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Paradise Taken #2
Saving Us
Our love affair wasn't what everyone wanted it to be. It was raw and full of absolute joy and unbelievable pain. My love for her had consumed me for years and now that Kaye was mine, I was never letting her go. I knew the consequences of our affair would be devastating and hated to see the hurt in Claire's eyes. I thought it would be so easy to just walk away...start a new life. I didn't expect to feel so conflicted about leaving. I needed her. She was my lifeline and we were determined to get our happily ever after....until one day, one event, one conversation threatened it all. "I had to know what went wrong. My stomach was sick with grief and I didn't know what to do next or even how to help Kaye. I needed to get to her. It didn't matter what Rob or Claire thought. No one could stop me from going. I knew she needed me. I could feel it deep in my soul." Jake(less)
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2014
5 people are currently reading
462 people want to read
About the author
C.M. Hutton
11 books166 followersI’m a wife, a mom of three, a friend, an aunt, a sister, a daughter and a teacher. Now, I can add writer to my list! I’ve always wanted to write and finally found inspiration and support to do it.
I live near Austin, Texas with my family and love to read and travel. Put me on a beach with a good book and the world just disappears around me.
Paradise Taken was my first novel and is a highly emotional book based on true events. Its sequel (Saving Us) was released February 2014.
I love that you are willing to take a chance on a new writer and promise to keep striving to put out great books! Be sure to check out my newest releases, including the London Brothers Series.
I'd love to chat with you, so look me up on any of my social pages.
Happy Reading. :)
I live near Austin, Texas with my family and love to read and travel. Put me on a beach with a good book and the world just disappears around me.
Paradise Taken was my first novel and is a highly emotional book based on true events. Its sequel (Saving Us) was released February 2014.
I love that you are willing to take a chance on a new writer and promise to keep striving to put out great books! Be sure to check out my newest releases, including the London Brothers Series.
I'd love to chat with you, so look me up on any of my social pages.
Happy Reading. :)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 10, 2014
The 1 star isn't necessarily because of the writing-but more of the storyline. True story?- the author says so, and in this day in age, I would consider it a possibility. A very sad possibility, which probably leads to the 1 star rating for me. And also the rant below... you have been warned :)
I knew what I was getting into reading this, and maybe I shouldn't have done it. I HATE Jake. I don't know if there is another character who I despise more than him in any book that I have ever read. To think he is based on a real person kind of disgusts me. I can't really get over what he did. His actions are selfish and catastrophic to his family.
It saddens me that we live in a world where many would say, "All's fair in love and war," and that the idea that "love" is a band-aid for almost all actions is sickening. We accept things like affairs, because we say we need to forgive and "if people really love each other, who am I to judge..." This is a sad thing to say- not only for the parties involved but also for our society as a whole.
Families: wives-husbands-children have become commodities that can be traded in merely because someone "fell in love" is a selfish excuse for inexcusable behavior. Our divorce rate in America is so high because people treat their relationships just like that- a commodity. We have this American mentality to always have the biggest, the best, the latest- and that has trickled down into the way we treat others, including our significant others.
"My wife gained some weight," or "My husband isn't making enough money." and we trade them in for the newer model. This belief that the vows said during a marriage ceremony can be easily broken with the flick of a pen on a piece of paper makes it easy for men and women to jump ship when times get rough.
We accept divorce too easily and we look for a way out when the going gets hard. We see other couples choosing divorce and it gets a little bit easier to start and think about that being a possibility in our own relationships. "If So-and-So got a divorce, then it wouldn't be so bad if I did... I wouldn't be the only single mom/dad... my kids wouldn't be the only ones splitting weekends..."
Human nature wants the path of least resistance so instead of doing the work to keep a marriage together and solid, people let it fade away. Instead of taking the time to care for our relationships and nurture them- making sure that they are primary in our lives, we often cut and run at the first sign of trouble. When something new and shiny comes along, you get those butterflies and feelings that you remembered at the start of your relationship and you become infatuated with that feeling. That feeling is not love. That feeling is lust and infatuation- that feeling leads down a road where things like this book happens.
But people- love is not a feeling (or I should say, not merely a feeling). It is a CHOICE. It's a CHOICE to wake up everyday and choose your spouse over yourself. It is a CHOICE to put the other's needs before your own. It is a conscious decision everyday to honor those vows and promises you made to that person to let them know that your bond is sacred and important.
Affairs are preventable- they are not inevitable. When people put in the work and make that choice to put their spouse first- even when it's hard- that is what real love is. Maybe this situation wouldn't have happened if they made more prudent decisions- like staying away from temptation- putting their spouses feelings ahead of their own. That is the choice; to not treat your family like something that can be returned at a store.
We have become too focused on stories about these flawed characters because they make us feel better about ourselves. No longer, do we look towards books to find our heroes and heroines. Instead, we look to books to find messed up people so we can say, "Well, at least my life isn't as bad as that.." The bar of integrity is set so low, that even a baby could crawl over it. Flawed though we may be, there is still a reason why people should have heroes and ideals. I least I hope that is still true.
