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Stories of Serendipity #4
Hot Mess
Sam is a single dad, trying to get over the death of his ex-wife, and help his daughter move on from the loss of her mother.
Rachel is a single mom with a secret of her own that has kept her out of the dating scene for years.
What happens when this drop-dead gorgeous firefighter moves in across the street from the reticent woman with a past?
Sparks fly as the heat level rises in this new novel of Serendipity.
Rachel is a single mom with a secret of her own that has kept her out of the dating scene for years.
What happens when this drop-dead gorgeous firefighter moves in across the street from the reticent woman with a past?
Sparks fly as the heat level rises in this new novel of Serendipity.
- GenresRomance
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2013
4 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Anne Conley
49 books500 followersAnne has written her entire life and has the boxes of angst-filled journals and poetry to prove it. She’s been writing for public consumption for the past several years. She lives in rural East Texas with her husband and children in her own private oasis, where she prides herself in her complete lack of social skills, choosing instead to live with the people inside her head.
Currently, she has five romance series. Playing with Fire explores the trials and tribulations of a small team of fire fighters in the fictional mountain town of Pamona Gulch. In Pierce Securities, she gives us Ryan, Evan, Miriam, Zack, Quinten, Jordan, Hollerman, and Simon. Her favorite series, Book B!tches, is all about a group of women in Mystic, Texas who get into all sorts of shenanigans. In Stories of Serendipity, she explores real people living real lives in small town Texas in a contemporary romance setting. In The Four Winds, she chronicles God’s four closest archangels, Uriel, Gabriel, Raphael, and Michael, falling in love and becoming human.
Currently, she has five romance series. Playing with Fire explores the trials and tribulations of a small team of fire fighters in the fictional mountain town of Pamona Gulch. In Pierce Securities, she gives us Ryan, Evan, Miriam, Zack, Quinten, Jordan, Hollerman, and Simon. Her favorite series, Book B!tches, is all about a group of women in Mystic, Texas who get into all sorts of shenanigans. In Stories of Serendipity, she explores real people living real lives in small town Texas in a contemporary romance setting. In The Four Winds, she chronicles God’s four closest archangels, Uriel, Gabriel, Raphael, and Michael, falling in love and becoming human.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 27, 2013
This book was really interesting. It took a serious subject and really explored it. I really liked it.
July 22, 2013
Originally Posted on Fabulous and Fun
I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review
This book has romance, bromance, action, dance battles, sizzling sexy times, love, loss, and so much more!
It’s a little tough to describe this book because at once while it’s your typical romance story at the same time it’s not. Look we all know the formula. Guy finds girl, guy loses girl, guy gets girl back. Insert situations here and there. But as you’re reading along you see these spots where you would expect the story to take a familiar turn but it doesn’t. The conversation in your head is along the lines of “Aww he’s going to.. nope” “Ooh she’s going to.. nope” “Yes! They’re going to.. nope!”. Don’t think you aren’t going to get those moments because you do! Just not necessarily where you might expect.
See the thing I really like about this story without giving it away is, our hero doesn’t get to ride in on his white horse and fix the poor damsel. Some things just can’t be fixed, you just have to live the best you can with them. Make each moment count because the future is unpredictable! At least that’s what I walked away from this book with.
This is my first book from Anne Conley and the town of Serendipity, Texas. But certainly not my last! It would be especially great to read future books in the town and cross paths with Sam, Rachel and other people from this and previous books (which may have happened in this one, I’ll have to read the others and find out) Hopefully a taste of something we didn’t get at the end of this one!
I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review
This book has romance, bromance, action, dance battles, sizzling sexy times, love, loss, and so much more!
It’s a little tough to describe this book because at once while it’s your typical romance story at the same time it’s not. Look we all know the formula. Guy finds girl, guy loses girl, guy gets girl back. Insert situations here and there. But as you’re reading along you see these spots where you would expect the story to take a familiar turn but it doesn’t. The conversation in your head is along the lines of “Aww he’s going to.. nope” “Ooh she’s going to.. nope” “Yes! They’re going to.. nope!”. Don’t think you aren’t going to get those moments because you do! Just not necessarily where you might expect.
See the thing I really like about this story without giving it away is, our hero doesn’t get to ride in on his white horse and fix the poor damsel. Some things just can’t be fixed, you just have to live the best you can with them. Make each moment count because the future is unpredictable! At least that’s what I walked away from this book with.
This is my first book from Anne Conley and the town of Serendipity, Texas. But certainly not my last! It would be especially great to read future books in the town and cross paths with Sam, Rachel and other people from this and previous books (which may have happened in this one, I’ll have to read the others and find out) Hopefully a taste of something we didn’t get at the end of this one!
July 7, 2013
i was given this book in turn for an honest review.
i have read a lot of books that have the theme of a single parent struggling to find a proper life for themselves and their child but i never found the feeling of reality in them. when i started reading this, from the very first page i was captivated by the way the write tried to seep reality into its characters and the theme of the book...
i love the theme, style of writing, the realistic tone of the book and the awesome way it depicts natural events that shape our life. the characters Sam and Rachel are epitome of serious and mature characters who are head strong and ready to face anything.
this is a story of a women who suffer from a disastrous disease. she stays strong for her daughter and is doing anything in her life to appear as normal as her condition will allow her to. a women who is so defeated by life itself that she gave up hope on any other family other then her daughter and a friend.
the story of a man who will do any thing for his daughter to be happy and complete. who keeps his wits in the most disturbing of a situation and will do anything to make his home complete, protected and respected.
this is a very enticing story of two houses, different but with remarkably simple and similar families, who join together and how they go through every thick and thin to get what they didn't have from the very beginning.
this is an awesome book and once i start reading it, i couldn't put it down. Its very mature, level headed and above of all realistic. this is one of the best books i have ever read regarding the a disease and how people live with it.
i have read a lot of books that have the theme of a single parent struggling to find a proper life for themselves and their child but i never found the feeling of reality in them. when i started reading this, from the very first page i was captivated by the way the write tried to seep reality into its characters and the theme of the book...
i love the theme, style of writing, the realistic tone of the book and the awesome way it depicts natural events that shape our life. the characters Sam and Rachel are epitome of serious and mature characters who are head strong and ready to face anything.
this is a story of a women who suffer from a disastrous disease. she stays strong for her daughter and is doing anything in her life to appear as normal as her condition will allow her to. a women who is so defeated by life itself that she gave up hope on any other family other then her daughter and a friend.
the story of a man who will do any thing for his daughter to be happy and complete. who keeps his wits in the most disturbing of a situation and will do anything to make his home complete, protected and respected.
this is a very enticing story of two houses, different but with remarkably simple and similar families, who join together and how they go through every thick and thin to get what they didn't have from the very beginning.
this is an awesome book and once i start reading it, i couldn't put it down. Its very mature, level headed and above of all realistic. this is one of the best books i have ever read regarding the a disease and how people live with it.
April 19, 2019
Now that I’ve read this book, I’ll never stop recommending it. It may be one of Conley’s earlier works, and therefore could be a little bit more smoothly produced, but it’s really good and EVERYONE should read it.
Conley tackles a REAL issue, when she puts a strong person in a crappy situation. She brilliantly captures the filth, ignorance, and close-mindedness in humanity that is destroying itself and everything around it. And I suspect, she’s even downplaying it. No, not all are those things, but things like ignorance and lack of an open mind can do serious damage and people need to just stop, think, educate themselves and maybe, calm down on passing judgment. I feel readers of this novel could come away with more of an open mind and/or having learned some things.
It also has a strong woman who owns her mistakes—and did land herself in her situation, and owns that—rather than some innocent, blameless victim. There is no entitlement here and it is gloriously refreshing.
While doing all of this though, she paints a really sweet second-chance love story that has no shortage of heat, wit, or action. Lines like, “You’re everything I never knew I needed.” add a whole other element to it. This is a fast-paced read, that while might contain a little bit of the roughness a newish author may still have, it’s really, really well done. It is a blend of entertainment and valuable insight to real issues, and for that, despite the imperfections, I’m calling it a 4.5-star read.
Conley tackles a REAL issue, when she puts a strong person in a crappy situation. She brilliantly captures the filth, ignorance, and close-mindedness in humanity that is destroying itself and everything around it. And I suspect, she’s even downplaying it. No, not all are those things, but things like ignorance and lack of an open mind can do serious damage and people need to just stop, think, educate themselves and maybe, calm down on passing judgment. I feel readers of this novel could come away with more of an open mind and/or having learned some things.
It also has a strong woman who owns her mistakes—and did land herself in her situation, and owns that—rather than some innocent, blameless victim. There is no entitlement here and it is gloriously refreshing.
While doing all of this though, she paints a really sweet second-chance love story that has no shortage of heat, wit, or action. Lines like, “You’re everything I never knew I needed.” add a whole other element to it. This is a fast-paced read, that while might contain a little bit of the roughness a newish author may still have, it’s really, really well done. It is a blend of entertainment and valuable insight to real issues, and for that, despite the imperfections, I’m calling it a 4.5-star read.
June 28, 2013
*This book was provided to me as an arc in exchange for an honest and unbiased review*
So single Mum meets single firefighter Dad? Sounds good right? Well I did really enjoy it actually. It was a sweet romantic tale but with a good ole splash of real.
I've read one or two romances now where the main characters are more my own age (as in closer to 30 than 20!) and there are certain elements about them which appeal to me. There's an interesting blend of history, responsibility, habits, trepidation, fear and knowing oneself quite well. This book navigated these grown up concerns really well so I felt empathy and understanding with the situations they were in and the decisions to follow their hearts. I liked that despite there actually being a good reason for it, there wasn't any self consciousness physically. It was refreshing actually to read about characters comfortable with themselves.
I do of course have to add a caveat to that due to the more real issue that this book highlights. To be honest with you I know absolutely nothing about the illness that was the focus in this book. Neither am I in the least bit judgemental though so I had no preconceived notions either. I therefore found it interesting and have to give credit for the author for writing about this. It meant there was a tension between the characters unlike any I have read before, definitely adding a unique spin on the romance.
And so to the romance. I have read one other of this authors books. In that book I completely adored the sexual tension built throughout and how much time was spent developing the two characters. I was a little disappointed in this one though. It took me a long while to like and know Sam and Rachel. I didn't feel time was spent developing their characters, either individually or as a couple. I'm sorry to say that I just didn't connect with them. There were other little bits I loved about the book, like the little quotes and blog posts, and the little red herrings. But as I just didn't connect with the characters the emotional impact on me was minimal. So I can say it was sweet and satisfying but not that I laughed and cried and thought about them afterwards.
To summarise, a nice romance with a very interesting topic creating a unique character tension.
So single Mum meets single firefighter Dad? Sounds good right? Well I did really enjoy it actually. It was a sweet romantic tale but with a good ole splash of real.
I've read one or two romances now where the main characters are more my own age (as in closer to 30 than 20!) and there are certain elements about them which appeal to me. There's an interesting blend of history, responsibility, habits, trepidation, fear and knowing oneself quite well. This book navigated these grown up concerns really well so I felt empathy and understanding with the situations they were in and the decisions to follow their hearts. I liked that despite there actually being a good reason for it, there wasn't any self consciousness physically. It was refreshing actually to read about characters comfortable with themselves.
I do of course have to add a caveat to that due to the more real issue that this book highlights. To be honest with you I know absolutely nothing about the illness that was the focus in this book. Neither am I in the least bit judgemental though so I had no preconceived notions either. I therefore found it interesting and have to give credit for the author for writing about this. It meant there was a tension between the characters unlike any I have read before, definitely adding a unique spin on the romance.
And so to the romance. I have read one other of this authors books. In that book I completely adored the sexual tension built throughout and how much time was spent developing the two characters. I was a little disappointed in this one though. It took me a long while to like and know Sam and Rachel. I didn't feel time was spent developing their characters, either individually or as a couple. I'm sorry to say that I just didn't connect with them. There were other little bits I loved about the book, like the little quotes and blog posts, and the little red herrings. But as I just didn't connect with the characters the emotional impact on me was minimal. So I can say it was sweet and satisfying but not that I laughed and cried and thought about them afterwards.
To summarise, a nice romance with a very interesting topic creating a unique character tension.
July 24, 2013
Check out smutwhores.blogspot.com for a tour stop!
Let me just start off and say that this book is amazeballs. That is simply the best way to put it.
When I first started on this book, I expected another man moves in near woman and their love story develops. I figured it would be same ole, same ole since most books these days seem to be kind of cliche'.
What I did not expect to find was a deeply emotional, learning journey as two people overcome fears and rejection to find something deeper. I don't know how else to put it. This book deals with a disease. I learned so much from this novel and I will never, ever look at that disease the same. I am sorry to admit that I was one who didn't understand it. Anne does such an amazing job getting the reader to become completely immersed. I fell in love with Rachel from the start. I love her honesty and bravery. Sam was such a sweetheart and I am so proud of his actions, although it took a while for him to get it right. I loved the blog posts and excerpts from the Fireman's handbook at the beginning of the chapters. I totally looked forward to those.
Ladies, don't pass this one up. Make sure you have tissues handy because if this one doesn't push tears out, then you might be emotionally broken. Just sayin'.
This is an emotional, beautiful, lovely novel and I do believe I am now officially an Anne Conley fan!! Thanks so much for the ARC and letting me be a part of your blog tour.
Let me just start off and say that this book is amazeballs. That is simply the best way to put it.
When I first started on this book, I expected another man moves in near woman and their love story develops. I figured it would be same ole, same ole since most books these days seem to be kind of cliche'.
What I did not expect to find was a deeply emotional, learning journey as two people overcome fears and rejection to find something deeper. I don't know how else to put it. This book deals with a disease. I learned so much from this novel and I will never, ever look at that disease the same. I am sorry to admit that I was one who didn't understand it. Anne does such an amazing job getting the reader to become completely immersed. I fell in love with Rachel from the start. I love her honesty and bravery. Sam was such a sweetheart and I am so proud of his actions, although it took a while for him to get it right. I loved the blog posts and excerpts from the Fireman's handbook at the beginning of the chapters. I totally looked forward to those.
Ladies, don't pass this one up. Make sure you have tissues handy because if this one doesn't push tears out, then you might be emotionally broken. Just sayin'.
This is an emotional, beautiful, lovely novel and I do believe I am now officially an Anne Conley fan!! Thanks so much for the ARC and letting me be a part of your blog tour.
July 20, 2013
THIS BOOK WAS GIVEN TO ME AS AN ARC FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.
This book is not what I was expecting. The subject matter was about romance, but underlying that romance was the frank discussion of living with HIV. It was a very interesting read to see the affects that living with the disease has on not only the person suffering from the disease but also the people who come in contact with them in a intimate way. I feel like the book was honest in the fact that it did not gloss over how difficult it is for those suffering as well as those who fall in love with someone who is living with HIV.
I enjoyed the story of them getting to know one another but unfortunately the HIV/AIDS subject matter kind of got a little too technical for me and I lost some of the romance because of it. I am not sure how that could have been avoided though when covering a subject such as this. I enjoyed the beginnings of each chapter that started with either a blog post from Rachels (from her living with HIV blog) or a exerpt from the firefighters manual...they were the best parts of this book.
I would definately reccommend this read, but do not expect super hot sex or super dreamy romance going into it. It is a very real look at the human condition and our ability to overcome obsticals that we are faced with. It is also a testament to the fact that there are still so many out there who are so uninformed and who continue to harbor ill will to those suffering from HIV.
This book is not what I was expecting. The subject matter was about romance, but underlying that romance was the frank discussion of living with HIV. It was a very interesting read to see the affects that living with the disease has on not only the person suffering from the disease but also the people who come in contact with them in a intimate way. I feel like the book was honest in the fact that it did not gloss over how difficult it is for those suffering as well as those who fall in love with someone who is living with HIV.
I enjoyed the story of them getting to know one another but unfortunately the HIV/AIDS subject matter kind of got a little too technical for me and I lost some of the romance because of it. I am not sure how that could have been avoided though when covering a subject such as this. I enjoyed the beginnings of each chapter that started with either a blog post from Rachels (from her living with HIV blog) or a exerpt from the firefighters manual...they were the best parts of this book.
I would definately reccommend this read, but do not expect super hot sex or super dreamy romance going into it. It is a very real look at the human condition and our ability to overcome obsticals that we are faced with. It is also a testament to the fact that there are still so many out there who are so uninformed and who continue to harbor ill will to those suffering from HIV.
July 18, 2013
5 FLAMES
I'M GOING TO BE HONEST, I STARTED READING HOT MESS WITHOUT ANY IDEA WHAT IT WAS GOING TO BE ABOUT. IT STARTED OUT AS THE TRADITIONAL SINGLE DAD FALLS FOR THE SIINGLE MOM NEXT DOOR, BUT BOY WAS I WRONG. THIS IS NOT A FLUFFY, EVERYTHING IS PERFECT ROMANCE NOVEL. RACHEL AND SAM BOTH ARE PUT THROUGH THE RINGER AS THEY WORK OUT THEIR FEELINGS FOR EACH OTHER.
SAM AND HIS DAUGHTER MOVED TO TOWN TO REBUILD THEIR LIFE. AFTER LOSING HIS MOTHER TO CANCER AND LOSING THE MOM TO HIS DAUGHTER . HE HOPES TO BRING HIS DAUGHTER OUT OF HER DEPRESSION.
RACHEL A SINGLE MOTHER LIVES ACROSS THE STREET AND HAS A DAUGHTER THE SAME AGE. THE GIRLS INSTANTLY BECOME FRIENDS AND THE FAMILIES BECOME INSEPERATABLE. THE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN SAM AND RACHEL IS FLAMING!
JUST AS YOU THINK EVERYTHING IS FALLING INTO PLACE FOR A HAPPY EVER AFTER THE UNIMAGINABLE HAPPENS AND SECRETS ARE REVEALED, LIFE-OR-DEATH SECRETS.
CAN THEY WORK TOGETHER AND OVER COME THE CHALLANGES THAT LAY AHEAD, OR WILL THEY GET BURNED?
I'M GOING TO BE HONEST, I STARTED READING HOT MESS WITHOUT ANY IDEA WHAT IT WAS GOING TO BE ABOUT. IT STARTED OUT AS THE TRADITIONAL SINGLE DAD FALLS FOR THE SIINGLE MOM NEXT DOOR, BUT BOY WAS I WRONG. THIS IS NOT A FLUFFY, EVERYTHING IS PERFECT ROMANCE NOVEL. RACHEL AND SAM BOTH ARE PUT THROUGH THE RINGER AS THEY WORK OUT THEIR FEELINGS FOR EACH OTHER.
SAM AND HIS DAUGHTER MOVED TO TOWN TO REBUILD THEIR LIFE. AFTER LOSING HIS MOTHER TO CANCER AND LOSING THE MOM TO HIS DAUGHTER . HE HOPES TO BRING HIS DAUGHTER OUT OF HER DEPRESSION.
RACHEL A SINGLE MOTHER LIVES ACROSS THE STREET AND HAS A DAUGHTER THE SAME AGE. THE GIRLS INSTANTLY BECOME FRIENDS AND THE FAMILIES BECOME INSEPERATABLE. THE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN SAM AND RACHEL IS FLAMING!
JUST AS YOU THINK EVERYTHING IS FALLING INTO PLACE FOR A HAPPY EVER AFTER THE UNIMAGINABLE HAPPENS AND SECRETS ARE REVEALED, LIFE-OR-DEATH SECRETS.
CAN THEY WORK TOGETHER AND OVER COME THE CHALLANGES THAT LAY AHEAD, OR WILL THEY GET BURNED?
June 3, 2013
I was given this book as a beta read, so my review will not include many details until after the book is released.
I couldn't put Hot Mess down & finished reading it in one sitting. Ms. Conley, has out done herself with this one.
There were tears, laughter, joy, concern, and many more emotions in this riveting tale of real-life characters.
I enjoyed the nature of the relationship between the main characters and loved how it grew. I felt she was true to the topics featured in this book and believed she touched on a subject that will make the readers want to know more.
Thanks Anne for a great read!
I couldn't put Hot Mess down & finished reading it in one sitting. Ms. Conley, has out done herself with this one.
There were tears, laughter, joy, concern, and many more emotions in this riveting tale of real-life characters.
I enjoyed the nature of the relationship between the main characters and loved how it grew. I felt she was true to the topics featured in this book and believed she touched on a subject that will make the readers want to know more.
Thanks Anne for a great read!
August 12, 2013
Hot Mess is a very interesting story. First story I’ve read that deals with this type of subject. Ms. Conley did a great job at telling this story while keeping Rachel’s secret in the dark till the end. This book will open your eyes to a subject that was taboo when it first became known back in the 90’s and is still not spoken out loud very much even today. Hot Mess is a contemporary romance with a happy ever after sort of ending, my type of book.
Rachel & Sam are down to earth next door type of characters. Both characters have a daughter close in age and once Sam and Amanda moved across the street, the girls became instant friends. I liked Rachel’s priorities, her daughter always came first and everything else came second including any relationship with the opposite sex. I connected with the characters; sometimes I find the characters distant or annoying, neither of those feeling were present while I was reading this story. I felt Rachel’s pain and her need to have someone to share her love, her life, and share her burdens but so afraid that her secret would be exposed. She suffered alone with the ordeal, until Sam showed up and made things a little more complicated, but in a good way. The only character that I wanted to physically hurt was the principle of the girls’ school; she got what she deserved in the end!!
The POV was from both main characters. The tense was first person present with a few sections where the main characters seemed to be thinking about the past, which was good. This allowed more insight to their past and let the reader know why the characters were the way there were. I tend to enjoy the story more when I can read on what the male character is thinking.
The story flowed well and the pace was good. I noticed the cover has changed from the original version which is a lot better, than the fire and a firefighter image. I didn’t care too much for the first cover so I would have completely passed this great story based on the old cover (I know its bad but I do look at the covers, don’t’ judge me please).
This is the third book I had the opportunity of reading by Anne Conley and her stories just keep getting better and better. Yes, this is the fourth book in the series and I did mention that Hot Mess was the third book that I have picked up by her; I haven’t had the chance to read the second one. This is perfectly fine since the characters are different in each book, nothing will be missed if they are not read in order. What makes these stories a set of series is the fact that all the books setting/location/stories are/happen in the same small town of Serendipity, Texas.
I will definitely be looking forward to picking up her next book or pick up the second one in this series. I recommend Hot Mess to the adult audience due to some of the romance scenes and the extra curricular activities that happen in the hallway, in the kitchen, in the living room and in the bedroom that might have had me saying “oh my”.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion and review
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Title: Hot Mess (Serendipity Series #4)
Author: Anne Conley
Format: ebook 243 pgs
Genre: Contemporary Adult Romance
Cover: Current New Cover 4
Series: Yes
Rating: 4
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July 25, 2013
THIS BOOK WAS GIVEN TO ME AS AN ARC FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.
Hot Mess by Anne Conley was an awesome book! It was definitely a romance because it had the typical “happily ever after” but how the hero and heroine arrived at the point was completely different from any other romance I have ever read before. I read it in one day and was mad when I had to stop so I could go to sleep.
Sam is a fireman by profession and a single father. He moved to the small town of Serendipity, TX to begin a new life with his 10 year old daughter Amanda. He falls for their neighbor Rachel who is a stay at home mom (but does community outreach work and online blogging for a website) and has a daughter the same age as Amanda. The two girls become instant friends.
Sam and Rachel feel an instant attraction but both struggle to admit their feelings because of insecurities, hardships, and broken hearts from their past. They endure this year long tumultuous relationship- one minute they’re going to try to make it work, the next minute they decide to pull back. This is after they already sparked a flame for one another.
This wasn’t just a typical romance. Each time you think Sam or Rachel is going to do the normal “romance novel” thing they do the complete opposite. When reading this book you have to throw all your preconceptions out the window.
Rachel is HIV positive. Anne did a very good job balancing their romance with the reality of living with the disease. She explores all the issues and stigmas with living with HIV, especially in a small community. I’ve read books where characters had HIV, but Anne pushes it even further by not only writing about the person with the disease but exploring what it is to love someone with the disease.
The characters are awesome. They’re very believable and Anne did a very good job with character development. I can see how each person grew from the beginning of the book to the end.
The book had minor typos but not enough to take away from the quality of the story.
I loved EVERYTHING about the book except the title and the book cover. I feel both could have been better. If I was browsing Amazon for a book I would have passed by this one and missed an awesome story! I feel the story line is so powerful it deserves a fair chance and I don’t think it will get one due to the cover and title.
I WILL DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO OTHERS!!!
Hot Mess by Anne Conley was an awesome book! It was definitely a romance because it had the typical “happily ever after” but how the hero and heroine arrived at the point was completely different from any other romance I have ever read before. I read it in one day and was mad when I had to stop so I could go to sleep.
Sam is a fireman by profession and a single father. He moved to the small town of Serendipity, TX to begin a new life with his 10 year old daughter Amanda. He falls for their neighbor Rachel who is a stay at home mom (but does community outreach work and online blogging for a website) and has a daughter the same age as Amanda. The two girls become instant friends.
Sam and Rachel feel an instant attraction but both struggle to admit their feelings because of insecurities, hardships, and broken hearts from their past. They endure this year long tumultuous relationship- one minute they’re going to try to make it work, the next minute they decide to pull back. This is after they already sparked a flame for one another.
This wasn’t just a typical romance. Each time you think Sam or Rachel is going to do the normal “romance novel” thing they do the complete opposite. When reading this book you have to throw all your preconceptions out the window.
Rachel is HIV positive. Anne did a very good job balancing their romance with the reality of living with the disease. She explores all the issues and stigmas with living with HIV, especially in a small community. I’ve read books where characters had HIV, but Anne pushes it even further by not only writing about the person with the disease but exploring what it is to love someone with the disease.
The characters are awesome. They’re very believable and Anne did a very good job with character development. I can see how each person grew from the beginning of the book to the end.
The book had minor typos but not enough to take away from the quality of the story.
I loved EVERYTHING about the book except the title and the book cover. I feel both could have been better. If I was browsing Amazon for a book I would have passed by this one and missed an awesome story! I feel the story line is so powerful it deserves a fair chance and I don’t think it will get one due to the cover and title.
I WILL DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO OTHERS!!!
August 15, 2013
Where do I begin? Hot Mess is a one of a kind book that grips your heartstrings from the very beginning. Here is a story of two very real individuals who deal with the prejudice and misperceptions that go along with being HIV positive.
First, we have Sam who is a charming father, struggling to bring up his daughter in a safe and stable environment. Throughout the book we watch him stumble a little bit into this relationship with his neighbor, Rachel Fairchild, a mother living with HIV. Sam, like many people, is misinformed about the condition and he let’s his fear take over his actions. I thought Ms. Conley did a wonderful job really appealing to readers with Sam’s wonderful, but flawed character. It’s obvious that Sam is a good man, but his ignorance on the subject often gets him in trouble – but makes for great drama.
Second, we have Rachel who is struggling with issues of acceptance, intimacy, depression, and discrimination because of her HIV. I loved that right from the start Rachel came off as a strong woman and a loving mother. As a reader, I was able to really get to know who Rachel is. I thought it was great that Ms. Conley eases the reader in into Rachel’s past. I know that the story revolves around a woman who lives with HIV, but Ms. Conley stayed true to Rachel’s character and the story wasn’t just about her disease. It was about love, acceptance, being a parent, taking chances, and growing.
I think one of the parts that really touched me was seeing Rachel’s frustration with dealing with her parents and her brother. She just wanted them to see her as their daughter, not a disease. I teared up a bit in this section because I feel like that’s a powerful message that often gets lost.
I have to throw in and say that damn there were some steamy scenes. Sam is just the right kind of mix of a dominant, but tender man. He’s definitely my new book boyfriend. Plus who doesn’t like firemen? ;)
Overall, I felt like this was one of the most powerful stories I’ve read in a long time. There were several sections where I was afraid Ms. Conley was going to let me down by wrapping things up with a pretty bow, but then she surprised me with another twist and turn. I have to say, I love stories set in small towns and I definitely think if you’re a fan of “Nicholas Sparks” type books without the depressing/predictable endings then check this one out!
First, we have Sam who is a charming father, struggling to bring up his daughter in a safe and stable environment. Throughout the book we watch him stumble a little bit into this relationship with his neighbor, Rachel Fairchild, a mother living with HIV. Sam, like many people, is misinformed about the condition and he let’s his fear take over his actions. I thought Ms. Conley did a wonderful job really appealing to readers with Sam’s wonderful, but flawed character. It’s obvious that Sam is a good man, but his ignorance on the subject often gets him in trouble – but makes for great drama.
Second, we have Rachel who is struggling with issues of acceptance, intimacy, depression, and discrimination because of her HIV. I loved that right from the start Rachel came off as a strong woman and a loving mother. As a reader, I was able to really get to know who Rachel is. I thought it was great that Ms. Conley eases the reader in into Rachel’s past. I know that the story revolves around a woman who lives with HIV, but Ms. Conley stayed true to Rachel’s character and the story wasn’t just about her disease. It was about love, acceptance, being a parent, taking chances, and growing.
I think one of the parts that really touched me was seeing Rachel’s frustration with dealing with her parents and her brother. She just wanted them to see her as their daughter, not a disease. I teared up a bit in this section because I feel like that’s a powerful message that often gets lost.
I have to throw in and say that damn there were some steamy scenes. Sam is just the right kind of mix of a dominant, but tender man. He’s definitely my new book boyfriend. Plus who doesn’t like firemen? ;)
Overall, I felt like this was one of the most powerful stories I’ve read in a long time. There were several sections where I was afraid Ms. Conley was going to let me down by wrapping things up with a pretty bow, but then she surprised me with another twist and turn. I have to say, I love stories set in small towns and I definitely think if you’re a fan of “Nicholas Sparks” type books without the depressing/predictable endings then check this one out!
July 13, 2013
*I received a copy of this book for an honest review*
Hot Mess is an emotional roller coaster for sure! Along with being an emotional romance, it was very REAL. No fluff here. The story deals with a serious subject matter of a certain medical condition. Sorry, you will have to read the book to find out what kind of condition.
It was very interesting with how the author wrote the story with two points of view. It was able to show both sides: living with the medical condition along with how it affects the people in the patient’s life. It was amazing how much research the author did for this story. She was able to make it very informational without making the reader form a certain opinion. It left it to where the reader could form their own opinion.
I found it very refreshing that the story wasn’t filled with a lot of sex. Of course, it was filled with sexual tension, but I liked it. That was one of the reasons why the story felt so real.
At 46% in the book, I was on the edge of my seat with the heart pounding suspense. Rachel’s secret is finally out, but certainly not the way Rachel would have liked it to come out. You could definitely say that the secret came out in less than favorable circumstances.
Just when I thought that the roller coaster ride was going to level out to allow my heart to heal, I was plunged down the track again. The story is completely unpredictable, and I loved that. I always enjoy not being able to predict what will happen next.
My favorite quote from the story was, “I’m a firefighter. I live for danger.” That one simple quote held so much promise and hope for the story! I don’t want to put any spoilers in this review so you will just have to read the story to know just how sweet that quote is.
The only thing that I didn’t enjoy about the story was the ending. Yes, the story wraps up in the end, but just not as completely as I would have liked. It felt like a small part was missing. Maybe the author left it that way for the reader to use their imagination and fill in the blanks. The story doesn’t have a cliff hanger, which is a huge plus for me.
Hot Mess is an emotional roller coaster for sure! Along with being an emotional romance, it was very REAL. No fluff here. The story deals with a serious subject matter of a certain medical condition. Sorry, you will have to read the book to find out what kind of condition.
It was very interesting with how the author wrote the story with two points of view. It was able to show both sides: living with the medical condition along with how it affects the people in the patient’s life. It was amazing how much research the author did for this story. She was able to make it very informational without making the reader form a certain opinion. It left it to where the reader could form their own opinion.
I found it very refreshing that the story wasn’t filled with a lot of sex. Of course, it was filled with sexual tension, but I liked it. That was one of the reasons why the story felt so real.
At 46% in the book, I was on the edge of my seat with the heart pounding suspense. Rachel’s secret is finally out, but certainly not the way Rachel would have liked it to come out. You could definitely say that the secret came out in less than favorable circumstances.
Just when I thought that the roller coaster ride was going to level out to allow my heart to heal, I was plunged down the track again. The story is completely unpredictable, and I loved that. I always enjoy not being able to predict what will happen next.
My favorite quote from the story was, “I’m a firefighter. I live for danger.” That one simple quote held so much promise and hope for the story! I don’t want to put any spoilers in this review so you will just have to read the story to know just how sweet that quote is.
The only thing that I didn’t enjoy about the story was the ending. Yes, the story wraps up in the end, but just not as completely as I would have liked. It felt like a small part was missing. Maybe the author left it that way for the reader to use their imagination and fill in the blanks. The story doesn’t have a cliff hanger, which is a huge plus for me.
January 27, 2015
Sam is, well, he is smokin’ hot, very loyal, an incredibly father, is so “real”, oh – and did I mention that he’s a firefighter? Yeah, that just pumped up his hotness factor right there, didn’t it? You know it’s going to be good when the heroine’s first thought is – “that man is trouble”.
