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Because of Ellison
When I was nineteen years old, I lived for sex, drugs and a good party. I had it all—good looks, a fast car and a hot girlfriend. Nothing in life was more important.
That was, until I met Ellison James...
Since the moment I first saw her she was a raging bull; tackling me in the mud and throwing out insults as fast as her tongue could form the sound.
She was snarky
She was rude
And she pissed me off like no other woman could.
I lived beside her for a summer and in the three months that I walked by her side...
She opened my eyes
She changed my life
And she made me a better man.
That was, until I met Ellison James...
Since the moment I first saw her she was a raging bull; tackling me in the mud and throwing out insults as fast as her tongue could form the sound.
She was snarky
She was rude
And she pissed me off like no other woman could.
I lived beside her for a summer and in the three months that I walked by her side...
She opened my eyes
She changed my life
And she made me a better man.
400 pages, ebook
First published January 14, 2014
61 people are currently reading
3027 people want to read
About the author
M.S. Willis
14 books788 followersM.S. Willis is a dark writer who likes to dabble on the taboo side of eroticism. She is most known for her Control Series, the Estate Series, Because of Ellison (contemporary romance), and Standard Romance Story (Romance Comedy). When she isn’t writing as M.S. Willis, you can find other books by her under Lily White where she has penned the Masters Series (Her Master’s Courtesan and Her Master’s Teacher), Target This, Hard Roads, and Asylum. She’s co-authored Serial (a four part serial series) as Lily White as well. M.S. Willis enjoys stretching her writing muscles by continuing to challenge herself with each book she publishes.
In addition to writing, she is an avid reader, gummy bear slayer, and a gold medalist in puppy naps.
In addition to writing, she is an avid reader, gummy bear slayer, and a gold medalist in puppy naps.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews
February 23, 2015
::: FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED!!! 4.5 STARS :::
WOW!! This book hooked me right from the prologue and I could not put it down until I turned the very last page of the powerful epilogue! It was beautifully written, deeply emotional, and unforgettable. Hunter and Ellison's story will stay with me for a long time.
The story begins fifty years into the future. Hunter is now an older man, a genius, who has discovered the cure for cancer and is about to give a speech in front of an entire medical community. He was supposed to talk about the medical accomplishments. But instead he told them the truth of where it started. About a summer when he was 19... and a girl who defied him and stole his heart. It all started because of Ellison...
And then we're taken back in time to when they first met as he tells us their story.
Hunter had always been highly intelligent and he came from a wealthy family that gave him every physical thing he could want for. But when his drinking and drug taking went too far, his parents sent him to work for his uncle in Florida for a summer -- no credit cards, no electronics, nothing -- hoping that earning his keep would help teach him a lesson.
Their run-down lifestyle he now was a part of was about as far away from what he was used to as possible, but the real game changer came when he met a girl named Ellison. She defied him at every turn, had a quick temper and wasn't afraid to use it, was snarky, sassy, and lived life to it's fullest. She pushed and challenged him to be better. He'd never met anyone like her.
They came from different worlds, were about as opposite as you could imagine, their time together was limited since he was all set to attend college in the fall in Harvard far far away, and yet despite everything, they slowly grew closer and fell in love. This summer changed the course of their lives...
Trust me when I say that this is not your typical summer romance. Also -- I'm just going to say it because I know half of you are thinking it: No, she does not get sick and die over the summer either. M'kay?
I loved seeing Hunter's transformation from this kid who was headed down a path leading nowhere, borderline addicted to drugs, partying away his lack of will to live... to this guy who fell in love with a girl who gave him a purpose in life. She showed him what there was to live for. And even though she didn't make it easy, even though she challeneged him at every turn, I think that's exactly what he needed. I'm not sure any other girl would ever have gotten through to him like that. And most of all, I loved how, when the tables were turned, he never once, not ever, not even for a moment, gave up on her.
I read this book start to finish in 2 hours. It's a full length book (350 pages ish) but I literally just couldn't put it down and that's a testament to the story and the writing. This was just one of those books that flowed the whole way through. -- That being said, I did find that there were some slower parts in the middle. But that actually made sense given that much of this story took place over the course of a summer and, realistically, no one's lives are jam packed with drama every day so it felt realistic from that sense.
I absolutely LOVED the ending. L-O-V-E-D it!! The epilogue was hugely emotional!!! I cried. SOBBED!!! It wasn't tragic though -- please don't be freaked out -- and in fact, you could argue that this was indeed the truest form of a HEA. It was powerful beyond words. In some ways, even though the story was very different, it reminded me of The Notebook. I just sat there with tears literally pouring down my face. But I'd consider it non-tragic sobbing. You know what I mean? I was honestly SO happy with the way it ended.
I'm always on a search for books that not only tell a good story, but that also make me FEEL that story with all my heart. This was one of those books. I highly recommend it!
Rating: 4.5 stars!! Standalone romance.
_______________________________________
For more of my reviews, book news and updates:
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WOW!! This book hooked me right from the prologue and I could not put it down until I turned the very last page of the powerful epilogue! It was beautifully written, deeply emotional, and unforgettable. Hunter and Ellison's story will stay with me for a long time.
The story begins fifty years into the future. Hunter is now an older man, a genius, who has discovered the cure for cancer and is about to give a speech in front of an entire medical community. He was supposed to talk about the medical accomplishments. But instead he told them the truth of where it started. About a summer when he was 19... and a girl who defied him and stole his heart. It all started because of Ellison...
And then we're taken back in time to when they first met as he tells us their story.
Hunter had always been highly intelligent and he came from a wealthy family that gave him every physical thing he could want for. But when his drinking and drug taking went too far, his parents sent him to work for his uncle in Florida for a summer -- no credit cards, no electronics, nothing -- hoping that earning his keep would help teach him a lesson.
Their run-down lifestyle he now was a part of was about as far away from what he was used to as possible, but the real game changer came when he met a girl named Ellison. She defied him at every turn, had a quick temper and wasn't afraid to use it, was snarky, sassy, and lived life to it's fullest. She pushed and challenged him to be better. He'd never met anyone like her.
“I don’t want to be one of those people who, at the end of their lives, look back and realize they missed it.”
They came from different worlds, were about as opposite as you could imagine, their time together was limited since he was all set to attend college in the fall in Harvard far far away, and yet despite everything, they slowly grew closer and fell in love. This summer changed the course of their lives...
“You’re only going to be here for a couple of months and then you are heading back to your home. We can be friends, Hunter, but… I don’t like to risk my heart when I know something won’t work out in the end. I’m not a fling. I’m not some girl that’s okay with having fun just for the sake of the moment."
Trust me when I say that this is not your typical summer romance. Also -- I'm just going to say it because I know half of you are thinking it: No, she does not get sick and die over the summer either. M'kay?
I loved seeing Hunter's transformation from this kid who was headed down a path leading nowhere, borderline addicted to drugs, partying away his lack of will to live... to this guy who fell in love with a girl who gave him a purpose in life. She showed him what there was to live for. And even though she didn't make it easy, even though she challeneged him at every turn, I think that's exactly what he needed. I'm not sure any other girl would ever have gotten through to him like that. And most of all, I loved how, when the tables were turned, he never once, not ever, not even for a moment, gave up on her.
“This might be your life, but I’m making it mine as well — because YOU are my life. I don’t give a shit what you say or do. You can ignore me, you can hate me — hell — you can put my picture on a wall and throw darts at it if that’s what makes you feel better, but I’m not going anywhere.”
I read this book start to finish in 2 hours. It's a full length book (350 pages ish) but I literally just couldn't put it down and that's a testament to the story and the writing. This was just one of those books that flowed the whole way through. -- That being said, I did find that there were some slower parts in the middle. But that actually made sense given that much of this story took place over the course of a summer and, realistically, no one's lives are jam packed with drama every day so it felt realistic from that sense.
I absolutely LOVED the ending. L-O-V-E-D it!! The epilogue was hugely emotional!!! I cried. SOBBED!!! It wasn't tragic though -- please don't be freaked out -- and in fact, you could argue that this was indeed the truest form of a HEA. It was powerful beyond words. In some ways, even though the story was very different, it reminded me of The Notebook. I just sat there with tears literally pouring down my face. But I'd consider it non-tragic sobbing. You know what I mean? I was honestly SO happy with the way it ended.
I'm always on a search for books that not only tell a good story, but that also make me FEEL that story with all my heart. This was one of those books. I highly recommend it!
“My lips fell on hers and I kissed her with everything that I had. I told her I loved her with that kiss, I told her I would protect her, that I would care for her and that I would fight for her every fucking day if that’s what it took for me to be with her.”
Rating: 4.5 stars!! Standalone romance.
_______________________________________
For more of my reviews, book news and updates:
✦ Main blog: Aestas Book Blog
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✦ Subscribe by email
March 5, 2015
”Ellis wasn’t just a girl I was with – she was an experience I would never forget.”
This story starts fifty years in the future, as our main character is accepting recognition for curing cancer. (I pray this accomplishment will happen sooner than fifty years from now.)