So please, how about a story that shows people the brilliance of the human character? That human beings can be unselfish- they can make decisions with integrity and honor- even in the face of temptation. Life can get ugly- but there is a beauty to it when someone chooses that highroad. Those stories exist. Those stories are real. Those people are ones that books should be written about. Not people like a guy named Jake.
I knew what I was getting into reading this, and maybe I shouldn't have done it. I HATE Jake. I don't know if there is another character who I despise more than him in any book that I have ever read. To think he is based on a real person kind of disgusts me. I can't really get over what he did. His actions are selfish and catastrophic to his family.
It saddens me that we live in a world where many would say, "All's fair in love and war," and that the idea that "love" is a band-aid for almost all actions is sickening. We accept things like affairs, because we say we need to forgive and "if people really love each other, who am I to judge..." This is a sad thing to say- not only for the parties involved but also for our society as a whole.
Families: wives-husbands-children have become commodities that can be traded in merely because someone "fell in love" is a selfish excuse for inexcusable behavior. Our divorce rate in America is so high because people treat their relationships just like that- a commodity. We have this American mentality to always have the biggest, the best, the latest- and that has trickled down into the way we treat others, including our significant others.
"My wife gained some weight," or "My husband isn't making enough money." and we trade them in for the newer model. This belief that the vows said during a marriage ceremony can be easily broken with the flick of a pen on a piece of paper makes it easy for men and women to jump ship when times get rough.
We accept divorce too easily and we look for a way out when the going gets hard. We see other couples choosing divorce and it gets a little bit easier to start and think about that being a possibility in our own relationships. "If So-and-So got a divorce, then it wouldn't be so bad if I did... I wouldn't be the only single mom/dad... my kids wouldn't be the only ones splitting weekends..."
Human nature wants the path of least resistance so instead of doing the work to keep a marriage together and solid, people let it fade away. Instead of taking the time to care for our relationships and nurture them- making sure that they are primary in our lives, we often cut and run at the first sign of trouble. When something new and shiny comes along, you get those butterflies and feelings that you remembered at the start of your relationship and you become infatuated with that feeling. That feeling is not love. That feeling is lust and infatuation- that feeling leads down a road where things like this book happens.
But people- love is not a feeling (or I should say, not merely a feeling). It is a CHOICE. It's a CHOICE to wake up everyday and choose your spouse over yourself. It is a CHOICE to put the other's needs before your own. It is a conscious decision everyday to honor those vows and promises you made to that person to let them know that your bond is sacred and important.
Affairs are preventable- they are not inevitable. When people put in the work and make that choice to put their spouse first- even when it's hard- that is what real love is. Maybe this situation wouldn't have happened if they made more prudent decisions- like staying away from temptation- putting their spouses feelings ahead of their own. That is the choice; to not treat your family like something that can be returned at a store.
We have become too focused on stories about these flawed characters because they make us feel better about ourselves. No longer, do we look towards books to find our heroes and heroines. Instead, we look to books to find messed up people so we can say, "Well, at least my life isn't as bad as that.." The bar of integrity is set so low, that even a baby could crawl over it. Flawed though we may be, there is still a reason why people should have heroes and ideals. I least I hope that is still true.
So please, how about a story that shows people the brilliance of the human character? That human beings can be unselfish- they can make decisions with integrity and honor- even in the face of temptation. Life can get ugly- but there is a beauty to it when someone chooses that highroad. Those stories exist. Those stories are real. Those people are ones that books should be written about. Not people like a guy named Jake.
September 24, 2014
Sadly, there was a real lack of believability in this story. The dialog read like a series of fantasy conversations and the sex scenes were technical and crude. All of the main characters seemed to be cardboard cut outs of real people.
Jake and Kaye come off as self centered, morally bankrupt, lust crazed people who seem to have no self control over their own behavior. I also thought Jake sleeping with his estranged wife after announcing he wanted his "one true love Kaye" to be more indicative of his character than all the cheesy dialog and internal musings he had. The man is an obsessive narcissist because he consistently decides that whatever he wants is more important than any responsibility he has and he can only give a pathetic "I'm sorry" for the damage he causes to others. This is not someone to romantically root for. However, given that the woman he winds up with is equally tawdry and self serving, I can only say they deserve each other and good riddance for the other betrayed parties.
The betrayed wife Claire comes off as the stereotypical saintly ex-wife who tolerates a bunch of lies and deliberate degradations by the main romantic couple. No one goes from betrayal to forgiveness and tolerance that quickly in a situation like this, and every thought of Claire or scene with Claire appears to be the product of wish fulfillment for a guilty conscience, in other words it was more how Jake wished it would be rather than what really is and thus another blow to the suspension is disbelief is struck.
The betrayed husband Rob also comes off as the stereotypical jerky ex who has only one dimension to his personality and that is to be an abusive bully. If that is really the case, then one wonders that Kaye actually stayed married to the man for so long.
All in all, not one of the characters is really believable and the main couple is downright pathetic, but the real losers in this case are the kids. Both the kids from the previous partnerships and the one the main couple has during the book. Actually, I felt worse for the main couple's baby cause no one deserves to be raised by such poor examples of humanity and I really wondered what lessons the poor child was going to learn in life with two narcissistic, self-centered parents with the moral fiber of alley cats
Jake and Kaye come off as self centered, morally bankrupt, lust crazed people who seem to have no self control over their own behavior. I also thought Jake sleeping with his estranged wife after announcing he wanted his "one true love Kaye" to be more indicative of his character than all the cheesy dialog and internal musings he had. The man is an obsessive narcissist because he consistently decides that whatever he wants is more important than any responsibility he has and he can only give a pathetic "I'm sorry" for the damage he causes to others. This is not someone to romantically root for. However, given that the woman he winds up with is equally tawdry and self serving, I can only say they deserve each other and good riddance for the other betrayed parties.
The betrayed wife Claire comes off as the stereotypical saintly ex-wife who tolerates a bunch of lies and deliberate degradations by the main romantic couple. No one goes from betrayal to forgiveness and tolerance that quickly in a situation like this, and every thought of Claire or scene with Claire appears to be the product of wish fulfillment for a guilty conscience, in other words it was more how Jake wished it would be rather than what really is and thus another blow to the suspension is disbelief is struck.
The betrayed husband Rob also comes off as the stereotypical jerky ex who has only one dimension to his personality and that is to be an abusive bully. If that is really the case, then one wonders that Kaye actually stayed married to the man for so long.
All in all, not one of the characters is really believable and the main couple is downright pathetic, but the real losers in this case are the kids. Both the kids from the previous partnerships and the one the main couple has during the book. Actually, I felt worse for the main couple's baby cause no one deserves to be raised by such poor examples of humanity and I really wondered what lessons the poor child was going to learn in life with two narcissistic, self-centered parents with the moral fiber of alley cats
February 24, 2014
Not often does a book/s make me really sit back and think after reading... and this one definitely does!
This Sequel is so emotional! You will be in pain, love, anger and more while reading.
You feel for Jake and Kaye and the other characters and you will be an emotional wreck until the very end.
The ending of Paradise Taken is shocking.... and then you get to see the entire love story unfold from the eyes of Jake in this book.
Jake has always been in love with Kaye. He knows what he did was wrong to her and her family, his family/kids. Yet, he will never regret the baby he has created with Kaye. He will do anything to keep her safe and be with her if he can.
This book shows his feelings for Kaye from the very beginning and throughout the years, feelings he had about his wife, the way he and Rob met and their friendship and more... and then up to present day like.
Rob will be quite frustrating in this book and doesn't let anyone have an easy time at all... which makes it hard for their kids, Kaye and also Jake.
Being that both books deal with cheating it is hard to pull off a book with it, but CM does a remarkable job of having us fall in love and sympathize with everyone involved. She makes it in a way that is tasteful and full of love and not pure hate.
I am being kind of vague in a sense for this review due to not wanting to spoil anything.... let me just end with saying... you will fall in love with Jake, Kaye, Claire, and all the kids. The kids are remarkable and so are a few friends in this book. Despite the deceit and lies there is true love shown and given in this book.
If you love caring, kind, compassionate, forgiving people, mixed with pain, lies, deceit, angst and more you will absolutely love this Sequel to Paradise Taken.
4 emotional stars from me.
***I have to say that I have contacted that author to find/learn the background behind the truth in this series... and woah! You will be floored with all the details. I want you to know that should you too like to learn about this in detail you may contact her. She is super sweet and willing to tell you all about it. All you have to do is email her or find her on FB and she will certainly chat and talk with you!
This Sequel is so emotional! You will be in pain, love, anger and more while reading.
You feel for Jake and Kaye and the other characters and you will be an emotional wreck until the very end.
The ending of Paradise Taken is shocking.... and then you get to see the entire love story unfold from the eyes of Jake in this book.
Jake has always been in love with Kaye. He knows what he did was wrong to her and her family, his family/kids. Yet, he will never regret the baby he has created with Kaye. He will do anything to keep her safe and be with her if he can.
This book shows his feelings for Kaye from the very beginning and throughout the years, feelings he had about his wife, the way he and Rob met and their friendship and more... and then up to present day like.
Rob will be quite frustrating in this book and doesn't let anyone have an easy time at all... which makes it hard for their kids, Kaye and also Jake.
Being that both books deal with cheating it is hard to pull off a book with it, but CM does a remarkable job of having us fall in love and sympathize with everyone involved. She makes it in a way that is tasteful and full of love and not pure hate.
I am being kind of vague in a sense for this review due to not wanting to spoil anything.... let me just end with saying... you will fall in love with Jake, Kaye, Claire, and all the kids. The kids are remarkable and so are a few friends in this book. Despite the deceit and lies there is true love shown and given in this book.
If you love caring, kind, compassionate, forgiving people, mixed with pain, lies, deceit, angst and more you will absolutely love this Sequel to Paradise Taken.
4 emotional stars from me.
***I have to say that I have contacted that author to find/learn the background behind the truth in this series... and woah! You will be floored with all the details. I want you to know that should you too like to learn about this in detail you may contact her. She is super sweet and willing to tell you all about it. All you have to do is email her or find her on FB and she will certainly chat and talk with you!
May 14, 2021
1 disgustingly selfish star
Didn’t like book 1 and I didn’t like this one. The story was horrible. A very selfish man and woman ruin lives and they get their HEA. I’m supposed to believe the wronged wife is ok with everything. Nope!
Didn’t like book 1 and I didn’t like this one. The story was horrible. A very selfish man and woman ruin lives and they get their HEA. I’m supposed to believe the wronged wife is ok with everything. Nope!
April 19, 2014
Saving Us is the sequel to Paradise Taken. Where Paradise Taken was told solely from Kaye’s perspective, Saving Us is told entirely from Jakes POV.
As a refresher, this is the account of Jake and Kaye, who have been friends since they met in college. They are married, but not to each other. They begin a love affair which brings on painful consequences to everyone involved.
What I liked about this book, was that there were flashbacks to college and times in the early part of Jake and Claire’s marriage, so you get a better understanding of how intense Jake’s feelings are for Kaye. Whereas their teenage children did not play a role in Paradise Taken, they are much more involved in this book. We see how an affair impacts the children and it was heartbreaking. I also took so much pity on Claire. This poor woman was so incredibly kind and forgiving and Jake never deserved her, in my opinion.
The writing in Saving Us was much different than in Paradise Taken. Where the first book was very simple, there was much more angst in this book. I also noticed that the sex scenes and language were much more descriptive. I’m not sure if it’s because it was told from the male POV or because it was the Author’s third book and she was more comfortable in her writing style. I didn’t have issues with this, but know that these are written differently.
I was on the side of Rob, Kaye’s husband, in book 1, but his true intentions became very clear in Saving Us. Although some of the characters may have thought they had a happy ending, there were no winners in this story.
This was the powerful conclusion of how an affair effects the family unit, and one which everyone should experience.
An ARC was kindly provided by the Author for an honest review.
Review posted at Love Between the Sheets
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As a refresher, this is the account of Jake and Kaye, who have been friends since they met in college. They are married, but not to each other. They begin a love affair which brings on painful consequences to everyone involved.
What I liked about this book, was that there were flashbacks to college and times in the early part of Jake and Claire’s marriage, so you get a better understanding of how intense Jake’s feelings are for Kaye. Whereas their teenage children did not play a role in Paradise Taken, they are much more involved in this book. We see how an affair impacts the children and it was heartbreaking. I also took so much pity on Claire. This poor woman was so incredibly kind and forgiving and Jake never deserved her, in my opinion.
The writing in Saving Us was much different than in Paradise Taken. Where the first book was very simple, there was much more angst in this book. I also noticed that the sex scenes and language were much more descriptive. I’m not sure if it’s because it was told from the male POV or because it was the Author’s third book and she was more comfortable in her writing style. I didn’t have issues with this, but know that these are written differently.
I was on the side of Rob, Kaye’s husband, in book 1, but his true intentions became very clear in Saving Us. Although some of the characters may have thought they had a happy ending, there were no winners in this story.
This was the powerful conclusion of how an affair effects the family unit, and one which everyone should experience.
An ARC was kindly provided by the Author for an honest review.
Review posted at Love Between the Sheets
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
August 11, 2016
**JOSIE'S REVIEW**
*4.5 Stars*
PLEASE NOTE: if you have not read Book 1 Paradise Taken, STOP READING RIGHT NOW. Go read Book 1 and then come back to read this review. Warning if you continue to read this review it will have spoilers and will only take away from the entire experience.
So going into this series I had my reservations, it is about four people, two marriages and one incredible love affair. I honestly was skeptical because I do not like cheating and I was afraid it would ruin my review. I was wrong this was an incredible story about love, soul mates and holding on. Book 2, Saving Us starts right where Paradise Taken ends; Jake is still in shock that Kaye loves him. He has loved Kaye for 20 years but he never thought she felt the same.
At the end of Paradise Taken, Jake and Kaye’s affair is discovered and now both marriages and families have to deal with the aftermath. Now I know people might get the same reaction I did, and seem skeptical about reading this book and series but their relationship and feelings go back years ago. Jake never told Kaye he loved her and she really did not know he loved her either. I thought for sure that I would not like Kaye or Jake I was wrong. You completely identify with their story and CM Hutton wrote this book in a way that the reader will understand their complicated love story. Not only to we watch Jake and Kaye’s relationship struggle with their actions but we also see the effect it takes on their spouses, Rob and Claire and their children.
This is where I start to fall apart and start to go on a emotional ride. Of course with betrayal and infidelity comes a mix of emotions. One will take the high road and walk away with their dignity, handle things maturely and put the needs of the children first. While another becomes so bitter and angry, things become dangerous. Jake and Kaye new things would be hard, but their forever would become a struggle and take a dangerous turn. At the start, I was not sure how I felt about Jake but I loved the way he was with Claire and Kaye.
“This is going to be hard. I want you more than anything in this world. I want a life with you and our baby. I’ll never give up on us. Every thought in my mind, every dream, every breath is about us. Stay with me forever and let me be the only one who holds your heart.”
“Jake I’m yours, and I’m ready to fight for us, I’m madly in love with you too, and I promise not to run, even when I get scared.”
I had so many mixed emotions reading this book, that I was an emotional wreck. I cried, laughed, got scared and I was angry. I felt this way from the start all the way up to the end. Several times, I found myself having to stop reading and take a step back, just so I could get my thoughts together.
