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Divided
Alani LaBelle has it all. A great job, amazing friends, and a loving fiancé. Traveling to Las Vegas for her bachelorette party, she never expects to come across someone who rocks her world the way Ryan Kraft does. Though they only share a few hours together, the connection she feels with him is undeniable. Thinking that her feelings for him may be cold feet she brushes it off and attempts to focus on her fiancé and their impending nuptials.
Heartbroken by her fiancé only days before their wedding, she finds herself needing to escape, needing to hide from reality. Though Alani knows that Ryan lives in Grand Forks, North Dakota, she never thought their paths would cross again while she is there.
Their friendship changes to something more with a good night kiss. Needing to be with Ryan, she leaves her old life in New Jersey behind and moves halfway across the country. As they journey together in a new relationship Alani has to adapt to life in a new city, new job, as well as dealing with Ryan's ex-girlfriend Stephanie, who is waiting for the perfect moment to get Ryan back.
But will her fiancé let Alani walk away from him without a fight? Will Alani's love for Ryan be enough for her to stay with him through turmoil? Or will Stephanie’s secret tear them apart?
Heartbroken by her fiancé only days before their wedding, she finds herself needing to escape, needing to hide from reality. Though Alani knows that Ryan lives in Grand Forks, North Dakota, she never thought their paths would cross again while she is there.
Their friendship changes to something more with a good night kiss. Needing to be with Ryan, she leaves her old life in New Jersey behind and moves halfway across the country. As they journey together in a new relationship Alani has to adapt to life in a new city, new job, as well as dealing with Ryan's ex-girlfriend Stephanie, who is waiting for the perfect moment to get Ryan back.
But will her fiancé let Alani walk away from him without a fight? Will Alani's love for Ryan be enough for her to stay with him through turmoil? Or will Stephanie’s secret tear them apart?
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2013
27 people are currently reading
1372 people want to read
About the author
Livia Jamerlan
7 books225 followersLivia Jamerlan is the author of Divided. She is also a hopeless romantic who is always looking for her next love story to pop in her head. Though Livia kept a journal throughout her early life, she never thought about pursuing a career in writing. She always used it as form of therapy, pouring her heart out into words. It wasn’t until a story developed in her head that she decided maybe she could write a book. At first it was just an escape from reality, but now she uses it as a power to put all her feelings, hopes, and fears on paper. Deciding it was time to tell her story, she began to write. With each passing day the story grew, characters were formed, and what seemed like a hobby at first has now become a passion for Livia.
She is a New Jersey Native who loves spending time with her husband and two dogs Buddy and Daisy. When she is not writing or hiding behind her Kindle, you can find her with outside, gardening, at a local shopping center enjoying some retail therapy, or enjoy a pepperoni pizza.
She is a New Jersey Native who loves spending time with her husband and two dogs Buddy and Daisy. When she is not writing or hiding behind her Kindle, you can find her with outside, gardening, at a local shopping center enjoying some retail therapy, or enjoy a pepperoni pizza.
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October 17, 2023
** spoiler alert **
A story about:
The heroine.
The hero and his ex girlfriend and their baby.
It’s told from her POV only, yet when they’re together, I can often FEEL the heartfelt caring the hero has for the heroine. The dialogue is natural and real and the story flows nicely. Of all the many different sources of angst in this book, these are the ones that stand out for me:
Readers will love this hero:
Ryan is sweet, gentle and caring and a decent man.
He loves the heroine, Alani, more than he has ever loved anyone:
Ryan: “The couple of hours I had with you there meant more to me than the past two years with her (the ow).””
The heroine:
Alani is vulnerable and loving and giving, loyal and sweetly misguided but she loves the hero with all her heart. She leaves her family and friends and moves from Brooklyn NY to be with him in North Dakota.
The other woman is Ryan’s pregnant ex:
Ryan: Stephanie “was my best friend all throughout school.””
Ryan: ““Stephanie and I were dating for about two years before I met you.””
The plots:
The 1st 3 paragraphs of the blurb about sums up the 1st part of the book. The 2nd part of the book is where it starts to get more….complicated. In the mix there are many goings on, lots of drama and tears, friendships and jealousies, happiness and sadness, etc. I was drawn to all the twists and turns the story had to offer, especially when Stephanie tells Alani that she is pregnant with Ryan’s child. Yeah, he keeps this news from Alani, unfortunately.
Ryan is a standup guy:
One of a kind.
He does what he believes is the right thing and commits to both these women –
He has them both move in with him:
Alani is the love of his life and he is possessive of her, he wants her in his life. He NEEDS her. Desperately so. So they live together and make a life together.
Stephanie is 4 weeks pregnant with his son and in Ryan’s words “”…..(Stephanie) and her mother lost their jobs at Ray’s Body shop and they’re both homeless. Her mother is moving in with a friend and I offered Stephanie a room here with us until she is back on her feet.”
So they live together too. All 3 of them. Under one roof.
Naturally things are strained:
Alani:
“You told her she could move in with us?”
Ryan:
“Well it made no sense for me to pay for a place for her when we have all this room.”
**Shudder**
Ryan:
“…nothing will change between us, it’s only temporary. A couple of weeks until she is back on her feet again. I promise, I only want you.”
Stephanie: (the other woman)
• Stephanie: “You know the second this baby comes out he’s going to leave you.” Her voice was low so only I could hear.
• “she asked him for a foot rub”
• “Anytime we were in the kitchen or trying to snuggle up on the couch,she found a reason to bring up memories that were inappropriate or insisted on siting really close to Ryan.”
Alani: (the heroine)
• “Ryan suggested that the best room for her was the guest room, also known as my office and I didn’t argue.”
• “Sex between us was becoming less frequent. It had been three weeks since Stephanie moved in and we had only had sex three times.”
• Alani: “I’m tired of you not wanting to kiss me or hold me unless it’s in our bedroom……”
Ryan and Alani:
His body went cold, numb against mine before he pulled away and looked down at me. “I’m sorry, I can’t.” He said, his head low shaking from side to side. “You can’t or you don’t want to Ryan? Because of her.”
This entire scene is one I can honestly say I have never seen in any other book before:
Ryan: “Can I take you to dinner and a movie tomorrow night. I know I have been a really crappy boyfriend lately.”………..
“Perfect, it’s a date.”
“……..he was forty minutes late. Clearly something has happened…….. I tried his cell again, still no response…….”
“…….Michael (Ryan’s bff) spoke. “He went to go find out the sex of the baby.”
Ryan: “………I’m having a little boy.”……………….. He knelt in front of her (Stephanie, the other woman) placing both hands on her stomach. Speaking directly into her belly. “Hey there my little man. I’m your daddy.” A tear slid down Ryan’s face and Stephanie looked down at him, wiping it away while smiling at him……”
“He looked deep into my (the heroine) eyes searching for any reason why my face showed anger. His face changed when he finally realized what was bothering me…….”
Ryan: “Please forgive me.” He wrapped his hands around me and I inhaled his scent one last time”
Ryan: “I have to run into the office for a bit, can we discuss this when I get back?”
Sigh………
Alani eventually leaves him in August.
“Ryan calls you at least once a day but you refuse to talk to him”
“If he really wanted to fight for me, he would have flown out here.”
This is where other plot devices come in, all on her side of the country.
Then, she reads a message:
“It has been 73 days since you walked out of my life. Not a day has gone by that I don't miss you. This will be the last time you hear from me. I hope your world is filled with love, laughter, and happiness. I’m deeply sorry for any pain I have caused you. Happy Birthday, Alani, I will love you with all my heart, always and forever.
Ryan”
Sigh………….
Mid November she flies back to him:
“……..there’s been an accident. It’s bad, he really needs you……..”
““I’m on my way.” I said”
Sigh…………
Ryan is fine. Unharmed.
