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A Willoughby Inn Love Story #1
Where My Heart Breaks
An alternate cover edition can be found here.
A tragic literary love story comes to life in the most unexpected way for a woman haunted by her past mistakes.
Trust is in short supply for Kate Spivey when she is sentenced to spend the summer before her senior year of college under the watchful eye of her aunt at the remote, but famous Willoughby Inn. Kate’s mission is to prove that she has learned from her mistakes.
Almost immediately, Kate is drawn to someone else who understands the unfairness of being judged by actions of the past. Reed Black has his own regrets, but, instead of trying to change the town’s perception of him, he embraced it.
When Reed offers to give Kate a crash course in the romanticized history and insight behind the novel that put the Willoughby Inn on the map, Kate is unable to resist playing along, even though she knows that just like the plot of the Willoughby Inn story, anything more than friendship with Reed is strictly off-limits.
This is a full-length, standalone new adult contemporary romance novel intended for readers 18+.
The Willoughby Inn Love Story Collection:
Where My Heart Breaks
Grounded By You
A tragic literary love story comes to life in the most unexpected way for a woman haunted by her past mistakes.
Trust is in short supply for Kate Spivey when she is sentenced to spend the summer before her senior year of college under the watchful eye of her aunt at the remote, but famous Willoughby Inn. Kate’s mission is to prove that she has learned from her mistakes.
Almost immediately, Kate is drawn to someone else who understands the unfairness of being judged by actions of the past. Reed Black has his own regrets, but, instead of trying to change the town’s perception of him, he embraced it.
When Reed offers to give Kate a crash course in the romanticized history and insight behind the novel that put the Willoughby Inn on the map, Kate is unable to resist playing along, even though she knows that just like the plot of the Willoughby Inn story, anything more than friendship with Reed is strictly off-limits.
This is a full-length, standalone new adult contemporary romance novel intended for readers 18+.
The Willoughby Inn Love Story Collection:
Where My Heart Breaks
Grounded By You
337 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 28, 2013
201 people are currently reading
1333 people want to read
About the author
Ivy Sinclair
71 books133 followersIvy Sinclair cut her romance teeth on classics like Gone With the Wind, Casablanca, An Affair to Remember, and Sabrina. She is a firm believer in true love, a happily ever after ending, and the medicinal use of chocolate to cure any ailment of the heart. Ivy's guilty pleasures include sushi, endless Starbucks lattes, and wine. Readers of Ivy's stories can expect smoldering sweet stories of romance that tug at the heartstrings.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
November 17, 2013
***Copy provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
This book is one of the reasons why I just LOVE Indie authors!!! I needed a much-deserved break after reading dark, twisted, and emotionally manipulative books for the past week and then I got my hands on this little gem here! I absolutely adored how I was reading a book about a heroine who was reading a book! Filled with quirky humor and sweet romance, Where My Heart Breaks brings to life characters who find the strength to move on from tragedy and how they discover their self-worth.
Kate Spivey is forced to work with her aunt at Willoughby Inn in order to placate her parents and make up for the bad school year. On her way to the little town, she lands a flat tire and a gorgeous but mysterious man helps her out. It isn’t until later that she finds out that he is the town’s most notorious man-whore Reed Black, the epitome of what she needs to avoid.
“I didn’t even need my mother’s voice in my head to tell me what I already knew. If I really wanted to make a fresh start and get things in order for my senior year, I needed to do myself a favor and forget all about Reed Black.”
Despite her intentions, Kate can’t help but feel attracted, connected, and ensnared by Reed, partially because she sees that they both want acceptance, a chance to prove themselves without being judged first.
“It’s nice to meet new people. People who don’t think they know who you are, so they actually take the time to get to know you for real. It’s refreshing, and around here it’s rare.”
“People think they know me too. That’s kind of what this summer is supposed to be about for me. New people. New surroundings. Fresh start.”
As Kate and Reed grow closer, their sizzling attraction is harder to fight against, which is a kink in their friendship. Kate wants to pursue a relationship, but is scared of what may happen in the future, and Reed reigns in his wants because he is still shackled to his past. There was this constant push and pull undercurrent between them until it all boiled over on Kate’s side.
“The guy I’m interested in runs hot and cold like a goddamn faucet. Add in the fact that the other guy who is interested in me is a pawn in my aunt’s match making game and I don’t know what’s going on with my love life. I have no interest in ever looking at another number again, which spells disaster for this sham of a job I’m stuck with. And just to add insult to injury, this stupid book lured me in thinking it was a love story and then kicked me in the gut.”
Yep, Kate’s life in a nutshell. I was silently praying that they would get their HEA, unlike the tragic story of Jackson and Camilla, and every step they took that led them closer to each other, I was doing a fist pump in the air. There was angst, rejection, anger, but it all worked out. It was uplifting to see Kate face her parents and bulldoze through her fears. It was heartwarming to see how Reed moved on from his haunting past. It put a big fat smile on my face to know that these two individuals faced their boatload of baggage to be with each other.
“I lied. I want to be more than friends. I want to kiss you and touch you while you moan and cry out my name. I want to be the man who brings you the most pleasure you’ve ever had in your life. I want to be the one you think about when you go to sleep at night. My question is, can you forgive me for being such an idiot for pushing you away?”
A short, sweet, and satisfying romance book, and just an all-around wonderful in-between book to read!
4.5 STARS!!!
This book is one of the reasons why I just LOVE Indie authors!!! I needed a much-deserved break after reading dark, twisted, and emotionally manipulative books for the past week and then I got my hands on this little gem here! I absolutely adored how I was reading a book about a heroine who was reading a book! Filled with quirky humor and sweet romance, Where My Heart Breaks brings to life characters who find the strength to move on from tragedy and how they discover their self-worth.
Kate Spivey is forced to work with her aunt at Willoughby Inn in order to placate her parents and make up for the bad school year. On her way to the little town, she lands a flat tire and a gorgeous but mysterious man helps her out. It isn’t until later that she finds out that he is the town’s most notorious man-whore Reed Black, the epitome of what she needs to avoid.
“I didn’t even need my mother’s voice in my head to tell me what I already knew. If I really wanted to make a fresh start and get things in order for my senior year, I needed to do myself a favor and forget all about Reed Black.”
Despite her intentions, Kate can’t help but feel attracted, connected, and ensnared by Reed, partially because she sees that they both want acceptance, a chance to prove themselves without being judged first.
“It’s nice to meet new people. People who don’t think they know who you are, so they actually take the time to get to know you for real. It’s refreshing, and around here it’s rare.”
“People think they know me too. That’s kind of what this summer is supposed to be about for me. New people. New surroundings. Fresh start.”
As Kate and Reed grow closer, their sizzling attraction is harder to fight against, which is a kink in their friendship. Kate wants to pursue a relationship, but is scared of what may happen in the future, and Reed reigns in his wants because he is still shackled to his past. There was this constant push and pull undercurrent between them until it all boiled over on Kate’s side.
“The guy I’m interested in runs hot and cold like a goddamn faucet. Add in the fact that the other guy who is interested in me is a pawn in my aunt’s match making game and I don’t know what’s going on with my love life. I have no interest in ever looking at another number again, which spells disaster for this sham of a job I’m stuck with. And just to add insult to injury, this stupid book lured me in thinking it was a love story and then kicked me in the gut.”
Yep, Kate’s life in a nutshell. I was silently praying that they would get their HEA, unlike the tragic story of Jackson and Camilla, and every step they took that led them closer to each other, I was doing a fist pump in the air. There was angst, rejection, anger, but it all worked out. It was uplifting to see Kate face her parents and bulldoze through her fears. It was heartwarming to see how Reed moved on from his haunting past. It put a big fat smile on my face to know that these two individuals faced their boatload of baggage to be with each other.
“I lied. I want to be more than friends. I want to kiss you and touch you while you moan and cry out my name. I want to be the man who brings you the most pleasure you’ve ever had in your life. I want to be the one you think about when you go to sleep at night. My question is, can you forgive me for being such an idiot for pushing you away?”
A short, sweet, and satisfying romance book, and just an all-around wonderful in-between book to read!
4.5 STARS!!!
June 9, 2015
I liked this one, it was really cute, it pulled me right in....I didn't like the abrupt ending, I felt like it could have been a lot longer....and it seemed like there was quite a bit that wasn't really fully explained....like something would be mentioned, and you'd expect to get an explanation at some point, but you only only ended up getting half the missing puzzle pieces. Also, the epilogue was lame....I wanted more. Lots more.
September 4, 2013
4 Stars for a heart warming story. The story revolves around Kate who is at a cross roads in her life. At 21 she is on academic probation, in therapy for her alcohol addiction, under her parents rule to get her act together, and on her way to spend the summer with her equally non-tolerant aunt who owns a bed and breakfast.
A chance meeting takes place between Kate and what we later learn is Reed Black when she gets flat tire. Reed assists her and Kate can feel an immediate attraction. But she has sworn off men and is trying to get her life in order. Upon arrival to the bed and breakfast Kate is introduced to the staff including someone her age, Sam, and a few others. We also learn that the bed and breakfast in a popular stop for some people because it was used as a back drop to a famous romance story.
Kate, as part of training, needs to get familiar with the book and its importance for use for tourist and guests at her aunt B&B. Kate finds herself immersed in the small town life and finds people warning her away from Reed who has offered to be her friend and help her with her research into the area and the book. Reed surprises Kate by being different that what the people of town had sais about him. They end up kissing only to have Reed warn Kate off and make his intentions clear that he only wants friendship. This sends Kate into a slight downward spiral and she ends up leading Sam on and allowing herself to drink even when Reed shows up and tries to steer her on the correct path. We do see a little 'Caveman' in Reed when he realizes he can't stand to see Kate with anyone else and gives her another mixed signal.
Kate tries to keep her head straight but can't seem to stay away from Reed. Finally faced with an ultimatum to stay away from Reed, Kate needs to finally decide what path she will take, follow what her mother tells her or listen to her heart?
There were points in this book that has me frustrated because Kate seemed too focused on her ex and on drinking it was like she was at constant war with herself. And then when she actually went out and drank, and Reed tried to step in I wanted to scream at Kate because she could not resist temptation. Kate does seem to eventually catch on to what life is about and makes some real life decisions. I would have liked to learn more about Reed's past, even though we get a glimpse into what happened that warned so many people to tell Kate to keep her distance. But I would have liked a bigger glimpse into Reed's relationship with his mother. I also expected a bigger moment for Kate when she finally strapped on her big girl panties and stood up to her mom. I was a little disappointed in the lack of drama, but the sad part is, it goes to show exactly how cold Kate's mom was in the end. Overall a really enjoyable read, I would like to hear more about the people of The Willoughby and where Reed and Kate's story takes them. The back story of Jackson and Camilla was also a great addition to the story line.
*this honest review was done in exchange for an Arc through Netgalley*
A chance meeting takes place between Kate and what we later learn is Reed Black when she gets flat tire. Reed assists her and Kate can feel an immediate attraction. But she has sworn off men and is trying to get her life in order. Upon arrival to the bed and breakfast Kate is introduced to the staff including someone her age, Sam, and a few others. We also learn that the bed and breakfast in a popular stop for some people because it was used as a back drop to a famous romance story.
Kate, as part of training, needs to get familiar with the book and its importance for use for tourist and guests at her aunt B&B. Kate finds herself immersed in the small town life and finds people warning her away from Reed who has offered to be her friend and help her with her research into the area and the book. Reed surprises Kate by being different that what the people of town had sais about him. They end up kissing only to have Reed warn Kate off and make his intentions clear that he only wants friendship. This sends Kate into a slight downward spiral and she ends up leading Sam on and allowing herself to drink even when Reed shows up and tries to steer her on the correct path. We do see a little 'Caveman' in Reed when he realizes he can't stand to see Kate with anyone else and gives her another mixed signal.
Kate tries to keep her head straight but can't seem to stay away from Reed. Finally faced with an ultimatum to stay away from Reed, Kate needs to finally decide what path she will take, follow what her mother tells her or listen to her heart?
There were points in this book that has me frustrated because Kate seemed too focused on her ex and on drinking it was like she was at constant war with herself. And then when she actually went out and drank, and Reed tried to step in I wanted to scream at Kate because she could not resist temptation. Kate does seem to eventually catch on to what life is about and makes some real life decisions. I would have liked to learn more about Reed's past, even though we get a glimpse into what happened that warned so many people to tell Kate to keep her distance. But I would have liked a bigger glimpse into Reed's relationship with his mother. I also expected a bigger moment for Kate when she finally strapped on her big girl panties and stood up to her mom. I was a little disappointed in the lack of drama, but the sad part is, it goes to show exactly how cold Kate's mom was in the end. Overall a really enjoyable read, I would like to hear more about the people of The Willoughby and where Reed and Kate's story takes them. The back story of Jackson and Camilla was also a great addition to the story line.
*this honest review was done in exchange for an Arc through Netgalley*
September 14, 2013
Review to come on 8/31 on New Adult Addiction
I really can't say enough good things about this book.
What I liked: First and foremost, this book was unpredictable. Most of the time, with NA Romance we know the hero and heroine are going to be together. But in Where My Heart Breaks, nothing about their relationship is a sure thing. There are lots of reasons for them not to be together. It would be entirely relatable and believable if Katie ran in the other direction--not because he wasn't a good guy, but because she was truly trying to make a fresh start. Specifically one that didn't involve her being wrapped up in a boy.
One of the main parts of the plot revolves around a famous novel that was written about the Inn where Katie is staying for the summer, and in several scenes it is almost as is Katie is reliving the novel. But the novel featured inside the book has a tragic ending, and this kept me very on edge, worrying that Katie's own fate might be tragic.
Is it?
Come on now, you didn't think I'd spoil that for you, did you?
I will tell you that I was completely and utterly satisfied by the end of the book, and I'm so glad I read this.
What I didn't like:
The beginning seemed a little rocky. I was almost positive that were about to drive right into predictable tropes. Her car breaks down. A hot guy stops to help her. They are going to have instant chemistry, right?
Nope. He was sort of an ass, and while she was attracted to him, there was no almost kiss or any other cliche. I both liked and disliked that, because I was happy for some originality, but I was also hoping for that kiss.
My Recommendation: Where My Heart Breaks is fantastic and should go right to the top of your TBR.
I really can't say enough good things about this book.
What I liked: First and foremost, this book was unpredictable. Most of the time, with NA Romance we know the hero and heroine are going to be together. But in Where My Heart Breaks, nothing about their relationship is a sure thing. There are lots of reasons for them not to be together. It would be entirely relatable and believable if Katie ran in the other direction--not because he wasn't a good guy, but because she was truly trying to make a fresh start. Specifically one that didn't involve her being wrapped up in a boy.
One of the main parts of the plot revolves around a famous novel that was written about the Inn where Katie is staying for the summer, and in several scenes it is almost as is Katie is reliving the novel. But the novel featured inside the book has a tragic ending, and this kept me very on edge, worrying that Katie's own fate might be tragic.
Is it?
Come on now, you didn't think I'd spoil that for you, did you?
I will tell you that I was completely and utterly satisfied by the end of the book, and I'm so glad I read this.
What I didn't like:
The beginning seemed a little rocky. I was almost positive that were about to drive right into predictable tropes. Her car breaks down. A hot guy stops to help her. They are going to have instant chemistry, right?
Nope. He was sort of an ass, and while she was attracted to him, there was no almost kiss or any other cliche. I both liked and disliked that, because I was happy for some originality, but I was also hoping for that kiss.
My Recommendation: Where My Heart Breaks is fantastic and should go right to the top of your TBR.
August 29, 2013
So 4 BRIGHT, YELLOW STARS for this one.
Loved it, loved it, loved it UNTIL....I'll get to that little later.
Loved that Kate's transformation was very gradual, and even though she realized certain things she still made mistakes and was hesitant about who she truly was or what she wanted.
Loved Reed and his story. It was so refreshing to have a normal, average (and yes, hot and sexy) guy as a love interest as opposed to a controlling macho billionaire.
Loved the love story between Kate and Reed - the sparks, the judgments, the hesitation, the passion.
Loved the allusions to another (fictional, I assume) novel and how it affected lives of the characters.
What I DIDN'T love was the turning point. I expected the whole situation to blow up, the characters to be more emotional and "in your face", and I expected the climax to evoke more emotions in me. Instead, it was plain and boring. And although the ending offered clear resolutions (which I appreciated), it was just like the turning point - plain and simple.
Nonetheless, it was a totally-captivating-page-turner-of-a-story and I would recommend this book to any romance loving new adults in a heart beat!
ARC of this book was provided by NetGally in exchange for an honest review.
Loved it, loved it, loved it UNTIL....I'll get to that little later.
Loved that Kate's transformation was very gradual, and even though she realized certain things she still made mistakes and was hesitant about who she truly was or what she wanted.
Loved Reed and his story. It was so refreshing to have a normal, average (and yes, hot and sexy) guy as a love interest as opposed to a controlling macho billionaire.
Loved the love story between Kate and Reed - the sparks, the judgments, the hesitation, the passion.
Loved the allusions to another (fictional, I assume) novel and how it affected lives of the characters.
What I DIDN'T love was the turning point. I expected the whole situation to blow up, the characters to be more emotional and "in your face", and I expected the climax to evoke more emotions in me. Instead, it was plain and boring. And although the ending offered clear resolutions (which I appreciated), it was just like the turning point - plain and simple.
Nonetheless, it was a totally-captivating-page-turner-of-a-story and I would recommend this book to any romance loving new adults in a heart beat!
ARC of this book was provided by NetGally in exchange for an honest review.
September 14, 2013
3.5 Stars!
I know this genre isn't for everyone and I also know I tend to read a lot from it but I can't help it. The hopeless romantic in me just eats them up. I am a happily ever after kind of girl and I crave that HEA whether it is in my literature or in movies. I just have to have it.
Reed isn't exactly a bad boy, in fact I think he is far from it. He has a reputation as one and even though he won't commit to a single girl, I really am not sure how he got the reputation, well, other than the simple fact that he is gorgeous, has a tat or two and because of it woman flock to him. Never once throughout the story did I see him do anything to warrant his reputation, quite the opposite in fact. He is simply a really good guy, or, maybe I am biased because I liked him from the beginning.
Kate is a different story. She too has made mistakes in her life and because of them has been labeled as a “bad girl” but for very different reasons and I had to hand it to her, she was trying to redeem herself even when she really didn't need redeeming. When the people in her life needed to be better, not her. And even though I did like Kate, I didn't warm up to her right away, she had to win me over little by little but she did and that is what matters.
This was a really cute story about redemption, finding yourself and learning to let go of the past and living for the future.
I know this genre isn't for everyone and I also know I tend to read a lot from it but I can't help it. The hopeless romantic in me just eats them up. I am a happily ever after kind of girl and I crave that HEA whether it is in my literature or in movies. I just have to have it.
Reed isn't exactly a bad boy, in fact I think he is far from it. He has a reputation as one and even though he won't commit to a single girl, I really am not sure how he got the reputation, well, other than the simple fact that he is gorgeous, has a tat or two and because of it woman flock to him. Never once throughout the story did I see him do anything to warrant his reputation, quite the opposite in fact. He is simply a really good guy, or, maybe I am biased because I liked him from the beginning.
Kate is a different story. She too has made mistakes in her life and because of them has been labeled as a “bad girl” but for very different reasons and I had to hand it to her, she was trying to redeem herself even when she really didn't need redeeming. When the people in her life needed to be better, not her. And even though I did like Kate, I didn't warm up to her right away, she had to win me over little by little but she did and that is what matters.
This was a really cute story about redemption, finding yourself and learning to let go of the past and living for the future.
August 2, 2015
**this copy courtesy of NetGalley & the publishers
4-4.5 stars for me. I loved reading this book, and even with my stuffy head cold it was easy to read and easy to take in.
When the "bad girl" and "bad boy" get together you'd think it's headed for disaster... but sometimes when two people meet, they are exactly what the other needs to pull themselves and their lives back on track.
Despite the obvious connection between Kate and Reed, Kate needs to make one of the biggest decisions of her life in order to find out what might or might not be with Reed. Along the way, with a few wise words from Reed, she is able to see why her life went haywire and what she needs to do to be happy moving forward (& it's not always the reasons that everyone's telling you). And without realising or trying, she helps him come to terms with his past allowing him to look further into the future than right now.
I was a little disappointed at the lack of a big grand finale, but was still quite happy with the final outcome - two people trying to be happy, amongst others trying to bring them down, judging them on past mistakes, or just plain trying to control them.
4-4.5 stars for me. I loved reading this book, and even with my stuffy head cold it was easy to read and easy to take in.
When the "bad girl" and "bad boy" get together you'd think it's headed for disaster... but sometimes when two people meet, they are exactly what the other needs to pull themselves and their lives back on track.
Despite the obvious connection between Kate and Reed, Kate needs to make one of the biggest decisions of her life in order to find out what might or might not be with Reed. Along the way, with a few wise words from Reed, she is able to see why her life went haywire and what she needs to do to be happy moving forward (& it's not always the reasons that everyone's telling you). And without realising or trying, she helps him come to terms with his past allowing him to look further into the future than right now.
I was a little disappointed at the lack of a big grand finale, but was still quite happy with the final outcome - two people trying to be happy, amongst others trying to bring them down, judging them on past mistakes, or just plain trying to control them.
January 28, 2014
ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
*3 stars*
Attention new adult readers! This is the perfect book if you are looking to avoid all of the angst that the genre has put out. (Personally I love angst, but a break every once in a while is nice). Where My Heart Breaks, titled after a book IN this book, is the story of a girl named Kate who has a wild past and is sent off to her aunt's for the summer to shape up. Along the way she meets the town "bad boy" Reed, who has a complicated past but allures to Kate even though he shouldn't.
To the point, this is the story of two people who are searching for redemption for their past mistakes and find it in each other. This was a very sweet book and perfect for reading after a long day at work when ya just need a break from everything.
When I give a three star rating to a book, I genuinely mean I liked it, but didn't love it. That's how I felt about this book in a nutshell, but I highly recommend as a rainy day and or beach day read :)
*3 stars*
Attention new adult readers! This is the perfect book if you are looking to avoid all of the angst that the genre has put out. (Personally I love angst, but a break every once in a while is nice). Where My Heart Breaks, titled after a book IN this book, is the story of a girl named Kate who has a wild past and is sent off to her aunt's for the summer to shape up. Along the way she meets the town "bad boy" Reed, who has a complicated past but allures to Kate even though he shouldn't.
To the point, this is the story of two people who are searching for redemption for their past mistakes and find it in each other. This was a very sweet book and perfect for reading after a long day at work when ya just need a break from everything.
When I give a three star rating to a book, I genuinely mean I liked it, but didn't love it. That's how I felt about this book in a nutshell, but I highly recommend as a rainy day and or beach day read :)
August 14, 2017
The writing is good. The story has been done to death: girl with troubled past falls for a reputed-bad-but-just-emotionally-closed-off boy. Sweet overall but there was nothing to keep my attention. Also, no condoms?
September 5, 2013
I was given this book by the Author, Ivy Sinclair, for an honest review and so I shall deliver.
The Review:
This is the second book I've read by Ivy Sinclair, the first one was "Bittersweet Junction" and I have to say, "Where My Heart Breaks" had huge shoes to fill to compare to it. Especially since I loved "Bittersweet Junction" so much I featured it on my review site.
So that being said, I thought "Where My Heart Breaks" started off a bit slow and I have to be honest, I had concerns about the book. But knowing how wonderful an author Ivy Sinclair is, I stayed with it and oh my goodness am I sooo glad I did!! Ivy Sinclair pulled a boxing move...taking it slow, with attention getters here and there...then KAPOW!! KNOCK OUT!!
Kate is a 21 year old college student who, like so many college kids, lost her way. She fell in love with an emotionally abusive boyfriend, Trevor, who introduced her to drinking, partying and drugs. She's lost all her scholarships and she'll be lucky to be allowed back in. Her mother, who has always been an overbearing controlling witch, uses this mistake to hold over Kate's head and to make her feel even worse about herself. Her mother defines who Kate is with all the bad stuff and overlooks all the amazing things she had done prior to her meeting Trevor. She blackmails Kate into doing what she says or she won't pay for her Senior year of college...which of course Kate desperately needs, to stay on a positive, successful path in life.
Nobody should ever be made to feel that way, especially by their mother. The worst part is, her mom tainted Kate's Aunt Patrice against her as well, then sends her off to live with Patrice for the summer while her and Kate's dad travel Europe together.
For awhile I also hated Kate's best friend Millie. I guess basically I hated all the characters except Kate at first. If Ivy Sinclair's ultimate goal, was to get us to bond with Kate. To feel that loneliness of not having anyone to trust, disliking those you love because they treat you like you're worthless, like a child and judged you for stupid mistakes...then she completely and utterly succeeded.
Oh my! I'm having a light bulb moment! Looking back as I write this, I can see things so much clearer now and totally get why the beginning pages seemed "a bit slow"...because they DID bring out all those feelings!
Well played Ivy Sinclair...WELL PLAYED!
Okay, continuing on... I have two words for you. Reed Black.
Mmmm, he's my kind of man. Troubled, dark, sexy and off limits. He's also Kate's kind of man and of course everyone is flipping out about it. But is he who everyone thinks he is? Is he really just a love 'em and leave 'em kind of guy? Kate intends to find out.
You can feel and see Kate's lack of self worth. She was a young girl who fell in love with the wrong guy and she's the one who pays the ultimate price. I hated seeing her pain. Ultimately there was only one person who could help Kate. Was it Reed? Her Aunt Patrice? Millie? Kate's Mom?
Guess you have to read the book to find out. And I highly recommend you do! This book is about making mistakes, dealing with the consequences, finding yourself and finding your way out of the hell hole, we put ourselves in, or allow others to put us in as punishment. It's about seeing who is at the top waiting for you to succeed or fail and who is in there with you, to give you a push.
It's REAL LIFE. That is what Ivy Sinclair gives us with each of her books. She takes real life, then adds in passion, dreams and desires. We become her characters. It's a special gift that not every author has and I feel so extremely blessed to have the honor of reading what Ivy Sinclair puts down on paper. ♥
Buy this book...seriously. Don't miss out on the sexy, wonderful, enlightening ride Ivy Sinclair will take you on.
~Robin(Book Reads and Reviews)
The Review:
This is the second book I've read by Ivy Sinclair, the first one was "Bittersweet Junction" and I have to say, "Where My Heart Breaks" had huge shoes to fill to compare to it. Especially since I loved "Bittersweet Junction" so much I featured it on my review site.
So that being said, I thought "Where My Heart Breaks" started off a bit slow and I have to be honest, I had concerns about the book. But knowing how wonderful an author Ivy Sinclair is, I stayed with it and oh my goodness am I sooo glad I did!! Ivy Sinclair pulled a boxing move...taking it slow, with attention getters here and there...then KAPOW!! KNOCK OUT!!
Kate is a 21 year old college student who, like so many college kids, lost her way. She fell in love with an emotionally abusive boyfriend, Trevor, who introduced her to drinking, partying and drugs. She's lost all her scholarships and she'll be lucky to be allowed back in. Her mother, who has always been an overbearing controlling witch, uses this mistake to hold over Kate's head and to make her feel even worse about herself. Her mother defines who Kate is with all the bad stuff and overlooks all the amazing things she had done prior to her meeting Trevor. She blackmails Kate into doing what she says or she won't pay for her Senior year of college...which of course Kate desperately needs, to stay on a positive, successful path in life.
I got back in the car and started it up. I looked in the rearview mirror. Maybe he felt the vibe about me, the one that started all the chaos to begin with. I was a bad girl . Hadn't I proved that beyond a shadow of a doubt? I was someone my mother said in my current state wasn't worth of the time of day.
Nobody should ever be made to feel that way, especially by their mother. The worst part is, her mom tainted Kate's Aunt Patrice against her as well, then sends her off to live with Patrice for the summer while her and Kate's dad travel Europe together.
For awhile I also hated Kate's best friend Millie. I guess basically I hated all the characters except Kate at first. If Ivy Sinclair's ultimate goal, was to get us to bond with Kate. To feel that loneliness of not having anyone to trust, disliking those you love because they treat you like you're worthless, like a child and judged you for stupid mistakes...then she completely and utterly succeeded.
Oh my! I'm having a light bulb moment! Looking back as I write this, I can see things so much clearer now and totally get why the beginning pages seemed "a bit slow"...because they DID bring out all those feelings!
Well played Ivy Sinclair...WELL PLAYED!
Okay, continuing on... I have two words for you. Reed Black.
His fingers interlaced with mine against the sides of my body and then he brought them up over my head as he pressed fully against me. He was in complete control, and there was no way I could escape him even if I wanted to. He pushed one knee between my legs widening my stance and allowing him to get even closer. His hard, sinewy length seemed contoured to fit my body perfectly like a glove. Although there was a part of me that felt exposed and vulnerable, it was exhilarating at the same time. I knew that I had cracked the lid on a box that I never wanted to close again.
Mmmm, he's my kind of man. Troubled, dark, sexy and off limits. He's also Kate's kind of man and of course everyone is flipping out about it. But is he who everyone thinks he is? Is he really just a love 'em and leave 'em kind of guy? Kate intends to find out.
He was probably right. There were a million reasons that I shouldn't get involved with any guy, but I couldn't stop thinking about Reed's mouth all over my body. It had been too long since I felt wanted and desired, and I could see it in his eyes that he wanted me. His hands drifted down to follow the contours of my back, and as I heard his breath hitch, I didn't want him to stop.
I was the queen of bad ideas and bad decisions. What my parents didn't fully understand was that I was capable of making them even without the influence of meds or alcohol. But yet, nothing in my whole life felt as right as that moment in Reed's arms. I would probably have my heart and soul completely crushed by him, but for some reason, it felt entirely worth it. I needed something, or more appropriately someone, to rip the memories of Trevor and the last year and half completely from my mind.
You can feel and see Kate's lack of self worth. She was a young girl who fell in love with the wrong guy and she's the one who pays the ultimate price. I hated seeing her pain. Ultimately there was only one person who could help Kate. Was it Reed? Her Aunt Patrice? Millie? Kate's Mom?
Guess you have to read the book to find out. And I highly recommend you do! This book is about making mistakes, dealing with the consequences, finding yourself and finding your way out of the hell hole, we put ourselves in, or allow others to put us in as punishment. It's about seeing who is at the top waiting for you to succeed or fail and who is in there with you, to give you a push.