The story then tells his tale as an arrogant, lost and spoiled nineteen year old the summer before he heads to Harvard. His parents send him to live with his estranged uncle and cousin in Florida. From the moment he meets their next door neighbor, Ellison James, Hunter’s outlook on life and purpose is questioned by this beautiful and complex girl. Between Ellison, her father and Hunter's uncle and cousin he learns what he needs to do to become a man.
"Most importantly, be her equal. She's an amazing person and it'll be difficult for any man to be worthy of her time. So make yourself worthy."
Ellison and Hunter have a strong pull but her father’s illness and Hunter’s academic future has her pushing him to leave and make his difference in the world. Hunter was very persistent in his pursuit and Ellison was very stubborn at times. However, their story was pretty sweet and Hunter wins over Ellison.
“Why do you keep chasing after me, Hunter?”
“Because you are a dream and someone once told me that if I had a dream, I should chase it.”
Overall, this story was well written, the epilogue wrapped up all the feels I had and made for a somewhat predictable but good sweet read.
”Our lives are like books, Hunter. Each day is a new page – each year, a new chapter. Just like books, our lives end; but our stories … those are never forgotten. We live on in the hearts and thoughts of those who loved us.”
January 13, 2014
2.5 stars
If you know me, I don’t start out my reviews saying what a fan I am of _____ author so the fact that I am starting it out like this reflects my seriousness. I practically worship M.S. Willis on my dark reads pedestal as her Estate series is one of the most terrifyingly addictive series I’ve read since I started down the path of dark romance. When I saw that she wrote a NA contemporary that was the complete opposite of what I normally read from her, I knew I had to try it out.
Unfortunately I must report that Because of Ellison is NOT for me. Why?
“It was because of Ellison.”
No, really. It was because of Ellison. She takes bitch to a whole new level.
So somewhere in all those pranks, taunts, and such they fall in love, you know, with her being so resentful of Hunter and he so annoyed by her.
Just how do they fall in love again?
Unless...those taunts were foreplay?
Yeah, this was not for me. Sorry!!!!!
Side note: I actually really liked the author’s writing style but the characters were enough to obliterate the positives.
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Please note that all quotes are from an advanced copy and may be subject to change in the final edition.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WOOT! Another book by M.S. Willis! Granted it's not dark, but what this woman writes, I read!
If you know me, I don’t start out my reviews saying what a fan I am of _____ author so the fact that I am starting it out like this reflects my seriousness. I practically worship M.S. Willis on my dark reads pedestal as her Estate series is one of the most terrifyingly addictive series I’ve read since I started down the path of dark romance. When I saw that she wrote a NA contemporary that was the complete opposite of what I normally read from her, I knew I had to try it out.
Unfortunately I must report that Because of Ellison is NOT for me. Why?
“It was because of Ellison.”
No, really. It was because of Ellison. She takes bitch to a whole new level.
So somewhere in all those pranks, taunts, and such they fall in love, you know, with her being so resentful of Hunter and he so annoyed by her.
Just how do they fall in love again?
Unless...those taunts were foreplay?
Yeah, this was not for me. Sorry!!!!!
Side note: I actually really liked the author’s writing style but the characters were enough to obliterate the positives.
ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Please note that all quotes are from an advanced copy and may be subject to change in the final edition.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WOOT! Another book by M.S. Willis! Granted it's not dark, but what this woman writes, I read!
Read
January 13, 2014DNF at 47%
I'm going to be honest and tell you that I flew through 40% of this book because it read well. The stumbling block was Ellison, had Ellison been a real person, I would have been very scared of her and stayed out of her way. I'm serious, "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" Be careful what you do because if you cross her... She will get you!
I'd also probably respect her for standing up for her beliefs, she definitely wasn't a weak heroine. I'll leave it at that :)
ARC kindly provided by author in return for an honest review
I'm going to be honest and tell you that I flew through 40% of this book because it read well. The stumbling block was Ellison, had Ellison been a real person, I would have been very scared of her and stayed out of her way. I'm serious, "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" Be careful what you do because if you cross her... She will get you!
I'd also probably respect her for standing up for her beliefs, she definitely wasn't a weak heroine. I'll leave it at that :)
ARC kindly provided by author in return for an honest review
July 28, 2015
It's just not my week I guess because this is the 4th book I've had to read with a detailed sex scene wth another woman.
He already is pretty much in love with the heroine, he hooks up with her in the morning, his ex girlfriend shows up and instead of forcing her to leave he does lines of coke with her and allows her to give him a blow job.
Revolting. Absolutely ruined what was an enjoyable read this far. He barely even tried to get her to stop. I'm so fucking sick of authors pulling this shit in romance.
He was JUST hooking up with the heroine in the morning and thinking about how he was falling for her and then he does that the same afternoon? And what's more disgusting is he was thinking about how was going to get the heroine to understand the girl who showed up was his ex. Spouting bullshit about getting her to trust him and all that garbage.
Makes me sick.
He already is pretty much in love with the heroine, he hooks up with her in the morning, his ex girlfriend shows up and instead of forcing her to leave he does lines of coke with her and allows her to give him a blow job.
Revolting. Absolutely ruined what was an enjoyable read this far. He barely even tried to get her to stop. I'm so fucking sick of authors pulling this shit in romance.
He was JUST hooking up with the heroine in the morning and thinking about how he was falling for her and then he does that the same afternoon? And what's more disgusting is he was thinking about how was going to get the heroine to understand the girl who showed up was his ex. Spouting bullshit about getting her to trust him and all that garbage.
Makes me sick.
January 25, 2015
Stunningly beautiful ...
February 17, 2014
Jointly reviewed for: http://totallybookedblog.com/
Gitte: Sometimes you start a book and you’re just not feeling it. It starts as many before it and you’re reading thinking, I’m just not sure about this one. It’s okay but nothing unique and there’s no emotion that sets it apart from any other ‘okay’ stories. Well this is how I felt through the first half of Because of Ellison, I just wasn’t feeling it and when I had to put it down a few times I wasn’t rushing to pick it back up. The prologue was intriguing yet what followed just didn’t grab me, it just was what it was. Then….then something happened and the tone, the emotion and the quality of writing went from zero to a hundred in one scene.
“Why do you keep chasing after me, Hunter?”
“Because you are a dream and someone once told me that if I had a dream, I should chase it.” ~ Hunter
That’s right one scene and I was hooked. Suddenly it was as if the Author woke up and wrote from the heart and her own emotions made an imprint on every single page. Her characters suddenly came into their own, they showed such depth, the story became bigger than what it was and the writing became superb. All, I guess, because real, raw and pure emotion entered the equation.
”Our lives are like books, Hunter. Each day is a new page – each year, a new chapter. Just like books, our lives end; but our stories … those are never forgotten. We live on in the hearts and thoughts of those who loved us.” ~ Ellison
Now, I have to admit that I guessed where this story was going from the onset and I predicted how it was going to end. However, once it truly got going this did not matter one bit because it was class, pure class in how it got there and I haven’t cried like I did for a very long time. Pure ugly can’t leave the house crying! This Author pulled it right back for me turning something okay-ish into something wow! Amazing really and just goes to show the quality of this story and how the Author by injecting herself and emotion into it turned it all around. Suddenly I was inhaling every word amongst my tears and by the time I got to the epilogue, well I was in a messy puddle on the floor hiccupping through my tears. That epilogue has to be one of the most beautiful and astounding epilogues we’ve ever read right, Jenny?!
Jenny: I was the same G. I was actually enjoying Because of Ellison in the beginning although Ellison herself frustrated me at times, but I wasn’t being wowed. Having said that, there was no way I was going to put this book aside because that prologue absolutely guaranteed that I would be there right to the end. The prologue actually gave me goosebumps when I read it. I HAD to know how the story arrived at that point. Then, as you said, somewhere around the 50% it changed and I couldn’t move until I finished it. It gripped me and all else melted into the background until I completed what was to become one of the most moving books I’ve read for a while.
‘You can’t live life thinking you won’t screw up every now and then. The mistakes are just as important as the successes. You wouldn’t be who you are with both of them.’ – Ellison
THAT epilogue. Words fail me. It took me longer to read that epi than it did the whole book, as I paused numerous times to wipe my tears – and it wasn’t just tears. Like you I sobbed. In fact, this book consumed me the whole day after I read it. It made me look at life and take stock, and when a work of fiction encroaches on real life, well..you know you’ve just been privy to something truly mesmorising.
‘It was our world that summer; it was our moment together.’ – Hunter
Such a beautifully told story of first love, self enlightenment and finding your way. What started out as a sweet and flirty read soon became an intensely emotional story and the latter of this book felt so personal, as if the author herself poured her heart and soul onto those pages and I felt every single word she wrote as if she wrote them specifically for me.
‘ I wanted to be her island, her rock, and her strength. I wanted to take on the world for her and battle against anything that threatened her. Ellison was soft hearted – she didn’t need pain to make her hard. There was too much beauty in her heart and soul for that to happen.’ – Hunter
It was moving and I will never forget the feelings I experienced reading this absolute gem of a story.
Gitte: Right, so Hunter; a spoilt nineteen year old rich kid who lives to party, shag and do drugs yet is highly intelligent and methodical. He’s a mess and has no real dreams or inspirations in life. Time out is called and his parents send him to stay with his Uncle in an environment at the opposite scale of what he’s used to. I didn’t really have an opinion of Hunter to begin with, he didn’t impress me and I didn’t really connect with him, though I somehow knew there was more to him than meets the eye with the way he dealt with what was thrown at him. Then Ellison happened and this boy shed the superficial obnoxious arse layer and came into his own, taking control and becoming so much more and then some.
‘…I’d met Ellison James and I knew that just knowing the girl was going to change my life forever.’ – Hunter
I don’t want to give any spoilers about Hunter, however, him coming into his own is what had me devouring this book and changing every bit of my initial opinion. Hunter stole my heart through his beautiful actions, his words, his caring and his understanding of life and being able to appreciate silence for what it brings. His reaction to a devastating situation as a consequence of the sweet, inspirational and beautiful person that is, Ellison James. Ellison, though she grated on me to start with, became magnificent didn’t she Jenny?!
“I’ve found something that I feel passionate about in my life just like you asked – I found you! You are what I’m passionate about, you are the person for whom I want to live and breathe…” – Hunter
Jenny: Ellison was such a contradiction to begin with and I wasn’t sure how I was going to connect to this strong willed, bull headed young lady with the wicked sense of humor who possessed a playfulness and wickedly clever and devious mind.
‘It wasn’t that Ellison could see the good or bad in people, it was that she saw the real in people.’ – Hunter
She was loyal to a fault though and I admired her tenacity, but oh she could be a little madam at times. She could be extremely obstinate at times, and her behaviour towards Hunter tended to grate on me but I understood her reasoning was purely selfless and that her rationale was to protect those she loved and her actions were in fact selfless and in the end she completely won me over and I adored her.
‘I hadn’t known Hunter for very long but my soul recognized him and it was easy to fall in step with him – to feel like I’d known him forever.’ – Ellison
What this young woman dealt with in her young life was extraordinary and she too was an extraordinary girl. No wonder Hunter fell head over heels for her. He could see beyond the hard exterior, he could see the beautiful, giving, compassionate and passionate woman under her bravado. Their love story was unique and it was captivating and I loved every moment. Theirs was a special bond, a special love.
G&J: Even though we started off perhaps not overawed or wowed it became the exact opposite towards the end. We read in awe and yes we loved with aching hearts and tears in our eyes.
“Why can’t I just stay here and love you?” – Hunter
Because of Ellison is like a journey of discovery, if you will, where you start off in a familiar territory yet the path takes you down a road you’ve not travelled before with new emotions, sights and thoughts. You’re wowed and something recognizable turns into something unique that leaves a lasting impression on your heart and mind.
“It was because of Ellison.”
This story is one of new discoveries, self-realisations, friendships, hope and ultimately love. The subject matter is one we have all been touched by and the emotion with which is written is extremely powerful and the actions of Hunter and Ellison remarkable in their own personal and unique way. It turned into an absolutely beautiful journey after a slow start. A journey we can highly recommend! The Epilogue being so extremely poignant and inspiring that it will stay with you for a long while after.
“…she feared being insignificant…Ellison is anything BUT insignificant…she is the smile and the light…”
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Gitte: Sometimes you start a book and you’re just not feeling it. It starts as many before it and you’re reading thinking, I’m just not sure about this one. It’s okay but nothing unique and there’s no emotion that sets it apart from any other ‘okay’ stories. Well this is how I felt through the first half of Because of Ellison, I just wasn’t feeling it and when I had to put it down a few times I wasn’t rushing to pick it back up. The prologue was intriguing yet what followed just didn’t grab me, it just was what it was. Then….then something happened and the tone, the emotion and the quality of writing went from zero to a hundred in one scene.
“Why do you keep chasing after me, Hunter?”
“Because you are a dream and someone once told me that if I had a dream, I should chase it.” ~ Hunter
That’s right one scene and I was hooked. Suddenly it was as if the Author woke up and wrote from the heart and her own emotions made an imprint on every single page. Her characters suddenly came into their own, they showed such depth, the story became bigger than what it was and the writing became superb. All, I guess, because real, raw and pure emotion entered the equation.
”Our lives are like books, Hunter. Each day is a new page – each year, a new chapter. Just like books, our lives end; but our stories … those are never forgotten. We live on in the hearts and thoughts of those who loved us.” ~ Ellison
Now, I have to admit that I guessed where this story was going from the onset and I predicted how it was going to end. However, once it truly got going this did not matter one bit because it was class, pure class in how it got there and I haven’t cried like I did for a very long time. Pure ugly can’t leave the house crying! This Author pulled it right back for me turning something okay-ish into something wow! Amazing really and just goes to show the quality of this story and how the Author by injecting herself and emotion into it turned it all around. Suddenly I was inhaling every word amongst my tears and by the time I got to the epilogue, well I was in a messy puddle on the floor hiccupping through my tears. That epilogue has to be one of the most beautiful and astounding epilogues we’ve ever read right, Jenny?!
Jenny: I was the same G. I was actually enjoying Because of Ellison in the beginning although Ellison herself frustrated me at times, but I wasn’t being wowed. Having said that, there was no way I was going to put this book aside because that prologue absolutely guaranteed that I would be there right to the end. The prologue actually gave me goosebumps when I read it. I HAD to know how the story arrived at that point. Then, as you said, somewhere around the 50% it changed and I couldn’t move until I finished it. It gripped me and all else melted into the background until I completed what was to become one of the most moving books I’ve read for a while.
‘You can’t live life thinking you won’t screw up every now and then. The mistakes are just as important as the successes. You wouldn’t be who you are with both of them.’ – Ellison
THAT epilogue. Words fail me. It took me longer to read that epi than it did the whole book, as I paused numerous times to wipe my tears – and it wasn’t just tears. Like you I sobbed. In fact, this book consumed me the whole day after I read it. It made me look at life and take stock, and when a work of fiction encroaches on real life, well..you know you’ve just been privy to something truly mesmorising.
‘It was our world that summer; it was our moment together.’ – Hunter
Such a beautifully told story of first love, self enlightenment and finding your way. What started out as a sweet and flirty read soon became an intensely emotional story and the latter of this book felt so personal, as if the author herself poured her heart and soul onto those pages and I felt every single word she wrote as if she wrote them specifically for me.
‘ I wanted to be her island, her rock, and her strength. I wanted to take on the world for her and battle against anything that threatened her. Ellison was soft hearted – she didn’t need pain to make her hard. There was too much beauty in her heart and soul for that to happen.’ – Hunter
It was moving and I will never forget the feelings I experienced reading this absolute gem of a story.
Gitte: Right, so Hunter; a spoilt nineteen year old rich kid who lives to party, shag and do drugs yet is highly intelligent and methodical. He’s a mess and has no real dreams or inspirations in life. Time out is called and his parents send him to stay with his Uncle in an environment at the opposite scale of what he’s used to. I didn’t really have an opinion of Hunter to begin with, he didn’t impress me and I didn’t really connect with him, though I somehow knew there was more to him than meets the eye with the way he dealt with what was thrown at him. Then Ellison happened and this boy shed the superficial obnoxious arse layer and came into his own, taking control and becoming so much more and then some.
‘…I’d met Ellison James and I knew that just knowing the girl was going to change my life forever.’ – Hunter
I don’t want to give any spoilers about Hunter, however, him coming into his own is what had me devouring this book and changing every bit of my initial opinion. Hunter stole my heart through his beautiful actions, his words, his caring and his understanding of life and being able to appreciate silence for what it brings. His reaction to a devastating situation as a consequence of the sweet, inspirational and beautiful person that is, Ellison James. Ellison, though she grated on me to start with, became magnificent didn’t she Jenny?!
“I’ve found something that I feel passionate about in my life just like you asked – I found you! You are what I’m passionate about, you are the person for whom I want to live and breathe…” – Hunter
Jenny: Ellison was such a contradiction to begin with and I wasn’t sure how I was going to connect to this strong willed, bull headed young lady with the wicked sense of humor who possessed a playfulness and wickedly clever and devious mind.
‘It wasn’t that Ellison could see the good or bad in people, it was that she saw the real in people.’ – Hunter
She was loyal to a fault though and I admired her tenacity, but oh she could be a little madam at times. She could be extremely obstinate at times, and her behaviour towards Hunter tended to grate on me but I understood her reasoning was purely selfless and that her rationale was to protect those she loved and her actions were in fact selfless and in the end she completely won me over and I adored her.
‘I hadn’t known Hunter for very long but my soul recognized him and it was easy to fall in step with him – to feel like I’d known him forever.’ – Ellison
What this young woman dealt with in her young life was extraordinary and she too was an extraordinary girl. No wonder Hunter fell head over heels for her. He could see beyond the hard exterior, he could see the beautiful, giving, compassionate and passionate woman under her bravado. Their love story was unique and it was captivating and I loved every moment. Theirs was a special bond, a special love.
G&J: Even though we started off perhaps not overawed or wowed it became the exact opposite towards the end. We read in awe and yes we loved with aching hearts and tears in our eyes.
“Why can’t I just stay here and love you?” – Hunter
Because of Ellison is like a journey of discovery, if you will, where you start off in a familiar territory yet the path takes you down a road you’ve not travelled before with new emotions, sights and thoughts. You’re wowed and something recognizable turns into something unique that leaves a lasting impression on your heart and mind.
“It was because of Ellison.”
This story is one of new discoveries, self-realisations, friendships, hope and ultimately love. The subject matter is one we have all been touched by and the emotion with which is written is extremely powerful and the actions of Hunter and Ellison remarkable in their own personal and unique way. It turned into an absolutely beautiful journey after a slow start. A journey we can highly recommend! The Epilogue being so extremely poignant and inspiring that it will stay with you for a long while after.
“…she feared being insignificant…Ellison is anything BUT insignificant…she is the smile and the light…”
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
nfmaa
July 21, 2024Note to self
H gets a BJ from OW AFTER hooking up with the h....the very same day🤢
H gets a BJ from OW AFTER hooking up with the h....the very same day🤢
Want to read
January 17, 2014
ARC kindly provided by author in return for an honest review
March 1, 2015
GET IT NOW!! It's on a 99cent SALE. One of my FAVORITE books ever.
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/mlu7sy9
4.5 Beautiful Stars
This review won’t reflect back on the plot or what’s going on in the characters’ lives; I won’t spoil the review with quotes, highlights or their ups & downs, because you need to experience this book. Jump in blindly and just read it; read and let everything sink in, soak it up and see the deeper meaning in it.
I’m glad I continued reading this book; until the 65% mark I still wasn’t sure what I should think about it. I had the feeling something is missing –almost like as if I was waiting something to happen. It felt flat; nothing really ‘happened’. Until I realized it wasn’t the book, it was me. I was blind/oblivious to the obvious.
I started the book with the wrong mindset; I already prepared myself for a romance book between two young adults that fall in love, have some drama, endure some hardship, and in the end find their way back to each other.
I WAS WRONG … and I’m thankful I kept reading. After the 65% mark it made literally click in my head and I saw the broader picture in the story. A story so beautiful written, and to the same time so meaningful that you could only keep on reading to ‘follow’ what’s going to happen, where life takes these people.
This book made me think, it made me reflect on my own past and previous actions. The prologue caught my attention and the epilogue broke me apart – I was a crying mess at the end. The ending was so touching, beautiful, but simple to the same time that I was in awe. I wanted what those two had; I wanted to experience what they had; I wanted to feel what it feels to love and be in love like they were.
After I finished the book I couldn’t fall asleep, despite being 4am in the morning. My head was processing everything I’ve read –the feelings of these characters, their promises they made, their vows to each other- I just couldn’t let go…I’m still getting very emotional thinking about it and actually re-read the epilogue to feel again the love they still share…and yeah, tears were falling again.
Read this book as a memoir for a loved one, or read it as a sign of deep love…a love that pushed through so much grief and never gave up.
Don’t start this book looking for a fancy NA book, filled with super drama, alpha, super steamy scenes and unnecessary bs in it. This book is about life; the plain reality of it, showing that you can’t influence what happens in it but you can make the best out of it. This book teaches us a lot about life, about love, dreams and hopes. Most importantly, it showed us true love exists.
It was perfect…. I finished it and wished I could go back in time in hope to find the same or something similar to what Hunter and Ellison shared.
Ellison James turned the life of Hunter upside down; she was a bitch, she was rude, she was sarcastic BUT she was the best thing that could have happened to him…
Enjoy their beautiful, one in a kind love story…a love that lasted over 50yrs and beyond… a story that will touch your heart.
”Our lives are like books, Hunter. Each day is a new page – each year, a new chapter. Just like books, our lives end; but our stories….those are never forgotten. We live on in the heart and thoughts of those who loved us.”
… And their story will definitely live on ….
Amazon--> http://amzn.to/1mL6lvu
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/mlu7sy9
4.5 Beautiful Stars
This review won’t reflect back on the plot or what’s going on in the characters’ lives; I won’t spoil the review with quotes, highlights or their ups & downs, because you need to experience this book. Jump in blindly and just read it; read and let everything sink in, soak it up and see the deeper meaning in it.
I’m glad I continued reading this book; until the 65% mark I still wasn’t sure what I should think about it. I had the feeling something is missing –almost like as if I was waiting something to happen. It felt flat; nothing really ‘happened’. Until I realized it wasn’t the book, it was me. I was blind/oblivious to the obvious.
I started the book with the wrong mindset; I already prepared myself for a romance book between two young adults that fall in love, have some drama, endure some hardship, and in the end find their way back to each other.
I WAS WRONG … and I’m thankful I kept reading. After the 65% mark it made literally click in my head and I saw the broader picture in the story. A story so beautiful written, and to the same time so meaningful that you could only keep on reading to ‘follow’ what’s going to happen, where life takes these people.
This book made me think, it made me reflect on my own past and previous actions. The prologue caught my attention and the epilogue broke me apart – I was a crying mess at the end. The ending was so touching, beautiful, but simple to the same time that I was in awe. I wanted what those two had; I wanted to experience what they had; I wanted to feel what it feels to love and be in love like they were.
After I finished the book I couldn’t fall asleep, despite being 4am in the morning. My head was processing everything I’ve read –the feelings of these characters, their promises they made, their vows to each other- I just couldn’t let go…I’m still getting very emotional thinking about it and actually re-read the epilogue to feel again the love they still share…and yeah, tears were falling again.
Read this book as a memoir for a loved one, or read it as a sign of deep love…a love that pushed through so much grief and never gave up.
Don’t start this book looking for a fancy NA book, filled with super drama, alpha, super steamy scenes and unnecessary bs in it. This book is about life; the plain reality of it, showing that you can’t influence what happens in it but you can make the best out of it. This book teaches us a lot about life, about love, dreams and hopes. Most importantly, it showed us true love exists.
It was perfect…. I finished it and wished I could go back in time in hope to find the same or something similar to what Hunter and Ellison shared.
Ellison James turned the life of Hunter upside down; she was a bitch, she was rude, she was sarcastic BUT she was the best thing that could have happened to him…
Enjoy their beautiful, one in a kind love story…a love that lasted over 50yrs and beyond… a story that will touch your heart.
”Our lives are like books, Hunter. Each day is a new page – each year, a new chapter. Just like books, our lives end; but our stories….those are never forgotten. We live on in the heart and thoughts of those who loved us.”
… And their story will definitely live on ….
Amazon--> http://amzn.to/1mL6lvu
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
February 1, 2019
A beautiful story full of redemption and hope.
I love when a story starts with a prologue and then goes back in time to tell the full story. It creates a feeling of mystery and uncertainty, and when an HEA finally does come, it’s that much more satisfying.
Because of Ellison starts with a 69 year old Hunter getting ready to give a speech to a crowded room where he is being honored for his achievement of finding a cure for cancer. Instead of giving his rehearsed speech, he starts telling the story of how he met Ellison 50 years before and how this achievement is because of Ellison.
At 19, Hunter is a jaded and spoiled rich kid spending his free time partying and being an overall waste of space. After an incident where his car ends up in a swimming pool, his parents fly him down to Florida to spend his summer before college with his working class uncle, with the hopes he will get scared straight.
This is where he meets Ellison, the beautiful and infuriating blonde girl next door.
Their relationship starts off on the wrong foot, full of snarky remarks and pranks. He quickly becomes fascinated with Ellison, a feeling he’s never felt about another girl. The girls he’s used to are shallow and fake who only care about partying (a lot like him). But Ellison see’s something in Hunter that he doesn’t see in himself.
Without summarizing the entire story, just know this book had all the feels and a wonderful ending. I cried while reading the last chapter, but it wasn’t until after the book was finished that the flood of emotions really took over. It reminded me of how I felt after reading The Notebook.
I love when a story starts with a prologue and then goes back in time to tell the full story. It creates a feeling of mystery and uncertainty, and when an HEA finally does come, it’s that much more satisfying.
Because of Ellison starts with a 69 year old Hunter getting ready to give a speech to a crowded room where he is being honored for his achievement of finding a cure for cancer. Instead of giving his rehearsed speech, he starts telling the story of how he met Ellison 50 years before and how this achievement is because of Ellison.
At 19, Hunter is a jaded and spoiled rich kid spending his free time partying and being an overall waste of space. After an incident where his car ends up in a swimming pool, his parents fly him down to Florida to spend his summer before college with his working class uncle, with the hopes he will get scared straight.
This is where he meets Ellison, the beautiful and infuriating blonde girl next door.
Their relationship starts off on the wrong foot, full of snarky remarks and pranks. He quickly becomes fascinated with Ellison, a feeling he’s never felt about another girl. The girls he’s used to are shallow and fake who only care about partying (a lot like him). But Ellison see’s something in Hunter that he doesn’t see in himself.
Without summarizing the entire story, just know this book had all the feels and a wonderful ending. I cried while reading the last chapter, but it wasn’t until after the book was finished that the flood of emotions really took over. It reminded me of how I felt after reading The Notebook.
May 24, 2015
I loved this book! This book far exceeded my expectations. It was surprisingly funny, sweet, heartbreaking, thoughtful and sexy. Ellison James is one of my very favorite heroines. Fantastic! Highly recommend!
March 22, 2014
Well this book was unexpectedly wonderful!
The heroine was extremely strong in this one, which I love! I hate a weak heroine. Everyone can have weak moments, but to be weak all the time, and to play the "woe is me card", I hate that!
Loved both POV's. The story was heartbreaking, funny, and loving!
I highly recommend for anyone that loves a good love story! And yes there is some steam! Just enough to make us readers happy! ;)
The heroine was extremely strong in this one, which I love! I hate a weak heroine. Everyone can have weak moments, but to be weak all the time, and to play the "woe is me card", I hate that!
Loved both POV's. The story was heartbreaking, funny, and loving!
I highly recommend for anyone that loves a good love story! And yes there is some steam! Just enough to make us readers happy! ;)
February 2, 2014
I popped my M.S. Willis cherry this weekend, and I’m so glad I did. M.S. Willis has been releasing books like hotcakes, but this was my first read by her.
I would classify this book under Chick Lit, which is not a genre that I typically read. At times I kind of felt like I was reading the movie version of The Notebook. This is a book that could definitely be translated toward the screen. There’s nothing wrong with that at all, but it is very sweeping, with an older man reminiscing about the love of his life.
Because of Ellison is the story of Hunter, an intelligent 19 year old with no ambition except to party, drink and do drugs. He has no goals in life. After sinking his new BMW in the bottom of his parents pool after a night of heavy partying, he is sent to Florida for the summer to live with his “poor” uncle Bill and cousin Lilly, and see what it’s like to live in “poverty”. At least that’s what his parents consider it.
His first day there he meets their beautiful neighbor, and Lilly’s best friend, Ellison, and it is not under good terms. Ellison is a true lover of animals and nature. Throughout the summer, they form a close friendship, with ups and downs. Some involving sexual encounters and some involving run in’s and misunderstandings with ex-boyfriends and ex-girlfriends. By the end of the summer though, she really helps Hunter discover himself. He is now able to enjoy the silence and nature, and decide what he really wants to do with his life. He realizes that his partying was an embarrassment and waste of time.
The crux of the story though does involve loss and the author does a great job of detailing the emotions and actions that someone goes through when caring for a loved one that is ill. I can relate, based on personal experience, that there is truth to this.
The character development was excellent and I was glad to see that the development of the relationship between Hunter and Ellison took place over a period of time and was not rushed. The sexual attraction between the two was not intense, but rather sweet. Some of the secondary characters, including Lilly, Bill, Jake, Finn and Tiffany were not very font and center but did add some humor and sometimes angst into the story. Henry, Ellison’s father, probably makes the biggest impression out of all of the secondary characters.
I did enjoy this book, and see that M.S. Willis does write darker books as well, so I’m interested to read these too. There’s no doubt that I’ll be adding all her works to my tbr.
An ARC was kindly provided by the Author for an honest review.
Review posted at Love Between the Sheets
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I would classify this book under Chick Lit, which is not a genre that I typically read. At times I kind of felt like I was reading the movie version of The Notebook. This is a book that could definitely be translated toward the screen. There’s nothing wrong with that at all, but it is very sweeping, with an older man reminiscing about the love of his life.
Because of Ellison is the story of Hunter, an intelligent 19 year old with no ambition except to party, drink and do drugs. He has no goals in life. After sinking his new BMW in the bottom of his parents pool after a night of heavy partying, he is sent to Florida for the summer to live with his “poor” uncle Bill and cousin Lilly, and see what it’s like to live in “poverty”. At least that’s what his parents consider it.
His first day there he meets their beautiful neighbor, and Lilly’s best friend, Ellison, and it is not under good terms. Ellison is a true lover of animals and nature. Throughout the summer, they form a close friendship, with ups and downs. Some involving sexual encounters and some involving run in’s and misunderstandings with ex-boyfriends and ex-girlfriends. By the end of the summer though, she really helps Hunter discover himself. He is now able to enjoy the silence and nature, and decide what he really wants to do with his life. He realizes that his partying was an embarrassment and waste of time.
The crux of the story though does involve loss and the author does a great job of detailing the emotions and actions that someone goes through when caring for a loved one that is ill. I can relate, based on personal experience, that there is truth to this.
The character development was excellent and I was glad to see that the development of the relationship between Hunter and Ellison took place over a period of time and was not rushed. The sexual attraction between the two was not intense, but rather sweet. Some of the secondary characters, including Lilly, Bill, Jake, Finn and Tiffany were not very font and center but did add some humor and sometimes angst into the story. Henry, Ellison’s father, probably makes the biggest impression out of all of the secondary characters.
I did enjoy this book, and see that M.S. Willis does write darker books as well, so I’m interested to read these too. There’s no doubt that I’ll be adding all her works to my tbr.
An ARC was kindly provided by the Author for an honest review.
Review posted at Love Between the Sheets
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August 12, 2015
~~~5-Evil-Princess-Bitch-Stars~~~
If there would be a possibility to give this book more than five stars I would and yes I hate it when people say this. But this book is just W-O-W and I can't believe I nearly never have read it.
"Because of Ellison" is a book that will break your heart and your soul in a million pieces...but it will also put you back together as a new person because there is no way in reading this book and not being changed.
It gives you also hope in people when you thought you already lost all the hope.
I love this book and it's one of my favorites of all time because I just know that this story will stay with me forever...that's because it changed me in the best way.
If there would be a possibility to give this book more than five stars I would and yes I hate it when people say this. But this book is just W-O-W and I can't believe I nearly never have read it.
"Because of Ellison" is a book that will break your heart and your soul in a million pieces...but it will also put you back together as a new person because there is no way in reading this book and not being changed.
"Our lives are like books, Hunter. Each day is a new page- each year, a new chapter. Just like books, our lives end; but our stories...those are never forgotten. We live on in the hearts and thoughts of those who loved us."
It gives you also hope in people when you thought you already lost all the hope.
"Everybody has a story, Hunter, and that story will cause them to act in ways that other people won’t be able to understand. But, you give a person enough time, eventually, they’ll open up, and it will all make sense."
I love this book and it's one of my favorites of all time because I just know that this story will stay with me forever...that's because it changed me in the best way.
"But it never hurts to have someone to help pick you up when you fall. And it’s bound to happen. You can’t live life thinking you won’t screw up every now and then. The mistakes are just as important as the successes. You wouldn’t be who you are without both of them. So when those mistakes happen, it’s good to have people around who can push you through them."
Read
March 4, 2015DNF @ 10%. Did not like the voice at all.
The prologue starts 50 years in the future and then Chap 1 starts in present day but it's told in 1st person, past tense. Past tense doesnt usually bother me but it just added to my non-tolerance for the bk. I noticed that the epilogue is told in 3rd person. Pick a effin narrative and just stick with it plz.
And one last thing:
The prologue starts 50 years in the future and then Chap 1 starts in present day but it's told in 1st person, past tense. Past tense doesnt usually bother me but it just added to my non-tolerance for the bk. I noticed that the epilogue is told in 3rd person. Pick a effin narrative and just stick with it plz.
And one last thing:
September 27, 2016
Wow, just wow....I have read MS Willis other books and had no idea she could pull offs writing something other than her fantastic dark books. True talent right there.
I went from laughing (car in the pool) to crying....this story is one that you and I have lived through some parts in real life.
Hunter is a instant love for me
..what's not to love with him.
Ellison, what a hard person to like. But Hunter sure did see something in her.
What a great love story!!!
I went from laughing (car in the pool) to crying....this story is one that you and I have lived through some parts in real life.
Hunter is a instant love for me
..what's not to love with him.
Ellison, what a hard person to like. But Hunter sure did see something in her.
What a great love story!!!
September 23, 2015
Instead of sleeping I finished up this beautifully written story. It was so emotional for me that I had to wait almost 2 weeks before I was able to write a proper review. Fu*k it was EPIC. So here goes.
She was a force that he was unable to fight 6 stars
What a story! I was held hostage from the prologue until the heart-breaking epilogue. Wow. To say it was exquisitely written would be an understatement. The story takes us on a journey with two characters, Hunter and Ellison, complete opposites yet there’s something. They will always have a place in my heart.
The prologue starts off with how the man who stands in front of the audience came about. The man is none other than Hunter about 50 years in the future and he bares his soul and speaks about the one person who made it possible for him to accomplish so much. And the way he spoke about her, his words, his emotions, I knew this story was going to be epic.
