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The List #1
Vivian's List
From Book 1:
Her brother's best friend. A list. A love story.
NOTE: This is book 1 in a two-part series. Dual POV. 18+
A NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestseller packed with Heat and Heart.
Her brother's best friend. A list. A love story.
After ending a horrible, scarring relationship, Vivian embraces her freedom by making a sexual bucket list. When her brother's best friend, Liam, finds it, sparks fly and hearts open.
Can Vivian heal one steamy encounter at a time?
NOTE: This is book 1 in a two-part series. Dual POV. 18+
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 11, 2013
850 people are currently reading
3507 people want to read
About the author
Haleigh Lovell
6 books365 followersFollow Haleigh on Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/halei...
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Haleigh Lovell is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of THE LIST series. Haleigh doesn't always do cardio, but when she does, she calls it writing. #beastmode
Follow Haleigh on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Haleigh-Lovell...
Haleigh Lovell is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of THE LIST series. Haleigh doesn't always do cardio, but when she does, she calls it writing. #beastmode
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 370 reviews
consider-later
September 22, 2016
FREE on Amazon US today (9/21/2016)
Book 1. Duet complete. Book 3 (stand-alone) also FREE today. Thanks Jess.
BLURB:
Her brother's best friend. A sexual bucket list. An erotic love story.
Vivian Sorenson is in a verbally abusive relationship. When her boyfriend, Brody, calls her "frigid" and "boring ol' vanilla," Vivian finally ends the toxic relationship and embarks on a journey of sexual self-discovery.
Liam Sykes has known Vivian all his life. She's his best friend's little sister and she's always been off-limits. When he happens upon Vivian's sexual bucket list, he crosses that forbidden line. Soon it becomes more than just sex as Liam picks up every jagged little shard of Vivian's shattered heart and pieces it back together, replacing it with a piece of his own.
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May 8, 2014
I loved getting lost in this steamy brothers best friend ~ book. They're my favorite !! Going into the next book. I have to know how their story ends !!!
November 27, 2018
Great book for this genre. Not too chatty and almost only about sex. :)
May 6, 2014
I just...
To summarize: Liam is a soldier on leave from Iraq and he's staying with with his friend's sister, Viv. Viv is dating asshole and verbally abusive Brody, and then leaves him at the urging of her friends, but gets called "frigid" and "vanilla". She makes a sexual bucket list, which Liam finds. Liam's like "This is a terrible idea, and you're not thinking straight..." and Vivian then comes with the plan of having Liam as her lover. It was supposed to be a one night stand, but the story progresses, and yeah.
This is really cute. Liam is just so sweet and he's like... THE perfect lover and my heart just utterly melts for the two of them. They are so adorable, and as the reader, you can feel the chemistry and friendship and desire and whew! the sex is hot.
Was the plot cliched? Yes, it was, but the story was enjoyable so I'm not complaining. It was my kind of fluffy romance with that New Adult twist.
5 stars all the way.
To summarize: Liam is a soldier on leave from Iraq and he's staying with with his friend's sister, Viv. Viv is dating asshole and verbally abusive Brody, and then leaves him at the urging of her friends, but gets called "frigid" and "vanilla". She makes a sexual bucket list, which Liam finds. Liam's like "This is a terrible idea, and you're not thinking straight..." and Vivian then comes with the plan of having Liam as her lover. It was supposed to be a one night stand, but the story progresses, and yeah.
This is really cute. Liam is just so sweet and he's like... THE perfect lover and my heart just utterly melts for the two of them. They are so adorable, and as the reader, you can feel the chemistry and friendship and desire and whew! the sex is hot.
Was the plot cliched? Yes, it was, but the story was enjoyable so I'm not complaining. It was my kind of fluffy romance with that New Adult twist.
5 stars all the way.
no-dnf-zzz-avoid
July 27, 2016DNF
June 13, 2015
Come check out the reviews on my blog Under The Cover
DNF @ 68%
I'm kind of disappointed here because I was actually looking forward to this book. The cover kind of sold me as well as the blurb. Then the plot seemed promising and Liam seemed like the kind of hero I might like. And everything was going fine with the book until Vivian and Liam started going at it and check the items on Vivian's list.