It's REAL LIFE. That is what Ivy Sinclair gives us with each of her books. She takes real life, then adds in passion, dreams and desires. We become her characters. It's a special gift that not every author has and I feel so extremely blessed to have the honor of reading what Ivy Sinclair puts down on paper. ♥
Buy this book...seriously. Don't miss out on the sexy, wonderful, enlightening ride Ivy Sinclair will take you on.
~Robin(Book Reads and Reviews)
September 1, 2013
I got this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review...
this book is a great romance story. It has a story within a story. It is very emotional, and if you are not a chick lit kinda person this book might not be your cup of tea.
Kate was a good girl. She was the highest in her high school class, and got scholarships to where ever she wanted to go. She had everything going for her. That was until she met a boy. Then her junior year of college went down hill. She was drinking and making so many bad choices that she was going to get kicked out of college. Her parents where not happy. She had no choice, but to go back home for a little bit and get her life straightened out. She now has to live by the rules of her parents or they will not pay for her last year of school. Since she made bad choices her scholarships were cancelled so she would have no funding of her own.
Kate was seeing a therapist to help her deal with her break up and the choices that she makes. She is getting better with not blaming herself for everything and not have panic attacks when things start to go wrong. Her parents were going away for the summer so Kate was stuck driving to North Carolina to stay with her aunt who owns a bed and breakfast. She quickly realized that she was going to be in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do.
Kate was suppose to start working at the Willoughby Inn. It is famous. Some author who lived there wrote a book, and when it got published the little town got famous and so did her aunts bed and breakfast. Tourists from all over will come and have their honeymoon and and vacations there for overpriced rates just so they say they could be there. Her aunt ran a tight ship. Kate's mother gave her aunt instructions about Kate and had to watch her to see if she is honestly making better choices, and ready to go back to school. Her mother's rules were very simple: NO BOYS, AND NO DRINKING.
Well, as you can tell Kate was not good at making good choices, she was working her way up to thinking she was ready to start a new. that was until she met Reed. He was dark and mysterious, and her kind of guy. He had huge arms, and a tattoo across his arm, and she couldn't help but swoon. HE was the town's handy man and worked at the bed and breakfast once and a while. He introduced himself to Kate and they became friends, just friends. He noticed that she was reading the famous town book. So he suggested that he take her to all the scenes that were in the book so her knowledge would be good for tourists. The problem was that they both liked each other. After one steamy kiss they were hooked. Kate wanted more, But Reed did not. He told Kate that he was not the guy for her and that she could do a lot better because he was not the dating type.
Well, Reed was the bad egg of the town. gossip spreads really fast there and her aunt told her to stay away from that guy. Hell, the whole town stopped her and said that getting mixed up with Reed is no good because he has a bad name when it comes to the girls. That any girl under 30 will have their heart ripped out and handed back to them. That made Kate more interested.
Her aunt was up to her own little match makings. There was a guy named Sam. He also worked for her aunt. he did the kitchen and the ordering. He was to show Kate how to do most of the jobs. He wasn't as handsome as Reed, but he had a cute nerdy sense to him. He liked Kate. He invited her to go to the bar at the end of town for some dancing since she has been working so hard. The next thing that Kate knew was that she was drinking. She wasn't suppose to be drinking. Reed came over and brought her a soda. Kate was mad at him for turning her down, so she made a big scene. Reed left and Kate ended up with a date with Sam. She was not happy about herself and noticed that she was going down the wrong path. Good thing that her best friend from new york is going to be coming down and saving the day....or wait making it worse...
this book will have you happy and angry with the way Kate behaves. She has to make some very tough choices with her life or she could loose it all. She also is in this love triangle. Don't let me fool you there is is a lot of twist, heartbreak, and big questions that still need to be answered, but i am not going to ruin the book for you. That is something that you are going to have to finish for yourself.
this book is a great romance story. It has a story within a story. It is very emotional, and if you are not a chick lit kinda person this book might not be your cup of tea.
Kate was a good girl. She was the highest in her high school class, and got scholarships to where ever she wanted to go. She had everything going for her. That was until she met a boy. Then her junior year of college went down hill. She was drinking and making so many bad choices that she was going to get kicked out of college. Her parents where not happy. She had no choice, but to go back home for a little bit and get her life straightened out. She now has to live by the rules of her parents or they will not pay for her last year of school. Since she made bad choices her scholarships were cancelled so she would have no funding of her own.
Kate was seeing a therapist to help her deal with her break up and the choices that she makes. She is getting better with not blaming herself for everything and not have panic attacks when things start to go wrong. Her parents were going away for the summer so Kate was stuck driving to North Carolina to stay with her aunt who owns a bed and breakfast. She quickly realized that she was going to be in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do.
Kate was suppose to start working at the Willoughby Inn. It is famous. Some author who lived there wrote a book, and when it got published the little town got famous and so did her aunts bed and breakfast. Tourists from all over will come and have their honeymoon and and vacations there for overpriced rates just so they say they could be there. Her aunt ran a tight ship. Kate's mother gave her aunt instructions about Kate and had to watch her to see if she is honestly making better choices, and ready to go back to school. Her mother's rules were very simple: NO BOYS, AND NO DRINKING.
Well, as you can tell Kate was not good at making good choices, she was working her way up to thinking she was ready to start a new. that was until she met Reed. He was dark and mysterious, and her kind of guy. He had huge arms, and a tattoo across his arm, and she couldn't help but swoon. HE was the town's handy man and worked at the bed and breakfast once and a while. He introduced himself to Kate and they became friends, just friends. He noticed that she was reading the famous town book. So he suggested that he take her to all the scenes that were in the book so her knowledge would be good for tourists. The problem was that they both liked each other. After one steamy kiss they were hooked. Kate wanted more, But Reed did not. He told Kate that he was not the guy for her and that she could do a lot better because he was not the dating type.
Well, Reed was the bad egg of the town. gossip spreads really fast there and her aunt told her to stay away from that guy. Hell, the whole town stopped her and said that getting mixed up with Reed is no good because he has a bad name when it comes to the girls. That any girl under 30 will have their heart ripped out and handed back to them. That made Kate more interested.
Her aunt was up to her own little match makings. There was a guy named Sam. He also worked for her aunt. he did the kitchen and the ordering. He was to show Kate how to do most of the jobs. He wasn't as handsome as Reed, but he had a cute nerdy sense to him. He liked Kate. He invited her to go to the bar at the end of town for some dancing since she has been working so hard. The next thing that Kate knew was that she was drinking. She wasn't suppose to be drinking. Reed came over and brought her a soda. Kate was mad at him for turning her down, so she made a big scene. Reed left and Kate ended up with a date with Sam. She was not happy about herself and noticed that she was going down the wrong path. Good thing that her best friend from new york is going to be coming down and saving the day....or wait making it worse...
this book will have you happy and angry with the way Kate behaves. She has to make some very tough choices with her life or she could loose it all. She also is in this love triangle. Don't let me fool you there is is a lot of twist, heartbreak, and big questions that still need to be answered, but i am not going to ruin the book for you. That is something that you are going to have to finish for yourself.
August 30, 2013
*ARC received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
2.5 ☆
When I read the blurb of Where My Heart Breaks I though I was going to love the book. The whole summer sentence Kate parents gave her seemed like a good idea.
The story is simple, short and cute. I liked all the characters but this just seemed like a story to read if you want a simple romance to entertain yourself for a couple of hours (which is perfectly okay).
Kate Spivey parents sent her to a micro town to help her aunt at the Willoughby Inn for the summer while they go on a trip to Europe. The reason behind all this is Kate wild and troublesome life in college. After loosing her good grades and scholarship Kate needs the help of her parents if she wants to finish her college education.
When she gets to town Kate meets Reed Black, after and awkward encounter she is sure she´s never going to see him again until her aunt mentions him and the trouble that surrounds the town bad boy. A Womanizer, Gorgeous , Hard-working bad boy.
"Reputations are built on kernels of truth. People might change, but in a town like this, reputations don´t."
But we all know a girl that is supposed to behave can´t be with the bad boy, RIGHT? Even though the connection is there Reed Black decides he will be a gentleman with Kate and decided to be ´only friends´. After they keep meeting around, Kate discovers Reed is actually a smart and perfect guy and not the one the town talks shit about. Kate realizes there is a past that Reed is keeping from her that explains his woman issues and she plans to get the information from him even though the truth can tear them apart.
The thing that I did not like about Where My Heart Breaks is that is very simple, I saw something coming with the whole secret past. Also there were not a lot of complicated parts, we read about Kate past with drugs, pasties, the guy(s) and all that but only glimpses and I just did not feel the emotions in the story. I think Reed past story was better and it was simpler than Kate´s.
Overall the story was OK, not good or bad. Good for a Sunday morning read.
August 31, 2013
* * Received a free copy of the book for a honest review * *
Kate is a 21 year old college student who was in a emotionally abusive relationship who partied way too much. As a way to control her, Kate's mother sent her to spend the summer with her aunt to work at a bed and breakfast. If Kate messes up any chance of getting money for her senior year in college will be shot. This is a chance for Kate to redeem her past so she can go back to school. But how can she get past everything that happened if they can't see that shes changed. When she ends up with a flat tired on the way to her aunts a random stranger offers her some help, Reed. Rumors spread like wildfire in that town and he has a past no one will let him escape from. Kate must stay away from Reed if she knows what's good for him, shes bad for her but the can't help themselves.
"It seems strange to me that people would flock to the destination of such a sordid, unhappy tale. But there was a glimmer of understanding inside of me. The love that Jackson and Camilla had was not something that could be replicated. It was a once in a lifetime, forever kind of love. It was the kind of love that all other kinds planed against, and if you were lucky to find it, you cherished every moment of it. As I stared into my haunted eyes in the mirror, I got it."
I really enjoyed reading this book and thought it was cute. I loved all the characters. Kate only wanted to redeem herself after all thats happened with her. I loved that she could've easily just gone back to her old ways and slip up but hadn't. It was plain to see that she was trying. I liked that after a while she stood up for herself and made her own choices rather then letting others control her. I liked Reed, he was kind and understanding towards Kate. I didn't understand the messed up rumors around Reed because once I got to know the reason behind the rumored I didn't know why people didn't like him. It's not like he could help what had happened. I guess its a small town thing, where one little thing can be blown out of proportion. I loved the connection between the two.