We go back into Hunter’s past when it all started. He was 19 years old, lost and unable to lead a normal life. His world existed in parties and drugs and just living one day to the next. He was a smart kid, had incredible potential but he didn’t care. His attitude grew from his when he realized his parents were more interested in their images than in him. He way of life made him irresponsible. When one of his possessions ended up being where it’s not supposed to, his father decides to teach him a lesson. The lesson comes in the form of spending the whole summer at his uncle’s place. But that’s not the end of it, Hunter has to leave all his electronics and credit cards behind, his idea of HELL on earth.
Meeting his uncle and cousin after such a long time was hard for him. He wasn’t used to their lifestyle but being smart and goal oriented, Hunter decided to make do with this new challenge. While painting the house his uncle and cousin lives in, he meets Ellison. His opposite in every way. He was a city boy, she was a nature girl. She was sassy, temperamental, always ready to take on anything and she saw life in a different way while Hunter gave up on himself after being discarded so easily by his loved ones. Hunter has finally met his match.
Their different worlds collided and what happened next was an epictastic journey that neither will ever forget. Ellie opened up a new world to Hunter’s inquisitive yet doubtful eyes and in the process the lost boy found a home or so he thought. While Hunter became stronger and better, Ellie had to face her own demons. There was a subtle beauty to the story and the changes in the characters were beautiful to behold. Hunter and Ellison’s story totally made me swoon at times and there were moments when I wanted to throw my kindle and hug my pillow and rage at the unfaireness of life. And the ending. Oh god the ending made me cry.
Hunter does become the man that Ellie always knew him to be but the question isn’t about him getting his act straight. The question is while spending the most adventurous and liberating summer of their lives, will Hunter and Ellison be able to find their HEA. Or will the demons that they both fight against win the battle in the end, smothering the light of hope that breathes within.
This story isn’t your typical YA romance. I feel in love with the different nuances. And came out believe that in life we all meet that someone who will changes us forever. Their influence on us will be so intense that we will always hold them captive in our hearts and remember them at the core. Hunter McCormick had such a person in Ellison James and she was like a mini tornado that righted his world when he needed it most.
She was a force that he was unable to fight 6 stars
What a story! I was held hostage from the prologue until the heart-breaking epilogue. Wow. To say it was exquisitely written would be an understatement. The story takes us on a journey with two characters, Hunter and Ellison, complete opposites yet there’s something. They will always have a place in my heart.
The prologue starts off with how the man who stands in front of the audience came about. The man is none other than Hunter about 50 years in the future and he bares his soul and speaks about the one person who made it possible for him to accomplish so much. And the way he spoke about her, his words, his emotions, I knew this story was going to be epic.
We go back into Hunter’s past when it all started. He was 19 years old, lost and unable to lead a normal life. His world existed in parties and drugs and just living one day to the next. He was a smart kid, had incredible potential but he didn’t care. His attitude grew from his when he realized his parents were more interested in their images than in him. He way of life made him irresponsible. When one of his possessions ended up being where it’s not supposed to, his father decides to teach him a lesson. The lesson comes in the form of spending the whole summer at his uncle’s place. But that’s not the end of it, Hunter has to leave all his electronics and credit cards behind, his idea of HELL on earth.
Meeting his uncle and cousin after such a long time was hard for him. He wasn’t used to their lifestyle but being smart and goal oriented, Hunter decided to make do with this new challenge. While painting the house his uncle and cousin lives in, he meets Ellison. His opposite in every way. He was a city boy, she was a nature girl. She was sassy, temperamental, always ready to take on anything and she saw life in a different way while Hunter gave up on himself after being discarded so easily by his loved ones. Hunter has finally met his match.
Their different worlds collided and what happened next was an epictastic journey that neither will ever forget. Ellie opened up a new world to Hunter’s inquisitive yet doubtful eyes and in the process the lost boy found a home or so he thought. While Hunter became stronger and better, Ellie had to face her own demons. There was a subtle beauty to the story and the changes in the characters were beautiful to behold. Hunter and Ellison’s story totally made me swoon at times and there were moments when I wanted to throw my kindle and hug my pillow and rage at the unfaireness of life. And the ending. Oh god the ending made me cry.
Hunter does become the man that Ellie always knew him to be but the question isn’t about him getting his act straight. The question is while spending the most adventurous and liberating summer of their lives, will Hunter and Ellison be able to find their HEA. Or will the demons that they both fight against win the battle in the end, smothering the light of hope that breathes within.
This story isn’t your typical YA romance. I feel in love with the different nuances. And came out believe that in life we all meet that someone who will changes us forever. Their influence on us will be so intense that we will always hold them captive in our hearts and remember them at the core. Hunter McCormick had such a person in Ellison James and she was like a mini tornado that righted his world when he needed it most.
July 5, 2014
4.5 Unforgettable Stars!
This book was simply beautiful. What begins as a summer romance for Hunter and Ellison turns into a lifelong journey. This was a coming of age story about growing up, self discovery, and being a better person for the world around you.
I was immediately pulled into story by the prologue. I was like, wow, this is going to be different. Honestly, the first few chapters afterwards were kinda slow and read like a typical new adult novel. However, the story grew into something MORE with DEPTH that I absolutely crave when I read.
I fell in love with Ellison's devotion to her family, her friends, her animals, and to the enviroment. I adored the lessons she taught Hunter that changed him from a self-centered, spoiled rich kid into a caring and compassionate man.
The book was not without it's flaws. I wish the author would have developed Ellison's brother's character better. And there were some typos that I noticed. Even with those issues, the book still stands out with it's realness and honesty. And the epilogue... well, I'll just say you'll need some tissues nearby. The entire book was beautiful, but that epilogue really goes above and beyond.
'Ellison wasn't just a girl I was with-she was an experience I would never forget.'
This book was simply beautiful. What begins as a summer romance for Hunter and Ellison turns into a lifelong journey. This was a coming of age story about growing up, self discovery, and being a better person for the world around you.
I was immediately pulled into story by the prologue. I was like, wow, this is going to be different. Honestly, the first few chapters afterwards were kinda slow and read like a typical new adult novel. However, the story grew into something MORE with DEPTH that I absolutely crave when I read.
'She always had a different way of looking at things. It wasn't that Ellison could see the good or bad in people, it was that she saw the real in people.'
I fell in love with Ellison's devotion to her family, her friends, her animals, and to the enviroment. I adored the lessons she taught Hunter that changed him from a self-centered, spoiled rich kid into a caring and compassionate man.
The book was not without it's flaws. I wish the author would have developed Ellison's brother's character better. And there were some typos that I noticed. Even with those issues, the book still stands out with it's realness and honesty. And the epilogue... well, I'll just say you'll need some tissues nearby. The entire book was beautiful, but that epilogue really goes above and beyond.
January 24, 2015
4.5 – 5 Stars
This book was beautifully written and I know this because I felt it right down to my soul. I. Was. Gutted. I’m not going to lie I usually stay away from books like this as it holds triggers for me. But I went in blind because that’s just what I do therefore I had no clue what I was in for. Right around the 50% mark I was so hooked there was no way I was going to stop. And I am so glad I didn’t. It was worth it. It was a journey of life lessons, discovery, heartache, forgiveness, and healing. Experiencing this story through these two amazing main characters had me laughing and crying and the epilogue was incredible. I would read it for the epilogue alone …it was that good. I saw a completely different side to this author who is so well known for her dark reads while reading this book. I actually think AND hope that she chooses to write more books like this. I would certainly read them in a heartbeat. On another note I think this book would make a great movie!
This book was beautifully written and I know this because I felt it right down to my soul. I. Was. Gutted. I’m not going to lie I usually stay away from books like this as it holds triggers for me. But I went in blind because that’s just what I do therefore I had no clue what I was in for. Right around the 50% mark I was so hooked there was no way I was going to stop. And I am so glad I didn’t. It was worth it. It was a journey of life lessons, discovery, heartache, forgiveness, and healing. Experiencing this story through these two amazing main characters had me laughing and crying and the epilogue was incredible. I would read it for the epilogue alone …it was that good. I saw a completely different side to this author who is so well known for her dark reads while reading this book. I actually think AND hope that she chooses to write more books like this. I would certainly read them in a heartbeat. On another note I think this book would make a great movie!
June 28, 2014
This is an incredible story and the first book I've read by this new-to-me-author. It won't be my last book though.
The writing is descriptive and pulls every emotion to the forefront of your mind. The blurb gives enough information for readers to realize that there is going to be tragedy involved. More than that though, it’s an epic love story that feels real and isn’t just told – you watch every moment and those moments come to life as they take shape in the evolving commitments and loyalties that last a lifetime.
An added plus is the grand Epilogue that will not only bring you to tears but will also make your heart swell with love and admiration for the truly inspirational love story that lead character, Dr. Hunter tells in this book.
A must read for your TBR list.
April 3, 2014
This Gif sums up the book for me
My reaction after reading the Epilogue..
This book is pure masterpiece. It was one hell of an experience. I feel emotionally scarred and I can't stop thinking about it. Be prepared future readers..
My reaction after reading the Epilogue..
This book is pure masterpiece. It was one hell of an experience. I feel emotionally scarred and I can't stop thinking about it. Be prepared future readers..
February 19, 2015
3.5 stars...Great concept and great execution, my issue is that their "epic" love story was short in the get to know you parts. I do believe in the possibility of love at first sight, or first meeting, and love books about that, but I feel there could have been more moments of building the love that is between them, I mean she was mad at him majority of his stay. I love reading to escape reality but I do prefer love stories that are more on the realistic side. Now, I did absolutely LOVE that he kept pursuing and didn't give up, my favorite part! And I love stories about because of one the other changes for the better, so A+ in that aspect! I do recommend to read.
no-just-no
October 23, 2015Self note:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I hate cheaters!!!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I hate cheaters!!!
can-never-read
October 24, 2015Self note:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Want to read
December 30, 2013Now this one sounds AMAZING :)
February 17, 2014
Gitte: Sometimes you start a book and you’re just not feeling it. It starts as many before it and you’re reading thinking, I’m just not sure about this one. It’s okay but nothing unique and there’s no emotion that sets it apart from any other ‘okay’ stories. Well this is how I felt through the first half of Because of Ellison, I just wasn’t feeling it and when I had to put it down a few times I wasn’t rushing to pick it back up. The prologue was intriguing yet what followed just didn’t grab me, it just was what it was. Then….then something happened and the tone, the emotion and the quality of writing went from zero to a hundred in one scene.
“Why do you keep chasing after me, Hunter?”
“Because you are a dream and someone once told me that if I had a dream, I should chase it.” ~ Hunter
That’s right one scene and I was hooked. Suddenly it was as if the Author woke up and wrote from the heart and her own emotions made an imprint on every single page. Her characters suddenly came into their own, they showed such depth, the story became bigger than what it was and the writing became superb. All, I guess, because real, raw and pure emotion entered the equation.
”Our lives are like books, Hunter. Each day is a new page – each year, a new chapter. Just like books, our lives end; but our stories … those are never forgotten. We live on in the hearts and thoughts of those who loved us.” ~ Ellison
Now, I have to admit that I guessed where this story was going from the onset and I predicted how it was going to end. However, once it truly got going this did not matter one bit because it was class, pure class in how it got there and I haven’t cried like I did for a very long time. Pure ugly can’t leave the house crying! This Author pulled it right back for me turning something okay-ish into something wow! Amazing really and just goes to show the quality of this story and how the Author by injecting herself and emotion into it turned it all around. Suddenly I was inhaling every word amongst my tears and by the time I got to the epilogue, well I was in a messy puddle on the floor hiccupping through my tears. That epilogue has to be one of the most beautiful and astounding epilogues we’ve ever read right, Jenny?!
Jenny: I was the same G. I was actually enjoying Because of Ellison in the beginning although Ellison herself frustrated me at times, but I wasn’t being wowed. Having said that, there was no way I was going to put this book aside because that prologue absolutely guaranteed that I would be there right to the end. The prologue actually gave me goosebumps when I read it. I HAD to know how the story arrived at that point. Then, as you said, somewhere around the 50% it changed and I couldn’t move until I finished it. It gripped me and all else melted into the background until I completed what was to become one of the most moving books I’ve read for a while.
‘You can’t live life thinking you won’t screw up every now and then. The mistakes are just as important as the successes. You wouldn’t be who you are with both of them.’ – Ellison
THAT epilogue. Words fail me. It took me longer to read that epi than it did the whole book, as I paused numerous times to wipe my tears – and it wasn’t just tears. Like you I sobbed. In fact, this book consumed me the whole day after I read it. It made me look at life and take stock, and when a work of fiction encroaches on real life, well..you know you’ve just been privy to something truly mesmorising.
‘It was our world that summer; it was our moment together.’ – Hunter
Such a beautifully told story of first love, self enlightenment and finding your way. What started out as a sweet and flirty read soon became an intensely emotional story and the latter of this book felt so personal, as if the author herself poured her heart and soul onto those pages and I felt every single word she wrote as if she wrote them specifically for me.
‘ I wanted to be her island, her rock, and her strength. I wanted to take on the world for her and battle against anything that threatened her. Ellison was soft hearted – she didn’t need pain to make her hard. There was too much beauty in her heart and soul for that to happen.’ – Hunter
It was moving and I will never forget the feelings I experienced reading this absolute gem of a story.
Gitte: Right, so Hunter; a spoilt nineteen year old rich kid who lives to party, shag and do drugs yet is highly intelligent and methodical. He’s a mess and has no real dreams or inspirations in life. Time out is called and his parents send him to stay with his Uncle in an environment at the opposite scale of what he’s used to. I didn’t really have an opinion of Hunter to begin with, he didn’t impress me and I didn’t really connect with him, though I somehow knew there was more to him than meets the eye with the way he dealt with what was thrown at him. Then Ellison happened and this boy shed the superficial obnoxious arse layer and came into his own, taking control and becoming so much more and then some.
‘…I’d met Ellison James and I knew that just knowing the girl was going to change my life forever.’ – Hunter
I don’t want to give any spoilers about Hunter, however, him coming into his own is what had me devouring this book and changing every bit of my initial opinion. Hunter stole my heart through his beautiful actions, his words, his caring and his understanding of life and being able to appreciate silence for what it brings. His reaction to a devastating situation as a consequence of the sweet, inspirational and beautiful person that is, Ellison James. Ellison, though she grated on me to start with, became magnificent didn’t she Jenny?!
“I’ve found something that I feel passionate about in my life just like you asked – I found you! You are what I’m passionate about, you are the person for whom I want to live and breathe…” – Hunter
Jenny: Ellison was such a contradiction to begin with and I wasn’t sure how I was going to connect to this strong willed, bull headed young lady with the wicked sense of humor who possessed a playfulness and wickedly clever and devious mind.
‘It wasn’t that Ellison could see the good or bad in people, it was that she saw the real in people.’ – Hunter
She was loyal to a fault though and I admired her tenacity, but oh she could be a little madam at times. She could be extremely obstinate at times, and her behaviour towards Hunter tended to grate on me but I understood her reasoning was purely selfless and that her rationale was to protect those she loved and her actions were in fact selfless and in the end she completely won me over and I adored her.
‘I hadn’t known Hunter for very long but my soul recognized him and it was easy to fall in step with him – to feel like I’d known him forever.’ – Ellison
What this young woman dealt with in her young life was extraordinary and she too was an extraordinary girl. No wonder Hunter fell head over heels for her. He could see beyond the hard exterior, he could see the beautiful, giving, compassionate and passionate woman under her bravado. Their love story was unique and it was captivating and I loved every moment. Theirs was a special bond, a special love.
G&J: Even though we started off perhaps not overawed or wowed it became the exact opposite towards the end. We read in awe and yes we loved with aching hearts and tears in our eyes.
“Why can’t I just stay here and love you?” – Hunter
Because of Ellison is like a journey of discovery, if you will, where you start off in a familiar territory yet the path takes you down a road you’ve not travelled before with new emotions, sights and thoughts. You’re wowed and something recognizable turns into something unique that leaves a lasting impression on your heart and mind.
“It was because of Ellison.”
This story is one of new discoveries, self-realisations, friendships, hope and ultimately love. The subject matter is one we have all been touched by and the emotion with which is written is extremely powerful and the actions of Hunter and Ellison remarkable in their own personal and unique way. It turned into an absolutely beautiful journey after a slow start. A journey we can highly recommend! The Epilogue being so extremely poignant and inspiring that it will stay with you for a long while after.
“…she feared being insignificant…Ellison is anything BUT insignificant…she is the smile and the light…”
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2014
I just finished Because of Ellison and I just loved it. I have one word to describe this and it is WOW. I knew already that this story was going to get me but I just didn’t know how until I finished it. This is one of the ones that you just simply have to read. I honestly do not want to give any spoilers because it could take away from your experience but man, you do not want to pass this up.
At the beginning of the book you read about Hunter discovering the cure for cancer. He is an older man now and he is at a podium explaining how it became that he found a cure. You think that he is going to talk about all of his accomplishments, but no. He had me at...It was because of Ellison.
Hunter at 19 is a genius. He is already expected to go great things but because of non existent parents, he is spiraling out of control with alcohol and drugs. His parents intervene and send him off to his Uncle Bill and his cousin Lily for the summer. He is a privilege boy that is going to see his family that he hasn’t seen in years that do not have much. What an eye opener for him. This is where he meets Ellison. She lives next door to Bill and Lily. This is where I would go into a little bit more but Im going to stop, YOU HAVE TO READ IT NOW!!!
Ellison is a doll. She is very loyal, sweet and she is a spitfire. She takes no ones crap and is all about getting even! (wink) She has already been put through some obstacles in her life and Hunter showing up at times doesn’t make it any better. But what comes with patience then comes to understanding and that is what I love most about her.
