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The Intoxicated Books #2
Shattered
With Eric’s proposal on the table and the memory of Matthew’s kiss on her lips, Lauren Jefferies has a decision to make.
After months of praying that Eric would take their relationship to the next level and come clean with his true feelings for her, he shocks Lauren by doing just that. Suddenly, he’s offered her everything she’s ever dreamed of. He’s agreed to compromise, whispering words of love and forever amid his plans for their future.
But his timing couldn’t be worse.
While Eric was busy with his soul-searching, Lauren found a new kindred spirit in Matthew. Her roommate’s brother was happy to fill in when her boyfriend wasn’t willing or able to be there. Eventually the lines of their friendship blurred, giving way to a deep seated attraction. She thought the feeling was mutual, but now that Eric’s shown his hand, Matthew’s pushed her away.
Matthew’s rejection stings more than it should.
Eric’s waiting for a response.
Ultimately, whatever she chooses to do will end up changing all three of them.
Lauren’s happy ever after was never supposed to begin like this.
After months of praying that Eric would take their relationship to the next level and come clean with his true feelings for her, he shocks Lauren by doing just that. Suddenly, he’s offered her everything she’s ever dreamed of. He’s agreed to compromise, whispering words of love and forever amid his plans for their future.
But his timing couldn’t be worse.
While Eric was busy with his soul-searching, Lauren found a new kindred spirit in Matthew. Her roommate’s brother was happy to fill in when her boyfriend wasn’t willing or able to be there. Eventually the lines of their friendship blurred, giving way to a deep seated attraction. She thought the feeling was mutual, but now that Eric’s shown his hand, Matthew’s pushed her away.
Matthew’s rejection stings more than it should.
Eric’s waiting for a response.
Ultimately, whatever she chooses to do will end up changing all three of them.
Lauren’s happy ever after was never supposed to begin like this.
ebook
Published October 29, 2013
3 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Alicia Renee Kline
6 books102 followersAlicia Renee Kline has been a writer since she was old enough to hold a pencil. This hobby has evolved from writing out everything in spiral notebooks and scribbling out her mistakes to being armed with technology so that she can hide the fact that she doesn’t get everything right the first time.
In real life, she is a wife and mother of two daughters, two cats and two hamsters. She is a lifelong resident of Northeastern Indiana and works in the insurance industry.
In real life, she is a wife and mother of two daughters, two cats and two hamsters. She is a lifelong resident of Northeastern Indiana and works in the insurance industry.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 25, 2015
This second installment in the intoxicated series doesn't fail to disappoint. It picks up right where the last one left of. Jumps straight into the throes of drama, and takes you for a ride, quite literally, as our protagonist is on the road to begin her new life. She has a decision to make that will shatter this love triangle and ultimately dictate the course of her future. This choice has left all her friends floating in limbo unsure of exactly what it is that she will do. Oh, the anticipation of the drama about to ensue. So lets talk about what I loved.
I had a few high hopes for this particular installment. Namely the fact that the Lauren pretty much voiced every irritant I had in the last book proving that even though she acted rash, she was indeed not the stupid woman I left the last book feeling that she was. She did what she should've done all along and then celebrated with her first alcohol. You've got to love friends like Gracie. I'm secretly hoping she influences her again. Sometimes a good hangover is just what the doctor ordered.
Starting of on a good note I was ready to go into this novel with good vibes. I read, I don't know what happened to the author inbetween one book but this novel was HILARIOUS. I laughed out loud so many times I lost count. The humor was infinitely better. The timing was impeccable. And everyone got a good joke which made it all the more fun that no one person was comic relief. It gave it a much more organic flow like in real life. You never know when the joke will come and it's always in the form of something that isn't supposed to be funny. As such it is with this book. And the things that seemed intentionally funny, well, they were great as well. I haven't smiled this much reading a book in a long time.
The evil idiot who shall not be named (Eric) got what he deserved. Unfortunately Gracie did not take of one of her heels and give him a public beat down. Sigh. She came very close though. All in all this was a rather good novel. It was almost a 10. But, sadly my biggest issue from the first novel is oozing throughout the pages of this one so much that I would've vaulted my computer, had it been a book, at the wall and screamed 'no one is that effin stupid.'
