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Broken Fairytale
Following a family tragedy, Izobel Jerome has lived the past eighteen months in an emotional wilderness, losing herself in meaningless relationships and barely existing.
But no more, Izzy is tired of running. At twenty-two, she decides life is for living and that's exactly what she intends to do. She will heal her heart and open it to love. A chance meeting at University...call it fate, will have her sharing a flat with three gorgeous men, all different and all offering her the safety and security Izzy desperately needs and craves.
In Aiden and Max she will find the family she never had. In Declan she will find a kindred spirit.
Declan, a man as equally damaged as Izzy who will become her salvation as they both discover the other half of their damaged hearts.
But no more, Izzy is tired of running. At twenty-two, she decides life is for living and that's exactly what she intends to do. She will heal her heart and open it to love. A chance meeting at University...call it fate, will have her sharing a flat with three gorgeous men, all different and all offering her the safety and security Izzy desperately needs and craves.
In Aiden and Max she will find the family she never had. In Declan she will find a kindred spirit.
Declan, a man as equally damaged as Izzy who will become her salvation as they both discover the other half of their damaged hearts.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2013
8 people are currently reading
1016 people want to read
About the author
Nikola Jensen
1 book38 followersNikola Jensen has always enjoyed reading and creating stories in her head. She finally decided to take the plunge and put her first story down on paper and is independently publishing Broken Fairytale which is book #1 in a series of stand-alone's.
Nikola is an avid music lover and when not reading or talking to the characters in her head, she can be found dancing around her lounge room to her favourite band, with iPod in hand.
Nikola would love to hear from readers and can be contacted through her Facebook page or email. You can also find her on Goodreads.
Nikola is an avid music lover and when not reading or talking to the characters in her head, she can be found dancing around her lounge room to her favourite band, with iPod in hand.
Nikola would love to hear from readers and can be contacted through her Facebook page or email. You can also find her on Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 9, 2013
**Copy received from author for honest review**
I have actually struggled trying to decide how to rate this book. I wanted to love it, I really did, but I felt something was missing. Now don't get me wrong I did enjoy reading the book and once I got into it, it was a pretty easy read.
The subject of the book is a difficult one, its mostly told from Izzy's point a view. A broken girl from an abusive home. There was an "accident" 18 months previously surrounding Izzy's brother and you get the sense that this was to do with the abuse but it is slowly fed out to you. Izzy is now ready to try and get her life back together. She is starting Uni and is trying to get a job so that she can move out of her parents house. On the first day at Uni she meets two guys, Aiden who becomes a great friend and Declan, who she is instantly attracted to and shares a kiss.
After an event that happens at home, Izzy realises she can't stay at her parents house any longer. Aiden had previously mentioned that he and his two house mates were looking for a fourth person to share with them, so packing up her stuff, she takes a chance and leaves.
What she didn't count on was that one of these house mates was Declan - awkward! Especially as Izzy is falling for him.
"So I decide to get the cleaning stuff out from under the sink and make an attempt at cracking the grime and forget all about the guy upstairs who's quickly taking hold of my heart"
But Declan is a bit of a player, he doesn't do relationships and Izzy doesn't know if this bad boy is what she needs, even if its who she wants. Declan has issues in his past too and part of that past is a girl in the here and now so he tries to stay away but there's something about Izzy:
"When I met you Izzy, you crawled under my skin, you hit me so hard and I can't stop you, I can't stop thinking about you. I can't leave you alone."
Should Izzy give in to her feelings for this bad boy who is sending mixed signals or should she stick with a "nice" guy?
Throughout the book you get snippets of what happened the night of the accident and see Izzy trying to deal with this and move forward. She still visits her mum and you get to learn more about her abusive family life and see Izzy experience it. You see how her relationship with Declan is helping her feel ready to open up, heal and move on.
As I said before I did enjoy reading this book but it was missing something. My biggest issue is that other than a small bout of angst, I didn't feel any emotion reading it and given the subject matter I really expected it to have a punch. I also felt that some things were a little rushed, especially them falling for each other and I would have liked this fleshed out more.
It was a quick easy read and I read it in one sitting. It had the potential to be a great book, but the emotion I should have felt just wasn't there for me, but who knows it might be there for you. :-)
August 6, 2013
4.5 Stars Reviewed on: http://totallybookedblog.com/2013/08/...
October 18, 2013
Wow, this book was stunning. It was heartbreaking, emotional yet beautiful too! Great first book & l can't wait to read more from Nikola. Well done look forward to reading more of your books.......
October 4, 2017
What's best about this book was the prologue and chapter 13. Young Izzy and Zack got to me. By chapter 1, we were told something happened to Zack. So, I stayed to know more of the tragedy. Once I found out, the rest was skimming through.
Not that it's not interesting. Just that it sounded like a teenage girl pov instead of a 20 something woman. Yes, Izzy was still young but, she went through a lot in her life.
She got a lot of chance to leave. She stayed for reason I couldn't get. It's definitely not for her mom. I don't know why she did not get help. Was her dad someone significant? You know like a judge or the like.
I skipped Declan pov. I'm sorry but, he's not interesting enough.
So yeah, if you're here for Zack, like me, then read the prologue and chapter 13.
Not that it's not interesting. Just that it sounded like a teenage girl pov instead of a 20 something woman. Yes, Izzy was still young but, she went through a lot in her life.
She got a lot of chance to leave. She stayed for reason I couldn't get. It's definitely not for her mom. I don't know why she did not get help. Was her dad someone significant? You know like a judge or the like.
I skipped Declan pov. I'm sorry but, he's not interesting enough.
So yeah, if you're here for Zack, like me, then read the prologue and chapter 13.
January 1, 2014
Paperback copy received by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I must say that I was pretty much sucked into the story very quickly after having read the powerful prologue. This is a story that deals with both mental and physical abuse so it is definitely not for the faint-hearted.
The story begins with Izobel (Izzy) beginning at university – we very quickly learn how she longs to leave her home, and the reasons behind it, but she is not certain if she has the courage to do so. Izzy knows, however, that she has to set herself free, otherwise she fears that she will become a shadow of herself, never being able to let the past go – and never really live her life to the fullest.
“I know I want to revert to who I was before, bring it back to the surface. I refuse to be who I am now, a result of consequence.” (Izzy)
Izzy meets a gorgeous guy (Declan) at the bus stop and she is drawn to him immediately – she is no innocent virgin, mind you, and understands the physical attraction she feels towards him, but she has also promised herself that she needs to stop with the random sexual encounters (and there have been quite a few) and focus on her studies.
She also meets Aiden on her first day, a charming man who she feels an instant connection with because he reminds her of her late brother, Zack, who died a horrific death 18 months earlier.
By a twist of fate, Izzy ends up living with Declan, Aiden and Max, and they all show her, little by little, how you can choose your own family, and that it may not be the one you were born into. These three men all contribute to teaching Izzy about letting go of her past, and especially Declan who is no stranger to abuse, just like Izzy.
“I knew you the minute I looked into those big eyes; beautiful but very sad eyes.” (Declan)
Now, it is very much on purpose that I am being so vague about the specific storyline. You just have to read the book yourself, because I refuse to give you any spoilers.
I like the voice of Izzy very much: she has suffered a great deal but is prepared to fight to get back on her feet, and you have to admire that kind of tenacity. And what I really like is that even though she does not seek professional help, she does not shy away from it when it is offered to her freely. That takes a lot of courage, and the way Miss Jensen portrays Izzy and her struggles in letting go of her grief in order to move on was very moving – it even brought me to tears once or twice, and you ought to know by now that that is some of the highest praise I can give a book.
And Declan is quite the man candy (*wink*) – as I stated above, he is no stranger to violence so he sees a kindred spirit in Izzy; due to his own past (which I will not elaborate too much upon here) he is not interested in a proper relationship. You cannot really falter him for it, even though he makes some mistakes that made me cringe a bit, and part of the reason why I get his reasons is the few chapters the author has chosen to give us from his POV. They really made me connect with him, so that is a major plus in my world and part of the high ranking I am giving the book.
