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I Love You #2
Stubborn Love
Five years ago, tragedy brought Jared and Mia together. A tragedy that was the start of an unlikely source of support, a true friendship and eventually, deep, heart-stopping love. Until the day something pushed them apart, forcing one of them to let the other one go.
Now, over the course of a day and a night, Jared and Mia will finally talk about how it all went wrong. How something which seemed so perfect and true, was so easily broken. And just when they think they’ve found their way back to each other, their love, will once more be put to the ultimate test.
Sometimes, you never realise how much you can hurt the one you love.
Sometimes, you never realise the lengths you’ll go to, to help someone you love.
And sometimes, you never realise just how stubborn love can be.
Because it’s impossible to let somebody go, when you never stopped loving them in the first place.
Now, over the course of a day and a night, Jared and Mia will finally talk about how it all went wrong. How something which seemed so perfect and true, was so easily broken. And just when they think they’ve found their way back to each other, their love, will once more be put to the ultimate test.
Sometimes, you never realise how much you can hurt the one you love.
Sometimes, you never realise the lengths you’ll go to, to help someone you love.
And sometimes, you never realise just how stubborn love can be.
Because it’s impossible to let somebody go, when you never stopped loving them in the first place.
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2013
About the author
Natalie Ward
15 books636 followersAn avid reader and writer who doesn't sleep enough.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
September 29, 2013
3-3.5 Stubborn Stars!!!
Stubborn Love is Jared and Mia’s story. Jared is Luke’s best friend. Mia is Luke’s sister. We are introduced to both characters in I Love You to Death. Much of this story runs in sync with ILYtD, just from Jared and Mia’s pov. Mia and Jared meet under not so ideal circumstances. They quickly fall for one another, but they keep it a secret for a while, because of Luke. When Luke finds out, it’s all good. Their relationship lasts for a long while, then it falls apart. We don’t know what happens at first, but their story tells it all...
To this day, Jared has no idea why his relationship with Mia fell apart. She ended things rather abruptly. All he knows is that it hurt. It’s been a year and he’s never really gotten over her. Going back and forth, Mia and Jared explain all that happened in the past and present. We also get an update on where Luke and Ash are. Mia wants to work things out, Jared still loves her but he’s not moving forward without an explanation. And he wants the whole story.
My favorite quote:
I Love You to Death was such a fantastic book for me. I gave it 5 stars, I loved the characters, loved the story. This one fell a little flat for me. It wasn’t that I didn’t like it, I just wanted more from Jared and Mia’s story. It had a slow start. Once it picked up, it got better. I loved the dual pov. The story went back and forth from present to past, both pov’s which meant there was ton of repetition. I found myself skimming. A lot. I felt like I was reading the same scene from the other characters pov way too often. Jared was great. I loved him in ILYtD. Mia frustrated me. I get the whole reason she did what she did, but after all the build up, it felt anticlimactic. I liked the book, I just didn’t love it near as much as the first. I will say, Natalie Ward’s writing is fantastic. I will definitely read more from this author.
Stubborn Love is Jared and Mia’s story. Jared is Luke’s best friend. Mia is Luke’s sister. We are introduced to both characters in I Love You to Death. Much of this story runs in sync with ILYtD, just from Jared and Mia’s pov. Mia and Jared meet under not so ideal circumstances. They quickly fall for one another, but they keep it a secret for a while, because of Luke. When Luke finds out, it’s all good. Their relationship lasts for a long while, then it falls apart. We don’t know what happens at first, but their story tells it all...
There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t regret my decision or any of the things I did. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t wish everything could be different.Mia wants Jared back. Jared. The one guy Mia has ever loved. The one guy she pushed away.
He was my best friend, my whole world, the love of my life, and I pushed him away.
To this day, Jared has no idea why his relationship with Mia fell apart. She ended things rather abruptly. All he knows is that it hurt. It’s been a year and he’s never really gotten over her. Going back and forth, Mia and Jared explain all that happened in the past and present. We also get an update on where Luke and Ash are. Mia wants to work things out, Jared still loves her but he’s not moving forward without an explanation. And he wants the whole story.
My favorite quote:
Life is too short to live without the things you want, to not to fight for the things you love...
I Love You to Death was such a fantastic book for me. I gave it 5 stars, I loved the characters, loved the story. This one fell a little flat for me. It wasn’t that I didn’t like it, I just wanted more from Jared and Mia’s story. It had a slow start. Once it picked up, it got better. I loved the dual pov. The story went back and forth from present to past, both pov’s which meant there was ton of repetition. I found myself skimming. A lot. I felt like I was reading the same scene from the other characters pov way too often. Jared was great. I loved him in ILYtD. Mia frustrated me. I get the whole reason she did what she did, but after all the build up, it felt anticlimactic. I liked the book, I just didn’t love it near as much as the first. I will say, Natalie Ward’s writing is fantastic. I will definitely read more from this author.
September 5, 2013
3--Hated the Conflict--Stars!!
Stubborn Love runs parallel to I Love You to Death. It is Mia and Jared's story. Mia is Luke's sister and Jared is Luke's BFF. It's told in alternating POVs and alternates between the past when Jared and Mia meet and fall in love (Jared's POV) and the present when Mia finally tells Jared why she pushed him away (Mia's POV).
Note: I did not do a re-read of ILYtD and I didn't feel lost or anything in this story.
Jared and Mia meet after Jared calls Mia when Luke is beaten by their dad. She comes to visit Luke and their relationship develops from there through visits to see Luke over the years. I actually really liked the development of Jared and Mia's relationship. It felt real and they had some really sweet and steamy moments.
“I want whatever is there, waiting to happen between us, to be real. Because at this moment, the feelings I have for her are the most real thing I have ever felt.”
However, the story really seemed to drag for me and with the alternating POVs we got some repetitive scenes. Jared would tell an event from the past and then it would be re-told by Mia in the present as a thought or flashback. So we had the same conversations and dialogue. I just didn't feel it was necessary or brought anything to the story.
But my biggest problem came with the conflict, or the lack there of. Mia's reasoning for pushing Jared away was .
So you are willing to just say eff you to your own happiness and Jared's happiness and your happiness together because your relationship MIGHT come between ??
So this was Mia's excuse for the majority of the book. And I'm sitting there thinking that can't be it right??!?! I mean that's just
Thank goodness there was more....only it's an even worse excuse then the whole thing. Now she's saying that her .
Okay....I see. Yeah, no....I don't. At. All.
Huh??
At this point I would have been pissed if I was Jared. Pushing him away for no good reason at all. Someone please tell me I am not the only one that feels this way??? Please!!!
So now at this point Jared and Mia have made up....and I don't get what changed to make Mia decide that now she was willing to fight for Jared and them being together.
Stubborn Love runs parallel to I Love You to Death. It is Mia and Jared's story. Mia is Luke's sister and Jared is Luke's BFF. It's told in alternating POVs and alternates between the past when Jared and Mia meet and fall in love (Jared's POV) and the present when Mia finally tells Jared why she pushed him away (Mia's POV).
Note: I did not do a re-read of ILYtD and I didn't feel lost or anything in this story.
Jared and Mia meet after Jared calls Mia when Luke is beaten by their dad. She comes to visit Luke and their relationship develops from there through visits to see Luke over the years. I actually really liked the development of Jared and Mia's relationship. It felt real and they had some really sweet and steamy moments.
“I want whatever is there, waiting to happen between us, to be real. Because at this moment, the feelings I have for her are the most real thing I have ever felt.”
However, the story really seemed to drag for me and with the alternating POVs we got some repetitive scenes. Jared would tell an event from the past and then it would be re-told by Mia in the present as a thought or flashback. So we had the same conversations and dialogue. I just didn't feel it was necessary or brought anything to the story.
But my biggest problem came with the conflict, or the lack there of. Mia's reasoning for pushing Jared away was .
So you are willing to just say eff you to your own happiness and Jared's happiness and your happiness together because your relationship MIGHT come between ??
So this was Mia's excuse for the majority of the book. And I'm sitting there thinking that can't be it right??!?! I mean that's just
Thank goodness there was more....only it's an even worse excuse then the whole thing. Now she's saying that her .
Okay....I see. Yeah, no....I don't. At. All.
Huh??
At this point I would have been pissed if I was Jared. Pushing him away for no good reason at all. Someone please tell me I am not the only one that feels this way??? Please!!!
So now at this point Jared and Mia have made up....and I don't get what changed to make Mia decide that now she was willing to fight for Jared and them being together.
August 21, 2013
4.5 Stars
Gitte: What brilliant and clever writing by Natalie Ward. I absolutely loved ‘Stubborn Love’ – loved Mia and Jared’s story. Loved the fact that I spent one of the most intense days listening to them as if I was in the same room, sat on tenterhooks wanting them to be okay. Because they’re not okay, they have a lot to sort out and work through.
“I want him, I need him. I want what was between us….I want that back.” – Mia
“…I’m beginning to realise this girl is just as fucking stubborn as her brother.”
Mia is Luke’s sister and Jared is his best mate; we met them both in book #1 and their story is given to us through both pov’s and past/present jumps. Some pov’s overlap which I thought was so well thought out, as we got both reactions to the same scene. As I said; brilliant. It was flawless and so very unique I was glued to my kindle.
So, ‘Stubborn Love’ runs alongside ‘I Love You to Death’ (I Love You #1) timeframe wise, which at first confused me slightly, however, I was soon up to speed with where and ‘when’ everything was story-wise. However, I would recommend either reading book #1 again or refreshing your memory somehow. Though, perhaps that was just me, as it’s been a long while since I read book #1. What do you think Jenny?
Jenny: I agree Gitte. For those of you who read I Love you To Death a year ago like us, maybe a skim through is in order before heading into this one. But as you said, once you realise the gist of what is going in regards to the parallel story and timelines with ILYTD you are in awe of how Natalie Ward did this. My head was spinning at how she tied everything into that timeframe.
“He told me that life is too short to live without the things you want, to not fight for the things you love…”
Gitte: I love it when a book makes you think. When it tests you and isn’t handed to you on a platter and that is exactly what Natalie Ward gave us with Stubborn Love. I love the fluidity of her prose and this book was so beautifully written and so cleverly executed that you are not only gifted a new story and a new understanding, a new awareness of the characters involved, but you’re also afforded a new perspective on some of the events which unfolded in I Love You To Death and I was hooked!
I was so excited when I heard we were getting Jared and Mia’s story. They intrigued me in ILYTD. I wanted to know what caused the animosity and coolness between these two. Just what had transpired between them that brought them to that point.
“I want whatever is there, waiting to happen between us, to be real. Because at this moment, the feelings I have for her are the most real thing I have ever felt.”
By allowing us to be with them in “real” time as they shared their pain and stories to the flashbacks where we witness their relationship develop, well, I have to say I fell in love with these two and their story really did captivate me.
Gitte: So, Mia and Jared shared a beautiful love a love that grew throughout our peeks at their past history. A love that started out as a secret in fear of hurting and upsetting Luke, a fear that turned out to be avoidable and unnecessary.
“I turned her down at a time when she needed someone, something to make her feel good, feel wanted…”
Their love never faded or died, but their relationship did when Mia put a stop to it for reasons only known to her.
“He’s fighting for me, fighting to keep me, but I can’t let him.” – Mia
So we join them in the present when an intensely fateful day/night takes place. Mia opens up to Jared and we hear just why. She didn’t let him or us in easily though, the emotion was palpable and so intense I think I needed a drink or two to carry on. The flashbacks were beautiful and so very passionate that the balance was just perfect.
“I know I’ve messed things up and I know I have a lot to be sorry for, but I want him to know that I am sorry. I want to ask for his forgiveness. I want to try and fix things, no matter how hard it’s going to be.” – Mia
“….all I feel is regret…” – Jared
Her pain and anguish really did get to me Jenny. I hate when love gets interrupted, but I love second chance love too, so phew…..My heart ultimately broke for Jared though, because he had no clue as to why or anything, did he Jenny?
…it’s his eyes and what I see in them that really kills me. They are filled with hurt. Hurt and regret and misery and it hits me, like a hard punch in the gut, all the things I’ve done to this man, to this amazing, beautiful man who I love, so much.”
Jenny: Oh Gitte I felt so sorry for Jared. I adored this man. He was open, honest and really did wear his heart on his sleeve so you were in no doubt whatsoever about the love he felt for Mia.
“Don’t ever think that I don’t want you Mia.”
“Because I do, more than you’ll ever know.”
The fact that she ostracised him the way she did, the confusion he felt over her coldness towards him really did throw him for a loop. He honestly had no idea why she acted the way she did.
Listening to them both pour their hearts our via alternating POV’s of the same situations really did make you feel every bit of anguish, sorrow and complete despair at the miscommunication, the misunderstanding and the sheer waste of time they spent apart feeling resentment and hurt towards one another.
“God, I miss him. I miss him so badly that it physically hurts. A deep ache, which permanently lives inside my chest…..”
In saying that I did finally understand Mia’s reasoning. She thought she was being selfless but had misconstrued the situation. Seeing their feelings laid bare to one another, sharing their pain, their hurt, their love and their anger felt real and it felt raw and I was completely riveted to every minute of it.
“What about me? What about making me fucking happy?”
I cried a few times through this book at the realness of the emotions I felt through the pages.
Gitte: So overall, despite my initial confusion, I absolutely loved this story and all the characters. It was beautiful and so emotionally intense. Oh and ummm Jared…you naughty naughty man!! That….is…..all…..
“All of the wasted time apart, the misunderstandings and my own stupidity and cowardice, drive us together, drive us into each other….” – Mia
Jenny: Following this story as it culminated into the tragic events of ILYTD ruined me. I can tell you now….Luke’s book will KILL me. My heart broke for this beautiful man and the life he had lead. How he turned out so kind and so loving is beyond me. A true testament to the man himself.
The underlying relationships explored through Stubborn Love were so engaging and beautiful. To witness the depth of the bond between Mia & Luke was just wonderful. Mia carries so much guilt over Luke’s childhood and these two have a really special relationship that I loved exploring further in this book.
But this was Mia and Jared’s story and what a story it was. It was heart-breaking. It was frustrating. It was painful and it was sad.
“For the first time, I can see that both of us have been hurting because of this.” <?i>
But it was also beautiful, passionate, intense and extremely moving. I was completely in love with this story.
“It was like I meant nothing to you, as though we and everything we had together , meant nothing to you.”
You know you’ve loved a book when you finish it with a smile on your face and you need to take that moment to absorb, to reminisce and you never want to let go of the characters. Yep! That was me with Stubborn Love.
Oh and yes and I agree G. Jared, you naughty, sexy man!
ARC Supplied by author in exchange for an honest review
Gitte: What brilliant and clever writing by Natalie Ward. I absolutely loved ‘Stubborn Love’ – loved Mia and Jared’s story. Loved the fact that I spent one of the most intense days listening to them as if I was in the same room, sat on tenterhooks wanting them to be okay. Because they’re not okay, they have a lot to sort out and work through.
“I want him, I need him. I want what was between us….I want that back.” – Mia
“…I’m beginning to realise this girl is just as fucking stubborn as her brother.”
Mia is Luke’s sister and Jared is his best mate; we met them both in book #1 and their story is given to us through both pov’s and past/present jumps. Some pov’s overlap which I thought was so well thought out, as we got both reactions to the same scene. As I said; brilliant. It was flawless and so very unique I was glued to my kindle.
So, ‘Stubborn Love’ runs alongside ‘I Love You to Death’ (I Love You #1) timeframe wise, which at first confused me slightly, however, I was soon up to speed with where and ‘when’ everything was story-wise. However, I would recommend either reading book #1 again or refreshing your memory somehow. Though, perhaps that was just me, as it’s been a long while since I read book #1. What do you think Jenny?
Jenny: I agree Gitte. For those of you who read I Love you To Death a year ago like us, maybe a skim through is in order before heading into this one. But as you said, once you realise the gist of what is going in regards to the parallel story and timelines with ILYTD you are in awe of how Natalie Ward did this. My head was spinning at how she tied everything into that timeframe.
“He told me that life is too short to live without the things you want, to not fight for the things you love…”
Gitte: I love it when a book makes you think. When it tests you and isn’t handed to you on a platter and that is exactly what Natalie Ward gave us with Stubborn Love. I love the fluidity of her prose and this book was so beautifully written and so cleverly executed that you are not only gifted a new story and a new understanding, a new awareness of the characters involved, but you’re also afforded a new perspective on some of the events which unfolded in I Love You To Death and I was hooked!
I was so excited when I heard we were getting Jared and Mia’s story. They intrigued me in ILYTD. I wanted to know what caused the animosity and coolness between these two. Just what had transpired between them that brought them to that point.
“I want whatever is there, waiting to happen between us, to be real. Because at this moment, the feelings I have for her are the most real thing I have ever felt.”
By allowing us to be with them in “real” time as they shared their pain and stories to the flashbacks where we witness their relationship develop, well, I have to say I fell in love with these two and their story really did captivate me.
Gitte: So, Mia and Jared shared a beautiful love a love that grew throughout our peeks at their past history. A love that started out as a secret in fear of hurting and upsetting Luke, a fear that turned out to be avoidable and unnecessary.
“I turned her down at a time when she needed someone, something to make her feel good, feel wanted…”
Their love never faded or died, but their relationship did when Mia put a stop to it for reasons only known to her.
“He’s fighting for me, fighting to keep me, but I can’t let him.” – Mia
So we join them in the present when an intensely fateful day/night takes place. Mia opens up to Jared and we hear just why. She didn’t let him or us in easily though, the emotion was palpable and so intense I think I needed a drink or two to carry on. The flashbacks were beautiful and so very passionate that the balance was just perfect.
“I know I’ve messed things up and I know I have a lot to be sorry for, but I want him to know that I am sorry. I want to ask for his forgiveness. I want to try and fix things, no matter how hard it’s going to be.” – Mia
“….all I feel is regret…” – Jared
Her pain and anguish really did get to me Jenny. I hate when love gets interrupted, but I love second chance love too, so phew…..My heart ultimately broke for Jared though, because he had no clue as to why or anything, did he Jenny?
…it’s his eyes and what I see in them that really kills me. They are filled with hurt. Hurt and regret and misery and it hits me, like a hard punch in the gut, all the things I’ve done to this man, to this amazing, beautiful man who I love, so much.”
Jenny: Oh Gitte I felt so sorry for Jared. I adored this man. He was open, honest and really did wear his heart on his sleeve so you were in no doubt whatsoever about the love he felt for Mia.
“Don’t ever think that I don’t want you Mia.”
“Because I do, more than you’ll ever know.”
The fact that she ostracised him the way she did, the confusion he felt over her coldness towards him really did throw him for a loop. He honestly had no idea why she acted the way she did.
Listening to them both pour their hearts our via alternating POV’s of the same situations really did make you feel every bit of anguish, sorrow and complete despair at the miscommunication, the misunderstanding and the sheer waste of time they spent apart feeling resentment and hurt towards one another.
“God, I miss him. I miss him so badly that it physically hurts. A deep ache, which permanently lives inside my chest…..”
In saying that I did finally understand Mia’s reasoning. She thought she was being selfless but had misconstrued the situation. Seeing their feelings laid bare to one another, sharing their pain, their hurt, their love and their anger felt real and it felt raw and I was completely riveted to every minute of it.
“What about me? What about making me fucking happy?”
I cried a few times through this book at the realness of the emotions I felt through the pages.
Gitte: So overall, despite my initial confusion, I absolutely loved this story and all the characters. It was beautiful and so emotionally intense. Oh and ummm Jared…you naughty naughty man!! That….is…..all…..
“All of the wasted time apart, the misunderstandings and my own stupidity and cowardice, drive us together, drive us into each other….” – Mia
Jenny: Following this story as it culminated into the tragic events of ILYTD ruined me. I can tell you now….Luke’s book will KILL me. My heart broke for this beautiful man and the life he had lead. How he turned out so kind and so loving is beyond me. A true testament to the man himself.
The underlying relationships explored through Stubborn Love were so engaging and beautiful. To witness the depth of the bond between Mia & Luke was just wonderful. Mia carries so much guilt over Luke’s childhood and these two have a really special relationship that I loved exploring further in this book.
But this was Mia and Jared’s story and what a story it was. It was heart-breaking. It was frustrating. It was painful and it was sad.
“For the first time, I can see that both of us have been hurting because of this.” <?i>
But it was also beautiful, passionate, intense and extremely moving. I was completely in love with this story.
“It was like I meant nothing to you, as though we and everything we had together , meant nothing to you.”
You know you’ve loved a book when you finish it with a smile on your face and you need to take that moment to absorb, to reminisce and you never want to let go of the characters. Yep! That was me with Stubborn Love.
Oh and yes and I agree G. Jared, you naughty, sexy man!
ARC Supplied by author in exchange for an honest review
August 21, 2013
Jointly reviewed: http://totallybookedblog.com/2013/08/...
Gitte: What brilliant and clever writing by Natalie Ward. I absolutely loved ‘Stubborn Love’ – loved Mia and Jared’s story. Loved the fact that I spent one of the most intense days listening to them as if I was in the same room, sat on tenterhooks wanting them to be okay. Because they’re not okay, they have a lot to sort out and work through.
“I want him, I need him. I want what was between us….I want that back.” – Mia
“…I’m beginning to realise this girl is just as fucking stubborn as her brother.”
Mia is Luke’s sister and Jared is his best mate; we met them both in book #1 and their story is given to us through both pov’s and past/present jumps. Some pov’s overlap which I thought was so well thought out, as we got both reactions to the same scene. As I said; brilliant. It was flawless and so very unique I was glued to my kindle.
So, ‘Stubborn Love’ runs alongside ‘I Love You to Death’ (I Love You #1) timeframe wise, which at first confused me slightly, however, I was soon up to speed with where and ‘when’ everything was story-wise. However, I would recommend either reading book #1 again or refreshing your memory somehow. Though, perhaps that was just me, as it’s been a long while since I read book #1. What do you think Jenny?
Jenny: I agree Gitte. For those of you who read I Love you To Death a year ago like us, maybe a skim through is in order before heading into this one. But as you said, once you realise the gist of what is going in regards to the parallel story and timelines with ILYTD you are in awe of how Natalie Ward did this. My head was spinning at how she tied everything into that timeframe.
“He told me that life is too short to live without the things you want, to not fight for the things you love…”
Gitte I love it when a book makes you think. When it tests you and isn’t handed to you on a platter and that is exactly what Natalie Ward gave us with Stubborn Love. I love the fluidity of her prose and this book was so beautifully written and so cleverly executed that you are not only gifted a new story and a new understanding, a new awareness of the characters involved, but you’re also afforded a new perspective on some of the events which unfolded in I Love You To Death and I was hooked!
I was so excited when I heard we were getting Jared and Mia’s story. They intrigued me in ILYTD. I wanted to know what caused the animosity and coolness between these two. Just what had transpired between them that brought them to that point.
“I want whatever is there, waiting to happen between us, to be real. Because at this moment, the feelings I have for her are the most real thing I have ever felt.”
By allowing us to be with them in “real” time as they shared their pain and stories to the flashbacks where we witness their relationship develop, well, I have to say I fell in love with these two and their story really did captivate me.
Gitte: So, Mia and Jared shared a beautiful love a love that grew throughout our peeks at their past history. A love that started out as a secret in fear of hurting and upsetting Luke, a fear that turned out to be avoidable and unnecessary.
“I turned her down at a time when she needed someone, something to make her feel good, feel wanted…”
Their love never faded or died, but their relationship did when Mia put a stop to it for reasons only known to her.
“He’s fighting for me, fighting to keep me, but I can’t let him.” – Mia
So we join them in the present when an intensely fateful day/night takes place. Mia opens up to Jared and we hear just why. She didn’t let him or us in easily though, the emotion was palpable and so intense I think I needed a drink or two to carry on. The flashbacks were beautiful and so very passionate that the balance was just perfect.
“I know I’ve messed things up and I know I have a lot to be sorry for, but I want him to know that I am sorry. I want to ask for his forgiveness. I want to try and fix things, no matter how hard it’s going to be.” – Mia
“…all I feel is regret…” – Jared
Her pain and anguish really did get to me Jenny. I hate when love gets interrupted, but I love second chance love too, so phew…..My heart ultimately broke for Jared though, because he had no clue as to why or anything, did he Jenny?
“…it’s his eyes and what I see in them that really kills me. They are filled with hurt. Hurt and regret and misery and it hits me, like a hard punch in the gut, all the things I’ve done to this man, to this amazing, beautiful man who I love, so much.”
Jenny: Oh Gitte I felt so sorry for Jared. I adored this man. He was open, honest and really did wear his heart on his sleeve so you were in no doubt whatsoever about the love he felt for Mia.
“Don’t ever think that I don’t want you Mia.”
“Because I do, more than you’ll ever know.”
The fact that she ostracised him the way she did, the confusion he felt over her coldness towards him really did throw him for a loop. He honestly had no idea why she acted the way she did.
Listening to them both pour their hearts our via alternating POV’s of the same situations really did make you feel every bit of anguish, sorrow and complete despair at the miscommunication, the misunderstanding and the sheer waste of time they spent apart feeling resentment and hurt towards one another.
“God, I miss him. I miss him so badly that it physically hurts. A deep ache, which permanently lives inside my chest…”
In saying that I did finally understand Mia’s reasoning. She thought she was being selfless but had misconstrued the situation. Seeing their feelings laid bare to one another, sharing their pain, their hurt, their love and their anger felt real and it felt raw and I was completely riveted to every minute of it.
“What about me? What about making me fucking happy?”
I cried a few times through this book at the realness of the emotions I felt through the pages.
Gitte: So overall, despite my initial confusion, I absolutely loved this story and all the characters. It was beautiful and so emotionally intense. Oh and ummm Jared…you naughty naughty man!! That….is…..all…..
“All of the wasted time apart, the misunderstandings and my own stupidity and cowardice, drive us together, drive us into each other….” – Mia
Jenny: Following this story as it culminated into the tragic events of ILYTD ruined me. I can tell you now….Luke’s book will KILL me. My heart broke for this beautiful man and the life he had lead. How he turned out so kind and so loving is beyond me. A true testament to the man himself.
The underlying relationships explored through Stubborn Love were so engaging and beautiful. To witness the depth of the bond between Mia & Luke was just wonderful. Mia carries so much guilt over Luke’s childhood and these two have a really special relationship that I loved exploring further in this book.
But this was Mia and Jared’s story and what a story it was. It was heart-breaking. It was frustrating. It was painful and it was sad.
“For the first time, I can see that both of us have been hurting because of this.”
But it was also beautiful, passionate, intense and extremely moving. I was completely in love with this story.
“It was like I meant nothing to you, as though we and everything we had together, meant nothing to you.”
You know you’ve loved a book when you finish it with a smile on your face and you need to take that moment to absorb, to reminisce and you never want to let go of the characters. Yep! That was me with Stubborn Love.
Oh and yes and I agree G. Jared, you naughty, sexy man!
Gitte: 4.5 Stars
Jenny: 4.5 Stars
ARC Supplied by author in exchange for an honest review
Gitte: What brilliant and clever writing by Natalie Ward. I absolutely loved ‘Stubborn Love’ – loved Mia and Jared’s story. Loved the fact that I spent one of the most intense days listening to them as if I was in the same room, sat on tenterhooks wanting them to be okay. Because they’re not okay, they have a lot to sort out and work through.
“I want him, I need him. I want what was between us….I want that back.” – Mia
“…I’m beginning to realise this girl is just as fucking stubborn as her brother.”
Mia is Luke’s sister and Jared is his best mate; we met them both in book #1 and their story is given to us through both pov’s and past/present jumps. Some pov’s overlap which I thought was so well thought out, as we got both reactions to the same scene. As I said; brilliant. It was flawless and so very unique I was glued to my kindle.
So, ‘Stubborn Love’ runs alongside ‘I Love You to Death’ (I Love You #1) timeframe wise, which at first confused me slightly, however, I was soon up to speed with where and ‘when’ everything was story-wise. However, I would recommend either reading book #1 again or refreshing your memory somehow. Though, perhaps that was just me, as it’s been a long while since I read book #1. What do you think Jenny?
Jenny: I agree Gitte. For those of you who read I Love you To Death a year ago like us, maybe a skim through is in order before heading into this one. But as you said, once you realise the gist of what is going in regards to the parallel story and timelines with ILYTD you are in awe of how Natalie Ward did this. My head was spinning at how she tied everything into that timeframe.
“He told me that life is too short to live without the things you want, to not fight for the things you love…”
Gitte I love it when a book makes you think. When it tests you and isn’t handed to you on a platter and that is exactly what Natalie Ward gave us with Stubborn Love. I love the fluidity of her prose and this book was so beautifully written and so cleverly executed that you are not only gifted a new story and a new understanding, a new awareness of the characters involved, but you’re also afforded a new perspective on some of the events which unfolded in I Love You To Death and I was hooked!
I was so excited when I heard we were getting Jared and Mia’s story. They intrigued me in ILYTD. I wanted to know what caused the animosity and coolness between these two. Just what had transpired between them that brought them to that point.
“I want whatever is there, waiting to happen between us, to be real. Because at this moment, the feelings I have for her are the most real thing I have ever felt.”
By allowing us to be with them in “real” time as they shared their pain and stories to the flashbacks where we witness their relationship develop, well, I have to say I fell in love with these two and their story really did captivate me.
Gitte: So, Mia and Jared shared a beautiful love a love that grew throughout our peeks at their past history. A love that started out as a secret in fear of hurting and upsetting Luke, a fear that turned out to be avoidable and unnecessary.
“I turned her down at a time when she needed someone, something to make her feel good, feel wanted…”
Their love never faded or died, but their relationship did when Mia put a stop to it for reasons only known to her.
“He’s fighting for me, fighting to keep me, but I can’t let him.” – Mia
So we join them in the present when an intensely fateful day/night takes place. Mia opens up to Jared and we hear just why. She didn’t let him or us in easily though, the emotion was palpable and so intense I think I needed a drink or two to carry on. The flashbacks were beautiful and so very passionate that the balance was just perfect.
“I know I’ve messed things up and I know I have a lot to be sorry for, but I want him to know that I am sorry. I want to ask for his forgiveness. I want to try and fix things, no matter how hard it’s going to be.” – Mia
“…all I feel is regret…” – Jared
Her pain and anguish really did get to me Jenny. I hate when love gets interrupted, but I love second chance love too, so phew…..My heart ultimately broke for Jared though, because he had no clue as to why or anything, did he Jenny?
“…it’s his eyes and what I see in them that really kills me. They are filled with hurt. Hurt and regret and misery and it hits me, like a hard punch in the gut, all the things I’ve done to this man, to this amazing, beautiful man who I love, so much.”
Jenny: Oh Gitte I felt so sorry for Jared. I adored this man. He was open, honest and really did wear his heart on his sleeve so you were in no doubt whatsoever about the love he felt for Mia.
“Don’t ever think that I don’t want you Mia.”
“Because I do, more than you’ll ever know.”
The fact that she ostracised him the way she did, the confusion he felt over her coldness towards him really did throw him for a loop. He honestly had no idea why she acted the way she did.
Listening to them both pour their hearts our via alternating POV’s of the same situations really did make you feel every bit of anguish, sorrow and complete despair at the miscommunication, the misunderstanding and the sheer waste of time they spent apart feeling resentment and hurt towards one another.
“God, I miss him. I miss him so badly that it physically hurts. A deep ache, which permanently lives inside my chest…”
In saying that I did finally understand Mia’s reasoning. She thought she was being selfless but had misconstrued the situation. Seeing their feelings laid bare to one another, sharing their pain, their hurt, their love and their anger felt real and it felt raw and I was completely riveted to every minute of it.
“What about me? What about making me fucking happy?”
I cried a few times through this book at the realness of the emotions I felt through the pages.
Gitte: So overall, despite my initial confusion, I absolutely loved this story and all the characters. It was beautiful and so emotionally intense. Oh and ummm Jared…you naughty naughty man!! That….is…..all…..
“All of the wasted time apart, the misunderstandings and my own stupidity and cowardice, drive us together, drive us into each other….” – Mia
Jenny: Following this story as it culminated into the tragic events of ILYTD ruined me. I can tell you now….Luke’s book will KILL me. My heart broke for this beautiful man and the life he had lead. How he turned out so kind and so loving is beyond me. A true testament to the man himself.
The underlying relationships explored through Stubborn Love were so engaging and beautiful. To witness the depth of the bond between Mia & Luke was just wonderful. Mia carries so much guilt over Luke’s childhood and these two have a really special relationship that I loved exploring further in this book.
But this was Mia and Jared’s story and what a story it was. It was heart-breaking. It was frustrating. It was painful and it was sad.
“For the first time, I can see that both of us have been hurting because of this.”
But it was also beautiful, passionate, intense and extremely moving. I was completely in love with this story.
“It was like I meant nothing to you, as though we and everything we had together, meant nothing to you.”
You know you’ve loved a book when you finish it with a smile on your face and you need to take that moment to absorb, to reminisce and you never want to let go of the characters. Yep! That was me with Stubborn Love.
Oh and yes and I agree G. Jared, you naughty, sexy man!
Gitte: 4.5 Stars
Jenny: 4.5 Stars
ARC Supplied by author in exchange for an honest review
September 5, 2013
This book...I have to write a review for it still but I'll tell you one thing about it...or a few, lol.
It's smart.
It's sexy.
It's beautiful.
It's stubborn...
It's brilliant.
LOVE IT.
Full review to come...
It's smart.
It's sexy.
It's beautiful.
It's stubborn...
It's brilliant.
LOVE IT.
Full review to come...
October 5, 2013
Holy shit.
Excuse me while I fangirl alittle LOT about Jared & Mia's story. That was beautifully magic
I loved it, loved every seconds of it! It's an heartbreaking story, and you can see all the hurt and anger through the characters. They love each other but so many things is going on between them it's crazy how they restrain themselves.
I was so happy at the end because they finally find a way to get through this shit.
Fist, Jared. Wow. So, um, he's yummy. And the way he talks. Sighs. So sexy. I wasn't expecting to like him so much, but I do, oh damn right, I do.
Mia. Oh Mia. You broke my heart into pieces. Literally. I was like that the whole time you talked.
.
I CAN'T HANDLE YOUR PAIN. I AM SORRY
So, basically, between crying, laughing my ass off and drooling over Jared, I found this book pretty awesome.
I still love I Love You to Death more tho, because I have the feeling (maybe it's just me and my weirdo self) that Stubborn Love is a lot more about lust and desire than love. I know, I know, they loved each other, I can see that, but you compare it to the love shared between Luke and Ash, it's completely different, and I love, yeah I do, Luke & Ash better, at least their story.
Anyway, awesome read, I'm so not disappointed, I love you Natalie, you're an amazing author.
And the soundtrack, damn, it's like she put all my favorit songs on it.
Excuse me while I fangirl a
I loved it, loved every seconds of it! It's an heartbreaking story, and you can see all the hurt and anger through the characters. They love each other but so many things is going on between them it's crazy how they restrain themselves.
I was so happy at the end because they finally find a way to get through this shit.
Fist, Jared. Wow. So, um, he's yummy. And the way he talks. Sighs. So sexy. I wasn't expecting to like him so much, but I do, oh damn right, I do.
Mia. Oh Mia. You broke my heart into pieces. Literally. I was like that the whole time you talked.
.I CAN'T HANDLE YOUR PAIN. I AM SORRY
So, basically, between crying, laughing my ass off and drooling over Jared, I found this book pretty awesome.
I still love I Love You to Death more tho, because I have the feeling (maybe it's just me and my weirdo self) that Stubborn Love is a lot more about lust and desire than love. I know, I know, they loved each other, I can see that, but you compare it to the love shared between Luke and Ash, it's completely different, and I love, yeah I do, Luke & Ash better, at least their story.
Anyway, awesome read, I'm so not disappointed, I love you Natalie, you're an amazing author.
And the soundtrack, damn, it's like she put all my favorit songs on it.
November 2, 2013
This was sadly an excruciating 2.5 Stars for me ....I absolutely loved ILYTD... But I just couldn't connect with this book at all... I tried ...I really did ... But lord did it drag ... Mia's reasoning for leaving Jared was just fucking lame!!! I'm so disappointed ,.. I had to force myself to finish it!! Half the time a had to skip through pages because it was just so repetitive !! I seriously wanted to gouge my eyes out!!!
August 22, 2013
Everyone knows I have a total lady-boner for Natalie Ward. What can I say? She created Luke.
Now if she had passed on that neat little accent to Luke, she would likely need a restraining order.
Anyway, somewhere in my public declarations of love she decided to throw me a bone, and include me in this early review business. I may have screamed a bit. How can you have Mia without Luke?
Hey, don’t judge me. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
Little did I expect, I walked away feeling like I need to apologize to Luke for being a dirty whore. But I’m okay with that, because I became Jared’s dirty whore.
Yes, ladies, Jared is that good.
Stubborn Love is Mia and Jared’s (fittingly stubborn) story. It coincides with ILYTD, but there is background given as well. For those that are drawing a blank, Jared is Luke’s BFF and roomie. Mia is his fiery sister. And I heart these two. So. Hard.
Even if the bitch made me cry. A-fucking-gain.
Anyway, what I really like that Natalie did was make this entire book span the length of 24 hours, a rather significant 24 hours. It’s intense, and definitely stressful, but they aren’t fucking around. We also get both POVs; Jared in the past, and Mia in the present. We need the past to make sense of the present, and I think it’s really artistically done.
Way to raise the bar, Natalie. All authors thank you.
Throughout the book we watch them fall in love in the past through Jared, and then fall apart and a desperate attempt to salvage it through Mia. But she takes her time getting to the why she ended it with Jared, without any explanation or apparent care. He’s waited a long time to understand how their story went from perfect to nothing, because Mia just walked away. And unlike us, who can burn their house down and never see them again, Mia and Jared always have Luke bringing them together.
When Mia finally drops the bomb, it’s a doozy.
"But I can’t, there are no do-overs, only second chances and right now, I’m working hard to convince myself to try for that second chance before the only thing that’s left is regret."
However, what I wasn’t expecting was Jared’s secret. Holy. Fucking. Shit. I completely forgot what Mia was going on about when we discover what Jared is hiding – fuck, Natalie.
I needed a drink after that one.
What I love most about Jared, aside from previously mentioned secret, is that he makes Mia work for it. This isn’t just an apology for some poor choices, he wants her to finally explain it all. And she does, taking us all on an emotional ride.
And, most importantly, angry Jared is hot.
“I wanted to be everything to you, Mia,” he says, his head falling back against the wall again.
Overall, Stubborn Love is beautiful. It’s real. We watch this couple go through so many emotions, we watch them scream, cry, and most importantly, we watch them laugh. We watch them heal, both together and apart. We also watch a little bit of Lukie, and let’s be real, that’s why I even agreed to it in the first place.
We get a little of Luke’s past, because it’s part of Mia and Jared’s story. The love and respect Mia has for Luke makes me heart them both even more.
"He told me that he hadn’t run away to hide at all, he’d run away to live."
Luke is a big piece in the Mia/Jared puzzle. For the obvious reason of Luke being the link between them, but Luke and Mia’s past is constantly haunting them, because they’re constantly trying to make up for the actions of others to one another.
"Escaping from our father changed him, but music and Ash, those two made him. Made him into the person he is now"
See, Lukie? I’m still eagerly stalking you. But I wasn’t expecting Natalie to turn me into a stalker².
In the end, I decided that Natalie can write. ILYTD was not a fluke, thank fuck. I wasn’t sure how I was going to explain to my future in-law that she was actually talentless. Dodged that one.
Oh, I almost forgot. This book is hot. Like you’re going to need a cold shower and a drink hot. So, you know, have the boyfriend or hubby on stand-by.
This amazingly bitchin book will be released on SEPTEMBER 5th, so make sure you take the day off. You're going to need it.
Now if she had passed on that neat little accent to Luke, she would likely need a restraining order.
Anyway, somewhere in my public declarations of love she decided to throw me a bone, and include me in this early review business. I may have screamed a bit. How can you have Mia without Luke?
Hey, don’t judge me. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
Little did I expect, I walked away feeling like I need to apologize to Luke for being a dirty whore. But I’m okay with that, because I became Jared’s dirty whore.
Yes, ladies, Jared is that good.
Stubborn Love is Mia and Jared’s (fittingly stubborn) story. It coincides with ILYTD, but there is background given as well. For those that are drawing a blank, Jared is Luke’s BFF and roomie. Mia is his fiery sister. And I heart these two. So. Hard.
Even if the bitch made me cry. A-fucking-gain.
Anyway, what I really like that Natalie did was make this entire book span the length of 24 hours, a rather significant 24 hours. It’s intense, and definitely stressful, but they aren’t fucking around. We also get both POVs; Jared in the past, and Mia in the present. We need the past to make sense of the present, and I think it’s really artistically done.
Way to raise the bar, Natalie. All authors thank you.
Throughout the book we watch them fall in love in the past through Jared, and then fall apart and a desperate attempt to salvage it through Mia. But she takes her time getting to the why she ended it with Jared, without any explanation or apparent care. He’s waited a long time to understand how their story went from perfect to nothing, because Mia just walked away. And unlike us, who can burn their house down and never see them again, Mia and Jared always have Luke bringing them together.
When Mia finally drops the bomb, it’s a doozy.
"But I can’t, there are no do-overs, only second chances and right now, I’m working hard to convince myself to try for that second chance before the only thing that’s left is regret."
However, what I wasn’t expecting was Jared’s secret. Holy. Fucking. Shit. I completely forgot what Mia was going on about when we discover what Jared is hiding – fuck, Natalie.
I needed a drink after that one.
What I love most about Jared, aside from previously mentioned secret, is that he makes Mia work for it. This isn’t just an apology for some poor choices, he wants her to finally explain it all. And she does, taking us all on an emotional ride.
And, most importantly, angry Jared is hot.
“I wanted to be everything to you, Mia,” he says, his head falling back against the wall again.
Overall, Stubborn Love is beautiful. It’s real. We watch this couple go through so many emotions, we watch them scream, cry, and most importantly, we watch them laugh. We watch them heal, both together and apart. We also watch a little bit of Lukie, and let’s be real, that’s why I even agreed to it in the first place.
We get a little of Luke’s past, because it’s part of Mia and Jared’s story. The love and respect Mia has for Luke makes me heart them both even more.
"He told me that he hadn’t run away to hide at all, he’d run away to live."
Luke is a big piece in the Mia/Jared puzzle. For the obvious reason of Luke being the link between them, but Luke and Mia’s past is constantly haunting them, because they’re constantly trying to make up for the actions of others to one another.
"Escaping from our father changed him, but music and Ash, those two made him. Made him into the person he is now"
See, Lukie? I’m still eagerly stalking you. But I wasn’t expecting Natalie to turn me into a stalker².
In the end, I decided that Natalie can write. ILYTD was not a fluke, thank fuck. I wasn’t sure how I was going to explain to my future in-law that she was actually talentless. Dodged that one.
Oh, I almost forgot. This book is hot. Like you’re going to need a cold shower and a drink hot. So, you know, have the boyfriend or hubby on stand-by.
This amazingly bitchin book will be released on SEPTEMBER 5th, so make sure you take the day off. You're going to need it.
September 2, 2013
Mia is Luke’s sister from I love You to Death. Jared is Luke’s roommate and fellow band member. The story is told in a series of flashbacks going back 4 years and is in alternating POV’s between Mia and Jared. In the present Mia and Jared have broken up and Mia is heartbroken and trying to make amends. Jared is trying his best to ignore her and to just keep going. That’s where the flashbacks begin.
“I want her arms to wrap themselves around my shoulders as I pick her up and take her down to the beach, to a hidden spot where I can kiss her all over. Where no one will find us, where we can pretend, for just a minute, that nothing else, including all of our problems, even exists.But I don’t. I do nothing but stand here, watching our reflections in the glass door.
Unable to move at all.”
Four years ago Jared called Mia to tell her Luke had been beaten up by their father. Mia flew to Boston to be with Luke and she and Jared formed a bond, this connection was something that pulled them towards each other despite their long distance lives. One drunken night, Mia attempts to seduce Jared and as much as he wants her, he wants her sober. They never talk about it, but their feelings for each other are there. As Luke healed and Mia left to go back home they stayed in touch and formed more of a romantic relationship.
Back and forth Mia travels and with each visit she and Jared fall for each other a little more. When they finally give in and become intimate, let’s just say they make up for lost time! But Mia is determined that Luke not find out about them. She doesn’t want to strain the friendship that Jared and Luke share. Luke has worked hard at getting away from their father’s control and she doesn’t want to ruin the life he has built. In the meantime, Luke has met Ash and more of his time is taken up with his relationship with her.
“I wonder if this time, our kiss isn’t going to go a whole lot further. I trace her cheekbone with the same thumb. “I want to as well, Mia,” I tell her. “I’ve always wanted to.” “So kiss me Jared,” she whispers. “Kiss me like you want it.”
The flashbacks shift to the present and we see the progression of Mia and Jared’s relationship. As close as they became, there are forces determined to keep them apart. Mia’s art career is taking her to Chicago and Jared and Luke’s band is starting to make a name for itself. There are secrets Mia is keeping from Jared and they are creating cracks in their foundation.
As the reasons for their break up become more apparent from the flashbacks, Mia is making some headway into getting Jared to listen to her and understand how sorry she is and how she wants their relationship back. The last year has taken its toll on both of them. It seems that things may finally fall into place. Mia’s revelations are heartbreaking and once again her father is at the root of their problems. Even if they can overcome their pasts, is there some other evil waiting to end things for all of them?
“I never lost him, but can I have him back. Can I really have him back after everything I did to him? Can he ever really forgive me?”
I enjoyed this book. I was a big fan of Ward’s ILYTD and loved that she paralleled this story with the events of the first book. The ending drama of ILYTD is also a game changer for this one. I can’t wait to read Luke’s POV.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2013
So I am huge fan of 'I Love You to Death' and was thrilled to read an advance copy of ‘Stubborn Love’. Two things you should know about this story: it take place parallel to ILYTD, and it moves back and forth between the past and the present. Flashbacks can be difficult to write but Natalie Ward absolutely hits it out of the park! The first thing I thought when I was reading Stubborn Love was that this book should be made into a movie, pronto. The writing, the setting, the story, all perfection. I absolutely love Jared, who is passionate, sexy and honest. What more can you ask for?
“Don’t ever think that I don’t want you Mia.”
“Because I do, more than you’ll ever know.”
This is Jared and Mia's story. Mia is Luke's sister from ILYTD, and Jared and Luke were roommates and band mates. The story alternates between Jared and Mia's POV, which I loved. It is very difficult to write in both alternating POV's and in flashbacks but Ms. Ward is an incredibly gifted writer and she effortlessly switches back and forth between time frames and POV's.
Stubborn Love is an beautiful love story and has lots and lots of heat (like, a lot), passion and emotion. The entire story really only takes place over 24 hours but you get to witness almost the entire lifespan of a relationship because of the flashbacks. I was already a big fan of this author (sorry to repeat myself) and now I can't wait to read more of her writing, when Luke's POV is released!
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
“Don’t ever think that I don’t want you Mia.”
“Because I do, more than you’ll ever know.”
This is Jared and Mia's story. Mia is Luke's sister from ILYTD, and Jared and Luke were roommates and band mates. The story alternates between Jared and Mia's POV, which I loved. It is very difficult to write in both alternating POV's and in flashbacks but Ms. Ward is an incredibly gifted writer and she effortlessly switches back and forth between time frames and POV's.
Stubborn Love is an beautiful love story and has lots and lots of heat (like, a lot), passion and emotion. The entire story really only takes place over 24 hours but you get to witness almost the entire lifespan of a relationship because of the flashbacks. I was already a big fan of this author (sorry to repeat myself) and now I can't wait to read more of her writing, when Luke's POV is released!
**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
Want to Read
July 24, 2013★ COVER REVEAL ★
Stubborn Love, by Natalie Ward
Major, super big squeeee! I absolutely ADORED Natalie Ward's first book, I Love You To Death, so if you haven't read that, get on it. it was one of my 5+ star reads last year! It's soooo sad, but soooo good!
So, obviously, I'm mega excited to read her next book, Stubborn Love, which is a spin off from ILYTD!
And here is the awesome cover reveal. What a beaut!
To celebrate, Natalie is hosting a giveaway, so don't forget to enter that at http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp...
Links to both of Natalie's books below...
I Love You To Death (I Love You, #1)
UK AMAZON: http://www.amazon.co.uk/I-Love-You-De...
US AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/I-Love-You-Deat...
GOODREADS >>> http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16...
My review - http://smittensbookblog.wordpress.com...
Stubborn Love (I Love You, #2)
Release Dates: September 2013 (exact date to be finalized very soon)
Stubborn Love, by Natalie Ward
Major, super big squeeee! I absolutely ADORED Natalie Ward's first book, I Love You To Death, so if you haven't read that, get on it. it was one of my 5+ star reads last year! It's soooo sad, but soooo good!
So, obviously, I'm mega excited to read her next book, Stubborn Love, which is a spin off from ILYTD!
And here is the awesome cover reveal. What a beaut!
To celebrate, Natalie is hosting a giveaway, so don't forget to enter that at http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/disp...
Links to both of Natalie's books below...
I Love You To Death (I Love You, #1)
UK AMAZON: http://www.amazon.co.uk/I-Love-You-De...
US AMAZON: http://www.amazon.com/I-Love-You-Deat...
GOODREADS >>> http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16...
My review - http://smittensbookblog.wordpress.com...
Stubborn Love (I Love You, #2)
Release Dates: September 2013 (exact date to be finalized very soon)
March 13, 2014
4 to 4.5 Stars.
I truly enjoyed reading the companion novel to the I Love You series, this was Mia's and Jared's story. Their past and present, evolves with the two of them and how did everything go wrong. What is so stubborn about their love or who is the stubborn love? The title just is what is says and it was beautifully executed. It was in both their POVs so you get to be in their minds and see what makes them tick. Which I loved. Jared is a sweetheart just LOVE him. Mia is a very complex heroine and you'd understand that from the beginning.
We get to see Luke a lot and see Ash too. I loved that but this timeline basically ends to the end of I LOVE YOU TO DEATH so you don't see the after which obviously will happen with I LOVE YOU, ALWAYS. So yes. YOU MUST READ I LOVE YOU TO DEATH if you want to understand the timeline of each story.
It was unique, beautiful, compelling and stubborn. I just LOVED it. Stayed up all night to finish it.
It was weaved so beautifully you just don't know where your emotions start and where it ends!
Looking forward to I LOVE YOU, ALWAYS.
I truly enjoyed reading the companion novel to the I Love You series, this was Mia's and Jared's story. Their past and present, evolves with the two of them and how did everything go wrong. What is so stubborn about their love or who is the stubborn love? The title just is what is says and it was beautifully executed. It was in both their POVs so you get to be in their minds and see what makes them tick. Which I loved. Jared is a sweetheart just LOVE him. Mia is a very complex heroine and you'd understand that from the beginning.
We get to see Luke a lot and see Ash too. I loved that but this timeline basically ends to the end of I LOVE YOU TO DEATH so you don't see the after which obviously will happen with I LOVE YOU, ALWAYS. So yes. YOU MUST READ I LOVE YOU TO DEATH if you want to understand the timeline of each story.
It was unique, beautiful, compelling and stubborn. I just LOVED it. Stayed up all night to finish it.
It was weaved so beautifully you just don't know where your emotions start and where it ends!
Looking forward to I LOVE YOU, ALWAYS.
September 8, 2013
Amazing!!!!! Review to come !!!!
September 5, 2013
Wonderful story about lost love and the rekindling of something that was always meant to be. Beautiful, unique storytelling. Loved it.
January 14, 2014
Read this and other reviews at Madison Says.
Last year, I fell in love Natalie Ward’s I Love You to Death. It was an unexpected gem that more than took me by surprise. Now, a year later, I was once again entranced by her characters, and brought back into their lives. After reading Ash & Luke’s story, we got a glimpse into Mia & Jared, but I knew there was so much more to uncover there. Thankfully, in Stubborn Love, we hear what went down with them.
For starters, this takes place along the same timeline as I Love You to Death. I didn’t know that at first, so it was a touch confusing (not to the actual story), but just figuring out where Luke and Ash were in their relationship and how it pertained to Mia and Jared’s timeframe. It’s small potatoes, though, but worth mentioning, so you know going in, it takes place about that time.
Much like ILYTD, Natalie used the past and present to tell the story. She does this really well, and overall, I enjoyed this format. It allows readers to experience what’s happening with the characters, rather than just hear about the events. So this starts from five years back, and flips between those times and the present, eventually butting right up to the present. Like I’d said in my review of ILYTD, if not done properly, this flipping can muddy a story, but once again, Natalie nailed this.
What I liked about the present, was the fact that it took place over a day. Mia and Jared are damaged. When we meet them at the beginning of the story, they have some major stuff to deal with. There’s a whole series of misunderstandings, issues, unspoken words, etc. And they need a chat. And a chat is what they have. Through them rehashing their memories, we learn how they came to be, what they went through, what went down (which was a lot), and we get to relive this all with them.
I loved the development of their relationship, and how they came to be. Their chemistry was hot and they worked. When it all kinda went to crap, though, I was heartbroken. I felt for Jared. I was pissed at Mia. I was a mess. I couldn’t read fast enough. And damn, did I love Jared. Being inside his head was fantastic. With Mia (and even Luke), you get so much of why they are who they are, and it’s really surprising they were functioning adults at all with the childhood they had. And for Mia, this has travelled very much into her adult life.
As I said, they recount their time together, over five years, and it’s funny, charming, incredibly sexy, and definitely heartbreaking at times.
My two qualms with the story —I personally think it should be Americanized. I know that Natalie is Australian, so that’s how she writes, but seeing as it’s set in Boston and the characters are American, I do think that should dictate word usage. Is it a huge deal? Nope. Just something I noticed. The other thing would be the repeated dialogue. It got heavier in the most intense part of the story, and unfortunately, it did sort of kill the flow for me in those parts. I know it will work for some people because seeing both POVs is great, as you want to see how each character reacted to one conversation; however, I personally think it could have been executed differently. A chapter of Mia’s would end with a really strong line, but then the start of Jared’s next chapter wouldn’t pick up there, but rather, go back to that dialogue and we’d relive it again through his eyes, when I really just wanted to get on with it. Again, some people will totally dig that, but for me, it did sort of mess with the pacing when I was really in the most intense parts of the story.
Overall, I loved this story. Natalie’s writing flows so well. Her characters are really well-developed, and it’s so easy to fall in love with them and their stories. I obviously am DYING to read Luke’s story. I cannot wait to get more from these characters and just this group all together, but mostly, still just ready to get in HIS head, in particular. Note: I Love You, Always, is not a re-telling of ILYTD, but rather Luke’s story—his past, present, and his future.
It’s interesting how when you read ILYTD, you know OF Mia and Jared, but then you read their story, and you’re like WHAT THE HELL? ALL THAT WAS HAPPENING WHILE ASH & LUKE WERE GOING THROUGH THEIR STUFF? It’s amazing. And I definitely recommend reading it! You’re sure to fall in love with Natalie’s writing and her characters. Stubborn Love is definitely a must-read.
Last year, I fell in love Natalie Ward’s I Love You to Death. It was an unexpected gem that more than took me by surprise. Now, a year later, I was once again entranced by her characters, and brought back into their lives. After reading Ash & Luke’s story, we got a glimpse into Mia & Jared, but I knew there was so much more to uncover there. Thankfully, in Stubborn Love, we hear what went down with them.
She deserves to be happy and I want to make her happy.
For starters, this takes place along the same timeline as I Love You to Death. I didn’t know that at first, so it was a touch confusing (not to the actual story), but just figuring out where Luke and Ash were in their relationship and how it pertained to Mia and Jared’s timeframe. It’s small potatoes, though, but worth mentioning, so you know going in, it takes place about that time.
It’s strange how Ash’s words to me only two nights ago can mean so much more now. So much more. And I know I don’t want to waste any more time not being with Jared.
Much like ILYTD, Natalie used the past and present to tell the story. She does this really well, and overall, I enjoyed this format. It allows readers to experience what’s happening with the characters, rather than just hear about the events. So this starts from five years back, and flips between those times and the present, eventually butting right up to the present. Like I’d said in my review of ILYTD, if not done properly, this flipping can muddy a story, but once again, Natalie nailed this.
What I liked about the present, was the fact that it took place over a day. Mia and Jared are damaged. When we meet them at the beginning of the story, they have some major stuff to deal with. There’s a whole series of misunderstandings, issues, unspoken words, etc. And they need a chat. And a chat is what they have. Through them rehashing their memories, we learn how they came to be, what they went through, what went down (which was a lot), and we get to relive this all with them.
“Because you were the best thing that had ever happened to me, Mia.”
I loved the development of their relationship, and how they came to be. Their chemistry was hot and they worked. When it all kinda went to crap, though, I was heartbroken. I felt for Jared. I was pissed at Mia. I was a mess. I couldn’t read fast enough. And damn, did I love Jared. Being inside his head was fantastic. With Mia (and even Luke), you get so much of why they are who they are, and it’s really surprising they were functioning adults at all with the childhood they had. And for Mia, this has travelled very much into her adult life.
My heart literally stops in my chest at what he’s saying to me, at the lengths he was forced to go to, just to deal with the shit I made him go through.
As I said, they recount their time together, over five years, and it’s funny, charming, incredibly sexy, and definitely heartbreaking at times.
But for the first time, I can see how much this has hurt her, too. For the first time, I can see that she shares the pain I’ve been carrying for the last year. For the first time, I can see that both of us have been hurting because of this.
My two qualms with the story —I personally think it should be Americanized. I know that Natalie is Australian, so that’s how she writes, but seeing as it’s set in Boston and the characters are American, I do think that should dictate word usage. Is it a huge deal? Nope. Just something I noticed. The other thing would be the repeated dialogue. It got heavier in the most intense part of the story, and unfortunately, it did sort of kill the flow for me in those parts. I know it will work for some people because seeing both POVs is great, as you want to see how each character reacted to one conversation; however, I personally think it could have been executed differently. A chapter of Mia’s would end with a really strong line, but then the start of Jared’s next chapter wouldn’t pick up there, but rather, go back to that dialogue and we’d relive it again through his eyes, when I really just wanted to get on with it. Again, some people will totally dig that, but for me, it did sort of mess with the pacing when I was really in the most intense parts of the story.
Overall, I loved this story. Natalie’s writing flows so well. Her characters are really well-developed, and it’s so easy to fall in love with them and their stories. I obviously am DYING to read Luke’s story. I cannot wait to get more from these characters and just this group all together, but mostly, still just ready to get in HIS head, in particular. Note: I Love You, Always, is not a re-telling of ILYTD, but rather Luke’s story—his past, present, and his future.
When we were kids, he always looked so sad, resigned almost, to the shit he was forced to put up with. Then when he met Ash, discovered music, he changed. His eyes were full of happiness and life; he was a completely different person. Escaping from our father changed him, but music and Ash, those two made him.
It’s interesting how when you read ILYTD, you know OF Mia and Jared, but then you read their story, and you’re like WHAT THE HELL? ALL THAT WAS HAPPENING WHILE ASH & LUKE WERE GOING THROUGH THEIR STUFF? It’s amazing. And I definitely recommend reading it! You’re sure to fall in love with Natalie’s writing and her characters. Stubborn Love is definitely a must-read.
September 5, 2013
Mia is Luke’s sister from I love You to Death. Jared is Luke’s roommate and fellow band member. The story is told in a series of flashbacks going back 4 years and is in alternating POV’s between Mia and Jared. In the present Mia and Jared have broken up and Mia is heartbroken and trying to make amends. Jared is trying his best to ignore her and to just keep going. That’s where the flashbacks begin.
“I want her arms to wrap themselves around my shoulders as I pick her up and take her down to the beach, to a hidden spot where I can kiss her all over. Where no one will find us, where we can pretend, for just a minute, that nothing else, including all of our problems, even exists. But I don’t. I do nothing but stand here, watching our reflections in the glass door.
Unable to move at all.”
Four years ago Jared called Mia to tell her Luke had been beaten up by their father. Mia flew to Boston to be with Luke and she and Jared formed a bond, this connection was something that pulled them towards each other despite their long distance lives. One drunken night, Mia attempts to seduce Jared and as much as he wants her, he wants her sober. They never talk about it, but their feelings for each other are there. As Luke healed and Mia left to go back home they stayed in touch and formed more of a romantic relationship.
Back and forth Mia travels and with each visit she and Jared fall for each other a little more. When they finally give in and become intimate, let’s just say they make up for lost time! But Mia is determined that Luke not find out about them. She doesn’t want to strain the friendship that Jared and Luke share. Luke has worked hard at getting away from their father’s control and she doesn’t want to ruin the life he has built. In the meantime, Luke has met Ash and more of his time is taken up with his relationship with her.
“I wonder if this time, our kiss isn’t going to go a whole lot further. I trace her cheekbone with the same thumb. “I want to as well, Mia,” I tell her. “I’ve always wanted to.” “So kiss me Jared,” she whispers. “Kiss me like you want it.”
The flashbacks shift to the present and we see the progression of Mia and Jared’s relationship. As close as they became, there are forces determined to keep them apart. Mia’s art career is taking her to Chicago and Jared and Luke’s band is starting to make a name for itself. There are secrets Mia is keeping from Jared and they are creating cracks in their foundation.
As the reasons for their break up become more apparent from the flashbacks, Mia is making some headway into getting Jared to listen to her and understand how sorry she is and how she wants their relationship back. The last year has taken its toll on both of them. It seems that things may finally fall into place. Mia’s revelations are heartbreaking and once again her father is at the root of their problems. Even if they can overcome their pasts, is there some other evil waiting to end things for all of them?
“I never lost him, but can I have him back. Can I really have him back after everything I did to him? Can he ever really forgive me?”
I enjoyed this book. I was a big fan of Ward’s ILYTD and loved that she paralleled this story with the events of the first book. The ending drama of ILYTD is also a game changer for this one. I can’t wait to read Luke’s POV.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2013
First off, I love Natalie's writing. Natalie's books are always well edited and her writing is super solid. I didn't fall "in love" with Stubborn Love like I did with her first book, I Love You to Death, which is one of my all time favorite books. Stubborn Love is a companion novel to ILYtD and shouldn't be read as a stand-alone, but only after reading ILYtD. Stubborn Love started out SUPER strong. I was hooked by the changing time periods and the changing POV's. The book kinda lost me when the timeline's met and the POV's were changing each chapter and the same events were being rehashed, but just from the different character's POV's. This went on entirely too long for me. If the different POV's had added value, I would be okay with it, but for me, they didn't. It almost felt like filler. I was happy again when the POV's went back to being about different events, or at least advanced the timeline. It was worth the read to see other characters POV's during the climax of ILYtD and I'm glad we got more of Jared and Mia's back story, I just wish the middle section of the book had been less repetitive.
April 2, 2016
I'm only give this book a four because of my frustration of repetitive POV's. I started stemming the book. Best their story was great. I still love Luke and Ash story better.
Maybe because of reading the repeats.
The flashbacks shift to the present and we see the progression of Mia and Jared’s relationship. As close as they became, there are forces determined to keep them apart. Mia’s art career is taking her to Chicago and Jared and Luke’s band is starting to make a name for itself. There are secrets Mia is keeping from Jared and they are creating cracks in their foundation.
As the reasons for their break up become more apparent from the flashbacks, Mia is making some headway into getting Jared to listen to her and understand how sorry she is and how she wants their relationship back. The last year has taken its toll on both of them. It seems that things may finally fall into place. Mia’s revelations are heartbreaking and once again her father is at the root of their problems. Even if they can overcome their pasts, is there some other evil waiting to end things for all of them
Maybe because of reading the repeats.
The flashbacks shift to the present and we see the progression of Mia and Jared’s relationship. As close as they became, there are forces determined to keep them apart. Mia’s art career is taking her to Chicago and Jared and Luke’s band is starting to make a name for itself. There are secrets Mia is keeping from Jared and they are creating cracks in their foundation.
As the reasons for their break up become more apparent from the flashbacks, Mia is making some headway into getting Jared to listen to her and understand how sorry she is and how she wants their relationship back. The last year has taken its toll on both of them. It seems that things may finally fall into place. Mia’s revelations are heartbreaking and once again her father is at the root of their problems. Even if they can overcome their pasts, is there some other evil waiting to end things for all of them
September 8, 2013
This was by far one of the best love stories I have read. I absolutely loved Jared and Mia's story. Those two belonged together and against all odds made sure to fight for one another no matter what. I was pretty much swooning the whole time. I loved it and couldn't put it down when I started it. It was just amazing. Mia was such a sweet and fiesty character, I loved how caring she was about those in her life especially her brother Luke. Then there's Jared, he is by far going to be one of my most fave boy book characters now. I loved him. He was such a sweetheart and I mean he was amazing. I couldn't help but fall in love with him through the book. If you haven't read this one yet I highly recommend that you do. Its a beautiful story and you will fall in love with the characters.
September 6, 2013
Everything about this book is beautiful. I don't remember ever falling for the side characters like I did with Jared and Mia.
The drama is intense; at times I wanted to strangle Mia. But overall, I wish there were more leading females like her. I can appreciate a strong character who loves curse words as much as I do.
Jared. He's nothing short of swoony. He can also be an ass at times, which is pretty damn hot.
I can't wait for ILYA! Not just for Luke and Asha, but so we can see Jared and Mia again, too!
The drama is intense; at times I wanted to strangle Mia. But overall, I wish there were more leading females like her. I can appreciate a strong character who loves curse words as much as I do.
Jared. He's nothing short of swoony. He can also be an ass at times, which is pretty damn hot.
I can't wait for ILYA! Not just for Luke and Asha, but so we can see Jared and Mia again, too!
September 11, 2013
I like that the book is both Jared and Mia's pov. There are always 2 sides to every story and I like hearing both.
Jared and Mia have need separated for a year, when Mia is in town to watch their band play she decides she needs to let Jared know why she left him and expose all of the secrets she's been holding onto.
Jared is angry and heartbroken and although he loves Mia is her revealing everything and asking for forgiveness going to be enough?
Will they be able to move on together from all of the hurt that has been dealt out?
Jared and Mia have need separated for a year, when Mia is in town to watch their band play she decides she needs to let Jared know why she left him and expose all of the secrets she's been holding onto.
Jared is angry and heartbroken and although he loves Mia is her revealing everything and asking for forgiveness going to be enough?
Will they be able to move on together from all of the hurt that has been dealt out?
September 25, 2013
It was great to see Jared and Mia's love story! I was sad to see how Stubborn Mia was! I loved the love Jared has towards Luke. Mia's love for her brother was great too, but her not discussing it with Jared or Luke wasted wonderful years of love! But I guess we learn the hard way! I am so glad Mia finally had the courage to talk to Jared and tell him the whole truth!. It was a great love story! I can not wait till book 3!!!
September 7, 2013
Wow what an amazing book this was. I loved "I love you to death" so I knew this book would be just amazing. My heart broke so much for Mia and Jared, everything they went through. Now I really can't wait for the next book. I'm waiting as patiently as I can Natalie but I need Luke's story like right now. Anyway this book was fantastic and 5 stars isn't enough.
September 7, 2013
Love the writing style of Natalie Ward. I liked Mia and Jared's story. My issue was a lot of this book seemed repetitious to me. It is a quick read and we get some of Ash and Luke in it. I cant wait to get Luke's book!!
September 30, 2013
Love love love this book! Its ties in really nicely with I Love You To Death. The only reason that this hasn't got five stars is because the chapters overlap sometimes from Mia's point of view and then Jared's point of view. This gets a bit tedious but doesn't take away from the story.
September 11, 2013
A beautiful story, beautifully written <3
September 9, 2013
Jared and Mia's story is an emotional roller coaster. It is sweet and funny and heartbreaking all at once. It fits in perfectly with ILYTD. Natalie Ward has quickly become one of my favorite authors.
Want to Read
August 1, 2013YES! YES! YES!!!!!!!! I can't wait for Jared and Mia's book!! So excited! *fist pump*
September 8, 2013
Absolutey LOVED this book! So happy that Mia and Jared got their HEA and I love the way that Natalie writes. I cant wait for the next book to see what happens with Luke and Ash...sigh, love them too!
April 26, 2016
CHECK OUT
NOVELS AND NIBBLES
book reviews x good food
personal playlists x the odd personal piece
https://youtu.be/CfdlIMlPmuA
https://youtu.be/YTzKY_DOBpo
NOVELS AND NIBBLES
book reviews x good food
personal playlists x the odd personal piece
"I Love You To Death" by Natalie Ward
Main Girl: Asha
Main Guy: Luke
Main Guy's Sister: Mia
Main Guy's BFF: Jared
In my review of ILYTD, I stated that the main reason I moved forward with the series was to reassure myself that Ash was going to be just fine. I can't go into further details because I can talk about that book forever. If you're interested in learning more about the first installment, click here.
ILYTD really weighed on my heart; it still does. There was so much pain and grief to sort through so I was desperate for some peace, some quiet, some uninterrupted happiness for Ash. SL was the breath of fresh air I was eager for. I was given a pink-cheeked, ever-smiling, still-very-much-in-love Ash and a new couple to root for on top of it all.
Natalie Ward approached the making of this installment differently than the first and I like that it stands out in its own respect, separate from its predecessor. The previous book was written solely in Ash's voice because it was really just her story to tell. Here, we have the added elements of alternating, sometimes overlapping, past and present perspectives from both Jared and Mia.
The present chapters are centered on the central characters locked away in a bedroom, going through the sordid details of their love story - how they fall in love and how it all fell apart. Where do they each stand when they begin this painful memory down memory lane?
It was love at first sight for them both, if such a thing exists. The attraction was immediate and undeniable, blossoming silently in secret for fear that Luke would disapprove. Their joint concern turned out to be outrageously unnecessary, for there is no one Luke would have trusted his sister with more.
(Can I just say right now that this little family they've all chosen for themselves is an extremely fortunate one? The girls are selfless and strong-willed and the guys love with all that they are and all that they have. Oh, and the guys are best friends. Two guys who are so good to each other and unapologetically adoring of their girlfriends. Is this real life?)
Jared and Mia fall deeper in love, arrange plans for a future spent side by side, when suddenly - their first obstacle emerges onto their path. One of Mia's pieces has been chosen as part of an emerging artists series at the Art Institute of Chicago. Proud and content to revel in his girlfriend's success, Jared offers to accompany Mia. Mindful of his commitments to the band, she vehemently insists he stays but promises to return. Two months turns into a full-fledged job and Jared, not wanting to be parted from Mia, announces his upcoming move to Chicago.
Things to be looking up perfectly for the happy couple until seemingly overnight, Mia puts a stop to their life together through the lowest form of communication - a text message. Desperate and confused, Jared flees to Mia's front door, determined to deter her from a life that didn't include him.
He pleads with her to reconsider, she pleads with him to leave her alone. But the one who wants out always wins and so Jared has no choice but to throw his hands up in defeat and head home.
But their connection doesn't fade completely and as Luke plays a starring role in both their lives, crossing paths once more is inevitable, unavoidable. As previously mentioned, peppered throughout the novel are scenes from the present, as Mia hopes to win Jared back and Jared hopes to finally understand.
Closure is a big word. It defines unmistakeable, unambiguous endings that aren't made unilaterally, and it marks new chapters, new beginnings. There is a quote from one of my favourite movies that continues to pop up in my life every now and then and it is this:
The past is remembered - sometimes fondly, sometimes with a pain so palpable that it seeps through the pages and under your own skin. Mia tries her best to explain away her cold, unfeeling act that spanned over a year but will it be enough? Has she hammered away at Jared's heart too many times to be completely forgiven? Or can she count her blessings once more as he enfolds her into his arms with every intent to forge a new life together?
I can't even begin to imagine how it must be to sit across from someone you once loved and lay out the naked truth. To bare your soul and provide answers to questions that steal the breath from your lungs. To want nothing more than to reach across the table that separates you to place a hand atop his in want and need. To have the knowledge that you now need permission to do something as natural as that used to be sink in with every passing moment.
Everything starts flooding back and you can't help but wonder if the times that made your heart swell with pure joy were the same ones he found happiness in. You wonder what memories he can't gloss over without that physical ache in your chest, the one the memory of you put there.
Just the thought of sitting down with an ex with the sole purpose of hashing out any past wrongs is a tough pill to swallow. Make it an ex you're still in love with and it seems damn near impossible to do. Want to see what the mere idea of that brings to the surface? Watch these:
https://youtu.be/CfdlIMlPmuA
https://youtu.be/YTzKY_DOBpo
The story of Jared and Mia was raw and real. You can't help but want them both to be happy, you just hope they can be happy together. Half a macaron away from five because I also closed this one wanting to start the next for Ash and not Jared and Mia.
Ash's past destroyed me.
Jared and Mia's present devastated me.
Luke's book will, hopefully, put me back together.
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