The amount of annoying effort that Lauren goes to make herself believe that Matthew doesn't like her is insane. She even still has the christmas card where he professed his love, in ink, permanently so it can never be taken back. Lauren had it in her bag on the way to see that dumbass Eric. She could not stop thinking about him the whole drive down to do what she had to do. And to top that off, she says herself, that it was indeed her fault that Matthew pulled out of the kiss she should've never initiated in the first place. I just can't buy her opening internal monologue and then also be expected to believe that she's smart enough to understand he was right and she was wrong, but not smart enough to know that this decision had nothing to do with how much he wanted her. It gets better though.
Gracie, who I love love LOVE, told her the exact same thing she told herself the two hour drive down to Eric. Her dad, Doug, also said very eloquently, I paraphrase, 'she was dating, and then engaged. No real man would swoop in and take you when you are not actually available.' Also the exact same things she had told herself during the drive. Then of course his sister pretty much says the same thing and Chris, Matthew's best friend who at this point I have no real opinion of. He's an idiot. Not in an Eric kind of way, but in the same way I feel that sometimes Blake, is also a bit of an idiot. But even Chris admits the same thoughts she already had.
With all this evidence leading to the fact that, Lauren was dating longterm, and engaged, and herself agreeing under said circumstances that any sane person would respect the love she professed at nauseam for Eric the asshole and not swoop in to try and steal her, with all of that, it makes no sense that she would jump to the conclusion that that obviously he doesn't want her. Not when she already admitted he was right to pull away and not sleep with her. And she noted that there was dynamic passion in both kisses. So if the connection was there did it just magically disappear because he did the right thing? As Lauren has more than enough evidence including her own to back up, I still, just like in the last book, can't go along for the ride that she would be that stupid.
Then there's all the conversations about being shattered. I get it. This entire novel is about how people are broken. The only problem is it got repetitive. She pretty much reworded the same stuff of why she did what she did in every conversation. Everyone else pretty much gave her the same advice or they rehashed how much she hurt Matthew. Sigh. Every time another serious convo popped up it was like here we go again. The conversation with Gracie, and then the other one with Matthew himself provided more than enough detail. LIttle snippets of how depressed he was through the months would've been enough. The conversation between her and Blake, well it should've been about them. Lauren had already given her stance to both Gracie and Matthew, I really didn't need or desire to hear it again. I was more interested in what she had to say about their relationship, seeing as she already talked about her and Matthew twice in, if I may say so, rather excellent detail.
It dragged on, in my opinion, finding new and ever present ways to explain how overly distraught the two of them were. I get it. I got it. Now lets get on to the good stuff. What of Chris and Blake, what of the stalker angle, which was a nice touch in the beginning of the third act of the novel. Who is this new police officer drawn into the mix. There where so much things I knew before getting half way through the book, that were it not for Gracie, bless her heart, and all the other amazingly quirky things about this novel, I would've felt like I read the same thing twice. To much exposition of the same situation. Which, thankfully didn't happen enough to take away entirely from the joy of this novel.
I was a little disappointed at the big thanksgiving ending, well, because it wasn't big. It just kind of went, 'oh, okay.' I guess since when the final act played out in the last novel, it lead to the big kiss i keep talking about and then ultimately Lauren driving off after a mild argument. It was a big ending. With a rather, albeit predictable, excellent cliffhanger. In this book, even though it was happy, the happy wasn't big enough for me. I was like yaaaaay when it happened then turned the page and I was in the epilogue. Where was the big meeting up with the friends party, after the surprise to talk about how they had all planned this course of action. Conspired would be a better word, and I like it cause it sounds so much more fun. The characters in this book tend to have fun so it's fitting that they conspired against Lauren. In any event after pouring over details in such clever and witty ways, this particular detail was the only thing in the book, good or bad, I found didn't have enough.
Now that that's all out of the way. Did i enjoy this book. Yes. More than the first. Is Matthew a tall blonde blue eyed slice of sexy man beast, Yes! I liked this book. Is Gracie the most hilarious yet perceptive besty a girl could have. Well obviously. I liked this book. This book was just too many slabs of delicious with a side of mystery burnt dinner, if we're talking in Blake terms. But don't worry about all that. Even with indescribable meals in crockpots, there will always be pizza to save the day. Oh and of course steamy sexcapades with tall unnaturally hot Mathews. I have to say, now that I've mentioned him twice, this book just oozes all the right forms of steamy, nature, pic me up and carry me to the bedroom i've never been in, kind of sex. And all of that without being graphic. Now that's enough to make any girl (or guy ashamed to admit he likes chick lit.) Sweat and ruin their laptop. And it's hilarious. I know I've said it before, but it's not good chick lit with out a healthy dose of humor, especially sarcastic and sex humor. Is there any other way to make people laugh. If there is this book doesn't need them.
And one more teeny bad thing. Too much crying. In the first novel when someone cried, I cried. I was there, I felt the pain. Felt the joy. It was just brilliant. In this one, unfortunately, after a while I became numb. There was just so much crying going on. The pointedness of such displays that was found in the first book, were drowned out in this one. Which is to bad because some of the moments actually did require a good cry. Laughter and crying go well together but I found the balance slightly off in the crying department.
Ups and downs, In's and outs, orgasms and lots more of Gracie, can you tell she's my fave, I really couldn't get enough of this book. I reread so many pages just based on the jokes alone because i laughed through paragraphs and forgot them. And without the parts that dragged for me, the book flew on a pace I like and kept it steady to the end. If you're looking for a nice, light, fun, steamy, hilarious and drama infused piece of fiction, then this book will fit perfectly with you like chocolate and marshmallows inbetween gram crackers. A sinfully delicious read that you can read guilt free because laughter is very efficient at burning of calories.
Side note.....
This book made me smile lots :)
I had a few high hopes for this particular installment. Namely the fact that the Lauren pretty much voiced every irritant I had in the last book proving that even though she acted rash, she was indeed not the stupid woman I left the last book feeling that she was. She did what she should've done all along and then celebrated with her first alcohol. You've got to love friends like Gracie. I'm secretly hoping she influences her again. Sometimes a good hangover is just what the doctor ordered.
Starting of on a good note I was ready to go into this novel with good vibes. I read, I don't know what happened to the author inbetween one book but this novel was HILARIOUS. I laughed out loud so many times I lost count. The humor was infinitely better. The timing was impeccable. And everyone got a good joke which made it all the more fun that no one person was comic relief. It gave it a much more organic flow like in real life. You never know when the joke will come and it's always in the form of something that isn't supposed to be funny. As such it is with this book. And the things that seemed intentionally funny, well, they were great as well. I haven't smiled this much reading a book in a long time.
The evil idiot who shall not be named (Eric) got what he deserved. Unfortunately Gracie did not take of one of her heels and give him a public beat down. Sigh. She came very close though. All in all this was a rather good novel. It was almost a 10. But, sadly my biggest issue from the first novel is oozing throughout the pages of this one so much that I would've vaulted my computer, had it been a book, at the wall and screamed 'no one is that effin stupid.'
The amount of annoying effort that Lauren goes to make herself believe that Matthew doesn't like her is insane. She even still has the christmas card where he professed his love, in ink, permanently so it can never be taken back. Lauren had it in her bag on the way to see that dumbass Eric. She could not stop thinking about him the whole drive down to do what she had to do. And to top that off, she says herself, that it was indeed her fault that Matthew pulled out of the kiss she should've never initiated in the first place. I just can't buy her opening internal monologue and then also be expected to believe that she's smart enough to understand he was right and she was wrong, but not smart enough to know that this decision had nothing to do with how much he wanted her. It gets better though.
Gracie, who I love love LOVE, told her the exact same thing she told herself the two hour drive down to Eric. Her dad, Doug, also said very eloquently, I paraphrase, 'she was dating, and then engaged. No real man would swoop in and take you when you are not actually available.' Also the exact same things she had told herself during the drive. Then of course his sister pretty much says the same thing and Chris, Matthew's best friend who at this point I have no real opinion of. He's an idiot. Not in an Eric kind of way, but in the same way I feel that sometimes Blake, is also a bit of an idiot. But even Chris admits the same thoughts she already had.
With all this evidence leading to the fact that, Lauren was dating longterm, and engaged, and herself agreeing under said circumstances that any sane person would respect the love she professed at nauseam for Eric the asshole and not swoop in to try and steal her, with all of that, it makes no sense that she would jump to the conclusion that that obviously he doesn't want her. Not when she already admitted he was right to pull away and not sleep with her. And she noted that there was dynamic passion in both kisses. So if the connection was there did it just magically disappear because he did the right thing? As Lauren has more than enough evidence including her own to back up, I still, just like in the last book, can't go along for the ride that she would be that stupid.
Then there's all the conversations about being shattered. I get it. This entire novel is about how people are broken. The only problem is it got repetitive. She pretty much reworded the same stuff of why she did what she did in every conversation. Everyone else pretty much gave her the same advice or they rehashed how much she hurt Matthew. Sigh. Every time another serious convo popped up it was like here we go again. The conversation with Gracie, and then the other one with Matthew himself provided more than enough detail. LIttle snippets of how depressed he was through the months would've been enough. The conversation between her and Blake, well it should've been about them. Lauren had already given her stance to both Gracie and Matthew, I really didn't need or desire to hear it again. I was more interested in what she had to say about their relationship, seeing as she already talked about her and Matthew twice in, if I may say so, rather excellent detail.
It dragged on, in my opinion, finding new and ever present ways to explain how overly distraught the two of them were. I get it. I got it. Now lets get on to the good stuff. What of Chris and Blake, what of the stalker angle, which was a nice touch in the beginning of the third act of the novel. Who is this new police officer drawn into the mix. There where so much things I knew before getting half way through the book, that were it not for Gracie, bless her heart, and all the other amazingly quirky things about this novel, I would've felt like I read the same thing twice. To much exposition of the same situation. Which, thankfully didn't happen enough to take away entirely from the joy of this novel.
I was a little disappointed at the big thanksgiving ending, well, because it wasn't big. It just kind of went, 'oh, okay.' I guess since when the final act played out in the last novel, it lead to the big kiss i keep talking about and then ultimately Lauren driving off after a mild argument. It was a big ending. With a rather, albeit predictable, excellent cliffhanger. In this book, even though it was happy, the happy wasn't big enough for me. I was like yaaaaay when it happened then turned the page and I was in the epilogue. Where was the big meeting up with the friends party, after the surprise to talk about how they had all planned this course of action. Conspired would be a better word, and I like it cause it sounds so much more fun. The characters in this book tend to have fun so it's fitting that they conspired against Lauren. In any event after pouring over details in such clever and witty ways, this particular detail was the only thing in the book, good or bad, I found didn't have enough.
Now that that's all out of the way. Did i enjoy this book. Yes. More than the first. Is Matthew a tall blonde blue eyed slice of sexy man beast, Yes! I liked this book. Is Gracie the most hilarious yet perceptive besty a girl could have. Well obviously. I liked this book. This book was just too many slabs of delicious with a side of mystery burnt dinner, if we're talking in Blake terms. But don't worry about all that. Even with indescribable meals in crockpots, there will always be pizza to save the day. Oh and of course steamy sexcapades with tall unnaturally hot Mathews. I have to say, now that I've mentioned him twice, this book just oozes all the right forms of steamy, nature, pic me up and carry me to the bedroom i've never been in, kind of sex. And all of that without being graphic. Now that's enough to make any girl (or guy ashamed to admit he likes chick lit.) Sweat and ruin their laptop. And it's hilarious. I know I've said it before, but it's not good chick lit with out a healthy dose of humor, especially sarcastic and sex humor. Is there any other way to make people laugh. If there is this book doesn't need them.
And one more teeny bad thing. Too much crying. In the first novel when someone cried, I cried. I was there, I felt the pain. Felt the joy. It was just brilliant. In this one, unfortunately, after a while I became numb. There was just so much crying going on. The pointedness of such displays that was found in the first book, were drowned out in this one. Which is to bad because some of the moments actually did require a good cry. Laughter and crying go well together but I found the balance slightly off in the crying department.
Ups and downs, In's and outs, orgasms and lots more of Gracie, can you tell she's my fave, I really couldn't get enough of this book. I reread so many pages just based on the jokes alone because i laughed through paragraphs and forgot them. And without the parts that dragged for me, the book flew on a pace I like and kept it steady to the end. If you're looking for a nice, light, fun, steamy, hilarious and drama infused piece of fiction, then this book will fit perfectly with you like chocolate and marshmallows inbetween gram crackers. A sinfully delicious read that you can read guilt free because laughter is very efficient at burning of calories.
Side note.....
This book made me smile lots :)
March 5, 2015
I started this book without realizing that it was the second in a series. It didn't hurt me, but I'm still going to read the first one and if I had known i definitely would have read it first. I could tell I was missing out on important foundations of relationships that had been established previously.
The book starts with Lauren having professed her love to her friend Matthew, but he hadn't reciprocated the way she had hoped he would. Her boyfriend of 10 years, Eric, had finally proposed to her offering her everything she had always wanted but she realized she didn't want it anymore. She figures out that she's in love with Matthew and doesn't want to marry Eric. Matthew rejected her, Eric is upset and hurt since she turned him down, so she's all alone and trying to figure out what to do with her life. This is where the story begins.
She spends five months picking up the pieces and getting on with daily living on the outside, but her feelings for Matthew don't diminish and the pain is always there. She's in a deep depression but doesn't try to contact Matthew because she thinks it will break her even more to be rejected by him yet again.
I don't want to give this story away, but I will say that I was so frustrated with the both of them! Even though we weren't getting Matthew's POV I was still yelling at him in my head. They just needed to talk to one another! Instead of just assuming they knew exactly what the other was thinking and feeling they should have fought harder for what they wanted. They wasted too much time that could have been spent being happy and together by being alone and in despair. They eventually reconnect but I won't spoil how that occurs for you.
During a conversation about their time apart Matthew said, "The heart is an amazing thing...It never lies, though we may not choose to listen. It continues to beat even when it's broken, even when you wish it wouldn't. It's almost as if it's determined to pull you through the darkest hours, as if it knows that better days are ahead." That line perfectly summarizes in the most profound way the desolation they both lived through.
They end with a definite HEA and seeing how perfect they are together makes all the heartbreak worth it. If events hadn't occurred exactly in the way that they did then maybe they wouldn't have been given this second chance at being with 'the One'. Matthew tells Lauren she's always been his One when he says, "From the moment that I laid eyes on you, I knew you were the one. But for the longest time, you weren't mine to have. ...And you slipped through my fingers and that loss nearly killed me." Swoon!! Every time Matthew says something you just can't help but fall for him a little bit more. He's my new book boyfriend, for sure....and I'm hoping he appears in later books of the series. I can't wait to read them all.
The book starts with Lauren having professed her love to her friend Matthew, but he hadn't reciprocated the way she had hoped he would. Her boyfriend of 10 years, Eric, had finally proposed to her offering her everything she had always wanted but she realized she didn't want it anymore. She figures out that she's in love with Matthew and doesn't want to marry Eric. Matthew rejected her, Eric is upset and hurt since she turned him down, so she's all alone and trying to figure out what to do with her life. This is where the story begins.
She spends five months picking up the pieces and getting on with daily living on the outside, but her feelings for Matthew don't diminish and the pain is always there. She's in a deep depression but doesn't try to contact Matthew because she thinks it will break her even more to be rejected by him yet again.
I don't want to give this story away, but I will say that I was so frustrated with the both of them! Even though we weren't getting Matthew's POV I was still yelling at him in my head. They just needed to talk to one another! Instead of just assuming they knew exactly what the other was thinking and feeling they should have fought harder for what they wanted. They wasted too much time that could have been spent being happy and together by being alone and in despair. They eventually reconnect but I won't spoil how that occurs for you.
During a conversation about their time apart Matthew said, "The heart is an amazing thing...It never lies, though we may not choose to listen. It continues to beat even when it's broken, even when you wish it wouldn't. It's almost as if it's determined to pull you through the darkest hours, as if it knows that better days are ahead." That line perfectly summarizes in the most profound way the desolation they both lived through.
They end with a definite HEA and seeing how perfect they are together makes all the heartbreak worth it. If events hadn't occurred exactly in the way that they did then maybe they wouldn't have been given this second chance at being with 'the One'. Matthew tells Lauren she's always been his One when he says, "From the moment that I laid eyes on you, I knew you were the one. But for the longest time, you weren't mine to have. ...And you slipped through my fingers and that loss nearly killed me." Swoon!! Every time Matthew says something you just can't help but fall for him a little bit more. He's my new book boyfriend, for sure....and I'm hoping he appears in later books of the series. I can't wait to read them all.
September 19, 2014
5 Amazing Fantastic Stars
I was given this book for my honest review.
MAJOR TISSUE ALERT. MAJOR TISSUE ALERT.
“The heart is an amazing thing. It never lies, though we may not choose to listen. It continues to beat even when it is broken, even when you wish it wouldn’t. It’s almost as if it’s determined to pull you through the darkest hours, as if it knows that better days are ahead” Matthew to Lauren
Matthew and Lauren’s journey continues in this 2nd book (the 1st is Intoxicated) and as it continues we find that the heart doesn’t always know what is right or wrong but we do find out that our lives do go on and that we take chances in whatever path we so choose to go down. But in the end do our hearts always ring true?
The journey that these two amazing characters take is one that I do say again should be written in the romance history books. The true to life characters of Lauren and Matthew have obstacles that they both need to overcome before finding that their hearts are actually one or are they?
In these pages of this amazing read you will take the journey with me as I did them to find that everyday occurrences are more sacred that the heart does hold dear. Every day is a mystery with Lauren and Matthew but one thing remains the same mystery of the unknown.
Can these two hearts find their way to one another? Can they obtain the love that they truly seek? Can forgiveness of fear of the unknown become the stepping stone to the path of true ever-lasting love?
“From the moment I set eyes on you, I knew that I was in love. I never thought that anything would come of it. I never thought you would say it back. And even when you did, I didn’t think it would even be in the context I wanted” Matthew to Lauren Does she or doesn’t she remains the unanswered question for this please pick up this book.
To the author I feel that I have invaded the lives of Lauren and Matthew to the extreme. I laughed with these characters, I cried with them but I also found the expression of love with them as well. This book that you have written is one that will remain with me forever. You have touched upon a source like no other, for that alone your readers will enjoy this journey of Matthew and Lauren. Congrats
Happy Reading
I was given this book for my honest review.
MAJOR TISSUE ALERT. MAJOR TISSUE ALERT.
“The heart is an amazing thing. It never lies, though we may not choose to listen. It continues to beat even when it is broken, even when you wish it wouldn’t. It’s almost as if it’s determined to pull you through the darkest hours, as if it knows that better days are ahead” Matthew to Lauren
Matthew and Lauren’s journey continues in this 2nd book (the 1st is Intoxicated) and as it continues we find that the heart doesn’t always know what is right or wrong but we do find out that our lives do go on and that we take chances in whatever path we so choose to go down. But in the end do our hearts always ring true?
The journey that these two amazing characters take is one that I do say again should be written in the romance history books. The true to life characters of Lauren and Matthew have obstacles that they both need to overcome before finding that their hearts are actually one or are they?
In these pages of this amazing read you will take the journey with me as I did them to find that everyday occurrences are more sacred that the heart does hold dear. Every day is a mystery with Lauren and Matthew but one thing remains the same mystery of the unknown.
Can these two hearts find their way to one another? Can they obtain the love that they truly seek? Can forgiveness of fear of the unknown become the stepping stone to the path of true ever-lasting love?
“From the moment I set eyes on you, I knew that I was in love. I never thought that anything would come of it. I never thought you would say it back. And even when you did, I didn’t think it would even be in the context I wanted” Matthew to Lauren Does she or doesn’t she remains the unanswered question for this please pick up this book.
To the author I feel that I have invaded the lives of Lauren and Matthew to the extreme. I laughed with these characters, I cried with them but I also found the expression of love with them as well. This book that you have written is one that will remain with me forever. You have touched upon a source like no other, for that alone your readers will enjoy this journey of Matthew and Lauren. Congrats
Happy Reading
October 27, 2014
Shattered by Alicia Renee Kline is a beautifully written love story, at times it’s gut wrenching, at times happiness pours off the pages. It is the second book in the Intoxicated Book Series and picks up right where book 1 left off. Lauren is devastated with how things have turned out, and she heads back to Eric making her final decision. She does return to Fort Wayne, but is it with a ring on her finger or not? READ ON TO FIND OUT….
Fortunately, readers don’t have to wait long to see what Lauren’s decision is. Without revealing too much, how do her decisions impact her relationship with Blake and most importantly, Matthew? The first part of the book is pretty much just about Lauren and how her choice affects her. She goes through a very emotional, devastating time, and my heart really hurt for her at times. I enjoyed seeing Lauren pick herself up and how she matured through the process. She finally started taking care of herself for a change. As things begin to settle down for her and she is reveling in her new life, a new employee begins working at the bank and changes things. This adds a new, suspenseful twist to the story. I was also glad to see the return of secondary characters, and I did get a glimpse into the pasts of Blake and Chris which has me wanting to see more of their story.
This was a great emotional read which pulled at my heartstrings.
“The heart is an amazing thing. It never lies, though we many not choose to listen. It continues to beat even when you wish it wouldn’t. It’s almost as if it’s determined to pull you through the darkest hours, as if it knows better days are ahead.”
