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Painted Boots
When her father drags her to a new life in Wyoming, Aspen Brand doesn’t expect to fall for a cowboy named Kyle Thacker—but she does. At seventeen, Aspen and Kyle share unexpected ground: guitar, running, physics. And guilt. Aspen blames herself for her mother’s car accident, while Kyle can’t find a way past his brother’s suicide.
On their first date they open up to each other, forging an unbreakable bond between them. But Kyle has spent two years living with a vicious secret—one his ex-girlfriend will do anything to protect—and sharing his truth with Aspen makes her a target. Now if Kyle is to be her love story, Aspen must first win the fight of her life.
On their first date they open up to each other, forging an unbreakable bond between them. But Kyle has spent two years living with a vicious secret—one his ex-girlfriend will do anything to protect—and sharing his truth with Aspen makes her a target. Now if Kyle is to be her love story, Aspen must first win the fight of her life.
300 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2013
432 people want to read
About the author
Mechelle Morrison
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 5, 2013
Painted Boots is a contemporary romance, and romance is a big element in the book. In fact, I loved the romance between Aspen and Kyle. But I thought the bigger point of the book was to talk about abuse and bullying. It was a huge theme throughout the story from start to finish. There were some parts of this book that were hard for me to read and some parts that just made me so sad. These are difficult topics and can be pretty explicit in some parts, but the Painted Boots is beautifully written on a tough subject to write about. I think Mechelle Morrison did an amazing job.
Aspen has had a rough year. She lost her mother and now she has to move to a new place. I loved the emphasis on her fashion sense though. Her mother used to make all these amazing clothes for Aspen but when she died, Aspen couldn't bear to have the reminder of her mother around so she got rid of all of the clothes. Her and her father moved to a small town out west and she went to thrift shops and put together a cool "new" wardrobe for herself. Some of the girls at her new school made fun of her clothes and they would play this mean game of trying to guess who in this small town her clothes once belonged too. I felt so bad for Aspen. There were really only two people in the whole school that were nice to her. She had one friend and then she had Kyle.
Kyle is great and I love him with Aspen. He sticks by her all the time and they seemed perfect for each other. I loved how they were able to open up and share each others secrets. And Kyle had one heck of a secret to share. I felt so bad for him. He has had it super rough as well. They really did seem made for each other because they were going through such similar things. One thing that bugged me about Kyle (but I don't think it would bug too many other people) was that he called Aspen "girl". It was his nickname for her. It just irked me. I didn't like it. But other than that their romance was beautiful and seemed very real to me. It was intense for sure, but everything about Painted Boots was intense.
Painted Boots is a serious book about a serious topic. I wouldn't say it is the happiest book in the world, but it is a realistic and beautifully done book about what I think is a very important topic. Emotional and physical abuse is very real and I liked that Painted Boots approached it from a less popular viewpoint. From both a guy and a girl that have been abused. Painted Boots is not all sad though. There is a silver lining and some form of a happily ever after. I thought that the ending was very satisfying and hopeful. I enjoyed Painted Boots, and fans of realistic fiction will enjoy Mechelle's fresh writing style as well.
Aspen has had a rough year. She lost her mother and now she has to move to a new place. I loved the emphasis on her fashion sense though. Her mother used to make all these amazing clothes for Aspen but when she died, Aspen couldn't bear to have the reminder of her mother around so she got rid of all of the clothes. Her and her father moved to a small town out west and she went to thrift shops and put together a cool "new" wardrobe for herself. Some of the girls at her new school made fun of her clothes and they would play this mean game of trying to guess who in this small town her clothes once belonged too. I felt so bad for Aspen. There were really only two people in the whole school that were nice to her. She had one friend and then she had Kyle.
Kyle is great and I love him with Aspen. He sticks by her all the time and they seemed perfect for each other. I loved how they were able to open up and share each others secrets. And Kyle had one heck of a secret to share. I felt so bad for him. He has had it super rough as well. They really did seem made for each other because they were going through such similar things. One thing that bugged me about Kyle (but I don't think it would bug too many other people) was that he called Aspen "girl". It was his nickname for her. It just irked me. I didn't like it. But other than that their romance was beautiful and seemed very real to me. It was intense for sure, but everything about Painted Boots was intense.
Painted Boots is a serious book about a serious topic. I wouldn't say it is the happiest book in the world, but it is a realistic and beautifully done book about what I think is a very important topic. Emotional and physical abuse is very real and I liked that Painted Boots approached it from a less popular viewpoint. From both a guy and a girl that have been abused. Painted Boots is not all sad though. There is a silver lining and some form of a happily ever after. I thought that the ending was very satisfying and hopeful. I enjoyed Painted Boots, and fans of realistic fiction will enjoy Mechelle's fresh writing style as well.
January 5, 2014
I loved the characters in this timely book about growing up, young love, and bullying. Any book that takes place in Wyoming is an interesting read to me, especially when the writer gives glimpses of life in Wyoming, as was done in Painted Boots. This story centers around Aspen and her father who move to Wyoming from Portland after the death of Aspen’s mother. Aspen finds it hard to fit in at school in Wyoming and is the target of bullying. She is befriended by Kyle, one of the more popular guys at school, and together they face the many issues that young folks today are forced to confront.
I would love to see a sequel to this book or more by Mechelle Morrison. If you like Jodi Picolt and Diane Chamberlain, you will like this book.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review.
I would love to see a sequel to this book or more by Mechelle Morrison. If you like Jodi Picolt and Diane Chamberlain, you will like this book.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review.
September 6, 2013
Aspen is a very unique character, something we don't always see is New Adult books. While Aspen and Kyle do share a very quick connection, it never feels forced upon the reader. Both have a lot of issues and personal things to work out in their individual lives.
While Aspen doesn't have the easiest time after moving to a new school, Kyle helps to the cushion the blow of bullying with his constant support. While I don't enjoy reading about bully's I think its a very current topic that needs to be addressed.
Overall I think the storyline was new and refreshing from the other New Adult titles out there. The author did a wonderful job of giving us a beautiful yet heartbreaking story that I think everyone will enjoy!
5 out of 5 Stars!
While Aspen doesn't have the easiest time after moving to a new school, Kyle helps to the cushion the blow of bullying with his constant support. While I don't enjoy reading about bully's I think its a very current topic that needs to be addressed.
Overall I think the storyline was new and refreshing from the other New Adult titles out there. The author did a wonderful job of giving us a beautiful yet heartbreaking story that I think everyone will enjoy!
5 out of 5 Stars!
September 21, 2015
I won this book from a giveaway on here. This book was so cheesy and adorable and I loved every bit of it. I loved Aspen and Kyle's relationship, and was wholeheartedly worried for them every time Em was involved. I'm so glad I won this book, I couldn't put it down for anything. I did have tears at one point. It was so beautifully written!
October 5, 2013
Read Review on Seeking Book Boyfriends
*Thank you to Mechelle Morrison and AToMR Tours for providing a review copy for participation in the Blog Tour*
Review by: Nat
Book Description:
When her father drags her to a new life in Wyoming, Aspen Brand doesn’t expect to fall for a cowboy named Kyle Thacker—but she does. At seventeen, Aspen and Kyle share unexpected ground: guitar, running, physics. And guilt. Aspen blames herself for her mother’s car accident, while Kyle can’t find a way past his brother’s suicide.
On their first date they open up to each other, forging an unbreakable bond between them. But Kyle has spent two years living with a vicious secret—one his ex-girlfriend will do anything to protect—and sharing his truth with Aspen makes her a target. Now if Kyle is to be her love story, Aspen must first win the fight of her life.
Story:
In life, there are two extremes to everything. This story was no exception. On one side is the pain, guilt, grief, and loss. The other, love, happiness, and forgiveness.
The book opens with Aspen Brand, becoming the “new girl” of Tower County High in middle of nowhere Gillette, Wyoming. Right away you see things aren’t going to be easy for her. She’s different, and in the eyes of the “popular girls”, different is dangerous. They immediately label her as the outcast and begin to bully her, calling her names, and teasing her about her “retro” clothing style.
Not only is Aspen’s school life difficult her home life isn’t much better. She is still deeply grieving the loss of her mother, and blaming herself for the cause of it. Her father refuses to open up and talk about it, as the pain is too fresh in his own heart to do so. This leaves Aspen alone, with no one to help pull her out if the depression she is slowly sinking in to. Until she meets Kyle.
Kyle Thacker isn’t a stranger to grief and loss. He lost his brother three years ago, and has never fully been able to get over it. When he first lay’s eyes on Aspen he sees the pain she’s trying to hide, and knows exactly how she feels. He wants to get to know her, and help her, but there’s one thing holding him back. His on again off again girlfriend, Em, is bully number one.
After a twist of events, Aspen end up in Kyle’s truck, and in his arms. Then after opening up to him, she finds a way into his heart. They quickly find that in each other, they can finally find the strength they need to heal and move on. Only problem is, Em won’t have it, she wants Kyle for herself, and she’s not afraid to do whatever it takes to get him.
This book hit the “hot topic” of bullying straight on the head. I related a lot to Aspen, in the aspect that I was the bullied girl for much of elementary and middle school. Thankfully for me it never got physical, but Mechelle did a great job of bringing this possibility to life. There were scenes I had a really hard time reading, but I think it needed to be that way, anything less would have covered up the severity of the topic. It’s a real issue, and it really does happen, and I’m so glad it wasn’t sugar coated or watered down.
I had very mixed feelings about this book. On one hand I really liked the overall storyline, and I fell in love with Kyle, and Aspen. But on the other hand, the “insta-love” and lack of development in their relationship bugged me. The romance was sweet and had me smiling and swooning at times, but to go from just meeting to forever in what seemed like ten seconds flat was just too much, too fast in my opinion. I also didn’t really understand the connection with Aspen’s dad’s past, but that it didn’t take too much away either.
Overall, minus those few things I really enjoyed the book, and am glad I waited the months I did to read it. (Seriously! I have wanted to read this since we did the cover reveal!)
Kyle Thacker:
Kyle Thacker is a true blue “Country Boy” and as so easily found a way into my heart. But I have to say, he was a first, in the sense that I could hear the “country twang” in my head as I read. He kept me both laughing, and crying, with his cute comments and caring ways. Add in his musical gifting and you have yourself and damn near perfect book boyfriend.
His life wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows though, he had a few dark secrets that kept him from being completely happy. Aspen became his solution to these. She saves him from the pain, and gives his life new meaning and a light he didn’t know was still there.
“"I like you, Aspen Brand. Being round you has be feeling different. Like my world is finally spinning right.”"
But Kyle know this puts Aspen in a dangerous situation, and now that he found her, he will do anything to keep from losing her.
"“The Jam’s my house,” he whispers. “Like I once told you. But god, girl. I can’t be without you. You’re my home.”"
Aspen Brand:
Aspen was a character near to my own heart. I really felt for her as she was bullied, and literally pushed around by Em and her crew. Especially when it was making fun of something that she was using to try to remember her mother.
What I loved most about Aspen though, wasn’t her funky clothes, or her painted boots, it was her ability to stand up and face fear head on. She wasn’t afraid to be herself, even if no one else liked or agreed with it.
“If I had to guess, I’d say fear us at the root of everything bad; insecurity, hate, anger. Meanness…”
But even Aspen isn’t strong enough to face everything she’s facing alone. In the end it’s the strength of those she loves, Kyle and her dad, that pulls her through.
“”I will never leave you again,” he whispers. Like he’s sealing his words into a solemn promise, he presses the palm of my hand to his mouth.
Ignoring how much it hurts, I reach for him. He lowers the rail on my bed and gently gathers me into his arms. I kiss him and kiss him and kiss him, until I’m sure.
We are all right.”
Supporting Characters:
Em Harrelson:
There is nothing “supporting” about Em Harrelson, in fact she is exact opposite. She is a bully.
As is the case with most bullies, her own insecurities drive her to put others down. She constantly goes after Kyle and Aspen, trying to win Kyle back. And when her words aren’t enough, she is willing to take extreme actions to get her way.