This for me was a fast read and although the topic was a strong one, I really enjoyed the entire story. I loved the journey each character took, right down to the children. We get an HEA and I felt happy with the ending. CM Hutton took the subject of betrayal and infidelity and made it an interesting to read.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
*4.5 Stars*
PLEASE NOTE: if you have not read Book 1 Paradise Taken, STOP READING RIGHT NOW. Go read Book 1 and then come back to read this review. Warning if you continue to read this review it will have spoilers and will only take away from the entire experience.
So going into this series I had my reservations, it is about four people, two marriages and one incredible love affair. I honestly was skeptical because I do not like cheating and I was afraid it would ruin my review. I was wrong this was an incredible story about love, soul mates and holding on. Book 2, Saving Us starts right where Paradise Taken ends; Jake is still in shock that Kaye loves him. He has loved Kaye for 20 years but he never thought she felt the same.
At the end of Paradise Taken, Jake and Kaye’s affair is discovered and now both marriages and families have to deal with the aftermath. Now I know people might get the same reaction I did, and seem skeptical about reading this book and series but their relationship and feelings go back years ago. Jake never told Kaye he loved her and she really did not know he loved her either. I thought for sure that I would not like Kaye or Jake I was wrong. You completely identify with their story and CM Hutton wrote this book in a way that the reader will understand their complicated love story. Not only to we watch Jake and Kaye’s relationship struggle with their actions but we also see the effect it takes on their spouses, Rob and Claire and their children.
This is where I start to fall apart and start to go on a emotional ride. Of course with betrayal and infidelity comes a mix of emotions. One will take the high road and walk away with their dignity, handle things maturely and put the needs of the children first. While another becomes so bitter and angry, things become dangerous. Jake and Kaye new things would be hard, but their forever would become a struggle and take a dangerous turn. At the start, I was not sure how I felt about Jake but I loved the way he was with Claire and Kaye.
“This is going to be hard. I want you more than anything in this world. I want a life with you and our baby. I’ll never give up on us. Every thought in my mind, every dream, every breath is about us. Stay with me forever and let me be the only one who holds your heart.”
“Jake I’m yours, and I’m ready to fight for us, I’m madly in love with you too, and I promise not to run, even when I get scared.”
I had so many mixed emotions reading this book, that I was an emotional wreck. I cried, laughed, got scared and I was angry. I felt this way from the start all the way up to the end. Several times, I found myself having to stop reading and take a step back, just so I could get my thoughts together.
This for me was a fast read and although the topic was a strong one, I really enjoyed the entire story. I loved the journey each character took, right down to the children. We get an HEA and I felt happy with the ending. CM Hutton took the subject of betrayal and infidelity and made it an interesting to read.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 23, 2014
Saving Us was a book I had been desperately waiting on. After reading Paradise Taken, I knew that no even if I had the sequel the next day it wouldn’t of been fast enough. It was a giant ending and I needed answers. So with that being said when I got the news that I could read saving us I stopped, sat & read it. Now with all that said I want this review to be spoiler free so please don’t be mad when you don’t get the answers you might want from it. Saving Us picked up a few months before the ending of Paradise Taken, and this book was truly Jake’s story. There were parts I just wanted to scream, cry and there was even that moment when I thought if you were a book I’d toss you across the room. (No matter what I said to Kaye & Jake they didn’t seem to listen to me.) Yes I talked to them. Seeing Jake and Kaye trying to become a couple while constantly having to deal with a controlling Rob that spent so much of his time just being a jerk because he thought it was his right. And Claire, no matter the circumstance she always managed to rise above being that woman. Jake and Kaye share so many insecurities thorough out the entire story and have such a hard time learning how to overcome the mistrust they accidentally created by being together. But to me that only added to the truth of the story. Who wouldn’t worry or be insecure if they were starting a relationship the way that they did. All and all CM Hutton didn’t disappoint with this book, I enjoyed it and thought that it flowed so well, I would have to say I absolutely loved it!!!
★ Jammie
★ Jammie
February 5, 2014
Loved this book.... it was everything I wanted plus more. Written from Jakes POV.... I couldn't put it down. I have a new found love for Claire.... she rose above and beyond. This book had me on edge with all the trust issues with a relationship starting the way theirs had, Kayes hormones all over the place, Claires devastation and Robs pain. I was all over the place, emotionally. I felt like I was in this story with them. C M Hutton did a fabulous job combining the 2 books and incorporating the kids into this sequel. it is a must read and you will not be disappointed.
November 22, 2017
Why make Rob out to be some physco just to justify Kayes actions!!! honestly couldn´t stand it how Jake kept stringing claire along............... sorry but nope nope nope nope and the effing ending! all a happy family
April 24, 2014
Saving Us by C.M. Hutton
Series: Paradise Taken #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance>Erotic Romance
Age Group: Adult
Release Date: February 6th 2014
Length: 347 pages
Format: Kindle
Source: Purchased
Review Date: April 2014
Steam Rating: Scorcher
Overall Rating: 5 STARS
Review:
You have to read Paradise Taken before Saving Us. Whereas Paradise Taken was in Kaye POV, this one is in Jake’s POV and starts towards the end of Paradise Taken. Although many of the events are concurrent the storyline is different enough that you don’t feel like you are reading the same story. This is the “stuff” we did not find out or understand in the first book. For more info on this series and my review on book one → CLICK HERE
**Spoilers Ahead if you did not read book one**
I have so much I want to say about these books that I don’t even know where to start. I adored Paradise Taken, but Saving Us went above and beyond. The writing was phenomenal, I FELT EVERYTHING. I read this book as quick as life would let me. When I HAD to put it down I was so annoyed! It was one of those kinds of books.
