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Lost #1
Lost in Distraction
An heiress with a tragic past. The sexy stranger paid to protect her.
Alone and shut off from the world, Elise Halliwell is simply going through the motions, waiting for the next step in her pre-destined life.
Until a chance meeting with the dark-haired, blue-eyed Brax James shakes her to the core, achieving what everyone else before him has failed to do; he makes her feel again.
As much as Brax wishes things were different, fate has not brought him into Elise’s life. His job is to keep her safe, not fall for the very woman he’s supposed to protect.
Elise has no idea of the threat she faces and Brax wants it to stay that way.
Unfortunately for both of them, they’ll have no say in the matter.
Full of twists, turns, and revelations no-one sees coming, you won’t be the only one lost in distraction.
*This book contains adult situations and explicit content/language*
Alone and shut off from the world, Elise Halliwell is simply going through the motions, waiting for the next step in her pre-destined life.
Until a chance meeting with the dark-haired, blue-eyed Brax James shakes her to the core, achieving what everyone else before him has failed to do; he makes her feel again.
As much as Brax wishes things were different, fate has not brought him into Elise’s life. His job is to keep her safe, not fall for the very woman he’s supposed to protect.
Elise has no idea of the threat she faces and Brax wants it to stay that way.
Unfortunately for both of them, they’ll have no say in the matter.
Full of twists, turns, and revelations no-one sees coming, you won’t be the only one lost in distraction.
*This book contains adult situations and explicit content/language*
210 pages, ebook
First published April 3, 2013
442 people are currently reading
3113 people want to read
About the author
B.J. Harvey
54 books1,818 followersBJ Harvey is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Bliss Series. She also regards herself as a smut peddler, suspense conjurer and a funny romance thinker upper.
An avid music fan, you will always find her singing some hit song badly but loving every minute of it. She’s a wife, a mom to two beautiful girls, and hails from what she considers as the best country in the world—New Zealand. Currently living in Perth, Australia.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bjharveyauthor
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Sign up for her mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/MfpyP
An avid music fan, you will always find her singing some hit song badly but loving every minute of it. She’s a wife, a mom to two beautiful girls, and hails from what she considers as the best country in the world—New Zealand. Currently living in Perth, Australia.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bjharveyauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bjharveyauthor
Instagram: https://instagram.com/bjharveyauthor
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorbjharvey
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Sign up for her mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/MfpyP
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
August 6, 2016
"I understand it should be upsetting, and it was for a while, but now I’m just numb. My feelings ran dry the day I came home to a house surrounded by yellow police tape and a guarded door.
I shut down."
This is Elise in a nutshell when we first meet her in this story. She is closed off and completely alone after her mother, father, and younger sister were brutally murdered. She is starting her first year of college, this is where she meets Braxton and he completely turns her world upside down.
Braxton is simply amazing. I completely fell in love with him almost immediately. Right away we find out that Brax is hiding something from Elise. Instead of being the student she believes him to be, he has actually been hired to look after her. As if this isn’t complicated enough, Brax is drawn to Elise like a moth to a flame. The moment he saw her photo he knew he just HAD TO be the one to protect her.
And the intense feelings are definitely mutual.
Up to this point, Elise (Elle) has been able to stay pretty invisible, but Brax is such a force and so full of life. He is able to bring her out of her shell and open her up to people and love. At first I thought it seemed a little unbelievable that Elle would open up and trust Brax so quickly, but then I thought about it… She hasn’t had anyone take an interest in her or push her to have a life again, I felt like Brax’s energy was contagious and she couldn’t help but feel safe and protected enough to live again. He is so beautifully protective, loving, and supportive of her and I absolutely loved him!
Brax and Elle get pretty serious pretty damn fast. It didn’t feel like insta-love exactly but it was very intense from the beginning. Their chemistry is seriously on fire and the steamy/sexy scenes are fabulous (photo booth anyone? *smirks*)! There is a fair amount of lovey-dovey sappiness there too though. And while that could easily annoy me (and did at times), it was kind of okay because I could really feel their love and passion for each other.
Then there is the suspenseful side of the story. The whole reason that Brax is there as Elle’s “security” is because there is someone threatening her life. Why? We don’t really know that for sure, there could be a number of reasons. Her father left her as the majority shareholder in his multi-million (billion maybe?) dollar company. Also, her family’s killer was never found. There are a few sub plots with Brax, his employer and other things that add new twists and turns, one in particular was pretty freaking shocking to me!
I love romantic suspense stories, but I felt the execution could have been a little smoother here. Some things didn’t really make sense to me and the dialogue between Brax and Shay (Brax’s best friend and partner – who I love!) was a little hard to follow. Felt like an information dump at times and really messed with the flow for me. And as much as I love Brax, he came off as a little incompetent with his security skills at times. I would also have loved to see more action and big moves. Much of the story was hearing the internal emotional goings-on of Brax and Elle and their intense, deep, almost overwhelming devotion to each other. This kind of overshadowed the seriousness of Elle being in danger in my eyes.
This is part of a series and does leave many things hanging in the balance and questions unanswered. The prologue is a pretty good indicator of where the story is headed and it definitely peaked my interest right away. I am really looking forward to more in this series and I have high hopes for the suspense aspect of the story, since I already know B.J. Harvey has the love element down pat!
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
I shut down."
This is Elise in a nutshell when we first meet her in this story. She is closed off and completely alone after her mother, father, and younger sister were brutally murdered. She is starting her first year of college, this is where she meets Braxton and he completely turns her world upside down.
Braxton is simply amazing. I completely fell in love with him almost immediately. Right away we find out that Brax is hiding something from Elise. Instead of being the student she believes him to be, he has actually been hired to look after her. As if this isn’t complicated enough, Brax is drawn to Elise like a moth to a flame. The moment he saw her photo he knew he just HAD TO be the one to protect her.
I have a feeling that as soon as I get close to Elise, I won’t be able to stay away. This problem, a conflict of interest if you will, but I can’t stop now. If she needs to be saved, even if it only from herself, I’ll be the one to do it.
And the intense feelings are definitely mutual.
There is something about him that makes my mind twist, my stomach turn, and my cheeks blush – all at the same time.
Up to this point, Elise (Elle) has been able to stay pretty invisible, but Brax is such a force and so full of life. He is able to bring her out of her shell and open her up to people and love. At first I thought it seemed a little unbelievable that Elle would open up and trust Brax so quickly, but then I thought about it… She hasn’t had anyone take an interest in her or push her to have a life again, I felt like Brax’s energy was contagious and she couldn’t help but feel safe and protected enough to live again. He is so beautifully protective, loving, and supportive of her and I absolutely loved him!
Damn that man. He has done something no one else has done for the past three years. He has made my heart beat again, made me feel something, and goddamn if I don’t want more of him.
Brax and Elle get pretty serious pretty damn fast. It didn’t feel like insta-love exactly but it was very intense from the beginning. Their chemistry is seriously on fire and the steamy/sexy scenes are fabulous (photo booth anyone? *smirks*)! There is a fair amount of lovey-dovey sappiness there too though. And while that could easily annoy me (and did at times), it was kind of okay because I could really feel their love and passion for each other.
Then there is the suspenseful side of the story. The whole reason that Brax is there as Elle’s “security” is because there is someone threatening her life. Why? We don’t really know that for sure, there could be a number of reasons. Her father left her as the majority shareholder in his multi-million (billion maybe?) dollar company. Also, her family’s killer was never found. There are a few sub plots with Brax, his employer and other things that add new twists and turns, one in particular was pretty freaking shocking to me!
I love romantic suspense stories, but I felt the execution could have been a little smoother here. Some things didn’t really make sense to me and the dialogue between Brax and Shay (Brax’s best friend and partner – who I love!) was a little hard to follow. Felt like an information dump at times and really messed with the flow for me. And as much as I love Brax, he came off as a little incompetent with his security skills at times. I would also have loved to see more action and big moves. Much of the story was hearing the internal emotional goings-on of Brax and Elle and their intense, deep, almost overwhelming devotion to each other. This kind of overshadowed the seriousness of Elle being in danger in my eyes.
This is part of a series and does leave many things hanging in the balance and questions unanswered. The prologue is a pretty good indicator of where the story is headed and it definitely peaked my interest right away. I am really looking forward to more in this series and I have high hopes for the suspense aspect of the story, since I already know B.J. Harvey has the love element down pat!
When you had no hope, then had hope reborn, and then all that hope disappears within a moment… where do you go?
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
May 1, 2013
This book had such high ratings, I thought I was going to love it. And at first I did, the blurb got me interested and then the prologue had me hooked.
But then after that everything went horribly sour!
Firstly let me point out that this book was written in the first person and was mainly told from the hero and heroine's POV. I have no problem with a story written in the first person but with this one I felt like I was being told everything by the hero and heroine, what I mean is there wasn't enough dialogue!!! Hardly any conversation for about 50% of the book!
And then to make it even more disastrous, the book would randomly skip time! For example 2 months later, 1 month later! At this point I was contemplating abandoning it and reading something else!
The heroine Elle/Elise is an heiress who's family was murdered a few years ago while she was away at a school camp. She lost her parents and younger sister. So as you might have guessed she is a broken young woman who finds it difficult to let outsiders in. She meets Brax in her economics class in college and they are immediately in insta-love! Don't get me wrong I love insta-love, but it has to be convincing. And I'm very sorry to say that in this case it wasn't. I didn't feel any chemistry in Brax and Elle's relationship everything felt forced. And for a girl who doesn't trust anyone Elle didn't put up much of a fight with Brax.
I didn't have much of a problem with Brax's character, he was your typical hot alpha male who wanted to protect his woman. But Elle got on my nerves she went from timid and introverted to hot sexy vixen way too quickly!
I don't want to say much more because I'll end up giving the story away. But one last thing that had me grinding my teeth was the CLIFFY!!!
Looking at it now it was a pretty good one if the actual story had been just as good. But to be honest I feel cheated.
But then after that everything went horribly sour!
Firstly let me point out that this book was written in the first person and was mainly told from the hero and heroine's POV. I have no problem with a story written in the first person but with this one I felt like I was being told everything by the hero and heroine, what I mean is there wasn't enough dialogue!!! Hardly any conversation for about 50% of the book!
And then to make it even more disastrous, the book would randomly skip time! For example 2 months later, 1 month later! At this point I was contemplating abandoning it and reading something else!
The heroine Elle/Elise is an heiress who's family was murdered a few years ago while she was away at a school camp. She lost her parents and younger sister. So as you might have guessed she is a broken young woman who finds it difficult to let outsiders in. She meets Brax in her economics class in college and they are immediately in insta-love! Don't get me wrong I love insta-love, but it has to be convincing. And I'm very sorry to say that in this case it wasn't. I didn't feel any chemistry in Brax and Elle's relationship everything felt forced. And for a girl who doesn't trust anyone Elle didn't put up much of a fight with Brax.
I didn't have much of a problem with Brax's character, he was your typical hot alpha male who wanted to protect his woman. But Elle got on my nerves she went from timid and introverted to hot sexy vixen way too quickly!
I don't want to say much more because I'll end up giving the story away. But one last thing that had me grinding my teeth was the CLIFFY!!!
Looking at it now it was a pretty good one if the actual story had been just as good. But to be honest I feel cheated.
March 28, 2020
When I started this book I took it to be stand alone novel after finishing it, I came to know that its second installment is due in September, 2013. Its another one in ever growing number of New Adult genre (I think this genre is flavor of the season).
So Elise lost her family at the age of 15 when someone attacked them and brutally murdered them. This tragedy rocked her to the core and she cocooned herself in a shell where she want nobody to disturb her. She moves across the country to complete her college so that she can take over the company from her uncle. Her uncle, Brimstone, wants her to sell her share to him so that he can be the sole owner of the Company. being the heiress to a multi-million dollar company she didn't realize that her life is in mortal danger.
Brax is given the job to protect her and he enrolled himself with her in the college. When he first time saw her photograph he felt that there was something different about her that calls to him. And it was also one of the reason that he took the job. What Brax didn't know that he'll fell in love with Elise. He is happy that his love has helped Elise to come out of her shell. With time their relationship became very passionate and it kills him everytime to lie to Elise. He does his best to keep her safe with the help of his friend Shay. When Elise find notes threatening her, he became very anxious.
After several months in to their relationship, Brax realize that he can save Elise only by walking out of her life.
This book left me with many unanswered questions. But since there is a second book to come so I think may be that answered who wants Elise dead and why Brax had to leave her.
Story was good and from the POV of mainly Elise and Brax. But it became little slow in middle. There are some scenes which were described by both of them which was pretty bore. Nothing extraordinary or too bad about the story. Both Elise and Brax are very good. Where Elise is introvert, Brax is very outgoing and extrovert. I find their love very sweet.
So Elise lost her family at the age of 15 when someone attacked them and brutally murdered them. This tragedy rocked her to the core and she cocooned herself in a shell where she want nobody to disturb her. She moves across the country to complete her college so that she can take over the company from her uncle. Her uncle, Brimstone, wants her to sell her share to him so that he can be the sole owner of the Company. being the heiress to a multi-million dollar company she didn't realize that her life is in mortal danger.
Brax is given the job to protect her and he enrolled himself with her in the college. When he first time saw her photograph he felt that there was something different about her that calls to him. And it was also one of the reason that he took the job. What Brax didn't know that he'll fell in love with Elise. He is happy that his love has helped Elise to come out of her shell. With time their relationship became very passionate and it kills him everytime to lie to Elise. He does his best to keep her safe with the help of his friend Shay. When Elise find notes threatening her, he became very anxious.
After several months in to their relationship, Brax realize that he can save Elise only by walking out of her life.
This book left me with many unanswered questions. But since there is a second book to come so I think may be that answered who wants Elise dead and why Brax had to leave her.
Story was good and from the POV of mainly Elise and Brax. But it became little slow in middle. There are some scenes which were described by both of them which was pretty bore. Nothing extraordinary or too bad about the story. Both Elise and Brax are very good. Where Elise is introvert, Brax is very outgoing and extrovert. I find their love very sweet.
April 20, 2013
Although I finished the book, I did skim through a lot of the book due to too many lovey dovey scenes. They seemed to kiss, cuddle, eat toast, and drink a lot of coffee.
Some things that I thought stood out, no matter how little or big, that slightly irked me were:
- After her dad died stockholders lost confidence and the company stocks went down, leading me to believe that this is a huge publicly traded company. But later in the story, the heroin was described as holding 60% of the company stock and Harry, only 40%. So it's a privately held or publicly held company? I was slightly confused. It has a huge difference to the plot if it's actually held privately or publicly.
- All the terms of endearment wore on me. The hero used things like, hon, sweetheart, darlin, and my dear. I just felt like those are terms your grandmother would use to address you not a hot undercover agent guy. Especially not 'my dear'.
- I couldn't really connect with the characters. I don't if it was the instant love theme and the hurried back story explanations that weren't that character focused. I just didn't feel like the characters were very 3 dimensional. I didn't really feel sympathetic to the heroin. I don't know why? Just didn't.
- One other thing I noticed was the mention that the hero bugged her apartment. Then who was listening? Brax? Shay? Their boss that isn't suppose to know Brax has been dating Elle? But he would know if he could hear them together hanging out.
- Who hired these guys to watch her? Who's paying them? How would they know she was in danger if no one told them? She didn't know, so she obviously didn't hire them or tell anyone. Harry didn't hire them. Did Aunt Sylvie? Who? Why would it even be on their radar that she was in danger if they don't even know who is threatening her? I was completely lost on this point. Unless it was mentioned on a kissing lovey dovey scene that i skimmed through, I didn't ever catch who did the hiring.
- Why did he leave? I was lost. Elle was in danger before Brax showed up to 'protect' her or why would he be there? By the way, he did a bad job of protecting her. Then, later, it turns out that Elle was in more danger because Brax was there? I was confused. So his being there protecting her put her in more danger? Then why was he there in the first place? I'm sure there's an explanation but it needs to be cleaned up in the first novel in the series. Leave a tiny mystery trail for conflict in the next book in the series, but you have to solve the major mystery in the 1st book. I'm left confused.
- The last blow for me was the end of the book was ruined!!! Why did the author tell me how the book ends in the Prologue? I still had hope for the end of the book or I wouldn't have read the whole damn thing, besides skipping the lovey dovey scenes. The end of the book is blow by the Prologue!
The writing was well done in general though. I'll read more from the author in the future, this was a debut novel but there were just a few things in the story that i wasn't able to overlook.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2013
4.5–biting my nails and sitting on the edge of my seat–stars
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I am writing this only minutes after finishing and my mouth is still on the floor! I really loved this story. Ellie and Brax are a hot couple that are just so good together and the story will keep you on edge. What more could you ask for?
Ellie has been lost for so long after a tragic event and Brax comes in and sweeps her off her feet but he has a secret he has to keep from her for her own good but that doesn’t mean its easy for him. I really feel for Brax because he is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Ellie blossoms with the addition of Braxton in her life. She is smiling again and there is light in her eyes. She is totally unaware of the that she is in danger.
Ellie and Braxton are a few hot moments! There is one scene in particular that I am thinking of that had me reaching for a fan! (hehe) Their overall relationship is just so sweet and he is just so caring and the perfect boyfriend (the exception, of course, is that tiny little secret he is keeping from her).
Favorite quotes or excerpts from the book:
“What I do know, sweetheart, is that you are my world. Before I met you I was simply going through the motions. Now I have a purpose, I have a reason to be here. My job was to make you again and to open you up to the world. I’ve never seen you more alive that you are now. You are vibrant, shining star to behold. You are who I want to hold in my arms at night and who I want to open my eyes to in the morning. Nobody has ever touched my heart like you do, nobody ever will.”
(by BJ Harvey)
Don’t you just love Brax after that quote? *sigh*
So there are a few parts that will have you flipping out and have your mouth catching flies because you just won’t see some things that creep up on you. I was chatting throughout the book with BJ and let me tell you she loves to do her fair share of teasing. I guess that is what I get for teasing all of you with my updates so what’s good for the goose is good for the gander but I really don’t like being teased. :D
So I really loved this story but there were a few little things about the story that frustrated me enough to distract me from the story a bit. Ellie is in danger yet some things that Brax would let her do or places she would go just got under my skin because it made me question how bad the danger really was? I just couldn’t get it to add up in my head. With that said I was left wanting to more!
This is BJ Harvey’s debut novel and what a great job she did. The sequel is scheduled to come out in September of 2013 and is called Lost & Found. I can’t wait!!!!
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I am writing this only minutes after finishing and my mouth is still on the floor! I really loved this story. Ellie and Brax are a hot couple that are just so good together and the story will keep you on edge. What more could you ask for?
Ellie has been lost for so long after a tragic event and Brax comes in and sweeps her off her feet but he has a secret he has to keep from her for her own good but that doesn’t mean its easy for him. I really feel for Brax because he is stuck between a rock and a hard place. Ellie blossoms with the addition of Braxton in her life. She is smiling again and there is light in her eyes. She is totally unaware of the that she is in danger.
Ellie and Braxton are a few hot moments! There is one scene in particular that I am thinking of that had me reaching for a fan! (hehe) Their overall relationship is just so sweet and he is just so caring and the perfect boyfriend (the exception, of course, is that tiny little secret he is keeping from her).
Favorite quotes or excerpts from the book:
“What I do know, sweetheart, is that you are my world. Before I met you I was simply going through the motions. Now I have a purpose, I have a reason to be here. My job was to make you again and to open you up to the world. I’ve never seen you more alive that you are now. You are vibrant, shining star to behold. You are who I want to hold in my arms at night and who I want to open my eyes to in the morning. Nobody has ever touched my heart like you do, nobody ever will.”
(by BJ Harvey)
Don’t you just love Brax after that quote? *sigh*
So there are a few parts that will have you flipping out and have your mouth catching flies because you just won’t see some things that creep up on you. I was chatting throughout the book with BJ and let me tell you she loves to do her fair share of teasing. I guess that is what I get for teasing all of you with my updates so what’s good for the goose is good for the gander but I really don’t like being teased. :D
So I really loved this story but there were a few little things about the story that frustrated me enough to distract me from the story a bit. Ellie is in danger yet some things that Brax would let her do or places she would go just got under my skin because it made me question how bad the danger really was? I just couldn’t get it to add up in my head. With that said I was left wanting to more!
This is BJ Harvey’s debut novel and what a great job she did. The sequel is scheduled to come out in September of 2013 and is called Lost & Found. I can’t wait!!!!
April 7, 2013
OMG really???! It's a MASSIVE cliffhanger! Got to wait till September for part 2! I loved the characters. Really connected with them from the start but I can't see where this is going really. Hmmmmmmm ..... There's not many reviews yet but i am surprised no one has mentioned the ending yet. Desperately need book 2 to wrap this up! X
April 13, 2013
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Lost in Distraction is a great mystery novel that left me on the edge of my seat, like literally there is a nasty cliff hanger leaving you begging for more and for the next book, ASAP!
You will meet Elise, a young college student who is trying to cope with the murder of her parents and younger sister. She decides to move to the East Coast to help start over and move away from her California town. Elise grew up with money from her father’s company, which she is now the CEO of and plans to take over once she graduates from college. The mystery of her family’s murders is still unsolved and Elise is in danger, she just doesn’t know it. Enter Braxton, Brax is a sexy bad-a** doing undercover security assigned to protect Elise by acting like a college student. Brax falls hard for Elise and the two begin a relationship, but Elise still doesn’t know who Brax really is or that she is in danger.
Elise and Brax’s relationship comes about quickly and the “I love you’s” come fast. Sometimes I felt some of their lines were a bit cheesy but I did enjoy their sweet romance. What I really enjoyed about Lost in Distraction was the mystery of the book, I thought it was really played out and it held my interest throughout the book. I kept waiting to find out who is following Elise and wants to harm her, beware of black Honda’s! Brax was a total alpha male trying to protect his woman and I thought it was very sexy.
I really enjoyed the second half of the book over the first half. I felt the story really started to pick up and the romance aspect of the book was put second to the mystery, which was my favorite. The book does end on a nasty cliff hanger, beware!! It will drive you crazy, I scream “WHAT, NO!” when it ended, I just wanted to find out who and what but I was left hanging! I can’t wait to get my hands on the second book in the series.
I recommend this book to readers looking for a good romance/mystery novel involving a take-charge alpha male who has a big heart.
I give Lost in Distraction 3 Stars
I was given an ARC copy from the author in return for an honest review.
Lost in Distraction is a great mystery novel that left me on the edge of my seat, like literally there is a nasty cliff hanger leaving you begging for more and for the next book, ASAP!
You will meet Elise, a young college student who is trying to cope with the murder of her parents and younger sister. She decides to move to the East Coast to help start over and move away from her California town. Elise grew up with money from her father’s company, which she is now the CEO of and plans to take over once she graduates from college. The mystery of her family’s murders is still unsolved and Elise is in danger, she just doesn’t know it. Enter Braxton, Brax is a sexy bad-a** doing undercover security assigned to protect Elise by acting like a college student. Brax falls hard for Elise and the two begin a relationship, but Elise still doesn’t know who Brax really is or that she is in danger.
Elise and Brax’s relationship comes about quickly and the “I love you’s” come fast. Sometimes I felt some of their lines were a bit cheesy but I did enjoy their sweet romance. What I really enjoyed about Lost in Distraction was the mystery of the book, I thought it was really played out and it held my interest throughout the book. I kept waiting to find out who is following Elise and wants to harm her, beware of black Honda’s! Brax was a total alpha male trying to protect his woman and I thought it was very sexy.
I really enjoyed the second half of the book over the first half. I felt the story really started to pick up and the romance aspect of the book was put second to the mystery, which was my favorite. The book does end on a nasty cliff hanger, beware!! It will drive you crazy, I scream “WHAT, NO!” when it ended, I just wanted to find out who and what but I was left hanging! I can’t wait to get my hands on the second book in the series.
I recommend this book to readers looking for a good romance/mystery novel involving a take-charge alpha male who has a big heart.
I give Lost in Distraction 3 Stars
I was given an ARC copy from the author in return for an honest review.
June 9, 2013
I really wanted to like this story but the inconsistent and poorly thought-out story prevented me. Shoot. It's fun to have intrigue in a romance story, sure, and it's fun when there's an electric spark between characters who "shouldn't" find one.
Elle, a surprisingly naive teenager away at college, meets and quickly falls in love with Brax when they "meet cute" in a shared class. He is, unbeknownst to Elle, a security officer, hired to watch her (not sure if it's to protect her or unwittingly help "the bad guys" -- truthfully, I was tuned out by that point). He is 25, out of the military, and has his own troubled backstory. His best friend, Shay, is also on Elle's security detail.
While these two men mean well, they are clearly in over their heads and / or too stupid / inexperienced to provide proper security. It's embarrassing to read, cringe worthy, some of their boneheaded choices.
And then there's the sex. Well, there's a lot of it and the amount of it feels more like a sixteen year-old boy's fantasy of all-sex, all-the-time (not really, but close). My eyes would roll when I'd come to yet another sex scene which just never felt organic and never felt hot. Why did Elle and Brax love each other? What was so magnetic about their connection?
The author chooses to use (mostly) alternating POVs, Elle's and Brax's, but then for whatever farchadat reason she throws in a few from Shay (who is most definitely a supporting player) and then some from their superiors at the security firm for which they work -- those characters aren't even tertiary they are so out-of-the-loop story-wise. I understand the author was trying to relay some information, but she has got to figure out a different way of doing so because it was simply jarring.
A personal bone of contention is that the book was riddled with misspellings and grammatical errors, which I HATE. It takes me right out of the story, every single one. That made for an esp bumpy ride. Granted, other issues were also taking me out of this story, but ugh.
I feel like this story could have been something. The author needed a strong and experienced editor to guide her; unfortunately, that didn't happen.
Similar story done much better is "Wait for Me" by Elisabeth Naughton.
Elle, a surprisingly naive teenager away at college, meets and quickly falls in love with Brax when they "meet cute" in a shared class. He is, unbeknownst to Elle, a security officer, hired to watch her (not sure if it's to protect her or unwittingly help "the bad guys" -- truthfully, I was tuned out by that point). He is 25, out of the military, and has his own troubled backstory. His best friend, Shay, is also on Elle's security detail.
While these two men mean well, they are clearly in over their heads and / or too stupid / inexperienced to provide proper security. It's embarrassing to read, cringe worthy, some of their boneheaded choices.
And then there's the sex. Well, there's a lot of it and the amount of it feels more like a sixteen year-old boy's fantasy of all-sex, all-the-time (not really, but close). My eyes would roll when I'd come to yet another sex scene which just never felt organic and never felt hot. Why did Elle and Brax love each other? What was so magnetic about their connection?
The author chooses to use (mostly) alternating POVs, Elle's and Brax's, but then for whatever farchadat reason she throws in a few from Shay (who is most definitely a supporting player) and then some from their superiors at the security firm for which they work -- those characters aren't even tertiary they are so out-of-the-loop story-wise. I understand the author was trying to relay some information, but she has got to figure out a different way of doing so because it was simply jarring.
A personal bone of contention is that the book was riddled with misspellings and grammatical errors, which I HATE. It takes me right out of the story, every single one. That made for an esp bumpy ride. Granted, other issues were also taking me out of this story, but ugh.
I feel like this story could have been something. The author needed a strong and experienced editor to guide her; unfortunately, that didn't happen.
Similar story done much better is "Wait for Me" by Elisabeth Naughton.
April 7, 2013
OMG another blinking cliff hanger, why do they do this to me and it is not even a little one it is a massive whopping big one!!
I loved this book, the chemistry was fab the side characters where great too. Brax was just amazeballs he could put his slippers under my bed anytime lol!!!
Elle was orphaned when she was at a camp and came home to find out her parents and sister had been murdered in their home, her father was a very successful business man that had built the company from scratch to secure a future for his two daughters. Elle went into her shell after this and kept herself to herself and just trudged through life to achieve her goal of finishing college so that she could take over the family business when she finished as expected and as was detailed in her fathers will. Her sparkling green eyes are dull and lifeless and she has no friends and does not talk to anybody.
Brax is in security, his boss was a family friend of Elle's father and vowed to keep her safe and protected, he gets wind that Elle's life is in danger and puts Brax and Shay onto the case. Brax poses as another student and is immediately drawn to Elle, during the assignment they fall in love. He manages to do what no one else before had managed and given Elle hope, love, passion, security and a sense of purpose in life, he has mended her broken heart. After 8 months undercover the relationship is in full flight and they are both besotted with each other, however the villains in this book that we are introduced throughout have other ideas and it all starts to go wrong... And then the book ends, it just ends just like that just when I was well hooked...I need book 2 NOW!!
The writing style was not one of my favourites but it was made more enjoyable by the dual point of view. I really cannot wait for book 2 but the intro into book 2 at the end of this is cruel, it makes you think about what Elle could possibly be thinking and after reading the epilogue thinking it could all work out ok this little intro throws it all up into the air!!
I loved this book, the chemistry was fab the side characters where great too. Brax was just amazeballs he could put his slippers under my bed anytime lol!!!
Elle was orphaned when she was at a camp and came home to find out her parents and sister had been murdered in their home, her father was a very successful business man that had built the company from scratch to secure a future for his two daughters. Elle went into her shell after this and kept herself to herself and just trudged through life to achieve her goal of finishing college so that she could take over the family business when she finished as expected and as was detailed in her fathers will. Her sparkling green eyes are dull and lifeless and she has no friends and does not talk to anybody.
Brax is in security, his boss was a family friend of Elle's father and vowed to keep her safe and protected, he gets wind that Elle's life is in danger and puts Brax and Shay onto the case. Brax poses as another student and is immediately drawn to Elle, during the assignment they fall in love. He manages to do what no one else before had managed and given Elle hope, love, passion, security and a sense of purpose in life, he has mended her broken heart. After 8 months undercover the relationship is in full flight and they are both besotted with each other, however the villains in this book that we are introduced throughout have other ideas and it all starts to go wrong... And then the book ends, it just ends just like that just when I was well hooked...I need book 2 NOW!!
The writing style was not one of my favourites but it was made more enjoyable by the dual point of view. I really cannot wait for book 2 but the intro into book 2 at the end of this is cruel, it makes you think about what Elle could possibly be thinking and after reading the epilogue thinking it could all work out ok this little intro throws it all up into the air!!
August 4, 2013
Oh dear, I was so disappointed with book, I thought it had a great plot and at first I loved the characters but overall it bored me.
I love books where you get the male and female POVs you generally get a real deeper connection with them, but I didn't feel it with these I didn't feel the chemistry and I just felt the story got a bit confusing, yeh it ends on a cliff hanger but honestly I'm not bothered about the second book, sorry just not for me.
I love books where you get the male and female POVs you generally get a real deeper connection with them, but I didn't feel it with these I didn't feel the chemistry and I just felt the story got a bit confusing, yeh it ends on a cliff hanger but honestly I'm not bothered about the second book, sorry just not for me.
May 18, 2013
Picked this up based on the high rating and reviews. Unfortunately, I didn't like it near as much as most other people seemed to. Cringe inducing insta-love, constant narrator PoV changes that gave me whiplash and a lot of plot inconsistencies are what did this one in for me (I did finish it though!).
Alternating PoV books have become one of my favorite type of books, however this one took that idea to the extreme. The narrator changes came way too often and way too quickly, often switching for a few paragraphs and then changing again. It wouldn't have been that bad, but these quick changes usually didn't add anything to the story. It would switch to Elle for 3 paragraphs just so she could ramble about how good Brax looked, or omg how in love she was with him and nothing more. It gave the book a very stilted flow to it. Not staying with one narrator for more than a page or two made it very hard to connect with any of the characters. Just when you start to get a feel for them and what they're thinking, the narrator role jumps to someone else.
The insta-love in this book was also a bit over the top. Happens within the first few pages, before you even really know much of anything about the plot or characters. It is only made worse by all the kissy-face, cutesy moments - and there are a lot of them. You can't seem to get more than a few pages without someone going off on a tangent about how amazing the other one is. Brax and Elise are also one of those couples that don't do much to fix their problems other than sleeping together. Anytime one of them is upset, angry, sad, scared, you name it, the only way to fix it seems to be sex. Lots of it. So much so, that I just started skipping over all those parts.
Inconsistencies in the story were probably my biggest hangup up about this book. Some could be overlooked, others not so much:
I really wanted to like this one. And I did, like it. I just didn't love it.
Alternating PoV books have become one of my favorite type of books, however this one took that idea to the extreme. The narrator changes came way too often and way too quickly, often switching for a few paragraphs and then changing again. It wouldn't have been that bad, but these quick changes usually didn't add anything to the story. It would switch to Elle for 3 paragraphs just so she could ramble about how good Brax looked, or omg how in love she was with him and nothing more. It gave the book a very stilted flow to it. Not staying with one narrator for more than a page or two made it very hard to connect with any of the characters. Just when you start to get a feel for them and what they're thinking, the narrator role jumps to someone else.
The insta-love in this book was also a bit over the top. Happens within the first few pages, before you even really know much of anything about the plot or characters. It is only made worse by all the kissy-face, cutesy moments - and there are a lot of them. You can't seem to get more than a few pages without someone going off on a tangent about how amazing the other one is. Brax and Elise are also one of those couples that don't do much to fix their problems other than sleeping together. Anytime one of them is upset, angry, sad, scared, you name it, the only way to fix it seems to be sex. Lots of it. So much so, that I just started skipping over all those parts.