The Thackers (Angie and Ray):
Kyle’s parents play a big role in suppoting both Kyle and Aspen in their struggles and issues.
For Kyle, they want to be there for him in whatever way they can. They have already lost one son, and they will do anything in their power to keep grief and pain from taking their other.
Angie becomes second mother for Aspen. Her real mother can never be replaced, but Angie does the best she can to help Aspen see through the pain.
Graydon Brand (better known as Dad)
Aspen’s dad had his own battles to fight after losing his wife. He shuts out the pain, by trying to live a new life, but what he doesn’t realize is how much this new life is driving a wedge between him and Aspen.
As his eyes become opened to the things that are going on, he becomes afraid and tries to pull Aspen away, fearing that he will lose her too. This only adds to the problem, and further pushes Aspen away.
He quickly learns, that sometimes “daddies don’t know best”, and if he can’t trust Aspen, he will probably lose her.
Nat's Rating: 3.5/5
Blush Factor Rating: 1(/5)
Read More Reviews on Seeking Book Boyfriends
*Thank you to Mechelle Morrison and AToMR Tours for providing a review copy for participation in the Blog Tour*
Review by: Nat
Book Description:
When her father drags her to a new life in Wyoming, Aspen Brand doesn’t expect to fall for a cowboy named Kyle Thacker—but she does. At seventeen, Aspen and Kyle share unexpected ground: guitar, running, physics. And guilt. Aspen blames herself for her mother’s car accident, while Kyle can’t find a way past his brother’s suicide.
On their first date they open up to each other, forging an unbreakable bond between them. But Kyle has spent two years living with a vicious secret—one his ex-girlfriend will do anything to protect—and sharing his truth with Aspen makes her a target. Now if Kyle is to be her love story, Aspen must first win the fight of her life.
Story:
In life, there are two extremes to everything. This story was no exception. On one side is the pain, guilt, grief, and loss. The other, love, happiness, and forgiveness.
The book opens with Aspen Brand, becoming the “new girl” of Tower County High in middle of nowhere Gillette, Wyoming. Right away you see things aren’t going to be easy for her. She’s different, and in the eyes of the “popular girls”, different is dangerous. They immediately label her as the outcast and begin to bully her, calling her names, and teasing her about her “retro” clothing style.
Not only is Aspen’s school life difficult her home life isn’t much better. She is still deeply grieving the loss of her mother, and blaming herself for the cause of it. Her father refuses to open up and talk about it, as the pain is too fresh in his own heart to do so. This leaves Aspen alone, with no one to help pull her out if the depression she is slowly sinking in to. Until she meets Kyle.
Kyle Thacker isn’t a stranger to grief and loss. He lost his brother three years ago, and has never fully been able to get over it. When he first lay’s eyes on Aspen he sees the pain she’s trying to hide, and knows exactly how she feels. He wants to get to know her, and help her, but there’s one thing holding him back. His on again off again girlfriend, Em, is bully number one.
After a twist of events, Aspen end up in Kyle’s truck, and in his arms. Then after opening up to him, she finds a way into his heart. They quickly find that in each other, they can finally find the strength they need to heal and move on. Only problem is, Em won’t have it, she wants Kyle for herself, and she’s not afraid to do whatever it takes to get him.
This book hit the “hot topic” of bullying straight on the head. I related a lot to Aspen, in the aspect that I was the bullied girl for much of elementary and middle school. Thankfully for me it never got physical, but Mechelle did a great job of bringing this possibility to life. There were scenes I had a really hard time reading, but I think it needed to be that way, anything less would have covered up the severity of the topic. It’s a real issue, and it really does happen, and I’m so glad it wasn’t sugar coated or watered down.
I had very mixed feelings about this book. On one hand I really liked the overall storyline, and I fell in love with Kyle, and Aspen. But on the other hand, the “insta-love” and lack of development in their relationship bugged me. The romance was sweet and had me smiling and swooning at times, but to go from just meeting to forever in what seemed like ten seconds flat was just too much, too fast in my opinion. I also didn’t really understand the connection with Aspen’s dad’s past, but that it didn’t take too much away either.
Overall, minus those few things I really enjoyed the book, and am glad I waited the months I did to read it. (Seriously! I have wanted to read this since we did the cover reveal!)
Kyle Thacker:
Kyle Thacker is a true blue “Country Boy” and as so easily found a way into my heart. But I have to say, he was a first, in the sense that I could hear the “country twang” in my head as I read. He kept me both laughing, and crying, with his cute comments and caring ways. Add in his musical gifting and you have yourself and damn near perfect book boyfriend.
His life wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows though, he had a few dark secrets that kept him from being completely happy. Aspen became his solution to these. She saves him from the pain, and gives his life new meaning and a light he didn’t know was still there.
“"I like you, Aspen Brand. Being round you has be feeling different. Like my world is finally spinning right.”"
But Kyle know this puts Aspen in a dangerous situation, and now that he found her, he will do anything to keep from losing her.
"“The Jam’s my house,” he whispers. “Like I once told you. But god, girl. I can’t be without you. You’re my home.”"
Aspen Brand:
Aspen was a character near to my own heart. I really felt for her as she was bullied, and literally pushed around by Em and her crew. Especially when it was making fun of something that she was using to try to remember her mother.
What I loved most about Aspen though, wasn’t her funky clothes, or her painted boots, it was her ability to stand up and face fear head on. She wasn’t afraid to be herself, even if no one else liked or agreed with it.
“If I had to guess, I’d say fear us at the root of everything bad; insecurity, hate, anger. Meanness…”
But even Aspen isn’t strong enough to face everything she’s facing alone. In the end it’s the strength of those she loves, Kyle and her dad, that pulls her through.
“”I will never leave you again,” he whispers. Like he’s sealing his words into a solemn promise, he presses the palm of my hand to his mouth.
Ignoring how much it hurts, I reach for him. He lowers the rail on my bed and gently gathers me into his arms. I kiss him and kiss him and kiss him, until I’m sure.
We are all right.”
Supporting Characters:
Em Harrelson:
There is nothing “supporting” about Em Harrelson, in fact she is exact opposite. She is a bully.
As is the case with most bullies, her own insecurities drive her to put others down. She constantly goes after Kyle and Aspen, trying to win Kyle back. And when her words aren’t enough, she is willing to take extreme actions to get her way.
The Thackers (Angie and Ray):
Kyle’s parents play a big role in suppoting both Kyle and Aspen in their struggles and issues.
For Kyle, they want to be there for him in whatever way they can. They have already lost one son, and they will do anything in their power to keep grief and pain from taking their other.
Angie becomes second mother for Aspen. Her real mother can never be replaced, but Angie does the best she can to help Aspen see through the pain.
Graydon Brand (better known as Dad)
Aspen’s dad had his own battles to fight after losing his wife. He shuts out the pain, by trying to live a new life, but what he doesn’t realize is how much this new life is driving a wedge between him and Aspen.
As his eyes become opened to the things that are going on, he becomes afraid and tries to pull Aspen away, fearing that he will lose her too. This only adds to the problem, and further pushes Aspen away.
He quickly learns, that sometimes “daddies don’t know best”, and if he can’t trust Aspen, he will probably lose her.
Nat's Rating: 3.5/5
Blush Factor Rating: 1(/5)
Read More Reviews on Seeking Book Boyfriends
July 14, 2017
Binge read in one evening! This is a beautiful young adult contemporary novel filled with a sweet love story, wonderful lessons about love and loss and family, and an undercurrent of suspense. I fell in love with Aspen and Kyle and their relationship. Highly recommended for anyone who loves this genre.
Content note- this is a YA novel. There is mild language (no F-bombs) and sexy scenes with lots of sexual tension but so explicit sex. Sex is discussed in a respectful, loving, and responsible way. I feel it would be appropriate for mature teens and would lead to a great discussion on bullying and friendship.
Content note- this is a YA novel. There is mild language (no F-bombs) and sexy scenes with lots of sexual tension but so explicit sex. Sex is discussed in a respectful, loving, and responsible way. I feel it would be appropriate for mature teens and would lead to a great discussion on bullying and friendship.
July 12, 2017
3 2/2 Stars
September 10, 2013
Painted Boots was a heartwarming and enriching young adult contemporary novel. It covers a tough topic but I liked the way the author handled it and it really puts things into perspective and makes you think about love, loss and bullying.
Aspen is a senior in high school and her father has just moved them from Portland to Gillette, Wyoming after her mother was killed in a car accident 4 months prior. Aspen is still recovering and her emotions are on high alert. When she meets Kyle, she feels happy and alive for the first time in months. Kyle lost his brother to suicide 2 years ago and he has felt like he’s just been coasting through life. When he meets Aspen, he is finally able to breathe. However, Kyle’s ex-girlfriend doesn’t want to let him go and she has no problem doing anything to keep him and Aspen apart.
Aspen is a smart, beautiful and sweet girl. She is struggling so much after losing her mother and she is desperate to find her place in life without her. Starting a new school, especially as a senior, can be difficult and it is especially hard for Aspen because she is bullied from the beginning. This is a new experience for her but I felt like she handled it quite well. She didn’t let Em and her friends see how they got to her by making fun of her clothes and she didn’t change who she was or what she wore because of it. I also liked how supportive she was of Kyle as he finally faced the bullying he was experiencing head on. She helped him confront it head on and get the help that he needed to not only deal with the bullying but also with his brother’s suicide.
Kyle is suffering a great loss and really took a toll on him emotionally; more than he or his parents realized. Meeting Aspen wakes something up inside of him and he realizes that he can be happy and he can fall in love and he doesn’t deserve pain and misery. He expresses himself through music and he gets to share that with Aspen, which I thought was so beautiful. I really loved the way that they connected with each other. I admired Kyle for allowing Aspen to open him up and for facing his secrets and his demons head on. He would do anything for Aspen and to protect her from her bullies and he proved that time and again.
I really liked the parents in this book too. It is clear that Aspen and her dad have disconnected a little since her mother’s death because her mom was kind of the glue that held them together. However, it was obvious how much her dad loved her and he would do anything to protect her. He proved that time and time again as he fought to protect Aspen from her bullies. Kyle’s parents were really great too and they fought for Aspen as well. They were still hurting from the loss of their older son and it was hard for them to learn Kyle’s secret and know that they hadn’t seen the signs. They were very supportive in getting him help. I love reading a young adult novel with strong parental figures and this book definitely had that.
I found the plot surrounding Painted Boots to be very unique and different. It dealt with bullying which I think is a very real and prominent topic. Bullying happens so much more than we can even imagine and so many times it ends with the loss of a young, innocent life. Aspen and Kyle are both being bullied and it was very sad to watch, especially for Aspen because hers was out in the open and she felt so alone and helpless, especially when it got way out of hand. Kyle’s was more private but it wasn’t any less devastating to him. Kyle and Aspen helped each other cope and they protected one another. I think they made a few poor decisions in hiding some of the bullying from their parents and it caught up with them in the end but they learned a valuable lesson. The only issue I had with this book was the insta-love between Aspen and Kyle. I am not a fan of insta-love and I felt it was very strong and prominent in this book so that was a little hard to get past in the beginning. However, as the plot moved forward and progressed, I was able to look past it because there were so many more important things going on.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I liked the writing, the plot and the characters. I think the author took a difficult topic that is faced by many young adults today and she handled it really well. She shed some light on dealing with bullying and allowing the people who love you to help you deal and cope.
Aspen is a senior in high school and her father has just moved them from Portland to Gillette, Wyoming after her mother was killed in a car accident 4 months prior. Aspen is still recovering and her emotions are on high alert. When she meets Kyle, she feels happy and alive for the first time in months. Kyle lost his brother to suicide 2 years ago and he has felt like he’s just been coasting through life. When he meets Aspen, he is finally able to breathe. However, Kyle’s ex-girlfriend doesn’t want to let him go and she has no problem doing anything to keep him and Aspen apart.
Aspen is a smart, beautiful and sweet girl. She is struggling so much after losing her mother and she is desperate to find her place in life without her. Starting a new school, especially as a senior, can be difficult and it is especially hard for Aspen because she is bullied from the beginning. This is a new experience for her but I felt like she handled it quite well. She didn’t let Em and her friends see how they got to her by making fun of her clothes and she didn’t change who she was or what she wore because of it. I also liked how supportive she was of Kyle as he finally faced the bullying he was experiencing head on. She helped him confront it head on and get the help that he needed to not only deal with the bullying but also with his brother’s suicide.
Kyle is suffering a great loss and really took a toll on him emotionally; more than he or his parents realized. Meeting Aspen wakes something up inside of him and he realizes that he can be happy and he can fall in love and he doesn’t deserve pain and misery. He expresses himself through music and he gets to share that with Aspen, which I thought was so beautiful. I really loved the way that they connected with each other. I admired Kyle for allowing Aspen to open him up and for facing his secrets and his demons head on. He would do anything for Aspen and to protect her from her bullies and he proved that time and again.
I really liked the parents in this book too. It is clear that Aspen and her dad have disconnected a little since her mother’s death because her mom was kind of the glue that held them together. However, it was obvious how much her dad loved her and he would do anything to protect her. He proved that time and time again as he fought to protect Aspen from her bullies. Kyle’s parents were really great too and they fought for Aspen as well. They were still hurting from the loss of their older son and it was hard for them to learn Kyle’s secret and know that they hadn’t seen the signs. They were very supportive in getting him help. I love reading a young adult novel with strong parental figures and this book definitely had that.
I found the plot surrounding Painted Boots to be very unique and different. It dealt with bullying which I think is a very real and prominent topic. Bullying happens so much more than we can even imagine and so many times it ends with the loss of a young, innocent life. Aspen and Kyle are both being bullied and it was very sad to watch, especially for Aspen because hers was out in the open and she felt so alone and helpless, especially when it got way out of hand. Kyle’s was more private but it wasn’t any less devastating to him. Kyle and Aspen helped each other cope and they protected one another. I think they made a few poor decisions in hiding some of the bullying from their parents and it caught up with them in the end but they learned a valuable lesson. The only issue I had with this book was the insta-love between Aspen and Kyle. I am not a fan of insta-love and I felt it was very strong and prominent in this book so that was a little hard to get past in the beginning. However, as the plot moved forward and progressed, I was able to look past it because there were so many more important things going on.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I liked the writing, the plot and the characters. I think the author took a difficult topic that is faced by many young adults today and she handled it really well. She shed some light on dealing with bullying and allowing the people who love you to help you deal and cope.
February 13, 2014
You've been collecting pieces of me: my attention and my heart, my everything. That first day I saw you, Aspen. Something in the sight of you made the sun rise inside me. It's a lot to lay on you, maybe. But when I saw you I knew, finally, that I was still alive.
As I sit her pondering what I'm going to say in my review, my biggest challenge is going to be how to portray my mixed emotions adequately. There were things that I loved so much, and then things that bugged me the whole time that I was reading Painted Boots. So please forgive me while I try to get my feelings across in the way that I intend.
My very first thoughts when I started reading Painted Boots was how impressive the authors writing was. I was immediately captured by her words. Her descriptions and word choice for me were perfect. I saw and felt everything that I think she was intending for her readers to feel. She managed to immediately have me either loving or hating her characters. Kyle and Aspen were so sweet and loving together. Kyle's parents were wonderful and for most of the book, so was Aspen's Dad. And Em, our bad guy was so incredibly evil.
I don't have a problem with instant love, but a lot of people do. Aspen and Kyle are ready for a lifelong commitment pretty quickly after the very first time that they talk. They have each been attracted to the other since they first set eyes on each other, but things did move pretty quickly from that point on. But I have to say that I found their feelings believable, I think because the author wrote the characters the way she did. They are both broken and dealing with hurt and pain, so the impact that they each have on the other is incredibly intense. But I bought it. Completely.
The difficult topics that are tackled throughout the book came across loud and clear. Death, pain, bullying, tragedy, loss, grief... All were dealt with by the author really well.
And now for what I had a hard time with. First up was with the fact the Kyle called Aspen girl. Now some of you may find that endearing, but for me it grated on me. I love terms of endearment so much, but for me, girl just didn't do it and it took away from the beautiful things that Kyle was saying. He speaks and feels such beautiful things, and I just wish that girl hadn't been tacked onto so many sentences.
Then there was Aspen's Dad. There is a point towards the end of the book where his actions stunned me. After everything that Aspen has endured, what he did didn't fall far from the horrors that she had already experienced. Yes, I completely understood why he felt he had to intervene, but in my opinion, it was way beyond the wrong way to go about it.
And lastly, when a person is so far removed from reality as Em was here, that there comes a point when the authorities have to be bought on board. Surely a person that far on the side of crazy can't constantly portray a level of sanity at all times. She was doing some crazy stuff and the ones most affected where sweeping it under the carpet somewhat. Covering it up or hoping she would get past the faze she was going through.
So what it comes down to is where I sit after getting all that off my chest? I think I'm somewhere in the middle. I loved the writing and the characters, but the little issues I have prevent me from giving it more than three to three and half stars.
3/5 Intense Stars.
As I sit her pondering what I'm going to say in my review, my biggest challenge is going to be how to portray my mixed emotions adequately. There were things that I loved so much, and then things that bugged me the whole time that I was reading Painted Boots. So please forgive me while I try to get my feelings across in the way that I intend.
My very first thoughts when I started reading Painted Boots was how impressive the authors writing was. I was immediately captured by her words. Her descriptions and word choice for me were perfect. I saw and felt everything that I think she was intending for her readers to feel. She managed to immediately have me either loving or hating her characters. Kyle and Aspen were so sweet and loving together. Kyle's parents were wonderful and for most of the book, so was Aspen's Dad. And Em, our bad guy was so incredibly evil.
I don't have a problem with instant love, but a lot of people do. Aspen and Kyle are ready for a lifelong commitment pretty quickly after the very first time that they talk. They have each been attracted to the other since they first set eyes on each other, but things did move pretty quickly from that point on. But I have to say that I found their feelings believable, I think because the author wrote the characters the way she did. They are both broken and dealing with hurt and pain, so the impact that they each have on the other is incredibly intense. But I bought it. Completely.
The difficult topics that are tackled throughout the book came across loud and clear. Death, pain, bullying, tragedy, loss, grief... All were dealt with by the author really well.
And now for what I had a hard time with. First up was with the fact the Kyle called Aspen girl. Now some of you may find that endearing, but for me it grated on me. I love terms of endearment so much, but for me, girl just didn't do it and it took away from the beautiful things that Kyle was saying. He speaks and feels such beautiful things, and I just wish that girl hadn't been tacked onto so many sentences.
Then there was Aspen's Dad. There is a point towards the end of the book where his actions stunned me. After everything that Aspen has endured, what he did didn't fall far from the horrors that she had already experienced. Yes, I completely understood why he felt he had to intervene, but in my opinion, it was way beyond the wrong way to go about it.
And lastly, when a person is so far removed from reality as Em was here, that there comes a point when the authorities have to be bought on board. Surely a person that far on the side of crazy can't constantly portray a level of sanity at all times. She was doing some crazy stuff and the ones most affected where sweeping it under the carpet somewhat. Covering it up or hoping she would get past the faze she was going through.
So what it comes down to is where I sit after getting all that off my chest? I think I'm somewhere in the middle. I loved the writing and the characters, but the little issues I have prevent me from giving it more than three to three and half stars.
3/5 Intense Stars.
January 16, 2014
With the continuing popularity of the NA genre comes this release by Mechelle Morrison which combines memorable protagonists, a sweet romance, and an intense and thought-provoking storyline to get people talking. From the moment Aspen loses her mother and is forced into moving to a small rural town, life and the way she sees it will never be the same. Aspen cuts off everything having to do with her past as any memories of her mother are too painful. This leads to finding new friends and creating a whole new wardrobe ala Molly Ringwald in Pretty in Pink. What Aspen experiences though isn't always pleasant as a girl and her friends go out of their way to make her feel unwelcome. One in particular, the vindictive and abusive Em, goes out of her way to make Aspen pay for the perceived hurts she's caused. The one bright spot for Aspen is meeting the artistic and sweet-natured Kyle who's been equally hurt by Em's possessiveness and his own loss in the past. They bond together in a sweet and slowly evolving relationship that gets put through the emotional wringer from the over-the-top Em and a father bound to see his little girl safe and hesitant to let her grow up.
With the story told from Aspen's perspective I felt that we got a good understanding of her while Kyle remains a bit of a mystery. The only time we get a deeper look into his psyche is in his talks with Aspen or through his song lyrics. While the pain Aspen is going through is vividly depicted in this story with it's impact vitally important to discuss, I don't want to discount what Kyle went through at the hands of Em and the need to deal with domestic abuse issues, especially during the under-reported teenage years. His scars were just as disturbing for his stoicism and constant support and protection of Aspen at the expense of himself.
Aspen and Kyle seemed wise beyond their years. Their relationship evolved slowly and maturely as they both recognized the need to heal from each of their mental and physical pains. They were committed to each other to the exclusion of what their parents thought which added a Romeo and Juliet feel to their relationship. Throughout their burgeoning relationship though there was an unrelenting sense of doom coming from the continually aggressive actions of Em. Her actions became more frenzied and over-the-top which ultimately led to a soap opera ending that diminished the overall believability and thematic impact of the story. Em's actions were allowed to increase in intensity with no ramifications which left me frustrated and reduced my overall satisfaction. Though I had a few issues with the story this was a thought-provoking first story from Ms. Morrison and I was impressed by its intense depictions of real life issues and look forward to what she has planned next.
With the story told from Aspen's perspective I felt that we got a good understanding of her while Kyle remains a bit of a mystery. The only time we get a deeper look into his psyche is in his talks with Aspen or through his song lyrics. While the pain Aspen is going through is vividly depicted in this story with it's impact vitally important to discuss, I don't want to discount what Kyle went through at the hands of Em and the need to deal with domestic abuse issues, especially during the under-reported teenage years. His scars were just as disturbing for his stoicism and constant support and protection of Aspen at the expense of himself.
Aspen and Kyle seemed wise beyond their years. Their relationship evolved slowly and maturely as they both recognized the need to heal from each of their mental and physical pains. They were committed to each other to the exclusion of what their parents thought which added a Romeo and Juliet feel to their relationship. Throughout their burgeoning relationship though there was an unrelenting sense of doom coming from the continually aggressive actions of Em. Her actions became more frenzied and over-the-top which ultimately led to a soap opera ending that diminished the overall believability and thematic impact of the story. Em's actions were allowed to increase in intensity with no ramifications which left me frustrated and reduced my overall satisfaction. Though I had a few issues with the story this was a thought-provoking first story from Ms. Morrison and I was impressed by its intense depictions of real life issues and look forward to what she has planned next.
September 7, 2013
Painted Boots is a sweet book with some painstakingly frightening moments.
Aspen Brand’s father uproots their life and heads to Wyoming to start fresh after the loss of his wife, Maddy, Aspen’s mother. While Aspen is grieving her father also struggles with the loss of his beloved wife. He’s lost without her and navigating his role as a parent isn’t easy. He loves Aspen fiercely but it seems his wife was their anchor. She was the glue that held them together. Although this book has a beautiful romance. I loved the dynamic between the parents and the children. I would’ve liked to know more about the parents pasts and their own stories…perhaps in another book (hint hint Mechelle lol)
Aspen’s first day at her new school starts off on the wrong foot. She encounters a group of girls and acknowledges them kindly only to be met with sneers and rude comments. She notices Kyle Thacker immediately, she’s drawn to him and she wants to know more about him, but Em Harrelson, his ex girlfriend wants no part of it. She’s determined to keep Kyle at any cost and if she has anything to say about it Aspen won’t be on his radar. Em’s efforts borderline obsessive and downright terrifying at times. Kyle wants nothing to do with her but she won’t leave him alone. Kyle has a secret one he’s afraid to share with anyone, until Aspen. She has breathed life into his world again. He opens himself up to her and opens his heart but after sharing this secret he fears for her own safety.
