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Courageous
Abbi, a college freshman, has trouble with men and she knows exactly why. She wanted to fix it. She tried to be like everyone else in high school, but they all knew who she really was. They all knew her secret and she couldn’t break free.
Now away from that small-town judgement, in a much larger community, she can blend in. They don’t know her. They don’t know her past, but she does. Abbi is her own worst enemy. If only she can get past the first time, but to do that, she’ll have to get beyond the whispers in her mind.
Then she finds Dominic. He’s a little older, a little wiser and a whole lot sexier than anyone from back home. He takes charge and what happens next will make Abbi whole or it will break her. Either way, it changes their lives forever.
Reader Discretion Advised. Mature themes include explicit sexual situations.
Now away from that small-town judgement, in a much larger community, she can blend in. They don’t know her. They don’t know her past, but she does. Abbi is her own worst enemy. If only she can get past the first time, but to do that, she’ll have to get beyond the whispers in her mind.
Then she finds Dominic. He’s a little older, a little wiser and a whole lot sexier than anyone from back home. He takes charge and what happens next will make Abbi whole or it will break her. Either way, it changes their lives forever.
Reader Discretion Advised. Mature themes include explicit sexual situations.
151 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2013
6 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 8, 2013
Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews
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ARC provided from author for honest review.
A refreshing sweet sexy story about healing old scars, forgiving new pain and learning to love when you were never taught what love was to begin with.
Abbi
Abbi was broken....from a small child she was raised to believe she was dirty, bad and should be ashamed to just be herself. Then comes Dominic
Dominic is the true white knight who saves her from not only a bad guy but her bad life. He isn't perfect and he makes some mistakes but in the end you know she's gonna be safe with him while learning to just be herself. Sometimes you need a story that is just right for the heart. That is Courageous.
Thank you Ms. Foxx for the opportunity to read and review this book. It was my ultimate pleasure. I eagerly await the conclusion.
Sizzling Pages @ Facebook
Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
ARC provided from author for honest review.
A refreshing sweet sexy story about healing old scars, forgiving new pain and learning to love when you were never taught what love was to begin with.
Abbi
Abbi was broken....from a small child she was raised to believe she was dirty, bad and should be ashamed to just be herself. Then comes Dominic
Dominic is the true white knight who saves her from not only a bad guy but her bad life. He isn't perfect and he makes some mistakes but in the end you know she's gonna be safe with him while learning to just be herself. Sometimes you need a story that is just right for the heart. That is Courageous.
Thank you Ms. Foxx for the opportunity to read and review this book. It was my ultimate pleasure. I eagerly await the conclusion.
September 12, 2013
Abbi has a devastating past that she’s pretty reluctant to share. Life has not always been easy with an unbearable grant aunt that implies constantly that she’s a whore. A Jezebel just like her mother. So, Abbi has struggled with acceptance practicially her whole life. She’s not very comfortable with who she is – hiding herself among baggie clothes and ugly glasses. So, along comes Dominic. Beautiful smart Dominic. He saves her from the impending abuse of a frat brother. She’s attracted to him immediately, but her experience with guys is nil. She’s never even kissed a guy yet. But, that’s okay because Dominic will wait. He’s patient and kind, and sees so much more from the captivating woman hiding behind her elusive appearance. But, she’s afraid to trust him. So certain that he will hurt her.
“The thought of being close to someone, giving them the power to hurt me, betray me, treat me carelessly was far too scary after spending time with no one.” (Chapter 18)
But, he promises not to hurt her. And, so she trusts him with her history that she knew could possibly scare him away. Fortunately, for her, he stayed, he listened, and he understood. And, somewhere along the way he again promises not to hurt her.
“You’ve been through a lot in only 18 years, but you can trust me. I won’t hurt you or leave you.” (Chapter 21)
Of course, life doesn’t always go as planned and some things are just so hard to believe in. Abbi will have to dig deep inside of herself to forgive Dominic and understand how that emotion will impact their future.
“Life is messy, difficult, fast, thrilling, aching, frightening, joyful, challenging, slow, and so much more. It all depends on the day. Most importantly, life is for living. Whenever I have to make a difficult choice, I know I can’t go wrong if I choose living.” (Chapter 31)
This novel had drama – some darkly disturbing and some romantically intense. The novel was fairly short, just finished reading it in under three hours. It was definitely page-turning worthy. I constantly questioned myself if this would be delivered with a “happily ever after” ending. It could be arguable since I just discovered that there will be a sequel. Both main characters were likeable. Abbi was broken. In her past she was deemed unworthy and abused verbally by a family member with enough venom and certainty that she would amount to nothing. This would give anyone recourse to lose confidence and suffer from low self-esteem no matter how strong and courageous on the inside. Abbi just needed seriously to believe in herself and live her life with no doubt and question as to her self-worth. She was a beautiful woman with a radiant soul.
Dominic was a great guy – protective, supportive, intelligent. But, he too had to stop living under someone else’s thumb, basically his father’s, and think for himself and believe in himself as well. He, at least, had a loyal and supportive family looking out for his best interest. Whereas, Abbi was on her own. No family. Barely any friends. Therefore, what she needed and required was honesty, trust, and someone to lean on when she was feeling abandoned. They both knew that they loved each, but it was just a matter of how much they would risk when it came to themselves possibly getting hurt in the end. It should be interesting to see how Ms. Foxx further progresses their story along. Will they end up together basking in each other’s arms with that intimate feeling of forever while essentially finding their soulmate? Or will unexpected circumstances tear them apart never to quite comletely find their way back to each other?
Even though Dominic was a somewhat experienced lover, he was patient with Abbi when introducing her to their erotically-charged intimacy. The scenes were steamy and intense but yet loving and tender. He didn’t present her with any pressure to relinquish her virginity even though he had made it known that he wanted her. He was just such a nice guy and perfect for Abbi.