It didn't feel like that for me to be honest. The sex scenes left me highly skeptical. It's hard to describe but basically, some of Vivian's body reactions during sex were troubling, at least, to me they were. I don't know about you but I, personally, have never heard of a woman's sex organ tearing apart her underwear because of how aroused she is. I know Vivian's character is supposed to be under the impression that she is frigid, but even then I'd be worried to have this type of reaction to attraction and arousal. Now, maybe I'm no expert with the human body, but this seemed far fetched to me. It reached the point where I enjoyed the book more when Liam and Vivian were flirting and bantering than the actual sex scenes they were involved in.
And then, Vivian's voice started boring me. Same thing, I can't really tell what made it boring for me at some point to read her POV, but it did.
I liked Liam's character though. It's probably because of him and the whole friends falling in love plot that I kept reading this book until the 68% mark.
I really tried to keep going. I don't particularly enjoy not finishing a book. I feel like I give up on them or something. But I really couldn't stand Vivian's voice anymore and the fact that I was spending more time skipping her inner monologues and the sex scenes than actually read the book was a bit depressing, so I thought "what's the point?" and gave up eventually.
Some people will probably really like this book and read the other one coming up, but I'll stop here. Vivian's List really wasn't for me after all even though it looked like it could be right up my alley. Better luck next time I guess.
DNF @ 68%
"I want you to know what it should feel like to have a man make love to you."
I'm kind of disappointed here because I was actually looking forward to this book. The cover kind of sold me as well as the blurb. Then the plot seemed promising and Liam seemed like the kind of hero I might like. And everything was going fine with the book until Vivian and Liam started going at it and check the items on Vivian's list.
"We had the sort of sex where I just wanted to crawl into his skin and become one person."
It didn't feel like that for me to be honest. The sex scenes left me highly skeptical. It's hard to describe but basically, some of Vivian's body reactions during sex were troubling, at least, to me they were. I don't know about you but I, personally, have never heard of a woman's sex organ tearing apart her underwear because of how aroused she is. I know Vivian's character is supposed to be under the impression that she is frigid, but even then I'd be worried to have this type of reaction to attraction and arousal. Now, maybe I'm no expert with the human body, but this seemed far fetched to me. It reached the point where I enjoyed the book more when Liam and Vivian were flirting and bantering than the actual sex scenes they were involved in.
"I wanted to make her feel special and let her know she was wanted, needed and desired in so many different ways. I wanted to make her feel loved. I wanted her in a way that surpassed sexual need. I wanted...I wanted her."
And then, Vivian's voice started boring me. Same thing, I can't really tell what made it boring for me at some point to read her POV, but it did.
I liked Liam's character though. It's probably because of him and the whole friends falling in love plot that I kept reading this book until the 68% mark.
I really tried to keep going. I don't particularly enjoy not finishing a book. I feel like I give up on them or something. But I really couldn't stand Vivian's voice anymore and the fact that I was spending more time skipping her inner monologues and the sex scenes than actually read the book was a bit depressing, so I thought "what's the point?" and gave up eventually.
Some people will probably really like this book and read the other one coming up, but I'll stop here. Vivian's List really wasn't for me after all even though it looked like it could be right up my alley. Better luck next time I guess.
December 16, 2013
Vivian's List is one of my top 10 favorite reads for 2013! I mean Holy Hell this book was hot as hell.
Vi is in an abusive relationship. Her boyfriend Brody is a total dick and he abuses her verbally. He says she sucks in bed because she only wants to do vanilla things in bed and she is to frigid for him. Even though he won't leave her he rather make her life a living hell but she has had enough and she dumps his abusive ass.