I want to know more about Sam and Millie. It seems like there was something starting between them and I am curious if the author is going to make a story between the two. I would love to know more about them, and I'm sure other readers who have checked out this book as curious about that.
Overall I enjoyed this book and recommend you lovely readers to check it out.
Kate is a 21 year old college student who was in a emotionally abusive relationship who partied way too much. As a way to control her, Kate's mother sent her to spend the summer with her aunt to work at a bed and breakfast. If Kate messes up any chance of getting money for her senior year in college will be shot. This is a chance for Kate to redeem her past so she can go back to school. But how can she get past everything that happened if they can't see that shes changed. When she ends up with a flat tired on the way to her aunts a random stranger offers her some help, Reed. Rumors spread like wildfire in that town and he has a past no one will let him escape from. Kate must stay away from Reed if she knows what's good for him, shes bad for her but the can't help themselves.
"It seems strange to me that people would flock to the destination of such a sordid, unhappy tale. But there was a glimmer of understanding inside of me. The love that Jackson and Camilla had was not something that could be replicated. It was a once in a lifetime, forever kind of love. It was the kind of love that all other kinds planed against, and if you were lucky to find it, you cherished every moment of it. As I stared into my haunted eyes in the mirror, I got it."
I really enjoyed reading this book and thought it was cute. I loved all the characters. Kate only wanted to redeem herself after all thats happened with her. I loved that she could've easily just gone back to her old ways and slip up but hadn't. It was plain to see that she was trying. I liked that after a while she stood up for herself and made her own choices rather then letting others control her. I liked Reed, he was kind and understanding towards Kate. I didn't understand the messed up rumors around Reed because once I got to know the reason behind the rumored I didn't know why people didn't like him. It's not like he could help what had happened. I guess its a small town thing, where one little thing can be blown out of proportion. I loved the connection between the two.
I want to know more about Sam and Millie. It seems like there was something starting between them and I am curious if the author is going to make a story between the two. I would love to know more about them, and I'm sure other readers who have checked out this book as curious about that.
Overall I enjoyed this book and recommend you lovely readers to check it out.
September 5, 2013
I received this book as an arc via netgalley.com and I loved it. Here is my honest review:
This is a story of two wrongs that make a right. Kate Spivey is a party girl from Baltimore that has been banished to Bleckerville North Carolina by her military raised mother. Kate was in her junior year of college when she partied all the time and never knew where she was gonna be next. Her then boyfriend, Trevor was a complete douche bag that treated her like trash. Well needless to say, she hardly showed up to classes and lost her full ride to college because of her actions. Her parents sent her to Bleckerville to work for her aunt Patrice at the Willoughby Inn. In exchange for her being the perfect child staying out of trouble, no boys, no drinking and no fun, they would pay for her senior year of college.
Reed Black is the bad boy of Bleckerville with a past and a black book filled to the brim with women's numbers. Being the ladies man he was, he never stayed with one woman long. Kate was stranded on the side of the road with a flat, right outside of Bleckerville, when Reed stopped to help her.
Kate became fascinated with the town love story that an author had written during his stay there. The story he had written "Where My Heart Breaks" is a love story like no other and helped to bring Reed and Kate closer. With her aunt keeping tabs on her, and tattling to her mother about everything she does, will there be any romance for Kate? Will she ever find out the whole story behind Reeds' past?
I loved this book because its always the good girl falling for the bad boy. You never see two wrongs make a right. I really didn't have any complaints with this book aside from the mother leaving her child hanging, but it happens quite often these days. I give this book 5 stars!!
This is a story of two wrongs that make a right. Kate Spivey is a party girl from Baltimore that has been banished to Bleckerville North Carolina by her military raised mother. Kate was in her junior year of college when she partied all the time and never knew where she was gonna be next. Her then boyfriend, Trevor was a complete douche bag that treated her like trash. Well needless to say, she hardly showed up to classes and lost her full ride to college because of her actions. Her parents sent her to Bleckerville to work for her aunt Patrice at the Willoughby Inn. In exchange for her being the perfect child staying out of trouble, no boys, no drinking and no fun, they would pay for her senior year of college.
Reed Black is the bad boy of Bleckerville with a past and a black book filled to the brim with women's numbers. Being the ladies man he was, he never stayed with one woman long. Kate was stranded on the side of the road with a flat, right outside of Bleckerville, when Reed stopped to help her.
Kate became fascinated with the town love story that an author had written during his stay there. The story he had written "Where My Heart Breaks" is a love story like no other and helped to bring Reed and Kate closer. With her aunt keeping tabs on her, and tattling to her mother about everything she does, will there be any romance for Kate? Will she ever find out the whole story behind Reeds' past?
I loved this book because its always the good girl falling for the bad boy. You never see two wrongs make a right. I really didn't have any complaints with this book aside from the mother leaving her child hanging, but it happens quite often these days. I give this book 5 stars!!
September 6, 2013
In reading this story when you have made mistakes in the past you will definitely relate. Kate is our main female lead in this story, she is someone who I think most would love to have as a friend, and I know I would. Though she has made some bad choices while attending college, thus losing her scholarships, and getting mixed up with the wonderful offerings of college life, i.e. drugs, alcohol and an abusive boyfriend, she does come off as a pretty well rounded person who is fully aware of her mishaps and is trying to make amends. As with most overbearing parents they send Kate away for the summer to help her aunt run her Bed and Breakfast establishment, in an effort to keep her on the right track and with the understanding they will pay for her remaining year of college if she “behaves”. A chance meeting with the one Reed Black might just be her downfall; she has an instant attraction to Reed and though she has sworn off men, finds herself drawn to the local “bad boy”. However is he really such a “bad boy” or is this just the mark of a small town cliché?
Ms. Ivy weaves a story of love around one girl’s efforts to redeem herself of past mistakes. Wonderfully written and wholly in Kate’s POV which Ms. Ivy jumped out of the peripheral normal writing box to bring us, this a lovely story of second chances, redemption, and finding love, just maybe in all the right places. A solid 5 stars for not judging a book by its cover!
Ms. Ivy weaves a story of love around one girl’s efforts to redeem herself of past mistakes. Wonderfully written and wholly in Kate’s POV which Ms. Ivy jumped out of the peripheral normal writing box to bring us, this a lovely story of second chances, redemption, and finding love, just maybe in all the right places. A solid 5 stars for not judging a book by its cover!
September 4, 2013
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
5 Star Review
The cover drew me in and the Sinclair's writing style kept me there. I loved how she brought in characters with problems/flaws and allowed us to follow their transformation without it being overly repetitive. This made for a book that was a quick but entertaining read. I finished it in one day.
I found Kate to be a realistic character. Overachiever turned bad girl she is attempting to get her life back together. In finding herself she realizes some difficult things and in doing so she frees herself.
Reed is your typical hot bad boy. He has his demons and he too needs to work through what he has been dealing with in his life. I love getting to know more about him: what drives him, his intellect, etc.
Millie makes for a great best friend, and Sam is really sweet. Patrice also works her way into my graces.
I did find the intertwining of the book in the story to be clever and I love how it played into Reed and Kate's developing relationship.
I can't wait to read more from Sinclair. Perhaps a story for Millie and Sam.
5 Star Review
The cover drew me in and the Sinclair's writing style kept me there. I loved how she brought in characters with problems/flaws and allowed us to follow their transformation without it being overly repetitive. This made for a book that was a quick but entertaining read. I finished it in one day.
I found Kate to be a realistic character. Overachiever turned bad girl she is attempting to get her life back together. In finding herself she realizes some difficult things and in doing so she frees herself.
Reed is your typical hot bad boy. He has his demons and he too needs to work through what he has been dealing with in his life. I love getting to know more about him: what drives him, his intellect, etc.
Millie makes for a great best friend, and Sam is really sweet. Patrice also works her way into my graces.
I did find the intertwining of the book in the story to be clever and I love how it played into Reed and Kate's developing relationship.
I can't wait to read more from Sinclair. Perhaps a story for Millie and Sam.
August 31, 2013
Bad girl meets Bad boy. Going into the story this is the main theme. Kate is sent to Bleckerville to recover from her addictions( drinks, partying, her ex) when she meets Reed the local bad boy.
I liked how the story developed, that Kate was lost in the beginning but by the end she was pulling herself together and standing up for herself. And I liked her relationship with Reed, the insta-chemistry they had. I liked the side characters, especially Millie and Patrice. I even liked the book within the book.
The only thing I wish different is that there could have been a dual POV with both Kate's as well as Reed's side of the story. We got to know about Kate pretty well, but the only things we learnt about Reed is that It just didn't feel like enough. I mean what about his childhood, his father? Too many things were left unsaid.
My rating: 3.5 stars
ARC courtesy of Netgalley
I liked how the story developed, that Kate was lost in the beginning but by the end she was pulling herself together and standing up for herself. And I liked her relationship with Reed, the insta-chemistry they had. I liked the side characters, especially Millie and Patrice. I even liked the book within the book.
The only thing I wish different is that there could have been a dual POV with both Kate's as well as Reed's side of the story. We got to know about Kate pretty well, but the only things we learnt about Reed is that It just didn't feel like enough. I mean what about his childhood, his father? Too many things were left unsaid.
My rating: 3.5 stars
ARC courtesy of Netgalley
September 1, 2013
Received an ARC copy through Netgally in return for an honest review.
This was the first book by this author I have ever read. I actually would give it more of a 3.5 rating, but ONLY because in the middle of the book right before the plot climaxed it rushed into everything. However, it did slow back down. I enjoyed the interaction between Reed and Kate. I love me a good bad boy, but is Reed really bad or is it a wall? The rising action of the books shows a young college girl who has been sent away as a lesson or maybe so her mother just does not have to deal with her. Throughout the book you see things in her life that have hurt her and made her question her own self worth. For any girl/women who has allowed a guy to change her and then had to finder herself, this book is very much for you. I would recommend this book as an easy read that is very enjoyable. I look forward to reading more works by this author.
This was the first book by this author I have ever read. I actually would give it more of a 3.5 rating, but ONLY because in the middle of the book right before the plot climaxed it rushed into everything. However, it did slow back down. I enjoyed the interaction between Reed and Kate. I love me a good bad boy, but is Reed really bad or is it a wall? The rising action of the books shows a young college girl who has been sent away as a lesson or maybe so her mother just does not have to deal with her. Throughout the book you see things in her life that have hurt her and made her question her own self worth. For any girl/women who has allowed a guy to change her and then had to finder herself, this book is very much for you. I would recommend this book as an easy read that is very enjoyable. I look forward to reading more works by this author.
November 24, 2013
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: Cute contemporary romance with fun characters, but it was a little forgettable.
Opening Sentence: It sounded like an explosion from the rear of the car, and I yelped in surprise.
Excerpt: Yes
The Review:
Kate Spivey has had a few rough years. It is the summer before her senior year at college and her parents have given her an ultimatum, she has to work for her aunt the whole summer or they won’t pay for her last year of college. When Kate was younger, she was the perfect student and daughter with a full ride to college. Then she got in a abusive relationship and everything went downhill from there. Kate started partying too much and her grades really suffered.
Kate has cleaned up her act now and is hoping to gain her parents trust back by doing exactly what they say. She is being sent to work for her aunt in the little town of Blackerville. The Willoughby Inn was the setting for a very famous novel, and Kate’s aunt happens to own the inn. Kate is afraid she is going to die of boredom, spending the whole summer in this hick town until she meets the gorgeous Reed Black. Reed is known as the town heartbreaker and Kate knows that she should stay away from him, but she can’t seem to force herself to. There is no way her parents would approve of her dating someone like Reed. With her aunt watching her every move, Kate has to be careful or all her hard work will go to waste, because if she even steps one foot out of line her parents will pull her dreams of finishing college right out from underneath her.
I think that Kate is a sweet girl that grew up in a hard environment. With a mother that was never pleased and a father that just ignored her, she was emotionally scarred from that. Once she went away to college, she finally wanted to let loose and have a little freedom, she just overdid it. Now she has completely retreated into herself and doesn’t trust herself to know what to do. For most of the book, I found Kate to be slightly frustrating, she had no backbone, which given the circumstances, I understood why but it still bugged me. I found her hard to connect with at times, but I eventually grew to like her.
Reed is sexy and a very appealing male character. He has a player reputation and he has earned it. He has a sad past that has made him swear off love, but then he meets Kate. With all his good looks and charm, it comes as a surprise when he is awkward around Kate. He is very hot and cold toward her and is always sending mixed signals about his feelings. Kate and Reed’s relationship is full of sexual tension and hot chemistry. I thought that Reed was a sweet guy and overall he was a fun character to get to know.
Where My Heart Breaks was a cute romance novel that I enjoyed. The characters were interesting, and for the most part I liked them. The romance was sweet and was full of steam and tension. The plot was predictable, but it was still entertaining. My favorite part of the story was the use of the story within the story. Kate reads the heartbreaking love story that brought fame to the Willoughby Inn, and all the while she is living is her own love story. I think my biggest issue with this story is that it was forgettable. I read the book a week ago and now that I am writing the review, I find it hard to really remember anything memorable from it. But with that being said, it was a cute, very fast read. So if you are looking for something short and easy to read, I would suggest you give this one a try.
Notable Scene:
“How did you know I was down at the lake?”
Reed smiled and shook his head ruefully. “Second chapter of that book in your hands. Jackson meets Camilla for the first time down by the lake. Call it a hunch.”
I chuckled. “I’d better hurry up and finish this before I become too transparent.”
Reed ducked his head and took a step backwards. “Goodnight, Kate.
I’ll see you around.”
I cast a quick glance over my shoulder as I made my way to the door. Reed disappeared into the shadows. He didn’t look back.
Day one in Bleckerville. I was stone cold sober and made my first friend. I whistled as I made my way up the staircase. I couldn’t wait to brag to Millie about how much I’d grown.
FTC Advisory: Smith Sinclair Books provided me with a copy of Where My Heart Breaks. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: Cute contemporary romance with fun characters, but it was a little forgettable.
Opening Sentence: It sounded like an explosion from the rear of the car, and I yelped in surprise.
Excerpt: Yes
The Review:
Kate Spivey has had a few rough years. It is the summer before her senior year at college and her parents have given her an ultimatum, she has to work for her aunt the whole summer or they won’t pay for her last year of college. When Kate was younger, she was the perfect student and daughter with a full ride to college. Then she got in a abusive relationship and everything went downhill from there. Kate started partying too much and her grades really suffered.
Kate has cleaned up her act now and is hoping to gain her parents trust back by doing exactly what they say. She is being sent to work for her aunt in the little town of Blackerville. The Willoughby Inn was the setting for a very famous novel, and Kate’s aunt happens to own the inn. Kate is afraid she is going to die of boredom, spending the whole summer in this hick town until she meets the gorgeous Reed Black. Reed is known as the town heartbreaker and Kate knows that she should stay away from him, but she can’t seem to force herself to. There is no way her parents would approve of her dating someone like Reed. With her aunt watching her every move, Kate has to be careful or all her hard work will go to waste, because if she even steps one foot out of line her parents will pull her dreams of finishing college right out from underneath her.
I think that Kate is a sweet girl that grew up in a hard environment. With a mother that was never pleased and a father that just ignored her, she was emotionally scarred from that. Once she went away to college, she finally wanted to let loose and have a little freedom, she just overdid it. Now she has completely retreated into herself and doesn’t trust herself to know what to do. For most of the book, I found Kate to be slightly frustrating, she had no backbone, which given the circumstances, I understood why but it still bugged me. I found her hard to connect with at times, but I eventually grew to like her.
Reed is sexy and a very appealing male character. He has a player reputation and he has earned it. He has a sad past that has made him swear off love, but then he meets Kate. With all his good looks and charm, it comes as a surprise when he is awkward around Kate. He is very hot and cold toward her and is always sending mixed signals about his feelings. Kate and Reed’s relationship is full of sexual tension and hot chemistry. I thought that Reed was a sweet guy and overall he was a fun character to get to know.
Where My Heart Breaks was a cute romance novel that I enjoyed. The characters were interesting, and for the most part I liked them. The romance was sweet and was full of steam and tension. The plot was predictable, but it was still entertaining. My favorite part of the story was the use of the story within the story. Kate reads the heartbreaking love story that brought fame to the Willoughby Inn, and all the while she is living is her own love story. I think my biggest issue with this story is that it was forgettable. I read the book a week ago and now that I am writing the review, I find it hard to really remember anything memorable from it. But with that being said, it was a cute, very fast read. So if you are looking for something short and easy to read, I would suggest you give this one a try.
Notable Scene:
“How did you know I was down at the lake?”
Reed smiled and shook his head ruefully. “Second chapter of that book in your hands. Jackson meets Camilla for the first time down by the lake. Call it a hunch.”
I chuckled. “I’d better hurry up and finish this before I become too transparent.”
Reed ducked his head and took a step backwards. “Goodnight, Kate.
I’ll see you around.”
I cast a quick glance over my shoulder as I made my way to the door. Reed disappeared into the shadows. He didn’t look back.
Day one in Bleckerville. I was stone cold sober and made my first friend. I whistled as I made my way up the staircase. I couldn’t wait to brag to Millie about how much I’d grown.
FTC Advisory: Smith Sinclair Books provided me with a copy of Where My Heart Breaks. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
November 21, 2013
Every once in a while I like to give an indie author a chance and a read a book that is not well known or hyped. It’s not out of the goodness of my heart, because really I am not that good. But sometimes, if you’re lucky you find a diamond in a sea full of stones. And in light of it, this really is a good read, even partially outstanding. What really got me hooked into the story was that book in a book leitmotif. The book within the book interacts within the literary environment. It gives the novel an ever-present, lingering impression of a big tragic love. The book in a book motif is not unique, but here it is really well done and it kept me interested in the novel long after I admitted to myself that I absolute dislike the main character Kate. I have a lot of conflicting feelings about this book. Part of me really liked it, but elements of the book made me really dislike it, too.
So apart from a very good setting and the great book in a book motif I had some issues with the characterization. We are being told that Kate behaved REALLY badly in her last year. But what exactly is not clear. Just because she might have partied to hard and has made some bad decisions along the way by going to bed with the wrong guy doesn’t warrant being treated like a child, sent to a shrink and having to submit to her aunt and her mother like a slave to its master as an act of atonement. Which 21 year old college girl hasn’t been once too drunk, or made a bad decision along the way? This whole “I don’t know who I am” thing didn’t convince me. But it annoyed me A LOT. Kate is just simply weak and she hasn’t the guts to stand up to her aunt or her mother or anybody else, not for herself and not for others either. Her holier-than-you best friend Millie was so clean like a freshly wiped and powdered baby bum.
Reed is being introduced as the bad boy and notorious player. But again we are being told and not shown. Instead of acting like a bad boy, we find out he cares for his mother, has a master degree in English literature and doesn’t do dates because of tragic event 10 years ago. Well, that makes him pretty decent boyfriend material in my book. Just because an author paints a tattoo on a guy and gives him dark hair doesn’t make him a bad boy. You want to know how to write a bad boy? This book is a very good example:
Wasted Heart
In spite of Kate’s annoying character and Reed’s not so believable bad boy status, the chemistry between those two and the space in which their relationship develops started out really well. I mean I didn’t wet my panties, or some such, but the love relationship is described pretty decent. The premises were really awesome, the romantic suspense was ok, but Kate as MC was a small disaster. Still this is a good and pleasant read.
So apart from a very good setting and the great book in a book motif I had some issues with the characterization. We are being told that Kate behaved REALLY badly in her last year. But what exactly is not clear. Just because she might have partied to hard and has made some bad decisions along the way by going to bed with the wrong guy doesn’t warrant being treated like a child, sent to a shrink and having to submit to her aunt and her mother like a slave to its master as an act of atonement. Which 21 year old college girl hasn’t been once too drunk, or made a bad decision along the way? This whole “I don’t know who I am” thing didn’t convince me. But it annoyed me A LOT. Kate is just simply weak and she hasn’t the guts to stand up to her aunt or her mother or anybody else, not for herself and not for others either. Her holier-than-you best friend Millie was so clean like a freshly wiped and powdered baby bum.
Reed is being introduced as the bad boy and notorious player. But again we are being told and not shown. Instead of acting like a bad boy, we find out he cares for his mother, has a master degree in English literature and doesn’t do dates because of tragic event 10 years ago. Well, that makes him pretty decent boyfriend material in my book. Just because an author paints a tattoo on a guy and gives him dark hair doesn’t make him a bad boy. You want to know how to write a bad boy? This book is a very good example:
Wasted Heart
In spite of Kate’s annoying character and Reed’s not so believable bad boy status, the chemistry between those two and the space in which their relationship develops started out really well. I mean I didn’t wet my panties, or some such, but the love relationship is described pretty decent. The premises were really awesome, the romantic suspense was ok, but Kate as MC was a small disaster. Still this is a good and pleasant read.
September 23, 2013
This is the first book I've read by Ivy Sinclair and I enjoyed it very much. Where My Heart Breaks is a short and sweet New Adult romance with very likable characters.
The protagonist, Kate, was so lost in the beginning. She was just doing what she was told, and trying very hard to redeem herself in her parent's eyes. Her parents were very heavy handed and over the top with their demands from Kate. They cared more about what others thought of them than they did about their daughter's happiness. Kate didn't want to be a disappointment, and she was scared about her future, so she gave in and went along with what her parents wanted, even though it made her unhappy and resentful. As the book progressed, Kate was able to realize that she wasn't content doing what she was told. She needed to take control of her own life, stand up for herself, and start doing what SHE wanted.
I actually really liked Reed. He seemed pretty straightforward on the surface, but deep down he was harboring a painful past that he desperately tried to keep hidden. I thought Reed's reputation was completely unfounded. He didn't come off nearly as bad as the townsfolk made him out to be. It was completely unfair to be judged in such a way. As we get to know Reed more, you can see how his need for privacy may have sparked some of the rumors about him. To me, he came across as reluctant to be in a relationship to avoid being hurt. With a past like his, you can't blame the guy for that.
I really enjoyed the side story about a book (that was kind of a love story) that was written using Bleckerville as the backdrop. Kate and Reed started bonding while visiting the book's locations. I enjoyed the time they spent together researching the book, and I could see them falling for each other. But they also really struggled with the disapproval from family and friends. To make their relationship work, they both knew they would have to set aside what others expected of them and take control of their future.
I think the story would have been far more enjoyable to me if it were told in dual POV from both Kate and Reed. I just really love dual POV! I would have loved to be inside Reed's head during this book. Reading from Kate's POV only gave me insight into her character. But I found Reed to be so much more intriguing and I really wanted to know more about him.
Where My Heart Breaks was a quick and easy read that was pretty straightforward, which worked for me. BUT... because I was enjoying the characters and the story so much, I would have loved for it to be longer! I wasn't ready to say goodbye to the characters OR the setting. Overall, this was quite an enjoyable book that I would definitely recommend.
The protagonist, Kate, was so lost in the beginning. She was just doing what she was told, and trying very hard to redeem herself in her parent's eyes. Her parents were very heavy handed and over the top with their demands from Kate. They cared more about what others thought of them than they did about their daughter's happiness. Kate didn't want to be a disappointment, and she was scared about her future, so she gave in and went along with what her parents wanted, even though it made her unhappy and resentful. As the book progressed, Kate was able to realize that she wasn't content doing what she was told. She needed to take control of her own life, stand up for herself, and start doing what SHE wanted.
I actually really liked Reed. He seemed pretty straightforward on the surface, but deep down he was harboring a painful past that he desperately tried to keep hidden. I thought Reed's reputation was completely unfounded. He didn't come off nearly as bad as the townsfolk made him out to be. It was completely unfair to be judged in such a way. As we get to know Reed more, you can see how his need for privacy may have sparked some of the rumors about him. To me, he came across as reluctant to be in a relationship to avoid being hurt. With a past like his, you can't blame the guy for that.
I really enjoyed the side story about a book (that was kind of a love story) that was written using Bleckerville as the backdrop. Kate and Reed started bonding while visiting the book's locations. I enjoyed the time they spent together researching the book, and I could see them falling for each other. But they also really struggled with the disapproval from family and friends. To make their relationship work, they both knew they would have to set aside what others expected of them and take control of their future.
I think the story would have been far more enjoyable to me if it were told in dual POV from both Kate and Reed. I just really love dual POV! I would have loved to be inside Reed's head during this book. Reading from Kate's POV only gave me insight into her character. But I found Reed to be so much more intriguing and I really wanted to know more about him.
Where My Heart Breaks was a quick and easy read that was pretty straightforward, which worked for me. BUT... because I was enjoying the characters and the story so much, I would have loved for it to be longer! I wasn't ready to say goodbye to the characters OR the setting. Overall, this was quite an enjoyable book that I would definitely recommend.
September 10, 2013
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC of Where My Heart Breaks before its release.
I finished quite a while ago, but here's a quick synopsis: it's your typical NA set-up, with damaged girl meeting damaged guy, falling quickly into lust, but it's never going to work out because they're both so damaged, blah blah, and blah. But, here's the twist: it's not so typical after all, because the characters are so beautifully drawn and the plot is perfectly paced. What more could a reader want? Oh yeah, a great setting!
Well, let's start there, then. Kate Spivey has been exiled to work the summer at her aunt's hotel, the Willoughby Inn. There is a bit of mystery surrounding this spot, as the author of a famous novel stayed there while writing it. In this novel, there is mention of certain buildings and outdoor venues that can still be viewed and enjoyed today. Kate, at first, is a little bit intrigued about all this, but because she hasn't read the book, she really doesn't know what all the fuss is about.
Enter Reed Black. When he first meets Kate on the side of the road, sparks fly, but there's more to this picture perfect man than meets the eye. Not only is he buff and handy, he's smart, too. But... he's got a reputation. And everybody, from Kate's aunt to the bartender of the only watering hole in town, makes sure Kate knows that Reed is off limits. When Reed offers to show Kate around the town, as "just friends", Kate figures she's safe - although maybe she doesn't want to be!
Kate is a multi-dimensional character, too. She has messed up big-time, and she needs to work her butt off at the Willoughby or else her parents will not fund her last year of college. Dang! And her aunt does not make it easy - picture Cinderella's stepmother, but with trousers! But Kate's feisty, and a little bit sassy, and she's determined to make the best out of a crappy situation.
That's just the two main players in a nutshell. I could go on for a while about the supporting characters, but how 'bout you just read this book for yourself? If you're looking for something in the New Adult genre, but are sick of reading the same ol' recycled characters and plot, try
Where My Heart Breaks. I think you'll like it as much as I did!
I finished quite a while ago, but here's a quick synopsis: it's your typical NA set-up, with damaged girl meeting damaged guy, falling quickly into lust, but it's never going to work out because they're both so damaged, blah blah, and blah. But, here's the twist: it's not so typical after all, because the characters are so beautifully drawn and the plot is perfectly paced. What more could a reader want? Oh yeah, a great setting!
Well, let's start there, then. Kate Spivey has been exiled to work the summer at her aunt's hotel, the Willoughby Inn. There is a bit of mystery surrounding this spot, as the author of a famous novel stayed there while writing it. In this novel, there is mention of certain buildings and outdoor venues that can still be viewed and enjoyed today. Kate, at first, is a little bit intrigued about all this, but because she hasn't read the book, she really doesn't know what all the fuss is about.
Enter Reed Black. When he first meets Kate on the side of the road, sparks fly, but there's more to this picture perfect man than meets the eye. Not only is he buff and handy, he's smart, too. But... he's got a reputation. And everybody, from Kate's aunt to the bartender of the only watering hole in town, makes sure Kate knows that Reed is off limits. When Reed offers to show Kate around the town, as "just friends", Kate figures she's safe - although maybe she doesn't want to be!
Kate is a multi-dimensional character, too. She has messed up big-time, and she needs to work her butt off at the Willoughby or else her parents will not fund her last year of college. Dang! And her aunt does not make it easy - picture Cinderella's stepmother, but with trousers! But Kate's feisty, and a little bit sassy, and she's determined to make the best out of a crappy situation.
That's just the two main players in a nutshell. I could go on for a while about the supporting characters, but how 'bout you just read this book for yourself? If you're looking for something in the New Adult genre, but are sick of reading the same ol' recycled characters and plot, try
Where My Heart Breaks. I think you'll like it as much as I did!
September 15, 2013
Review copy granted in exchange for an honest review
I'm in two minds about this book. Part of me really didn't like it and another part of me really did like it and I'm not sure I can untangle those two conflicting parts of me to say that this book was anything more - or less - than okay.
Kate - for a good portion of this book - is annoying. She has made a lot of bad decisions but the reasons for making them are unknown, to both Kate and the reader, so she just believes that she is weak willed and likes things that are bad for her. Her mother has taken complete control of her life after her downward spiral and Kate doesn't seem to know who she is.
Reed is described as the bad boy of the town, the player but we don’t see any evidence of that, even before his past is explained. Even then we know nothing of what earned him his reputation beyond he hasn't let any woman close to him in a decade due to tragedy in his past.
I guess what really put a bug up my butt about this book was that people were so judgemental and Kate was just weak. Not because she went off the rails for a bit but because she continued to let people treat her like a delinquent...
Another thing that annoyed me was that there was chemistry between Reed and Kate but it never reached a point that gave me tingles and made me desperate for them to have their happy ending. My brain wanted to see it but my heart wasn't all that fussed.
One I really did like about the book is how Reed and Kate made each other better people. That Reed gave Kate the confidence to stand on her own two feet and take control of her life. He helped her see past all the smoke and get to the cause of the fire that destroyed her and gave her the strength to rebuild her life. Kate pulled Reed from his past and into the future. There was growth and it was nice to see.
I liked how the book came to a natural conclusion, that a happy for everyone was achieved without any square pegs being forced into round holes.
All in all, like I said before, it's an okay book. Not one that I'm going to manically recommend and rave about but not one that I'd discourage people from reading either.
I'd say if you are tired of high drama and rip-you-heart-out angst, then give this book a go as its far easier read than a lot of NA available at the moment.
3 out of 5 stars
www.where-did-the-sun-go.blogspot.co.uk
I'm in two minds about this book. Part of me really didn't like it and another part of me really did like it and I'm not sure I can untangle those two conflicting parts of me to say that this book was anything more - or less - than okay.
Kate - for a good portion of this book - is annoying. She has made a lot of bad decisions but the reasons for making them are unknown, to both Kate and the reader, so she just believes that she is weak willed and likes things that are bad for her. Her mother has taken complete control of her life after her downward spiral and Kate doesn't seem to know who she is.
