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Shaken #1
Shattered & Shaken
If someone asked me to describe myself using only one word, I’d tell them damaged. I’m completely broken, irreparable. On the outside I appear beautiful and bright, but on the inside, my soul is black and empty. I haven’t always been this fragile, scared, and heartbroken woman. Nope, I had the life my peers envied; happily married parents, captain of the volleyball team, and a dangerously sexy and loving boyfriend. Then, faster than I could blink, my life went to hell. Cancer struck, the sting of death pierced my heart, and the one person I needed most left me. Wyatt shattered my heart into a million pieces when he disappeared. Little did he know, it wasn’t just me he walked away from.My happiness was obliterated. Until him.Unlike Wyatt, Blake treasures my heart. He thinks he can fix me, but I know differently. How can you put something together without all its pieces? You can’t. When Wyatt left, he took most of my heart away with him. And even if hadn’t, it wouldn’t matter. Hearts are like broken glass; you can put it back together again, but it will never be the same. I will never be the same. Mature audience only
236 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 2013
44 people are currently reading
1296 people want to read
About the author
Julie Bailes
14 books285 followersThough born and raised in Nashville, TN, Julie resides in a small town in West Virginia. When she isn't busy playing pranks on her handsome and sarcastic husband, she's chauffeur, cook, teacher, coach, and all-too-honest mom to her twin boys and diva daughter. Julie isn't one who enjoys adulting or peopling, but her heart is big enough. She has an unhealthy addiction to coffee, chocolate, wine, cake, unicorns, and rainbows. And when Julie isn't distracted with Facebook and Snapchat (lashes for days), you'll find her fingers racing across a keyboard or her nose stuck in a book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
September 4, 2013
Omg! Amazeballs! This one is going to be a homerun for this new Indie Author. I was just completely engrossed into this book from the start. There is so much I wish I could just tell you. Well, let's go ahead and get to the good stuff.
Allie, what to say?, She's been through the ringer that's for sure, I mean WOW she is a strong girls that has dealt with so much loss, I wanted to be the one to reach into the book and just give the girl a hug. I wanted all her pain to just end. One incident after another has brought her to her breaking point. I didn't know that there was even more hurt that would dug up throughout this book. And, I NEVER expected the biggest secret.
Blake, oh-my-lord, BLAKE! Can you order one of him to-go? I damn sure would! Ok, he's one of Allie's best friend and I guess you can say they have always had a thing for each other, but all that changes one night when Allie finally come out the house. I mean I think I fell in love with him at first word. Sigh**, but he's not your typical sexy god, NO, he's so much more and has been through heartbreak just as she has, and will not except Allie to give him anything less than all of her.
Their relationship doesn't just take off like some of you may be thinking, yes they have been best friends for a long time, but with love in the air you have to just sit back and enjoy the climax, opps, I mean ride. Wink** They have a few troubles and with Allie's already fragile heart Blake has to extra careful.
Now, ugh, Wyatt, sexy bad boy Wyatt, do I love him? Ehh. Do I hate him? No. He's a part of Allie that you have to except. I have no love lost for him, I understand where he's coming from with Allie, but I don't know, ugh... I just want Allie to be happy and after learning of their past; you will come to see why you probably hate him when you find out what happened to their relationship, then when he explains you will feel like it was all a miss understanding, then when they interact you are going to want to hump his leg, THEN (lol) by the end of the book you're going to most likely hate him again.
All-in-all I LOVED this book, and Julie couldn't have done a better job. Its heart breaking, sexy as hell, and a complete myriad of emotions that you just have to want more of. I cannot wait for the world to see this one. Oh!!!...shh...there are two more books in this series. Hahaha.
5 STARS!!!
Allie, what to say?, She's been through the ringer that's for sure, I mean WOW she is a strong girls that has dealt with so much loss, I wanted to be the one to reach into the book and just give the girl a hug. I wanted all her pain to just end. One incident after another has brought her to her breaking point. I didn't know that there was even more hurt that would dug up throughout this book. And, I NEVER expected the biggest secret.
Blake, oh-my-lord, BLAKE! Can you order one of him to-go? I damn sure would! Ok, he's one of Allie's best friend and I guess you can say they have always had a thing for each other, but all that changes one night when Allie finally come out the house. I mean I think I fell in love with him at first word. Sigh**, but he's not your typical sexy god, NO, he's so much more and has been through heartbreak just as she has, and will not except Allie to give him anything less than all of her.
Their relationship doesn't just take off like some of you may be thinking, yes they have been best friends for a long time, but with love in the air you have to just sit back and enjoy the climax, opps, I mean ride. Wink** They have a few troubles and with Allie's already fragile heart Blake has to extra careful.
Now, ugh, Wyatt, sexy bad boy Wyatt, do I love him? Ehh. Do I hate him? No. He's a part of Allie that you have to except. I have no love lost for him, I understand where he's coming from with Allie, but I don't know, ugh... I just want Allie to be happy and after learning of their past; you will come to see why you probably hate him when you find out what happened to their relationship, then when he explains you will feel like it was all a miss understanding, then when they interact you are going to want to hump his leg, THEN (lol) by the end of the book you're going to most likely hate him again.
All-in-all I LOVED this book, and Julie couldn't have done a better job. Its heart breaking, sexy as hell, and a complete myriad of emotions that you just have to want more of. I cannot wait for the world to see this one. Oh!!!...shh...there are two more books in this series. Hahaha.
5 STARS!!!
October 1, 2013
My Rating: ★★★★
I think the title of this book is perfect because my emotions are shattered and shaken. Seriously, I can't even think straight while writing this review. My mind is still going, "What just happened here?!?!" I both love and hate this story with every fiber of my being. Yes. Every fiber. It's that serious. Allie's story just wrecked me from beginning to end. Nobody should go through that much. And then...THEN...to survive it all to be ripped apart again. I loved story line and the characters. Allie acted a bit juvenile at times, especially the situation with her mom, but life dealt the girl some serious blows so her behavior was negligible compared to her life drama. I adored Blake and would like two exact copies of him, please. Yes. Two. I'm greedy :). And Wyatt *sigh*...good ole Wyatt. I'm totally on the fence about him. I like him but hate him at the same time. Feeling a little schizo in regards to him. His actions at the end didn't endear the man to me but I understood them and actually felt sorry for him on some level. But, I felt sorry for Blake too.
Shattered and Shaken just wrung me out, and although it ended in a cliffhanger...*grr*...it was absolutely well done because it completely drew me into the story. I can't wait to do it all over again in Mended by You. SMH. I must be crazy. LOL
Ratings Detail:
Rating for female protagonist: 4★
Rating for male protagonists: 4★
Steam Level: 4★
Plot Viability: 4★
General Storyline: 4★
Story Ending: 4★
Ease of Reading: 4★
Cliffhanger: Yes
Overall rating: 4★
For more of my reviews visit The BookChick Blog
VERY GOOD: The characteristics of a 4 star book include: a great story; I loved the characters; and there was an interesting plot and unique story elements; there may have been a few odd things kept the story from being amazing. I would read it again and I would recommend it to a friend.My Thoughts:
I think the title of this book is perfect because my emotions are shattered and shaken. Seriously, I can't even think straight while writing this review. My mind is still going, "What just happened here?!?!" I both love and hate this story with every fiber of my being. Yes. Every fiber. It's that serious. Allie's story just wrecked me from beginning to end. Nobody should go through that much. And then...THEN...to survive it all to be ripped apart again. I loved story line and the characters. Allie acted a bit juvenile at times, especially the situation with her mom, but life dealt the girl some serious blows so her behavior was negligible compared to her life drama. I adored Blake and would like two exact copies of him, please. Yes. Two. I'm greedy :). And Wyatt *sigh*...good ole Wyatt. I'm totally on the fence about him. I like him but hate him at the same time. Feeling a little schizo in regards to him. His actions at the end didn't endear the man to me but I understood them and actually felt sorry for him on some level. But, I felt sorry for Blake too.
Shattered and Shaken just wrung me out, and although it ended in a cliffhanger...*grr*...it was absolutely well done because it completely drew me into the story. I can't wait to do it all over again in Mended by You. SMH. I must be crazy. LOL
Ratings Detail:
Rating for female protagonist: 4★
Rating for male protagonists: 4★
Steam Level: 4★
Plot Viability: 4★
General Storyline: 4★
Story Ending: 4★
Ease of Reading: 4★
Cliffhanger: Yes
Overall rating: 4★
For more of my reviews visit The BookChick Blog
November 22, 2013
Let me start off by saying OMG...that's just how I'm feeling.. You gives us great characters, wonderful plot, sexy sex scenes,a best friend to die far, then you throw that twist at the end and leave me hanging... Oh how I want more...I wanted to throw my kindle and scream.. I may have called j. Bailes some names..but I did love his book and can't wait to read Wyatt's POV and then book two when it comes out.... Allie is the main female character.. She looses her father to cancer then her brother joins the army and dies in battle....her first love uses her then leaves(Wyatt).. She has a best friend named Sophie (I want a Sophie) and a Blake yes he is in his own category. Blake is a dr. a sexy dr..lol..Blake finally convinces her to give him a chance and they fall head over heals for each other...then when she comes back from a trip with Blake guess who's back ......Wyatt ...saying he still loves her and he left for her...where has he been? At the end of the book she sees something that upsets her and she runs falling down stairs..what happens next?Can she decide between the two? Read and find out...love this book can't say it enough... My favorite quote is..."What are you doing" no offense,but he's no neurologist,and I'm pretty sure I'm here because I hit my head, not because I damaged my vagina" ------Blake is a "v" dr lol... This author must be a genius!! She knows how to write one hellva book.. TEAM BLAKE !!!
October 19, 2013
Holy Hotness From Hell!
I would like to give a HUGE thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book to review for this blog tour <3
I am PROUD to say I finished this book in one sitting, What? I couldn't help it, I was enticed to keep reading, but now that I've finished, I didn't want it to end the way it did.
I was seriously in balls of tears from the word "waking", seriously, you WILL NEED shit loads of tissues to get through even a third of this book, let alone all of it :)
I mean FUCK. Seriously??? I can't wait for more and to see what happens next? From what happened at the end I know it will be heartbreaking and explosive, so BRING IT ON!
This book is only told in the POV of Ali, she's broken, unloved, abandoned by loves who she loves the most.
They say things come in 3's and they weren't lying, it wasn't bad enough for Ali to lose her father to Cancer, that the love of her Life, Wyatt, left unannounced after breaking her heart, BUTTT to top things off, her brother doesn't return home from the military, he died whilst on duty.
"With a roll of my eyes and an exhale of breath, I take a sip of coffee and relax. As I look down at the yellow highlighted line, they draw my attention. Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3 reads, "A time to be born and a time to die. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for piece."
She vowed not to let another man take her heart and smash it into a thousand pieces, she's not fully recovered from the betrayal of Wyatt.
MR OH SO PANTY DROPPING DOCTOR - Blake, is a man of his words, Where do I sign up for one? This guys is HOT! and he's a fricking Doctor tooo *swoons*
Ali doesn't want her heart broken again, and Blake is making this ohh so difficult for her.
Love, lust, friendship, family, deceit, lies, forgiveness? All the great things that need to be in a book.
Definitely leaves you SHATTERED & SHAKEN
I can't wait to read more.
I would like to give a HUGE thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book to review for this blog tour <3
I am PROUD to say I finished this book in one sitting, What? I couldn't help it, I was enticed to keep reading, but now that I've finished, I didn't want it to end the way it did.
I was seriously in balls of tears from the word "waking", seriously, you WILL NEED shit loads of tissues to get through even a third of this book, let alone all of it :)
I mean FUCK. Seriously??? I can't wait for more and to see what happens next? From what happened at the end I know it will be heartbreaking and explosive, so BRING IT ON!
This book is only told in the POV of Ali, she's broken, unloved, abandoned by loves who she loves the most.
They say things come in 3's and they weren't lying, it wasn't bad enough for Ali to lose her father to Cancer, that the love of her Life, Wyatt, left unannounced after breaking her heart, BUTTT to top things off, her brother doesn't return home from the military, he died whilst on duty.
"With a roll of my eyes and an exhale of breath, I take a sip of coffee and relax. As I look down at the yellow highlighted line, they draw my attention. Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3 reads, "A time to be born and a time to die. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for piece."