The only real complaint that I had was that I wish the novel had been longer, and I also wanted to know a little more of Dominic’s backstory. The reader learned quite a bit about Abbi’s past, but not so much about Dominic’s. Maybe the author will divulge a bit more of Dominic’s past in the sequel. So looking forward to reading book two of the Courageous duet!
“The thought of being close to someone, giving them the power to hurt me, betray me, treat me carelessly was far too scary after spending time with no one.” (Chapter 18)
But, he promises not to hurt her. And, so she trusts him with her history that she knew could possibly scare him away. Fortunately, for her, he stayed, he listened, and he understood. And, somewhere along the way he again promises not to hurt her.
“You’ve been through a lot in only 18 years, but you can trust me. I won’t hurt you or leave you.” (Chapter 21)
Of course, life doesn’t always go as planned and some things are just so hard to believe in. Abbi will have to dig deep inside of herself to forgive Dominic and understand how that emotion will impact their future.
“Life is messy, difficult, fast, thrilling, aching, frightening, joyful, challenging, slow, and so much more. It all depends on the day. Most importantly, life is for living. Whenever I have to make a difficult choice, I know I can’t go wrong if I choose living.” (Chapter 31)
This novel had drama – some darkly disturbing and some romantically intense. The novel was fairly short, just finished reading it in under three hours. It was definitely page-turning worthy. I constantly questioned myself if this would be delivered with a “happily ever after” ending. It could be arguable since I just discovered that there will be a sequel. Both main characters were likeable. Abbi was broken. In her past she was deemed unworthy and abused verbally by a family member with enough venom and certainty that she would amount to nothing. This would give anyone recourse to lose confidence and suffer from low self-esteem no matter how strong and courageous on the inside. Abbi just needed seriously to believe in herself and live her life with no doubt and question as to her self-worth. She was a beautiful woman with a radiant soul.
Dominic was a great guy – protective, supportive, intelligent. But, he too had to stop living under someone else’s thumb, basically his father’s, and think for himself and believe in himself as well. He, at least, had a loyal and supportive family looking out for his best interest. Whereas, Abbi was on her own. No family. Barely any friends. Therefore, what she needed and required was honesty, trust, and someone to lean on when she was feeling abandoned. They both knew that they loved each, but it was just a matter of how much they would risk when it came to themselves possibly getting hurt in the end. It should be interesting to see how Ms. Foxx further progresses their story along. Will they end up together basking in each other’s arms with that intimate feeling of forever while essentially finding their soulmate? Or will unexpected circumstances tear them apart never to quite comletely find their way back to each other?
Even though Dominic was a somewhat experienced lover, he was patient with Abbi when introducing her to their erotically-charged intimacy. The scenes were steamy and intense but yet loving and tender. He didn’t present her with any pressure to relinquish her virginity even though he had made it known that he wanted her. He was just such a nice guy and perfect for Abbi.
The only real complaint that I had was that I wish the novel had been longer, and I also wanted to know a little more of Dominic’s backstory. The reader learned quite a bit about Abbi’s past, but not so much about Dominic’s. Maybe the author will divulge a bit more of Dominic’s past in the sequel. So looking forward to reading book two of the Courageous duet!
November 1, 2013
I downloaded this book to my kindle when it was on sale and decided to read it right away because I thought it would be a quick, light read. It was quick (I read it in one day) but definitely not a light read as it deals with serious subject matter and childhood trauma. All that to say, it was a really intense coming of age love story between an emotionally damaged young college student and the older boy she falls in love with who would eventually set her free from her demons. I really connected with Abbi and understood what she was going through and how hard it was for her to give in to her feelings. Dominic is the kind of boyfriend every girl should have for her first love. Be forewarned...the love scenes are steamy and you might need a cold shower after reading =) Can't wait to read what comes next from Gloria Foxx!
August 23, 2013
"Courageous" is a great coming of age story. Abbi is a sweet but shy girl with a past and a dead aunt who played an integral part in the insecurities and the relationship difficulties that haunt Abbi... Dominic is a strong hunky male who also has his fair share issues and relationship problems... As their relationship grows, it's fantastic seeing them overcome and learn to love!
It was truly an emotional roller coaster... I felt so much for Abbi and was happy that she and Dominic were able to finally realize their needs for each other! A Wonderful Romance!
It was truly an emotional roller coaster... I felt so much for Abbi and was happy that she and Dominic were able to finally realize their needs for each other! A Wonderful Romance!
August 29, 2013
This was a very quick read. I must say that I liked the overall idea of it and for the most part it was a fun read. However, I feel like it was missing some substance. It was so short, I don't think the characters really were given the time to develop and overcome their issues. For example, I think Abbi got physically intimate very quickly. I don't remember her hesitating much once she got in that situation. Regardless, it was a fun read, ad I'd read the sequel.
September 14, 2013
Definite 4.5 Stars
What a great, refreshing read - Abbi hasn't felt loved for the past 12 years, but she hasn't given up - she's trying to change and figure it all out. Dominic is so gentle and strong with her, but it isn't always easy for them - they both struggle with what is truly best for themselves and the other. A great story about first love.
What a great, refreshing read - Abbi hasn't felt loved for the past 12 years, but she hasn't given up - she's trying to change and figure it all out. Dominic is so gentle and strong with her, but it isn't always easy for them - they both struggle with what is truly best for themselves and the other. A great story about first love.
September 15, 2013
It was okay... Not something that I would read again... It was short, and in need of some editing. There was something missing as well... I think the dialogue needs some work.
April 16, 2014
Blah blah blah can't believe I finished it nothing happened didn't like the characters just rubbish sorry
June 29, 2021
We're is the next book? There has to be more, because of the way it ended.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews