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Instant Family
At twenty-one, Chloe Gardiner put life on hold to raise her three orphaned step-siblings. Five years later, Chloe is shocked when teenage Sebastian gets into trouble with the police. A victim of Seb’s vandalism, and initially reluctant to involve himself with his rehabilitation, divorced architect Alex Bergman is surprised by their friendship. He realizes that all Seb and his twin brother need is a good male role model. Pretty Chloe has not only neglected her own life, but begun to smother theirs. Determined not to be distracted by an attractive man whose motives she can’t trust, Chloe daydreams of a life free from children where she can finish her music degree. Can Alex convince her that their dreams can coexist?
- GenresFiction
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2010
About the author
Elisabeth Rose
25 books70 followersElisabeth has been an avid reader all her life. She dabbled in writing as a teenager but gave it away to study music which has also been a life long passion and is why musicians are often, but not always, her main characters. She plays clarinet in a community orchestra.
Tai Chi is a part of Elisabeth's life and has been since 1987. She and her husband travel a lot and she also plays tennis on a regular basis for social and exercise enjoyment.
Tai Chi is a part of Elisabeth's life and has been since 1987. She and her husband travel a lot and she also plays tennis on a regular basis for social and exercise enjoyment.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 10, 2018
So-so
I really liked the premise of this book and even liked most of the story and events that happened in the book. However, I just could not work up much "like" for the two main characters. Their supposed love story was just fill of some little too much angst, anger, stress, etc. They practically came off as being bipolar; they swung so quickly from horrible harsh, bitter words to soft, tender kisses. From being sure they couldn't trust each other, to being absolutely sure they loved each other. The young children in the story had more common sense than the adults.
I really liked the premise of this book and even liked most of the story and events that happened in the book. However, I just could not work up much "like" for the two main characters. Their supposed love story was just fill of some little too much angst, anger, stress, etc. They practically came off as being bipolar; they swung so quickly from horrible harsh, bitter words to soft, tender kisses. From being sure they couldn't trust each other, to being absolutely sure they loved each other. The young children in the story had more common sense than the adults.
March 3, 2018
This book was such a good book, the characters drew you right in and it was hard to sit the book down. You will love reading this book.
This was such a good book, I loved the characters. It was hard to sit the book down wanting to see what happened next. I would love to see a follow up book on her brothers and sister.
This was such a good book, I loved the characters. It was hard to sit the book down wanting to see what happened next. I would love to see a follow up book on her brothers and sister.
July 25, 2017
Very enjoyable
I picked it for something different to read. Totally enjoyed the book and author. Off to read more of her works
I picked it for something different to read. Totally enjoyed the book and author. Off to read more of her works
December 19, 2017
Pretty good for a free read. My first kindle read. I really enjoyed it
July 27, 2016
Just OK
Overall, the book was good. But some parts were just too much.
Alex falls in love with Chloe after he sees her smile directed towards him for the first time?? Not realistic. He knows nothing about Chloe, except that her younger brother vandalized his home due to hanging out with the wrong crowd.
But when he finds out that she is raising her 3 siblings due to a family tragedy, his anger dies drastically. He then wants to spend more time with her, and uses her brother as an excuse. Calling her daily to give her updates on his progress, gives him a reason to talk to her.
Alex and Sebastian become very close, and Sebastian brings Julian, his twin to hang out as well. Soon Alex is attending cricket games, BBQs, etc. But when one of the boys gets hurt and they call Alex over Chloe, and the 3 of them end up in the ER without even calling her, she feels betrayed. He's the adult, he should have known better. Regardless of whether the boys asked him not to call her.
Just like that, Chloe's trust is destroyed.
Overall, the book was good. But some parts were just too much.
Alex falls in love with Chloe after he sees her smile directed towards him for the first time?? Not realistic. He knows nothing about Chloe, except that her younger brother vandalized his home due to hanging out with the wrong crowd.
But when he finds out that she is raising her 3 siblings due to a family tragedy, his anger dies drastically. He then wants to spend more time with her, and uses her brother as an excuse. Calling her daily to give her updates on his progress, gives him a reason to talk to her.
Alex and Sebastian become very close, and Sebastian brings Julian, his twin to hang out as well. Soon Alex is attending cricket games, BBQs, etc. But when one of the boys gets hurt and they call Alex over Chloe, and the 3 of them end up in the ER without even calling her, she feels betrayed. He's the adult, he should have known better. Regardless of whether the boys asked him not to call her.
Just like that, Chloe's trust is destroyed.