After leaving Brody Vi is determined to make a list and followup on it. She desires to be sexual and awaken her sexual desires but how can she do that with no one to help her out. She does not trust anyone and besides she still thinks she is nothing like Brody has told her over and over again. So Vi writes a sex bucket list! Go ahead girl I loved what she wrote on that list because it takes a set of balls to write that down let alone follow through with it. Then someone finds Vi's list and decides he has waited long enough to be with Vi and he knows by helping her with her list will cause him some strife with someone close to him but he wants no needs to be with Vi and show her how to explore her sexual side.
This guy that is going to help her well she knows him because he is her brother's best friend. Oops people you heard me right it is the forbidden best friend the don't go there because she is my sister friend but holy hell Liam has the hots for Vi and he is willing to cross the line as long as it means helping Vi and being with her. As things get checked off the list something starts to happen to Liam and Vi and they soon discover that they have something a chemistry like no other.
Can Liam heal Vi's broken heart? Can Vi awaken her sexual side? Can the two of them be together and have a HEA? Well you will have to read it to find out!
Vi is in an abusive relationship. Her boyfriend Brody is a total dick and he abuses her verbally. He says she sucks in bed because she only wants to do vanilla things in bed and she is to frigid for him. Even though he won't leave her he rather make her life a living hell but she has had enough and she dumps his abusive ass.
After leaving Brody Vi is determined to make a list and followup on it. She desires to be sexual and awaken her sexual desires but how can she do that with no one to help her out. She does not trust anyone and besides she still thinks she is nothing like Brody has told her over and over again. So Vi writes a sex bucket list! Go ahead girl I loved what she wrote on that list because it takes a set of balls to write that down let alone follow through with it. Then someone finds Vi's list and decides he has waited long enough to be with Vi and he knows by helping her with her list will cause him some strife with someone close to him but he wants no needs to be with Vi and show her how to explore her sexual side.
This guy that is going to help her well she knows him because he is her brother's best friend. Oops people you heard me right it is the forbidden best friend the don't go there because she is my sister friend but holy hell Liam has the hots for Vi and he is willing to cross the line as long as it means helping Vi and being with her. As things get checked off the list something starts to happen to Liam and Vi and they soon discover that they have something a chemistry like no other.
Can Liam heal Vi's broken heart? Can Vi awaken her sexual side? Can the two of them be together and have a HEA? Well you will have to read it to find out!
March 14, 2023
Purchased from Amazon July 19, 2015
Finished Reading December 10, 2015
1 Star
Don't bother.
I put this on my book rejected shelf after reading it.
Finished Reading December 10, 2015
1 Star
Don't bother.
I put this on my book rejected shelf after reading it.
June 28, 2018
Vivian has been in a relationship with Brody and he is verbally abusive towards her. She herself keeps making excuses for him. Liam, her brother’s best friend, tells her what he has noticed, and makes her take a good, hard look at herself and the way she is being treated. She realizes how much of herself she has lost to this abusive relationship and ends her relationship with Brody. Liam is on a short break from the army. Vivian is his best friends, little sister and they have all grown up together. Liam is harboring some of his own concerns. When he finds Vivian’s sexual list of wants, he can’t help himself by wanting to be the one to show her the ways. Consequences be damned. And so starts the journey of Liam showing Vivian all her curiousness about sex and making sure to give her plenty of O’s. While all this is happening, he is also falling in love with her, or has he always been in love with her? This book had so much potential to be so much more, but it just lost its way. First of all there was so much sex that I found myself skipping pages of it. It did not add to the story and became a bit of overkill for me. I never felt the connection between the two protagonists. Simple elements of the story were missing. There was no build up, no suspense, no tension, no rising action, angst, or conflict to keep the story interesting. I personally felt the character development in this story had major flaws. So for me it missed its mark.
Reviewed for Hot books and Sassy Girls book blog
Reviewed for Hot books and Sassy Girls book blog
October 21, 2014
It started kind of slow... but then OMG!! it was so hot!! i was like ... yeah!! ... I love Liam he is the men of my book dreams , so sweet an loving, so tender.
the final chapter was kind of rush but nonetheles the book was a very good read.
the final chapter was kind of rush but nonetheles the book was a very good read.