“Please don’t let me run,” I whisper in fear. “I always do the running…and you…please don’t you run anywhere either, please stay. Please make me stay.” (Izzy)
“I’m not running anywhere Izzy and I promise you I will not let you run either, never. Not now I’ve got you.” (Declan)
The supporting characters are all very important to the story – I would have liked to get to know Max better, though, as I feel he stands out a bit – and Izzy’s best friend, Sofia, made me laugh so much! She is definitely a feisty and quirky character. I really hope that she will get her own story (hint-hint, Miss Jensen!) because I feel that she has so much to say.
Overall, I believe that this is a really good debut novel; the story and characters feel believable, the journey both Izzy and Declan go through is easy to relate to, and even though the book could have benefited from being edited a bit, I enjoyed it immensely and I cannot wait to see what this author writes next. Oh, and the fact that the story takes place in the UK does not bother me one bit! In fact, I find it very refreshing. So if you are unsure of what to read next, I definitely think that you should pick up “Broken Fairytale”.
I must say that I was pretty much sucked into the story very quickly after having read the powerful prologue. This is a story that deals with both mental and physical abuse so it is definitely not for the faint-hearted.
The story begins with Izobel (Izzy) beginning at university – we very quickly learn how she longs to leave her home, and the reasons behind it, but she is not certain if she has the courage to do so. Izzy knows, however, that she has to set herself free, otherwise she fears that she will become a shadow of herself, never being able to let the past go – and never really live her life to the fullest.
“I know I want to revert to who I was before, bring it back to the surface. I refuse to be who I am now, a result of consequence.” (Izzy)
Izzy meets a gorgeous guy (Declan) at the bus stop and she is drawn to him immediately – she is no innocent virgin, mind you, and understands the physical attraction she feels towards him, but she has also promised herself that she needs to stop with the random sexual encounters (and there have been quite a few) and focus on her studies.
She also meets Aiden on her first day, a charming man who she feels an instant connection with because he reminds her of her late brother, Zack, who died a horrific death 18 months earlier.
By a twist of fate, Izzy ends up living with Declan, Aiden and Max, and they all show her, little by little, how you can choose your own family, and that it may not be the one you were born into. These three men all contribute to teaching Izzy about letting go of her past, and especially Declan who is no stranger to abuse, just like Izzy.
“I knew you the minute I looked into those big eyes; beautiful but very sad eyes.” (Declan)
Now, it is very much on purpose that I am being so vague about the specific storyline. You just have to read the book yourself, because I refuse to give you any spoilers.
I like the voice of Izzy very much: she has suffered a great deal but is prepared to fight to get back on her feet, and you have to admire that kind of tenacity. And what I really like is that even though she does not seek professional help, she does not shy away from it when it is offered to her freely. That takes a lot of courage, and the way Miss Jensen portrays Izzy and her struggles in letting go of her grief in order to move on was very moving – it even brought me to tears once or twice, and you ought to know by now that that is some of the highest praise I can give a book.
And Declan is quite the man candy (*wink*) – as I stated above, he is no stranger to violence so he sees a kindred spirit in Izzy; due to his own past (which I will not elaborate too much upon here) he is not interested in a proper relationship. You cannot really falter him for it, even though he makes some mistakes that made me cringe a bit, and part of the reason why I get his reasons is the few chapters the author has chosen to give us from his POV. They really made me connect with him, so that is a major plus in my world and part of the high ranking I am giving the book.
“Please don’t let me run,” I whisper in fear. “I always do the running…and you…please don’t you run anywhere either, please stay. Please make me stay.” (Izzy)
“I’m not running anywhere Izzy and I promise you I will not let you run either, never. Not now I’ve got you.” (Declan)
The supporting characters are all very important to the story – I would have liked to get to know Max better, though, as I feel he stands out a bit – and Izzy’s best friend, Sofia, made me laugh so much! She is definitely a feisty and quirky character. I really hope that she will get her own story (hint-hint, Miss Jensen!) because I feel that she has so much to say.
Overall, I believe that this is a really good debut novel; the story and characters feel believable, the journey both Izzy and Declan go through is easy to relate to, and even though the book could have benefited from being edited a bit, I enjoyed it immensely and I cannot wait to see what this author writes next. Oh, and the fact that the story takes place in the UK does not bother me one bit! In fact, I find it very refreshing. So if you are unsure of what to read next, I definitely think that you should pick up “Broken Fairytale”.
January 26, 2014
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This story was one of the most beautiful broken stories I've read in a long time. The author took the most ruined and damaged characters and turned it into something beautiful. This story moved me beyond words. I felt immediately connected to the story and found it hard to put down. What an emotional, heartfelt debut.
"...that I knew her the minute I saw her eyes, the minute I saw her soul, mine recognized hers"
Izobel (Izzy) Jerome has gone through so much turmoil as a child and now as a young adult. She continues to live emotionally trapped as she deals with a family tragedy that occurred 18 months ago. She finally finds some solace as she attends college. This is her ticket to some freedom. While on campus, she meets Aiden and is immediately drawn to him. Then she meets Declan, their connection is immediate and strong. She quickly becomes friends with Aiden, and also runs into Declan several times. When life at home doesn't seem to get any better, Aiden offers her a room to rent a long with this two other guy roommates. When one of the roommates ends up to be the same guy her heart beats fast for every time she gets near, her life is never the same.
“Please don’t let me run,” I whisper in fear. “I always do the running…and you…please don’t you run anywhere either, please stay. Please make me stay.”
I absolutely adored this book. While painful to read at times, the author tackles this story in a way that captivates you from beginning to end. You FEEL everything. Every word. Every single one. Declan carries a past with a lot of baggage. He hides behind women. His whole outlook on life and love change the moment he meets Izzy. He recognizes the same sad pain in her eyes. It's what he sees everyday in the mirror. Declan tries to fight his attraction to Izzy, but finds it hard to stay away from her. He feels as if she is his missing piece. Broken Fairtytale was the perfect title for this story in that while Declan was Izzy's prince charming and Izzy gave Declan a whole new outlook on life, it took two similar but different broken roads for them to find each other.
"I'm going to kiss that smile, okay?"
My heart went pitter patter for Declan. He loves so hard. He loves with conviction. With a past like his, he gave in to the idea that not only was he capable of love, but he is also capable and worthy of being loved. As much as he supported Izzy, she was also his light. Their love is deep-rooted and will leave you speechless. Words cannot describe the connection. Their souls sought out for each other.
"You have my heart, you own it; it's yours"
This tragic romance will probably stay with me for a long time. While this story is no rainbows and butterflies, it is definitely one of my favorite new adult novels. Too many books have the same formula, Broken Fairtyale is not one of them. It is real and genuine. It is raw. The author doesn't tell the story. You experience it. The characters are completely bare to us. We see their highs and lows. Their joys and sorrow. This book gives you hope. That love can shine through the darkness. I highly recommend this moving story if you are looking for a well written new adult that goes above and beyond. This author went to a place many attempt, but are not successful in it's execution. Nikola Jensen nailed it.
This story was one of the most beautiful broken stories I've read in a long time. The author took the most ruined and damaged characters and turned it into something beautiful. This story moved me beyond words. I felt immediately connected to the story and found it hard to put down. What an emotional, heartfelt debut.
"...that I knew her the minute I saw her eyes, the minute I saw her soul, mine recognized hers"
Izobel (Izzy) Jerome has gone through so much turmoil as a child and now as a young adult. She continues to live emotionally trapped as she deals with a family tragedy that occurred 18 months ago. She finally finds some solace as she attends college. This is her ticket to some freedom. While on campus, she meets Aiden and is immediately drawn to him. Then she meets Declan, their connection is immediate and strong. She quickly becomes friends with Aiden, and also runs into Declan several times. When life at home doesn't seem to get any better, Aiden offers her a room to rent a long with this two other guy roommates. When one of the roommates ends up to be the same guy her heart beats fast for every time she gets near, her life is never the same.
“Please don’t let me run,” I whisper in fear. “I always do the running…and you…please don’t you run anywhere either, please stay. Please make me stay.”
I absolutely adored this book. While painful to read at times, the author tackles this story in a way that captivates you from beginning to end. You FEEL everything. Every word. Every single one. Declan carries a past with a lot of baggage. He hides behind women. His whole outlook on life and love change the moment he meets Izzy. He recognizes the same sad pain in her eyes. It's what he sees everyday in the mirror. Declan tries to fight his attraction to Izzy, but finds it hard to stay away from her. He feels as if she is his missing piece. Broken Fairtytale was the perfect title for this story in that while Declan was Izzy's prince charming and Izzy gave Declan a whole new outlook on life, it took two similar but different broken roads for them to find each other.
"I'm going to kiss that smile, okay?"
My heart went pitter patter for Declan. He loves so hard. He loves with conviction. With a past like his, he gave in to the idea that not only was he capable of love, but he is also capable and worthy of being loved. As much as he supported Izzy, she was also his light. Their love is deep-rooted and will leave you speechless. Words cannot describe the connection. Their souls sought out for each other.
"You have my heart, you own it; it's yours"
This tragic romance will probably stay with me for a long time. While this story is no rainbows and butterflies, it is definitely one of my favorite new adult novels. Too many books have the same formula, Broken Fairtyale is not one of them. It is real and genuine. It is raw. The author doesn't tell the story. You experience it. The characters are completely bare to us. We see their highs and lows. Their joys and sorrow. This book gives you hope. That love can shine through the darkness. I highly recommend this moving story if you are looking for a well written new adult that goes above and beyond. This author went to a place many attempt, but are not successful in it's execution. Nikola Jensen nailed it.
November 25, 2013
Izobel and Declan are made for each other. They both can relate to a volatile home.
Izobel meets some great men and becomes fast friends and flat mates with them. They were a great group and became like a family to her and were a great moral support for her. They could tell the minute they met her that she had a bad life.
She meets Declan when he saves her from falling. As it turns out, not only does he catch her a few more times later, but he catches and saves her from her life, nightmares and whatever else that comes her way.
These two want each other but are afraid they may not be good enough for the other. They have a false start before making a go of things.
Declan was a great guy and exactly what she needed. I loved every time he called her Baby and Sweetheart. He fell soul deep in love with her. Izzy became the breath he needed to survive but so did Declan for her. He made the dreams bearable, life easy to live and the air easier to breathe. They were soulmates.
I loved the secondary cast. Connor was my favorite and what an awesome guy and such a sweetheart he was. When he and Izzy start up a relationship, I felt like I could feel the feelings they shared and the intimate moment on the park bench. I just loved him. I wish we had seen more of Max, he was a good and funny guy. Aiden, what a sweetheart and over all great moral support of a friend. Sofia was a good person too. These people were the best of friends Izzy could have ever dreamed up of.
Of course, we did have to suffer a tad bit with Lina. She's connected to the men in Izzy's flat, especially Declan.
This story was mainly told in Izzy's POV but we did get sometime in Declan's mind as well.
Izobel meets some great men and becomes fast friends and flat mates with them. They were a great group and became like a family to her and were a great moral support for her. They could tell the minute they met her that she had a bad life.
She meets Declan when he saves her from falling. As it turns out, not only does he catch her a few more times later, but he catches and saves her from her life, nightmares and whatever else that comes her way.
These two want each other but are afraid they may not be good enough for the other. They have a false start before making a go of things.
Declan was a great guy and exactly what she needed. I loved every time he called her Baby and Sweetheart. He fell soul deep in love with her. Izzy became the breath he needed to survive but so did Declan for her. He made the dreams bearable, life easy to live and the air easier to breathe. They were soulmates.
I loved the secondary cast. Connor was my favorite and what an awesome guy and such a sweetheart he was. When he and Izzy start up a relationship, I felt like I could feel the feelings they shared and the intimate moment on the park bench. I just loved him. I wish we had seen more of Max, he was a good and funny guy. Aiden, what a sweetheart and over all great moral support of a friend. Sofia was a good person too. These people were the best of friends Izzy could have ever dreamed up of.
Of course, we did have to suffer a tad bit with Lina. She's connected to the men in Izzy's flat, especially Declan.
This story was mainly told in Izzy's POV but we did get sometime in Declan's mind as well.
December 29, 2013
Review posted at: http://bookcrushbookreviews.com/2013/...
Rating: 4.5 stars
As Nikola's debut novel, she's left me speechless. The metaphors throughout this read spoke to me and furthered along the connection of feelings between myself, Izzy, and Declan. Izzy's life has thus far been full of shadows, pain, and fear. When she finds the light her strength and determination to embrace her new sense of self grows stronger and stronger. The supporting characters, they are her rocks and the bonds they share are solid, non-destructible. At first I thought Izzy was careless and just wanting an escape from her past by moving in with lads she didn't know, but come to find out this was the best decision she could've made for her journey. The story moved along at a steady pace and wrapped itself up nicely in the end. Moving beyond pain, sorrow, and fear is never an easy journey and it's something that needs to be worked for. Izzy does this ten-fold but not without the help of others (Aiden, Max, her Mum, Sofia, Dr McGrath, Connor, and of course, Declan). I hope we get more from Nikola regarding some of these supporting characters. I'd also love to hear Zack's story (Izzy's brother). The musical connections throughout the novel assisted in developing the mood within various scenes and the powerful meanings of her tattoos was beautiful. If you're interested in reading a book about a character surviving hell and making it into the light, this book is for you. Give it a try!!
Rating: 4.5 stars
As Nikola's debut novel, she's left me speechless. The metaphors throughout this read spoke to me and furthered along the connection of feelings between myself, Izzy, and Declan. Izzy's life has thus far been full of shadows, pain, and fear. When she finds the light her strength and determination to embrace her new sense of self grows stronger and stronger. The supporting characters, they are her rocks and the bonds they share are solid, non-destructible. At first I thought Izzy was careless and just wanting an escape from her past by moving in with lads she didn't know, but come to find out this was the best decision she could've made for her journey. The story moved along at a steady pace and wrapped itself up nicely in the end. Moving beyond pain, sorrow, and fear is never an easy journey and it's something that needs to be worked for. Izzy does this ten-fold but not without the help of others (Aiden, Max, her Mum, Sofia, Dr McGrath, Connor, and of course, Declan). I hope we get more from Nikola regarding some of these supporting characters. I'd also love to hear Zack's story (Izzy's brother). The musical connections throughout the novel assisted in developing the mood within various scenes and the powerful meanings of her tattoos was beautiful. If you're interested in reading a book about a character surviving hell and making it into the light, this book is for you. Give it a try!!
August 9, 2013
2.5 stars.
This book left me with mixed feelings. It's a debut novel so i'll go easy on the author.
Lots of potential. How do you fight for yourself and how can you overcome a very difficult childhood? Great subject.
But I felt like there was huge gaps in the story. For once I really, really (I insist really) did not feel how the h and H fell in love! They don't even talk to each other. It's so unlikely that I just couldn't project myself in this aspect of the story.
His personal issues are described as traumatising but still, we learn very little about it (if not at all)
The whereabouts of everybody are not very clear, or not very well explained. Which induce a feeling of lostness for the reader. How are they friends? What makes them close? It's fuzzy.
So I'll say that the subject is a good one. The author knows how to describe the effects of a shitty childhood through her characters. The fear of growing up without any real support besides your own. And the importance of professional help.
But the result is not really impressive.
I'll say to keep an eye on this author because if the good keeps growing it'll be great. But this particular book did not stand out to me.
This book left me with mixed feelings. It's a debut novel so i'll go easy on the author.
Lots of potential. How do you fight for yourself and how can you overcome a very difficult childhood? Great subject.
But I felt like there was huge gaps in the story. For once I really, really (I insist really) did not feel how the h and H fell in love! They don't even talk to each other. It's so unlikely that I just couldn't project myself in this aspect of the story.
His personal issues are described as traumatising but still, we learn very little about it (if not at all)
The whereabouts of everybody are not very clear, or not very well explained. Which induce a feeling of lostness for the reader. How are they friends? What makes them close? It's fuzzy.
So I'll say that the subject is a good one. The author knows how to describe the effects of a shitty childhood through her characters. The fear of growing up without any real support besides your own. And the importance of professional help.
But the result is not really impressive.
I'll say to keep an eye on this author because if the good keeps growing it'll be great. But this particular book did not stand out to me.
July 20, 2014
Where do I begin with this review. Words that come to mind:
Wonderful
Gut-wrenching
Fantastic writing
Soul breaking
Lovely
Those are just a few. In reading other reviews with low stars I have to say I am shocked. This is a debut novel and it was written with such feeling that it grabbed me within the first couple of paragraphs.
The story of Izzy and Declan is one of love at first sight. If it's never happened to you then it's hard to believe but the thing is it does happen and it happens for a reason. The pain and sadness within Izzy gripped my heart and tore it apart. This book about domestic violence within a family is well told and holds nothing back. I applaud Nikola for telling her story in such a warm and enthralling way. I see this author going very far. This book to me can definitely be put on the big screen. I feel this book will hit readers very deep inside if they have ever lived with domestic abuse.
I've become a number one fan of this author and cannot wait for Sofia and Max's story.
Well done Nikola. I wish you all the success that you rightly deserve.
DeAnna Passantino
Wonderful
Gut-wrenching
Fantastic writing
Soul breaking
Lovely
Those are just a few. In reading other reviews with low stars I have to say I am shocked. This is a debut novel and it was written with such feeling that it grabbed me within the first couple of paragraphs.
The story of Izzy and Declan is one of love at first sight. If it's never happened to you then it's hard to believe but the thing is it does happen and it happens for a reason. The pain and sadness within Izzy gripped my heart and tore it apart. This book about domestic violence within a family is well told and holds nothing back. I applaud Nikola for telling her story in such a warm and enthralling way. I see this author going very far. This book to me can definitely be put on the big screen. I feel this book will hit readers very deep inside if they have ever lived with domestic abuse.
I've become a number one fan of this author and cannot wait for Sofia and Max's story.
Well done Nikola. I wish you all the success that you rightly deserve.
DeAnna Passantino
August 19, 2013
hmmm not exatly sure what to say about this book. We meet izzy and learn she has a difficult past and an violent abusive parent. She meets declan, aiden and max. They all become friends and her protecter but her and declan fall in love within seemingly a few hours.
I found it difficult to connect to the characters and the story. Nothing was really learned about any of them and i kept reading waiting to learn their heartaches and secrets.. it never happened.
The plot of the story was OK not great just ok but the characters held no real interest. The story seems rushed and totally lacked detail, by the end i didn't really care what their story was or how they got to where they were now.
Glad it was over. It wasn't a read to capture any part of my mind, other than to numb it.
It possibly could have been a much better story but it just didn't keep either my interest or the will to read going ... SORRY
I found it difficult to connect to the characters and the story. Nothing was really learned about any of them and i kept reading waiting to learn their heartaches and secrets.. it never happened.
The plot of the story was OK not great just ok but the characters held no real interest. The story seems rushed and totally lacked detail, by the end i didn't really care what their story was or how they got to where they were now.
Glad it was over. It wasn't a read to capture any part of my mind, other than to numb it.
It possibly could have been a much better story but it just didn't keep either my interest or the will to read going ... SORRY
June 25, 2014
It has almost been a week since I finished this book and I still find myself thinking about it often. I devoured this book in just over a day. It was a very emotional, and heartfelt read, and I believed every word from Izzy & Declan. Friends know I'm not really an emotional reader but I admit to shedding a tear at a certain stage in this book. Declan was so protective of Izzy and if I could, I would wrap them both up in some bubble wrap. The story was very British which made for a refreshing change, and it was filled with musical influences. This book is only 99c / 77p, and I would recommend picking this up sooner rather than later before this author implodes!! There is a beautiful quote at the end of this book, 'Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass....its about learning to dance in the rain'. That quote is perfection for the book!!
Bravo, Nikola Jensen, here is 4 beautiful, heartfelt stars
Bravo, Nikola Jensen, here is 4 beautiful, heartfelt stars
July 7, 2014
This is a quirky, oddball type of story. Throughout the entire book, I wasn't sure what I thought of it. Frankly, the epilogue is what made the book for me. This is essentially a story about a girl who has spent her entire childhood in an abusive (domestic) environment. It is about her healing. It is about her learning what's important for her future and life and working toward her own health and happiness. It's good but it's also incredibly sad. I found it to be a good book but will never read it again. I feel like she made it through and to reread it would be to make her (Izzy) live it again and I just can't do that to her or to me.
June 15, 2014
Isobel (izzy) is a lovely heroine, trying to get by day by day and lead the normal life she craves. Hiding a past she enrols into college and meets Declan and then Aiden. Never realising they share a house. Izzy is desperate for somewhere to stay and she moves in. The chemistry between Izzy and Declan becomes undeniable, but Declan also has a few skeletons in his wardrobe too. Can they overcome the obstacles to save each other. A good story.
September 13, 2013
Very emotional and tragic romance between two broken souls....loved the book.
Favorite quote:
I love you Izzy. I told myself that you were meant for me. I just knew it. I knew you the minute I saw you at the bus stop. Your eyes, I recognized what I saw in them, they told the same story, I saw you. ~Declan
Reviews posted on Amazon and Goodreads
Read on August 6, 2013
Favorite quote:
I love you Izzy. I told myself that you were meant for me. I just knew it. I knew you the minute I saw you at the bus stop. Your eyes, I recognized what I saw in them, they told the same story, I saw you. ~Declan
Reviews posted on Amazon and Goodreads
Read on August 6, 2013
August 14, 2013
Startling, moving debut; a must-read! Izzy is a sassy, lovely girl struggling to find her feet, emerging from tragedy and a dark past. Chance meetings on her first day at university bring light and laughter into her life and she encounters her soulmate... A really powerful story of pain, healing, love and overcoming the past.
August 7, 2013
What an amazing debut novel for Nikola Jensen. This is such a dark & twisted story. This is about Izzy overcoming a very dark history. She then meets Declan who is just as messed up as Izzy. Can they find the light in the darkness? This is a must read!
August 25, 2013
I liked the storyline, the writing was decent... The English kind of threw me, but that's only because of the different slang... I did like the book, but there was something that felt... Idk... Off?! Anyhow, it was good and I guess worth 3.5 stars.
September 16, 2013
What an emotional roller coaster hard hitting in places and commical in others it had it all and I loved it what a great debut novel By Nikola Jensen and I will be looking forward to reading more of her books in the future
November 27, 2013
The story was good, but a little worded. Don't get me wrong the book has a beautiful story that was written, but less words. The characters in the book were a pip's. Sofia is my favorite. Thanks for writing an excellent book
November 4, 2016
This book was a rollercoaster Declan was a sweetie him and izzy were perfect for each other . Their past were almost identical and Declan was able to understand what izzy went through at the hands of her father. They were a cute couple and I think their love story is a worthy read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2014
I loved this book! Izzy is a courageously strong young woman. Except for Izzy's Dad, who I wanted to strangle, all the characters were relatable and amazing friends to Izzy. This book will put you through many emotions but in the end will leave you with a warm feeling.
June 23, 2014
I read this book a while ago. And i simply loved it. I loved Izzy's spirit and Declan needed a good few slaps now and then but when they were right they were superb.
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i hope the others get their stories told.....
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i hope the others get their stories told.....
December 3, 2013
This book was heartbreaking and heart warming in one must read package.
September 10, 2013
What a tragic and beautiful story. I really wanted a proposal at the end :(
September 8, 2013
Wow just Wow this book difinietly shows off strong courage people and what fantastic support shown thorugh all the charracters. Loved the HEA this book i recommend to all!
October 6, 2013
Much better than I expected. I cried, very emotional and you feel every emotion the characters are feeling. I would recommend and re-read!
January 27, 2014
I loves this book hope there is more to there story would love to she how thing work out for them . cant wait to read more from this author
July 16, 2014
I don't cry at books often but this one made me. Izzy and Declan are rich characters that steal your breath and forever leave a mark on your heart. Thank you for a beautiful read.
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