Reed is described as the bad boy of the town, the player but we don’t see any evidence of that, even before his past is explained. Even then we know nothing of what earned him his reputation beyond he hasn't let any woman close to him in a decade due to tragedy in his past.
I guess what really put a bug up my butt about this book was that people were so judgemental and Kate was just weak. Not because she went off the rails for a bit but because she continued to let people treat her like a delinquent...
Another thing that annoyed me was that there was chemistry between Reed and Kate but it never reached a point that gave me tingles and made me desperate for them to have their happy ending. My brain wanted to see it but my heart wasn't all that fussed.
One I really did like about the book is how Reed and Kate made each other better people. That Reed gave Kate the confidence to stand on her own two feet and take control of her life. He helped her see past all the smoke and get to the cause of the fire that destroyed her and gave her the strength to rebuild her life. Kate pulled Reed from his past and into the future. There was growth and it was nice to see.
I liked how the book came to a natural conclusion, that a happy for everyone was achieved without any square pegs being forced into round holes.
All in all, like I said before, it's an okay book. Not one that I'm going to manically recommend and rave about but not one that I'd discourage people from reading either.
I'd say if you are tired of high drama and rip-you-heart-out angst, then give this book a go as its far easier read than a lot of NA available at the moment.
3 out of 5 stars
www.where-did-the-sun-go.blogspot.co.uk
October 22, 2013
This book was kindly given to me for a fair and honest review....now that is out of the way.
4+ Warm Fuzzy Stars!
Such a sweet read with a HEA. I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to read this!
Meet Kate Spivey. She is a 21 year old misfit that has been sent to work for her aunt for the summer after a slew of bad behavior that threatens to end her academic career. She is trying very hard to be good but in steps Reed Black.
He is handsome, mysterious...let's face it...he is sex on a stick and she is smitten from the beginning. He plays hard to get which makes her want him even more.
They try to fight it but two souls that are meant to be seem to always find each other.
"That means that I love you," he said softly. "If you want me to yell it to the next damn boat that goes by I will. I want you in my life. I want you in my bed, and I never intend to let you go."
So what are you waiting for go now and add this to your must read list!
4+ Warm Fuzzy Stars!
Such a sweet read with a HEA. I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to read this!
Meet Kate Spivey. She is a 21 year old misfit that has been sent to work for her aunt for the summer after a slew of bad behavior that threatens to end her academic career. She is trying very hard to be good but in steps Reed Black.
He is handsome, mysterious...let's face it...he is sex on a stick and she is smitten from the beginning. He plays hard to get which makes her want him even more.
They try to fight it but two souls that are meant to be seem to always find each other.
"That means that I love you," he said softly. "If you want me to yell it to the next damn boat that goes by I will. I want you in my life. I want you in my bed, and I never intend to let you go."
So what are you waiting for go now and add this to your must read list!
February 16, 2017
3.5 stars
This would have been a solid 4 star read, but I deducted half a star due to some really weird editing mistakes, like using the wrong word in several locations or the spelling of a character's names switching from Casey to Kasey and back multiple times on the same page.
Despite the editing mistakes, I truly enjoyed this. For once, the mistakes did not detract enough from the story to make a big difference.
This was a fantastic story of redemption for both main characters, and I truly enjoyed it.
This would have been a solid 4 star read, but I deducted half a star due to some really weird editing mistakes, like using the wrong word in several locations or the spelling of a character's names switching from Casey to Kasey and back multiple times on the same page.
Despite the editing mistakes, I truly enjoyed this. For once, the mistakes did not detract enough from the story to make a big difference.
This was a fantastic story of redemption for both main characters, and I truly enjoyed it.
September 9, 2013
Thanks to NetGalley, I was allowed to read this selection for an honest review. This is the story of Kate, a college student who hasn’t always made the best life choices and now must decide if her parents are going to rule her life. This is also the story of Reed who has his own share of past angst. Together it is the story of how two young people will handle their lives with the public having a skewed perception of each of them.
Kate goes to live with her Aunt and help her with her hotel business for the summer. This isn’t a choice for Kate it is basically mandated by her mother who forces her to do this in exchange for funding her senior year of college. Kate faces a town who has a predetermined perception of her based on her mother’s stories to her aunt.
After meeting Reed, Kate faces more trouble from her family and new friends. The people of the area have a bad opinion of Reed based on his past and everyone tries to keep he & Kate apart. Only Kate is able to see the true Reed that he doesn’t share with anyone else.
As the story progresses, Kate must face the biggest decision of her life. Her family is determined to keep her from Reed. Does she choose Reed or does she obey her family to get her college paid for? You will have to read the book to find out! I really enjoyed this story of this young couple. It was a pleasure to watch Kate’s character grow as the book progressed. Ivy Sinclair did a great job with this book and I would give it five stars easily!
Kate goes to live with her Aunt and help her with her hotel business for the summer. This isn’t a choice for Kate it is basically mandated by her mother who forces her to do this in exchange for funding her senior year of college. Kate faces a town who has a predetermined perception of her based on her mother’s stories to her aunt.
After meeting Reed, Kate faces more trouble from her family and new friends. The people of the area have a bad opinion of Reed based on his past and everyone tries to keep he & Kate apart. Only Kate is able to see the true Reed that he doesn’t share with anyone else.
As the story progresses, Kate must face the biggest decision of her life. Her family is determined to keep her from Reed. Does she choose Reed or does she obey her family to get her college paid for? You will have to read the book to find out! I really enjoyed this story of this young couple. It was a pleasure to watch Kate’s character grow as the book progressed. Ivy Sinclair did a great job with this book and I would give it five stars easily!
September 3, 2013
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I tend to steer away from e-books as I miss the feel of the book in my hand. The way a book feels, smells and looks in an important component to the reading experience for me. The first chapter of Where My Heart Breaks had me wondering if I was going to make the final chapter but by the time I got to chapter two I was so hooked I forgot I was reading an e-book, instead reading into the small hours of the night completing the book within two days.
Where the Heart Breaks has something magical about it. It is a simple read with a simple plot but it seems to touch the heart in a way that other romance novels tend to miss. Suited to the late teen plus market this book is sure to find it’s way onto many e-readers and into the heart of it’s readers. The cover easily portray’s the passion between Kate and Reed and the desire to love and move on from the past that has tainted their image.
Where My Heart Breaks is the 5th book by Ivy Sinclair and I will admit that the thought of reading her other books does appeal to me and has me wondering what the Ivy Sinclair experience would be like in paperback.
Overall well done Ivy Sinclair. Where The Heart Breaks has left me with the characters whirling in my mind and visions of life in Bleckerville, past and future, for Kate and Reed.
A recommended read for contemporary romance lovers!
August 26, 2013
This story was cute and I really loved reading it. The rumors around Reed I didn't think were fair because as you got to read the book you learn he's not what his reputation is saying about him, "all around. He's a nice enough guy, but when it comes to women, it's pretty clear that he's a use 'em and lose 'em kind of guy." You know after an incident happens you'd almost think Reed was jealous, "I wanted to make sure you made it home safely," he said, cocking his head. "Considering you left Lula's without letting me know you found another ride. You seem to make friends easily." Kate has a temper on her, "I'm sure you have," I said. I felt a flash of anger. "Is that why you're here? To see if the bad girl is as naughty as they say she is? Seems like if you were looking for an easy lay, you could have taken a turn with either of those blond bimbos at the bar." Reed I'm proud of him it takes balls to admit how he really felt, "I lied. I want to be more than friends. I want to kiss you and touch you while you moan and cry out my name. I want to be the man who brings you the most pleasure you've ever had in your life. I want to be the one you think about when you go to sleep at night." He's also possessive, "I will kill any random guy who would try to ask you because you are mine, Kate."
August 31, 2013
Kate Spivey is spending her summer at The Willoughby. However, it’s not a relaxing vacation at the Bed & Breakfast, but a summer spent working for her aunt. This is a ‘last chance’ for Kate. After spending her time at college partying, drinking, and investing herself in a dead end relationship….Kate’s parents have told her she must spend her summer straightening herself out. There will be no more ‘chances’ to abide by her parents wishes. There is to be no partying, no boys, and no drinking.
What Kate did not count on was meeting Reed Black. Despite his insistence that they are ‘just friends’, Kate finds herself drawn to the irresistible hunk. While trying to learn more about a book based around the town, Reed volunteers to be Kate’s tour guide. Everyone warns Kate to stay away from Reed….he has quite the ‘bad boy’ reputation. In spite of the warnings, Kate finds herself falling for Reed.
Their relationship will face indecision and judgment. With so many things keeping them apart…will these two give up on any chance of being more than just friends?
**Thanks to the publisher for supplying me with an ARC for my review**
What Kate did not count on was meeting Reed Black. Despite his insistence that they are ‘just friends’, Kate finds herself drawn to the irresistible hunk. While trying to learn more about a book based around the town, Reed volunteers to be Kate’s tour guide. Everyone warns Kate to stay away from Reed….he has quite the ‘bad boy’ reputation. In spite of the warnings, Kate finds herself falling for Reed.
Their relationship will face indecision and judgment. With so many things keeping them apart…will these two give up on any chance of being more than just friends?
**Thanks to the publisher for supplying me with an ARC for my review**
September 16, 2013
I received an ARC in exchange for a review. I really enjoyed Kate & Reed's story. I felt it was written well, had great secondary characters (loved Millie-what a friend to have), a cute small town, and I loved the whole interweaving with the novel written/based there. The only real negative I have is that the end seemed to wrap abruptly. I was really enjoying the real relationship that was building between Kate & Aunt Patrice at the end. Would have loved to see more there. I was happy to see the epilogue atleast, although I always like them based even further in the future when the couple's romance is still so new.
I know other reviewers mentioned not liking Kate. I actually felt she seemed very real, with honest emotions, especially when you find out her patents weren't I much concerned about there daughter's well being as they were their own embarrassment factor.
I'd also love to see a second book, maybe with a focus on Millie & Sam. I'll definitely read more from the author.
I know other reviewers mentioned not liking Kate. I actually felt she seemed very real, with honest emotions, especially when you find out her patents weren't I much concerned about there daughter's well being as they were their own embarrassment factor.
I'd also love to see a second book, maybe with a focus on Millie & Sam. I'll definitely read more from the author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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