This book covers a really serious topic but one that generally doesn’t get presented in such a harsh, violent manner — bullying. Em Harrelson is probably the meanest of the mean girls. She’s downright mental but Kyle and Aspen cling to one another as they open up and share their secrets hoping that Em will allow them a happy ever after. Aspen and Kyle’s story is inspiring and truly beautiful. I loved the honesty between these two. Their relationship, though they are young is a relationship many people search a lifetime for. It is a sweet story but their are some alarmingly violent moments that shake you to your core. I felt for Aspen and Kyle but I also felt for their parents. The parents who were so very supportive and loving throughout everything both their families had endured. This was a good read especially if you’re a fan of cowboys.
I’d recommend this book for those interested in mature Young Adult books.
*This book was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.*
Aspen Brand’s father uproots their life and heads to Wyoming to start fresh after the loss of his wife, Maddy, Aspen’s mother. While Aspen is grieving her father also struggles with the loss of his beloved wife. He’s lost without her and navigating his role as a parent isn’t easy. He loves Aspen fiercely but it seems his wife was their anchor. She was the glue that held them together. Although this book has a beautiful romance. I loved the dynamic between the parents and the children. I would’ve liked to know more about the parents pasts and their own stories…perhaps in another book (hint hint Mechelle lol)
Aspen’s first day at her new school starts off on the wrong foot. She encounters a group of girls and acknowledges them kindly only to be met with sneers and rude comments. She notices Kyle Thacker immediately, she’s drawn to him and she wants to know more about him, but Em Harrelson, his ex girlfriend wants no part of it. She’s determined to keep Kyle at any cost and if she has anything to say about it Aspen won’t be on his radar. Em’s efforts borderline obsessive and downright terrifying at times. Kyle wants nothing to do with her but she won’t leave him alone. Kyle has a secret one he’s afraid to share with anyone, until Aspen. She has breathed life into his world again. He opens himself up to her and opens his heart but after sharing this secret he fears for her own safety.
This book covers a really serious topic but one that generally doesn’t get presented in such a harsh, violent manner — bullying. Em Harrelson is probably the meanest of the mean girls. She’s downright mental but Kyle and Aspen cling to one another as they open up and share their secrets hoping that Em will allow them a happy ever after. Aspen and Kyle’s story is inspiring and truly beautiful. I loved the honesty between these two. Their relationship, though they are young is a relationship many people search a lifetime for. It is a sweet story but their are some alarmingly violent moments that shake you to your core. I felt for Aspen and Kyle but I also felt for their parents. The parents who were so very supportive and loving throughout everything both their families had endured. This was a good read especially if you’re a fan of cowboys.
I’d recommend this book for those interested in mature Young Adult books.
*This book was an ARC provided to me for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and comments are my own.*
September 2, 2013
Painted Boots is a contemporary NA book that made me feel all soft and mushy inside at the intense, sweet romance between Aspen and Kyle.
Aspen has moved with her father to a new town after the death of her mother. Grieving, lonely and without words to express how she much pain she is in or how guilty she feels about her mothers death.
She is a lovely quirky character. Aspen buys second-hand clothes and redesigns them to make them unique. And one of her first buys in her new town is a pair of worn-in cowboy boots that she paints regularly to match her moods or outfits. Love that about her and I think it shows how individual and unique she is.
On her first day, she meets Kyle. And I love Kyle, he is quiet, thoughtful and musical. He has his own problems since the death of his brother a few years ago and another huge problem that he is hiding from everyone. A character that is very easy to love. However I didn't love the insta-love and that is why I didn't rate the book higher. This happened after one conversation:
"I wonder if he's thinking what I'm thinking. It's like we are each other's everything."
Just too much, too soon. And it's a pity because if you overlook this, their relationship is adorable. They have an instant connection but they take the time via emails and conversations to really get to know each other and support each other through their respective struggles. They really are good for each other and it's a joy to watch their instant connection deepen and become more meaningful to the point where you really believe that they were fated to meet.
A huge theme of this book is bullying and it's pretty vicious. It's beyond the scope of anything I've seen but it feels very scary and real. I was seriously worried for both characters. I love also that as strong as Aspen was that she crumbled under the bullies, I feel this is very realistic and far more likely to happen than a strong MC who can laugh at the bullies and walk away unscathed. It sends out a very real message that bullying just wears you down and strips your confidence and can happen to anyone. It also sends out a message that you need to talk to someone and help is available.
Insta-love aside, this was a fun book with a serious theme. So nice to read about a lovely, honest, sweet relationship. No hidden agendas or trying to second guess the other person but a real relationship with real communication. I have to applaud that.
Aspen has moved with her father to a new town after the death of her mother. Grieving, lonely and without words to express how she much pain she is in or how guilty she feels about her mothers death.
She is a lovely quirky character. Aspen buys second-hand clothes and redesigns them to make them unique. And one of her first buys in her new town is a pair of worn-in cowboy boots that she paints regularly to match her moods or outfits. Love that about her and I think it shows how individual and unique she is.
On her first day, she meets Kyle. And I love Kyle, he is quiet, thoughtful and musical. He has his own problems since the death of his brother a few years ago and another huge problem that he is hiding from everyone. A character that is very easy to love. However I didn't love the insta-love and that is why I didn't rate the book higher. This happened after one conversation:
"I wonder if he's thinking what I'm thinking. It's like we are each other's everything."
Just too much, too soon. And it's a pity because if you overlook this, their relationship is adorable. They have an instant connection but they take the time via emails and conversations to really get to know each other and support each other through their respective struggles. They really are good for each other and it's a joy to watch their instant connection deepen and become more meaningful to the point where you really believe that they were fated to meet.
A huge theme of this book is bullying and it's pretty vicious. It's beyond the scope of anything I've seen but it feels very scary and real. I was seriously worried for both characters. I love also that as strong as Aspen was that she crumbled under the bullies, I feel this is very realistic and far more likely to happen than a strong MC who can laugh at the bullies and walk away unscathed. It sends out a very real message that bullying just wears you down and strips your confidence and can happen to anyone. It also sends out a message that you need to talk to someone and help is available.
Insta-love aside, this was a fun book with a serious theme. So nice to read about a lovely, honest, sweet relationship. No hidden agendas or trying to second guess the other person but a real relationship with real communication. I have to applaud that.
February 20, 2014
The Darker side of teenage Life......
I give this book 4 stars.
What does this mean to me? I Loved this book, I think the author took on the darker side of life and really made it interesting and real.
I’m not sure where to begin with this review. Painted boots is a very well written novel by Mechelle Morrison. I was very impressed with how well she handled the life and difficulties of teenagers this day and age.
What leaves me speechless in this review is how much respect I have for Mechelle. Taking on the hard topics of abuse,loss,grief and bullying in the pages of this novel was a very brave venture. For some people this novel is really going to open up there eyes to what can go on behind closed doors, for others it may remind you of some of the things you went through when you were teenagers and how harsh life can be at a young age. .
Every teenager boy or girl could be going through some form of, despair, loss,abuse or bullying right this moment, you really just don’t know.
Aspen is a young woman trying to free herself of the guild she feels concerning her mothers death.
Kyle is a young man lost, desperately wanting to find his way back after his brothers suicide.
Neither of them are coping as well as it may seem to those around them.
Apsen is new to life in Wyoming and finds herself alone with no one to confide in, accept her father who is not ready to talk about life without Aspens Mother. Then you have kyle who has himself stuck a a very unhealthy relationship, that he is hiding from his parents. He is just to worried about them after the loss of his brother to ask them for them for help.
Through all the muck and mud that is their lives, Kyle and Aspen find each other and realize that they are soul mates. Sharing there heartaches they find that they give each other strength that they never new existed.
Will their love be strong enough to over come their personal traumas, even when things get worse then what they could of ever imagined?
If you’ve read this review and are intrigued to pick this novel up, i can promise you, you will not be disappointed.
This is the type of topic that will stay with you for a long time after you read the last page. I know it has stayed in my head.
I give this book 4 stars.
What does this mean to me? I Loved this book, I think the author took on the darker side of life and really made it interesting and real.
I’m not sure where to begin with this review. Painted boots is a very well written novel by Mechelle Morrison. I was very impressed with how well she handled the life and difficulties of teenagers this day and age.
What leaves me speechless in this review is how much respect I have for Mechelle. Taking on the hard topics of abuse,loss,grief and bullying in the pages of this novel was a very brave venture. For some people this novel is really going to open up there eyes to what can go on behind closed doors, for others it may remind you of some of the things you went through when you were teenagers and how harsh life can be at a young age. .
Every teenager boy or girl could be going through some form of, despair, loss,abuse or bullying right this moment, you really just don’t know.
Aspen is a young woman trying to free herself of the guild she feels concerning her mothers death.
Kyle is a young man lost, desperately wanting to find his way back after his brothers suicide.
Neither of them are coping as well as it may seem to those around them.
Apsen is new to life in Wyoming and finds herself alone with no one to confide in, accept her father who is not ready to talk about life without Aspens Mother. Then you have kyle who has himself stuck a a very unhealthy relationship, that he is hiding from his parents. He is just to worried about them after the loss of his brother to ask them for them for help.
Through all the muck and mud that is their lives, Kyle and Aspen find each other and realize that they are soul mates. Sharing there heartaches they find that they give each other strength that they never new existed.
Will their love be strong enough to over come their personal traumas, even when things get worse then what they could of ever imagined?
If you’ve read this review and are intrigued to pick this novel up, i can promise you, you will not be disappointed.
This is the type of topic that will stay with you for a long time after you read the last page. I know it has stayed in my head.
July 26, 2013
I truly enjoyed this book! There were twists and turns around ever corner, making it impossible to put down. Which explains why I read it in one day! I felt all the characters were brought to life very well, and it became very realistic in my mind. My favorite part of the entire storyline was how the author approached the subject of bullying in a way that was believable yet not cliche. Although some moments seemed to be a bit far fetched and intense, all around it was a very very good book! In fact when my daughter is old enough to truly understand love, sex, bullying, and death, this is definitely a book I will strongly encourage her to read!
*I received a copy of this book in return of my promise of a honest review.
*I received a copy of this book in return of my promise of a honest review.
September 2, 2013
I discovered this book while entering a goodreads giveaway. Though I didn't win that giveaway, I did find this book in the nook shop. After reading the preview I was hooked and purchased the ebook. I loved this book, it was wonderfully written. A lot of books that I read, I end up skimming through parts of the story to get back to the dialog because that is where the story is really being told, but this book was so well written that I read every single word. The premise was fresh, one that I hadn't read over and over again. even towards the end, I couldn't help thinking that sometimes the good guy can be the bad guy (in reference to the scene with Aspen and her father going to the lodge).
September 23, 2013
I'm conflicted in writing this review. There were things that I liked about this one and I felt like it had a good overall message and also had potential to be really good. Mainly, I had trouble connected to the characters. I also felt like the story went in a direction that I didn't really care for. I think the result could have been achieved in a different way. I rarely finish books that feel conflicted about, but I liked a good portion of the book. I suppose it went a bit down hill for me in the second half.
November 5, 2013
I won this book on Goodreads and I am very glad I did. I didn't want to put this book down! I had to, but I couldn't stop thinking about wanting to finish it! I loved the romance between Aspen and Kyle. Things happened that I didn't think would, so it was a welcome surprise. I can't wait for the next book from Mechelle Morrison!
September 18, 2013
I enjoyed reading this book and I liked the story line. The only problem I had was that I don't think the characters were that realistic, maybe it was because I had trouble relating to them.
I really couldn't put the book down and ended up finishing in just 2 days.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I really couldn't put the book down and ended up finishing in just 2 days.
I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
August 30, 2013
It was a decent book. I got into it quick. I wish the author would have gone a little deeper with each of the characters. I'm not even sure what Aspen looks like. I'd love to know what her father's back story is. It took a twist which was definitely surprising so I liked that.
Want to read
June 21, 2013Don't ask me why, but I so want to read this...
October 11, 2013
Full review coming soon!
September 10, 2016
Painted Boots wasn't what I was expecting but it was a really good read.
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