But:
“……(The baby) is only five weeks premature….he is breathing on his own so that is a good sign……..(Stephanie)…unfortunately didn’t make it…..”
“I rubbed my hand up and down his back as he cried into my shoulder.….”
So she stays:
“…you won’t have to do this alone, you have your family….” I assured (Ryan)...”
“And you?” He questioned, his eyes focused on mine.
“Yes and me, I’ll help you as much as I can……”
Back at his house he tells her that when she left him, Stephanie had moved out. This is the 1st she hears of it:
Ryan:“….I insisted she find a place the exact day you were left.”
And she apologises for leaving him, not taking his calls….
Alani: “I’m sorry. I assumed.” I told him……..
Ryan: “It's ok. If you would had answered at least one of my calls then maybe you would have known.” He digged.
Sigh………………
The funeral:
“Stephanie, gave me the greatest gift possible right before she passed. Our son…..will never get to meet his mother, but I’ll make sure that he will never go without knowing the person she was…”
(Ryan) explained that life was too short to let anger surround us, that at a moment’s notice our loved ones could be taken from us…”
I wish:
• That he thought this way before he let Alani walk away from him.
• That he needed to be with Alani enough to follow her before Stephanie died and left him alone with Stephen.
• That Alani was stronger and that she didn’t settle
• That he SHOWED her how much he loved her instead of merely TELLING her.
• That he didn’t feel the need for Stephanie to move in with them
• That it was him coming to her that brought them together and not the death of his ex and the birth of his son that enabled this joining.
Then I thought we were moving one step forward when Ryan finally admits his mistake:
“I’m sorry. I should have fought for you. I shouldn’t have given up on you. On us.” He apologized.”
Aaaand I feel we’re moving two steps back:
Ryan: “….for the last few months I have tried to wrap my brain
around why you chose to leave, why you never answered one text or call…..”
Aaaand some more steps back when she begs him to forgive her for sleeping with her ex (albeit reluctantly) while she and Ryan were apart. “…Please, Ryan, please forgive me…”
THEN Ryan shows he’s de man afterall:
“…I hate that you were with him but I wasn’t in your life. I didn’t fight hard enough for you. I know I was wrong, I should have never let Stephanie move in here. I needed to put you first. I should have kissed you and made love to you every hour possible. I fucked that up, I know…”
But I wanted Alani to hear those words from him sooner.
Before she’s needed to look after his motherless baby boy. Cos this is what she does now. To the exclusion of everyone and anything else.
Until March, the next year, when she realises what her life has become:
Alani: “I completely forgot about your (her bestie) birthday”
Bestie: ““You are so fucking busy raising a baby that, one, isn't yours.
You do realize that, Alani, you didn’t give birth to him. You are his stand in mother. And Two, Ryan never asked you to stay and raise him.”
The penny drops and she leaves again. And he lets her. No mess. No fuss.
He DOES follow her though.
Engaged.
Married.
Pregnant.
Ryan is away, of course, the day she goes into labour. He misses about 8 hours of her pain.
Alani calls Ryan:
“I didn’t want to call him but I had no choice. “Hi, I’m so sorry to bother you, but its time.”
Sigh….
But he DOES get there before the birth. To a cute baby girl who looks “much the opposite of her brother.”
The brother (hero and ow's son:) :
• Who has Stephanie’s light features
• Whom Ryan has named: “Stephen, after his mother.”
• For whom “there were pictures around the house of her so he would never forget her.”
Sigh……
Triggers:
SPOILERS
The h's ex abuses her sexually. She is forced to have sex with him. The hero had no idea cos he isn't around at all cos its during the time the Hxh have broken up.
A story about:
The heroine.
The hero and his ex girlfriend and their baby.
It’s told from her POV only, yet when they’re together, I can often FEEL the heartfelt caring the hero has for the heroine. The dialogue is natural and real and the story flows nicely. Of all the many different sources of angst in this book, these are the ones that stand out for me:
Readers will love this hero:
Ryan is sweet, gentle and caring and a decent man.
He loves the heroine, Alani, more than he has ever loved anyone:
Ryan: “The couple of hours I had with you there meant more to me than the past two years with her (the ow).””
The heroine:
Alani is vulnerable and loving and giving, loyal and sweetly misguided but she loves the hero with all her heart. She leaves her family and friends and moves from Brooklyn NY to be with him in North Dakota.
The other woman is Ryan’s pregnant ex:
Ryan: Stephanie “was my best friend all throughout school.””
Ryan: ““Stephanie and I were dating for about two years before I met you.””
The plots:
The 1st 3 paragraphs of the blurb about sums up the 1st part of the book. The 2nd part of the book is where it starts to get more….complicated. In the mix there are many goings on, lots of drama and tears, friendships and jealousies, happiness and sadness, etc. I was drawn to all the twists and turns the story had to offer, especially when Stephanie tells Alani that she is pregnant with Ryan’s child. Yeah, he keeps this news from Alani, unfortunately.
Ryan is a standup guy:
One of a kind.
He does what he believes is the right thing and commits to both these women –
He has them both move in with him:
Alani is the love of his life and he is possessive of her, he wants her in his life. He NEEDS her. Desperately so. So they live together and make a life together.
Stephanie is 4 weeks pregnant with his son and in Ryan’s words “”…..(Stephanie) and her mother lost their jobs at Ray’s Body shop and they’re both homeless. Her mother is moving in with a friend and I offered Stephanie a room here with us until she is back on her feet.”
So they live together too. All 3 of them. Under one roof.
Naturally things are strained:
Alani:
“You told her she could move in with us?”
Ryan:
“Well it made no sense for me to pay for a place for her when we have all this room.”
**Shudder**
Ryan:
“…nothing will change between us, it’s only temporary. A couple of weeks until she is back on her feet again. I promise, I only want you.”
Stephanie: (the other woman)
• Stephanie: “You know the second this baby comes out he’s going to leave you.” Her voice was low so only I could hear.
• “she asked him for a foot rub”
• “Anytime we were in the kitchen or trying to snuggle up on the couch,she found a reason to bring up memories that were inappropriate or insisted on siting really close to Ryan.”
Alani: (the heroine)
• “Ryan suggested that the best room for her was the guest room, also known as my office and I didn’t argue.”
• “Sex between us was becoming less frequent. It had been three weeks since Stephanie moved in and we had only had sex three times.”
• Alani: “I’m tired of you not wanting to kiss me or hold me unless it’s in our bedroom……”
Ryan and Alani:
His body went cold, numb against mine before he pulled away and looked down at me. “I’m sorry, I can’t.” He said, his head low shaking from side to side. “You can’t or you don’t want to Ryan? Because of her.”
This entire scene is one I can honestly say I have never seen in any other book before:
Ryan: “Can I take you to dinner and a movie tomorrow night. I know I have been a really crappy boyfriend lately.”………..
“Perfect, it’s a date.”
“……..he was forty minutes late. Clearly something has happened…….. I tried his cell again, still no response…….”
“…….Michael (Ryan’s bff) spoke. “He went to go find out the sex of the baby.”
Ryan: “………I’m having a little boy.”……………….. He knelt in front of her (Stephanie, the other woman) placing both hands on her stomach. Speaking directly into her belly. “Hey there my little man. I’m your daddy.” A tear slid down Ryan’s face and Stephanie looked down at him, wiping it away while smiling at him……”
“He looked deep into my (the heroine) eyes searching for any reason why my face showed anger. His face changed when he finally realized what was bothering me…….”
Ryan: “Please forgive me.” He wrapped his hands around me and I inhaled his scent one last time”
Ryan: “I have to run into the office for a bit, can we discuss this when I get back?”
Sigh………
Alani eventually leaves him in August.
“Ryan calls you at least once a day but you refuse to talk to him”
“If he really wanted to fight for me, he would have flown out here.”
