What do you think?
Rate this book
30 Days #1
30 Days
Abused by her husband. Dealing with the loss of her only sister. A suicide attempt that doesn’t end in death and a husband who wants her inheritance. Elle’s life is a catastrophe. But she has a list and thirty things she’s determined to accomplish. Love isn't on that list but it comes crashing unexpectedly into her life.
Boxing coach and personal trainer at the gym he co-owns, Colin’s content with his life. Until a chance meeting with a woman eating alone at a restaurant sets his heart in motion. As secrets unveil themselves his only goal becomes holding on to what he’s found.
Boxing coach and personal trainer at the gym he co-owns, Colin’s content with his life. Until a chance meeting with a woman eating alone at a restaurant sets his heart in motion. As secrets unveil themselves his only goal becomes holding on to what he’s found.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2013
725 people are currently reading
2913 people want to read
About the author
K. Larsen
45 books1,080 followersI am an avid reader, coffee drinker, and chocolate eater who loves writing.
Newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/613e3a...
Come hang out with me
https://www.facebook.com/groups/klarsen/
On amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00AN1BSIE
@klarsen_author
https://www.facebook.com/K.LarsenAuthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 reviews
December 27, 2013
4 stars
What would you do if you finally had a shot to be free and LIVE, to make your own choices and do the things you never thought were possible??? Choosing to live this new life for herself and all the time she has lost as well as for her sister, who died too young…alone in a small town she decided to make her home for the next 30 days. Fortunate enough to have the money she needed thanks to her inheritance.
During her first attempt at the list, she meets Colin, his ” touch, his eyes. It was too intimate for two strangers and it threw me”, so much so that she fled to the safety of her temporary home. Haunted by his eyes she has trouble shaking that familiar feeling deep down, their next encounter only confirms that she isn’t the only one who felt it...whatever it was that passed through their touch.
Colin has no doubt he wants to see where this will lead, but Elle is worried to form any attachments, after all her stay here is just temporary. After finding out about her list, Colin volunteers his time to help her check off the things she has planned, while she builds friendships along the way. Colin is a co-owner at a gym and he takes it upon himself to teach her how to protect herself, how to box. Willing to only give pieces of herself to Colin, she is torn, she knows he deserves more but she is scared to tell him the truth
Together they fight through her demons, fully aware that there is a chance she will be found… Colin makes her dream and believe there is a chance, but how foolish is she to believe that she can have a HEA. The thought of what Ryan put her through makes her question Colin’s feelings, finding it hard to believe that someone would love her broken and all. Although the risk of being found is low, she still is in the right mind to put contingencies in place and make sure that if Ryan does find her, she can protect and fight for herself.
30 Days grabbed me from the very first page, what she went through and what she endured had me sitting at the edge of my seat, the story is told from a Colin and Elle’s POV, but as we live in the now with them, we get pieces of the past and relive her nightmare. I was so caught in her story, her strength that I didn't mind the insta-love or the soft-hearted hero. This book does end in a cliffhanger, so be prepared to jump right into the next book, because if you’re anything like me, there was no way I could’ve moved onto another read.
***Reviewed on 12.26.2013 :)
“Then until you believe what I see in you, believe what you feel from me.”
What would you do if you finally had a shot to be free and LIVE, to make your own choices and do the things you never thought were possible??? Choosing to live this new life for herself and all the time she has lost as well as for her sister, who died too young…alone in a small town she decided to make her home for the next 30 days. Fortunate enough to have the money she needed thanks to her inheritance.
All I know is that this is my second chance at life and I’m living it to the fullest. I am not Ryan’s prisoner anymore. I have no one to worry about but myself and my own happiness.
During her first attempt at the list, she meets Colin, his ” touch, his eyes. It was too intimate for two strangers and it threw me”, so much so that she fled to the safety of her temporary home. Haunted by his eyes she has trouble shaking that familiar feeling deep down, their next encounter only confirms that she isn’t the only one who felt it...whatever it was that passed through their touch.
“I don't know what it is, Elle, but I’m not stupid enough to let this go when I feel like my life started when I saw your face.”
Colin has no doubt he wants to see where this will lead, but Elle is worried to form any attachments, after all her stay here is just temporary. After finding out about her list, Colin volunteers his time to help her check off the things she has planned, while she builds friendships along the way. Colin is a co-owner at a gym and he takes it upon himself to teach her how to protect herself, how to box. Willing to only give pieces of herself to Colin, she is torn, she knows he deserves more but she is scared to tell him the truth
“But I didn't plan on you. I can't make sense of why I’m drawn to you. I know I shouldn't be because I’m shattered. Cracked. Broken,” I whisper, ashamed....
“Cracked can be repaired. Filled in. Shattered can't. You might be cracked, Elle, but you’re not beyond repair.”
Together they fight through her demons, fully aware that there is a chance she will be found… Colin makes her dream and believe there is a chance, but how foolish is she to believe that she can have a HEA. The thought of what Ryan put her through makes her question Colin’s feelings, finding it hard to believe that someone would love her broken and all. Although the risk of being found is low, she still is in the right mind to put contingencies in place and make sure that if Ryan does find her, she can protect and fight for herself.
“He’s stripped you of the ability to think you deserve love. To accept it. You’re fearful of it. He’s made you lose the part of yourself that believes in you, that lets you trust your own gut.”
30 Days grabbed me from the very first page, what she went through and what she endured had me sitting at the edge of my seat, the story is told from a Colin and Elle’s POV, but as we live in the now with them, we get pieces of the past and relive her nightmare. I was so caught in her story, her strength that I didn't mind the insta-love or the soft-hearted hero. This book does end in a cliffhanger, so be prepared to jump right into the next book, because if you’re anything like me, there was no way I could’ve moved onto another read.
***Reviewed on 12.26.2013 :)
July 6, 2015
*** 3.5 I'll Never Let You Go Stars ***
"My life over the last four years with him has become a shit storm so thick that I can't see my way out. He loves me. I know he does. He loves me the only way he knows how and it would wreck him if I left him. Still, it’s not enough to stay, I know, but I do anyways.”
Elle Darling is a girl that is being held in a psychiatric ward by the consent of her abusive husband who is after her money. She has no say in this stay. She needs out. She must find a away to get away from the drugs she is forced to take and the hate she lives with.
As she puts her escape plan together, we learn about her past with her asshole hubby Ryan. From being verbally abused non stop leading up to the final straw for Elle, Ryan hits her and she takes off. In her rush to leave, she crashes her car into a tree, on purpose, which is how she ended up in the pyschiatric ward.
After escaping, she gets her life in order. She meets with a lawyer and gets her money in order so Ryan has no claims to it. As she gets things in line to help her breath a little freedom, she meets Collin. She knows she should just stay away from him but they have an insta-attraction. But this is a good insta-love. Collin helps her become the woman she used to be. He never pushes her to feel anything. She accepts the friendship and help he offers her and she strives into the life she has wanted for so long.
Collin Wilder.....IS...AMAZING!!!
He stands by Elle no matter what. He helps her gain the strength she needs to fight the battle she will be up against soon.
As Elle and Collin fall into their life so well together, life takes an unexpected turn. Elle is abducted, leaving Collin with very small tidbits of information to go on if she should ever disappear.
This story, had LOTS of potential to being a 5 star read for me. I found I was really bored with the sex scenes, not that they weren't hot, I just wanted more of dramatic story. I admit, I did skim portions of the book, but again, I was just searching for lots more drama.
"My life over the last four years with him has become a shit storm so thick that I can't see my way out. He loves me. I know he does. He loves me the only way he knows how and it would wreck him if I left him. Still, it’s not enough to stay, I know, but I do anyways.”
Elle Darling is a girl that is being held in a psychiatric ward by the consent of her abusive husband who is after her money. She has no say in this stay. She needs out. She must find a away to get away from the drugs she is forced to take and the hate she lives with.
As she puts her escape plan together, we learn about her past with her asshole hubby Ryan. From being verbally abused non stop leading up to the final straw for Elle, Ryan hits her and she takes off. In her rush to leave, she crashes her car into a tree, on purpose, which is how she ended up in the pyschiatric ward.
After escaping, she gets her life in order. She meets with a lawyer and gets her money in order so Ryan has no claims to it. As she gets things in line to help her breath a little freedom, she meets Collin. She knows she should just stay away from him but they have an insta-attraction. But this is a good insta-love. Collin helps her become the woman she used to be. He never pushes her to feel anything. She accepts the friendship and help he offers her and she strives into the life she has wanted for so long.
Collin Wilder.....IS...AMAZING!!!
He stands by Elle no matter what. He helps her gain the strength she needs to fight the battle she will be up against soon.
As Elle and Collin fall into their life so well together, life takes an unexpected turn. Elle is abducted, leaving Collin with very small tidbits of information to go on if she should ever disappear.
This story, had LOTS of potential to being a 5 star read for me. I found I was really bored with the sex scenes, not that they weren't hot, I just wanted more of dramatic story. I admit, I did skim portions of the book, but again, I was just searching for lots more drama.
did-not-finish
April 27, 2015I hate when this happens - and I don't know how many times I have to say that "it's me - not you"
I just couldn't connect with the characters and I'm not a big fan of "insta love"
Now, saying that...don't pass this book up - it just wasn't for me.
I just couldn't connect with the characters and I'm not a big fan of "insta love"
Now, saying that...don't pass this book up - it just wasn't for me.
April 12, 2018
Another cheap read and another I’ve read picked up without knowing anything about the plot, star rating or even the genre.
First 5% in all I could guess was that it was about a girl who has escaped some kind of mental health facility, has somehow acquired plenty of cash to live comfortably on and talks to an unknown girl called Jenny. That alone was enough to get me to read on.
The book tells the story from both hers and Colin’s view but occasionally flits back to Elle’s traumatic past, building the story further from there. There’s a part from a past chapter that really pissed me off. It sounds stupid, but the author has taken a song lyric and just passed it off as part of the narrative, I wouldn’t mind if it was referenced but it’s almost as though she’s thought ‘I like those words, I’ll just pop them in’. I’m referring to the lyrics of the Kate Nash song ‘foundations’. “My fingertips are holding on to the cracks in our foundation, and I know that I should let go but I can’t” no author. No!
Also from the dialogue and the way they’re all acting I’d have put the characters in the age range of 21-22. When I discovered they were in their 30s I was quite taken back.
While I’m on a roll. Since when is 4 pastries ‘way too much for two people’? or maybe that’s just my fat arse.
There were a few grammatical errors, simple things really like ‘too’ instead of ‘ to’ and through the ‘rough’ instead of ‘roof’ that annoyed me a little. I’m not the grammar police, I make mistakes. But when you’re reading a book you kind of hope obvious things like that are taken care of pre publishing. The book was an ok instalove 3 star read. I’ll probably read the second book at some point since the cliff hanger kinda left me with no choice, but not right now.
First 5% in all I could guess was that it was about a girl who has escaped some kind of mental health facility, has somehow acquired plenty of cash to live comfortably on and talks to an unknown girl called Jenny. That alone was enough to get me to read on.
The book tells the story from both hers and Colin’s view but occasionally flits back to Elle’s traumatic past, building the story further from there. There’s a part from a past chapter that really pissed me off. It sounds stupid, but the author has taken a song lyric and just passed it off as part of the narrative, I wouldn’t mind if it was referenced but it’s almost as though she’s thought ‘I like those words, I’ll just pop them in’. I’m referring to the lyrics of the Kate Nash song ‘foundations’. “My fingertips are holding on to the cracks in our foundation, and I know that I should let go but I can’t” no author. No!
Also from the dialogue and the way they’re all acting I’d have put the characters in the age range of 21-22. When I discovered they were in their 30s I was quite taken back.
While I’m on a roll. Since when is 4 pastries ‘way too much for two people’? or maybe that’s just my fat arse.
There were a few grammatical errors, simple things really like ‘too’ instead of ‘ to’ and through the ‘rough’ instead of ‘roof’ that annoyed me a little. I’m not the grammar police, I make mistakes. But when you’re reading a book you kind of hope obvious things like that are taken care of pre publishing. The book was an ok instalove 3 star read. I’ll probably read the second book at some point since the cliff hanger kinda left me with no choice, but not right now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2013
I would probably say this for more was more like a 4.5 star read and that's even with me having sections of it that I didn't find as great as the bulk of it. There's a couple of typos but nothing that detracted from the story, it's a shame they are there but at least they are minimal as it is not too many.
The first part when we're learning about why she has needed to escape from Ryan had me gripped immediately. I can hand on heart say the way Ryan's treatment of Elle is written is absolutely spot on. I have knowledge of this and K. Larsen has penned this very true to and very real. Having said that I will get that some will find Elle weak but honestly don't judge her situation and her actions as weak unless you've been around this predicament before either via yourself or a close friend and you're aware of a different scenario/outcome of the actions to what is written here. There were many elements as her journey to the present was revealed that had me teary eyed and full of compassion for Elle. Oh my God I hope Ryan gets what's coming to him!
Then the rest of this book is mostly about the list and all the things that Elle needs to do and her meeting Colin as the start of the items on the list. As the book went through ticking items off the list this is where I lost a little bit of the drama and suspense. Some of the items on the list that happened daily bordered on monotonous and got a little strung out. Although there was was a scene that came right out of the blue and I was laughing my head off, this was an excellent laugh and I think it all the more funny because it literally came out of the blue. I won't say any more than that because I wouldn't want you not to have the impact that I did, but this episode suddenly lifted the story. OMG it was hilarious and this redeemed the story from the monotony.
Colin is great, he's not super rich, he's not a bad boy or a rock star and he's not tattooed up to the hilt. He's not a biker or a MMA fighter he's just Colin and a dreamboat! An ordinary guy making a living but feels the chemistry as soon as he meets Elle and then he's drawn to helping her complete her list.
Then I reached the end of the book and just as the suspense kicked back in I was slightly fuming to found out this book has a sequel! Nowhere in the title on Amazon or in the synopsis suggests that this is not a standalone. Authors I implore you to give fair warning, I am grateful that book 2 is already available but some kind of pre-warning would have made a heck of a lot of difference in the first place!
The first part when we're learning about why she has needed to escape from Ryan had me gripped immediately. I can hand on heart say the way Ryan's treatment of Elle is written is absolutely spot on. I have knowledge of this and K. Larsen has penned this very true to and very real. Having said that I will get that some will find Elle weak but honestly don't judge her situation and her actions as weak unless you've been around this predicament before either via yourself or a close friend and you're aware of a different scenario/outcome of the actions to what is written here. There were many elements as her journey to the present was revealed that had me teary eyed and full of compassion for Elle. Oh my God I hope Ryan gets what's coming to him!
Then the rest of this book is mostly about the list and all the things that Elle needs to do and her meeting Colin as the start of the items on the list. As the book went through ticking items off the list this is where I lost a little bit of the drama and suspense. Some of the items on the list that happened daily bordered on monotonous and got a little strung out. Although there was was a scene that came right out of the blue and I was laughing my head off, this was an excellent laugh and I think it all the more funny because it literally came out of the blue. I won't say any more than that because I wouldn't want you not to have the impact that I did, but this episode suddenly lifted the story. OMG it was hilarious and this redeemed the story from the monotony.
Colin is great, he's not super rich, he's not a bad boy or a rock star and he's not tattooed up to the hilt. He's not a biker or a MMA fighter he's just Colin and a dreamboat! An ordinary guy making a living but feels the chemistry as soon as he meets Elle and then he's drawn to helping her complete her list.
Then I reached the end of the book and just as the suspense kicked back in I was slightly fuming to found out this book has a sequel! Nowhere in the title on Amazon or in the synopsis suggests that this is not a standalone. Authors I implore you to give fair warning, I am grateful that book 2 is already available but some kind of pre-warning would have made a heck of a lot of difference in the first place!
January 10, 2015
The only good thing about this book was that it was free.
Unbeknownst to me, this is actually the first part of a two part series. If you want to know how it ends, you have no choice but to buy the second book and, if I'm going to be truthful, I have zero inclination to find out despite the supposed "cliffhanger" which really felt more like ending a book mid-sentence.
The writing is terrible. TERRIBLE. Corny. Immature. Awkward. It was written how a 12 year old speaks. Awful to read.
The characters are unlikeable, stupid and made me cringe. Call me crazy but if I were in hiding from my abusive husband I sure as shit wouldn't be using my real name.
The worst book I've ever read. I actually hate myself for reading this all the way to the end. A waste of my life
Unbeknownst to me, this is actually the first part of a two part series. If you want to know how it ends, you have no choice but to buy the second book and, if I'm going to be truthful, I have zero inclination to find out despite the supposed "cliffhanger" which really felt more like ending a book mid-sentence.
The writing is terrible. TERRIBLE. Corny. Immature. Awkward. It was written how a 12 year old speaks. Awful to read.
The characters are unlikeable, stupid and made me cringe. Call me crazy but if I were in hiding from my abusive husband I sure as shit wouldn't be using my real name.
The worst book I've ever read. I actually hate myself for reading this all the way to the end. A waste of my life
March 30, 2014
I cannot recommend this book. There were so many flaws, from the poor writing (I hate when people say "anyways" and it's all over this book) to the poorly thought out plot. Here is a woman on the run from an abusive husband, hiding out in a small town and she doesn't think to change her name. Really? And apparently the author was going for a cliffhanger ending, but instead just ended the book in the middle of a scene. I don't have the patience to sit through another one of her books, so I guess I will never know the outcome for these characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2015
Nope. Did not like. DNF. The insta connection between the two main characters is really cheesy and unbelievable. Also any book that says a person can eat the best cinnamon roll ever for breakfast and the most amazing pulled pork sandwhich for dinner while dropping a dress size, getting a whole new wardrobe and hairstyle and then be invited to have a beer with three "built" men at a bar after she is already set to leave is so obviously fake to me that I literally can't even. Who has days like this?! nope.
May 27, 2013
So, I reviewed this for FlynnaBeeReads...here's the link. I have lots of thoughts about this novel. Head over to FlynnaBeeReads and let's talk about our feelings!
http://flynnabeereads.blogspot.com/20...
Here's the full review:
The story opens with our heroine, Elle Darling, escaping from the hospital. Details of why she is in the hospital and why she is escaping are revealed to readers through a series of flashbacks. The novel flips back and forth between Elle’s past and current day. The writing was very choppy and seemed forced; however, Larsen’s dialogue was very natural. This was confusing to me, and since I have to finish what I start, I read to the end and have since determined this to be intentional. It seems that the erratic tendency of Larsen’s exposition, told mostly through Elle’s point of view, is an attempt to mirror the dangerous and spontaneous life she leads post hospital escape.
Elle meets a man, Colin, as she begins to complete items on a list of things she’s always wanted to do but never had the guts to accomplish. The first one is to have dinner alone. Her encounter with Colin quickly leads to something like love, which begs the question: does love truly happen at first glance? In Elle’s case, it does, though it takes her a few days to let on that this is what she’s feeling. She lets Colin join her as she completes items on her list and this is where their relationship develops, however, as both Elle and Colin tell their story they each lack a depth in character necessary for readers to hang on every word. The description of the book describes this love as "crashing into her life" but the intensity of their budding romance just wasn't there.
What Larsen does an exceptional job of is adding layer upon layer in the story. While it takes some time before we have concrete details of Elle’s past, readers then learn of Elle’s prior relationship and the abuse she endured. We learn the woman, Jenny, that she frequently talks to, is her deceased sister. Readers get glimpses of Elle’s husband, his PI, and Elle’s psychiatrist as they all plan to track her down and bring her back to their world; as it turns out, they need her for a master plan. Elle, however, makes an unbelievable mistake which leads to her discovery--a mistake that a person who has spent so much time covering her tracks and making it practically impossible to be found would never make, which is why I found the character of Elle Darling to be only partially convincing. However, Larsen's ability to add layers also added more excitement to the story as the characters come together in the present day.
I read on to uncover the why’s and the how’s of Elle Darling’s story, and I was satisfied. However, I wish Elle’s personality had been fleshed out in a more convincing manner that I could identify with. There was something lacking here, and again, it could be intentional due to what she has endured leading up to the beginning of her story. I’m a sucker for beautiful writing; I want to know the details of the dress, the nuances of the scenery, the tiny details that draw one character to another. The writing in 30 Days was very superficial, leaving too much to the imagination. As a reader, I want the story to be painted for me, so that I’m not left picturing a blurry cloud of half formed characters who all have the same face in my imagination. I’m giving this 3 out of 5 bees because despite struggling through the writing I found the story to be more enticing the deeper I went into the book and even found myself wishing it wasn’t a cliffhanger.
http://flynnabeereads.blogspot.com/20...
Here's the full review:
The story opens with our heroine, Elle Darling, escaping from the hospital. Details of why she is in the hospital and why she is escaping are revealed to readers through a series of flashbacks. The novel flips back and forth between Elle’s past and current day. The writing was very choppy and seemed forced; however, Larsen’s dialogue was very natural. This was confusing to me, and since I have to finish what I start, I read to the end and have since determined this to be intentional. It seems that the erratic tendency of Larsen’s exposition, told mostly through Elle’s point of view, is an attempt to mirror the dangerous and spontaneous life she leads post hospital escape.
Elle meets a man, Colin, as she begins to complete items on a list of things she’s always wanted to do but never had the guts to accomplish. The first one is to have dinner alone. Her encounter with Colin quickly leads to something like love, which begs the question: does love truly happen at first glance? In Elle’s case, it does, though it takes her a few days to let on that this is what she’s feeling. She lets Colin join her as she completes items on her list and this is where their relationship develops, however, as both Elle and Colin tell their story they each lack a depth in character necessary for readers to hang on every word. The description of the book describes this love as "crashing into her life" but the intensity of their budding romance just wasn't there.
What Larsen does an exceptional job of is adding layer upon layer in the story. While it takes some time before we have concrete details of Elle’s past, readers then learn of Elle’s prior relationship and the abuse she endured. We learn the woman, Jenny, that she frequently talks to, is her deceased sister. Readers get glimpses of Elle’s husband, his PI, and Elle’s psychiatrist as they all plan to track her down and bring her back to their world; as it turns out, they need her for a master plan. Elle, however, makes an unbelievable mistake which leads to her discovery--a mistake that a person who has spent so much time covering her tracks and making it practically impossible to be found would never make, which is why I found the character of Elle Darling to be only partially convincing. However, Larsen's ability to add layers also added more excitement to the story as the characters come together in the present day.
I read on to uncover the why’s and the how’s of Elle Darling’s story, and I was satisfied. However, I wish Elle’s personality had been fleshed out in a more convincing manner that I could identify with. There was something lacking here, and again, it could be intentional due to what she has endured leading up to the beginning of her story. I’m a sucker for beautiful writing; I want to know the details of the dress, the nuances of the scenery, the tiny details that draw one character to another. The writing in 30 Days was very superficial, leaving too much to the imagination. As a reader, I want the story to be painted for me, so that I’m not left picturing a blurry cloud of half formed characters who all have the same face in my imagination. I’m giving this 3 out of 5 bees because despite struggling through the writing I found the story to be more enticing the deeper I went into the book and even found myself wishing it wasn’t a cliffhanger.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2013
I received an arc of this book in an exchange for an honest review for www.SMIBookClub.com
Wow.
I’m kind of speechless right now and I’m supposed to write a review for this book! Okay, let me try to put into words how great this book was. I’m kind of reeling from the ending so I hope I can find the words…
When I first read the synopsis I was a little confused, but intrigued. And the start of the book can be best described as that. There’s a girl who is on the run from something, but she’s talking to this mysterious girl in her head all while having flashbacks of some terrible things. Ahhh!!! Yes, I was a bit confused but in a good way. I kept reading to try and make sense of it all! It wasn’t just your typical romance novel I could tell just a few chapters into it.
Elle (love the name, btw) is a girl who has experienced some really crappy things in her life. I won’t get into too many details because it would be major spoilers for the book, but she is now on the run from it all. She’s attempted suicide to get out of a terrible marriage… wakes up in a mental hospital but decides to take matters into her own hands. And on the way out she grabs a “list” that seems to be very important to her.
“The List” is what makes this book for me. The list is what brings someone special into her life, what motivates her and what will give her a new life. It makes me want to make a list like Elle’s… live outside your comfort zone! I won’t tell you what the list exactly is… but it was amazing.
The special someone that she meets, Colin, is a great guy! She is leery at first, but she decides to tell him everything and he is there for her every step of the way. Their romance is a great part of her story. I enjoyed them being together… I think I would describe it as sweet and steamy. A good combo! He helps her with the list and ends up doing it for himself as much as for the both of them.
Parts of this book I could only read for about 15 minute intervals. I had to give myself a break! The book switches back between present day and her past to tell the story…. it gets pretty intense. But, you know its going to happen… her past might catch up with her. The ending had me biting my nails(now you know my speechless dilemma!) but I’m glad to hear the second book is already out. Phew!!
So, yes… I am giving this book 5 stars!! Read it! Read it! It’s a romance novel but so much more. I really enjoyed getting to know Elle and everything that she has endured, but is trying to overcome. And the list??? You need to know the list!!
Wow.
I’m kind of speechless right now and I’m supposed to write a review for this book! Okay, let me try to put into words how great this book was. I’m kind of reeling from the ending so I hope I can find the words…
When I first read the synopsis I was a little confused, but intrigued. And the start of the book can be best described as that. There’s a girl who is on the run from something, but she’s talking to this mysterious girl in her head all while having flashbacks of some terrible things. Ahhh!!! Yes, I was a bit confused but in a good way. I kept reading to try and make sense of it all! It wasn’t just your typical romance novel I could tell just a few chapters into it.
Elle (love the name, btw) is a girl who has experienced some really crappy things in her life. I won’t get into too many details because it would be major spoilers for the book, but she is now on the run from it all. She’s attempted suicide to get out of a terrible marriage… wakes up in a mental hospital but decides to take matters into her own hands. And on the way out she grabs a “list” that seems to be very important to her.
“The List” is what makes this book for me. The list is what brings someone special into her life, what motivates her and what will give her a new life. It makes me want to make a list like Elle’s… live outside your comfort zone! I won’t tell you what the list exactly is… but it was amazing.
The special someone that she meets, Colin, is a great guy! She is leery at first, but she decides to tell him everything and he is there for her every step of the way. Their romance is a great part of her story. I enjoyed them being together… I think I would describe it as sweet and steamy. A good combo! He helps her with the list and ends up doing it for himself as much as for the both of them.
Parts of this book I could only read for about 15 minute intervals. I had to give myself a break! The book switches back between present day and her past to tell the story…. it gets pretty intense. But, you know its going to happen… her past might catch up with her. The ending had me biting my nails(now you know my speechless dilemma!) but I’m glad to hear the second book is already out. Phew!!
So, yes… I am giving this book 5 stars!! Read it! Read it! It’s a romance novel but so much more. I really enjoyed getting to know Elle and everything that she has endured, but is trying to overcome. And the list??? You need to know the list!!
July 22, 2016
I will start by saying that 30 Days does have some strong emotional content that will touch those who have been through similar abusive situations as the main character. That's actually what I appreciated the most about the book is that the author truly understood the feelings and thoughts experienced by an abused woman, even so far as to say how people think they're ridiculous to stay in the relationship and they should just get out, but IT IS NOT THAT SIMPLE. Not only because of the abused's desire for that one person who was meant to love and cherish them to finally turn around and become the person they once knew, do people stay with an abuser, and let me emphasize strongly how abusive individuals do NOT start out abusive. It builds slowly over time and you do not see it coming, which the author mentions as well.
They pull you in sweetly and fix your place in their life and then slowly become the abuser that they are making the abused feel, all the while, it is actually them who is at fault and they become stuck. There is also the embarrassment of informing family, most who will not understand and most will deny your accusations and flat out tell you your wrong or over-exagerating the situation. There are more people involved in abuse than the abuser and the one abused and if the one being abused does not have a support system and people on their side, believing them and pulling them out, then it truly becomes impossible to leave the situation.
I believe if you do not understand abusive situations or do not know how to support them, there are some sympathetic words in this book that would be helpful to read.
That being said, I thought 30 Days was a really good read. Towards the end the main character comes out of her shell and is a bit too quick to trust and open up in my opinion, but then everyone heals in their own time. The story is well written and the characters are lively with good dialogue. Plus, it's free on Amazon so you can try the authors work to see if you like it!
I also want to add a note stating that there are more than one type of abuse. There's verbal abuse, that the character in this book goes through, emotional abuse or neglect, physical abuse, which includes abuse that is sexual in nature, and all of them may be different in nature, but they produce the same results. Fear and a loss of self worth. No matter how small or infrequent the abuse may seem, it is still just that; abuse. And no one deserves to be mistreated or belittled.
They pull you in sweetly and fix your place in their life and then slowly become the abuser that they are making the abused feel, all the while, it is actually them who is at fault and they become stuck. There is also the embarrassment of informing family, most who will not understand and most will deny your accusations and flat out tell you your wrong or over-exagerating the situation. There are more people involved in abuse than the abuser and the one abused and if the one being abused does not have a support system and people on their side, believing them and pulling them out, then it truly becomes impossible to leave the situation.
I believe if you do not understand abusive situations or do not know how to support them, there are some sympathetic words in this book that would be helpful to read.
That being said, I thought 30 Days was a really good read. Towards the end the main character comes out of her shell and is a bit too quick to trust and open up in my opinion, but then everyone heals in their own time. The story is well written and the characters are lively with good dialogue. Plus, it's free on Amazon so you can try the authors work to see if you like it!
I also want to add a note stating that there are more than one type of abuse. There's verbal abuse, that the character in this book goes through, emotional abuse or neglect, physical abuse, which includes abuse that is sexual in nature, and all of them may be different in nature, but they produce the same results. Fear and a loss of self worth. No matter how small or infrequent the abuse may seem, it is still just that; abuse. And no one deserves to be mistreated or belittled.
November 21, 2014
This is essentially a life time movie in book form. Those kinds of stories where the couple never has morning breath, and they can have sex without protection with no one giving a shit about pregnancy. It was so cheesy, I had to skip some parts. I won't lie, some parts were really cute and sweet but sometimes it was too much. The book is really about her completing the shit on her list. I got bored after awhile, especially when she wanted to do illegal stuff like steal or slash a tire. Seriously, who in their right mind thinks it would be a good idea to do illegal stuff when you are a missing person on the run! In fact, why would Colin and the others support her to do these silly things? If my friend told me she wanted to slash someones tires or steal from a store just so she could cross it off her list, I would be irate. The Target scene was so embarrassing, I don't think it added to the storyline but I'm sure some readers had a good laugh out of it lol.
I didn't like how the book was structured. The constant flashbacks were not my favourite because it was like taking 2 steps forward and 1 step back. It was hard understanding things happening in the present because things weren't explained ahead of time. For example, I was so confused at the beginning because I didn't understand how someone on the run could have access to a bunch of money. It wasn't until a few chapters in during a flashback, that the reader learns about what happened after she ran away from the hospital.
There was a few repetitive phrases which annoyed me such as the phrase "come with me, Elle" and "shit-eating grin". Wtf is a shit-eating grin? why is that a thing? I've heard it before in other books, but this description was used a lot in this story.
I do appreciate the fact that the author wrote a story about such a heavy topic. I just wish there was more angst. Nothing hardcore happened until the last page. Cliffhanger much.
I didn't like how the book was structured. The constant flashbacks were not my favourite because it was like taking 2 steps forward and 1 step back. It was hard understanding things happening in the present because things weren't explained ahead of time. For example, I was so confused at the beginning because I didn't understand how someone on the run could have access to a bunch of money. It wasn't until a few chapters in during a flashback, that the reader learns about what happened after she ran away from the hospital.
There was a few repetitive phrases which annoyed me such as the phrase "come with me, Elle" and "shit-eating grin". Wtf is a shit-eating grin? why is that a thing? I've heard it before in other books, but this description was used a lot in this story.
I do appreciate the fact that the author wrote a story about such a heavy topic. I just wish there was more angst. Nothing hardcore happened until the last page. Cliffhanger much.
June 29, 2017
One star. Harsh, right? Ugh. Gut reaction.
First, I don't enjoy "cliffhangers" where I think I'm getting a book but what I'm actually getting is a long preview which I'll have to pay to read the ending. No, thanks.
Second, I was skimming all the current day stuff. I just want to know the backstory to why she ended up escaping from some kind of psych institute, which, apparently, isn't happening in full, since I'm not paying for the second book. (You know, I just realized: I don't even care if it's free. This really put me off. How long can a second book really be??)
Third, I think Elle is an idiot, and it's hard to enjoy a story about someone you just don't have sympathy for. Like seriously - you're doing all this to escape, you're terrified, you'll do anything to avoid being caught, going back, BUT YOU TELL PEOPLE YOUR REAL NAME? Not to mention all the other not-exactly-low-profile stuff she did. C'mon.
Fourth (but this one is just superfluous),
First, I don't enjoy "cliffhangers" where I think I'm getting a book but what I'm actually getting is a long preview which I'll have to pay to read the ending. No, thanks.
Second, I was skimming all the current day stuff. I just want to know the backstory to why she ended up escaping from some kind of psych institute, which, apparently, isn't happening in full, since I'm not paying for the second book. (You know, I just realized: I don't even care if it's free. This really put me off. How long can a second book really be??)
Third, I think Elle is an idiot, and it's hard to enjoy a story about someone you just don't have sympathy for. Like seriously - you're doing all this to escape, you're terrified, you'll do anything to avoid being caught, going back, BUT YOU TELL PEOPLE YOUR REAL NAME? Not to mention all the other not-exactly-low-profile stuff she did. C'mon.
Fourth (but this one is just superfluous),
April 18, 2021
3.5 stars
I had to take a break for a while from reading this book (for non-related reasons), so when I got back to it, I suppose I wasn't as much into it as I was in the beginning.
I thought I should say this; however, I don't believe that this review will be unfair because of this.
I think this approach to the theme of domestic violence, of emotional and physical abuse was handled respectfully, and most of all, it was realistic.
An abuser doesn't always look like a mean, red-faced drunk, and Elle's husband was the seemingly perfect citizen and husband. His bullying was undercurrent, but constant, and even after she came to terms with the fact that this relationship wasn't right, she still had no proof against him. And worst, she was completely powerless.
Elle coming to herself and building back her self-esteem, with and without the help of the list and her new awesome group of friends, was heartwarming to see.
And Colin was great! I mean, had it not been for the, huh... assplosion, I'd say he was too good to be true. A real stud muffin.
I had to take a break for a while from reading this book (for non-related reasons), so when I got back to it, I suppose I wasn't as much into it as I was in the beginning.
I thought I should say this; however, I don't believe that this review will be unfair because of this.
I think this approach to the theme of domestic violence, of emotional and physical abuse was handled respectfully, and most of all, it was realistic.
An abuser doesn't always look like a mean, red-faced drunk, and Elle's husband was the seemingly perfect citizen and husband. His bullying was undercurrent, but constant, and even after she came to terms with the fact that this relationship wasn't right, she still had no proof against him. And worst, she was completely powerless.
Elle coming to herself and building back her self-esteem, with and without the help of the list and her new awesome group of friends, was heartwarming to see.
And Colin was great! I mean, had it not been for the, huh... assplosion, I'd say he was too good to be true. A real stud muffin.
January 8, 2014
This book had several components for making a great book. The romance was not lacking, but I will say the "getting to know each other" between Elle and Colin was better than the outright sex. I also liked the portrayal of the abusive husband in that Elle didn't come across as the typical victim and reinforces that it happens in all walks of life and abuse does not discriminate. The comedy was fantastic! I was in stiches and hsdnt laughed as hard for as long in who knows when. All I can say is Target scene LMAO!!!
I want to add 2 things
1- I liked that there were times when the story was told in Colin's point of view.
2- there is a book 2 (Committed) that tells you how his ends. I would have preferred to have it combined with this one since it's under 100 pages
I want to add 2 things
1- I liked that there were times when the story was told in Colin's point of view.
2- there is a book 2 (Committed) that tells you how his ends. I would have preferred to have it combined with this one since it's under 100 pages
February 12, 2014
This looks like the first half of a pretty good book.
February 12, 2014
Fast and easy read but beware you will want to have the sequel ready because you are going to want to dive into it immediately on finishing the first book.
March 21, 2020
Well I couldn't get completely into this. I didn't really get the characters. I can understand the story line. I don't know it just wasn't really for me. I was zoning out at parts. the main thing that didn't work for me is if someone is usually in an abusive relationship they struggle to let people in not fall in love instantly. I think if there was more wooing and chasing it would have worked a lot better.
March 7, 2018
Ugh! Ends on a cliffhanger.
Read
December 6, 2021Did you know? 30 Days was a Literary AwardsKindle Book Award Nominee for Romance (Semi-Finalist) !
I loved these characters and their journeys! Both books are in Kindle Unlimited <3
I loved these characters and their journeys! Both books are in Kindle Unlimited <3
December 12, 2014
Good, gripping story
Genre: Romance, Adult*, Suspense
*Adult: Well, yes, but only just. It has some sex scenes in it, but personally I wouldn't describe them as pornographic.
This is cleverly constructed and quite well written, which makes it a really good story. Elle is in a bad situation: her sister Jenny is dead, which means she's lost her best friend. Her abusive husband Ryan has driven her to try to kill herself, and she finds herself on suicide watch in the mental health section of the hospital. Therapy has helped her towards recovery, but now Ryan is trying to use her 'incapacity' to gain control of her inheritance, and of her, for the rest of her life. It's time for Elle to make a bid for freedom, and to get her own life back. With a list of 30 things Jenny would have challenged her to do, Elle sets out on her personal journey to self-determination, only to be ambushed by a superlatively attractive Colin, and friends.
Elle's history and background is sketched in by Larsen's expert use of flashbacks, which fade away as they complete their task. Larsen's characterization is a little weak, especially of secondary characters. Elle's friends are all wonderful and the bad guys are awful. Elle herself, however, is well done. At 55k words it's not a long novel. The writing style is easy to read and the story flows well - and the book has the great advantage of being available for free. I don't know how long that will be the case, but I suspect that Larsen is using this as a free taster for several other books and particularly the sequel to this one, Committed ($4.99 when I looked and probably worth that). This story does end on something of a cliffhanger, but I did not feel cheated by that because I could guess where things were going, at least in a general way. I'm sure that Larsen has some plot complications, and entertainments, contained in Committed, but I have not yet read that one.
Overall I would say this is not great literature, but then it was never intended to be. It is very good entertainment, well executed. As a light read, I can highly recommend it.
I obtained this ebook as a free download. This review is entirely unsolicited and reflects my objective opinion.
Genre: Romance, Adult*, Suspense
*Adult: Well, yes, but only just. It has some sex scenes in it, but personally I wouldn't describe them as pornographic.
This is cleverly constructed and quite well written, which makes it a really good story. Elle is in a bad situation: her sister Jenny is dead, which means she's lost her best friend. Her abusive husband Ryan has driven her to try to kill herself, and she finds herself on suicide watch in the mental health section of the hospital. Therapy has helped her towards recovery, but now Ryan is trying to use her 'incapacity' to gain control of her inheritance, and of her, for the rest of her life. It's time for Elle to make a bid for freedom, and to get her own life back. With a list of 30 things Jenny would have challenged her to do, Elle sets out on her personal journey to self-determination, only to be ambushed by a superlatively attractive Colin, and friends.
Elle's history and background is sketched in by Larsen's expert use of flashbacks, which fade away as they complete their task. Larsen's characterization is a little weak, especially of secondary characters. Elle's friends are all wonderful and the bad guys are awful. Elle herself, however, is well done. At 55k words it's not a long novel. The writing style is easy to read and the story flows well - and the book has the great advantage of being available for free. I don't know how long that will be the case, but I suspect that Larsen is using this as a free taster for several other books and particularly the sequel to this one, Committed ($4.99 when I looked and probably worth that). This story does end on something of a cliffhanger, but I did not feel cheated by that because I could guess where things were going, at least in a general way. I'm sure that Larsen has some plot complications, and entertainments, contained in Committed, but I have not yet read that one.
Overall I would say this is not great literature, but then it was never intended to be. It is very good entertainment, well executed. As a light read, I can highly recommend it.
I obtained this ebook as a free download. This review is entirely unsolicited and reflects my objective opinion.
August 5, 2014
I will admit to approaching this book with some caution, as I've been disappointed quite a lot recently by free/cheaper Kindle books.
HOWEVER, within pages this book had me hooked. The writing is engrossing, the storyline original and the characters very well defined.
The Heroine (because lets face it, any book sold as a 'romance' is going to have one), is a beaten, downtrodden woman called Elle, who finally manages to stand up to her abusive husband and tries to kill herself and fails.
The Hero (again, a romance so it was a given) is a bit pistol whipped to be fair in my opinion (and is actually called that by one of the characters in the book, so it must have been written that way on purpose) - BUT he is a fuuny, romantic, idealised partner for Elle.
I loved this book so much I immediately went online and paid for (yes, paid for) the second one (Committed).
SPOILER ALERT:
The ending of the first book is very abrupt and if you want an ending to this story you will have to buy Committed...
SPOILER OVER
I got the impression that it may have been written as one book but been too long for that genre and so was halved.
The books don't suffer for it, and are fairly graphic in some places - but this is a modern day, romance novel - so you've been warned, its no Mills & Boons that's for sure!
Simply put, the first book was engaging, it made me laugh, wanna cry and angry (and other emotions, not necessarily fitting when reading during a lunch hour at work) within its pages and the second one carries on where the first one finished (literally).
HOWEVER, within pages this book had me hooked. The writing is engrossing, the storyline original and the characters very well defined.
The Heroine (because lets face it, any book sold as a 'romance' is going to have one), is a beaten, downtrodden woman called Elle, who finally manages to stand up to her abusive husband and tries to kill herself and fails.
The Hero (again, a romance so it was a given) is a bit pistol whipped to be fair in my opinion (and is actually called that by one of the characters in the book, so it must have been written that way on purpose) - BUT he is a fuuny, romantic, idealised partner for Elle.
I loved this book so much I immediately went online and paid for (yes, paid for) the second one (Committed).