She vowed not to let another man take her heart and smash it into a thousand pieces, she's not fully recovered from the betrayal of Wyatt.
MR OH SO PANTY DROPPING DOCTOR - Blake, is a man of his words, Where do I sign up for one? This guys is HOT! and he's a fricking Doctor tooo *swoons*
Ali doesn't want her heart broken again, and Blake is making this ohh so difficult for her.
Love, lust, friendship, family, deceit, lies, forgiveness? All the great things that need to be in a book.
Definitely leaves you SHATTERED & SHAKEN
I can't wait to read more.
February 19, 2014
5 HEART SHATTERING BEAUTIFULLY LOVING STARS
This book did not go as I thought it was. I thought I was going to have Wyatt barging in at some part before 50% in and have this crazy love triangle going on. BUT it was not that at all. It was better. Oh boy was it so damn good.
I have to admit that in the beginning Allie did and said a few things that had me rolling my eyes. She's young but she is also a woman scorned. I get it. She lost her dad, she lost her brother, she lost the love of her life, she feels like she is loosing her mom. She is lonely and just wants something to believe in. Blake is that person, or so she thinks. Sexy Blake stole my heart and ran with it.
"Babe, loving you is as simple as breathing. Your love's the oxygen to my lungs. It feeds the blood that's pumping through my veins. Without it, I'm nothing."
I think this book is all about love, heartache, strength, and courage. Allie experiences all of these things throughout this book. I truly enjoyed watching her overcome her past and moving on with her life. As unfair as her life has been, she deserves some happiness.
My heart melts completely at his lone tear. Did he really just say and mean all if that? My heart constricts. Shit, maybe love will be the death of me.
I was also shocked at what really went down with Wyatt. I hated Wyatt throughout this whole book. Then he shows up and says what he says and I'm thinking, ok, maybe he's not so bad but still. Damn!
Then the ending came and I was screaming WTF??!! I could not believe that ending. HOLY MOLY! I desperately want book 2. I've marked my calendar. I'm counting down the days.
For now, I'm Going to read All for Allie (book 1.5) Wyatt's side of the story.
This book did not go as I thought it was. I thought I was going to have Wyatt barging in at some part before 50% in and have this crazy love triangle going on. BUT it was not that at all. It was better. Oh boy was it so damn good.
I have to admit that in the beginning Allie did and said a few things that had me rolling my eyes. She's young but she is also a woman scorned. I get it. She lost her dad, she lost her brother, she lost the love of her life, she feels like she is loosing her mom. She is lonely and just wants something to believe in. Blake is that person, or so she thinks. Sexy Blake stole my heart and ran with it.
"Babe, loving you is as simple as breathing. Your love's the oxygen to my lungs. It feeds the blood that's pumping through my veins. Without it, I'm nothing."
I think this book is all about love, heartache, strength, and courage. Allie experiences all of these things throughout this book. I truly enjoyed watching her overcome her past and moving on with her life. As unfair as her life has been, she deserves some happiness.
My heart melts completely at his lone tear. Did he really just say and mean all if that? My heart constricts. Shit, maybe love will be the death of me.
I was also shocked at what really went down with Wyatt. I hated Wyatt throughout this whole book. Then he shows up and says what he says and I'm thinking, ok, maybe he's not so bad but still. Damn!
Then the ending came and I was screaming WTF??!! I could not believe that ending. HOLY MOLY! I desperately want book 2. I've marked my calendar. I'm counting down the days.
For now, I'm Going to read All for Allie (book 1.5) Wyatt's side of the story.
June 14, 2014
This book came recommended to myself and I was able to start and finish it in a day and a half. I normally always feel sorry for the girl in the story, why? I am not sure... But in this case it was the two men Blake and Wyatt that my heart went out to. Those two had been through more than any guy normally would stand and take and it was at the hands of the women that they both loved.
Loving 2 people is never easy & deciding on your future, life and the future & life of the other person is even harder. Allie was a character at first I was drawn to for what she had gone through in her 18 years of life. But their comes a time when you have to grow up, move on and accept what is in life and Allie had a way of not being able to do that.
She had VERY powerful words for Wyatt throughout and let the hurt of the past get I between. I do not blame her only for her family had a part in that hurt as well, sometimes it is better to be honest with the ones we love than to keep things from them.
Blake ( Allies BestFriend ) was in love with her but through the years knew Allies love and heart belonged to Wyatt. Blake is a hard worker, educated, charming and devoted to Allie as is Wyatt . I don't want to keep talking about the book... Well YES I do!!! =) but I want you to read it, dive in and let go and begin the journey of Love, Loss, Security, Life and Hope of Allie, Wyatt and Blake take you away.
Loving 2 people is never easy & deciding on your future, life and the future & life of the other person is even harder. Allie was a character at first I was drawn to for what she had gone through in her 18 years of life. But their comes a time when you have to grow up, move on and accept what is in life and Allie had a way of not being able to do that.
She had VERY powerful words for Wyatt throughout and let the hurt of the past get I between. I do not blame her only for her family had a part in that hurt as well, sometimes it is better to be honest with the ones we love than to keep things from them.
Blake ( Allies BestFriend ) was in love with her but through the years knew Allies love and heart belonged to Wyatt. Blake is a hard worker, educated, charming and devoted to Allie as is Wyatt . I don't want to keep talking about the book... Well YES I do!!! =) but I want you to read it, dive in and let go and begin the journey of Love, Loss, Security, Life and Hope of Allie, Wyatt and Blake take you away.
November 23, 2013
Amazing, Amazing debut novel. Loved every page of this book. It had me crying from the very beginning and eagerly anticipating book 2. J.Bailes is a fantastic author that can get all your emotions going.
Allie has been through so much heartache and pain in her life that she is just trying to live her life the best she can. She has lost her father to cancer, her brother dies in Iraq and her boyfriend Wyatt just leaves her and disappears. If it wasn’t for her best friends she wouldn’t be able to through her days.
Blake, one of Allie’s best friends, helps her pick up the pieces of her life. After one night of drinking their relationship changes. Blake has always had feelings for Allie and he knows he has to go slow with her. Maybe he can be the one to put her heart back together. Just when you think everything is going to work out with and Allie will get her happy ever after with Blake, Wyatt shows back up. He has a huge secret and it’s the reason he disappeared from her life. Wyatt knows she is with Blake and he doesn’t plan on giving her up. He wants back in her life and everything to go back to the way it used to be. Now you have to decide if you are team Blake or team Wyatt. I want to say I am team Blake but can’t wait to see what happens with Wyatt.