This is where other plot devices come in, all on her side of the country.
Then, she reads a message:
“It has been 73 days since you walked out of my life. Not a day has gone by that I don't miss you. This will be the last time you hear from me. I hope your world is filled with love, laughter, and happiness. I’m deeply sorry for any pain I have caused you. Happy Birthday, Alani, I will love you with all my heart, always and forever.
Ryan”
Sigh………….
Mid November she flies back to him:
“……..there’s been an accident. It’s bad, he really needs you……..”
““I’m on my way.” I said”
Sigh…………
Ryan is fine. Unharmed.
But:
“……(The baby) is only five weeks premature….he is breathing on his own so that is a good sign……..(Stephanie)…unfortunately didn’t make it…..”
“I rubbed my hand up and down his back as he cried into my shoulder.….”
So she stays:
“…you won’t have to do this alone, you have your family….” I assured (Ryan)...”
“And you?” He questioned, his eyes focused on mine.
“Yes and me, I’ll help you as much as I can……”
Back at his house he tells her that when she left him, Stephanie had moved out. This is the 1st she hears of it:
Ryan:“….I insisted she find a place the exact day you were left.”
And she apologises for leaving him, not taking his calls….
Alani: “I’m sorry. I assumed.” I told him……..
Ryan: “It's ok. If you would had answered at least one of my calls then maybe you would have known.” He digged.
Sigh………………
The funeral:
“Stephanie, gave me the greatest gift possible right before she passed. Our son…..will never get to meet his mother, but I’ll make sure that he will never go without knowing the person she was…”
(Ryan) explained that life was too short to let anger surround us, that at a moment’s notice our loved ones could be taken from us…”
I wish:
• That he thought this way before he let Alani walk away from him.
• That he needed to be with Alani enough to follow her before Stephanie died and left him alone with Stephen.
• That Alani was stronger and that she didn’t settle
• That he SHOWED her how much he loved her instead of merely TELLING her.
• That he didn’t feel the need for Stephanie to move in with them
• That it was him coming to her that brought them together and not the death of his ex and the birth of his son that enabled this joining.
Then I thought we were moving one step forward when Ryan finally admits his mistake:
“I’m sorry. I should have fought for you. I shouldn’t have given up on you. On us.” He apologized.”
Aaaand I feel we’re moving two steps back:
Ryan: “….for the last few months I have tried to wrap my brain
around why you chose to leave, why you never answered one text or call…..”
Aaaand some more steps back when she begs him to forgive her for sleeping with her ex (albeit reluctantly) while she and Ryan were apart. “…Please, Ryan, please forgive me…”
THEN Ryan shows he’s de man afterall:
“…I hate that you were with him but I wasn’t in your life. I didn’t fight hard enough for you. I know I was wrong, I should have never let Stephanie move in here. I needed to put you first. I should have kissed you and made love to you every hour possible. I fucked that up, I know…”
But I wanted Alani to hear those words from him sooner.
Before she’s needed to look after his motherless baby boy. Cos this is what she does now. To the exclusion of everyone and anything else.
Until March, the next year, when she realises what her life has become:
Alani: “I completely forgot about your (her bestie) birthday”
Bestie: ““You are so fucking busy raising a baby that, one, isn't yours.
You do realize that, Alani, you didn’t give birth to him. You are his stand in mother. And Two, Ryan never asked you to stay and raise him.”
The penny drops and she leaves again. And he lets her. No mess. No fuss.
He DOES follow her though.
Engaged.
Married.
Pregnant.
Ryan is away, of course, the day she goes into labour. He misses about 8 hours of her pain.
Alani calls Ryan:
“I didn’t want to call him but I had no choice. “Hi, I’m so sorry to bother you, but its time.”
Sigh….
But he DOES get there before the birth. To a cute baby girl who looks “much the opposite of her brother.”
The brother (hero and ow's son:) :
• Who has Stephanie’s light features
• Whom Ryan has named: “Stephen, after his mother.”
• For whom “there were pictures around the house of her so he would never forget her.”
Sigh……
Triggers:
SPOILERS
The h's ex abuses her sexually. She is forced to have sex with him. The hero had no idea cos he isn't around at all cos its during the time the Hxh have broken up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2013
Holy twists and turns batman!
Carefree, lovable Alani meets sexy, irresistible Ryan under some not-so-perfect circumstances--see she's marrying another guy in a few weeks, but she can't stop thinking about the mystery man who she stayed up all night with on her bachelorette party. Cue the perfect reason to seek out that man--a cheating bastard of a fiancé!
Two days before the wedding Alani finds Marco having an affair and decides she needs a change in scenery...in Grand Forks, Ryan's home town.
Let me just say that as soon as they reunite I was rooting for these two to be together regardless of the circumstances. Their attraction is intense and the sexual tension totally hot and when they finally do get together...damn it was explosive! But this isn't just your average love story...Livia Jamerlan leaves you cursing at your kindle every time the damn door bell rings in this book!
Can Ryan and Alani's love survive everything that Is trying to keep them Divided?
You'll have to read to find out!
Carefree, lovable Alani meets sexy, irresistible Ryan under some not-so-perfect circumstances--see she's marrying another guy in a few weeks, but she can't stop thinking about the mystery man who she stayed up all night with on her bachelorette party. Cue the perfect reason to seek out that man--a cheating bastard of a fiancé!
Two days before the wedding Alani finds Marco having an affair and decides she needs a change in scenery...in Grand Forks, Ryan's home town.
Let me just say that as soon as they reunite I was rooting for these two to be together regardless of the circumstances. Their attraction is intense and the sexual tension totally hot and when they finally do get together...damn it was explosive! But this isn't just your average love story...Livia Jamerlan leaves you cursing at your kindle every time the damn door bell rings in this book!
Can Ryan and Alani's love survive everything that Is trying to keep them Divided?
You'll have to read to find out!
December 4, 2013
Divided was a cute romance novel that had a giant twist I did not see coming, like AT ALL! Books never surprise me but I was not expecting the twist at all but Divided surprised me and I love being surprised!
Divided grabbed my attention right away and I was hooked in from the first page. The book is told in the POV of Alani, a 27 year-old New Yorker who is two weeks away from marrying her boyfriend Marco of five years. They are planning a giant, beautiful, expensive wedding and now she is off with her best girlfriends to Las Vegas for her bachelorette party. Their trip goes by fast and we don’t read every detail but their last night in Vegas Alani meets Ryan; a handsome guy from North Dakota who is in Vegas with his buddies. They flirt, dance, cross a line a bachelorette probably shouldn’t be crossing but Alani doesn’t cheat but they share a connection Alani cannot shake off or forget.
She returns home to New York and as her wedding draws closer she cannot get Ryan out of her head. Two days before her wedding she surprises Marco at his office but she is the one who is surprised when she finds his banging his secretary on his desk. The wedding is off and now Alani is off to North Dakota hoping to “bump” into Ryan but to also get away from her life in New York.
This was really adorable. I love the fact the author had the setting take place mostly in North Dakota and did not make fun of it! I grew up going to N.D. every summer; it’s one of my favorite places & is special to me. Alani and Ryan get closer and their relationship moves very fast. There is not much of a build up but they had an instant connection from the moment they met the reader could feel it. Ryan is like the perfect guy. He knows what to say, what to do… sometimes he was just too perfect and I was waiting for the ball to drop. No guy can be this perfect, right?!?!
Sometimes I just need a cute, simple romantic book to read and I found it in Divided. I did not need to overly think or grab my tissues but I also couldn’t put the book down. I was cooking dinner with my kindle in my hand reading just because I had to know what came next, especially after that bombshell was dropped about 60% way into the book. I enjoyed the characters, the book setting, the story, and the author’s writing. There were a few spelling errors or missing punctuation here and there but I expect that from Indie authors and rather have errors then an unoriginal story.
I recommend Divided to anyone wanting a cute, unique romantic story with great characters, oh and I a giant twist!
I give Divided 4 Stars.
Book provided by the author in return for an honest review.
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December 4, 2013
Alani is set and ready to marry Marco, her boyfriend of 5 years. She's in Las Vegas with her best friends when she meets Ryan, a charismatic, handsome man who sparks her curiosity. Although she recognizes the instant connection she has with Ryan, she doesn't stray. She returns to New York for to settle the last details for her wedding. It is on one of those errands that her world is turned upside down.
Needing to escape the situation she find herself in, she travels to North Dakota. She is not planning to look up Ryan, the man she met in Las Vegas and never forgot. Of course, she runs into him and they pick up their friendship right where they left it. This time around though, she can't deny that there's more underneath the surface. With the time they spend together Ryan and Alani's connection deepens, making her second guess everything she once thought she wanted.
Livia Jamerlan did a wonderful job in drawing in me into the story. I enjoyed getting to know Alani and her group of best friends. Her interactions with them revealed her loyal, caring side. A side of great importance later on, when she has to make some hard decisions. I did think that she made some stupid decisions, especially towards the end but then again I guess that's what the story is all about - Alani's journey to let go and embrace her relationship with Ryan.
Ryan was okay too. I might even say he was too perfect. His caring, loving side showed through and through, but it was the way he openly expressed his emotions that got to me. He was supportive without being overbearing, honest without being insulting and an overall good guy.
I appreciated the way the author went about bringing these two together. They took their time getting to know each other and deepening their connection. Through honest dialogue, playful banter and flirtatious looks Ryan and Alani established a great rapport between each other. There were times that I though they were moving a tad too fast, but the author included enough doubt and hesitation for me to come to accept it. Of course, it would have made for a better read if I would have gotten to read Ryan's POV. I think his side of the story and his past were interesting and I believe I would have enjoyed it tremendously.
The secondary characters introduced in the story added to it in their own right. I especially enjoyed Alani's best friends. They made her appear more real and approachable, something I came to appreciate and held onto when I felt the urge to throttle her.
All in all, a sweet, romantic story of new found love and second chances between two characters that were undoubtedly complimented each other.
***FYI, my copy of the book had a lot of incorrect usage of verb tenses and additional grammatical errors. Normally I don't focus on that kind of thing when reading, but it did affect my enjoyment of the story when I was having to re-read passages to understand what the hell was happening. ***
Needing to escape the situation she find herself in, she travels to North Dakota. She is not planning to look up Ryan, the man she met in Las Vegas and never forgot. Of course, she runs into him and they pick up their friendship right where they left it. This time around though, she can't deny that there's more underneath the surface. With the time they spend together Ryan and Alani's connection deepens, making her second guess everything she once thought she wanted.
Livia Jamerlan did a wonderful job in drawing in me into the story. I enjoyed getting to know Alani and her group of best friends. Her interactions with them revealed her loyal, caring side. A side of great importance later on, when she has to make some hard decisions. I did think that she made some stupid decisions, especially towards the end but then again I guess that's what the story is all about - Alani's journey to let go and embrace her relationship with Ryan.
Ryan was okay too. I might even say he was too perfect. His caring, loving side showed through and through, but it was the way he openly expressed his emotions that got to me. He was supportive without being overbearing, honest without being insulting and an overall good guy.
I appreciated the way the author went about bringing these two together. They took their time getting to know each other and deepening their connection. Through honest dialogue, playful banter and flirtatious looks Ryan and Alani established a great rapport between each other. There were times that I though they were moving a tad too fast, but the author included enough doubt and hesitation for me to come to accept it. Of course, it would have made for a better read if I would have gotten to read Ryan's POV. I think his side of the story and his past were interesting and I believe I would have enjoyed it tremendously.
The secondary characters introduced in the story added to it in their own right. I especially enjoyed Alani's best friends. They made her appear more real and approachable, something I came to appreciate and held onto when I felt the urge to throttle her.
All in all, a sweet, romantic story of new found love and second chances between two characters that were undoubtedly complimented each other.
***FYI, my copy of the book had a lot of incorrect usage of verb tenses and additional grammatical errors. Normally I don't focus on that kind of thing when reading, but it did affect my enjoyment of the story when I was having to re-read passages to understand what the hell was happening. ***
December 5, 2013
*5 EMOTIONAL SWOONWORTHY STARS*
Where do I begin.......Divided was so on the edge of your seat, captivating, got-me-hooked, sexy as hell romantic love story between two people that felt a connection when they first met.
So from the beginning, we head to Las Vegas with Alani and her girls for her hen's night. During the weekend away, she meets Ryan at one of the club in which you feel that explosive connection. Throughout the night they play friendly as that it was all it could be considering Alani was getting married. However, how can you forget someone that made you feel something you have never had before?
"It was my absolute pleasure to meet you Alani LaBelle. I'll always remember you and I wish you nothing but happiness. I do hope your future husband makes you happy and give you the world. It's what you deserve." ~Ryan
Once back home, Alani comes across one life altering moment which changes everything. As things don't go to plan, she decides to take time out from her life, to the only place she wants to escape to, that is Ryan's hometown Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Once she arrives in town, she takes some "me" time but also wonders if she will bump into Ryan.
With being such a small town, word gets around that a New Yorker good looking girl is in town, Ryan is out to find her to confirm if it could be Alani.
When they reunite, the reunion is beautiful. This scene I loved as it was the time that Ryan finds out that he may have a second chance with Alani after all.
Throughout this part of the story you feel there connection grow into strong feelings for one another. As decisions are to be made, they both need to decide on what is going to happen now when Alani returns home.
"I let you walk out of my life before. I won't let you walk away from me again." ~Ryan
Throughout the story, decisions are made with one another however they don't go to planned as both thought. Throw in the mix of Ryan's ex and Alani's ex-fiance, you have one hell of a shake up and emotional rollercoaster ride. There was certainly moments throughout were I felt screaming "That just did not happen"!!
With twists and turns they receive, it certainly shakes up this reunion and test their relationship. The ending, without going into any further details, is certainly emotional and heartwarming.
With that all being said, such a beautiful romantic debut novel from Livia and I'm certainly looking forward to see what is to come.
Where do I begin.......Divided was so on the edge of your seat, captivating, got-me-hooked, sexy as hell romantic love story between two people that felt a connection when they first met.
So from the beginning, we head to Las Vegas with Alani and her girls for her hen's night. During the weekend away, she meets Ryan at one of the club in which you feel that explosive connection. Throughout the night they play friendly as that it was all it could be considering Alani was getting married. However, how can you forget someone that made you feel something you have never had before?
"It was my absolute pleasure to meet you Alani LaBelle. I'll always remember you and I wish you nothing but happiness. I do hope your future husband makes you happy and give you the world. It's what you deserve." ~Ryan
Once back home, Alani comes across one life altering moment which changes everything. As things don't go to plan, she decides to take time out from her life, to the only place she wants to escape to, that is Ryan's hometown Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Once she arrives in town, she takes some "me" time but also wonders if she will bump into Ryan.
With being such a small town, word gets around that a New Yorker good looking girl is in town, Ryan is out to find her to confirm if it could be Alani.
When they reunite, the reunion is beautiful. This scene I loved as it was the time that Ryan finds out that he may have a second chance with Alani after all.
Throughout this part of the story you feel there connection grow into strong feelings for one another. As decisions are to be made, they both need to decide on what is going to happen now when Alani returns home.
"I let you walk out of my life before. I won't let you walk away from me again." ~Ryan
Throughout the story, decisions are made with one another however they don't go to planned as both thought. Throw in the mix of Ryan's ex and Alani's ex-fiance, you have one hell of a shake up and emotional rollercoaster ride. There was certainly moments throughout were I felt screaming "That just did not happen"!!
With twists and turns they receive, it certainly shakes up this reunion and test their relationship. The ending, without going into any further details, is certainly emotional and heartwarming.
With that all being said, such a beautiful romantic debut novel from Livia and I'm certainly looking forward to see what is to come.
September 6, 2013
Alani and her girlfriends were in Las Vegas celebrating her last days of being single. With a crown on her head and wearing a sash that read “Bride To Be”, they were going to make her bachelorette party a night to remember. While throwing back shots of tequila and dancing at Pure (one of Las Vegas’ premier night clubs) a group of guys celebrating a bachelor party started mingling with the ladies. One guy in particular caught the attention of Alani. Although she knew that she was only weeks away from getting married to Marco, Alani could not deny that this man, Ryan, had something about him. He was not only the hottest guy in the club, there was an undeniable connection that drew her to him (and him to her). Knowing that she would be devoting her life to her soon to be husband, she felt that some innocent flirting wouldn’t hurt anyone. She knew that he would be heading back to North Dakota and her back to New York the next day. After all, she was in Sin City and what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas … or does it?
Back in Brooklyn Alani tries putting thoughts of Ryan to the back of her mind and focus on the wedding. It’s the day before their ceremony and Alani decides to surprise Marco at his work with lunch. They agreed to meet that evening at the rehearsal dinner, but Alani was anxious to see him. But when she gets to his office, she gets a surprise of her own. She finds Marco and his secretary being intimate in his office.
After calling off the wedding, Alani needs to go somewhere to clear her mind. A place in the middle of nowhere. The first place that came to mind was North Dakota. Although she knew that Ryan lived there, that wasn’t her reason for choosing it. But when she’s there, and bumps into Ryan, the connection that she originally felt when they first met returns. But just because you run away from your problems doesn’t mean that they go away. Alani finds herself dealing with a whole new set of issues. How will she handle them? And who will stick by her through it all?
Divided is author Livia Jamerlan’s debut novel. I felt that it was well written, had a great story and was full of relatable characters. This book takes you through so many emotions. You will feel the bond of friendships, the pain of betrayal, the heat of passion and the joy of love. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I would definitely recommend it to others and can’t wait to see what Livia has in store for us in the future.
Back in Brooklyn Alani tries putting thoughts of Ryan to the back of her mind and focus on the wedding. It’s the day before their ceremony and Alani decides to surprise Marco at his work with lunch. They agreed to meet that evening at the rehearsal dinner, but Alani was anxious to see him. But when she gets to his office, she gets a surprise of her own. She finds Marco and his secretary being intimate in his office.
After calling off the wedding, Alani needs to go somewhere to clear her mind. A place in the middle of nowhere. The first place that came to mind was North Dakota. Although she knew that Ryan lived there, that wasn’t her reason for choosing it. But when she’s there, and bumps into Ryan, the connection that she originally felt when they first met returns. But just because you run away from your problems doesn’t mean that they go away. Alani finds herself dealing with a whole new set of issues. How will she handle them? And who will stick by her through it all?
Divided is author Livia Jamerlan’s debut novel. I felt that it was well written, had a great story and was full of relatable characters. This book takes you through so many emotions. You will feel the bond of friendships, the pain of betrayal, the heat of passion and the joy of love. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I would definitely recommend it to others and can’t wait to see what Livia has in store for us in the future.
December 2, 2013
Given and ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This story had so many twists and turns that I didn't see coming, that I wasn't sure where the story was going to go, or where it would end up! The story was emotional and my heart really went out to the situation the heroine found herself having to deal with.
Another thing I liked? The hot as heck schmexy time!! Let's just say these two burn up the sheets.
Great debut by this author! I'll definitely be checking out any other books she releases!
This story had so many twists and turns that I didn't see coming, that I wasn't sure where the story was going to go, or where it would end up! The story was emotional and my heart really went out to the situation the heroine found herself having to deal with.
Another thing I liked? The hot as heck schmexy time!! Let's just say these two burn up the sheets.
Great debut by this author! I'll definitely be checking out any other books she releases!
December 5, 2013
ARC Was Given To Blog For An Honest Review
“What I’m really trying to say is stay. Stay with me. Don’t leave me .I want to be with you, forever.”-Ryan
Wow just wow! I am jumping up and down, because I have fallen in love with a new author. I loved this book, it was just perfect and guess what? It is a standalone, there is no cliffy to contend with. I felt so connected and invested into this story. The characters were so real and I could totally see myself in this exact situation.
Alani could be anyone of us; her best friends that travel to Vegas with her for her bachelorette party could be any one of my friends. The author not only brings you into a love story but also shows you about friendship and how your real friends stick by you and do not judge. Real friends tell you the things you might not want to hear but need to.
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, unless you can’t seem to leave it behind, at least mentally. Alani’s life is turned upside down when she returns home from her trip with the girls. I think fate stepped in when she met an extremely handsome man in Las Vegas. Ryan is so special; Livia Jamerlan writes these characters with such heart and strength. Ryan is not over the top everything. He is soft when he needs to be soft and alpha like when, well… I think you will find that out when you read. OMG….he is so panty melting sexy. Alani is beautiful sexy and smart and the chemistry between them is amazing.
The other amazing part of this book, is there is a lot of relationship time between these two, you see how they grow together and how well they truly fit. It may seem like things happened very quickly but really the two of them took it very slowly in my opinion. The author must have had some major control within herself not to have these characters ripping clothes off very quickly. The anticipation was almost greater than the reward.
Now, after saying all that, you know that a major avalanche is about to happen. This particular one is so real to life, something that could happen to anyone. You can’t control what has happened in past. The maturity of how Alani and Ryan deal with this curve ball is admirable. Alani makes some tough decisions and I think I would have felt the exact same way and done the exact same thing as her. I really mean that. Watching it unravel before my eyes I thought the same things before I even read on to see how the author would take us through this part of their journey. We both would have been very wrong but I was able to sympathize.
Some might say that Ryan is too good to be true. I think he is exactly what all of us as women strive for when we hope to meet the perfect man. I hope I have enticed you to read this story, I know that you will truly enjoy it. It is so well written, has wonderful dialogue and content, and it was flirty, fun and sexy. The sex scenes are perfectly descriptive, and extremely explosive. I loved every single minute of it and I did not want it to end. But when it did end I was left extremely satisfied. I think I have found a shiny new diamond with this author and can’t wait to see what characters speak to her next.
http://bookfri-ends.com/divided-by-li...
“What I’m really trying to say is stay. Stay with me. Don’t leave me .I want to be with you, forever.”-Ryan
Wow just wow! I am jumping up and down, because I have fallen in love with a new author. I loved this book, it was just perfect and guess what? It is a standalone, there is no cliffy to contend with. I felt so connected and invested into this story. The characters were so real and I could totally see myself in this exact situation.
Alani could be anyone of us; her best friends that travel to Vegas with her for her bachelorette party could be any one of my friends. The author not only brings you into a love story but also shows you about friendship and how your real friends stick by you and do not judge. Real friends tell you the things you might not want to hear but need to.
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, unless you can’t seem to leave it behind, at least mentally. Alani’s life is turned upside down when she returns home from her trip with the girls. I think fate stepped in when she met an extremely handsome man in Las Vegas. Ryan is so special; Livia Jamerlan writes these characters with such heart and strength. Ryan is not over the top everything. He is soft when he needs to be soft and alpha like when, well… I think you will find that out when you read. OMG….he is so panty melting sexy. Alani is beautiful sexy and smart and the chemistry between them is amazing.
The other amazing part of this book, is there is a lot of relationship time between these two, you see how they grow together and how well they truly fit. It may seem like things happened very quickly but really the two of them took it very slowly in my opinion. The author must have had some major control within herself not to have these characters ripping clothes off very quickly. The anticipation was almost greater than the reward.