SPOILER ALERT:
The ending of the first book is very abrupt and if you want an ending to this story you will have to buy Committed...
SPOILER OVER
I got the impression that it may have been written as one book but been too long for that genre and so was halved.
The books don't suffer for it, and are fairly graphic in some places - but this is a modern day, romance novel - so you've been warned, its no Mills & Boons that's for sure!
Simply put, the first book was engaging, it made me laugh, wanna cry and angry (and other emotions, not necessarily fitting when reading during a lunch hour at work) within its pages and the second one carries on where the first one finished (literally).
January 19, 2014
I LOVED THIS BOOK BUT (big, big but). BEING A SURVIVOR OF SPOUSAL ABUSE READING SOME OF THIS BROUGHT BACK SOME BAD MEMORIES. PARTS WERE LIKE SOMEONE PUT MY PERSONAL LIFE INTO WORDS. THE AUTHOR MUST HAVE TALKED OR EXPERIENCE THIS VERY EMOTIONAL SUBJECT. IT MADE A VERY INTERESTING STORY TO READ BUT I KNOW THIS KIND OF STUFF REALLY AND CONTINUES TO HAPPEN TO SOME WOMEN EVERYDAY. SOME OF IT REMINDED ME OF "SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY" & "THE BUCKET LIST", BUT WAAY BETTER. I MENTIONED THE BIG BUT, THAT ENDING WAS ONE OF THE BIGGEST DROPS OFF A CLIFF, IN A LONG TIME. WOW! YES, THIS HAS A BK#2 TO END THIS "COMMITTED". THIS BK#1 WAS FREE THE SEQUEL IS $4.99. . .GO FIGIURE. I'M SURE THIS COULD HAVE ENDED IN BK#1 BUT ALAS IT DID NOT, SO ONE DAY I WILL READ THE ENDING, I'M TOO PISSED TO DO IT RIGHT NOW. BRAVO! FOR A VERY WELL WRITTEN BOOK. ;>
November 9, 2013
I really enjoyed the story. The back and forth between past and present was my favorite part and I wished there had been more past storyline towards the end. And oh my! That cliffhanger! I definitely need to find out what happens!!! I thought it was weird that the sister and the new friend have similar names, Jenna and Jenny... Not sure if I like that very much. Actually I know I don't like it at all. Other than those 2 small things the plot was well written and intriguing.
January 2, 2015
I enjoyed this book. The characters are so like-able and the bad ones you like to hate. I didn't know this was a series of books so now I'm compelled to get the next one. I so want to find out what happens. This story of Elle is an easy read and you want the best for her. Despite the numerous grammatical errors, not the worst I've seen for a freebie. I can't wait to read more.
Want to read
May 3, 2014Free on amazon!
March 9, 2014
This and more reviews at The Book Bar.co
Rating: House/Well A well written story, but I needed more. Crossing my fingers for #2.
It took me so long to write up this review. I really liked the premiss and the writing is immaculate. The characters are sincere and I really enjoyed the formatting, the past and present eventually meeting. The only problem I had was that the story wasn't going fast enough for me. There is a lot of set up. With that said, I have a feeling that the follow-up will get to the nitty-gritty.
Elle's story is unique and well developed. Her marriage to a controlling man, who's interests lie with her inheritance, is so stressed, that ending it all feels like her only option. Failing at this, she ends up in a psychiatric hospital and now her mental status only helps her husband gain control of what's left of her life.
Elle's story goes back and forth between how she came to be married to her horrible husband, and trying to escape her situation, to how she tries to create a new life based on promises she made with her sister.
I never felt lost and the breaks were well timed. Her new life forces her to do things that she would have never attempted before. This is how she meets Colin, Jenna and a new cast in her new life.
Colin is her knight in shining armor, but Elle is protective of her "insane" past life. She needs to finalize so many things before she can move on... if she can move on.
She has been traumatized, but she is smart and anticipates the "what if's". Colin gradually weakens her barriers and learns all her secrets. He doesn't run, he becomes her biggest proponent in her fight to start a new life.
So, as I mentioned in the beginning of the review, there is all this build up, but then the book just stops. She's been working on protecting herself, making a new life, being happy, but then it just ends. I felt like, even though it's a series, the antagonist should have made an earlier appearance and kept us on the edge our seat before the cliff-hanger.
K. Larsen creates beautiful scenes and you throughly get to know the characters. I have another book from this author and I can't wait to get into that one as well.
Beautiful QUOTES:
Rating: House/Well A well written story, but I needed more. Crossing my fingers for #2.
It took me so long to write up this review. I really liked the premiss and the writing is immaculate. The characters are sincere and I really enjoyed the formatting, the past and present eventually meeting. The only problem I had was that the story wasn't going fast enough for me. There is a lot of set up. With that said, I have a feeling that the follow-up will get to the nitty-gritty.
Elle's story is unique and well developed. Her marriage to a controlling man, who's interests lie with her inheritance, is so stressed, that ending it all feels like her only option. Failing at this, she ends up in a psychiatric hospital and now her mental status only helps her husband gain control of what's left of her life.
When I was a little girl I always thought I would end up with the hero. The strong, handsome man who swept me off my feet, loved and pampered me until I died from a full heart.
K Larsen. 30 Days (Kindle Locations 873-874). Writer's Edge Publishing.
Elle's story goes back and forth between how she came to be married to her horrible husband, and trying to escape her situation, to how she tries to create a new life based on promises she made with her sister.
I stare at the ceiling and talk to my sister. I ask her what the hell I should do. How to live without her. I ask her how to leave Ryan. Sometimes if I hold my breath and wait I can swear I hear her trying to answer me.
K Larsen. 30 Days (Kindle Locations 987-988). Writer's Edge Publishing.
I never felt lost and the breaks were well timed. Her new life forces her to do things that she would have never attempted before. This is how she meets Colin, Jenna and a new cast in her new life.
“Colin. Hi,” says the one with the hazel eyes, which lock on mine as he reaches his hand out to me. I shake it. The contact makes my body tingle like chemicals colliding. His eyes widen slightly as if he feels it too. Whatever feeling it is startles me and I drop his hand. He only said hello but his eyes look like coming home.
K Larsen. 30 Days (Kindle Locations 147-150). Writer's Edge Publishing.
Colin is her knight in shining armor, but Elle is protective of her "insane" past life. She needs to finalize so many things before she can move on... if she can move on.
I can't make a life with him. I’m married. I’m hiding until I can truly be free. I feel guilt for leading him on but I can't seem to tear my hand from his. I don't know why but I feel like I need him.
K Larsen. 30 Days (Kindle Locations 505-506). Writer's Edge Publishing.
She has been traumatized, but she is smart and anticipates the "what if's". Colin gradually weakens her barriers and learns all her secrets. He doesn't run, he becomes her biggest proponent in her fight to start a new life.
“It’s okay. I mean, I’m okay. Now. Sorta.” I’m rambling and I can't seem to stop. “But I didn't plan on you. I can't make sense of why I’m drawn to you. I know I shouldn't be because I’m shattered. Cracked. Broken,” I whisper, ashamed.
He moves his seat next to mine and wraps an arm around me, pulling me tight into him. What he says next shocks me to my core.