The ending of this book just about killed me. I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Allie has been through so much heartache and pain in her life that she is just trying to live her life the best she can. She has lost her father to cancer, her brother dies in Iraq and her boyfriend Wyatt just leaves her and disappears. If it wasn’t for her best friends she wouldn’t be able to through her days.
Blake, one of Allie’s best friends, helps her pick up the pieces of her life. After one night of drinking their relationship changes. Blake has always had feelings for Allie and he knows he has to go slow with her. Maybe he can be the one to put her heart back together. Just when you think everything is going to work out with and Allie will get her happy ever after with Blake, Wyatt shows back up. He has a huge secret and it’s the reason he disappeared from her life. Wyatt knows she is with Blake and he doesn’t plan on giving her up. He wants back in her life and everything to go back to the way it used to be. Now you have to decide if you are team Blake or team Wyatt. I want to say I am team Blake but can’t wait to see what happens with Wyatt.
The ending of this book just about killed me. I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
January 10, 2014
J. Bailes completely sucked me in to my two worst nightmares - love triangle and cliffhanger! And yet I couldn't have loved these books any more! I willingly admit that I'm a Happy Ever After type of girl and want that HEA ending immediately! However, her writing just pulls you in so quick and so deep that, for the first time ever, I didn't want the ending because I don't want to choose yet!! Even if you aren't typically into cliffs and triangles, I am telling you, this one is sooo worth it!
Poor Allie, I have no idea what I would do in her shoes. Blake healed her heart, taught her to love again, and is all around perfection - sexy, caring, completely devoted to her. Wyatt, the one who shattered her heart, comes back into her life. And you cannot help but love him immediately. She is all he wants, has ever wanted and will ever want. Everything Allie though she knew is turned upside down. And you are there right there beside her on this roller coaster ride! Blake or Wyatt? Blake or Wyatt?? There is no way I can choose!!
What a heart wrenching, gripping, emotionally conflicting, beautiful love story. I cannot wait to see where it goes next and am now a lifelong fan of J. Bailes.
-Tynna, Kiss And Tell Reviews
Poor Allie, I have no idea what I would do in her shoes. Blake healed her heart, taught her to love again, and is all around perfection - sexy, caring, completely devoted to her. Wyatt, the one who shattered her heart, comes back into her life. And you cannot help but love him immediately. She is all he wants, has ever wanted and will ever want. Everything Allie though she knew is turned upside down. And you are there right there beside her on this roller coaster ride! Blake or Wyatt? Blake or Wyatt?? There is no way I can choose!!
What a heart wrenching, gripping, emotionally conflicting, beautiful love story. I cannot wait to see where it goes next and am now a lifelong fan of J. Bailes.
-Tynna, Kiss And Tell Reviews
January 18, 2015
I like the story but can't stand the h. She is an immature brat. This is ya, not really my thing. Story starts with her falling for a guy and half way through author finally introduces her first love. I can see how this is going to pan out and don't like it because I always root for the first guy the author introduces.
I'm not a fan of authors incessant one liners for the h, which is probably why I don't like the h. Her immaturity really is annoying. There is too much unnecessary filler and I skip entire paragraphs. They really don't add anything. I will continue to read series, because, like I said, the story itself is good.
I'm not a fan of authors incessant one liners for the h, which is probably why I don't like the h. Her immaturity really is annoying. There is too much unnecessary filler and I skip entire paragraphs. They really don't add anything. I will continue to read series, because, like I said, the story itself is good.
September 22, 2013
This is an amazing debut by J. Bailes!! She captured my attention from page one and I read right through it! This book is definitely in my top 10 favorites.
Team Blake <3
For my full review, check it out on my blog: www.saramarion.com/book-reviews
Team Blake <3
For my full review, check it out on my blog: www.saramarion.com/book-reviews
September 30, 2013
Damn!!! What a shocker, couldn't stop reading this book , can't wait for the 2nd part
October 19, 2013
(ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review. Blog tour stop can be viewed here: http://obsessionisabook.blogspot.com/...)
Shattered and Shaken is the story of a young woman, Allie, and is told in her POV only. Allie has suffered a lot of loss in her life; first her father some years ago, then her first love upped and left without a word and then her brother is killed in the line of duty which is where the book starts.
The book was unpredictable in a lot of areas and the twists and turns were totally unexpected and kept me on my toes and eagerly turning the page. The secondary characters were on the whole interesting and served a purpose throughout the book. Not sure what's going on with Sophie, that is one chick who needs a book all of her own (hint, hint).
Allie clearly hasn't been through any kind of grieving process as she is still very much hung up on the loss she has suffered from. As a result Allie comes across as spoilt and self-centred; the way she reacts to her Mum's news and the way she reacts to Blake being called into work to name but a few examples. I couldn't really connect with Allie in the way I would normally do so with a leading female character. However, as much as Allie frustrated me in her childish ways I really did enjoy the book.
Blake is in love with Allie but doesn't want to be second best in her heart and I totally appreciate this from him. He does everything he can for Allie and when they finally get together he treats her, on paper, like every woman dreams off. He is a hard working med student from a good family and knows where his priorities lie. For me he deserves better than Allie but don't we all know people that are in relationships with people who are wrong for them?
Wyatt, Allie's first love comes back on to the scene and let me tell you it ain't pretty. The book ends on a pretty heavy cliff hanger and I think some note that this book is part of a series should have been made. Personally I don't mind cliff hangers but I am aware that there are people out there who don't like them.
The book was well written and flowed really well. The characters are interesting and the way they have been written has you waiting on book two, to find out more about them. Would I recommend the book, yeah I would. Will I read book 2? Without a doubt.
Shattered and Shaken is the story of a young woman, Allie, and is told in her POV only. Allie has suffered a lot of loss in her life; first her father some years ago, then her first love upped and left without a word and then her brother is killed in the line of duty which is where the book starts.
The book was unpredictable in a lot of areas and the twists and turns were totally unexpected and kept me on my toes and eagerly turning the page. The secondary characters were on the whole interesting and served a purpose throughout the book. Not sure what's going on with Sophie, that is one chick who needs a book all of her own (hint, hint).
Allie clearly hasn't been through any kind of grieving process as she is still very much hung up on the loss she has suffered from. As a result Allie comes across as spoilt and self-centred; the way she reacts to her Mum's news and the way she reacts to Blake being called into work to name but a few examples. I couldn't really connect with Allie in the way I would normally do so with a leading female character. However, as much as Allie frustrated me in her childish ways I really did enjoy the book.
Blake is in love with Allie but doesn't want to be second best in her heart and I totally appreciate this from him. He does everything he can for Allie and when they finally get together he treats her, on paper, like every woman dreams off. He is a hard working med student from a good family and knows where his priorities lie. For me he deserves better than Allie but don't we all know people that are in relationships with people who are wrong for them?
Wyatt, Allie's first love comes back on to the scene and let me tell you it ain't pretty. The book ends on a pretty heavy cliff hanger and I think some note that this book is part of a series should have been made. Personally I don't mind cliff hangers but I am aware that there are people out there who don't like them.
The book was well written and flowed really well. The characters are interesting and the way they have been written has you waiting on book two, to find out more about them. Would I recommend the book, yeah I would. Will I read book 2? Without a doubt.
October 24, 2013
Let me just say that J. BAILES you held me with the first sentence of SHATTERED AND SHAKEN! I loved this story, but I must admit... I thought I was gonna need my tissues the whole book! I messages Anna and told her I think my heart will be broken win this book. Some parts of this book did hit close to home for me, I knew how Allie felt, with the loss of her father it's never easy losing a parent, trying to pick up the pieces. And then 4 years later the loss of her only brother.. It's never easy, but thankfully she has a BFF who won't let her stay down.. Everyone needs a BFF like Sophie!
HOLY FUCK!"
"SOPH, WHAT THE HELL? HOW DID YOU GET IN HERE?"
"PICKED IT," she replies nonchalantly, shrugging as if it's no big deal.
"THAT SHIT'S ILLEGAL. YOU KNOW THAT RIGHT?" "WHY ARE YOU STARING AT ME LIKE THAT?"
"YOU, MY DEAR, HAVE ONE HELL OF A BODY. MAKES ME WANNA BAT FOR MY OWN TEAM, AGAIN." SLUTTY SOPHIE SAY WHAT? Lmao this made me crack up, I love their friendship! Then you have the ever so handsome Blake, who is her friend, but more than friend.. Allie is scared to let Blake have her heart because of her heartbreak from her ex Wyatt.
"AS I WIGGLE MY WAY THROUGH THE DANCE FLOOR, MY EYES CLASH WITH THE MOST HANDSOME MAN IN THE ROOM.HE STANDS AT SIX FOOT THREE, HAS LEAN MUSCLES THAT GO ON FOR DAYS,SHUFFLED LIGHT BROWN HAIR, A GORGEOUS SMILE,AND HYPNOTIC HAZEL EYES. HE'S FRIGGIN' GORGEOUS, LIKE CALVIN KLEIN UNDERWEAR MODEL, SEXY."
I mean holy crap! He's a doctor, he can dance, he's polite, and he's dying for her!! "YOU CAN'T KEEP DOING THIS TO ME, BABE. YOU'RE TEASING ME. I'LL HAVE TO REST MY BALLS ON ICE FOR A WEEK TO RELIEVE THEIR PAIN."
Well if that doesn't tell you he wants you, then I don't know what does! I felt for Allie for her pain but I felt for Blake too for his wanting Allie. What happens when Allie gives in to Blake and Wyatt shows up?? You wanna know?? Well I'm not gonna tell you silly! Go buy the book! This book has it all love ,heart break , a sexy resident OBGYN. I gotta warn you though there is a cliffy with this book! I am anxiously waiting for book 2 ! MS. J. BAILES!!!! I give this book 4.5 stars!
HOLY FUCK!"
"SOPH, WHAT THE HELL? HOW DID YOU GET IN HERE?"
"PICKED IT," she replies nonchalantly, shrugging as if it's no big deal.
"THAT SHIT'S ILLEGAL. YOU KNOW THAT RIGHT?" "WHY ARE YOU STARING AT ME LIKE THAT?"
"YOU, MY DEAR, HAVE ONE HELL OF A BODY. MAKES ME WANNA BAT FOR MY OWN TEAM, AGAIN." SLUTTY SOPHIE SAY WHAT? Lmao this made me crack up, I love their friendship! Then you have the ever so handsome Blake, who is her friend, but more than friend.. Allie is scared to let Blake have her heart because of her heartbreak from her ex Wyatt.
"AS I WIGGLE MY WAY THROUGH THE DANCE FLOOR, MY EYES CLASH WITH THE MOST HANDSOME MAN IN THE ROOM.HE STANDS AT SIX FOOT THREE, HAS LEAN MUSCLES THAT GO ON FOR DAYS,SHUFFLED LIGHT BROWN HAIR, A GORGEOUS SMILE,AND HYPNOTIC HAZEL EYES. HE'S FRIGGIN' GORGEOUS, LIKE CALVIN KLEIN UNDERWEAR MODEL, SEXY."
I mean holy crap! He's a doctor, he can dance, he's polite, and he's dying for her!! "YOU CAN'T KEEP DOING THIS TO ME, BABE. YOU'RE TEASING ME. I'LL HAVE TO REST MY BALLS ON ICE FOR A WEEK TO RELIEVE THEIR PAIN."
Well if that doesn't tell you he wants you, then I don't know what does! I felt for Allie for her pain but I felt for Blake too for his wanting Allie. What happens when Allie gives in to Blake and Wyatt shows up?? You wanna know?? Well I'm not gonna tell you silly! Go buy the book! This book has it all love ,heart break , a sexy resident OBGYN. I gotta warn you though there is a cliffy with this book! I am anxiously waiting for book 2 ! MS. J. BAILES!!!! I give this book 4.5 stars!
October 15, 2013
This book gave me mixed feelings. I was having a hard time getting into Allie's character and the sometimes not so witty stuff she said. The way she was with Blake was a bit annoying at first, however as the book went along I liked her much better.
Allie has suffered some serious heartache, her father died, her first boyfriend left her and then she lost her brother while he was fighting over seas. Needless to say Allie is a girl who is a bit afraid to make any type of commitment at the moment. She has her best friend of years Sophie and then her other good friend Blake. Of course he is in love with her, but she can't make herself love him back just yet. I felt Allie's character was a bit selfish and played the "oh poor me" card for way to long.
Blake is in love with Allie and will settle on being her friend for now. Man, on paper this guy is it, in medical school, comes from a good family and is a sweetheart to boot. In the first few chapters I didn't like the way he was teased by Allie, even if he was a good sport about it. Blake does whatever Allie wants to make her happy, even though he is a busy medical student.
Blake and Allie finally decide to give a relationship a go and see what happens. Things are going quite well for them, until Wyatt the boyfriend that dumped her shows up.
While Wyatt had a reason for dumping Allie all those years ago, there is more Allie kept from him and he won't he happy to find out. I also thought his reason for leaving was a bit far fetched, no matter how sad it was. So Wyatt is back to ruin everything for Allie and Blake because she just may still have feelings for him. Ugh, I wanted to smack her right through my Kindle. Blake is it, those type of guys are hard to come by and just thinking things with Wyatt will work out is nuts on her part.
So things go from bad to worse with Blake, Allie and Wyatt, throw Sophie in that mix and you have a total cluster F. Although you could predict what was going to happen with Allie and Blake, at about the 75% mark the book really picked up steam; and left us with a mother of a cliffhanger. It was a good read, well written, can't wait for book 2.
Allie has suffered some serious heartache, her father died, her first boyfriend left her and then she lost her brother while he was fighting over seas. Needless to say Allie is a girl who is a bit afraid to make any type of commitment at the moment. She has her best friend of years Sophie and then her other good friend Blake. Of course he is in love with her, but she can't make herself love him back just yet. I felt Allie's character was a bit selfish and played the "oh poor me" card for way to long.
Blake is in love with Allie and will settle on being her friend for now. Man, on paper this guy is it, in medical school, comes from a good family and is a sweetheart to boot. In the first few chapters I didn't like the way he was teased by Allie, even if he was a good sport about it. Blake does whatever Allie wants to make her happy, even though he is a busy medical student.
Blake and Allie finally decide to give a relationship a go and see what happens. Things are going quite well for them, until Wyatt the boyfriend that dumped her shows up.
While Wyatt had a reason for dumping Allie all those years ago, there is more Allie kept from him and he won't he happy to find out. I also thought his reason for leaving was a bit far fetched, no matter how sad it was. So Wyatt is back to ruin everything for Allie and Blake because she just may still have feelings for him. Ugh, I wanted to smack her right through my Kindle. Blake is it, those type of guys are hard to come by and just thinking things with Wyatt will work out is nuts on her part.
So things go from bad to worse with Blake, Allie and Wyatt, throw Sophie in that mix and you have a total cluster F. Although you could predict what was going to happen with Allie and Blake, at about the 75% mark the book really picked up steam; and left us with a mother of a cliffhanger. It was a good read, well written, can't wait for book 2.
October 16, 2013
I read to about 65% and I had to put it down. It is officially on my DNF (Did NOT Finish) List. My followers will know that I absolutely HATE having books on my DNF List, it makes me feel like a failure. The storyline itself was a good concept, I mean it had a LOT of potential it really did, but it fell short in follow through.
The characters were somewhat scattered and just didn't ever pull any real emotion from me. Blake was by far my favorite of the characters, he was sweet, understanding, and sexy. Most men would have gotten fed up with Ally and her childish ways. I get that she is in her early 20's so there is room to be a bit immature and indecisive, but holy shit this chic was a mess. She went from NOOOOO never going to be able to give my heart to Blake to OMFG I love you Blake to WOW Wyatt is back with no real explanations or "turning point" that created such a significant change of emotion. Especially, in when her and Blake first hooked up. That made the story quite awkward.
And the way that Ally acted about her mom's having a boyfriend, spoiled effin' brat. Let the freakin' woman have a life. Just because her husband died doesn't mean that she should be miserable for the rest of her life. She mourned her loss and is attempting to live! Her reaction was just rotten and the continued pouting throughout the first half of the book over this boyfriend was ridiculous.
Anyway, these are a couple of the reasons why I couldn't finish this book. The author really does have a ton of potential and the story could be amazing, it just wasn't executed well in my opinion. I do look forward to seeing more from this author in the future and will gladly give her another shot to wow me.
xxx
Review by the Head Whore at Mommy's a Book Whore.
http://mommysabookwhore.blogspot.com
The characters were somewhat scattered and just didn't ever pull any real emotion from me. Blake was by far my favorite of the characters, he was sweet, understanding, and sexy. Most men would have gotten fed up with Ally and her childish ways. I get that she is in her early 20's so there is room to be a bit immature and indecisive, but holy shit this chic was a mess. She went from NOOOOO never going to be able to give my heart to Blake to OMFG I love you Blake to WOW Wyatt is back with no real explanations or "turning point" that created such a significant change of emotion. Especially, in when her and Blake first hooked up. That made the story quite awkward.
And the way that Ally acted about her mom's having a boyfriend, spoiled effin' brat. Let the freakin' woman have a life. Just because her husband died doesn't mean that she should be miserable for the rest of her life. She mourned her loss and is attempting to live! Her reaction was just rotten and the continued pouting throughout the first half of the book over this boyfriend was ridiculous.
Anyway, these are a couple of the reasons why I couldn't finish this book. The author really does have a ton of potential and the story could be amazing, it just wasn't executed well in my opinion. I do look forward to seeing more from this author in the future and will gladly give her another shot to wow me.
xxx
Review by the Head Whore at Mommy's a Book Whore.
http://mommysabookwhore.blogspot.com
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2014
Favorite Quotes:
“I’m just a little miffed that he thinks the whole damn thing is funny. Perhaps if he walked in and overheard someone questioning the size of his penis, or something like that, then he wouldn’t be finding it funny and rising above it. No, he’d be going all caveman and whipping out the tape measure.”
“My mouth is so dry that if a droplet of water hit my tongue, it would sizzle like an egg hitting a heated frying pan.”