Now, after saying all that, you know that a major avalanche is about to happen. This particular one is so real to life, something that could happen to anyone. You can’t control what has happened in past. The maturity of how Alani and Ryan deal with this curve ball is admirable. Alani makes some tough decisions and I think I would have felt the exact same way and done the exact same thing as her. I really mean that. Watching it unravel before my eyes I thought the same things before I even read on to see how the author would take us through this part of their journey. We both would have been very wrong but I was able to sympathize.
Some might say that Ryan is too good to be true. I think he is exactly what all of us as women strive for when we hope to meet the perfect man. I hope I have enticed you to read this story, I know that you will truly enjoy it. It is so well written, has wonderful dialogue and content, and it was flirty, fun and sexy. The sex scenes are perfectly descriptive, and extremely explosive. I loved every single minute of it and I did not want it to end. But when it did end I was left extremely satisfied. I think I have found a shiny new diamond with this author and can’t wait to see what characters speak to her next.
http://bookfri-ends.com/divided-by-li...
August 13, 2016
Twists and Turns GALORE. HOLY MOTHER OF SHOCKING MOMENTS! I don't think my jaw ever left the floor from 60% ON!
I was captivated by the first page all the way through the end. In fact, I don't even remember taking a break when I would sit down to read because I was so engrossed in the story. Alani was such a like able character you couldn't help but root for her the whole time and then want to hold her and hug her at other times. Let's talk Ryan, shall we? Yes! This man couldn't be more perfect. Now, there were times I wanted to punch him in the throat, but he redeemed himself to the highest level after each thought provoking throat punch. He makes me weak in the knees and ready to fly out to no man's land in North Dakota just to find this sweet, gorgeous, amazing man. Yes, you'll fall for him that much too. I can assure you.
This story started off as a fun read, something that had me not only dying to hop on a plane and Viva Las Vegas, but then immediately had me swooning the moment Mr. Kraft entered the picture. The connection they shared was intense. Alani felt it and so did I. Don't even get me started on Marco.
I refuse to spoil this for you but do yourself a favor, pick this book up, have your emotions 'Divided' and your jaw hitting the floor along with the rest of us. Please! You won't be sorry.
I finished the book yesterday and my thoughts are still with the characters. For everything they endured along their journey up until the very end. I can't wait to see what else the talented, Ms. Jamerlan has in store for us. What a debut!!
I was captivated by the first page all the way through the end. In fact, I don't even remember taking a break when I would sit down to read because I was so engrossed in the story. Alani was such a like able character you couldn't help but root for her the whole time and then want to hold her and hug her at other times. Let's talk Ryan, shall we? Yes! This man couldn't be more perfect. Now, there were times I wanted to punch him in the throat, but he redeemed himself to the highest level after each thought provoking throat punch. He makes me weak in the knees and ready to fly out to no man's land in North Dakota just to find this sweet, gorgeous, amazing man. Yes, you'll fall for him that much too. I can assure you.
This story started off as a fun read, something that had me not only dying to hop on a plane and Viva Las Vegas, but then immediately had me swooning the moment Mr. Kraft entered the picture. The connection they shared was intense. Alani felt it and so did I. Don't even get me started on Marco.
I refuse to spoil this for you but do yourself a favor, pick this book up, have your emotions 'Divided' and your jaw hitting the floor along with the rest of us. Please! You won't be sorry.
I finished the book yesterday and my thoughts are still with the characters. For everything they endured along their journey up until the very end. I can't wait to see what else the talented, Ms. Jamerlan has in store for us. What a debut!!
December 5, 2013
4.5 stars!
There were some things that made me super angry BUT I think the story played out very well.
Loved Ryan.
There were some things that made me super angry BUT I think the story played out very well.
Loved Ryan.
September 17, 2015
I loved Alani, and the girls..however there were moments when I wanted to strangle her and tell her to face her feelings! Aghhh
December 6, 2013
4 Brilliant, Unexpected, Emotionally Drained Stars!
Alani LaBelle is a sweet loveable woman who has it all, great friends, family and a fiance she is marrying in a few weeks. What could possibly go wrong?
Alani and her best girlfriends go to Las Vegas for her bachelorette party, a few days of fun before she gets married.She doesn't expect to meet a hot stranger that she has a connection with.They end up talking and things feel so right between them yet she is getting married and Ryan can't have her.
Ryan is a hot, kind,attentive guy from North Dakota and is in Las Vegas with his buddies. Meeting Alani changes him and he feels sad that she is getting married.But everything happen for a reason right?
Alani gets back to her normal life thinking that her connection with Ryan was just cold feet so she brushes away the thoughts and memories. A few days before her wedding she decides to surprise her fiance at his office little did she know about the shock she was in for. Things go downhill when she sees her fiance cheating on her in his office.
Ohh the amount of time I wanted to hurt that stupid man.I was just screaming in my head run away from the twat he isn't worth it and thankfully she did.Wanting some space she decides to take a holiday and goes to North Dakota. I was getting impatient like omg go find Ryan right not woman!!
Being with Ryan has its own issues after leaving everything behind and staying in North Dakota things between Ryan and Alani change. But what happens when Ryan's ex-girlfriend comes back into the picture? Can Alani deal with it all and will the choices they make tear them apart?
The twist in this book were bloody unexpected.It was like one minute everything is going so well (too well) and that made me nervous and a bit confused as to how the story would progress and then suddenly everything is turned on its head and my emotions are all over the place! At around 66% of the way through this book I was like Whaatttttt?! NOoo! it can't be true!! And then I was in denial thinking nahh can't be true and then came the little meltdown.And then I am there thinking why? why can't things just be happy? And live in a happy bubble? Whyyyyy?
At around 70% of the way through everything became a mess.At this point I was not a happy girl :( Ryan and Alani did some real stupid shit and Marco ooh I just wanted to kick him in the nuts!(Several times)
It was like things couldn't get any more complicated and then around 86% BOOM! another shocker.My feelings were all over the place and I didn't know what to think of it.At times I wanted to pull my hair out and scream because everything was going wrong but then when is was right oh it was soooo right!
I really enjoyed this book, it was a quick, cute romance with twists and turns and a happily ever after..
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~
**ARC courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review**
Check out my blog for more reviews!
http://zakirrahsbookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zakirr...
Alani LaBelle is a sweet loveable woman who has it all, great friends, family and a fiance she is marrying in a few weeks. What could possibly go wrong?
Alani and her best girlfriends go to Las Vegas for her bachelorette party, a few days of fun before she gets married.She doesn't expect to meet a hot stranger that she has a connection with.They end up talking and things feel so right between them yet she is getting married and Ryan can't have her.
Ryan is a hot, kind,attentive guy from North Dakota and is in Las Vegas with his buddies. Meeting Alani changes him and he feels sad that she is getting married.But everything happen for a reason right?
Alani gets back to her normal life thinking that her connection with Ryan was just cold feet so she brushes away the thoughts and memories. A few days before her wedding she decides to surprise her fiance at his office little did she know about the shock she was in for. Things go downhill when she sees her fiance cheating on her in his office.
Ohh the amount of time I wanted to hurt that stupid man.I was just screaming in my head run away from the twat he isn't worth it and thankfully she did.Wanting some space she decides to take a holiday and goes to North Dakota. I was getting impatient like omg go find Ryan right not woman!!
Being with Ryan has its own issues after leaving everything behind and staying in North Dakota things between Ryan and Alani change. But what happens when Ryan's ex-girlfriend comes back into the picture? Can Alani deal with it all and will the choices they make tear them apart?