July 10, 2017
A total disaster.
The characters in this book were not likable. I couldn't stand Vivian. For the first couple of pages in the book, I thought it was telling from the point of view of a sixteen-year old because of the way she talked and her actions. But later on, I found out that she was twenty-two years old and couldn't help but roll my eyes. Her personality made it seem like she was a teenager, and I couldn't believe the fact that a twenty-two year old would say:
"I mean, there was penetration, but not with his, you know..."
Then her friend says, "Not with his noodle,"
— What are we? Twelve? It was a major disappointment and it made me hate it. Another example is when Vivian stated:
"Can't handle what you're telling me. Now I just want to go home and wash my brain out with soap."
I could just envision Vivian being like sixteen and saying this to her best friend, but NOT a twenty-two year old. But enough about her, the intimate scenes were cute. The plot however, was not interesting. How Brody was treating Vivian, a twenty-two year old, was nerve-racking and I couldn't wrap my head around why she constantly defended him like an idiot. Somehow Brody miraculously moved on and never showed his face again, even though he was the controlling type and didn't want her to leave him. I would've expected more from his character, to be more persistent in getting her back, but oh well.
I just couldn't enjoy the storyline, when there were so many things wrong with it. I just can't.
The characters in this book were not likable. I couldn't stand Vivian. For the first couple of pages in the book, I thought it was telling from the point of view of a sixteen-year old because of the way she talked and her actions. But later on, I found out that she was twenty-two years old and couldn't help but roll my eyes. Her personality made it seem like she was a teenager, and I couldn't believe the fact that a twenty-two year old would say:
"I mean, there was penetration, but not with his, you know..."
Then her friend says, "Not with his noodle,"
— What are we? Twelve? It was a major disappointment and it made me hate it. Another example is when Vivian stated:
"Can't handle what you're telling me. Now I just want to go home and wash my brain out with soap."
I could just envision Vivian being like sixteen and saying this to her best friend, but NOT a twenty-two year old. But enough about her, the intimate scenes were cute. The plot however, was not interesting. How Brody was treating Vivian, a twenty-two year old, was nerve-racking and I couldn't wrap my head around why she constantly defended him like an idiot. Somehow Brody miraculously moved on and never showed his face again, even though he was the controlling type and didn't want her to leave him. I would've expected more from his character, to be more persistent in getting her back, but oh well.
I just couldn't enjoy the storyline, when there were so many things wrong with it. I just can't.
May 28, 2016
This was an okay romantic novel. It was more of a cheesy one.
Liam is a soldier who comes back from Iraq for a week and lives with his best friend's sister, Vivian. Vi is already in an abusive relationship with Brody but she is in denial about it when Liam and her friends talk to her about it. Finally, one day she takes the decision to stand up to herself and end her relationship with Brody. She then decides to take care of her most intimate needs herself, ones that weren't fulfilled by Brody. So she makes a list of those needs and once Liam sees that list, she has only way to make him agree with it, by doing these items with him.
I know how is that all supposed to happen in a week, but that's why it's so cheesy. Liam and Vivian's relationship is deeper than just admiration but they're both secretly in love with each other for a long time. They also have their own baggage to deal with, Vi with her toxic relationship and Liam with his daddy issues. So, seeing the two deal with their emotional issues and their attraction was sweet. Even though the real emotional baggage wasn't explored adequately for Liam, it was only in one scene where he faced his father and then one scene where he talks about it with Vi. He also opens up about the war in Iraq.
Overall, it's an enjoyable read if you want something quick and steamy.
Liam is a soldier who comes back from Iraq for a week and lives with his best friend's sister, Vivian. Vi is already in an abusive relationship with Brody but she is in denial about it when Liam and her friends talk to her about it. Finally, one day she takes the decision to stand up to herself and end her relationship with Brody. She then decides to take care of her most intimate needs herself, ones that weren't fulfilled by Brody. So she makes a list of those needs and once Liam sees that list, she has only way to make him agree with it, by doing these items with him.