“Cracked can be repaired. Filled in. Shattered can't. You might be cracked, Elle, but you’re not beyond repair.”
K Larsen. 30 Days (Kindle Locations 805-808). Writer's Edge Publishing.
So, as I mentioned in the beginning of the review, there is all this build up, but then the book just stops. She's been working on protecting herself, making a new life, being happy, but then it just ends. I felt like, even though it's a series, the antagonist should have made an earlier appearance and kept us on the edge our seat before the cliff-hanger.
K. Larsen creates beautiful scenes and you throughly get to know the characters. I have another book from this author and I can't wait to get into that one as well.
Beautiful QUOTES:
“I don't know what it is, Elle, but I’m not stupid enough to let this go when I feel like my life started when I saw your face.”
K Larsen. 30 Days (Kindle Locations 364-365). Writer's Edge Publishing.
A thousand thoughts passing between us effortlessly. It’s as if he’s saturated my heart and soul.
K Larsen. 30 Days (Kindle Location 1122). Writer's Edge Publishing.
“Who are you?” I ask.
“Jenna.”
“Jenna, this is Ben. Make nice. I have to go get her.” I turn and jog out to the sidewalk to find her.
“Are you mad?” she breathes from behind me. I spin around to face her.
“What do you think?” The words come out rough and abraded.
“That you’re going to save me,” she says quietly. I had an entire speech planned. I was so pissed I wanted to say so much, but her words hit me with such force that everything's forgotten. She looks up to me under thick black lashes, biting her luscious bottom lip and I’m a goner. I reach out, yanking her to me, the sigh she releases into my chest as her arms come around my waist tell me everything I need to know. Everything just changed. She won't hold back anymore. I squeeze her tighter still and kiss the top of her head.
K Larsen. 30 Days (Kindle Locations 1850-1859). Writer's Edge Publishing.
I was thoroughly impressed with us. Us. It’s a funny word. A short one, but it carries so much meaning behind it.
K Larsen. 30 Days (Kindle Location 2701). Writer's Edge Publishing.
“I’ll be your anything,” he murmurs before giving me a soul-searing kiss.
K Larsen. 30 Days (Kindle Location 2925). Writer's Edge Publishing.
February 14, 2015
I downloaded 30 Days by K Larsen for free from Amazon. I honestly struggled with the first Chapter and was just about to put it down when I got into the flow of the book. Once the story hooked me, I found it hard to put it down. Elle’s story is one of pain and neglect, and I was very soon rooting for her.
What I liked about the book
For the most part Elle was a very likeable character. I felt her pain and wanted her to be free from the dreadful situation she found herself in. The book was well written with thought provoking descriptions and a clear storyline. I thoroughly disliked Ryan, which I’m sure was the point. His abrasive personality and abuse made me ball my fists in anger! Colin was sweet – perhaps a bit too sweet. A bit more shade in his character would’ve made him more realistic. I mean, no one is just nice without a few rough edges.
The story progressed well with the characters revealing more about themselves and their dreams for the future.
What I didn’t enjoy that much
I usually enjoy first person POV, but this one was written from the first person point of view of more than one person. One of the things I love about first person narrative is that you are limited in what you see and experience – you see, hear and feel things as if you are the character. That is the beauty of First Person POV as it heightens the mystery and intrigue of the story. I would have preferred just experiencing things from Elle’s POV.
Instalove. I’m not fond of Instalove. I concede that people can and do have instant attraction, but this was more than that and for me it was distracting ‘cause my mind kept saying ‘but you’ve only just met!’
Final thoughts
Apart from the niggles mentioned above, I really enjoyed this book. It ended in a horrible cliffhanger, so make sure you have the second book ready and waiting otherwise you might go nuts with anticipation.
STAR RATING: 4 Stars
Will also be posted on my blog:
https://jackiegmills.wordpress.com/
What I liked about the book
For the most part Elle was a very likeable character. I felt her pain and wanted her to be free from the dreadful situation she found herself in. The book was well written with thought provoking descriptions and a clear storyline. I thoroughly disliked Ryan, which I’m sure was the point. His abrasive personality and abuse made me ball my fists in anger! Colin was sweet – perhaps a bit too sweet. A bit more shade in his character would’ve made him more realistic. I mean, no one is just nice without a few rough edges.
The story progressed well with the characters revealing more about themselves and their dreams for the future.
What I didn’t enjoy that much
I usually enjoy first person POV, but this one was written from the first person point of view of more than one person. One of the things I love about first person narrative is that you are limited in what you see and experience – you see, hear and feel things as if you are the character. That is the beauty of First Person POV as it heightens the mystery and intrigue of the story. I would have preferred just experiencing things from Elle’s POV.
Instalove. I’m not fond of Instalove. I concede that people can and do have instant attraction, but this was more than that and for me it was distracting ‘cause my mind kept saying ‘but you’ve only just met!’
Final thoughts
Apart from the niggles mentioned above, I really enjoyed this book. It ended in a horrible cliffhanger, so make sure you have the second book ready and waiting otherwise you might go nuts with anticipation.
STAR RATING: 4 Stars
Will also be posted on my blog:
https://jackiegmills.wordpress.com/
September 28, 2014
I really enjoyed this story. I enjoyed the slow pace, the setting and the build up of the relationships, both in the past as well as the present. There were a few formatting issues, nothing too bad, more annoying than anything, but the story was still legible. However, I did have an issue that had nothing to do with the author's writing.
I don't know what the purpose to the trend of ending the book on a cliffhanger then demanding that you buy the book to get the rest of the story is all about, but it is not a good thing. I felt cheated out of the story, some 220 pages and yet, there was no closure. The thing is, I was completely ready to buy into this series until I reached the end. Many other authors can complete stories without resorting to cliffhangers to make more sells, which is what I feel happened here.
Despite wanting to see what happens, I don't think I will be looking in to finding the rest of this series.
I don't know what the purpose to the trend of ending the book on a cliffhanger then demanding that you buy the book to get the rest of the story is all about, but it is not a good thing. I felt cheated out of the story, some 220 pages and yet, there was no closure. The thing is, I was completely ready to buy into this series until I reached the end. Many other authors can complete stories without resorting to cliffhangers to make more sells, which is what I feel happened here.
Despite wanting to see what happens, I don't think I will be looking in to finding the rest of this series.
July 18, 2014
This book provided everything I want in a good novel. It was emotional but not a pity party. There were moments where my heart broke, moments when I thought it would beat out of my chest, and moments where it sped up so fast I thought I was going to have a panic attack. NOW THIS IS A NOVEL WORTH READING! The list was a wonderful concept, I never get sick of perusing other peoples' bucket lists. The activities on the list gave the reader a glimpse into the minds of each of the characters while helping to keep a dark story on the lighter side. Elle's courage and perseverance is exactly what I want in a heroine with a troubled past, but the sweetness of Colin just made my heart melt. Seriously, I'm a puddle on the floor, somebody better mop me up!
Love love love it! 6/5 stars and a double chocolate cookie for K. Larsen, you will be on my author watch list!
Love love love it! 6/5 stars and a double chocolate cookie for K. Larsen, you will be on my author watch list!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 reviews