Inconsistencies in the story were probably my biggest hangup up about this book. Some could be overlooked, others not so much:
I really wanted to like this one. And I did, like it. I just didn't love it.
May 7, 2013
When I opened the book I realised that the writer had wrote the book in each character’s point of view, now normally I’m not a fan of this so at first I wasn’t looking forward to it. Elise’s character seemed mysterious and to be honest I thought she was going to be boring and rude, turns out shes a pretty cool down to earth character. After reading the first three chapters the book had already pulled me in, the way I had both character’s point of view was actually interesting and fun to read how they were both feeling and what they were thinking.
I love the way we have Brax and Shays (Braxtons best friend and partner) relationship and also the way all three of them (Brax, Shay and Elise) get on. Shay sees Elise as a sister which I find amazing because in some books we read how the character may have jealousy or hatred towards the lovers friends etc.
Many people said the prologue ruined the book a little for them as they knew what was going to happen. Lucky for me I never read the prologues as I find them like other people said a little bit of a devil, they ruin the book a bit. Reading the prologue after I have finished the book though I do understand why some people said it ruined it for them but it doesn’t give away the entire plot or story!
There were a few things about this book I didn’t like or understand starting with Gibbons point of view, I found that after reading his little part I knew who was behind it and what was happening, although after finishing the book I’m rather happy I read his part as the book ended so sudden I would not of known who was involved as there are so many people it could be. So I guess this bad point actually has a pro to it.
Another thing I think the writer could have done differently is the name of Harry Brimstone. One point he is referred to as Harry the next, Brimstone and then uncle Harry, after a while it gets a little confusing.
I found throughout this book I felt like there was a lot of tension building up and something big was going to happen but in fact there was not much action at all, I mean when Elise went outside to confront the guy in the Black car something could’ve happened he could’ve shot a bullet or drove at her or even kidnapped her but nothing happened he just drove of. I found that this happened throughout the book it was building up to something big but the only big thing was the ending which ended too soon!
Coming to the ending in a moment, I’m guessing I liked how we were all in suspense and maybe that was BJ Harvey’s plan all along to set us up for a big ending (Which we have to wait until September for *sob*)
Another thing I don’t understand is if Brax doesn’t trust Gibbons (One of their bosses) then why when Shay calls and says Boss man (the big boss) has told Gibbons they must leave Elise alone and they will have a back up team watching her, does Brax not call up Boss man to check with him first. If he had done that I know the story would of went the other way but still its common sense!
The ending of the book seemed so sudden, if any of my reader are from England we all know Eastenders, something happens and we are waiting to see what happens next and suddenly bum bum bummm its finished and we have to wait until the next episode. Not that I am comparing this book to a soap or even worse Eastenders, I’m just saying that is how it felt. Since I read this book on my Kindle I was reading how Elise hung up and heard a gunshot then turn the page and oh the book is finished! Leaving me with a ton of questions! Who shot the gun? Is Elise hurt? Will Brax come back? I’m not a patient person so leaving me with that cliffhanger is very mean BJ Harvey!
Turning the bad points into good now, I love how the characters have great chemistry between one and other. They are all so close and you can feel the love between them.
It is a quick easy read, not too complicated (if you can keep up with the harry and brimstone name change)
the story flows really well. I did find it a little simply written with short sentences and small words etc but hey makes it more easy to read!
As I said above the story being in different points of view really helps tell the story.
I am counting the days down until the second part is released!
I have really enjoyed this book and would recommend to any reader who is down for romance and thrills.
I paid around £2.00 on my kindle for this book but I would of been open to spending more on it after reading the book!
If you are unsure about the book I would say give it a go, you can never judge a book by its cover! Thinking of that in fact the cover is a wonderful flawless photo and I have to admit it was the reason I bought the book!
I am going to give this book 4 stars out of 5 simply because of the very few faults it had e.g spelling mistakes, quick ending and the confusion between some characters
I love the way we have Brax and Shays (Braxtons best friend and partner) relationship and also the way all three of them (Brax, Shay and Elise) get on. Shay sees Elise as a sister which I find amazing because in some books we read how the character may have jealousy or hatred towards the lovers friends etc.
Many people said the prologue ruined the book a little for them as they knew what was going to happen. Lucky for me I never read the prologues as I find them like other people said a little bit of a devil, they ruin the book a bit. Reading the prologue after I have finished the book though I do understand why some people said it ruined it for them but it doesn’t give away the entire plot or story!
There were a few things about this book I didn’t like or understand starting with Gibbons point of view, I found that after reading his little part I knew who was behind it and what was happening, although after finishing the book I’m rather happy I read his part as the book ended so sudden I would not of known who was involved as there are so many people it could be. So I guess this bad point actually has a pro to it.
Another thing I think the writer could have done differently is the name of Harry Brimstone. One point he is referred to as Harry the next, Brimstone and then uncle Harry, after a while it gets a little confusing.
I found throughout this book I felt like there was a lot of tension building up and something big was going to happen but in fact there was not much action at all, I mean when Elise went outside to confront the guy in the Black car something could’ve happened he could’ve shot a bullet or drove at her or even kidnapped her but nothing happened he just drove of. I found that this happened throughout the book it was building up to something big but the only big thing was the ending which ended too soon!
Coming to the ending in a moment, I’m guessing I liked how we were all in suspense and maybe that was BJ Harvey’s plan all along to set us up for a big ending (Which we have to wait until September for *sob*)
Another thing I don’t understand is if Brax doesn’t trust Gibbons (One of their bosses) then why when Shay calls and says Boss man (the big boss) has told Gibbons they must leave Elise alone and they will have a back up team watching her, does Brax not call up Boss man to check with him first. If he had done that I know the story would of went the other way but still its common sense!
The ending of the book seemed so sudden, if any of my reader are from England we all know Eastenders, something happens and we are waiting to see what happens next and suddenly bum bum bummm its finished and we have to wait until the next episode. Not that I am comparing this book to a soap or even worse Eastenders, I’m just saying that is how it felt. Since I read this book on my Kindle I was reading how Elise hung up and heard a gunshot then turn the page and oh the book is finished! Leaving me with a ton of questions! Who shot the gun? Is Elise hurt? Will Brax come back? I’m not a patient person so leaving me with that cliffhanger is very mean BJ Harvey!
Turning the bad points into good now, I love how the characters have great chemistry between one and other. They are all so close and you can feel the love between them.
It is a quick easy read, not too complicated (if you can keep up with the harry and brimstone name change)
the story flows really well. I did find it a little simply written with short sentences and small words etc but hey makes it more easy to read!
As I said above the story being in different points of view really helps tell the story.
I am counting the days down until the second part is released!
I have really enjoyed this book and would recommend to any reader who is down for romance and thrills.
I paid around £2.00 on my kindle for this book but I would of been open to spending more on it after reading the book!
If you are unsure about the book I would say give it a go, you can never judge a book by its cover! Thinking of that in fact the cover is a wonderful flawless photo and I have to admit it was the reason I bought the book!
I am going to give this book 4 stars out of 5 simply because of the very few faults it had e.g spelling mistakes, quick ending and the confusion between some characters
October 11, 2013
Immediately after finishing this book, I sent a FB message to the author. It went something like this: “WOW! Just WOW! I mean, really, WOW! I know I will need to be more coherent when I write my review for the blog tour on Tuesday, but WOW! I just finished reading LiD about 5 minutes ago & I'm sitting here stunned into silence. It was truly amazing! The only thing I don't like...having to wait until September for the 2nd book!” So, yeah, that about says it all, coherent or not!
This was a truly amazing read for me, a well-written, beautiful love story with an ample amount of intrigue and suspense just enough to keep me on my toes! I wholeheartedly connected with Brax and Elle. I was able to feel the intensity between them; the love, lust and passion they possessed. And that’s important for me when I’m reading. If I don’t connect with the characters, it almost always results in just an okay read for me rather than an incredible read.
When we first meet Elle and learn her history, it is truly heart wrenching. The mom in me wanted to reach into my Kindle, hold her and tell her everything will be okay, I’m here for her. I’ll help her. I’ll do anything I possibly can for her. Due to a past heartbreaking tragedy, she completely closed herself off from the world.
I’ve simply been a vessel since then, an empty person ambling though life doing everything that was expected of me.
Existing day by day, she only focused on her studies. Elle had no friends or family in her life, no one she could ever count on, only herself.
I’ve learned that I don’t need hope and that I don’t need love. The only thing I need is to focus on putting one foot in front of the other so I can get through each day.
And then, in walks Brax! A strong, safe haven who works (literally) his way into her life and slowly breaks down all of her walls.
It was unfair that he approached me. He wormed his way into my cold, unforgiving heart and made it warm again.
My life as I knew it changed the day that I met Brax. I’d never felt such love, my body had never felt such satisfaction, my soul had never felt such passion, and my life and never been so full.
Unbeknownst to Elle, Brax was hired to protect her due to a threat to her personal safety. She was completely unaware of the threat. Brax posed as a college student who befriended Elle on the first day of class. However, having seen her “file” while prepping for the job, Brax knew there was something special about Elle.
It feels like something I was born to do, like I am supposed to be her with her.
When he meets Elle in person, he falls hard!
Seeing her bright green eyes, I know I’m definitely in trouble now. The overwhelming urge to protect her hits me. I’ve never had a job feel so personal before and right now I’d do it for free.
My job is to get close to her so I can keep her safe, but I don’t think I’m going to be able to stop this from becoming personal.
And so their story begins. It’s a story about knocking down walls and learning to trust again. It’s a story about finding new love and falling deeply. It’s also a story with twists and turns that I honestly did not see coming! At 61% in, I was like, WHOA, I NEVER SAW THAT ONE COMING!
I truly enjoyed every minute detail of this story. The writing flowed beautifully, the romance was heated and passionate, the inner monologues were thoughtful and eye opening, and the suspense was just that, suspenseful! There is quite a cliffhanger and once again, I didn’t see that one coming! The next book is due to be released in September. Like I said earlier, that is the only thing I didn’t like about this book. I’ve never been a very patient person!
April 14, 2013
This beautifully romantic suspense has had me on the edge of my seat with a lump in my throat!
It has also added not one, but 2 Book Boyfriends to my list!!!!
I'll be honest, I wasn't sure how I would get on with the alternating POV's, not only between Brax and Elle, but sometimes from the secondary characters too.
I am pleased to say that it totally worked for this novel. It added to the suspense to know what was going on in everyones heads but still left plenty of mystery for you to try and work it out!
Elle is going through the motions of life, High school, College etc. But, she is closed off emotionally due to the horrible crime that claimed her family. She has inherited a very comfortable financial life yet remains grounded and determined.
It broke my heart to see how empty Elise was in the beginning, and to think of all the heartache she had been through and was still feeling.
This girl is sexy and beautiful inside and out and has the potential to be able to love without bounds. Of course she doesn't feel any of this until Braxton James comes into her life on that first day in college, and little does she know that things will never be the same again.
'There is something about him that makes my mind twist, my stomach turn, and my cheeks blush – all at the same time. '
Brax is a swoony worthy hero! His job is to protect the girl not fall in love with her, but from the moment he saw her picture, he knew there was something special about Elise Halliwell.
He is torn between his duty to protect her and the overwhelming feelings he has for her. His pull to her is magnetic, and he can't help but fall head over heels in love with her.
He is patient and understanding, being content with just her company in the beginning. Once their relationship turns physical, WHOA!!
They are super turbo charged hot and they certainly stoke the fire within each other.
'If this is what it feels like to get too close to the fire, I'm feeling more and more inclined to give myself up to the flame'
The secrets between them threaten both their lives and their trust in each other. Elise has no idea of the extent of the secrets, secrets that threaten her very existence. Elise seems a little naive to the dangerous situations surrounding her, but ignorance is bliss as they say. She has surrounded herself in her bubble where she feels safe and has no reason to think otherwise.
Their relationship is a beautiful mix of Love and Lust, this couple are electric. There is nothing graphic about the sex scenes, but that does not mean that they are not scorching hot!
They are beautifully written to let your imagination do the hard work!!
Brax has a trusty sidekick Shay, who is also a hottie! There a few things I haven't quite worked out about him yet, but he is a real character.
He is interesting enough that I think he could have a story all of his own..Hint Hint...BJ Harvey...!!!
The writing style is very easy to get sucked into and makes you feel the Heat, Love, Tension and angst that Brax and Elise feel along the way.
This book has plenty of twists and turns, gasp out loud moments and an epilogue that made me hold my breath for 5 whole minutes!!
'What do you do when you had no hope, then hope was reborn in your heart, then the man who brings that hope back into your life all but disappears. Where do you go from there?'
A 'leave you on the edge of your seat' 4.5 stars!!!
It has also added not one, but 2 Book Boyfriends to my list!!!!
I'll be honest, I wasn't sure how I would get on with the alternating POV's, not only between Brax and Elle, but sometimes from the secondary characters too.
I am pleased to say that it totally worked for this novel. It added to the suspense to know what was going on in everyones heads but still left plenty of mystery for you to try and work it out!
Elle is going through the motions of life, High school, College etc. But, she is closed off emotionally due to the horrible crime that claimed her family. She has inherited a very comfortable financial life yet remains grounded and determined.
It broke my heart to see how empty Elise was in the beginning, and to think of all the heartache she had been through and was still feeling.
This girl is sexy and beautiful inside and out and has the potential to be able to love without bounds. Of course she doesn't feel any of this until Braxton James comes into her life on that first day in college, and little does she know that things will never be the same again.
'There is something about him that makes my mind twist, my stomach turn, and my cheeks blush – all at the same time. '
Brax is a swoony worthy hero! His job is to protect the girl not fall in love with her, but from the moment he saw her picture, he knew there was something special about Elise Halliwell.
He is torn between his duty to protect her and the overwhelming feelings he has for her. His pull to her is magnetic, and he can't help but fall head over heels in love with her.
He is patient and understanding, being content with just her company in the beginning. Once their relationship turns physical, WHOA!!
They are super turbo charged hot and they certainly stoke the fire within each other.
'If this is what it feels like to get too close to the fire, I'm feeling more and more inclined to give myself up to the flame'
The secrets between them threaten both their lives and their trust in each other. Elise has no idea of the extent of the secrets, secrets that threaten her very existence. Elise seems a little naive to the dangerous situations surrounding her, but ignorance is bliss as they say. She has surrounded herself in her bubble where she feels safe and has no reason to think otherwise.
Their relationship is a beautiful mix of Love and Lust, this couple are electric. There is nothing graphic about the sex scenes, but that does not mean that they are not scorching hot!
They are beautifully written to let your imagination do the hard work!!
Brax has a trusty sidekick Shay, who is also a hottie! There a few things I haven't quite worked out about him yet, but he is a real character.
He is interesting enough that I think he could have a story all of his own..Hint Hint...BJ Harvey...!!!
The writing style is very easy to get sucked into and makes you feel the Heat, Love, Tension and angst that Brax and Elise feel along the way.
This book has plenty of twists and turns, gasp out loud moments and an epilogue that made me hold my breath for 5 whole minutes!!
'What do you do when you had no hope, then hope was reborn in your heart, then the man who brings that hope back into your life all but disappears. Where do you go from there?'
A 'leave you on the edge of your seat' 4.5 stars!!!
April 17, 2013
*~EROTICA BOOK CLUB REVIEW~*
Lost in Distraction (Lost #1)
by B.J. Harvey
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Lost in Distraction is a read that I have to admit took me a bit to get into and I am very happy I stuck with it.
BJ Harvey spent the first part of the book telling the story of Elise who is emotionally closed off due to the tragic murder of her family several years before – she is attending college almost out of obligation and rote – and then in one of her classes - she meets Brax. Unbeknownst to Elise – Brax has been sent along with his buddy Shay to watch her and protect her from some pretty nasty threats – although they are not fully briefed so they really are not sure what they are up against. Elise blossoms as she falls further in love with Brax and he is having a tough time separating between his love for Elise and the job he was brought in to do. As the story progresses – the treats become very real and begin to escalate to the point that they are all in danger – but they are not sure if the danger is from one source or several as Brax and Shay begin to question their employer as well.
The characters were well developed and the relationship between Elise and Brax is steamy HOT!
I also liked Brax’s buddy Shay and look forward to seeing more of him in the next book.
As I said at the beginning – this one took me a while to get into – but as the threats escalated – so did my interest and by the end I was shaking my e-reader and hoping more words would pop up – gotta wait until September for that – Holy cow whatta cliffhanger!!
Overall evaluation – Goodreads 4 (I Really Liked It) Amazon 4(I Like it) - overall rating 4
~Gina
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
https://www.facebook.com/EroticaBookClub
https://www.facebook.com/gina.tobin.14
Lost in Distraction (Lost #1)
by B.J. Harvey
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Lost in Distraction is a read that I have to admit took me a bit to get into and I am very happy I stuck with it.
BJ Harvey spent the first part of the book telling the story of Elise who is emotionally closed off due to the tragic murder of her family several years before – she is attending college almost out of obligation and rote – and then in one of her classes - she meets Brax. Unbeknownst to Elise – Brax has been sent along with his buddy Shay to watch her and protect her from some pretty nasty threats – although they are not fully briefed so they really are not sure what they are up against. Elise blossoms as she falls further in love with Brax and he is having a tough time separating between his love for Elise and the job he was brought in to do. As the story progresses – the treats become very real and begin to escalate to the point that they are all in danger – but they are not sure if the danger is from one source or several as Brax and Shay begin to question their employer as well.
The characters were well developed and the relationship between Elise and Brax is steamy HOT!
I also liked Brax’s buddy Shay and look forward to seeing more of him in the next book.
As I said at the beginning – this one took me a while to get into – but as the threats escalated – so did my interest and by the end I was shaking my e-reader and hoping more words would pop up – gotta wait until September for that – Holy cow whatta cliffhanger!!
Overall evaluation – Goodreads 4 (I Really Liked It) Amazon 4(I Like it) - overall rating 4
~Gina
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April 4, 2013
(I recieved this ARC from the author in exhange for an honest review!)
As soon as I started Lost In Distraction, I liked it. The story was different and hooked me right away. Elise's past is tragic and she has shut herself off to the world. That is until she meets Brax. Brax easily falls in love with Elise but is holding something back. He cannot tell her why they actually met in the first place. The love between Elise and Brax was sweet and pure. I was glad that they had eachother. I really liked the scene with the photo booth (you'll have to read to find out what I'm talking about ;)
The other part of their story is suspenseful and mysterious. At times, for me, it was confusing putting all of the pieces together. I wish there weren't big lapses of time because I didn't feel totally connected at times. I couldn't wait for the ending! Not because I wanted the book to end, but because I needed some answers, and I got them! I like how things were both tied up but left you wanting more and wondering what is going to happen next. Overall this was a really good first novel. The premise is original and interesting. I'm looking forward to the release of the second novel in this series! 3.5 stars!
As soon as I started Lost In Distraction, I liked it. The story was different and hooked me right away. Elise's past is tragic and she has shut herself off to the world. That is until she meets Brax. Brax easily falls in love with Elise but is holding something back. He cannot tell her why they actually met in the first place. The love between Elise and Brax was sweet and pure. I was glad that they had eachother. I really liked the scene with the photo booth (you'll have to read to find out what I'm talking about ;)
The other part of their story is suspenseful and mysterious. At times, for me, it was confusing putting all of the pieces together. I wish there weren't big lapses of time because I didn't feel totally connected at times. I couldn't wait for the ending! Not because I wanted the book to end, but because I needed some answers, and I got them! I like how things were both tied up but left you wanting more and wondering what is going to happen next. Overall this was a really good first novel. The premise is original and interesting. I'm looking forward to the release of the second novel in this series! 3.5 stars!
April 5, 2013
Get lost in this book and fall in love with the Brax and Elle. Their story will stay with you long after you've finished the last chapter. It has everything you want in a great book; beautiful chemistry between the main characters, just enough sexiness, and a lot of emotion and mystery. I found it different from what seems to be the current trend in books. BJ Harvey is an amazingly talented writer and I can't wait to see what else she has to come!
September 19, 2013
Another good book by BJ Harvey- And special thanks to the author for sending this to me :)
I can not believe the cliffy this book was left on! But that said its one of the best cliff hangers I've read in ages!
All the characters were brilliant especially Shay.
The author has managed to write a good book with funny elements with plenty of drama and good character development.
I'm going to be on book 2 very soon :)
I can not believe the cliffy this book was left on! But that said its one of the best cliff hangers I've read in ages!
All the characters were brilliant especially Shay.
The author has managed to write a good book with funny elements with plenty of drama and good character development.
I'm going to be on book 2 very soon :)
April 6, 2013
B.J. Harvey does an amazing job weaving the perfect amount of romance, suspense and mystery in her debut novel! The character are heart-warming, easy to connect with, at times humorous and a bit heart-breaking. I laughed, i cried, and i swooned! You also find yourself with questions which most get answered but easily leaves you wanting more! I'm eagerly awaiting the next installment!!
May 25, 2013
Lost in Distraction
Synopsis
In the three years after a horrible crime claimed her family, Elise Halliwell has been alone, shut off from the world in a self-imposed emotional exile. She goes through the motions, finishes high school and moves across country to start college and begin the next step in her pre-destined life.
But her exile is dramatically cut short by the entrance of a dark haired, blue-eyed, smirking man who shakes her to the core, achieving what everyone else before him has failed to do, he makes her feel again.
As much as he wishes it were different, fate has not brought Braxton James into Elise’s life, or has it. Brax has to keep her safe from people in her life who have ulterior motives and may want to hurt her.
Elise has no idea the threat she faces, and Brax wants to make sure it stays that way. But as Brax struggles with getting close to her, he begins to live a lie. Unable to resist the pull that is Elise’s bright green eyes, infectious giggle, and loving heart, he finds it impossible to stay away, so the double life of being Elise’s boyfriend and keeping her safe begins.
Full of twists and turns, danger and revelations that no-one could predict, you won’t be the only one lost in distraction.
My Review
Right from the start I could tell this was not going to be your typical love story. Elise is a very broken young woman whose life got turned upside down when she returns home from camp to find out her entire family was murder.
“I understand it should be upsetting, and it was for a while, but now I’m just numb. My feelings ran dry the day I came home to a house surrounded by yellow police tape and a guarded door. I shut down."
Three years later while starting her freshmen year of collage she meets Braxton James for the first time. Brax was assigned to Elle to keep her safe. No one was ever caught for the murder of her family and it was just a matter of time that that someone just might want to finish the job. From the moment Brax opens Elle’s file and sees her picture for the first time he was drawn to her.
“This type of job is nothing new to me, but this case is different and the difference is Elise. I said yes as soon as I saw her photo. Her deep green eyes stared at me, absent of any spark or life.”
The book was written in both Elle’s and Brax POV and I love that in books. I did find it hard to believe she would open up to him so quickly, I soon forgot about that feeling and really started to love their story. Brax is starting to fall in love with her while always trying to keep her safe.
The man who took in Elle after her parent’s death is now running her father’s multi-million dollar company until Elle graduates from collage since her father left the company to her. Harry wants to buy her share of the company making him soul owner.
This is when the story starts to get suspenseful. Brax and his best friend Shay were hired to keep Elle safe because they knew she could possibly be in danger they are just not sure from whom.
Harry the acting CEO of the company is not happy when Elle informs him of her decision not to sell her share to him. He threatens her that he will get that company one way or the other.
Soon they discover a man has been sitting outside Elle apartment watching her. She finds anonymous letter threatening her life.
I was a bit confused at times. Such as when Evans was introduced into the story. Evans is a corrupted business man who is thrown in as a suspect for wanting to harm Elise. At first I was confused as to what he would want to do with Elle, but as I continued to read, it is revealed that Evans is Brax real father. Brax found out when he was fifteen and his father wanted him to join the family business. Brax is not interested in his so called “family business”. I do believe now if he had anything to do with Elle’s danger it is to spook Brax into joining his business.
Now we are left with three men that could possibly want to warm Elle. Harry the acting CEO of her father’s company his is bitter and wants the company all to himself. Evans a corrupted business man who wants his son Brax in the family business and would do anything to have him join, and lastly the mysteries man that has been watching Elle from his car and leaving notes threating her life.
WARNING MAJOR CLIFFHANGER! I myself am NOT a fan of cliffhangers, but I must admit they keep you interested. Brax leaves Elle in the middle of the night due to the fact his boss (who I think is in hoots with whoever is after Elle) Convinces Brax’s partner that they are into deep and whoever is after Elle would strike any minute because of them be made (found out about who Brax and Shay really are). He tells them their replacements are on their way.
Although I won’t giveaway the entire ending I will say this book will leave you with so many questions. Rests assure we do not have to wait too long for book number two Lost for You with the release date of July 23, 3013.
“When you had no hope, then had hope reborn, and then all that hope disappears within a moment… where do you go?”
Synopsis
In the three years after a horrible crime claimed her family, Elise Halliwell has been alone, shut off from the world in a self-imposed emotional exile. She goes through the motions, finishes high school and moves across country to start college and begin the next step in her pre-destined life.
But her exile is dramatically cut short by the entrance of a dark haired, blue-eyed, smirking man who shakes her to the core, achieving what everyone else before him has failed to do, he makes her feel again.
As much as he wishes it were different, fate has not brought Braxton James into Elise’s life, or has it. Brax has to keep her safe from people in her life who have ulterior motives and may want to hurt her.
Elise has no idea the threat she faces, and Brax wants to make sure it stays that way. But as Brax struggles with getting close to her, he begins to live a lie. Unable to resist the pull that is Elise’s bright green eyes, infectious giggle, and loving heart, he finds it impossible to stay away, so the double life of being Elise’s boyfriend and keeping her safe begins.
Full of twists and turns, danger and revelations that no-one could predict, you won’t be the only one lost in distraction.
My Review
Right from the start I could tell this was not going to be your typical love story. Elise is a very broken young woman whose life got turned upside down when she returns home from camp to find out her entire family was murder.
“I understand it should be upsetting, and it was for a while, but now I’m just numb. My feelings ran dry the day I came home to a house surrounded by yellow police tape and a guarded door. I shut down."
Three years later while starting her freshmen year of collage she meets Braxton James for the first time. Brax was assigned to Elle to keep her safe. No one was ever caught for the murder of her family and it was just a matter of time that that someone just might want to finish the job. From the moment Brax opens Elle’s file and sees her picture for the first time he was drawn to her.
“This type of job is nothing new to me, but this case is different and the difference is Elise. I said yes as soon as I saw her photo. Her deep green eyes stared at me, absent of any spark or life.”
The book was written in both Elle’s and Brax POV and I love that in books. I did find it hard to believe she would open up to him so quickly, I soon forgot about that feeling and really started to love their story. Brax is starting to fall in love with her while always trying to keep her safe.
The man who took in Elle after her parent’s death is now running her father’s multi-million dollar company until Elle graduates from collage since her father left the company to her. Harry wants to buy her share of the company making him soul owner.
This is when the story starts to get suspenseful. Brax and his best friend Shay were hired to keep Elle safe because they knew she could possibly be in danger they are just not sure from whom.
Harry the acting CEO of the company is not happy when Elle informs him of her decision not to sell her share to him. He threatens her that he will get that company one way or the other.
Soon they discover a man has been sitting outside Elle apartment watching her. She finds anonymous letter threatening her life.
I was a bit confused at times. Such as when Evans was introduced into the story. Evans is a corrupted business man who is thrown in as a suspect for wanting to harm Elise. At first I was confused as to what he would want to do with Elle, but as I continued to read, it is revealed that Evans is Brax real father. Brax found out when he was fifteen and his father wanted him to join the family business. Brax is not interested in his so called “family business”. I do believe now if he had anything to do with Elle’s danger it is to spook Brax into joining his business.
Now we are left with three men that could possibly want to warm Elle. Harry the acting CEO of her father’s company his is bitter and wants the company all to himself. Evans a corrupted business man who wants his son Brax in the family business and would do anything to have him join, and lastly the mysteries man that has been watching Elle from his car and leaving notes threating her life.
WARNING MAJOR CLIFFHANGER! I myself am NOT a fan of cliffhangers, but I must admit they keep you interested. Brax leaves Elle in the middle of the night due to the fact his boss (who I think is in hoots with whoever is after Elle) Convinces Brax’s partner that they are into deep and whoever is after Elle would strike any minute because of them be made (found out about who Brax and Shay really are). He tells them their replacements are on their way.
Although I won’t giveaway the entire ending I will say this book will leave you with so many questions. Rests assure we do not have to wait too long for book number two Lost for You with the release date of July 23, 3013.
“When you had no hope, then had hope reborn, and then all that hope disappears within a moment… where do you go?”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2013
Well I am still not sure if I love or hate BJ after finishing this book... No really I truly love her and I loved this book. What a crazy ride this book takes you on. I have to say that I haven't had a book stump me in a long time. I don't like the predictable, and I sometimes find that I figure out what is going on long before I reach the end of the book. My mind seems to never stop trying to figure things out. Is everyone like that? Not sure if it is just me but I am always trying to figure out what a character's angle is or who they are or what their secerets are... I can honestly say this book has me completely baffled... Things that make you go hmmmm....
So Elise is a young girl who's family has been swept away from her. She's left with a sizable inheritance and a billion dollar company to run one day. Elise is anything but happy with her life. She shuts everyone out not only because she won't open up to anyone she doesn't get close to people for fear they will leave her one day as well. Elise moves across the country to start college and she does her best to stay invisible, that however, doesn't last long.
Braxton or Brax for short, is working to keep Elise safe from the dangers she is oblivious of. What Brax doesn't bargain for is falling for the beautiful green-eyed Elise. His mission to keep her safe quickly feels like less of a job and more like a life long commitment as Brax falls hopelessly for the lovely heiress. But the guilty from the lies that he has to tell her to keep her safe work on his resolve to keep the truth from her.
This book is just CRAZY! I don't even know another word for it. I was smitten from the very beginning with Brax he is mighty charming and his best friend and partner Shay is not too shabby either. My these men are just really sweet and very protective. It wasn't hard to like both of these men!
Elise was a very strong character even though she broke down quite a bit. She was handed a lot in her short life to deal with and I think that she handles it with as much grace as she possibly can. Brax brings out the best in her and as she opens up to him she starts to show more confidence and a whole new sassy side. The developments during the book hit her hard but she never becomes whiny or annoying...
The twists are too many to count... I had so many slap in the face moments, having that what the heck just happened there moment... So many things I never saw coming which was so refreshing! For a first book from this new author I am impressed with her ability to weave a story. There was a whole lot of crazy and a big cliffhanger but she assured me that the next book picks up where this left off so we will get every detail from the end of the epilogue and what an epilogue it was...OH MY!!!!!
I highly recommend this book to readers and I give her a full 5 stars! It was entertaining and kept me fully distracted from everything else around me... I think that was the intention...
So Elise is a young girl who's family has been swept away from her. She's left with a sizable inheritance and a billion dollar company to run one day. Elise is anything but happy with her life. She shuts everyone out not only because she won't open up to anyone she doesn't get close to people for fear they will leave her one day as well. Elise moves across the country to start college and she does her best to stay invisible, that however, doesn't last long.
Braxton or Brax for short, is working to keep Elise safe from the dangers she is oblivious of. What Brax doesn't bargain for is falling for the beautiful green-eyed Elise. His mission to keep her safe quickly feels like less of a job and more like a life long commitment as Brax falls hopelessly for the lovely heiress. But the guilty from the lies that he has to tell her to keep her safe work on his resolve to keep the truth from her.
This book is just CRAZY! I don't even know another word for it. I was smitten from the very beginning with Brax he is mighty charming and his best friend and partner Shay is not too shabby either. My these men are just really sweet and very protective. It wasn't hard to like both of these men!
Elise was a very strong character even though she broke down quite a bit. She was handed a lot in her short life to deal with and I think that she handles it with as much grace as she possibly can. Brax brings out the best in her and as she opens up to him she starts to show more confidence and a whole new sassy side. The developments during the book hit her hard but she never becomes whiny or annoying...
The twists are too many to count... I had so many slap in the face moments, having that what the heck just happened there moment... So many things I never saw coming which was so refreshing! For a first book from this new author I am impressed with her ability to weave a story. There was a whole lot of crazy and a big cliffhanger but she assured me that the next book picks up where this left off so we will get every detail from the end of the epilogue and what an epilogue it was...OH MY!!!!!
I highly recommend this book to readers and I give her a full 5 stars! It was entertaining and kept me fully distracted from everything else around me... I think that was the intention...
April 18, 2013
From my blog.
**ARC provided by author for an honest review**
Where do I even start? Is there even a proper way to start this? It ends with a KILLER CLIFFHANGER! If you have read the book, you now may enjoy the double meaning... If not, then carry on, because I think you really should read Lost in Distraction.
My favorite part in the whole story? The prologue! Yep, you read that right. I LOOVED the very beginning more than anything else in the whole story. (Btw, you can read the prologue right after the review...). I was forced to put the book down after I had read the prologue, so that may be one of the reasons I absolutely adored it. The other may be how well the emotions were described. I believed every word I read. I didn't even really want to continue because I thought that was kind of perfect.
The rest of the book was good, but not as good as the prologue. I have to say, though, that it didn't exactly keep me on my toes. At least not as much as I would have liked it to. Even then there were some details that came as a total surprise.
The characters were realistic. Elise had gone through so much in her fairly short life and I couldn't help but feel for her. Brax, however, was slowly killing me with his softness... I can't tell you why, but I've lately grown to dislike book boyfriends who fall in love and stop acting (and THINKING!) like guys... I used to think that it's sweet, but after a friend of mine brought this to my attention while I was reading another book, it's been annoying the hell out of me. I'm not saying that to be a bad person, but I just needed to explain why I couldn't enjoy the book more. However, that didn't really make me like the story any less.
Now, I don't think that September can get here soon enough. I'll be definitely here, waiting for Brax and Elise to get their happily ever after. They both definitely deserve that.
Should you read it? Emm... Yeeaahhh! I'm gonna quote myself here, "because I think you really should read Lost in Distraction." That should say it all...
**ARC provided by author for an honest review**
Where do I even start? Is there even a proper way to start this? It ends with a KILLER CLIFFHANGER! If you have read the book, you now may enjoy the double meaning... If not, then carry on, because I think you really should read Lost in Distraction.
My favorite part in the whole story? The prologue! Yep, you read that right. I LOOVED the very beginning more than anything else in the whole story. (Btw, you can read the prologue right after the review...). I was forced to put the book down after I had read the prologue, so that may be one of the reasons I absolutely adored it. The other may be how well the emotions were described. I believed every word I read. I didn't even really want to continue because I thought that was kind of perfect.
The rest of the book was good, but not as good as the prologue. I have to say, though, that it didn't exactly keep me on my toes. At least not as much as I would have liked it to. Even then there were some details that came as a total surprise.
The characters were realistic. Elise had gone through so much in her fairly short life and I couldn't help but feel for her. Brax, however, was slowly killing me with his softness... I can't tell you why, but I've lately grown to dislike book boyfriends who fall in love and stop acting (and THINKING!) like guys... I used to think that it's sweet, but after a friend of mine brought this to my attention while I was reading another book, it's been annoying the hell out of me. I'm not saying that to be a bad person, but I just needed to explain why I couldn't enjoy the book more. However, that didn't really make me like the story any less.
Now, I don't think that September can get here soon enough. I'll be definitely here, waiting for Brax and Elise to get their happily ever after. They both definitely deserve that.
Should you read it? Emm... Yeeaahhh! I'm gonna quote myself here, "because I think you really should read Lost in Distraction." That should say it all...
April 14, 2013
I received a copy of Lost of Distraction for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book!
Elise is a college student trying to keep to herself, trying not to be noticed for fear of people finding out who she is and about her past.
We learn her family was murdered in their home while she was away at camp. We also learn that she is the heir to a multi-million dollar company started by her father.
Once she has graduated, she takes over...this is what is putting her in danger.
Braxton is sent in to get close to her and protect her. What he doesn't anticipate is how he starts to feel for her.
He helps Elise open up and start to feel again.
"You don’t want to trouble anybody else with your feelings so you put the walls up around yourself, trying to protect yourself and keep everyone else out.
That used to be me, embracing the dark and blocking out the light."
~~
"I can’t live in a world where she is not in my life, it’s not even an option. She told me that she doesn’t want to go back to how she was before we met, alone and shut off from the world. She likes how alive and free she feels now that she’s with me."
Elise doesn't know that she is a target for harm, she doesn't know what Braxton does for a living as his cover is a college student.
What I loved so much about this story was the mystery factor! Who is targeting Elise, there are a few options and we don't really know who it could be. I also loved the interactions between Elise and Braxton. You will be swooning over Braxton in no time!!
I must say the cliffhanger ending was a shock...i didn't see it coming! I need book 2 (Lost and Found)now so I can see what happens! I need to know what happens to Elise and Braxton!! Please have an early release for Lost and Found Ms. Harvey!
If you are looking for something different in the YA/NA genre this is for you!
Ms. Harvey has done a wonderful job at creating characters you will remember and want to make sure are ok. I am rooting for a HEA!!!!
I gave this story a 4/5 stars!
I really enjoyed this book!
Elise is a college student trying to keep to herself, trying not to be noticed for fear of people finding out who she is and about her past.
We learn her family was murdered in their home while she was away at camp. We also learn that she is the heir to a multi-million dollar company started by her father.
Once she has graduated, she takes over...this is what is putting her in danger.
Braxton is sent in to get close to her and protect her. What he doesn't anticipate is how he starts to feel for her.
He helps Elise open up and start to feel again.
"You don’t want to trouble anybody else with your feelings so you put the walls up around yourself, trying to protect yourself and keep everyone else out.
That used to be me, embracing the dark and blocking out the light."
~~
"I can’t live in a world where she is not in my life, it’s not even an option. She told me that she doesn’t want to go back to how she was before we met, alone and shut off from the world. She likes how alive and free she feels now that she’s with me."
Elise doesn't know that she is a target for harm, she doesn't know what Braxton does for a living as his cover is a college student.
What I loved so much about this story was the mystery factor! Who is targeting Elise, there are a few options and we don't really know who it could be. I also loved the interactions between Elise and Braxton. You will be swooning over Braxton in no time!!
I must say the cliffhanger ending was a shock...i didn't see it coming! I need book 2 (Lost and Found)now so I can see what happens! I need to know what happens to Elise and Braxton!! Please have an early release for Lost and Found Ms. Harvey!
If you are looking for something different in the YA/NA genre this is for you!
Ms. Harvey has done a wonderful job at creating characters you will remember and want to make sure are ok. I am rooting for a HEA!!!!
I gave this story a 4/5 stars!
May 25, 2013
My Review of Lost in Distraction by BJ Harvey
How can I best convey my feelings about this book? I freaking LOVED IT! I only started in yesterday morning and I kept me so engrossed that I finished it in the early hours of the next morning. (I would have finished earlier by RL kept getting in my way.
I’m not going to give you a synopsis. You can find that on Amazon or Goodreads, but I will tell you that my newest boyfriend is Brax. Now that is a man you want on your side. Not only is he gorgeous but he is protective, loving, nurturing, strong, intelligent and HAWT!!! I definitely wouldn’t want to be on his bad side. Elise made me cry and together they made me feel so many emotions I wasn’t even jealous of Elise. Well, maybe a little bit. Okay, a lot but I still loved her.
This book had me turning the page so quickly that at times I had to go back and reread passages because I was a bit lost, but that was my fault because I was reading so fast that I skipped important facts. I’ve said this before, but I love a story that keeps me guessing and this one certainly did. I kept asking myself “Now, is this person a good guy or a bad guy?”.
I also love a book where I feel like I know the characters intimately and I feel invested in their future and BJ Harvey’s character development is amazing. She doesn’t give you all the facts about the central characters, Elise and Brax, in one hit, but gradually drops snippets of information about their past and their feelings that keep you engaged in the story until the very end. I won’t tell you about the end, but I can tell you I’m hanging out for the next one to see what happens next. I still love BJ Harvey, but I will admit to a few grunts of frustration.
I want to give this book 10 out of 5 stars, but unfortunately I can’t. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a contemporary romance that has you sighing with suspense that has you hold you in its grip even when you’ve finished. I’ll definitely be reading this again.
Written by Karen from Confessions of a Bookaholic
How can I best convey my feelings about this book? I freaking LOVED IT! I only started in yesterday morning and I kept me so engrossed that I finished it in the early hours of the next morning. (I would have finished earlier by RL kept getting in my way.
I’m not going to give you a synopsis. You can find that on Amazon or Goodreads, but I will tell you that my newest boyfriend is Brax. Now that is a man you want on your side. Not only is he gorgeous but he is protective, loving, nurturing, strong, intelligent and HAWT!!! I definitely wouldn’t want to be on his bad side. Elise made me cry and together they made me feel so many emotions I wasn’t even jealous of Elise. Well, maybe a little bit. Okay, a lot but I still loved her.
This book had me turning the page so quickly that at times I had to go back and reread passages because I was a bit lost, but that was my fault because I was reading so fast that I skipped important facts. I’ve said this before, but I love a story that keeps me guessing and this one certainly did. I kept asking myself “Now, is this person a good guy or a bad guy?”.
I also love a book where I feel like I know the characters intimately and I feel invested in their future and BJ Harvey’s character development is amazing. She doesn’t give you all the facts about the central characters, Elise and Brax, in one hit, but gradually drops snippets of information about their past and their feelings that keep you engaged in the story until the very end. I won’t tell you about the end, but I can tell you I’m hanging out for the next one to see what happens next. I still love BJ Harvey, but I will admit to a few grunts of frustration.
I want to give this book 10 out of 5 stars, but unfortunately I can’t. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a contemporary romance that has you sighing with suspense that has you hold you in its grip even when you’ve finished. I’ll definitely be reading this again.
Written by Karen from Confessions of a Bookaholic
April 18, 2013
OMG!! What a great debut for B.J. Harvey!!
Synopsis:
In the three years after a horrible crime claimed her family, Elise Halliwell has been alone, shut off from the world in a self-imposed emotional exile. She goes through the motions, finishes high school and moves across country to start college and begin the next step in her pre-destined life.
But her exile is dramatically cut short by the entrance of a dark haired, blue-eyed, smirking man who shakes her to the core, achieving what everyone else before him has failed to do, he makes her feel again.
As much as he wishes it were different, fate has not brought Braxton James into Elise’s life, or has it. Brax has to keep her safe from people in her life who have ulterior motives and may want to hurt her.
Elise has no idea the threat she faces, and Brax wants to make sure it stays that way. But as Brax struggles with getting close to her, he begins to live a lie. Unable to resist the pull that is Elise’s bright green eyes, infectious giggle, and loving heart, he finds it impossible to stay away, so the double life of being Elise’s boyfriend and keeping her safe begins.
Full of twists and turns, danger and revelations that no-one could predict, you won’t be the only one lost in distraction.
What first drew my attention to this book was the cover. I thought it was just beautiful...Now, to the book, Brax & Elle...This book has a lot of moving parts & it's hard to put them into place. This is a "thinking" romance book, which I think it wonderful. Braxton & Elise are going to have to fight for their HEA!! <3 <3 There is love, sex, danger, mad men running around...This book really is full of twists & turns and is a wonderful read. Please take the time to read this book, you will not be disappointed!!
B.J., if you read this....Hurry up!! <3 <3 <3
Synopsis:
In the three years after a horrible crime claimed her family, Elise Halliwell has been alone, shut off from the world in a self-imposed emotional exile. She goes through the motions, finishes high school and moves across country to start college and begin the next step in her pre-destined life.
But her exile is dramatically cut short by the entrance of a dark haired, blue-eyed, smirking man who shakes her to the core, achieving what everyone else before him has failed to do, he makes her feel again.
As much as he wishes it were different, fate has not brought Braxton James into Elise’s life, or has it. Brax has to keep her safe from people in her life who have ulterior motives and may want to hurt her.
Elise has no idea the threat she faces, and Brax wants to make sure it stays that way. But as Brax struggles with getting close to her, he begins to live a lie. Unable to resist the pull that is Elise’s bright green eyes, infectious giggle, and loving heart, he finds it impossible to stay away, so the double life of being Elise’s boyfriend and keeping her safe begins.
Full of twists and turns, danger and revelations that no-one could predict, you won’t be the only one lost in distraction.
What first drew my attention to this book was the cover. I thought it was just beautiful...Now, to the book, Brax & Elle...This book has a lot of moving parts & it's hard to put them into place. This is a "thinking" romance book, which I think it wonderful. Braxton & Elise are going to have to fight for their HEA!! <3 <3 There is love, sex, danger, mad men running around...This book really is full of twists & turns and is a wonderful read. Please take the time to read this book, you will not be disappointed!!
B.J., if you read this....Hurry up!! <3 <3 <3
June 9, 2013
Unfortunately, it appears I am in the minority on this, but I just didn't like this story. There were way too many inconsistencies throughout the plot that fouled it up for me. Examples:
1) If you bugged the apartment why do you need Elle to tell you what happened with Harry? The bug was only mentioned once and then not removed or discussed again.
2) If you are there to protect her why do you leave her by herself to go to the bar/cafe with Shay? This happened a few times and she was supposed to get to class on her own? Bizarre.
3) How did Shay have the time to make 40 friends when he was supposedly working the whole time and was relatively new to the area?
4) If you don't trust Gibbons, why wouldn't you double check with the big boss?
For a good while, this was mirroring the Providence series, but in that series the hero finally relented and let the girl know who and what he was and the danger that she was in. I think that was what was missing, the lack of honesty. Also, I think it would have been better if the prologue didn't exist. I kept waiting for him to leave and it made me distracted.
Le sigh...2 overall stars for me. If the inconsistencies were fixed and the prologue was removed, then it would have been 4 stars as I really liked the chemistry and the interaction between Elle and Brax. The mystery element is interesting but also very vague until the cliff hanger at the end. I am interested to see how it all ends, but I am not sure if I am intrigued enough to buy the next installment.
1) If you bugged the apartment why do you need Elle to tell you what happened with Harry? The bug was only mentioned once and then not removed or discussed again.
2) If you are there to protect her why do you leave her by herself to go to the bar/cafe with Shay? This happened a few times and she was supposed to get to class on her own? Bizarre.
3) How did Shay have the time to make 40 friends when he was supposedly working the whole time and was relatively new to the area?
4) If you don't trust Gibbons, why wouldn't you double check with the big boss?
For a good while, this was mirroring the Providence series, but in that series the hero finally relented and let the girl know who and what he was and the danger that she was in. I think that was what was missing, the lack of honesty. Also, I think it would have been better if the prologue didn't exist. I kept waiting for him to leave and it made me distracted.
Le sigh...2 overall stars for me. If the inconsistencies were fixed and the prologue was removed, then it would have been 4 stars as I really liked the chemistry and the interaction between Elle and Brax. The mystery element is interesting but also very vague until the cliff hanger at the end. I am interested to see how it all ends, but I am not sure if I am intrigued enough to buy the next installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2014
Grrr...cliffhanger!
Elise has suffered a great tragedy in her life, her family taken from her in a murder that at first seems random. As she is approaching the age for the shares of her father's company to be released to her life has been put in danger. Braxton is ex military and is working in private security he is given orders to protect her but falls for her in the process.
Unable to put the pieces together of just who the threat is, Brax tries to sort out the plays - putting the fragments together for each of the suspects. But somethings don't add up. There is something off with each of the players - but the thing that ties it all together is missing.
There were parts of this I really liked and other parts I was on the fence with. Elise is a shell of a girl, so lost after all that she had lost. The instant she meets Brax she is drawn to him...a bit too quickly. It was hard to connect to how broken she was, when she was put back together so quickly. The downside to the shorter stories is that you have less room to fit all the pieces in, so some parts are rushed. I had a hard time connecting fully with Elise and hope that the second book will allow for that a bit more. Brax was a bit easier to connect to, but I think that was because most of the story was his side of things.
Overall I liked the read, I think this is one that has great potential. And I really hope that Lost and Found knocks my socks off. There is some connection that has not been made yet - some piece missing that I hope will just come from nowhere to bring this all together.
Elise has suffered a great tragedy in her life, her family taken from her in a murder that at first seems random. As she is approaching the age for the shares of her father's company to be released to her life has been put in danger. Braxton is ex military and is working in private security he is given orders to protect her but falls for her in the process.
Unable to put the pieces together of just who the threat is, Brax tries to sort out the plays - putting the fragments together for each of the suspects. But somethings don't add up. There is something off with each of the players - but the thing that ties it all together is missing.
There were parts of this I really liked and other parts I was on the fence with. Elise is a shell of a girl, so lost after all that she had lost. The instant she meets Brax she is drawn to him...a bit too quickly. It was hard to connect to how broken she was, when she was put back together so quickly. The downside to the shorter stories is that you have less room to fit all the pieces in, so some parts are rushed. I had a hard time connecting fully with Elise and hope that the second book will allow for that a bit more. Brax was a bit easier to connect to, but I think that was because most of the story was his side of things.
Overall I liked the read, I think this is one that has great potential. And I really hope that Lost and Found knocks my socks off. There is some connection that has not been made yet - some piece missing that I hope will just come from nowhere to bring this all together.
June 7, 2013
This book is fan-freakin-tastic! I <3 this one! I love romances, suspense, & mystery. Lost in Distraction has all of these.
I actually planned on posting this later in the week, but I just couldn’t wait. The story of Elise and her past is horrifying and no one should ever have to endure what she has been though. She has shut herself off from the world. That is until a blue eyed boy named Brax “stumbles” into her class. I use stumbled lightly, but will not spoil it
Brax is one that tries to keep his distance, but when he looks into those vibrant green eyes of Elise, he can’t resist. Brax also keeps a huge secret from Elise… that is only for her safety.
I will say that at the end of Chapter 14 I about fell in the floor. I knew something was up, and there was another connection between Brax and someone… I just sure as hell didn’t see that one coming!
I absolutely love a good romance, but I love the thrill behind a good mystery. When you put those two story lines together you get a hot, sexy, keep you on the edge of your toes, nail biting, and emotional roller coaster.
Like I said before, this book kept me wanting more, kept me guessing about what was going on, a love story that will continue to pull you in with each turn of the page, and an ending that will have you begging for Lost #2!
I highly recommend that you 1-click Lost in Distraction right now… you won’t be disappointed!
I actually planned on posting this later in the week, but I just couldn’t wait. The story of Elise and her past is horrifying and no one should ever have to endure what she has been though. She has shut herself off from the world. That is until a blue eyed boy named Brax “stumbles” into her class. I use stumbled lightly, but will not spoil it
Brax is one that tries to keep his distance, but when he looks into those vibrant green eyes of Elise, he can’t resist. Brax also keeps a huge secret from Elise… that is only for her safety.
I will say that at the end of Chapter 14 I about fell in the floor. I knew something was up, and there was another connection between Brax and someone… I just sure as hell didn’t see that one coming!
I absolutely love a good romance, but I love the thrill behind a good mystery. When you put those two story lines together you get a hot, sexy, keep you on the edge of your toes, nail biting, and emotional roller coaster.
Like I said before, this book kept me wanting more, kept me guessing about what was going on, a love story that will continue to pull you in with each turn of the page, and an ending that will have you begging for Lost #2!
I highly recommend that you 1-click Lost in Distraction right now… you won’t be disappointed!
April 9, 2013
I was hooked on this Book before I even started to read it & once I did, it just blew me away!
What first drew me to this Book was the Cover, then when I read the Teasers, I was totally hooked.
Once I started to read it, it was so much more then I expected it to be.
Elise Halliwell is all alone in this World, having lost her Family to a horrible crime 3 years earlier. She finishes High School, then moves away to go to College, while keeping to herself.
Her self imposed exile comes to a end when she meets Braxton James, a Sexy Blue-Eyed Man with Dark hair who does the one thing Nobody has been able to do in 3 years; He makes her feel Alive again.
What she doesn't know is that Fate has not bought Brax into her life & that she is in Danger from people in her life that have sinister motives & may try to hurt her.
From the minute they meet, you can sense a Attraction between them, but Brax tries to fight it as he is there to protect her without her knowing.
From the first page to the last page, there are twists & turns, distractions & dangers you didn't see coming!
The Epilogue was Unexpected, but it explained a few things
I gave this 10 Stars!
Can't wait to read Book 2
P.S. if you thought Brax was HOT, you haven't met his Best Friend/Co-Worker Shay!!
Can't wait to read more about him, plus catch up with Elise & Brax
What first drew me to this Book was the Cover, then when I read the Teasers, I was totally hooked.
Once I started to read it, it was so much more then I expected it to be.
Elise Halliwell is all alone in this World, having lost her Family to a horrible crime 3 years earlier. She finishes High School, then moves away to go to College, while keeping to herself.
Her self imposed exile comes to a end when she meets Braxton James, a Sexy Blue-Eyed Man with Dark hair who does the one thing Nobody has been able to do in 3 years; He makes her feel Alive again.
What she doesn't know is that Fate has not bought Brax into her life & that she is in Danger from people in her life that have sinister motives & may try to hurt her.
From the minute they meet, you can sense a Attraction between them, but Brax tries to fight it as he is there to protect her without her knowing.
From the first page to the last page, there are twists & turns, distractions & dangers you didn't see coming!
The Epilogue was Unexpected, but it explained a few things
I gave this 10 Stars!
Can't wait to read Book 2
P.S. if you thought Brax was HOT, you haven't met his Best Friend/Co-Worker Shay!!
Can't wait to read more about him, plus catch up with Elise & Brax
February 4, 2014
Wow! This was a wonderful suspense filled book. There's romance, lies, angst, pain, loss, friendships and more that will keep you interested until the very end!
Elle is alone. She doesn't even have friends. She does have money and her father's company which is her's when she graduates college. While in college she meets Brax and becomes friends with him and then more....
* I loved this girl! She's feisty, sexy, kind, loving woman. I enjoyed seeing her care and love Brax.
Brax is in a sticky situation. He is falling for Elle and things couldn't be more than frustrating for him and her. Despite it all he truly cares about her and that is all that matters.
* Swoon! I loved Brax! He's a wonderful man and cares deeply for Elle and will do anything to protect her. He's a wonderful and loyal friend as well.
There is much drama, angst, pain, true friends, sexiness and passion that surround these 2 fabulous people. You will fall in love with them and also Brax's best friend/partner.
If you love sexy men, feisty sexy women, mystery, love, passion, sexiness and more than you will love this book!
THAT END.... wow! I can't wait to read the next book!!
Well done! 4.5 stars!!!!
Elle is alone. She doesn't even have friends. She does have money and her father's company which is her's when she graduates college. While in college she meets Brax and becomes friends with him and then more....
* I loved this girl! She's feisty, sexy, kind, loving woman. I enjoyed seeing her care and love Brax.
Brax is in a sticky situation. He is falling for Elle and things couldn't be more than frustrating for him and her. Despite it all he truly cares about her and that is all that matters.
* Swoon! I loved Brax! He's a wonderful man and cares deeply for Elle and will do anything to protect her. He's a wonderful and loyal friend as well.
There is much drama, angst, pain, true friends, sexiness and passion that surround these 2 fabulous people. You will fall in love with them and also Brax's best friend/partner.
If you love sexy men, feisty sexy women, mystery, love, passion, sexiness and more than you will love this book!
THAT END.... wow! I can't wait to read the next book!!
Well done! 4.5 stars!!!!
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