I think that beautiful quote from the book sums up really what the book is about. Ultimately, the heart knows what it wants even though our mind may tell us something different, and the heart isn’t happy until it gets what it wants. Great read, and I can’t wait to read more from Alicia!
Fortunately, readers don’t have to wait long to see what Lauren’s decision is. Without revealing too much, how do her decisions impact her relationship with Blake and most importantly, Matthew? The first part of the book is pretty much just about Lauren and how her choice affects her. She goes through a very emotional, devastating time, and my heart really hurt for her at times. I enjoyed seeing Lauren pick herself up and how she matured through the process. She finally started taking care of herself for a change. As things begin to settle down for her and she is reveling in her new life, a new employee begins working at the bank and changes things. This adds a new, suspenseful twist to the story. I was also glad to see the return of secondary characters, and I did get a glimpse into the pasts of Blake and Chris which has me wanting to see more of their story.
This was a great emotional read which pulled at my heartstrings.
“The heart is an amazing thing. It never lies, though we many not choose to listen. It continues to beat even when you wish it wouldn’t. It’s almost as if it’s determined to pull you through the darkest hours, as if it knows better days are ahead.”
I think that beautiful quote from the book sums up really what the book is about. Ultimately, the heart knows what it wants even though our mind may tell us something different, and the heart isn’t happy until it gets what it wants. Great read, and I can’t wait to read more from Alicia!
December 28, 2015
Lauren, Eric, and Matthew were intriguing and frustrating in Intoxicated, Book 1 of the series. I loved the cliffhanger at the end and was curious to see how the author would handle Shattered, Book 2. She did not disappoint! I was hooked by the prologue and didn't stop until I reached the last page of the book. I was once again intrigued and frustrated by the characters. However, this is the sign of a great author. When you want to scream, "You are being such an idiot!" or "Tell him/her what you really feel!" then you know you've been thoroughly engaged. Lauren and Matthew are realistic characters. You know those people in your life who can't see the forest for the trees and just can't seem to do what's best for them? Well, Lauren and Matthew epitomize that type of person. They have to come to the realization themselves, and that makes their HEA more meaningful. I love the way we are left with another cliffhanger that will segue the reader into another love story involving Blake. I think I'll start that book now....
September 7, 2014
So I did not like how Lauren kept Matthew on a string and couldn't understand why he didn't want to be near her. Hello girl he loves you. You have another man's engagement ring and all you can do is say matthew I like you I want you oh wait for me to figure this out but be my confidante and let me spill my thoughts to you and have you hold me while I figure this out. No uhuh doesn't work that way sister. Matthew needs to preserve his heart and try to lessen the pain.
I mean I totally understand Matthew's reactions which is saying something. Lauren was really insensitive to his feelings.
As Lauren embarks on this journey of matters of her heart we get to see how everyone else around her feels as well. A interesting tale of how one decides what they truly want, how one tries to save their heart and soul and how sometimes its beyond our control and shouldn't fight our emotions.
I mean I totally understand Matthew's reactions which is saying something. Lauren was really insensitive to his feelings.
As Lauren embarks on this journey of matters of her heart we get to see how everyone else around her feels as well. A interesting tale of how one decides what they truly want, how one tries to save their heart and soul and how sometimes its beyond our control and shouldn't fight our emotions.
October 3, 2014
I probably would have been able to follow the book better had I known it was the second book in the series. That being said, I absolutely loved this book. It is the perfect curl up in a blanket, and get lost in a great book on a rainy day kind of read. The characters are written so well you cannot help but feel a kind of kindred drawl to the story. And although like most romances now days, the book is filled with a lot of angst at the beginning it is not enough to turn you off, or to have you broken down in ugly tears. It does however pave the perfect road for Lauren and Matthews happily ever after. The author’s words about love, destiny and the what if’s in life were spot on and so beautifully written it will leave you wishing for your own happily ever after. This was one of the best feel good books I’ve read all year. I cannot wait to start the next book in the series.
December 6, 2014
Shattered by Alicia Renee Kline is book two of the Intoxicated series. I do suggest you read book 1 first. As it ended on a bit of a cliff hanger that left me yelling at the book.
Lauren has waited years for Eric to propose and yep he did it with style in a desperate act to keep her, heck after 10 years he has only just told her he loved her, will she except? Who is her soul mate? Eric, Matthew, Quinn? You have to read to find out about Quinn (he is so yummy).
This installment is better then the first because is is mostly about Lauren getting herself out of the mess she made for herself. Add a little stalker action and it's fantastic.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys Romance with a small amount of spice. I can't wait to dig into Book #3, and find out what the hell happened with Blake and Chris!
Lauren has waited years for Eric to propose and yep he did it with style in a desperate act to keep her, heck after 10 years he has only just told her he loved her, will she except? Who is her soul mate? Eric, Matthew, Quinn? You have to read to find out about Quinn (he is so yummy).
This installment is better then the first because is is mostly about Lauren getting herself out of the mess she made for herself. Add a little stalker action and it's fantastic.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys Romance with a small amount of spice. I can't wait to dig into Book #3, and find out what the hell happened with Blake and Chris!
December 21, 2014
I thought the first book of this series..Intoxicated..was good; this one surpassed it!! The storyline was even better than the first. Alicia Kline has given even more character build up in this one, I just love this series! This book finishes the cliff hanger made at the end of Intoxicated and it was realistic and not a let down. It was not rushed or overly drawn out, just perfect. I love that you get to see more of the original side characters in this one and some new ones as well. There is a awesome plot twist that I was not expecting that added some more funny drama that I found cool. I cannot wait to get started on the next book in this series called Designed which Alicia Kline starts a build up for it in this one. Another awesome book by Alicia Renee Kline!!
July 20, 2014
This is the second book in the series and I cannot stop. I am waiting rather impatiently for the next book’s release. Received an ARC for an honest review and I want to say thank you.
Lauren is moving on. Does the pain ever get better? Reading each chapter I was waiting for it to subside. Lauren’s pain broke my heart but at the same time she is so stubborn that she was not seeing the whole picture. Luckily Matthew’s friends do see it and intervene. There are lots of ups and downs and a crazy stalker but they end up with their HEA. It is a beautiful story and we can all hope to find love like theirs.
Do you still feel sparks when your man touches you?
Lauren is moving on. Does the pain ever get better? Reading each chapter I was waiting for it to subside. Lauren’s pain broke my heart but at the same time she is so stubborn that she was not seeing the whole picture. Luckily Matthew’s friends do see it and intervene. There are lots of ups and downs and a crazy stalker but they end up with their HEA. It is a beautiful story and we can all hope to find love like theirs.
Do you still feel sparks when your man touches you?
July 25, 2014
This is the second book in the series and I cannot stop. I am waiting rather impatiently for the next book’s release.
Lauren is moving on. Does the pain ever get better? Reading each chapter I was waiting for it to subside. Lauren’s pain broke my heart but at the same time she is so stubborn that she was not seeing the whole picture. Luckily Matthew’s friends do see it and intervene. There are lots of ups and downs and a crazy stalker but they end up with their HEA. It is a beautiful story and we can all hope to find love like theirs.
Do you still feel sparks when your man touches you?
Reviewed by: Rachel Farradzs
Lauren is moving on. Does the pain ever get better? Reading each chapter I was waiting for it to subside. Lauren’s pain broke my heart but at the same time she is so stubborn that she was not seeing the whole picture. Luckily Matthew’s friends do see it and intervene. There are lots of ups and downs and a crazy stalker but they end up with their HEA. It is a beautiful story and we can all hope to find love like theirs.
Do you still feel sparks when your man touches you?
Reviewed by: Rachel Farradzs
January 16, 2016
What a great job Alicia Renee Kline did in giving us the end to Lauren's love triangle. We were left up in the air with what and who she was going to choose. Lauren does a lot of soul searching in this book and it was great to finally see her get all she deserves. I also enjoyed getting to know some of the secondary characters more. I look forward to more in the Intoxicated Series. Great book with some awesome writing!
April 22, 2015
I had to start this book as soon as I finished Intoxicated, because it is the rest of the story of Lauren and Matthew. Their journey is an enjoyable read. Well worth a read. The group of friends are funny, witty and I found myself laughing through out, along with periods of tears. Well written.
Alicia Renee Kline has been added to list of favorite authors.
Alicia Renee Kline has been added to list of favorite authors.
April 21, 2015
Great read. A little long winded in places and not a lot of action but still a good story. Loving getting a bit of a glimpse of Chris in the epilogue
July 14, 2015
I LOVE THIS SERIES!!
I have read the first two books so far and could not put them down!! I cannot wait to get started on Designed!
I have read the first two books so far and could not put them down!! I cannot wait to get started on Designed!
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