I know how is that all supposed to happen in a week, but that's why it's so cheesy. Liam and Vivian's relationship is deeper than just admiration but they're both secretly in love with each other for a long time. They also have their own baggage to deal with, Vi with her toxic relationship and Liam with his daddy issues. So, seeing the two deal with their emotional issues and their attraction was sweet. Even though the real emotional baggage wasn't explored adequately for Liam, it was only in one scene where he faced his father and then one scene where he talks about it with Vi. He also opens up about the war in Iraq.
Overall, it's an enjoyable read if you want something quick and steamy.
February 14, 2018
Whew...... hot and steamy sums this up!! I’m invested in these characters now so after getting the first book free I will be buying the second book!! I really liked these characters!! Great easy read!
October 5, 2013
I just finished Vivian's List and I loved it. Liam and Viv are so cute together. You cannot help but fall in love with them. Liam and Viv have know each other since they were kids. Liam is best friends with Julian which is Vivs brother. Viv is at the time with Brody which to me he is a douche bag and also a controlling a-hole that needs to be knocked on his ass. Liam is staying at Vivs house while he is taking a break from being in Iraq but overhears how Brody treats her and tells her straight up that "he is a verbal abuser and that she deserves more". She is finally able to see it and breaks up with Brody but this is before he basically calls her frigid so now she is all worried that she is not good in bed. She makes a sexual list which is like a bucket list. This is for her try out and make her less "frigid". Liam finds out about this list. Viv ask him if he will help her out with it. What will Liam's reaction be? Will Liam be able to help her out? Liam had to go back to Iraq in a week so what will happen after that?You will have to read and see.....
I loved this book. The story line is a popular one. Brothers best friend protects sister. She is off limits. Girl wants brothers best friend. They become lovers. Bad things happen. Do they stay together. This is usually how it goes. However there are different circumstances in this story that make it better for me. You will love them. You will love their friends. Sex is HOT. What more could you ask for! There wasn't anything I disliked. It was written very well. I loved how it was in both point of views. You definitely got a feel for what they were feeling. I can't wait to see what happens next. It is sure to be a good one!
Story 5
Sex 5
Overall 5
Reviewed by Beggjn at Mommys a Book Whore
I loved this book. The story line is a popular one. Brothers best friend protects sister. She is off limits. Girl wants brothers best friend. They become lovers. Bad things happen. Do they stay together. This is usually how it goes. However there are different circumstances in this story that make it better for me. You will love them. You will love their friends. Sex is HOT. What more could you ask for! There wasn't anything I disliked. It was written very well. I loved how it was in both point of views. You definitely got a feel for what they were feeling. I can't wait to see what happens next. It is sure to be a good one!
Story 5
Sex 5
Overall 5
Reviewed by Beggjn at Mommys a Book Whore
August 25, 2015
I got this as a free ebook from bookbub and in many ways I am glad I didn't waste my pennies buying it.
This book really didn't do it for me. It was definitely a smutty romance - which is what I signed up for - but to me it wasn't that well written and I really didn't like some her euphemisms. I also had a problem with the characters boundaries... ... or maybe I'm just being a little prudish ... idk.
Also I didn't really see the connection between Viv and Liam. I mean I get they grew up together and now he is crashing at her place before he goes back to Iraq but how does that translate to I wanna jump your bones?
Despite my issues with the book - I will most likely read 'Liam's List' too - hope its better written. This book had some real potential but could have been better executed.
This book really didn't do it for me. It was definitely a smutty romance - which is what I signed up for - but to me it wasn't that well written and I really didn't like some her euphemisms. I also had a problem with the characters boundaries... ... or maybe I'm just being a little prudish ... idk.
Also I didn't really see the connection between Viv and Liam. I mean I get they grew up together and now he is crashing at her place before he goes back to Iraq but how does that translate to I wanna jump your bones?
Despite my issues with the book - I will most likely read 'Liam's List' too - hope its better written. This book had some real potential but could have been better executed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2013
The author provided me with a copy of this book for my honest review
Vivian's boyfriend Brody is verbally abusive; she breaks things off with him and writes a "sexual bucket list". Liam, Vivian’s brother’s best friend who is staying with her, finds it and the two of them start to mark of things on the list. Can they keep it as just sex or will they realize that it's more. The plot is interesting if not a bit cliché, but the author wrote it in a way that kept you reading and not rolling your eyes. I liked the premise of the book Vivian’s bucket list wasn't really out there, I was thinking that it would be more adventurous but everything on it was normal, which is kind of sad for Vivian. I liked the idea and the authors writing more than I liked the book itself. Yes the book was good, but I didn't feel an emotional connection to the main characters that brings a book from good to great. I will be getting Liam's List the next part of the story to find out what happens.
Vivian's boyfriend Brody is verbally abusive; she breaks things off with him and writes a "sexual bucket list". Liam, Vivian’s brother’s best friend who is staying with her, finds it and the two of them start to mark of things on the list. Can they keep it as just sex or will they realize that it's more. The plot is interesting if not a bit cliché, but the author wrote it in a way that kept you reading and not rolling your eyes. I liked the premise of the book Vivian’s bucket list wasn't really out there, I was thinking that it would be more adventurous but everything on it was normal, which is kind of sad for Vivian. I liked the idea and the authors writing more than I liked the book itself. Yes the book was good, but I didn't feel an emotional connection to the main characters that brings a book from good to great. I will be getting Liam's List the next part of the story to find out what happens.
March 19, 2015
I fell in love with Vivian and Liam. This is like an every day love with some steamy sex!!!
Vivian is dating Brody who is a complete jerk. Not only does he degrade her and belittle her but she thinks that is what love is. He continuously tells her she dresses like a s*ut and is the jealous and possesive type and not in a good way.
Liam is Vivian's older brother Julians best friend. He has been touring overseas and is home for a week before he goes back home. They have known each other since childhood. Liam tells her that what Brody is doing to her is not love. Together they embark on a journey of love and lust before he must return to Iraq.
He shows her just what it means and feels like to truly be loved and cherished in the week that he is home. They have this connection with each other that is unbelievable not just in the bedroom but anywhere.
Vivian is dating Brody who is a complete jerk. Not only does he degrade her and belittle her but she thinks that is what love is. He continuously tells her she dresses like a s*ut and is the jealous and possesive type and not in a good way.
Liam is Vivian's older brother Julians best friend. He has been touring overseas and is home for a week before he goes back home. They have known each other since childhood. Liam tells her that what Brody is doing to her is not love. Together they embark on a journey of love and lust before he must return to Iraq.
He shows her just what it means and feels like to truly be loved and cherished in the week that he is home. They have this connection with each other that is unbelievable not just in the bedroom but anywhere.
Want to read
January 8, 2017
July 27, 2015
3 stars, but I have to reduce 1 star because of the panty ripping scene. Never heard of a woman so aroused that her vagina ripped the panty. Either she got a monster coochi or there is a poltergeist in the house.
Another star is docked because of the rapping scene. Too lame.
Another star is docked because of the rapping scene. Too lame.
April 20, 2015
Loved it, such a great mix of sensuality and drama. I have to go onto the next one to know how it ends!
July 22, 2015
Absolutely Loved This Book
What an amazing story. I was hooked from page 1. The characters are so real and easily relatable to. I need to get book 2 now. Just can't get enough.
What an amazing story. I was hooked from page 1. The characters are so real and easily relatable to. I need to get book 2 now. Just can't get enough.
Read
July 20, 2016If you read the description then you've pretty much read the book. There's really not much more to it unless you want to know the specifics of "the list"
Want to read
April 25, 2020🎁 Free on Amazon today (4/25/2020)! 🎁
Want to read
June 26, 2014**ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
December 30, 2019
All sex and no plot. Very little conflict aside from the beginning, when the hero is trying to convince the heroine that her boyfriend is psychologically abusive. He is, but the hero spends literal pages talking down to the heroine about it like he's lecturing her on the topic. I buy that he's concerned and that it's a tough issue for him because his mom was similarly abused by his dad, but it was like wading through the preachiest pamphlet ever: "Ten Signs Your Partner is an Abusive Jerk."
Once that's past, though, the pair falls into bed together on an accelerated schedule (he's shipping back to Iraq in a week! Let's shoehorn in some commentary on America's perpetual state of war!) and it's all sunshine and lollipops after that. The whole time I was like, "is the only conflict driving the rest of the story that this is supposed to be a fling and they're clearly catching feelings?" Because that's a good single source of conflict in a romance, but it's awfully thin to base an entire book around without anything deeper to go with it.
I was still thinking that right up until the unexpected cliffhanger. Yeah, this is half a story, padded out to reasonable novel-length with truly excessive amounts of repetitive, cringey, cheesy sex scenes. If this is supposed to be a romance, it needs more story. If this is supposed to be straight-up erotica, it needs better sex. Splitting the difference to try to make this sail as an erotic romance leaves it stranded in the middle without the better aspects of either.
Once that's past, though, the pair falls into bed together on an accelerated schedule (he's shipping back to Iraq in a week! Let's shoehorn in some commentary on America's perpetual state of war!) and it's all sunshine and lollipops after that. The whole time I was like, "is the only conflict driving the rest of the story that this is supposed to be a fling and they're clearly catching feelings?" Because that's a good single source of conflict in a romance, but it's awfully thin to base an entire book around without anything deeper to go with it.
I was still thinking that right up until the unexpected cliffhanger. Yeah, this is half a story, padded out to reasonable novel-length with truly excessive amounts of repetitive, cringey, cheesy sex scenes. If this is supposed to be a romance, it needs more story. If this is supposed to be straight-up erotica, it needs better sex. Splitting the difference to try to make this sail as an erotic romance leaves it stranded in the middle without the better aspects of either.
June 28, 2017
I liked this book. Pace was nice, very steamy, and sweet characters. BUT..... this is not a stand alone book. First of a sequel, which I didn't realize until the last page, so a definite WTF moment ;-/
May 13, 2020
1 Star ★
My main problem with this book, was it felt like I was reading a script. Nothing but dialog. Long, drawn out dialog.
I did NOT like Vivian and Brody relationship. How do you make excuses and defend someone who is clearly abusing you. That made no sense. And their constant arguing made no sense.
DNF at 50%.
My main problem with this book, was it felt like I was reading a script. Nothing but dialog. Long, drawn out dialog.
I did NOT like Vivian and Brody relationship. How do you make excuses and defend someone who is clearly abusing you. That made no sense. And their constant arguing made no sense.
DNF at 50%.
December 1, 2013
Not what I expected. So much more! A love story that deals with a real life tough subject matter. I started this one and did not stop, and before I realized it, I was done and I now want more. More, more more. Please? Please! Vivian is young and in a terrible relationship. Brody is slowly breaking her spirit and crushing her from inside out. Abused and unaware. All the while she is lost. Her past and her current life situation have taken a toll on her. Liam has known her forever. He is her brothers best friend, her protector, and so much more. Could he have actually had feelings for her all along? He is staying with her, while he is home. Liam's a soldier home from Iraq on leave. Just for awhile. He has his own demons and past troubles, however, he has always been there for Viv - always!
"Trust your instincts that you always relied on before. You know how Brody treats you is fucked. He manipulates you by making you doubt yourself. Do not believe his lies. You know the truth. Deep down, you know you are being abused. There is no question about that."
One night while trying to prove she is beyond Brody and that she is not frigid, right? She makes a list. Well let's say it's left out accidentally, and you got it, It's found and boy oh boy the fun begins. Vivian has always been crazy for Liam. Is it one sided? Will Liam be the one to help her fulfill her list of desires? Liam and Vivian have great chemistry. It comes out page after page. It's a relationship built on years of trust and friendship. Can it be more?
"But gazing at her face. I wondered how I could have loved anyone else in my life. Not only was Viv beautifully profound, she was profoundly beautiful. Ah, fuck trying to play it cool. "
It's a quick - fun and steamy read. Remember whipped cream. Holy hotness. I will say for being a short read it packs a steamy and toe curling punch. Wow! I loved the cast of characters. Her girlfriends cause a ruckus. The relationship I adored. It has sweet moment and funny moments. The other thing is this book deals with some heavy topics. Abuse. And the author handles it with care. Does not sugar coat the facts and paints a real portrait of what happens in life. Finished with a small cliffy and a few tears. I am looking forward to the rest of the story. If you want a hot steamy, touches your heart in all the right places read - look no further!
December 9, 2013
Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak
Do you have a sexual bucket list?
Vivian Sorenson made one after she got out of a verbally abusive relationship that had her self-esteem plummet down the drains. Her old boy friend, Brody called her a lot of names, but what stuck into her were – ‘frigid’ and ‘vanilla’. It made her doubt her sexuality, especially when he starts to sleep around. After she finally dropped him off, she made her sexual bucket list.
It was supposed to be a secret, but Liam had accidentally seen it and was surprised of everything that was written there. After all, this was Viv – and he had known her all his life being her big brother’s best friend. When she asked him to become her sexual partner, he reluctantly agreed. As they spent more and more time being intimate, the task of completing her list turned out to be something more.
Wow. It was hot. Hot. Hot. The steamy scenes were oooozing and burning with hotness. I love it!!! But more than that – I adore both characters. Especially Liam, who had tried his best to help Vivian to realize about his relationship, but had never, used it to his advantage. He had a firsthand experience with those kind of people and he’s not going to watch someone close to him suffer the same thing. Vivian might have been a little push over at first, but when she finally realizes what kind of relationship she has been through – she was brave enough to end the relationship. It was a sight to behold to finally see her gain her confidence back, as well as herself as she begins to fall in love one day at a time with a great guy who is soon leaving for Iraq.
I loved how the both of them fell in love, and how their relationship progressed. They were meant to be together. The ending was bittersweet. I feel sad that Liam is going back to Iraq, but it kept me wondering what is in store for us for the next book in the series.
★ARC Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.★
May 31, 2014
“Vivian´s List” is written in Vivian´s and Liam´s first-person narratives. Their perspectives change irregularly. After I read a huge amount of contemporary romance novels in the last couple of months I came to the conclusion that books with multiple storylines are easier to connect with. Multiple storylines simplify the increase of the arc of suspense and the excitement about the story. “Vivian´s List” is the exception who proves the rule. It is a sweet and interesting story with a single storyline. Based on the fact that Lovell´s writing style is very detailed and vivid, the story and the narrations are written very well and the story is integrated in two very interesting topics: Abuses in relationships and the war in Iraq.
I´m really impressed with Lovell´s handling of both topics. She portrays and elaborates them with an open-mind and without prejudice. The story gives the impression she researched the issues very well and I really appreciate that she isn’t biased. Sure, Brody and Liam´s father aren’t heroes but the introduction of Liam´s father and his statement that he didn’t know how to love differently put their abuses in perspective. It doesn’t excuse their behaviors but explain it. The Iraq war is another topic of the book. Vivian´s brother and Liam are deployed there. I know how controversial the discussions about the war were in the US and I really liked the discussions about politics and stories about the time in Iraq in the book. They portray a really realistic and authentic picture about the war and I loved it.
I´m really impressed with Lovell´s handling of both topics. She portrays and elaborates them with an open-mind and without prejudice. The story gives the impression she researched the issues very well and I really appreciate that she isn’t biased. Sure, Brody and Liam´s father aren’t heroes but the introduction of Liam´s father and his statement that he didn’t know how to love differently put their abuses in perspective. It doesn’t excuse their behaviors but explain it. The Iraq war is another topic of the book. Vivian´s brother and Liam are deployed there. I know how controversial the discussions about the war were in the US and I really liked the discussions about politics and stories about the time in Iraq in the book. They portray a really realistic and authentic picture about the war and I loved it.
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