The way Paradise Taken ended left me raw, and emotionally spent. But I HAD TO KNOW what happened with the baby. We KNOW he is not dead, so why did Kaye say he was? What could possibly have forced her to be so cruel?
I’d like to put it out there that you will NOT get these answers immediately. We go through a lot with Jake and Kaye before that happens. We see just how much he loves her, and just how wonderful a person he is despite the affair. He did not want to love her like he did, he just couldn’t help it.
We also get a good look into Rob, Kaye’s husband. And wow… He is a real d*ckhead. He is controlling, arrogant, narcissistic, and by the end I wanted to kill him myself. I thought he was an okay guy that got hurt in Paradise Taken, but I ended up being glad Kaye left him because he became a monster.
And Claire. Oh poor Claire :( She is an amazing woman—truly the real “heroine” of the novels. I wanted so badly for her not to hurt, but I knew that there was nothing to be done.
And the sex—somebody ice me down! Wow! It is from a man’s POV so I am not shocked that he thought about sex a lot – It read like an erotic romance. Which was just fine with me ;)
“No one will ever love you as I have for twenty years. This is us, right here, right now, forever feeling what we do to each other. Even at my simplest touch, you’re about to come. This is us, Kaye, forever. Never forget.”
Overall, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this two book series. I did like this one a little more than the first because I thought the Author’s writing had evolved from good to great. Like I said before, she had me on the edge of my seat the ENTIRE time with Saving Us.
~StacyHgg
Books Unhinged Book Blog
Series: Paradise Taken #2
Genre: Contemporary Romance>Erotic Romance
Age Group: Adult
Release Date: February 6th 2014
Length: 347 pages
Format: Kindle
Source: Purchased
Review Date: April 2014
Steam Rating: Scorcher
Overall Rating: 5 STARS
Review:
You have to read Paradise Taken before Saving Us. Whereas Paradise Taken was in Kaye POV, this one is in Jake’s POV and starts towards the end of Paradise Taken. Although many of the events are concurrent the storyline is different enough that you don’t feel like you are reading the same story. This is the “stuff” we did not find out or understand in the first book. For more info on this series and my review on book one → CLICK HERE
**Spoilers Ahead if you did not read book one**
I have so much I want to say about these books that I don’t even know where to start. I adored Paradise Taken, but Saving Us went above and beyond. The writing was phenomenal, I FELT EVERYTHING. I read this book as quick as life would let me. When I HAD to put it down I was so annoyed! It was one of those kinds of books.
The way Paradise Taken ended left me raw, and emotionally spent. But I HAD TO KNOW what happened with the baby. We KNOW he is not dead, so why did Kaye say he was? What could possibly have forced her to be so cruel?
I’d like to put it out there that you will NOT get these answers immediately. We go through a lot with Jake and Kaye before that happens. We see just how much he loves her, and just how wonderful a person he is despite the affair. He did not want to love her like he did, he just couldn’t help it.
We also get a good look into Rob, Kaye’s husband. And wow… He is a real d*ckhead. He is controlling, arrogant, narcissistic, and by the end I wanted to kill him myself. I thought he was an okay guy that got hurt in Paradise Taken, but I ended up being glad Kaye left him because he became a monster.
And Claire. Oh poor Claire :( She is an amazing woman—truly the real “heroine” of the novels. I wanted so badly for her not to hurt, but I knew that there was nothing to be done.
And the sex—somebody ice me down! Wow! It is from a man’s POV so I am not shocked that he thought about sex a lot – It read like an erotic romance. Which was just fine with me ;)
“No one will ever love you as I have for twenty years. This is us, right here, right now, forever feeling what we do to each other. Even at my simplest touch, you’re about to come. This is us, Kaye, forever. Never forget.”
Overall, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this two book series. I did like this one a little more than the first because I thought the Author’s writing had evolved from good to great. Like I said before, she had me on the edge of my seat the ENTIRE time with Saving Us.
~StacyHgg
Books Unhinged Book Blog
February 9, 2014
This was an emotional rollercoaster of a read from start to finish and I had to step away from it to process the range of emotions and situations the characters find themselves in. This book follows directly on from the events of Paradise Taken and deals with the aftermath of Kaye and Jake's actions and decisions.
Love is not always straightforward nor easy and, in the case of Kaye and Jake, is complicated. They are in love with each other but married to other people. It would be easy to judge them and dispise them for this but we can not help who we fall in love with. CM Hutton deals with the story in a sensitive manner and helps us empathise with Kaye and Jake. The story examines the impact it has on Rob and Claire, their other halves, and their children. Under so much pressure, the true nature of the characters come out: - some rise to the occasion and some get nasty. It is not a smooth road to their happy ever after for Kaye and Jake and nor should it be but at times it is scary, always emotional and shows that true love will stand the tests that life throws at them.
I really loved this book - CM Hutton has dealt with a difficult situation in an emotive, sensitive and realistic way. I have great respect for the way that Kaye and Jake handled the aftermath of their decision. However you feel about what they did, you can not help but feel that what Rob puts them through was just pure wrong - no one deserved that. A must read!
Love is not always straightforward nor easy and, in the case of Kaye and Jake, is complicated. They are in love with each other but married to other people. It would be easy to judge them and dispise them for this but we can not help who we fall in love with. CM Hutton deals with the story in a sensitive manner and helps us empathise with Kaye and Jake. The story examines the impact it has on Rob and Claire, their other halves, and their children. Under so much pressure, the true nature of the characters come out: - some rise to the occasion and some get nasty. It is not a smooth road to their happy ever after for Kaye and Jake and nor should it be but at times it is scary, always emotional and shows that true love will stand the tests that life throws at them.
I really loved this book - CM Hutton has dealt with a difficult situation in an emotive, sensitive and realistic way. I have great respect for the way that Kaye and Jake handled the aftermath of their decision. However you feel about what they did, you can not help but feel that what Rob puts them through was just pure wrong - no one deserved that. A must read!
February 24, 2014
Oh my gosh I thought I was going to go crazy while reading this. The cliffhanger that was left at the end of the first book left me reeling. This book went back to the months in between and nothing was resolved till the end. But the waiting was worth it, I was sitting on the edge of my seat. Great read!
We are inside Jake's head for this book, looking through his eyes. I really didn't like him and Kaye in the first book, I felt they were both extremely selfish. There actions were Rob's snapping point and he was nuts in this book. Everyone has a breaking point, I thought Rob was a great guy and didn't deserve any of this, his true colors came through in this book. I am just not sure if this is the kind of guy he is or if there affair just made him insane. Either way he is a total sociopath!
There is all kinds of drama with Jake, Kaye and Rob. This is the rest of their story, they truly do love each other and that shows through in every scene with them together. Clare is great in this one, she is a truly strong woman. I can't wait to see her story and see her have a happy ending. I think there is something more to her and Rob, so I am curious to know what.
This is an emotional read for me as I do not agree with cheating spouses. Jake should have manned up years ago with his feelings for Kaye, he destroyed many lives to get what he wanted. They both did. But it was still a good read.
We are inside Jake's head for this book, looking through his eyes. I really didn't like him and Kaye in the first book, I felt they were both extremely selfish. There actions were Rob's snapping point and he was nuts in this book. Everyone has a breaking point, I thought Rob was a great guy and didn't deserve any of this, his true colors came through in this book. I am just not sure if this is the kind of guy he is or if there affair just made him insane. Either way he is a total sociopath!
There is all kinds of drama with Jake, Kaye and Rob. This is the rest of their story, they truly do love each other and that shows through in every scene with them together. Clare is great in this one, she is a truly strong woman. I can't wait to see her story and see her have a happy ending. I think there is something more to her and Rob, so I am curious to know what.
This is an emotional read for me as I do not agree with cheating spouses. Jake should have manned up years ago with his feelings for Kaye, he destroyed many lives to get what he wanted. They both did. But it was still a good read.
February 12, 2014
This book is a 3.5-4 stars for me.
Kaye was just to much for me!!
I'm sorry but.... were in 2014!!
Yes.... you can kick your husband out of the delivery room!! You can kick anybody you want out of the damn room if you want! Especially if you tell them that you are separated and you're having another man's baby!!(I just found that part very hard to believe... I kicked my dad out of my delivery room!!..you as the patient says what goes. So that was very unbelievable)
I just didn't get this whole "I'm still your husband" & "he's still my husband" thing.
I mean...that's what lawyers are there for!! To deal with all that bullshit!
I liked the story...I was really into it...
But Kaye & her crying & her wishy washyness really got to me. It was always her way or no way. & Jake just had to sit there & eat it!!...
She was unfair about everything very unreasonable with everything! And lacked common sense!!
It got really old!!
I'm glad it ended the way it did...
I can't wait to read Claire's story
Kaye was just to much for me!!
I'm sorry but.... were in 2014!!
Yes.... you can kick your husband out of the delivery room!! You can kick anybody you want out of the damn room if you want! Especially if you tell them that you are separated and you're having another man's baby!!(I just found that part very hard to believe... I kicked my dad out of my delivery room!!..you as the patient says what goes. So that was very unbelievable)
I just didn't get this whole "I'm still your husband" & "he's still my husband" thing.
I mean...that's what lawyers are there for!! To deal with all that bullshit!
I liked the story...I was really into it...
But Kaye & her crying & her wishy washyness really got to me. It was always her way or no way. & Jake just had to sit there & eat it!!...
She was unfair about everything very unreasonable with everything! And lacked common sense!!
It got really old!!
I'm glad it ended the way it did...
I can't wait to read Claire's story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2014
I was gifted the first book "Paradise Taken" and, at first wasn't sure it was something I would like but once I actually sat down to read it I tore through it in a matter of about 12 hours. Instead of waiting for my friend to lend me the second one I immediately went to amazon and purchased it in ebook format and set out to devour that one as well. Although, unlike the first book, this one was a work of complete fiction and was what the author imagined the characters would have liked the outcome to have been I liked it every bit as much as I loved the first book. I absolutely recommend this series and anything else by this author and will be watching her closely for any future releases.
March 18, 2014
What a rollercoaster ride! In the first book I felt sorry for Rob and Clare. I don't feel sorry for Rob anymore. What an immature jerk. I knew when I started reading this story couldn't end happliy for everyone, but the love between Jack and Kaye is so heart felt it pulls you into their story! The children seem to be adjusting well. The only person I still feel sorry for is Claire. I loved this story, Saving Us and it is a MUST READ. I'm glad to hear that Claire will get her story and hopefully her happy ending in the next book.
January 25, 2014
After I read Paradise Taken in August I couldn't wait to read the sequel. It met my every expectation. It was a great take on Jake's POV and was just so emotionally charged. It sent me on much of a roller coaster ride of emotions in a good way though. I finished the book having much respect for Claire, love for Kaye and Jake, and indifference towards Rob. In my opinion, CM Hutton did a fantastic job writing this story and fans will definitely not be disappointed!
July 6, 2014
So the last book ended with a cliffhanger and it wasn't addressed soon into the book, that drove me nuts! But the story was amazing! I think I was able to enjoy this book more because they were no longer hiding and I really liked Jake's POV. I thought the hot scenes were hotter and more descriptive. While there was so much tension and drama going on there was more humor also, I laughed out loud a lot! Loved it :)
March 15, 2016
Wishing it wasn't a sequel
This book completed the situation. I needed it to understand everyone. In paradise taken I was such a Rob supporter I didn't have all the facts. But so is truth in life we look at one side. This author is amazing. This book shut my big mouth about judging. We get one side on the sidelines, this book is incredible you feel every side with eyes wide open. Wish I had given book one 5 stars too it lead to this.
This book completed the situation. I needed it to understand everyone. In paradise taken I was such a Rob supporter I didn't have all the facts. But so is truth in life we look at one side. This author is amazing. This book shut my big mouth about judging. We get one side on the sidelines, this book is incredible you feel every side with eyes wide open. Wish I had given book one 5 stars too it lead to this.
April 18, 2014
4.5 Stars
I LOVED this sequel..... I was soooo happy that they finally got their HEA..... I was shocked at what a monster Rob really was because in book 1 except for the latter half, I truly fell for him at times, he was pretty damn sexy at the start of the story, LOL! I look forward to more from this author for sure:) Congrats on a great mini series!
I LOVED this sequel..... I was soooo happy that they finally got their HEA..... I was shocked at what a monster Rob really was because in book 1 except for the latter half, I truly fell for him at times, he was pretty damn sexy at the start of the story, LOL! I look forward to more from this author for sure:) Congrats on a great mini series!
June 21, 2014
Saving Us
What an amazing ending to Jake and Kaye's story. I was very happy that they got their happily ever after. I was even more excited to see that Claire has her own story coming soon. These two books were amazing reads and I couldn't put them down. CM Hutton did an outstanding job on these books!!
What an amazing ending to Jake and Kaye's story. I was very happy that they got their happily ever after. I was even more excited to see that Claire has her own story coming soon. These two books were amazing reads and I couldn't put them down. CM Hutton did an outstanding job on these books!!
February 9, 2014
I have been anxiously awaiting for the release of this book since the moment I finished "Paradise Taken". It was worth the wait and exceeded my expectations! I grew to love the characters even more with every page I read! Its a beautiful love story filled with emotion!!!
June 27, 2014
Great continuation from the first book Paradise Taken, this time in Jake's point of view. The characters all went through a really tough time of everything but I was glad to see things eventually work themselves out for the best. Looking forward to reading Claire's story now.
December 4, 2015
Difficult subject matter. Sequel to Paradise Taken. I still have mixed feelings about many of the characters from the books. I will not downgrade my rating because I didn't like the subject matter because it was nicely written, complex, emotional, and moving.
February 6, 2014
Enjoy!
Don't forget, Paradise Taken is a MUST READ before this sequel! :)
Don't forget, Paradise Taken is a MUST READ before this sequel! :)
February 5, 2014
Enjoy!
Don't forget, Paradise Taken is a MUST READ before this book! :)
Don't forget, Paradise Taken is a MUST READ before this book! :)
February 5, 2014
All I can say is wow!!!! You will need to read book#1 Paradise Taken in order to understand and appreciate Saving Us.
April 18, 2014
I loved how this story turned out. Two people destined to be together. I highly recommend this book
July 1, 2014
Book two following "Paradise Taken". An erotic book, but it has marriage, parenting, infidelity, and love.
January 10, 2015
I liked this book and its prequel, didn't think I would, but the characters were really personable . You had to keep reading to know everything turned out okay for all parties involved.
July 31, 2016
This sequel is so full of love, romance, sex, hate and lust. This is a sequel that you will kick yourself for not giving a chance. Its a must read after Paradise Taken. Love love love !
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