We really fall in love with him from the beginning. He’s such a doting, caring, involved, (divorced) father. But then he meets his neighbor across the street and our homeboy is in love. And Sam gets any woman he wants (I mentioned hot firefighter, right?), yet Rachael (the neighbor) holds back. Sam can’t figure it out because ladies literally throw themselves at him (read: hot firefighter) and here’s Rachael, the one woman he finds himself really wanting to know, and she won’t give in to him. He can tell she likes him, though, so what the freak is up? It seems they both have a few skeletons in their closets. And although Rachael’s in particular isn’t very pretty, and Sam doesn’t necessarily handle it right, I love him even more for it. He handles her secret like a real man would, I think. His ‘realness factor’ is one of the reasons I really like him.
So, I know – give you the hot lines to convince you to buy it. Here you go!
“The cheesecake was delicious, but it’s got nothing on you.”
“I want to take you.”
“I didn’t wake up with you in my arms before and I wanted to do that.”
“I’m a firefighter. I live for danger.”
And my favorite – “I’ve been fighting fires for eleven years, but every time I look at you from across the street, something burns inside of me and I can’t put it out.”
So, should you read this book? Yes, mam! It’s not just a book – it’s a story. A real story that a lot of people probably go through in some way or another. And these characters, Sam specifically, handle it in such a real way, that it was inspiring and refreshing to read.
We really fall in love with him from the beginning. He’s such a doting, caring, involved, (divorced) father. But then he meets his neighbor across the street and our homeboy is in love. And Sam gets any woman he wants (I mentioned hot firefighter, right?), yet Rachael (the neighbor) holds back. Sam can’t figure it out because ladies literally throw themselves at him (read: hot firefighter) and here’s Rachael, the one woman he finds himself really wanting to know, and she won’t give in to him. He can tell she likes him, though, so what the freak is up? It seems they both have a few skeletons in their closets. And although Rachael’s in particular isn’t very pretty, and Sam doesn’t necessarily handle it right, I love him even more for it. He handles her secret like a real man would, I think. His ‘realness factor’ is one of the reasons I really like him.
So, I know – give you the hot lines to convince you to buy it. Here you go!
“The cheesecake was delicious, but it’s got nothing on you.”
“I want to take you.”
“I didn’t wake up with you in my arms before and I wanted to do that.”
“I’m a firefighter. I live for danger.”
And my favorite – “I’ve been fighting fires for eleven years, but every time I look at you from across the street, something burns inside of me and I can’t put it out.”
So, should you read this book? Yes, mam! It’s not just a book – it’s a story. A real story that a lot of people probably go through in some way or another. And these characters, Sam specifically, handle it in such a real way, that it was inspiring and refreshing to read.
July 19, 2013
I went into this book assuming it would be a nice little romance that slowly develops between two people, who had a certain amount of baggage to deal with but ultimately would work it out. However it was more real than that. Sam, yes, is a smoking hot firefighter who adores his young daughter whom he is now bringing up following the death of his wife. So, you are already liking him a lot aren’t you? I mean what’s not to like? You want to take care of him, right? Yeah me to! Ooh and did I mention he is a very touchy feely kind of guy too, yes I know can it get any better?
Rachel is clearly a beautiful, strong, but very cautious woman due to her own history which is more complicated than you can imagine but the sensitive subject matter in this book was written and handled so well. A brave move by Ms Conley to tackle this but she did a great job, and a learnt a lot about something I previously knew very little
Rachel is clearly very taken with Sam:
‘The butterflies in Rachel’s stomach had babies’
‘How soon could she get back to the house & have crazy wild monkey sex with the hunka love next to her.
Mmmm ….My thoughts exactly.
The story had its twists and turns throughout, with a couple of OMG moments that made my stomach lurch as well as some jeez guys get your shit together moments. Both Sam & Rachel have their daughters to think about not just their own feelings and it was because of this that some of the decisions they both made were a lot easier to understand.
The beginning of each chapter started with either a blog post, or an excerpt from the Firefighter’s Manual, and these were a clever touch to the book
A well written and strong love story.
*This book was provided to me as an arc in exchange for an honest and unbiased review*
Rachel is clearly a beautiful, strong, but very cautious woman due to her own history which is more complicated than you can imagine but the sensitive subject matter in this book was written and handled so well. A brave move by Ms Conley to tackle this but she did a great job, and a learnt a lot about something I previously knew very little
Rachel is clearly very taken with Sam:
‘The butterflies in Rachel’s stomach had babies’
‘How soon could she get back to the house & have crazy wild monkey sex with the hunka love next to her.
Mmmm ….My thoughts exactly.
The story had its twists and turns throughout, with a couple of OMG moments that made my stomach lurch as well as some jeez guys get your shit together moments. Both Sam & Rachel have their daughters to think about not just their own feelings and it was because of this that some of the decisions they both made were a lot easier to understand.
The beginning of each chapter started with either a blog post, or an excerpt from the Firefighter’s Manual, and these were a clever touch to the book
A well written and strong love story.
*This book was provided to me as an arc in exchange for an honest and unbiased review*
March 4, 2015
*ARR (Advance Reader Review) - copy provided as a gift in exchange for an honest review...
The cover of this book is ok but the man on it is not what I had pictured for the hot firefighter inside.
The Characters are well described and strong. Rachel is a strong woman living with big issues and a sweet little girl. I liked her character and enjoyed seeing her weakness as well as her strength. I wasn't really expecting that when we met her. Sam, I'm not sure what to think of Sam. As the book began I wasn't really impressed. He came across as a cocky, arrogant sleeze. I wondered how he could be the way he was when he and just lost his wife - then I got some history and changed my mind. I still find him cocky though lol. The little girls are adorable and I like how their characters are so involved.
The story starts off nicely and gives you strings of information and leaves you with questions. It's a good book with a great story line that keeps you drawn in and on a bit of a roller coaster ride. There are a few people in here i would like to smack and some I would like to hug, however there are a few moments when it gets a little stale.
The train scene was not expected but I think very necessary and I enjoyed how that played out.
I applaud the author for this story and for the way it comes across. In life we like to see the positive and hope that if faced with issues we would respond positively. This book shows that and it shows the negative and the hurt also.
I really liked how the book was in both their views.
The Writing Style was good and very easy to follow and read through. It was a nice easy read.
I would recommend this book to anyone - it is a sweet romantic love story with a few twists.
The cover of this book is ok but the man on it is not what I had pictured for the hot firefighter inside.
The Characters are well described and strong. Rachel is a strong woman living with big issues and a sweet little girl. I liked her character and enjoyed seeing her weakness as well as her strength. I wasn't really expecting that when we met her. Sam, I'm not sure what to think of Sam. As the book began I wasn't really impressed. He came across as a cocky, arrogant sleeze. I wondered how he could be the way he was when he and just lost his wife - then I got some history and changed my mind. I still find him cocky though lol. The little girls are adorable and I like how their characters are so involved.
The story starts off nicely and gives you strings of information and leaves you with questions. It's a good book with a great story line that keeps you drawn in and on a bit of a roller coaster ride. There are a few people in here i would like to smack and some I would like to hug, however there are a few moments when it gets a little stale.
The train scene was not expected but I think very necessary and I enjoyed how that played out.
I applaud the author for this story and for the way it comes across. In life we like to see the positive and hope that if faced with issues we would respond positively. This book shows that and it shows the negative and the hurt also.
I really liked how the book was in both their views.
The Writing Style was good and very easy to follow and read through. It was a nice easy read.
I would recommend this book to anyone - it is a sweet romantic love story with a few twists.
August 31, 2013
Sometimes you read a book and you think you have an idea of what the book is about. You read it and find out you were wrong. Sam is a single dad that moved to a small town after his ex wife his daughter's mother died and was just looking to start over. Rachel had the same thought only she moved there years earlier. Wanting to get away from her hypocritical and judgmental family and anyone who knew the secret she's been living with for over a decade. With this disease love was never in her plan. Plans changed when she met the new neighbor. Since their daughters began spending time with each other and with their growing attraction for each other she knew she had to let him in on the secret. Once he found out like almost everyone else in her life he rejected her. The town like him was so judgmental and ignorant about the disease and on the other hand wanted to protect their families. They didn't have a typical romance not enough understanding and too much misunderstanding. Though it wasn't easy they were to get past it and build a life together with their daughters. This just shows people fear what they don't understand and the hurt it causes that person when they are constantly rejected and looked down on. Everyone has some issues or diseases they have to live with but doesn't everyone deserve to have someone to lean on? Understanding from previous love ones? to fall in love? It seems they only thing they feared wasn't the disease that would one day kill them it was that of living a life alone with endless rejection.
June 28, 2013
ARR-I received this book in exchange for a review
WOW talk about an emotional roller coaster. This was a very good read and one that totally pulled at all my heart strings and my tear ducts LOL. So lets first talk about Rachel and then I will get to the REALLY
HOT FIREFIGHTER!
Rachel is a very strong woman who life has dealt a very crappy set of cards. She is a mother dealing with life and a medical condition that some may feel was brought on by herself, I love how the author gave you such typical look into the life of someone struggle with the condition and trying to make a good life for her and her daughter.
OK I know you are waiting to hear about the Fireman and I am so ready to give my take on the really HOT firefighter that lives next door to Rachel (LOL)
Introducing Sam... Ok so again I say really hot firefighter and a really good stand up guy. Sam is trying to figure some things out about life as well as he is trying to deal with the death of his ex-wife/daughter's mother.
These 2 were so good for each other, giving what they had to deal with but like all things they had to get over and deal with some pretty intense situations. But they did it and that makes this such a sweet love story.
I loved this story and was glad to read it and give my review. This is a story that I believe that a lot of people can learn a thing or two from This wonderful story touches on a condition that has a very negative outlook by some people.
GREAT JOB and very good story !!!
WOW talk about an emotional roller coaster. This was a very good read and one that totally pulled at all my heart strings and my tear ducts LOL. So lets first talk about Rachel and then I will get to the REALLY
HOT FIREFIGHTER!
Rachel is a very strong woman who life has dealt a very crappy set of cards. She is a mother dealing with life and a medical condition that some may feel was brought on by herself, I love how the author gave you such typical look into the life of someone struggle with the condition and trying to make a good life for her and her daughter.
OK I know you are waiting to hear about the Fireman and I am so ready to give my take on the really HOT firefighter that lives next door to Rachel (LOL)
Introducing Sam... Ok so again I say really hot firefighter and a really good stand up guy. Sam is trying to figure some things out about life as well as he is trying to deal with the death of his ex-wife/daughter's mother.
These 2 were so good for each other, giving what they had to deal with but like all things they had to get over and deal with some pretty intense situations. But they did it and that makes this such a sweet love story.
I loved this story and was glad to read it and give my review. This is a story that I believe that a lot of people can learn a thing or two from This wonderful story touches on a condition that has a very negative outlook by some people.
GREAT JOB and very good story !!!
July 10, 2013
I received a copy of Hot Mess in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the story. It features a smoking hot fireman, Sam, who moves to a small town in the hopes that he can help his young daughter adjust after her mother's death. In addition to having been unable to help his ex-wife with the addiction that ultimately ended her life, his baggage also holds his pain from losing his mom to cancer during his college years.
Sam moves next door to Rachel, an attractive single mom and his daughter Amanda becomes fast friends with Rachel's daughter Sophie. Sam and Rachel get to be friends because of their daughters' friendship but there's a spark between the two that could lead to more. Rachel has her own baggage, she's dealing with the alienation from her family and a medical condition that she holds tight to her chest because of the negative stigma that stereotypically goes along with the condition.
Ann Conley did a great job with this book. There's so many emotions throughout and the characters are so well developed that it's easy to fall in love with them and hope that things will work out between them.
And her research about the affects on said medical condition (Sorry, no spoilers here!) was honest and informative without forcing it down the reader's throat.
I look forwarding to reading more by Anne Conley in the future!
I really enjoyed the story. It features a smoking hot fireman, Sam, who moves to a small town in the hopes that he can help his young daughter adjust after her mother's death. In addition to having been unable to help his ex-wife with the addiction that ultimately ended her life, his baggage also holds his pain from losing his mom to cancer during his college years.
Sam moves next door to Rachel, an attractive single mom and his daughter Amanda becomes fast friends with Rachel's daughter Sophie. Sam and Rachel get to be friends because of their daughters' friendship but there's a spark between the two that could lead to more. Rachel has her own baggage, she's dealing with the alienation from her family and a medical condition that she holds tight to her chest because of the negative stigma that stereotypically goes along with the condition.
Ann Conley did a great job with this book. There's so many emotions throughout and the characters are so well developed that it's easy to fall in love with them and hope that things will work out between them.
And her research about the affects on said medical condition (Sorry, no spoilers here!) was honest and informative without forcing it down the reader's throat.
I look forwarding to reading more by Anne Conley in the future!
July 29, 2016
This is the first book I have by Anne Conley and I was not disappointed. The author took a very difficult subject matter and went for it and I must say she done it well. The whole book was well written all the characters played their parts to keep you gripped. The emotions this book kicks out keeps playing with them heartstrings to no end.
Rachel is such strong characters, she really dose show you life dose go on and to never give up!!
Rachel is a single mom and dose not really have any family as she was disowned by parents when she was younger, she only gets the odd phone call from her bother.
Rachel doesn't really care the only person she cares for is her daughter.
Sam is a hot fire-fighter who moves to a small town to give his daughter a new start after her mother dyes.
As soon as he sees Rachel all bets are off he can't stop thinking about her.
Its not until work your way in to this book you really get what's really going on and it really dose make you feel sad. I must say this book really did send shivers down my spine. If you love a book that will send you running for the Kleenex then is book is for you...
Rachel is such strong characters, she really dose show you life dose go on and to never give up!!
Rachel is a single mom and dose not really have any family as she was disowned by parents when she was younger, she only gets the odd phone call from her bother.
Rachel doesn't really care the only person she cares for is her daughter.
Sam is a hot fire-fighter who moves to a small town to give his daughter a new start after her mother dyes.
As soon as he sees Rachel all bets are off he can't stop thinking about her.
Its not until work your way in to this book you really get what's really going on and it really dose make you feel sad. I must say this book really did send shivers down my spine. If you love a book that will send you running for the Kleenex then is book is for you...
May 22, 2014
Sam a single dad moves away from the own to start over with his daughter in a small town of Serendipity. What he wasn't planning on was the woman across the street stealing his heart without even trying. The problem is she isn't letting her walls down and he doesn't understand why. Then she lets him in and lets him know her secret she is HIV positive, her family has all but disowned her because of this information. With how many people react to the news she protects herself and doesn't let people in. Sam is different she feels the spark when they spend time together. But will the news be too much, after his ex-wife died can he let another woman into his and his daughter lives knowing she could be taken to soon from them also? Can Rachel accept how Sam deals with the news, can they move on together or is there just too much past and negative for them to make it? This is a great book don't let the fact that the main female is HIV positive turn you away. The book is very well written and you can tell Anne spent time researching and making sure the story held nothing but truth on the subject.
December 28, 2014
Sam, a single sexy firefighter, moved to start over with his daughter who had tragically lost her mother. He didn’t plan on moving across the street from Rachel, a single writer, who is raising her daughter while keeping a secret from the town. Sam tries to get to know Rachel and doesn’t understand why Rachel won’t let her walls down. Rachel has to keep her secret as she already lost her family who disowned her because of it. When Rachel and her daughter get caught on the train tracks when her car stalled, Sam comes to their rescue and Rachel is forced to reveal her secret, she is HIV positive, to protect Sam. Can Sam and Rachel reach beyond their own battles and find a way to be together or is the secret to much?
With a touchy subject that most people turn away from, Anne Conley has taken a hero and a single mom and written a very touching story. The book is very well written and you can tell that there was research done to be sure that all parts were accurate. It was another great read from Anne Conley. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series from the author.
With a touchy subject that most people turn away from, Anne Conley has taken a hero and a single mom and written a very touching story. The book is very well written and you can tell that there was research done to be sure that all parts were accurate. It was another great read from Anne Conley. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series from the author.
July 6, 2013
I really enjoyed this book.This book is a read and a review enjoy! :).I couldn't put it down is has a little bit of everything you need to keep you reading, love, lust,romance, hurt, life lessons. With Sam and Rachel having gone through so much in their past and present the story has meaning things that are within our everyday life.I could feel the characters emotions. I wanted to push Rachel harder toward Sam and I wanted to yell at him for messing up over and over.I luved how they had their girls and put them first and in the end they knew what ever life was gonna throw at them that having each other and family who will b there for them is all that matters.The book puts you in the shoes of Rachel having to live with HIV and raising her daughter on her own and her life experiences helps her to help others.Sam learns to over come the feeling of loss and help his daughter over come losing her mom.I'm telling you this book is a must read you will feel throughout the book.I wish it didn't end after Sam finally gets himself together an Rachel learns to love again.I just wanted more :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2013
5.0 out of 5 stars Love Conquers, August 4, 2013
By Michelle L.Gallegos
This review is from: Hot Mess (Stories of Serendipity) (Kindle Edition)
I remember the early days when AIDS was the new leprosy and all the fear and misinformation of those times. This story shows how fear and misinformation still effects HIV and AIDS infected people today. The isolation and fear still persists. This is the story of two people and a community that learn the truth about living with HIV, confront their fears, and for Sam and Rachel find love. Each story of Serendipity, Texas gets better and better. Thanks Anne!
July 18, 2013
Received an advance copy for review and so glad I did! What a great story! I was a little put off by Sam's attitude and outburst toward Rachel with the ring situation but it all fell into place more as the story progressed so I just went with it but I thought he could have been a little less harsh.
The story sheds alot of light into 2 very different worlds and really makes a person think.
It's really hard for me to write a review sometimes without giving too many details so I will just leave you with this...
wonderful book, great storyline, loved both main charachters, loved the up & down drama before finding out if there is a HEA!
Awesome read!
The story sheds alot of light into 2 very different worlds and really makes a person think.
It's really hard for me to write a review sometimes without giving too many details so I will just leave you with this...
wonderful book, great storyline, loved both main charachters, loved the up & down drama before finding out if there is a HEA!
Awesome read!
July 27, 2013
This book when you read the synopsis reads like a love story. Girl meets boy. Through trials or issues they fix them and live happily after.
There is some truth to that statement. However as a health care professional I find this book to be a lot more. This was an intimate look into someone's life that is dealing with a disease. Talking about subjects that aren't simple & covered with rose colored glasses. The author gives a great story with factual information that everyone needs to be aware of. A great read.
There is some truth to that statement. However as a health care professional I find this book to be a lot more. This was an intimate look into someone's life that is dealing with a disease. Talking about subjects that aren't simple & covered with rose colored glasses. The author gives a great story with factual information that everyone needs to be aware of. A great read.
September 15, 2013
Wow what a story. This book is mainly based on Rachel's secret. No of course I'm not going to tell you the secret.. You are going to have to read this to find out. But let me tell you unfortunately this is still a pretty taboo subject but having said that I inhaled this story to find out more.
This author is a fantastic story teller. This story was so real. Yes I will definitely be thinking of this story for a while.
This is the first book I've read from this author but it certainly won't be the last.
I received this from author in return for an honest review.
This author is a fantastic story teller. This story was so real. Yes I will definitely be thinking of this story for a while.
This is the first book I've read from this author but it certainly won't be the last.
I received this from author in return for an honest review.
February 14, 2014
One of the reasons I initially bought this book was for the cover. It is hot and def drew me in not to mention the 4 star on goodreads from a friend. I figured it was gonna be the same old romance with an abusive ex husband or something. No way was I prepared for the emotionally journey I was starting. I loved everything about this book. It wasn't drawn out and there was no boring spots. I personally don't know anybody with HIV or AIDS but this book makes me want to. Kudos to you!!
July 27, 2013
I won this book in a giveaway. Hot Mess is an interesting story about two single parents who are attracted to each other, but one is dealing with HIV. It makes for a good story, and the writing is very good. The subject was handled with grace and detail that leads the reader to believe the author has done her homework. A very nice love story
August 10, 2013
I give this story 5 stars for two reasons: education and enjoyment. The author does an excellent job of interacting characters with each other, but also engaging the reader to look further into what each character is feeling. It forces the reader to look at themselves and to question their beliefs regarding truths and stigmas
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