My Review
While I didn’t always like her main character, I truly enjoyed Ms. Bailes’ writing. She brings humor and snark to the inner musings of Allie Anderson, who is also a very immature and selfish idiot. But then again, if we were to listen to the honest inner musings of most people, the vast majority of us would also seem like very immature and selfish idiots. The story begins rather slow and somewhat tedious, she’s sad - we get it already… but push past that and you are in for an entertaining, bumpy, and deliciously steamy ride. After the painful beginning, the story vastly improves when her friends are introduced. I decided I would definitely keep reading once I met Blake – yum, my new BBF (Book Boy Friend). Ms. Bailes’ informal writing style, and creative and interesting word choices, frequently brought a smile to my face, although her character’s egocentric and childish behavior also had me grimacing. While we have all been young and stupid more than once, grief seems to have stalled Allie Anderson’s emotional development at the selfish and angst filled adolescent level, which I personally find to be quite tiresome. But the worst of all possible endings – a dramatic cliffhanger!?! I wish someone had warned me – I loath those as much as I do bratty children on a long flight. But… grr, that evil woman has her hooks in me…I need to know what happens next.
“I’m just a little miffed that he thinks the whole damn thing is funny. Perhaps if he walked in and overheard someone questioning the size of his penis, or something like that, then he wouldn’t be finding it funny and rising above it. No, he’d be going all caveman and whipping out the tape measure.”
“My mouth is so dry that if a droplet of water hit my tongue, it would sizzle like an egg hitting a heated frying pan.”
My Review
While I didn’t always like her main character, I truly enjoyed Ms. Bailes’ writing. She brings humor and snark to the inner musings of Allie Anderson, who is also a very immature and selfish idiot. But then again, if we were to listen to the honest inner musings of most people, the vast majority of us would also seem like very immature and selfish idiots. The story begins rather slow and somewhat tedious, she’s sad - we get it already… but push past that and you are in for an entertaining, bumpy, and deliciously steamy ride. After the painful beginning, the story vastly improves when her friends are introduced. I decided I would definitely keep reading once I met Blake – yum, my new BBF (Book Boy Friend). Ms. Bailes’ informal writing style, and creative and interesting word choices, frequently brought a smile to my face, although her character’s egocentric and childish behavior also had me grimacing. While we have all been young and stupid more than once, grief seems to have stalled Allie Anderson’s emotional development at the selfish and angst filled adolescent level, which I personally find to be quite tiresome. But the worst of all possible endings – a dramatic cliffhanger!?! I wish someone had warned me – I loath those as much as I do bratty children on a long flight. But… grr, that evil woman has her hooks in me…I need to know what happens next.
December 26, 2013
**KIM’S REVIEW**
“I don’t understand why my life consists of nothing but pain.”
This book starts off with Allie receiving devastating news about her brother. She holds the way he died against him and it opens up old wounds from when her father passed away. It also brings up memories of when he first left home which reminds her of her first heartbreak.
“If there’s a time to heal, why isn’t it happening to me huh? Why are my wounds ripped open before they’re able to scar?”
Allie’s relationship with her best friend Blake has always been flirty but it’s never gone any further. She feels only bad things happen to her and she’s scared to have her heart broken again.
“My heart’s like a puzzle that’s unfinished and with missing pieces – it’s impossible to complete.”
Just as Allie decides to give herself to Blake, someone from her past shows up. Will Allie move forward with her future? Or will she give into the past she can’t let go of?
“Well, promises are made to be broken, and the hearts sole purpose is to be shattered.”
I could literally feel Allie’s pain for all that she lost in the beginning of the story. Thankfully she had Sophie and Blake to help her get through it. When she finally decides to try something more than friendship with Blake I was ecstatic! Blake is so freakin HOT and the chemistry between these two is off the charts!! I was not happy when a certain someone showed up. I am 100% Team Blake!! This book ends with quite a bang and I am impatiently waiting for book 2!!
“I’m not upset, I’m sad…empty…lonely.”
“I don’t understand why my life consists of nothing but pain.”
This book starts off with Allie receiving devastating news about her brother. She holds the way he died against him and it opens up old wounds from when her father passed away. It also brings up memories of when he first left home which reminds her of her first heartbreak.
“If there’s a time to heal, why isn’t it happening to me huh? Why are my wounds ripped open before they’re able to scar?”
Allie’s relationship with her best friend Blake has always been flirty but it’s never gone any further. She feels only bad things happen to her and she’s scared to have her heart broken again.
“My heart’s like a puzzle that’s unfinished and with missing pieces – it’s impossible to complete.”
Just as Allie decides to give herself to Blake, someone from her past shows up. Will Allie move forward with her future? Or will she give into the past she can’t let go of?
“Well, promises are made to be broken, and the hearts sole purpose is to be shattered.”
I could literally feel Allie’s pain for all that she lost in the beginning of the story. Thankfully she had Sophie and Blake to help her get through it. When she finally decides to try something more than friendship with Blake I was ecstatic! Blake is so freakin HOT and the chemistry between these two is off the charts!! I was not happy when a certain someone showed up. I am 100% Team Blake!! This book ends with quite a bang and I am impatiently waiting for book 2!!
“I’m not upset, I’m sad…empty…lonely.”
November 22, 2013
Allie is a strong person shes had to be through all the heartache & pain shes been through in her young life, so when Blake starts to mend her heart i fell in love with him just for that & then hes goes & says such the sweetest comments & i felt even more so in love if thats even possible lol after all they are fictional, enter Wyatt who has done everything over the past four years with nothing but Allie in mind apart from be their for her when she needed him the most.
Now its decision time, who do you choose when you love them both equally but they give you different things from the relationship, different things that you cant live without?
Julie Bailes your awesome girl, your imagination is in outer space, love this book now waiting on tenterhooks for the next installment.
This girl done good.
I would recommend you read if your into emotional love triangles.
Now its decision time, who do you choose when you love them both equally but they give you different things from the relationship, different things that you cant live without?
Julie Bailes your awesome girl, your imagination is in outer space, love this book now waiting on tenterhooks for the next installment.
This girl done good.
I would recommend you read if your into emotional love triangles.
January 25, 2014
Typically I see love triangle in the book summary and I move on. Or I scan through a few reviews and see cliffhanger and I move on. However, a friend recommended Shattered and Shaken by Author J. Bailes and I gave it a go. And I have to tell you - ooooh so worth it!