February 13, 2017
Very hard to put down
I would r ed commend t h is book. It didn't have a slow point I n it. Predictable but good.
I would r ed commend t h is book. It didn't have a slow point I n it. Predictable but good.
January 20, 2014
It's the emotions that grab you
Wonderful use of the emotional range. I cried, laughed and enjoyed the growing love. I wonder by some use of grammar and syntax if the author is a southern American using words like reckon. The characters were easily embraced and loved, although I think more could have been done. We never find out what happened to the boys who beat up Seb, or if Alex really won the award, some minor parts that left the book not quite finished and left me a little frustrated. Overall it was a good book, read over an evening.
Wonderful use of the emotional range. I cried, laughed and enjoyed the growing love. I wonder by some use of grammar and syntax if the author is a southern American using words like reckon. The characters were easily embraced and loved, although I think more could have been done. We never find out what happened to the boys who beat up Seb, or if Alex really won the award, some minor parts that left the book not quite finished and left me a little frustrated. Overall it was a good book, read over an evening.
April 11, 2014
Overall, I'm pleased with this book. The writing was pretty good, which allowed me to sympathize with the characters and root for a happy ending. There was only one complaint I have. I wish there were more details given about their family. How did the parents and oldest sister end up where they did and why wasn't Chloe with them? Why weren't the younger ones with them? Where were they? These are just a couple of the questions I had and would have liked a great background on. Other than these details I really did enjoy this book.
December 10, 2015
The only reason I finished this book was because it's short and I could. I didn't want to. I didn't care what happened.
The character development was incredibly superficial. The point of view switched from paragraph to paragraph, which was annoying. There were times when I thought the author was a man, due to the occasionally derisive comment towards women (which makes it sadder that the author is, in fact, a woman).
Sometimes I read a lighter, fluffier book as a kind of palate cleanser. This doesn't even accomplish that. I wouldn't recommend it.
The character development was incredibly superficial. The point of view switched from paragraph to paragraph, which was annoying. There were times when I thought the author was a man, due to the occasionally derisive comment towards women (which makes it sadder that the author is, in fact, a woman).
Sometimes I read a lighter, fluffier book as a kind of palate cleanser. This doesn't even accomplish that. I wouldn't recommend it.
March 7, 2011
Chloe Gardiner has put her life on hold to raise her three orphaned step-siblings. Everything seems to be going great until Seb, a 14 year old twin, gets in with a bad group and is caught vandalizing property.
After an initial reluctance to get involved, divorced architect Alex Bergman finds himself enjoying becoming a part of the young family.
The idea for the book was good but it got a little overly dramatic and the ending seemed very rushed.
After an initial reluctance to get involved, divorced architect Alex Bergman finds himself enjoying becoming a part of the young family.
The idea for the book was good but it got a little overly dramatic and the ending seemed very rushed.
February 16, 2016
Good
I thought the book was good but I didn't enjoy it, I thought I was getting something different. Basically there Australian and the language is a little different, story was good the ending left me wanting more.
I thought the book was good but I didn't enjoy it, I thought I was getting something different. Basically there Australian and the language is a little different, story was good the ending left me wanting more.
March 29, 2013
it wad a good book but some parts I did not like but over all good
December 2, 2013
Somewhat predictable but good characters and sweet story!
January 16, 2014
I liked it, but didn't love it. The story had such premise but it just didn't live up to it.
February 28, 2014
This was an ok read. A little tedious at times but I did finish it. Not really one I would highly recommend.
March 17, 2015
Good read!
I liked the characters and the storyline. The love interest is different and intriguing. The main characters and their supporting members of their family
I liked the characters and the storyline. The love interest is different and intriguing. The main characters and their supporting members of their family
July 25, 2015
It is a frustrating romance, full of stupid non-communication that creates all sorts of issues, which you know will get resolved in the end. You know - like in "White Christmas." :)
February 14, 2016
3.5 stars. Cute.
April 2, 2016
Sweet book
This was a good book to read. It had sad and sweet moments. I liked the characters and their story line.
This was a good book to read. It had sad and sweet moments. I liked the characters and their story line.
June 8, 2016
Simple yet hard to put down
Characters are well developed. Plot progresses nicely. Cute story. I had a hard time putting it down. A fun read.
Characters are well developed. Plot progresses nicely. Cute story. I had a hard time putting it down. A fun read.
December 10, 2016
When I was reading the reviews for this one, I was sure I wasn't going to like but I did. It's a solid 3.5 stars. the writing is good. There are a few eyeroll moments but overall it was good.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews