 11, 2013
I just absolutely loved this story !! heartbreaking exciting and wonderful all in 1 !!!
Want to read
August 26, 2013AMAZON FREEBIE
2013-08-26
:D
2013-08-26
:D
April 20, 2019
I don’t remember the last time I had this much fun!
Honestly I absolutely loved the first 1/2 or even 3/4 of it, really - it was a bit embarrassing just how much I was laughing out loud, in public no less. But then there was this couple’s drama that made me roll my eyes and want to punch both of them... in the head... with his snowboard. I understand the weak side of Pippa (love can be stupid at times) though it annoyed me, I understand even the damaged brain of Hunter, lol, but at some point it was a bit over the top. You can hurt someone (repeatedly) just because you lack comunication skills and you can let someone walk over you no matter how dumbly in love or young you are (well you can and I wish books would set better examples).
Still, I loved the humour, the friendship aspect, the drama surrounding the tragedy she went through. It was all nicely done. Some things were left hanging, maybe we will find out more in the next book.
Also... Don’t know what’s with this cover, seems a bit random compared to the actual book, I don’t think we’ve run out of winter(-ish) stock imagery or something that fits better (couple or no couple), but hey! I loved another book from this author and wanted to check it out anyways. Turns out it was a good call. It needs a bit more of editing and the couple’s drama could be restricted to one episode instead of two, but overall it was a nice story and I was highly entertained. I’ll be here for the next one (if it ever comes out, I wish it did).
3.5 stars, might round it up to 4 if I get past that particular problem.
Honestly I absolutely loved the first
Still, I loved the humour, the friendship aspect, the drama surrounding the tragedy she went through. It was all nicely done. Some things were left hanging, maybe we will find out more in the next book.
Also... Don’t know what’s with this cover, seems a bit random compared to the actual book, I don’t think we’ve run out of winter(-ish) stock imagery or something that fits better (couple or no couple), but hey! I loved another book from this author and wanted to check it out anyways. Turns out it was a good call. It needs a bit more of editing and the couple’s drama could be restricted to one episode instead of two, but overall it was a nice story and I was highly entertained. I’ll be here for the next one (if it ever comes out, I wish it did).
3.5 stars, might round it up to 4 if I get past that particular problem.
October 10, 2022
The book is really fantastic
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2013
Blog Tour Stop on HEA BOOK SHELF: June 21 !!!
~*~
SEE COMPLETE POST HERE: http://heabookshelf.blogspot.com/2013...
What an amazing debut novel! "Carry Your Heart" was an emotional and at times angsty book that kept me glued to my Kindle. I cried, laughed, giggled, swooned, and even got pissed while reading. And man! Talk about a well written Prologue!!! It automatically captured my attention and truly made my heart race since I could feel everything that was being described.
The book starts off in a tragic and life changing event in champion skier, Pippa's life. The day her boyfriend and best friend died in an avalanche. My heart broke.. like literally broke for Pippa.
After taking a year off from skiing, Pippa's coach convinces her to compete again. On her way back to Utah to train, she meets one very hot and sexy snowboarder.. Hunter Dawson. We quickly see Hunter's witty and smart-ass side. Trust me, this guy will make you laugh..and swoon. But, he may also piss you off.. you see, even though there's more to him than everyone thinks, he's also a bit of player and bad boy.
After spending so much time away, and starting a new friendship with Hunter, Pippa returns to looks, gossip, rumors, and jealousy. Enter Laurel. Boy! did I dislike her! It wasn't enough that she was giving Pippa a tough time, but Pippa also had to deal with everyone seeing her as "Ryan's girl". And shame on her for dating another guy right??? ppff.
I loved seeing Pippa and Hunter together... as friends and as more. No one could deny their chemistry. It's like they brought out the best in each other.. but at times, the worst. Both having baggage, plus the present-day stress, plus Laurel? Yeah.. there's drama... plenty of it, actually.
Okay... about the ending... ha! the ending..let's just say at around 98%, I was in full PANIC MODE! Begging every thing that's holy for this book NOT to end in a cliffhanger because I would've just died right then and there. I literally had to walk around the house, while reading, just so that I didn't completely freak out. BUT, rest assured, relationship-wise, this book ended in a wonderful place... plot-wise however, there are a lot of things that were left out in the open... so, calm your racing hearts.. cause there's another book, "Crash Into Me".
The only downer for me in this book was the grammatical and editing errors.. which is something, even though I notice, I usually don't mention because to me, it's not that big a deal.. but in this book, there were quite a few. So if that's something that bothers you, keep it in mind, though I have to say, the story line is just too awesome to let it pass because of that.
I recommend this book!!
***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. Thanks :)
~*~
SEE COMPLETE POST HERE: http://heabookshelf.blogspot.com/2013...
"Someone should have warned me that the danger you took when you fell in love was pain worse than anything you knew before you were in love. That when you let yourself need someone like that, it's a bad addiction. And when you wake up without them, the withdrawal is its own kind of dying."
What an amazing debut novel! "Carry Your Heart" was an emotional and at times angsty book that kept me glued to my Kindle. I cried, laughed, giggled, swooned, and even got pissed while reading. And man! Talk about a well written Prologue!!! It automatically captured my attention and truly made my heart race since I could feel everything that was being described.
The book starts off in a tragic and life changing event in champion skier, Pippa's life. The day her boyfriend and best friend died in an avalanche. My heart broke.. like literally broke for Pippa.
"There's the hurt, angry girl who lost her boyfriend and her good friend in an avalanche and swore she would never forget them."
After taking a year off from skiing, Pippa's coach convinces her to compete again. On her way back to Utah to train, she meets one very hot and sexy snowboarder.. Hunter Dawson. We quickly see Hunter's witty and smart-ass side. Trust me, this guy will make you laugh..and swoon. But, he may also piss you off.. you see, even though there's more to him than everyone thinks, he's also a bit of player and bad boy.
"What did you say your name was? Phillippo?" I laugh at the pronunciation. "Philippines?"
"Phillipa and you can call me Pippa."
"Pippa? Huh. I like Phillippo better."
"Phillipa."
"Yeah, I heard you. But, I like Phillippo better."
After spending so much time away, and starting a new friendship with Hunter, Pippa returns to looks, gossip, rumors, and jealousy. Enter Laurel. Boy! did I dislike her! It wasn't enough that she was giving Pippa a tough time, but Pippa also had to deal with everyone seeing her as "Ryan's girl". And shame on her for dating another guy right??? ppff.
"You can't control what anyone is going to say to you; you can only control how you respond to it."
I loved seeing Pippa and Hunter together... as friends and as more. No one could deny their chemistry. It's like they brought out the best in each other.. but at times, the worst. Both having baggage, plus the present-day stress, plus Laurel? Yeah.. there's drama... plenty of it, actually.
"This shouldn't make so much sense. Me and him. But somehow it does."
"It always seems so impossible for anything to go wrong. It's only when it happens that we realize how the chance of that happening was always there. That we'd been playing with fire all along, and until our hands were burnt, we didn't even know it was hot."
"I turn, trying to pretend I didn't just hand over my heart and he didn't take it."
Okay... about the ending... ha! the ending..let's just say at around 98%, I was in full PANIC MODE! Begging every thing that's holy for this book NOT to end in a cliffhanger because I would've just died right then and there. I literally had to walk around the house, while reading, just so that I didn't completely freak out. BUT, rest assured, relationship-wise, this book ended in a wonderful place... plot-wise however, there are a lot of things that were left out in the open... so, calm your racing hearts.. cause there's another book, "Crash Into Me".
The only downer for me in this book was the grammatical and editing errors.. which is something, even though I notice, I usually don't mention because to me, it's not that big a deal.. but in this book, there were quite a few. So if that's something that bothers you, keep it in mind, though I have to say, the story line is just too awesome to let it pass because of that.
I recommend this book!!
"But the most important thing I've learned is that time is a funny thing. You never really know how much of it you've got on your side. And it turns out once you stop worrying about next week, all you can see is today."
***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. Thanks :)
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