The twist in this book were bloody unexpected.It was like one minute everything is going so well (too well) and that made me nervous and a bit confused as to how the story would progress and then suddenly everything is turned on its head and my emotions are all over the place! At around 66% of the way through this book I was like Whaatttttt?! NOoo! it can't be true!! And then I was in denial thinking nahh can't be true and then came the little meltdown.And then I am there thinking why? why can't things just be happy? And live in a happy bubble? Whyyyyy?
At around 70% of the way through everything became a mess.At this point I was not a happy girl :( Ryan and Alani did some real stupid shit and Marco ooh I just wanted to kick him in the nuts!(Several times)
It was like things couldn't get any more complicated and then around 86% BOOM! another shocker.My feelings were all over the place and I didn't know what to think of it.At times I wanted to pull my hair out and scream because everything was going wrong but then when is was right oh it was soooo right!
I really enjoyed this book, it was a quick, cute romance with twists and turns and a happily ever after..
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~
**ARC courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review**
Check out my blog for more reviews!
http://zakirrahsbookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zakirr...
August 10, 2016
While in Las Vegas for her bachelorette party Alani meets Ryan. In an instant they click and she feels things for him she can't understand. Chalking it up to nerves, alcohol, and the Las Vegas vibe she goes back home and continues on with her plans of marriage. When her fiance suddenly breaks her heart days before the marriage runs for solitude and time to think, it just happens to also be where Ryan lives.
Alani and Ryan easily fall into a relationship with each other. Right when they think things are going to end perfectly they both get blindsided and things turn sour. The question is can they overcome the obstacles thrown their way?
I'm really not sure how I feel about this book. I read it easily because there was enough to keep me interested in it but it felt like there were TOO many twists and turns. When I first met both characters I really liked their personalities; they were both fun, flirty, and confident. Alani and Ryan fell into a friendship really easily and it transitioned into a relationship even easier. As the book went on they lost their confidence in themselves and each other. A tragedy reunites them but even then they still doubted their relationship.
I think the book itself definitely had potential to be awesome but it just took off into that "too much" category instead of letting it flow. It wasn't one of my favorite books, but it wasn't a "I completely regret reading this book." Worth giving it a try.
*Reviewed by Lauren
Alani and Ryan easily fall into a relationship with each other. Right when they think things are going to end perfectly they both get blindsided and things turn sour. The question is can they overcome the obstacles thrown their way?
I'm really not sure how I feel about this book. I read it easily because there was enough to keep me interested in it but it felt like there were TOO many twists and turns. When I first met both characters I really liked their personalities; they were both fun, flirty, and confident. Alani and Ryan fell into a friendship really easily and it transitioned into a relationship even easier. As the book went on they lost their confidence in themselves and each other. A tragedy reunites them but even then they still doubted their relationship.
I think the book itself definitely had potential to be awesome but it just took off into that "too much" category instead of letting it flow. It wasn't one of my favorite books, but it wasn't a "I completely regret reading this book." Worth giving it a try.
*Reviewed by Lauren
September 4, 2013
Everyone waits for the love Alani finds in this book. Being a suspense/horror type of girl I wasn't sure how into it I was going to be. To my surprise I was REALLY into it. Between the incredibly descriptive sex scenes to the cliff hanging chapters to the demonstration of good friendship this book WILL pull you in wondering what Alani will do next.
If you are a "Sex and the City kinda girl" this book is a excellent read.
If you are a "Sex and the City kinda girl" this book is a excellent read.
January 5, 2014
Totally devoured this one - A quick, easy read with just the right amount of romance, steam and angst.
I am to assume that I read an unedited version, however, as this was riddled with mistakes. But it says a lot, when even this didn't detract from my enjoyment of this story.
I am to assume that I read an unedited version, however, as this was riddled with mistakes. But it says a lot, when even this didn't detract from my enjoyment of this story.
December 12, 2013
* Review for BareNakedWords *
4.5*
‘Divided’ is the debut novel by Livia Jamerlan, a brand new indie author who knows how to write romance. She sucks you in from the start and will keep you hooked right until the end.
Alani really can’t wait to marry her boyfriend of 5 years, Marco. With only 2 weeks left to the big day, she and her best friends travel to Las Vegas for her bachelorette party. It’s here, on the last night she meets the absolutely breathtaking Ryan Kraft.
“He took my breath away, I mean, my fiancé Marco was attractive, but this guy was perfection. There was no other way to describe it. He was just shy of six feet tall with a killer smile. Tall, dark, and handsome he had chocolate brown eyes and matching dark brown hair that was just long enough to wrap your fingers in. God and his lips! Full and perfect for a wet kiss.”
There was no denying the spark she felt when he was around, even after spending only a few hours together. However she didn’t stray and returned to New York the next day fully intent on marrying Marco. Little did she know that with only 2 days left until the big day, her world would be turned upside down.
So to get away from the hell that she’s in she escapes to North Dakota. To the place where she knows Ryan is from. Although she’s not looking for him, it’s a small town so it’s only a matter of time until they run into each other. And when they do, they pick up their friendship right where they left it. Through spending more and more time with each other their feelings increase and they both find themselves not wanting this time to end.
“He was in my presences for all of five minutes and I was already dreading saying goodbye.” ~ Alani
“I let you walk out of my life before. I won’t let you walk away from me again.” ~ Ryan.
So she decides to move cross country and in with Ryan to see where they’re relationship will take them. However with running away from problems doesn’t mean they’re gone. And Alani finds herself having to deal with them along with a whole new set of problems.
Despite the circumstances in which they find each other, I was rooting for Alani and Ryan’s relationship to work. I wanted happiness for them both. They were perfect for each other. The spark and chemistry is undeniable. The sexual tension is off the charts and when they do have sex for the first time.... Damn it’s hot as hell.
I loved the way Alani and Ryan’s relationship grew. I didn’t feel as if it was rushed. They took their time in getting to know each other and it felt real to me. The banter between them had me laughing out loud throughout the book and I couldn’t get enough of it.
I love Ryan. He’s kind, compassionate, sexy as hell and so loving. I fell in love with him right from the beginning. He wears his heart on his sleeve and isn’t afraid to express his emotions freely. He says the sweetest things that made me sigh and wish I was Alani.
“I went day by day functioning but something was still missing and all of that changed when I met you. What I felt that night brought back something inside of me. It was as if this whole time I had been drowning in that ice water and you saved me. You gave me a reason to breathe. A reason to feel.”
I think what would’ve made it better was if we got to read things from Ryan’s POV. I would love to get inside his gorgeous head and find out more about his past.
There are a lot of twists and turns in this book. A lot of OMG moments that you really don’t see coming. And will bring out so many emotions in you. It’s a book of friendship, love, and second chances. You really won’t want to put it down. I really did enjoy this book and definitely look forward to other books Livia brings out in the future.
4.5*
‘Divided’ is the debut novel by Livia Jamerlan, a brand new indie author who knows how to write romance. She sucks you in from the start and will keep you hooked right until the end.
Alani really can’t wait to marry her boyfriend of 5 years, Marco. With only 2 weeks left to the big day, she and her best friends travel to Las Vegas for her bachelorette party. It’s here, on the last night she meets the absolutely breathtaking Ryan Kraft.
“He took my breath away, I mean, my fiancé Marco was attractive, but this guy was perfection. There was no other way to describe it. He was just shy of six feet tall with a killer smile. Tall, dark, and handsome he had chocolate brown eyes and matching dark brown hair that was just long enough to wrap your fingers in. God and his lips! Full and perfect for a wet kiss.”
There was no denying the spark she felt when he was around, even after spending only a few hours together. However she didn’t stray and returned to New York the next day fully intent on marrying Marco. Little did she know that with only 2 days left until the big day, her world would be turned upside down.
So to get away from the hell that she’s in she escapes to North Dakota. To the place where she knows Ryan is from. Although she’s not looking for him, it’s a small town so it’s only a matter of time until they run into each other. And when they do, they pick up their friendship right where they left it. Through spending more and more time with each other their feelings increase and they both find themselves not wanting this time to end.