Hunter is a good kid. I didn’t like him very much at first. What was to like? He was a spoiled rich kid that thought he deserved everything handed to him on a silver platter. He really learned valuable lessons when he was there with them and it completely changed him into a better young man. I love him for that. For someone that can change into something better always has a place in my heart. Ellison and Hunter had great chemistry and just loved every bit of it.
I also loved the secondary characters involved in this story. Bill, Henry, Ryan, Lily, Finn and even Sasha and Bear. They all had pivotal moments in this story that made it all the better. I honestly couldn’t have asked for more.
You will have so many emotions when reading this. Once you think one thing is going to happen, and then something else does. It was such a roller coaster ride that I am encouraging, hell even pushing you to get on! It was inspiring, intriguing, heartbreaking and just one of the best stories that I have read to date. You do not want to miss out on this one. Anything that M S Willis writes I can tell you that I am SOOOO THERE!!!
Get this one, you will not regret it!
Reviewed by Beggin from Mommy’s a Book Whore
At the beginning of the book you read about Hunter discovering the cure for cancer. He is an older man now and he is at a podium explaining how it became that he found a cure. You think that he is going to talk about all of his accomplishments, but no. He had me at...It was because of Ellison.
Hunter at 19 is a genius. He is already expected to go great things but because of non existent parents, he is spiraling out of control with alcohol and drugs. His parents intervene and send him off to his Uncle Bill and his cousin Lily for the summer. He is a privilege boy that is going to see his family that he hasn’t seen in years that do not have much. What an eye opener for him. This is where he meets Ellison. She lives next door to Bill and Lily. This is where I would go into a little bit more but Im going to stop, YOU HAVE TO READ IT NOW!!!
Ellison is a doll. She is very loyal, sweet and she is a spitfire. She takes no ones crap and is all about getting even! (wink) She has already been put through some obstacles in her life and Hunter showing up at times doesn’t make it any better. But what comes with patience then comes to understanding and that is what I love most about her.
Hunter is a good kid. I didn’t like him very much at first. What was to like? He was a spoiled rich kid that thought he deserved everything handed to him on a silver platter. He really learned valuable lessons when he was there with them and it completely changed him into a better young man. I love him for that. For someone that can change into something better always has a place in my heart. Ellison and Hunter had great chemistry and just loved every bit of it.
I also loved the secondary characters involved in this story. Bill, Henry, Ryan, Lily, Finn and even Sasha and Bear. They all had pivotal moments in this story that made it all the better. I honestly couldn’t have asked for more.
You will have so many emotions when reading this. Once you think one thing is going to happen, and then something else does. It was such a roller coaster ride that I am encouraging, hell even pushing you to get on! It was inspiring, intriguing, heartbreaking and just one of the best stories that I have read to date. You do not want to miss out on this one. Anything that M S Willis writes I can tell you that I am SOOOO THERE!!!
Get this one, you will not regret it!
Reviewed by Beggin from Mommy’s a Book Whore
January 29, 2014
I’m ashamed and a bit sad to admit that this is the first book that I have read by M.S. Willis. After finishing Because of Ellison my only question was what reason could I possibly have for waiting so long? I’m aware that this particular book is far different than her usually dark stories but the eloquence as well as the beautiful and striking description was astounding and had me instantly devouring every word.
The characters were well developed and fascinatingly complicated. My feelings on Ellison were all over the place. Were there times when I despised Ellison? Sure. Were there times when I could understand the way she was acting and how she was hiding behind her words and actions? Yep. Were there also times when my heart went out to her and all her wrongdoings and misdeeds were forgotten? Absolutely. Ellison’s attitude and actions were also a true testament to Hunter’s growth as well as his commitment. No matter what, there is no denying the number and significance of lessons that Hunter learned because of Ellison.
“Ellison was the light that wasn’t easily contained. She burned bright enough to break through the dense fog I’d walked in my entire life. Because of her, I’d opened my eyes when I hadn’t even been aware they’d been closed.”
I think it’s fair to say that this book was not exactly action packed. There were few dramatic twists and turns and very little actual conflict. Does that mean there was nothing going on? Not even close. Between the beautiful writing, the philosophical nature of the lessons learned, Ellison’s outlook, and the heartbreak endured it was exceedingly intellectually stimulating, inspiring, and tear-jerking not to mention a beautiful and touching love story that could make Nicolas Sparks green with envy.
“I’d learned that obstacles would happen and that roadblocks were a normal part of life. Character was built in jumping those obstacles and crashing through those roadblocks.”
While I can’t say with any certainty that I will love the other books in M.S. Willis’ arsenal, I can say that I definitely loved Because of Ellison and cannot wait to experience her skill when she is in her element.
“Our lives are like books, Hunter. Each day is a new page – each year, a new chapter. Just like books, our lives end; but our stories…those are never forgotten. We live in the hearts and thoughts of those who loved us.”
The characters were well developed and fascinatingly complicated. My feelings on Ellison were all over the place. Were there times when I despised Ellison? Sure. Were there times when I could understand the way she was acting and how she was hiding behind her words and actions? Yep. Were there also times when my heart went out to her and all her wrongdoings and misdeeds were forgotten? Absolutely. Ellison’s attitude and actions were also a true testament to Hunter’s growth as well as his commitment. No matter what, there is no denying the number and significance of lessons that Hunter learned because of Ellison.
“Ellison was the light that wasn’t easily contained. She burned bright enough to break through the dense fog I’d walked in my entire life. Because of her, I’d opened my eyes when I hadn’t even been aware they’d been closed.”
I think it’s fair to say that this book was not exactly action packed. There were few dramatic twists and turns and very little actual conflict. Does that mean there was nothing going on? Not even close. Between the beautiful writing, the philosophical nature of the lessons learned, Ellison’s outlook, and the heartbreak endured it was exceedingly intellectually stimulating, inspiring, and tear-jerking not to mention a beautiful and touching love story that could make Nicolas Sparks green with envy.
“I’d learned that obstacles would happen and that roadblocks were a normal part of life. Character was built in jumping those obstacles and crashing through those roadblocks.”
While I can’t say with any certainty that I will love the other books in M.S. Willis’ arsenal, I can say that I definitely loved Because of Ellison and cannot wait to experience her skill when she is in her element.
“Our lives are like books, Hunter. Each day is a new page – each year, a new chapter. Just like books, our lives end; but our stories…those are never forgotten. We live in the hearts and thoughts of those who loved us.”
February 13, 2014
WOW!!!! I am in love with Because of Ellison. Like I LOVED IT BIG TIME. It has now become one of my favorite books. It is an ABSOLUTE MUST READ!!!
Let me start by telling you how I came across it. I had never read one of MS Willis’ books before but I happen to be in a Facebook group with her and a few of the girls were raving about her other books that are considered dark reads. Now I really can’t do books that are really dark. I stated that I would love to read them but I can’t do dark, dark reads and MS said she had another book (Because of Ellison) that wasn’t dark and she would love to gift a few copies in exchange for an honest review. How nice was that? So I said I would love to read it and thanked her and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Because of Ellison is one of the most beautiful, sweetest stories I have ever read. You will be hooked from the first few pages. I absolutely loved Hunter and Ellison and every character in this story. MS has a way with words; you will become addicted to this book and in love with it. All of it. Every single thing about it. I am not exaggerating.
Because of Ellison has such a fantastic plot. It’s not light and fluffy. It’s a story of love, learning, trust, loss, courage, friendship and so much more. You will be put through the wringer emotionally while reading it. You will laugh, smile, sigh and tear up. But it will all be worth it. Because of Ellison is perfection. I want everyone to read it. I promise you won’t be sorry.
After reading Because of Ellison I immediately asked MS what other books she has written that may not be considered too dark. I want to devour them. And I cannot thank her enough for writing this book and for gifting it to me. In return, I will tell everyone I know how fabulous it is. Thank you again MS!!
Let me start by telling you how I came across it. I had never read one of MS Willis’ books before but I happen to be in a Facebook group with her and a few of the girls were raving about her other books that are considered dark reads. Now I really can’t do books that are really dark. I stated that I would love to read them but I can’t do dark, dark reads and MS said she had another book (Because of Ellison) that wasn’t dark and she would love to gift a few copies in exchange for an honest review. How nice was that? So I said I would love to read it and thanked her and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Because of Ellison is one of the most beautiful, sweetest stories I have ever read. You will be hooked from the first few pages. I absolutely loved Hunter and Ellison and every character in this story. MS has a way with words; you will become addicted to this book and in love with it. All of it. Every single thing about it. I am not exaggerating.
Because of Ellison has such a fantastic plot. It’s not light and fluffy. It’s a story of love, learning, trust, loss, courage, friendship and so much more. You will be put through the wringer emotionally while reading it. You will laugh, smile, sigh and tear up. But it will all be worth it. Because of Ellison is perfection. I want everyone to read it. I promise you won’t be sorry.
After reading Because of Ellison I immediately asked MS what other books she has written that may not be considered too dark. I want to devour them. And I cannot thank her enough for writing this book and for gifting it to me. In return, I will tell everyone I know how fabulous it is. Thank you again MS!!
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