Such a great story that keeps you guessing. You are pulled in 2 directions and honestly fall in love with both Blake and Wyatt. Your heart breaks for Allie as she had finally just begun to move on and was happy when the one who broke her heart comes back into her life. You think you will hate him, but you don't. And neither can she. I always feel that love triangle stories are forced or not believable. But you are truly routing for both men and are as torn as she is! Highly recommend, even for those that are not typically fans of cliffs and/or love triangles. -Heather
Such a great story that keeps you guessing. You are pulled in 2 directions and honestly fall in love with both Blake and Wyatt. Your heart breaks for Allie as she had finally just begun to move on and was happy when the one who broke her heart comes back into her life. You think you will hate him, but you don't. And neither can she. I always feel that love triangle stories are forced or not believable. But you are truly routing for both men and are as torn as she is! Highly recommend, even for those that are not typically fans of cliffs and/or love triangles. -Heather
September 6, 2013
So I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book from the author. This book is amazing. Lots of love and lost. Allie has a very small group of people that she can truly trust after all of the lost in her life. She trusts these people but also keeps them at a distance to help save herself from heartache. But little by little Blake broke through her and finally got to earn her trust. Just as life gets good for her a blast from the past comes back and makes her start to question everything that is going on in her life w/ Blake. The end of this story culminates with an accident and incident that no one sees coming. Damn cliffhangers, but cant wait to finish the rest of the story with Allie. Team Blake!!!
October 9, 2013
Wow I don't even know where to start with this. I started reading this as and ARC for a book review and decided to buy it instead and well I won't lie I was not what I expected I was on total pins and needles wondering what was going to happen next. A shattered hearted Allie goes through something no one ever wishes on she goes through loss of two family members and her heart is broken by the love of her life. But her bff Blake is there to help her show that she is strong and loved. She also has her BFF who is there for her when she needs a shoulder to cry on. I can't say to much because it would literally be giving the story away. Just know YOU NEED TO BUY AND READ THIS BOOK YOU WILL NOW BE DISAPPOINTED.
October 23, 2013
We received this as an arc for an honest review...
At first this arc had me kind of confused. So much was happening in the beginning. The relationship between Allie and Blake kind of moved fast. I wished there was a transition. But, once Mr sexy Blake started with all his words and amazing-ness, I got attached to him. I'm still confused with Allie's emotions and with what she wants. She got really annoying. I did get bored in the middle of the story for a bit, but then I was hit with some great drama. Kept me glued to the book. Good story of trying to deal with heartbreak of losing the ones you love to death and break ups. I do recommend this book. Let me just warn you... Horrible cliffhanger! Excited to see where she goes with the second book. Happy Reading! Bee <3
At first this arc had me kind of confused. So much was happening in the beginning. The relationship between Allie and Blake kind of moved fast. I wished there was a transition. But, once Mr sexy Blake started with all his words and amazing-ness, I got attached to him. I'm still confused with Allie's emotions and with what she wants. She got really annoying. I did get bored in the middle of the story for a bit, but then I was hit with some great drama. Kept me glued to the book. Good story of trying to deal with heartbreak of losing the ones you love to death and break ups. I do recommend this book. Let me just warn you... Horrible cliffhanger! Excited to see where she goes with the second book. Happy Reading! Bee <3
October 7, 2013
Ok - overall I loved the book. Well maybe I should say I loved Blake :) What an amazing guy. Allie started to really bug me when Wyatt reappeared. To me she was too indecisive and too quick to overlook the impact Wyatt had in her life by disappearing. Also what happened to the complete love she felt for Blake? I was not feeling the love for Wyatt at all. The ending is a killer cliffy which I am not a fan of when reading books especially when the other book isn't out already. Again overall I loved the book - kind of wished I would have waited to read until the next book was out though.
November 20, 2013
Wow!!! This book had me from the beginning!!
**Well let me just start out by saying I am Team Blake!!!
**Just the chemistry between Blake and Allie had me loving this book from the beginning!! And then you add Wyatt!! OMG!!
**Allie's backstory was so sad! I have only one brother and if he was taken away from me that soon, I would lose it like Allie did!
** I highly recommend this book
** I can't wait till part 2!!!
**Well let me just start out by saying I am Team Blake!!!
**Just the chemistry between Blake and Allie had me loving this book from the beginning!! And then you add Wyatt!! OMG!!
**Allie's backstory was so sad! I have only one brother and if he was taken away from me that soon, I would lose it like Allie did!
** I highly recommend this book
** I can't wait till part 2!!!
August 3, 2015
OMG how can it end like that? Really? I'm glad I don't have to wait to read the next book or I'd be pissed off! I'm not a huge fan of Allie's at all! I love Blake and I think she's gonna break his heart! Poor thing!! She faults him for putting her second when that is what she does to him!! Plus it's his job and as a resident you don't have a choice!! Also, why couldn't Wyatt tell her he was going? It would have been better than making her believe he took her virginity and left her!!! I had a feeling Cooper was gonna end up being Wyatt!! I really hope Allie chooses Blake!!!
September 27, 2013
This book was amazing! The pain the loss the love! this is a wonderful story full of heartache and love. She is strong to be able to deal with the stuff she has been delt but is still there. There is so much pain in this book but the love is amazing to. Blake oh he is wonderful loving and loyal and wyatt you will love and hate him! its hard to explain how awesome this story is intell you read it. You will not be disappointed its a must read
December 10, 2013
Hooked me from the get go! I went into this book blind , didn't read anything about it. The journey was heartfelt , humorous and unexpected. Allie is such a relatable character , you can't help but to feel for her. I will
say holy cliffhanger I love to hate them and hate to love them but this cliffhanger was a "kick in the vagina". Hurry up next book
say holy cliffhanger I love to hate them and hate to love them but this cliffhanger was a "kick in the vagina". Hurry up next book
August 14, 2015
I really like this book, but Allie has made a lot of dumb choices. I really like Blake!! The monitoring part at the end was incredibly unrealistic and impossible, but I love the other references to the nurse mom and Blake MD!
September 24, 2013
Loved the book and the banter....Hated being left hanging....cant wait for the next book
November 21, 2013
Wow my heart was pulled all over the place. And my mind was blown in the end. Can't wait for more. Awesome read
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