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Sticks & Stones #1
Love Exactly
Emma Walker was a writer who'd lost herself to someone else's anger--who had given up on ever feeling like herself again.
Evan Levesque was a rock-god--the one all the woman wanted, but he'd never gotten used to the loneliness between the stage and real life.
With just one cup of coffee they'll begin a journey of self-discovery at each others sides, but can Emma handle Evan's fame while dealing with her own demons? Emma's checkered personal past, a bad relationship that haunts the edges of her memories, threatens to make everything implode on them when Evan takes matters into his own hands.
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but your words...they'll destroy my soul--Can Emma handle being put back together and facing who she's become because of it?
Evan Levesque was a rock-god--the one all the woman wanted, but he'd never gotten used to the loneliness between the stage and real life.
With just one cup of coffee they'll begin a journey of self-discovery at each others sides, but can Emma handle Evan's fame while dealing with her own demons? Emma's checkered personal past, a bad relationship that haunts the edges of her memories, threatens to make everything implode on them when Evan takes matters into his own hands.
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but your words...they'll destroy my soul--Can Emma handle being put back together and facing who she's become because of it?
310 pages, ebook
First published June 18, 2013
3 people are currently reading
1141 people want to read
About the author
Cassandra Giovanni
17 books626 followersCassandra doesn't remember a time when she wasn't writing. In fact, the first time she was published was when she was seven years old and won a contest to be published in an American Girl Doll novel. Since then Cassandra has written more novels than she can count and put just as many in the circular bin. Her personal goal with her writing is to show the reader the character's stories through their dialogue and actions instead of just telling the reader what is happening. Besides being a writer, Cassandra is a professional photographer known for her automotive, nature and architectural shots. She is happily married to the man of her dreams and they live in the rolling hills of New England with their daughter and two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
July 31, 2013
**Copy provided by an author in exchange for honest review**
„What is love exactly?”
Love Exactly is like two stories in one novel, that blend in perfectly, giving the reader spectacular impression of sweet romance and getting- to- know-yourself journey. Cassandra Giovanni wrote wonderful story about dealing with demons of past, trying to pick up the pieces of present and finding a way for better future, which is wrapped in sweet romance story that easily can captivate hearts and pin you to the ground.
Love Exactly isn’t my usual steamy read, filled with sex and crazy sexual tension, but instead it’s perfect story for those romance fans that don’t enjoy graphic sex scenes. But believe me lack of steamy factor don’t change this novel for worse, on the contrary it makes it more realistic and emotional.
„Sticks and Stones can break my bones, but words… they’ll destroy my soul”
The story follows Emma Walker, young journalist with terrible past, that changed her and broke her, now despite the fact five years have passed she still lingers in past. She can’t find strenght to write again, something she loved doing. Her sole passion is now her curse. One day she meets Evan Levesque, popular and famous lead singer. Emma rammed into him and spilled her coffee. Almost instantly they hit it off.
„I’m not trying to fix you. I don’t think you’re broken. That’s all on you. I’m just trying to show you the only one standing in your way is you.”
Love Exactly is a novel about trying to find yourself and finding strenght to write again as well as long distance relationship between normal girl and rock god. It only took me few hours to finish reading. Writing is nice and fast as well as vivid enough to not to get bored. Characters are well thought and you can easily connect with them. But the biggest issue I had while reading it was the fact that I hoped for a little bit more emotions. I felt like this novel lacked of them. I couldn’t grasp few things and I wished for more ‘sexy times’.
My other issue was the lack of contact with other characters. Almost all book was only about Emma and Evan, there were only short parts with other people in it.
In nutshell, I really enjoyed reading love exactly, it’s one of this novels that easily make you smile and have warm, fuzzy feelings all over. Despite the small things I didn’t like I still had a blast reading Love Exactly. As a fan of rock stars and all kind of romance stories, it was worth giving a try ;)
I recommend this novel for those who love romance without sex in it.
„I think we’ve found what love is exactly”
„What is love exactly?”
Love Exactly is like two stories in one novel, that blend in perfectly, giving the reader spectacular impression of sweet romance and getting- to- know-yourself journey. Cassandra Giovanni wrote wonderful story about dealing with demons of past, trying to pick up the pieces of present and finding a way for better future, which is wrapped in sweet romance story that easily can captivate hearts and pin you to the ground.
Love Exactly isn’t my usual steamy read, filled with sex and crazy sexual tension, but instead it’s perfect story for those romance fans that don’t enjoy graphic sex scenes. But believe me lack of steamy factor don’t change this novel for worse, on the contrary it makes it more realistic and emotional.
„Sticks and Stones can break my bones, but words… they’ll destroy my soul”
The story follows Emma Walker, young journalist with terrible past, that changed her and broke her, now despite the fact five years have passed she still lingers in past. She can’t find strenght to write again, something she loved doing. Her sole passion is now her curse. One day she meets Evan Levesque, popular and famous lead singer. Emma rammed into him and spilled her coffee. Almost instantly they hit it off.
„I’m not trying to fix you. I don’t think you’re broken. That’s all on you. I’m just trying to show you the only one standing in your way is you.”
Love Exactly is a novel about trying to find yourself and finding strenght to write again as well as long distance relationship between normal girl and rock god. It only took me few hours to finish reading. Writing is nice and fast as well as vivid enough to not to get bored. Characters are well thought and you can easily connect with them. But the biggest issue I had while reading it was the fact that I hoped for a little bit more emotions. I felt like this novel lacked of them. I couldn’t grasp few things and I wished for more ‘sexy times’.
My other issue was the lack of contact with other characters. Almost all book was only about Emma and Evan, there were only short parts with other people in it.
In nutshell, I really enjoyed reading love exactly, it’s one of this novels that easily make you smile and have warm, fuzzy feelings all over. Despite the small things I didn’t like I still had a blast reading Love Exactly. As a fan of rock stars and all kind of romance stories, it was worth giving a try ;)
I recommend this novel for those who love romance without sex in it.
„I think we’ve found what love is exactly”
June 16, 2013
I was honored with an ARC of this book :]]]
AWESOME LOVE STORY, great book!!!
It wasn't a hot, steamy, sex related book, it was a true, real life, normal, everyday type of atmosphere. BUT, it was worth the read!!! Sometimes it's books like this one that help you understand what life it about, and that these things go on everyday around us.
I really enjoyed it, the characters were great, awesome actually. It was the perfect Evan and perfect Emma. And the book revolved around them to and a useless ass of a person, who is not worth my sleepless night writing this review talking about him. (the ex). Anyway, it was more about the two love birds, which I enjoyed.
I would love to see more of Evan and Emma, and to be kept just like this book, right to the point, no ups and downs that make you stop breathing for a few minutes, lol.
I just loved the way Evan took care of Emma and helped her find herself again.
They were just perfect together, true love.
I mean where it stopped can go so many ways, even just a short sequel about it would be awesome (hint hint), lol.
What a great book Cassandra, and will be looking forward to others :]
So what I guess I'm saying is GIVE US MORE, LOL
AWESOME LOVE STORY, great book!!!
It wasn't a hot, steamy, sex related book, it was a true, real life, normal, everyday type of atmosphere. BUT, it was worth the read!!! Sometimes it's books like this one that help you understand what life it about, and that these things go on everyday around us.
I really enjoyed it, the characters were great, awesome actually. It was the perfect Evan and perfect Emma. And the book revolved around them to and a useless ass of a person, who is not worth my sleepless night writing this review talking about him. (the ex). Anyway, it was more about the two love birds, which I enjoyed.
I would love to see more of Evan and Emma, and to be kept just like this book, right to the point, no ups and downs that make you stop breathing for a few minutes, lol.
I just loved the way Evan took care of Emma and helped her find herself again.
They were just perfect together, true love.
I mean where it stopped can go so many ways, even just a short sequel about it would be awesome (hint hint), lol.
What a great book Cassandra, and will be looking forward to others :]
So what I guess I'm saying is GIVE US MORE, LOL
July 19, 2013
Really like this book. Hope the next one hurries out. So need more!!!
July 3, 2013
4.50 out of 5 Stars; I loved the premise of this book. Rock star meets regular girl on the street. The one not knowing that the other is famous. There are no games. Simple, sweet, loved it.
Evan was in a popular band (rock star) that toured while Emma was a photographer for a local paper. There was honesty. They did not ignore the feelings and insecurities that could happen when a regular girl dates a guy in a rock band.
“You know I’ll never hurt you.”
I smirked at him. “Yes…yes you will, but I’ll hurt you too. That’s the way things work.”
“Is that the way love works?”
It was a great love story between two people from two different worlds. Was it going to work, they did not know. However, I loved reading how it all started, came together, and worked out.
“It always ends the same-someone else in someone’s else’s arms. I don’t think I ever had someone worth fighting for. It’s just never been worth the effort.”
Did I feel connected to the characters? Yes. Evan is known as a “rock god,” but I never got the feeling that he took their relationship for granted because he was loved by so many. Evan was a successful musician and I loved that he wanted Emma to be the best that she could be. Emma used to write before a sad incident broke her and stopped her from writing. Maybe Evan was a little pushy about Emma’s writing, but I understood where he was coming from.
Another thing, this couple would go a month or more without seeing each other. I impressed that the author did not write Emma’s character as a doormat. Emma of course was not happy and missed Evan when he was touring, but she had her own life. She did her own thing. I usually crave the “over the top” predictable angst in these type of stories, but was happy that there was none of that in this story. It was a sweet romance. There was steam, but not overdone.
Pace of the story: Very good. The story starts immediately.
Positives: The writing flowed, the story did not drag. I loved the characters. I actually liked that Emma did not have an annoying BFF.
“…what is love, exactly?”
I put the camera on the desk in front of me. “Lust turned into something more…respect.”
“Trust”
“Passion”
“Admiring someone for who they are when the lights go off…”
“Even when it’s not glamorous as when they are on.”
I think those words could be in someone’s wedding vows with MAROON 5 playing in the background.
Negatives: I have to say because I am a big on ending/epilogue lover, the book can be awful, but if the ending is awesome, the whole rating of my book changes. I know that we are to assume how things happen when a couple gets together or does not get together at the end of the book. However, I don’t like assuming. I need either a sequel or an epilogue. Books either make it or break it for me with the ending. So I was a little disappointed there was no epilogue in this. What happened to the characters after the last scene? How were their lives 2 or 5 years from the last scene? I know I am supposed to assume, but I don’t like assuming. I want the author to tell me what happened to her/his characters. Can I get a bonus chapter for this story??? Plus, I miss Evan and Emma!
Do I recommend? Yes. I really liked the book.
Bottom line: As I was putting together my notes for the review and going through certain scenes, I know I will reread this book.
Book Format Read: ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Evan was in a popular band (rock star) that toured while Emma was a photographer for a local paper. There was honesty. They did not ignore the feelings and insecurities that could happen when a regular girl dates a guy in a rock band.
“You know I’ll never hurt you.”
I smirked at him. “Yes…yes you will, but I’ll hurt you too. That’s the way things work.”
“Is that the way love works?”
It was a great love story between two people from two different worlds. Was it going to work, they did not know. However, I loved reading how it all started, came together, and worked out.
“It always ends the same-someone else in someone’s else’s arms. I don’t think I ever had someone worth fighting for. It’s just never been worth the effort.”
Did I feel connected to the characters? Yes. Evan is known as a “rock god,” but I never got the feeling that he took their relationship for granted because he was loved by so many. Evan was a successful musician and I loved that he wanted Emma to be the best that she could be. Emma used to write before a sad incident broke her and stopped her from writing. Maybe Evan was a little pushy about Emma’s writing, but I understood where he was coming from.
Another thing, this couple would go a month or more without seeing each other. I impressed that the author did not write Emma’s character as a doormat. Emma of course was not happy and missed Evan when he was touring, but she had her own life. She did her own thing. I usually crave the “over the top” predictable angst in these type of stories, but was happy that there was none of that in this story. It was a sweet romance. There was steam, but not overdone.
Pace of the story: Very good. The story starts immediately.
Positives: The writing flowed, the story did not drag. I loved the characters. I actually liked that Emma did not have an annoying BFF.
“…what is love, exactly?”
I put the camera on the desk in front of me. “Lust turned into something more…respect.”
“Trust”
“Passion”
“Admiring someone for who they are when the lights go off…”
“Even when it’s not glamorous as when they are on.”
I think those words could be in someone’s wedding vows with MAROON 5 playing in the background.
Negatives: I have to say because I am a big on ending/epilogue lover, the book can be awful, but if the ending is awesome, the whole rating of my book changes. I know that we are to assume how things happen when a couple gets together or does not get together at the end of the book. However, I don’t like assuming. I need either a sequel or an epilogue. Books either make it or break it for me with the ending. So I was a little disappointed there was no epilogue in this. What happened to the characters after the last scene? How were their lives 2 or 5 years from the last scene? I know I am supposed to assume, but I don’t like assuming. I want the author to tell me what happened to her/his characters. Can I get a bonus chapter for this story??? Plus, I miss Evan and Emma!
Do I recommend? Yes. I really liked the book.
Bottom line: As I was putting together my notes for the review and going through certain scenes, I know I will reread this book.
Book Format Read: ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2013
Novel playlist from the author and Love Exactly giveaway on my blog http://escapeintowords.blogspot.co.uk...
Love Exactly was a joy to read. There's not as much heartache as there is in a lot of New Adult novels, and although that can make for a moving read, I don't think any less of LE for the lack of it. What LE does have is an overwhelming sense of rightness throughout - the way the relationship goes, the ups and downs, the realness of it all just feel so right.
Emma is honest and beautiful, inside and out. She's braver than she thinks she is, though it takes her a while to finally realise it. She's been through hell and back in the past, and it's affected her, as it would anyone. When she meets Evan she's very fragile, and the way he needs her, as much as she needs him, helps her to heal and grow.
Evan is just plain gorgeous. He's amazing in all sorts of ways. Apart from the purely physical hotness, he's deeply kind, romantic, talented and very lovely. He's almost too perfect. Even his flaws, such as they are, don't really seem like flaws when taken in context.
Evan is famous. He's a rock star. But he's also a person, and that's what we get to see the most. Emma grounds him, she lets him be himself, demands it even. Not that he's given to prima donna-esque outbreaks. He's 30 when we meet him - old enough to have worked his way through the bad-boy phase and come out the other side relatively unscathed. I would like to read Evan's side of the story, Beautiful Disaster/Walking Disaster style, because I get the feeling there's a lot more to him than we ever get to see.
If you've been reading my reviews you'll know how picky I am about endings, and I'm pleased to report that this is a really good one. So many books go on too far beyond the point at which they could and should stop, but Love Exactly ends in exactly the right place. Cassandra gets it spot-on, not just at the end, but all the way through. Her writing is full of feeling and addictive to read, her characters are genuinely likeable and everything about this book makes me want to read more of her work.
Love Exactly was a joy to read. There's not as much heartache as there is in a lot of New Adult novels, and although that can make for a moving read, I don't think any less of LE for the lack of it. What LE does have is an overwhelming sense of rightness throughout - the way the relationship goes, the ups and downs, the realness of it all just feel so right.
Emma is honest and beautiful, inside and out. She's braver than she thinks she is, though it takes her a while to finally realise it. She's been through hell and back in the past, and it's affected her, as it would anyone. When she meets Evan she's very fragile, and the way he needs her, as much as she needs him, helps her to heal and grow.
Evan is just plain gorgeous. He's amazing in all sorts of ways. Apart from the purely physical hotness, he's deeply kind, romantic, talented and very lovely. He's almost too perfect. Even his flaws, such as they are, don't really seem like flaws when taken in context.
Evan is famous. He's a rock star. But he's also a person, and that's what we get to see the most. Emma grounds him, she lets him be himself, demands it even. Not that he's given to prima donna-esque outbreaks. He's 30 when we meet him - old enough to have worked his way through the bad-boy phase and come out the other side relatively unscathed. I would like to read Evan's side of the story, Beautiful Disaster/Walking Disaster style, because I get the feeling there's a lot more to him than we ever get to see.
If you've been reading my reviews you'll know how picky I am about endings, and I'm pleased to report that this is a really good one. So many books go on too far beyond the point at which they could and should stop, but Love Exactly ends in exactly the right place. Cassandra gets it spot-on, not just at the end, but all the way through. Her writing is full of feeling and addictive to read, her characters are genuinely likeable and everything about this book makes me want to read more of her work.
June 26, 2013
www.the-book-diaries.blogspot.com
Love Exactly is a great example of a true adult romance novel. It was wonderfully written in a way that is geared for an adult. I have read adult romance books where the main character is a 30 something adult but act and do such juvenile things. In Love Exactly you have two characters that are so lost in themselves that is takes meeting each other to discover what their lives were truly missing. I liked that they actually dated, well kind of, but didn't just jump into the sack on the first page. It was wonderful to watch the growth of their relationship and within themselves. Emma is horribly broken, so far broken that she is truly a shell of a person. Evan is living the life of a rock god, but missing out on being with someone that can complete him. I can't even really say what it was about this book that kept me intrigued. There is no action, no suspense, it's all love and drama. The way Cassandra has written this story is fantastic. Not only do you feel empathy for the characters but you become so engrossed with seeing where their relationship is going that it becomes hard to put it down. In the end, you don't get the fairy tale happy ending, but you get a sense of completion where you think, ok, they are going to be alright. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.
Love Exactly is a great example of a true adult romance novel. It was wonderfully written in a way that is geared for an adult. I have read adult romance books where the main character is a 30 something adult but act and do such juvenile things. In Love Exactly you have two characters that are so lost in themselves that is takes meeting each other to discover what their lives were truly missing. I liked that they actually dated, well kind of, but didn't just jump into the sack on the first page. It was wonderful to watch the growth of their relationship and within themselves. Emma is horribly broken, so far broken that she is truly a shell of a person. Evan is living the life of a rock god, but missing out on being with someone that can complete him. I can't even really say what it was about this book that kept me intrigued. There is no action, no suspense, it's all love and drama. The way Cassandra has written this story is fantastic. Not only do you feel empathy for the characters but you become so engrossed with seeing where their relationship is going that it becomes hard to put it down. In the end, you don't get the fairy tale happy ending, but you get a sense of completion where you think, ok, they are going to be alright. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.
July 5, 2013
Before I start with the review let me just say, do not let the beginning of this book keep you from reading all the way through!
Love Exactly is an amazing story about Emma and Evan finding each other as well as themselves. Emma is a normal girl with a very haunting past that she has to overcome or lose everything that means the most to her. Evan is a "Rock-God" that finds himself needing Emma just as much as she needs him. The two both have their own struggles to overcome while learning "What is love, exactly?"
Author Cassandra Giovanni does a great job showing the emotional struggle both characters experience throughout the book. We get to see the story told through Emma's eyes. It is full enough emotion to leave you crying and laughing all within one chapter. The story starts off a bit too quick in the beginning, almost leaving you want to scream WTH!, but by the middle it really leaves you wanting more. I would definitely say "READ THIS BOOK!!" Let it show you that it may take a lot of fighting and sacrificing, but if it is worth it you must not give up.
4/5 stars from Alyssa
Love Exactly is an amazing story about Emma and Evan finding each other as well as themselves. Emma is a normal girl with a very haunting past that she has to overcome or lose everything that means the most to her. Evan is a "Rock-God" that finds himself needing Emma just as much as she needs him. The two both have their own struggles to overcome while learning "What is love, exactly?"
Author Cassandra Giovanni does a great job showing the emotional struggle both characters experience throughout the book. We get to see the story told through Emma's eyes. It is full enough emotion to leave you crying and laughing all within one chapter. The story starts off a bit too quick in the beginning, almost leaving you want to scream WTH!, but by the middle it really leaves you wanting more. I would definitely say "READ THIS BOOK!!" Let it show you that it may take a lot of fighting and sacrificing, but if it is worth it you must not give up.
4/5 stars from Alyssa
July 5, 2013
Read this review and more at
The Book Wranglers
This book was provided by NetGalley
4.5 out of 5 Stars
I found my heart fluttering at times while reading this book. Love Exactly gave a great depiction of what love, true love
really is. It starts like this...
Meet Emma & Evan
Emma- early twenties, smart, attractive, hard working, artistic, somewhat of a loner, and pretty independent. She's young with the world and all of its possibilities ahead of her, but she's stuck in neutral, and barely moving forward because the demons of her past continue to plague her future.
Enter Evan- early to mid thirties, sexy lead singer of a band, has a deep side to him, and of course artistic. Evan has been playing in his super famous band with the same friends since 16-years-old. The world tours, countless women, hotel stays, and the endless moochers have exhausted Evan to no end, and now he's considering a break.
The Magic- when Evan enters Emma's life it's like the stars aligning and the world suddenly makes sense because they're both into and together. Their chance encounter is just what they both need to add a little spice to their lives.
It doesn't take long for Emma and Evan to realize that this is the greatest relationship they've EVER had. It's almost as though they were made for each other; their love of music, art, and just understanding one another on a very basic level, I don't know how they functioned without one another. Oh wait, they didn't really function well at all without one another–keeping Emma's identity from the media in an attempt to build their relationship without the wold intruding–not really going out to public places where Evan will be recognized. Their fishbowl romance starts to crack when their relationship is challenged first, by the constant traveling and recording out-of-state
and second, when Evan begins to make major decisions dealing with the band that leave his manager and PR rep wondering if Emma might just be a bad influence.
Despite what most may think Evan is determined to keep Emma in his life. He will not allow anything to come between them; not work, distance, music, or Hollywood and to prove it he's planning on forever.
The Best Thing:
I can go on an all day tangent about this book but I'll try to limit it to a few. I loved the characters, especially our main characters Emma and Evan. I loved that the overall story was truly a love story and beautifully told throughout.
I guess i just really really loved this book. There are so many quotes that hit close to home, so many scenes that I could relate to, so many moments throughout the story that inspire instead of creating drama. I really like Emma! She's real. She represents so many women, young and old, that have experienced abuse and are still struggling to take back their lives. The simple things like speaking up for yourself or doing what makes you happy most are taken for granted by most, caused Emma pain. It was a relief to see that gradually she was able to drop her walls, build her self-esteem and realize she was more than what her ex told her she was.
Although the cover art changed from the original I must say it really goes with story, which for me is very important. Cover art can break a book for me. I've actually lowered a review because it...lol. Great job Cassandra.
The Worst Thing:
I absolutely wanted to throttle Eric, the ex. Oh how I envisioned Evan socking him in the eye.
Too violent? Okay, I'll tame it down some.
I will admit that although I really liked Emma it bothered me the she was somewhat careless with Evan at times. I mean I totally get it, she was scared shitless to move forward after her past experience, but with Evan given her hope and inspiring her she still couldn't find her way out of the rabbit hole. Eric's pull irritated me so bad. I found that I was angry knowing he was the reason she didn't write anymore. My irritation isn't really at the storyline itself, but rather certain characters. I guess you could say that this isn't really bad because in every love story you have to have some jackass that takes the fall so we can see the real knight!
The Book Wranglers
This book was provided by NetGalley
4.5 out of 5 Stars
I found my heart fluttering at times while reading this book. Love Exactly gave a great depiction of what love, true love
really is. It starts like this...
Meet Emma & Evan
Emma- early twenties, smart, attractive, hard working, artistic, somewhat of a loner, and pretty independent. She's young with the world and all of its possibilities ahead of her, but she's stuck in neutral, and barely moving forward because the demons of her past continue to plague her future.
Enter Evan- early to mid thirties, sexy lead singer of a band, has a deep side to him, and of course artistic. Evan has been playing in his super famous band with the same friends since 16-years-old. The world tours, countless women, hotel stays, and the endless moochers have exhausted Evan to no end, and now he's considering a break.
The Magic- when Evan enters Emma's life it's like the stars aligning and the world suddenly makes sense because they're both into and together. Their chance encounter is just what they both need to add a little spice to their lives.
It doesn't take long for Emma and Evan to realize that this is the greatest relationship they've EVER had. It's almost as though they were made for each other; their love of music, art, and just understanding one another on a very basic level, I don't know how they functioned without one another. Oh wait, they didn't really function well at all without one another–keeping Emma's identity from the media in an attempt to build their relationship without the wold intruding–not really going out to public places where Evan will be recognized. Their fishbowl romance starts to crack when their relationship is challenged first, by the constant traveling and recording out-of-state
and second, when Evan begins to make major decisions dealing with the band that leave his manager and PR rep wondering if Emma might just be a bad influence.
Despite what most may think Evan is determined to keep Emma in his life. He will not allow anything to come between them; not work, distance, music, or Hollywood and to prove it he's planning on forever.
The Best Thing:
I can go on an all day tangent about this book but I'll try to limit it to a few. I loved the characters, especially our main characters Emma and Evan. I loved that the overall story was truly a love story and beautifully told throughout.
I guess i just really really loved this book. There are so many quotes that hit close to home, so many scenes that I could relate to, so many moments throughout the story that inspire instead of creating drama. I really like Emma! She's real. She represents so many women, young and old, that have experienced abuse and are still struggling to take back their lives. The simple things like speaking up for yourself or doing what makes you happy most are taken for granted by most, caused Emma pain. It was a relief to see that gradually she was able to drop her walls, build her self-esteem and realize she was more than what her ex told her she was.
Although the cover art changed from the original I must say it really goes with story, which for me is very important. Cover art can break a book for me. I've actually lowered a review because it...lol. Great job Cassandra.
The Worst Thing:
I absolutely wanted to throttle Eric, the ex. Oh how I envisioned Evan socking him in the eye.
Too violent? Okay, I'll tame it down some.
I will admit that although I really liked Emma it bothered me the she was somewhat careless with Evan at times. I mean I totally get it, she was scared shitless to move forward after her past experience, but with Evan given her hope and inspiring her she still couldn't find her way out of the rabbit hole. Eric's pull irritated me so bad. I found that I was angry knowing he was the reason she didn't write anymore. My irritation isn't really at the storyline itself, but rather certain characters. I guess you could say that this isn't really bad because in every love story you have to have some jackass that takes the fall so we can see the real knight!
August 8, 2013
CASSANDRA GIOVANNI - LOVE EXACTLY
Sticks & Stones #1
4 Stars
Emma lives in her Connecticut hometown, she's writing for the local paper - but only unimportant stuff. She wants to write a New Adult Novel - but she doesn't have the words anymore - after what happened to her in HighSchool.
One morning she and her cup of coffee run into RockStar Evan.
Both are instantly attracted to each other and he invites her for a cup of coffee
She in turn invites him - well - he invites himself - to accompany her to the basketball game that night.
They start dating - but it's complicated - with him being a rock star touring the country - and her not having much confidence in everything she does and everything she is and wants to be.
But it seems to work - he helps her to start writing again - or he doesn't pressure her to write again. He knows that she's standing in the way of her own happiness - bu he lets her move at her own pace.
Ok - that's it....
I don't want to spoil anything .... only a few not-too-spoiling-points:
- we're visiting a few HighSchool Basketball games
- Emma joins Evan in Boston to see him perform
-We'll be hearing the following song:
FIELDS OF GOLD
-someone might get a tattoo
- some older person might see a younger person half-naked
- there will be long periods of time when Emma & Evan are not together
- Emma's Ex appears a few times
- will the band win a Grammy? or not ☺
WILL THERE BE A HAPPY END OR IS IT A CLIFFHANGER??? ☺☺☺
well - nobody is literally hanging off a cliff - but it's a bit of an open end ;)
MY OPINION
I really liked the story - could've been a bit longer - with a bit more 'stuff' happening - but it was a cute little romance!
BUT - I don't really know what to say - it's not really my kind of book - there's no SEX in it at all!!! ☺ Only a few kisses and they're not even described all that much. I get that she wants to go slow because she's been hurt before - but jeeez woman! He's a ROCK-STAR!!! Go for it!
The only thing missing in this 'chaste' story - so that I would NOT have read it at all - would've been talk about God or religion and prayer. But fortunately Cassandra left that out ☺
The way they meet? They meet - bam - and they're together - nobody cares why there's a RockGod in that store and in that town - just like that they're a couple! Felt a bit weird to me. Way too fast - but considering that the rest of the book is only about the 2 of them taking their time about everything - they needed to go fast at the beginning ☺
Maybe Emma should've been 19 and Evan 20 and then call the book NEW or YOUNG ADULT for readers 15+ - that would have been perfect! It felt way too young to me - and Evan is 30! - but he acts like a 16-year old girl ☺
Many sentences didn't make any sense to me - someone says something and another person answers, but the answer doesn't have anything to do with what the first person said. At least I didn't understand some things.
But - all in all - I liked the story - I love Rock-Star-Books - and Evan is really the greatest guy!
Emma is cute too - the way she wants to learn to play the guitar and the way she doesn't freak out too much about any of those rock-star-related things.
I hope I don't sound too unkind - because that's not what I'm trying to say - it's a really cute book - lots of feelings and romance and this whole coming-of-age and overcoming your fears thing! But it just wasn't my kind of book - even though it had a rock star in it ☺☺☺
So - if you don't need your books to be sexually explicit - GO AND GET IT!
AND - I WILL READ THE SECOND BOOK IN THE SERIES - I HAVE TO KNOW HOW THE STORY OF EMMA & EVAN WILL END ☺
Sticks & Stones #1
4 Stars
Emma lives in her Connecticut hometown, she's writing for the local paper - but only unimportant stuff. She wants to write a New Adult Novel - but she doesn't have the words anymore - after what happened to her in HighSchool.
One morning she and her cup of coffee run into RockStar Evan.
Both are instantly attracted to each other and he invites her for a cup of coffee
She in turn invites him - well - he invites himself - to accompany her to the basketball game that night.
They start dating - but it's complicated - with him being a rock star touring the country - and her not having much confidence in everything she does and everything she is and wants to be.
But it seems to work - he helps her to start writing again - or he doesn't pressure her to write again. He knows that she's standing in the way of her own happiness - bu he lets her move at her own pace.
Ok - that's it....
I don't want to spoil anything .... only a few not-too-spoiling-points:
- we're visiting a few HighSchool Basketball games
- Emma joins Evan in Boston to see him perform
-We'll be hearing the following song:
FIELDS OF GOLD
-someone might get a tattoo
- some older person might see a younger person half-naked
- there will be long periods of time when Emma & Evan are not together
- Emma's Ex appears a few times
- will the band win a Grammy? or not ☺
WILL THERE BE A HAPPY END OR IS IT A CLIFFHANGER??? ☺☺☺
well - nobody is literally hanging off a cliff - but it's a bit of an open end ;)
MY OPINION
I really liked the story - could've been a bit longer - with a bit more 'stuff' happening - but it was a cute little romance!
BUT - I don't really know what to say - it's not really my kind of book - there's no SEX in it at all!!! ☺ Only a few kisses and they're not even described all that much. I get that she wants to go slow because she's been hurt before - but jeeez woman! He's a ROCK-STAR!!! Go for it!
The only thing missing in this 'chaste' story - so that I would NOT have read it at all - would've been talk about God or religion and prayer. But fortunately Cassandra left that out ☺
The way they meet? They meet - bam - and they're together - nobody cares why there's a RockGod in that store and in that town - just like that they're a couple! Felt a bit weird to me. Way too fast - but considering that the rest of the book is only about the 2 of them taking their time about everything - they needed to go fast at the beginning ☺
Maybe Emma should've been 19 and Evan 20 and then call the book NEW or YOUNG ADULT for readers 15+ - that would have been perfect! It felt way too young to me - and Evan is 30! - but he acts like a 16-year old girl ☺
Many sentences didn't make any sense to me - someone says something and another person answers, but the answer doesn't have anything to do with what the first person said. At least I didn't understand some things.
But - all in all - I liked the story - I love Rock-Star-Books - and Evan is really the greatest guy!
For so long my music has been my heart. But now it's you...you're my heart.
Emma is cute too - the way she wants to learn to play the guitar and the way she doesn't freak out too much about any of those rock-star-related things.
I hope I don't sound too unkind - because that's not what I'm trying to say - it's a really cute book - lots of feelings and romance and this whole coming-of-age and overcoming your fears thing! But it just wasn't my kind of book - even though it had a rock star in it ☺☺☺
So - if you don't need your books to be sexually explicit - GO AND GET IT!
AND - I WILL READ THE SECOND BOOK IN THE SERIES - I HAVE TO KNOW HOW THE STORY OF EMMA & EVAN WILL END ☺
January 5, 2014
Love Exactly was a sweet yet heartfelt love story about two people accepting the past in order to have the future they crave and deserve. This book was a refreshingly realistic take at a rock star romance. There weren’t all these angst-driven scenes about cheating or the craziness that comes with being in the public eye – which is great if you’re looking to relax while reading. Yes, things got difficult for Evan and Emma throughout the book, but it was really more about them together.
What is love? This was a topic that Evan Levesque, rock star genius, and Emma Walker, writer, knew very little about. A question, which we slowly see answered along the way. After a chance and quite embarrassing meeting, Evan couldn’t seem stay away from Emma. How could he? He longed for normalcy so much and that was just what she was… normal. Once realizing who he was, she didn’t ‘fangirl’ all over the place, she didn’t faint or drool. She just was.
After that first meeting, Evan and Emma had an instant connection. They understood a lot more about each other than they realized. They opened up and slowly helped each other start to heal those stubborn emotional wounds they had both been carrying.
Being a famous rock star wasn’t always easy for Evan. Especially, when Emma had so many fears of what would happen if people found out she was his girlfriend. This situation caused their relationship to have a few bumps along the way. People started to get between them, trying to keep them apart. It also didn’t help that Emma’s past had come back to haunt her. As if it wasn’t enough that it had a firm grip on her emotionally, now, it was fully present. Seeing Evan be there for Emma, every step of the way, was amazing. He was a true romantic! So patient and understanding…
My heart ached for Evan and Emma. I rooted for them since the very beginning. You could just tell they were what they both needed in their lives. Emma was what made Evan feel normal, what made him feel like he could slow down in life and truly enjoy his music. And Evan? He was what gave Emma that extra push to actually accomplish her dreams. See? They completed each other...they filled the aching gaps in their souls.
As for the ending, loved it! Both Evan and Emma faced their fears and were truly whole and happy together. And what a way to end the book! Beautiful final words!!!! I can’t wait for the next book, though. I want to see where life takes them! I recommend this book to every romance junkie out there looking for a relaxing, yet heartfelt story.
**A copy of Love Exactly was provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!! **
“…in his flaws I’d found perfection.”
What is love? This was a topic that Evan Levesque, rock star genius, and Emma Walker, writer, knew very little about. A question, which we slowly see answered along the way. After a chance and quite embarrassing meeting, Evan couldn’t seem stay away from Emma. How could he? He longed for normalcy so much and that was just what she was… normal. Once realizing who he was, she didn’t ‘fangirl’ all over the place, she didn’t faint or drool. She just was.
After that first meeting, Evan and Emma had an instant connection. They understood a lot more about each other than they realized. They opened up and slowly helped each other start to heal those stubborn emotional wounds they had both been carrying.
“Somehow now that I have you nothing anyone else says matters.”
Being a famous rock star wasn’t always easy for Evan. Especially, when Emma had so many fears of what would happen if people found out she was his girlfriend. This situation caused their relationship to have a few bumps along the way. People started to get between them, trying to keep them apart. It also didn’t help that Emma’s past had come back to haunt her. As if it wasn’t enough that it had a firm grip on her emotionally, now, it was fully present. Seeing Evan be there for Emma, every step of the way, was amazing. He was a true romantic! So patient and understanding…
“Love is never breaking a promise, no matter how hard it is to keep.”
My heart ached for Evan and Emma. I rooted for them since the very beginning. You could just tell they were what they both needed in their lives. Emma was what made Evan feel normal, what made him feel like he could slow down in life and truly enjoy his music. And Evan? He was what gave Emma that extra push to actually accomplish her dreams. See? They completed each other...they filled the aching gaps in their souls.
As for the ending, loved it! Both Evan and Emma faced their fears and were truly whole and happy together. And what a way to end the book! Beautiful final words!!!! I can’t wait for the next book, though. I want to see where life takes them! I recommend this book to every romance junkie out there looking for a relaxing, yet heartfelt story.
“This was love exactly as it was supposed to be, slow, sweet, and agonizing in its perfect way.”
**A copy of Love Exactly was provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!! **
September 12, 2013
From Goodreads:
Emma Walker was a writer who'd lost herself to someone else's anger--who had given up on ever feeling like herself again. Evan Levesque was a rock-god--the one all the woman wanted, but he'd never gotten used to the loneliness between the stage and real life. With just one cup of coffee they'll begin a journey of self-discovery at each others sides, but can Emma handle Evan's fame while dealing with her own demons? Emma's checkered personal past, a bad relationship that haunts the edges of her memories, threatens to make everything implode on them when Evan takes matters into his own hands. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but your words...they'll destroy my soul--Can Emma handle being put back together and facing who she's become because of it?
My Review:
I had no idea what to expect from Cassandra Giovanni. A new author to me with a book that I really didn’t know much about. Love Exactly was amazing! It was a romance without all the hot and steamy. There was hot and steamy, but so much more than that in this book. Evan and Emma had such a deep connection. Evan, the rock star, was kept “normal” by Emma and Emma was made “ a star” by Evan. There complimented each other so perfectly. I loved that their relationship was not about sex and that Evan did not push for more than what Emma was willing and able to give. When they FINALLY! took their relationship to that next level it was cause the time was right, not cause one of them was afraid of losing the other.
Love Exactly was a novel more about a broken girl/woman who had a rough relationship in the past moving forward and finding herself again. The rough relationship she let define who she was and the long distance relationship was helping her heal. The emotional struggles that both Evan and Emma have and share with each other kept me awake way past bedtime. The fact that the story was told through Emma’s eyes made me love it even more.
I found this book refreshing. A fun rock and roll story, but not the typical rock and roll story. I will certainly recommend this book to all my romance loving friends. When the next book in this series come out I will be one of the first in line waiting for my copy.
Emma Walker was a writer who'd lost herself to someone else's anger--who had given up on ever feeling like herself again. Evan Levesque was a rock-god--the one all the woman wanted, but he'd never gotten used to the loneliness between the stage and real life. With just one cup of coffee they'll begin a journey of self-discovery at each others sides, but can Emma handle Evan's fame while dealing with her own demons? Emma's checkered personal past, a bad relationship that haunts the edges of her memories, threatens to make everything implode on them when Evan takes matters into his own hands. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but your words...they'll destroy my soul--Can Emma handle being put back together and facing who she's become because of it?
My Review:
I had no idea what to expect from Cassandra Giovanni. A new author to me with a book that I really didn’t know much about. Love Exactly was amazing! It was a romance without all the hot and steamy. There was hot and steamy, but so much more than that in this book. Evan and Emma had such a deep connection. Evan, the rock star, was kept “normal” by Emma and Emma was made “ a star” by Evan. There complimented each other so perfectly. I loved that their relationship was not about sex and that Evan did not push for more than what Emma was willing and able to give. When they FINALLY! took their relationship to that next level it was cause the time was right, not cause one of them was afraid of losing the other.
Love Exactly was a novel more about a broken girl/woman who had a rough relationship in the past moving forward and finding herself again. The rough relationship she let define who she was and the long distance relationship was helping her heal. The emotional struggles that both Evan and Emma have and share with each other kept me awake way past bedtime. The fact that the story was told through Emma’s eyes made me love it even more.
I found this book refreshing. A fun rock and roll story, but not the typical rock and roll story. I will certainly recommend this book to all my romance loving friends. When the next book in this series come out I will be one of the first in line waiting for my copy.
August 27, 2013
Awe! Loved that HEA!
Way cute story - Love the whole "Rock God" that Evan is - even if he doesn't know it.
Evan is a down to earth sweetheart who has had his fame as a Rock Star since he was 16 years old. His band mates are his best friends. Evan is the only one that isn't married out of his friends. But that doesn't make him the type to go on a rampage and sleep with everyone - he did that back when he was younger. Now he's looking for the one that will make him happy. The one that gets him...
And when she runs into the back of him spilling her coffee, he recognizes that chemistry right away...
Emma is your typical normal girl. Trying to get by in life, dealing with the troubled past. She use to love to write, but when things got a little complicated in high school, she gave it up. She's been afraid to try to write her own Novel since then.
But she writes for the local paper. She usually gets the crappy jobs that no one wants. But she does what she has to do in order to get by.
When Evan offer's to buy her a good cup of coffee instead of the 99 cent coffee she spilt, she knew she'd be crazy to pass up that opportunity.
Emma treated Evan as she would a regular person. After all, he seemed so normal. Evan wasn't even sure she knew who he was. But was happy to hear that she did know who he was, and still treated him like a normal person.
He offered to go to the high school basketball game with her since she had to go there for her story.
When Evan had to go back on the road to tour with his band, they stayed in touch. Texting and Video chat as much as they could.
And when Evan surprised Emma for a full week visit, blowing off part of his tour, because he missed her.. AWE!!!!
Too cute - they really got each other. They were like best friends who were able to finish off each other's sentences, without having to use words. And to Evan, that was everything.
But he knew about Emma's past. And he knew that she struggled with her writing. It was important to her. And since Emma's presence alone helped Evan fall in love with his music all over again, he was determined to help Emma get on with her life.
Really cute story - fun and easy going :)
Way cute story - Love the whole "Rock God" that Evan is - even if he doesn't know it.
Evan is a down to earth sweetheart who has had his fame as a Rock Star since he was 16 years old. His band mates are his best friends. Evan is the only one that isn't married out of his friends. But that doesn't make him the type to go on a rampage and sleep with everyone - he did that back when he was younger. Now he's looking for the one that will make him happy. The one that gets him...
And when she runs into the back of him spilling her coffee, he recognizes that chemistry right away...
Emma is your typical normal girl. Trying to get by in life, dealing with the troubled past. She use to love to write, but when things got a little complicated in high school, she gave it up. She's been afraid to try to write her own Novel since then.
But she writes for the local paper. She usually gets the crappy jobs that no one wants. But she does what she has to do in order to get by.
When Evan offer's to buy her a good cup of coffee instead of the 99 cent coffee she spilt, she knew she'd be crazy to pass up that opportunity.
Emma treated Evan as she would a regular person. After all, he seemed so normal. Evan wasn't even sure she knew who he was. But was happy to hear that she did know who he was, and still treated him like a normal person.
He offered to go to the high school basketball game with her since she had to go there for her story.
When Evan had to go back on the road to tour with his band, they stayed in touch. Texting and Video chat as much as they could.
And when Evan surprised Emma for a full week visit, blowing off part of his tour, because he missed her.. AWE!!!!
Too cute - they really got each other. They were like best friends who were able to finish off each other's sentences, without having to use words. And to Evan, that was everything.
But he knew about Emma's past. And he knew that she struggled with her writing. It was important to her. And since Emma's presence alone helped Evan fall in love with his music all over again, he was determined to help Emma get on with her life.
Really cute story - fun and easy going :)
July 2, 2013
It is no secret that I love this genre and read as much of it as I can and although I love it, I can only take it in small doses because of all the angst and emotions they usually portray and bring out in me.
So it was with a sense of relief when I finished this one that I realized it was quite unlike a lot of books in this genre in the fact that even though Evan and Emma had issues and things to deal with, one thing about them that didn't change, that didn't waver, was their relationship. Never once was it filled with the drama and angst that is usually associated with this genre and I loved it for that. It was a nice change of pace. And not only did I love the drama free relationship aspect this still felt right. Evan was a rock star and he tried to shield Emma from that as much as possible but just because he was a rock star, Emma didn't jump into bed with him and give him whatever he wanted. They took their relationship slow and became friends first and I loved that. They worked through their demons together and grew stronger not only as a couple because of it but as individuals as well and that was the beauty of the their story, the beauty of the writing within the pages.
Giovanni came up with something that while not completely unique or even something all of us can relate too (dating a rock star) she put real emotions and issues that we can relate to. Fears, demons, past relationship drama, insecurities, trust issues, first love, friendship and so much more. She put a spin on it that was so sweet and real feeling that you couldn't help but fall in love with Evan and Emma's story and root for their love and their relationship to work and to last.
I literally read this in one sitting and just couldn't get enough of it. I was a little sad to see it end but very happy with the ending when it did come. I closed the book with a sigh and a smile on my face and couldn't of asked for more.
http://myguiltyobsession.blogspot.com...
So it was with a sense of relief when I finished this one that I realized it was quite unlike a lot of books in this genre in the fact that even though Evan and Emma had issues and things to deal with, one thing about them that didn't change, that didn't waver, was their relationship. Never once was it filled with the drama and angst that is usually associated with this genre and I loved it for that. It was a nice change of pace. And not only did I love the drama free relationship aspect this still felt right. Evan was a rock star and he tried to shield Emma from that as much as possible but just because he was a rock star, Emma didn't jump into bed with him and give him whatever he wanted. They took their relationship slow and became friends first and I loved that. They worked through their demons together and grew stronger not only as a couple because of it but as individuals as well and that was the beauty of the their story, the beauty of the writing within the pages.
Giovanni came up with something that while not completely unique or even something all of us can relate too (dating a rock star) she put real emotions and issues that we can relate to. Fears, demons, past relationship drama, insecurities, trust issues, first love, friendship and so much more. She put a spin on it that was so sweet and real feeling that you couldn't help but fall in love with Evan and Emma's story and root for their love and their relationship to work and to last.
I literally read this in one sitting and just couldn't get enough of it. I was a little sad to see it end but very happy with the ending when it did come. I closed the book with a sigh and a smile on my face and couldn't of asked for more.
http://myguiltyobsession.blogspot.com...
August 20, 2013
* * * * 4 S T A R S * * * *
A sweet love story and a fun read!
This story was definitely different for me. After reading the description, I expected a story filled with angst, drama, and some sex & drugs to go along with this rock star romance. What I got was a sweet love story that was built on great characters with some “rock star” twists on the side.
This story focuses on Emma ~ a sweet, smart, “beautiful-but-doesn’t-know-it” young woman who seems somewhat stuck… On the outside everything seems fine but there’s still something missing in her life. Then you have Evan ~ a sexy rock star that is looking for a break from all the craziness that surrounds his life. They meet and BOOM! Everything changes for both of them and it seems like they both know it in an instant. Now, it’s never that easy… right? Yeah, these two definitely have some obstacles thrown their way and when their journey gets rough its interesting to see who steps up.
I really enjoyed reading this story. The way Emma and Evan’s relationship grew throughout the book and the way their characters were developed really made this a fun read for me. The heat factor in this story is mild but Evan made it totally worth it. He was hot, sexy, sweet and tried so hard to prove himself… **sigh** he totally had me from the start. For me, Emma had the most growth throughout book and I loved where she ultimately ended up.
This story grabbed me from the start and took me on such a sweet journey with these characters. I really enjoyed it and I can’t wait for more from this author!
** I received this ebook in exchange for an honest review. **
A sweet love story and a fun read!
This story was definitely different for me. After reading the description, I expected a story filled with angst, drama, and some sex & drugs to go along with this rock star romance. What I got was a sweet love story that was built on great characters with some “rock star” twists on the side.
This story focuses on Emma ~ a sweet, smart, “beautiful-but-doesn’t-know-it” young woman who seems somewhat stuck… On the outside everything seems fine but there’s still something missing in her life. Then you have Evan ~ a sexy rock star that is looking for a break from all the craziness that surrounds his life. They meet and BOOM! Everything changes for both of them and it seems like they both know it in an instant. Now, it’s never that easy… right? Yeah, these two definitely have some obstacles thrown their way and when their journey gets rough its interesting to see who steps up.
I really enjoyed reading this story. The way Emma and Evan’s relationship grew throughout the book and the way their characters were developed really made this a fun read for me. The heat factor in this story is mild but Evan made it totally worth it. He was hot, sexy, sweet and tried so hard to prove himself… **sigh** he totally had me from the start. For me, Emma had the most growth throughout book and I loved where she ultimately ended up.
This story grabbed me from the start and took me on such a sweet journey with these characters. I really enjoyed it and I can’t wait for more from this author!
** I received this ebook in exchange for an honest review. **
November 14, 2015
A 4 .5 star gem if ever there was one. I needed a feel good love story and after reading one or two other reviews, I took the chance and was not disappointed.
The story revolves around one Emma Walker (loner and recent college grad) and Evan Levanesque ( first and foremost, he should be labeled as a sweetheart, then as a hot rock God musician). We watch 2 endearing and worthy characters as they develop a relationship over a long distance, long separations, and too short reunions. I'm so glad I got to know them. The dialogue was very well done and it kept the feel of the story in the moment & very real.
Kudos to the author for doing a wonderful job developing and delving into the long term impact upon self worth, trust and fear that both verbal and physical abuse impart upon the victim - we saw just how deeply Emma was held in hostage by her experience with abuse and how she felt trapped in reacting to abuse from years before. We were able to watch her evolve in both confronting her fears and move forward- and of course it was her relationship with Evan that was the impetus in her growth. She would likely have remained stuck and what was great about the story is that she realized it and did something to change it.
Evans' immediate devotion to Emma and the desire to actual work on developing their relationship made him immediately likable. Their connection was instantaneous and he had the wherewithal to stay the course - BRAVO.
And I just want to applaud the ending - again it was "exactly" what I needed.
The story revolves around one Emma Walker (loner and recent college grad) and Evan Levanesque ( first and foremost, he should be labeled as a sweetheart, then as a hot rock God musician). We watch 2 endearing and worthy characters as they develop a relationship over a long distance, long separations, and too short reunions. I'm so glad I got to know them. The dialogue was very well done and it kept the feel of the story in the moment & very real.
Kudos to the author for doing a wonderful job developing and delving into the long term impact upon self worth, trust and fear that both verbal and physical abuse impart upon the victim - we saw just how deeply Emma was held in hostage by her experience with abuse and how she felt trapped in reacting to abuse from years before. We were able to watch her evolve in both confronting her fears and move forward- and of course it was her relationship with Evan that was the impetus in her growth. She would likely have remained stuck and what was great about the story is that she realized it and did something to change it.
Evans' immediate devotion to Emma and the desire to actual work on developing their relationship made him immediately likable. Their connection was instantaneous and he had the wherewithal to stay the course - BRAVO.
And I just want to applaud the ending - again it was "exactly" what I needed.
September 12, 2013
Love Exactly is a book you can quickly get sucked into. I easily almost read the book in a day. I got to just over 90% and gave in to sleep. It was a hard choice to make. But the fact that my kindle had started yelling at me saying it's battery was about dead helped in that decision.
Giovanni did a great job of portraying what a relationship between a normal woman and rock star would be. It isn't all happiness for them. They have to deal with him being on tour, recording new songs, not to mention all the people who want them apart. It was great how the two connected. It was as if they were soul mates. There were so many lines in this book that made me want to melt! Evan is great with words, maybe that is why he is such a good rock star.
This isn't a story of just love. It is a story about healing. Emma and Evan just complete each other and it allows for them to overcome things in the past. In Love Exactly, we mainly see how Emma heals from an abusive ex-boyfriend who still haunts her to this day.
The ending to the book just made be swoon! It was perfect! I can't wait to see how Emma and Evan are in the second book, Overexposed. This book will pick up where Love Exactly left off but in Evan's point of view.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Giovanni did a great job of portraying what a relationship between a normal woman and rock star would be. It isn't all happiness for them. They have to deal with him being on tour, recording new songs, not to mention all the people who want them apart. It was great how the two connected. It was as if they were soul mates. There were so many lines in this book that made me want to melt! Evan is great with words, maybe that is why he is such a good rock star.
This isn't a story of just love. It is a story about healing. Emma and Evan just complete each other and it allows for them to overcome things in the past. In Love Exactly, we mainly see how Emma heals from an abusive ex-boyfriend who still haunts her to this day.
The ending to the book just made be swoon! It was perfect! I can't wait to see how Emma and Evan are in the second book, Overexposed. This book will pick up where Love Exactly left off but in Evan's point of view.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2013
3.5-4 Stars
Love, Exactly is not your average rock star romance. It's a very sweet romance that is different than most famous/non-famous relationship type stories as it wasn't all about the drama, the paparazzi, or cheating. It was about two people, regardless of their status, connecting in the most beautiful way possible. It was rather refreshing to see such a realistic take on a relationship of this nature, and I quickly fell in love with Evan, and at times even forget that he was a famous, sexy rock star. Both characters were great and were exactly what the other one needed, and I just loved this story.
You all know how I love my steam, but this book was not about that, and strangely, I really enjoyed how everything unfolded. Cassandra Giovanni did an amazing job developing the relationship between Evan and Emma in a very natural, heartwarming way. Emma has some underlying issues that Evan amazingly handles as he pushes her to forget her past and to pursue her dreams.
I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend this quick read to my friends. I loved the ending, but definitely would love to see more of where Evan and Emma are in the future.
Love, Exactly is not your average rock star romance. It's a very sweet romance that is different than most famous/non-famous relationship type stories as it wasn't all about the drama, the paparazzi, or cheating. It was about two people, regardless of their status, connecting in the most beautiful way possible. It was rather refreshing to see such a realistic take on a relationship of this nature, and I quickly fell in love with Evan, and at times even forget that he was a famous, sexy rock star. Both characters were great and were exactly what the other one needed, and I just loved this story.
You all know how I love my steam, but this book was not about that, and strangely, I really enjoyed how everything unfolded. Cassandra Giovanni did an amazing job developing the relationship between Evan and Emma in a very natural, heartwarming way. Emma has some underlying issues that Evan amazingly handles as he pushes her to forget her past and to pursue her dreams.
I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend this quick read to my friends. I loved the ending, but definitely would love to see more of where Evan and Emma are in the future.
June 13, 2013
I'll be honest...at first I wasn't sure I would like this book because of how quickly the main characters hit it off....the next thing I know, it's 1 am and I'm finished with it! This book sucked me in, begging me to find out more and more about Emma and Evan. They found a connection in an unlikely situation. I loved how the interacted, how protective he was, but he wasn't afraid to push her to be herself. I really enjoyed the underlying issues in this book, because those are real issues and I think the author touched on them perfectly. I really, really enjoyed this book and hope to read more from this author soon!
August 11, 2013
All the things I loved about this book...
Cover
Title
Emma Walker
Evan Levesque
One cup of coffee
Rock star
Journalist/Writer
Basketball game
Falling in Love
Short Visits
Phone calls
Audi
Beach
"Shattered Mirrors"
Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame Awards
Cover
Title
Emma Walker
Evan Levesque
One cup of coffee
Rock star
Journalist/Writer
Basketball game
Falling in Love
Short Visits
Phone calls
Audi
Beach
"Shattered Mirrors"
Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame Awards
September 12, 2013
★★★★ BEAUTIFUL STARS!
Sugar, spice and almost everything nice! Love Exactly is an absolutely refreshing and sweet read. This book will take you away from those dark and emotional reads filled with angst and heartache and take you on a beautiful journey of self discovery, acceptance, and true love, that all begins with a cup of coffee and the question what is love, exactly?
src="
"
Emma walker is a 23 year old aspiring writer / photographer that has lived the past five years alone and harboring feeling of fear, guilt, and anger because of an abusive relationship that she found herself in during high school. Emma had hopes and aspirations but those dreams were crushed early at the hands of a manipulative teenager that slowly broke the girl that once existed and made her into the Emma that she is today. One that is anything but happy with her job at the local paper covering sporting events at the surrounding high schools and living in her parents basement because her college degree has basically gotten her nowhere.
" Bruises fade, but the words...they continue to sting long after their mark has left...I could battle through the physical pain- I could even fight back, but the words...those are what decimated me"
Evan Levesque on the other hand has had everything in spades. Signing his first record deal at the age of sixteen, and keeping his band Red Moon together for the past fourteen years he has had more money, fame and power than he has known what to do with. Anything he desires he could have, but living in the limelight for so long also has it's disadvantages- especially for someone who isn't your typical bad boy rock star. That's why when Emma clumsily bumps into him spilling her disgusting gas station coffee everywhere, he is instantly smitten by the down to earth beauty in front of him and can't resist the urge to get to know her better over a decent cup of coffee. But what neither of them expect is that with just one cup they will begin to build a realistic and beautiful relationship that they both have been longing for.
src="
"
Evan and Emma are wonderful, they definitely are opposites but have been written to accompany each other beautifully. Even though they are both at different points in their lives the connection they share right off the start is written so tastefully that once you begin on this journey with them you won't want to stop. Evan is the complete opposite of bad boy rocker, he has been around the game for a long time and has realized that there is truly nobody that he has met who has been worthy enough of his feelings, hidden truths and most importantly love, until he met Emma...The one girl that didn't fawn over him or leave a puddle of drool in his wake, but someone who engaged him in conversation and treated him like he was was anyone else... not a idol that deserved to be worshiped.
"You know who I am then?" he asked lowering the cup
"I nodded in response, trying to gauge his reaction- did he really believe I didn't know who he was?"
"Why did you act normal and not squeal and stop breathing?"
"I let out the breath I had been holding and laughed. 'Seriously?...
you're still a human being-God of pop-rock or not"
The pace of this read was perfect, nothing felt like it was rushed and there were also no parts that I found to be dragged out and boring. Their friendship begins that day over coffee but their relationship develops through phone calls and texts while Evan is away on tour for months on end with brief visits whenever he can get away. That's what I really loved about this book even though Evan was a famous musician and Emma was the definition of normal their interactions were real, their relationship developed at a real pace, and they fell in love with each other slowly while finding out the good the bad and the ugly.
src="
"
They aren't perfect, and definitely have some bumps along the road but the problems they face are dealt with right away, with common sense (most times) and don't leave you feeling hopeless, but rather have you turning the pages with a sense of promise in the level of understanding they have in one another and the knowledge that neither is willing to let anything or anybody get in the way of what they have built.
src="
"
In closing Love Exactly is a very well written, relatively light and easy read that I fell in love with from the very first pages. It's an inspiring story about two people that have each traveled down a different path and each suffered in life but through a chance encounter find hope, peace, and trust in each other, and slowly with patience and time turn their shared loneliness into a beautiful love story.
src="
"
And to answer the question that I'm sure you all have does it end in a cliffhanger? I would say no, for me it was more of a happy for now kind of ending. But with that being said I think they may be in for some turbulence in the next book...
VISIT My Blog For More Reviews
LIKE Jelena's Book Blog on FACEBOOK
FOLLOW @JelenasBookBlog on TWITTER
*Copy kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Sugar, spice and almost everything nice! Love Exactly is an absolutely refreshing and sweet read. This book will take you away from those dark and emotional reads filled with angst and heartache and take you on a beautiful journey of self discovery, acceptance, and true love, that all begins with a cup of coffee and the question what is love, exactly?
src="
" Emma walker is a 23 year old aspiring writer / photographer that has lived the past five years alone and harboring feeling of fear, guilt, and anger because of an abusive relationship that she found herself in during high school. Emma had hopes and aspirations but those dreams were crushed early at the hands of a manipulative teenager that slowly broke the girl that once existed and made her into the Emma that she is today. One that is anything but happy with her job at the local paper covering sporting events at the surrounding high schools and living in her parents basement because her college degree has basically gotten her nowhere.
" Bruises fade, but the words...they continue to sting long after their mark has left...I could battle through the physical pain- I could even fight back, but the words...those are what decimated me"
Evan Levesque on the other hand has had everything in spades. Signing his first record deal at the age of sixteen, and keeping his band Red Moon together for the past fourteen years he has had more money, fame and power than he has known what to do with. Anything he desires he could have, but living in the limelight for so long also has it's disadvantages- especially for someone who isn't your typical bad boy rock star. That's why when Emma clumsily bumps into him spilling her disgusting gas station coffee everywhere, he is instantly smitten by the down to earth beauty in front of him and can't resist the urge to get to know her better over a decent cup of coffee. But what neither of them expect is that with just one cup they will begin to build a realistic and beautiful relationship that they both have been longing for.
src="
"Evan and Emma are wonderful, they definitely are opposites but have been written to accompany each other beautifully. Even though they are both at different points in their lives the connection they share right off the start is written so tastefully that once you begin on this journey with them you won't want to stop. Evan is the complete opposite of bad boy rocker, he has been around the game for a long time and has realized that there is truly nobody that he has met who has been worthy enough of his feelings, hidden truths and most importantly love, until he met Emma...The one girl that didn't fawn over him or leave a puddle of drool in his wake, but someone who engaged him in conversation and treated him like he was was anyone else... not a idol that deserved to be worshiped.
"You know who I am then?" he asked lowering the cup
"I nodded in response, trying to gauge his reaction- did he really believe I didn't know who he was?"
"Why did you act normal and not squeal and stop breathing?"
"I let out the breath I had been holding and laughed. 'Seriously?...
you're still a human being-God of pop-rock or not"
The pace of this read was perfect, nothing felt like it was rushed and there were also no parts that I found to be dragged out and boring. Their friendship begins that day over coffee but their relationship develops through phone calls and texts while Evan is away on tour for months on end with brief visits whenever he can get away. That's what I really loved about this book even though Evan was a famous musician and Emma was the definition of normal their interactions were real, their relationship developed at a real pace, and they fell in love with each other slowly while finding out the good the bad and the ugly.
src="
" They aren't perfect, and definitely have some bumps along the road but the problems they face are dealt with right away, with common sense (most times) and don't leave you feeling hopeless, but rather have you turning the pages with a sense of promise in the level of understanding they have in one another and the knowledge that neither is willing to let anything or anybody get in the way of what they have built.
src="
" In closing Love Exactly is a very well written, relatively light and easy read that I fell in love with from the very first pages. It's an inspiring story about two people that have each traveled down a different path and each suffered in life but through a chance encounter find hope, peace, and trust in each other, and slowly with patience and time turn their shared loneliness into a beautiful love story.
src="
" And to answer the question that I'm sure you all have does it end in a cliffhanger? I would say no, for me it was more of a happy for now kind of ending. But with that being said I think they may be in for some turbulence in the next book...
VISIT My Blog For More Reviews
LIKE Jelena's Book Blog on FACEBOOK
FOLLOW @JelenasBookBlog on TWITTER
*Copy kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
July 17, 2013
This is not your typical rock and roll story and I for one was glad of that fact. Its not that I don't enjoy them, its just that its refreshing to come across something different. This really is a sweet romance, its also something that spans a fair bit of time which in my opinion makes it more realistic. Emma has some pretty major demons and anyone who has any type of similar experience will know that the scars do not heal overnight, and in some cases they never do, it was this I felt was totally done justice throughout the book. It wasn't a case of someone coming along and saving her, it was a gradual progression from one to the other. She really was a lovely character, faults and all, and came across as very real especially as it became clearer exactly what had occurred in her past. It was also evident that she was not the only one to suffer, her parents had too. Their portrayal was also done really well as it became clear their thoughts and motivations were for a reason without making large parts of the book about them. As the book progressed you understand a lot more about why things are the way they are. Although there are no explicit sex scenes in the book there are sensitive issues covered but personally I think its still something of a taboo subject and for that, I take my hat off to the author for having the courage to write about it and in doing so, hopefully bringing awareness to people who may not have realised the full extent of these types of things. Evan too was written really well. he is such a sweet character, and although at times he can appear jaded with the lifestyle he leads he also faces everything head on and comes across as grateful for every opportunity he is given. Neither Evan nor his band are portrayed as the typical womanising sleaze bags you find a lot of in books these days, they were also very close which is a great thing to see in books cause as in real life, everyone needs a support system of some kind, for Evan the band was his. Emma could have done with more friends but in keeping with the true nature of the book not only is it explained why things are the way they are it also makes sense. There are several occasions throughout the book that I thought things had come to somewhat of a conclusion then realised it wasn't actually the end and there was more to come, the ending although not a typical cliffhanger still left me with my jaw hanging thinking 'nonononono, don't end now' so I will be looking for the next book. Overall, it was a sweet book, nicely different however, the beginning didn't quite sit right with me for some reason and you don't really find much out about Emma for quite a way through which had me slightly perplexed for a while and for this reason I feel it deserves a very solid four stars. I'd recommend this book to anyone who feels the rock star books could use a new spin though cause I really did enjoy it.
August 23, 2013
**4 out of 5 Stars**
Read my full review at http://romancereaders101.blogspot.com
This was a quick and easy read. The plot is straight-forward. The characters are easy to get to know and to like. This book is about a rockstar who doesn't particularly like the things his stardom comes along with. It's also about a girl who is a shell of a person and is searching for herself. I loved Evan. He knew what he wanted and nothing was going to take that from him. He was willing to fight for it even if he had to fight alone at times. He didn't care to admit that he needed her. There aren't a lot of ups and downs with this one. It's instant love and how they survive his lifestyle and her hang ups. It's a quick read that can easily be read in one sitting and it leaves you feeling happy at the end. It does however have a very abrupt ending and no epilogue. I would have like to see how they end up in the future.
Emma is an aspiring writer and works as a reporter for her local paper. She's fed up with life and doesn't like things the way they are. She was once an amazing writer but is suffering from severe writers block. She was in an abusive relationships 5 years prior that damaged her self-esteem. She's beautiful and talented and doesn't see it.
Evan is a rockstar. He has hazel eyes, he's built and tattooed everywhere. He keeps his life out of the papers for the most part. He's tired of the rock and roll life and wants a normal girl to settle down with.
Evan and Emma meet over a spilled cup of coffee. She's not paying attention to where she is going and runs into him. He offers to replace the coffee at a coffee house across the street and she accepts. That's all it takes and he's hers. He belongs to her in every aspect. They begin a long distance relationship and he brings out the best in her. He takes her from the darkness she's lived in so long and brings her into the light.
I'm giving it 4 stars because it ended abruptly and there was no epilogue. I wanted more. Overall it was a great book, easy on the emotions, and fulfilling. He was willing to do anything to be with her, at times I think he was willing to give up everything just to keep her with him. It was a sweet little story and I recommend it to anyone looking for an easy read about a rockstar!
Favorite Quotes:
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words...they'll destroy my soul."
"Tell me something..."
"Tell me why it feels like you're a part of my soul?"
"Because you're a part of mine."
Read my full review at http://romancereaders101.blogspot.com
This was a quick and easy read. The plot is straight-forward. The characters are easy to get to know and to like. This book is about a rockstar who doesn't particularly like the things his stardom comes along with. It's also about a girl who is a shell of a person and is searching for herself. I loved Evan. He knew what he wanted and nothing was going to take that from him. He was willing to fight for it even if he had to fight alone at times. He didn't care to admit that he needed her. There aren't a lot of ups and downs with this one. It's instant love and how they survive his lifestyle and her hang ups. It's a quick read that can easily be read in one sitting and it leaves you feeling happy at the end. It does however have a very abrupt ending and no epilogue. I would have like to see how they end up in the future.
Emma is an aspiring writer and works as a reporter for her local paper. She's fed up with life and doesn't like things the way they are. She was once an amazing writer but is suffering from severe writers block. She was in an abusive relationships 5 years prior that damaged her self-esteem. She's beautiful and talented and doesn't see it.
Evan is a rockstar. He has hazel eyes, he's built and tattooed everywhere. He keeps his life out of the papers for the most part. He's tired of the rock and roll life and wants a normal girl to settle down with.
Evan and Emma meet over a spilled cup of coffee. She's not paying attention to where she is going and runs into him. He offers to replace the coffee at a coffee house across the street and she accepts. That's all it takes and he's hers. He belongs to her in every aspect. They begin a long distance relationship and he brings out the best in her. He takes her from the darkness she's lived in so long and brings her into the light.
I'm giving it 4 stars because it ended abruptly and there was no epilogue. I wanted more. Overall it was a great book, easy on the emotions, and fulfilling. He was willing to do anything to be with her, at times I think he was willing to give up everything just to keep her with him. It was a sweet little story and I recommend it to anyone looking for an easy read about a rockstar!
Favorite Quotes:
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words...they'll destroy my soul."
"Tell me something..."
"Tell me why it feels like you're a part of my soul?"
"Because you're a part of mine."
September 18, 2013
I was given an ARC by the author for an honest review. With that said…OMG…I absolutely loved this book! Love Exactly is a sweet story about true love, freedom, and acceptance. Cassandra Giovanni did an awesome job bringing you into the story and I fell in love with Emma and Evan right from the start!
Emma has a dark past filled with physical and emotional abuse, which has caused her to create a wall around herself that’s been up for the past 5 yrs. She’s a journalist for the town paper, which gives her meaningless stories, covering up her true passion for actual writing, which she hasn’t really done since escaping her demons.
Late one night, she’s getting coffee at a convenient store, when she literally bumps into Evan, who happens to be a famous rock star…what are the chances right? He asks her out for “real” coffee and the two of them hit it off instantly. Ryan’s rock star status has Emma wondering why he’d ever give her the time of day, but that’s where the romance begins. Ryan is attracted to Emma’s sweet and innocent side. He longs for normalcy in his crazy world, and she brings that to him, and understands him in a way no one else ever has.
They start a long distance relationship, seeing each other every chance they get, in between Evan’s band touring, but making it hard on the both of them too. Emma has insecurities about herself, which frequently caused little rifts between the two of them. Evan, being the sweetheart he is, always seemed to calm her down and help her realize just how much worth she has, and how much he loves her for her! I completely loved the fact that their love was a slow process, not rushed in anyway. They were actually able to get to know each other as friends, and slowly explore each other as lovers also. Evan being 8 yrs older, and knowing what Emma has gone through in her past, never rushed her in anyway and that made me fall in love with the man even more! He’s a sexy tatted rocker with a heart of gold!
“I know who you are…I’ve fallen hard for that person, and I sure as hell am not going to let you fade into your past.”
― Cassandra Giovanni, Love Exactly
I give Love Exactly 4.5 sweet love story stars!
Emma has a dark past filled with physical and emotional abuse, which has caused her to create a wall around herself that’s been up for the past 5 yrs. She’s a journalist for the town paper, which gives her meaningless stories, covering up her true passion for actual writing, which she hasn’t really done since escaping her demons.
Late one night, she’s getting coffee at a convenient store, when she literally bumps into Evan, who happens to be a famous rock star…what are the chances right? He asks her out for “real” coffee and the two of them hit it off instantly. Ryan’s rock star status has Emma wondering why he’d ever give her the time of day, but that’s where the romance begins. Ryan is attracted to Emma’s sweet and innocent side. He longs for normalcy in his crazy world, and she brings that to him, and understands him in a way no one else ever has.
They start a long distance relationship, seeing each other every chance they get, in between Evan’s band touring, but making it hard on the both of them too. Emma has insecurities about herself, which frequently caused little rifts between the two of them. Evan, being the sweetheart he is, always seemed to calm her down and help her realize just how much worth she has, and how much he loves her for her! I completely loved the fact that their love was a slow process, not rushed in anyway. They were actually able to get to know each other as friends, and slowly explore each other as lovers also. Evan being 8 yrs older, and knowing what Emma has gone through in her past, never rushed her in anyway and that made me fall in love with the man even more! He’s a sexy tatted rocker with a heart of gold!
“I know who you are…I’ve fallen hard for that person, and I sure as hell am not going to let you fade into your past.”
― Cassandra Giovanni, Love Exactly
I give Love Exactly 4.5 sweet love story stars!
June 26, 2013
OK... have you ever read the first chapter of a book and then thought... this is not realistic because it could never happen! No one ever falls instantly in love and with a rock god no less! I am not sure if I am going to connect with this book. These were all thoughts of my own as I began to read Love, Exactly. That is until this book SUCKED ME IN and I myself fell instantly for Evan Levesque! Cassandra Giovanni... you are a little temptress and I stayed awake until 3 AM to finish this book! No bookmarks... no breaks.. read straight through in a zombie state with the mantra that I HAVE to find out where Evan and Emma go!!
Emma is damaged goods. She has been terribly hurt before (mentally, physically, and emotionally) by a boyfriend and she has self doubts wider than the Grand Canyon. She has no belief in herself, her writing talent, or anyone else for that matter. While getting her cheap gas station coffee she runs into a wall of HAWT man that takes her breath away and makes her second guess herself and all that she has settled for.
Evan Levesque is a rock god!! He has it all... money... fame... thousands of adoring fans... but he doesn't have what he wants most. That is someone to want him for him...not the bad rock go Evan Levesque! Bumping into Emma was the best thing that happened to him. He found a soul mate that he didn't even realize he was looking for. He feels an instant zing and is bound and determined to have her. He soon finds out that he is going to have to mend some broken pieces before he can totally have Emma.
Will Emma allow him to begin the healing process on her heart or will fear make her tuck her tail between her legs and run like the wind??? This was the question that was burning in my mind as I read Love, Exactly and the reason I had to stay awake until I finished the entire book! I give this book 4 stars on the knock my socks off scale and would gladly fore go sleep again to read it over and over!!
Emma is damaged goods. She has been terribly hurt before (mentally, physically, and emotionally) by a boyfriend and she has self doubts wider than the Grand Canyon. She has no belief in herself, her writing talent, or anyone else for that matter. While getting her cheap gas station coffee she runs into a wall of HAWT man that takes her breath away and makes her second guess herself and all that she has settled for.
Evan Levesque is a rock god!! He has it all... money... fame... thousands of adoring fans... but he doesn't have what he wants most. That is someone to want him for him...not the bad rock go Evan Levesque! Bumping into Emma was the best thing that happened to him. He found a soul mate that he didn't even realize he was looking for. He feels an instant zing and is bound and determined to have her. He soon finds out that he is going to have to mend some broken pieces before he can totally have Emma.
Will Emma allow him to begin the healing process on her heart or will fear make her tuck her tail between her legs and run like the wind??? This was the question that was burning in my mind as I read Love, Exactly and the reason I had to stay awake until I finished the entire book! I give this book 4 stars on the knock my socks off scale and would gladly fore go sleep again to read it over and over!!
July 4, 2013
Cassandra Giovanni has quickly become one of my favorite authors with her unique writing style and relatable characters. Even in her new book, Love Exactly, you are able to connect with the characters on such a deep level that even the fact that Evan is a unattainable rock star doesn't matter. You are still able to feel and imagine that this story could be completely real.
I feel in love with Emma the broken girl who I felt was a reincarnation of myself. I saw myself in her so much and felt everything that she felt. She has been through so much in her life and been treated in one of the most horrible kinds of ways and I just wanted to jump in the book and hug her. I felt so much compassion for her like no other character I have before.
Evan on the other hand, well, he is my fantasy to say the least, actually pretty much every woman’s fantasy. I kept imagining either Jared Leto or Adam Levine every time he was mentioned in the book. They are my two go to hotties. :P
Now, I am not going to say much more because I do my best not to give out spoilers because I honestly hate that but I will say this ... I want more! Seriously! This book really got under my skin in all the good ways. The characters are awesome and totally down to earth kind of people. Evan isn't this egotistically asshole like you expect guys like him to be. To put it simply, he is the perfect kind of guy with the bad boy looks but the sweet loving good guy ego. What more could a girl want? I mean really!
I not only recommend this book but honestly any book written by the lovely and very talented Cassandra Giovanni. I promise that you will not be disappointed.
Disclosure Notice: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my personal and honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I feel in love with Emma the broken girl who I felt was a reincarnation of myself. I saw myself in her so much and felt everything that she felt. She has been through so much in her life and been treated in one of the most horrible kinds of ways and I just wanted to jump in the book and hug her. I felt so much compassion for her like no other character I have before.
Evan on the other hand, well, he is my fantasy to say the least, actually pretty much every woman’s fantasy. I kept imagining either Jared Leto or Adam Levine every time he was mentioned in the book. They are my two go to hotties. :P
Now, I am not going to say much more because I do my best not to give out spoilers because I honestly hate that but I will say this ... I want more! Seriously! This book really got under my skin in all the good ways. The characters are awesome and totally down to earth kind of people. Evan isn't this egotistically asshole like you expect guys like him to be. To put it simply, he is the perfect kind of guy with the bad boy looks but the sweet loving good guy ego. What more could a girl want? I mean really!
I not only recommend this book but honestly any book written by the lovely and very talented Cassandra Giovanni. I promise that you will not be disappointed.
Disclosure Notice: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my personal and honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
July 4, 2013
I really enjoyed Love Exactly. It is the journey through romance, from attraction, to getting to know each other, to friendship to love and all the things that get in the way of that. I thought the author did a good job of pulling you into the two lovers journey.
Em runs into Evan, literally. And dumps her coffee on him. Anyone would be embarrassed but what if he was a rock god? Oooops. The attraction is immediate for both of them however Em struggles with believing that he would be interested in her. She's a loner and she believes leads a very dull life, especially in comparison to his. Slowly she starts to let him in, only to run into her past. A past that has haunted her and kept her from moving forward, even though she thought she had. Not only is she struggling with overcoming what happened to her years before but in dealing the obstacles that are getting in the way of their relationship. He's a rock god. He's popular. And he's on the road all the time. The first few times aren't bad but after that the insecurities rear up. Em starts pulling away. Evan is fighting for his life, to keep her in his. He is thrilled to have finally found the 'one' only to see her slowly slip from his fingers. Will he convince her to let go of her past and choose him?
It's a good romantic story that shows so much of the ups and downs that interfere with having a relationship. I will definitely read more by this author. Well done.
I was given a copy for an honest review. The opinion is all mine
Em runs into Evan, literally. And dumps her coffee on him. Anyone would be embarrassed but what if he was a rock god? Oooops. The attraction is immediate for both of them however Em struggles with believing that he would be interested in her. She's a loner and she believes leads a very dull life, especially in comparison to his. Slowly she starts to let him in, only to run into her past. A past that has haunted her and kept her from moving forward, even though she thought she had. Not only is she struggling with overcoming what happened to her years before but in dealing the obstacles that are getting in the way of their relationship. He's a rock god. He's popular. And he's on the road all the time. The first few times aren't bad but after that the insecurities rear up. Em starts pulling away. Evan is fighting for his life, to keep her in his. He is thrilled to have finally found the 'one' only to see her slowly slip from his fingers. Will he convince her to let go of her past and choose him?
It's a good romantic story that shows so much of the ups and downs that interfere with having a relationship. I will definitely read more by this author. Well done.
I was given a copy for an honest review. The opinion is all mine
August 21, 2013
❝ This was love exactly as it was supposed to be, slow, sweet, and agonizing in its perfect way.❞
LOVE EXACTLY is a sweet fairy-tale romance complete with a handsome prince that every girl dreams of finding some day.
Emma is a nobody, okay, well, that’s not entirely true. She’s an aspiring author with a penchant for music and a budget for cheap coffee. Who knew that a 99¢ cup of coffee could lead a girl to finding the man of her dreams and a life filled with happily ever afters? I must have missed THAT memo!
Evan, on the other hand, is a “Rock God” with a bad boy image and a heart of gold. *Mark down 3 points for him* One look at Emma was all he needed, he was a goner and totally smitten with this down-to-earth beauty.
LOVE EXACTLY will make your dreams come true if you are jonesing for a love-at-first-sight, bubblegum romance. It’s light on the steam, which makes it perfect for romance lovers of all ages.
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
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Erotic Enchants
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LOVE EXACTLY is a sweet fairy-tale romance complete with a handsome prince that every girl dreams of finding some day.
Emma is a nobody, okay, well, that’s not entirely true. She’s an aspiring author with a penchant for music and a budget for cheap coffee. Who knew that a 99¢ cup of coffee could lead a girl to finding the man of her dreams and a life filled with happily ever afters? I must have missed THAT memo!
Evan, on the other hand, is a “Rock God” with a bad boy image and a heart of gold. *Mark down 3 points for him* One look at Emma was all he needed, he was a goner and totally smitten with this down-to-earth beauty.
LOVE EXACTLY will make your dreams come true if you are jonesing for a love-at-first-sight, bubblegum romance. It’s light on the steam, which makes it perfect for romance lovers of all ages.
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
___________________________________________________
If you like this type of book, you might enjoy one of these groups. Check us out!
Menage Readers
Erotic Enchants
Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
July 15, 2013
As a fan of Cassandra Giovanni's young adult novels I admit I was anticipating her first foray into the New Adult genre, and Love Exactly is perfect!!
I lost myself completely within the first chapter when Evan and Emma met; Cassandra Giovanni capturing the intensity between the couple which only builds as the story continues.
Emma is dealing with the repercussions of a past relationship and the torment this has caused her, including no longer being able to write. The depth of Emma's pain is revealed to the reader as she learns to trust Evan and opens up to him about her history. Thus we become a part of their emotional bond.
Cassandra Giovanni does not make the road easy for the couple but the story is about their acceptance of each other's flaws, however I am slightly apprehensive as to how the sequel may develop.
Although Love Exactly is a New Adult novel there is a lack of explicit sex scenes. Casandra Giovanni concentrates more upon the intimate moments between Emma and Evan being tender and private, perhaps because of Emma's past or their status as a couple, but this is definitely in keeping with the tone of the book.
Yes, I read Love Exactly and fell for Evan but I was glad to be reminded how beautiful, sensitive writing can just capture your heart and make you want to read a book all over again!
I lost myself completely within the first chapter when Evan and Emma met; Cassandra Giovanni capturing the intensity between the couple which only builds as the story continues.
Emma is dealing with the repercussions of a past relationship and the torment this has caused her, including no longer being able to write. The depth of Emma's pain is revealed to the reader as she learns to trust Evan and opens up to him about her history. Thus we become a part of their emotional bond.
Cassandra Giovanni does not make the road easy for the couple but the story is about their acceptance of each other's flaws, however I am slightly apprehensive as to how the sequel may develop.
Although Love Exactly is a New Adult novel there is a lack of explicit sex scenes. Casandra Giovanni concentrates more upon the intimate moments between Emma and Evan being tender and private, perhaps because of Emma's past or their status as a couple, but this is definitely in keeping with the tone of the book.
Yes, I read Love Exactly and fell for Evan but I was glad to be reminded how beautiful, sensitive writing can just capture your heart and make you want to read a book all over again!
August 14, 2013
There is something beautiful about a book that shows true love at it’s finest. A love that takes off immediately from first sight and continues with a strong, pounding heart until the very end. That was Love Exactly for me. Sure, the couple had some dramatic moments but these moments weren’t against each other, they stood strong together and fought another character. This story isn’t a book about miscommunication that tears apart a couple like many other books; this story is about a couple seeing the other as broken and works to build each other up till their fullest potential. Emma and Evan get each other from the very start. Their time spent together is peaceful and romantic and when they are apart, they wait for the seconds to pass until they see each other.
Also, this book was solely and Evan and Emma world. There were side characters but to me they didn’t really matter. All that mattered was Evan and Emma and their undeniable love for each other.
This quote is closer to the end of the book and when I read it I thought, “What person wouldn’t want to have a love so fulfilling that they believe the other person is a part of their own soul?”
“Tell me something….”his voice drifted with the waves; “tell me why it feels like you’re a part of my soul?”…..”Because you are a part of mine.” *sigh*
Also, this book was solely and Evan and Emma world. There were side characters but to me they didn’t really matter. All that mattered was Evan and Emma and their undeniable love for each other.
This quote is closer to the end of the book and when I read it I thought, “What person wouldn’t want to have a love so fulfilling that they believe the other person is a part of their own soul?”
“Tell me something….”his voice drifted with the waves; “tell me why it feels like you’re a part of my soul?”…..”Because you are a part of mine.” *sigh*
August 18, 2013
Okay, I need book 2 now. Like right now. This was a freaking fantastic book and I need more! I started it around 11pm last night and stayed up until 5am. I was glued to my tablet until I finished it.
This was another book I will be adding to my TBRA (To Be Read Again) list. It is new adult but there aren’t any graphic descriptions of the sex scenes and there wasn’t any major emotional drama that just drains you after you’ve read the book. It was a sweet love story and there was a bit of turmoil just nothing drastic or over the top.
I loved Emma and Evan. They both had that witty, sarcastic sense of humor that I love and I found myself laughing at something one of them said on more than one occasion. They are both strong people who just compliment and understand each other.
I think Evan should change his last name LeHOTNESS! Yeah, rockin’ body, tattoos, f*** me hair, sings, and plays the guitar. He’s also sweet, caring, protective, humble, and loyal. Who wouldn’t want those traits in a man?
I can’t say enough wonderful things about this book and I hope there’s a 2nd one in the near future because I need another Evan fix ASAP! This is a 5 out of 5 for me!!!
This was another book I will be adding to my TBRA (To Be Read Again) list. It is new adult but there aren’t any graphic descriptions of the sex scenes and there wasn’t any major emotional drama that just drains you after you’ve read the book. It was a sweet love story and there was a bit of turmoil just nothing drastic or over the top.
I loved Emma and Evan. They both had that witty, sarcastic sense of humor that I love and I found myself laughing at something one of them said on more than one occasion. They are both strong people who just compliment and understand each other.
I think Evan should change his last name LeHOTNESS! Yeah, rockin’ body, tattoos, f*** me hair, sings, and plays the guitar. He’s also sweet, caring, protective, humble, and loyal. Who wouldn’t want those traits in a man?
I can’t say enough wonderful things about this book and I hope there’s a 2nd one in the near future because I need another Evan fix ASAP! This is a 5 out of 5 for me!!!
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