“He was in my presences for all of five minutes and I was already dreading saying goodbye.” ~ Alani
“I let you walk out of my life before. I won’t let you walk away from me again.” ~ Ryan.
So she decides to move cross country and in with Ryan to see where they’re relationship will take them. However with running away from problems doesn’t mean they’re gone. And Alani finds herself having to deal with them along with a whole new set of problems.
Despite the circumstances in which they find each other, I was rooting for Alani and Ryan’s relationship to work. I wanted happiness for them both. They were perfect for each other. The spark and chemistry is undeniable. The sexual tension is off the charts and when they do have sex for the first time.... Damn it’s hot as hell.
I loved the way Alani and Ryan’s relationship grew. I didn’t feel as if it was rushed. They took their time in getting to know each other and it felt real to me. The banter between them had me laughing out loud throughout the book and I couldn’t get enough of it.
I love Ryan. He’s kind, compassionate, sexy as hell and so loving. I fell in love with him right from the beginning. He wears his heart on his sleeve and isn’t afraid to express his emotions freely. He says the sweetest things that made me sigh and wish I was Alani.
“I went day by day functioning but something was still missing and all of that changed when I met you. What I felt that night brought back something inside of me. It was as if this whole time I had been drowning in that ice water and you saved me. You gave me a reason to breathe. A reason to feel.”
I think what would’ve made it better was if we got to read things from Ryan’s POV. I would love to get inside his gorgeous head and find out more about his past.
There are a lot of twists and turns in this book. A lot of OMG moments that you really don’t see coming. And will bring out so many emotions in you. It’s a book of friendship, love, and second chances. You really won’t want to put it down. I really did enjoy this book and definitely look forward to other books Livia brings out in the future.
December 24, 2013
3.75-4 stars-- Joint review with my friend Tina
Tina- We were lucky enough to be asked to read Divided by Livia Jamerlan for a review and I am glad that we were asked to because Divided ended up being a great little read! The book starts off in Las Vegas at Alani's bachelorette party. She's there with her girls and they are looking to have some fun. Well, lucky for them, they meet up with the insanely hot Ryan and his buddies. What did you think when Ryan entered the picture? Were you swooning like I was?
Stacia- OMG Tina, Ryan was definitely swoon-worthy! From the first words out of his mouth, I knew he was going to be on my book boyfriend list (the list keeps getting longer and longer… I am such a BBF whore). Don’t even get me started on his nickname for Alani. I don’t know why this hit me so hard, but every time he called her ‘Bug’ I swooned. It rated right up there with ‘Pigeon’ (Beautiful Disaster) for me.
You would think with Alani and Marco (her finance and who she is set to marry just two short weeks after meeting Ryan) having been together for 5-years, I would feel sympathy for him after reading the instant connection that Ryan and Alani had for each other. But, that wasn’t the case at all. Their first scenes together were so well written that I was really thinking… Marco, who?? And I just wanted her to drop Marco and move to North Dakota and make beautiful babies with Ryan.
Tina- LOL! I loved the nickname Bug too. It was so cute and different. I was thinking “Marco who” also! We both think alike! Then Marco does the unthinkable causing Alani to call off the wedding. What an idiot he was! I loved what Alani did after calling off the wedding-hanging in the hotel with her girls and drowning her sorrows in Patron, while wearing her wedding dress. I thought that was flipping hysterical!
And then Alani does what I was hoping and praying she would do, she goes to Grand Forks!
Stacia- Marco… what an ass! He definitely turned out to be a different man then he portrayed himself to be; but I will avoid spoilers and let everyone find that out for themselves.
At first, I’m not going to lie, I was thinking “head to Jamaica with your girls, Alani” but then when she decided to head to North Dakota to just regroup and get away from everyone and everything, I was hopeful she would run into Ryan. Which we can say without spoilers, that she does find him and BOY oh BOY he doesn’t disappoint!
Tina- This is tough to discuss without spoilers that is for sure! I can't even begin to say enough good things about Ryan. He was the perfect gentleman. He was respectful and caring and OMG the sexual tension between these two! I couldn't take much more! I just wanted her to kiss him finally already!! Girl, it was worth the wait though! But then it started to get to the point when I just kept waiting to see what would happen next. I knew things couldn't continue on as they were and I was just waiting for the shoe to drop!
Stacia- The sexual chemistry between Ryan and Alani was through the roof. The things he said and did to her were so schmexy! But, I agree I knew it couldn’t all be wrapped up in a pretty bow, so I was waiting for the shoe to drop too…. And boy did it!
Livia Jamerlan wrote a great debut book. It was sexy, steamy, with enough twists and turns to keep you on your toes!
Tina- I couldn't agree more. Livia wrote an amazing debut book. It was my favorite kind of book-hot sexy guy with steamy scenes and a great storyline! Divided was an easy reading book and it was just adorable. I can't wait to read more from Livia. Definitely a 4 star book for me!
Tina- We were lucky enough to be asked to read Divided by Livia Jamerlan for a review and I am glad that we were asked to because Divided ended up being a great little read! The book starts off in Las Vegas at Alani's bachelorette party. She's there with her girls and they are looking to have some fun. Well, lucky for them, they meet up with the insanely hot Ryan and his buddies. What did you think when Ryan entered the picture? Were you swooning like I was?
Stacia- OMG Tina, Ryan was definitely swoon-worthy! From the first words out of his mouth, I knew he was going to be on my book boyfriend list (the list keeps getting longer and longer… I am such a BBF whore). Don’t even get me started on his nickname for Alani. I don’t know why this hit me so hard, but every time he called her ‘Bug’ I swooned. It rated right up there with ‘Pigeon’ (Beautiful Disaster) for me.
You would think with Alani and Marco (her finance and who she is set to marry just two short weeks after meeting Ryan) having been together for 5-years, I would feel sympathy for him after reading the instant connection that Ryan and Alani had for each other. But, that wasn’t the case at all. Their first scenes together were so well written that I was really thinking… Marco, who?? And I just wanted her to drop Marco and move to North Dakota and make beautiful babies with Ryan.
Tina- LOL! I loved the nickname Bug too. It was so cute and different. I was thinking “Marco who” also! We both think alike! Then Marco does the unthinkable causing Alani to call off the wedding. What an idiot he was! I loved what Alani did after calling off the wedding-hanging in the hotel with her girls and drowning her sorrows in Patron, while wearing her wedding dress. I thought that was flipping hysterical!
And then Alani does what I was hoping and praying she would do, she goes to Grand Forks!
Stacia- Marco… what an ass! He definitely turned out to be a different man then he portrayed himself to be; but I will avoid spoilers and let everyone find that out for themselves.
At first, I’m not going to lie, I was thinking “head to Jamaica with your girls, Alani” but then when she decided to head to North Dakota to just regroup and get away from everyone and everything, I was hopeful she would run into Ryan. Which we can say without spoilers, that she does find him and BOY oh BOY he doesn’t disappoint!
Tina- This is tough to discuss without spoilers that is for sure! I can't even begin to say enough good things about Ryan. He was the perfect gentleman. He was respectful and caring and OMG the sexual tension between these two! I couldn't take much more! I just wanted her to kiss him finally already!! Girl, it was worth the wait though! But then it started to get to the point when I just kept waiting to see what would happen next. I knew things couldn't continue on as they were and I was just waiting for the shoe to drop!
Stacia- The sexual chemistry between Ryan and Alani was through the roof. The things he said and did to her were so schmexy! But, I agree I knew it couldn’t all be wrapped up in a pretty bow, so I was waiting for the shoe to drop too…. And boy did it!
Livia Jamerlan wrote a great debut book. It was sexy, steamy, with enough twists and turns to keep you on your toes!
Tina- I couldn't agree more. Livia wrote an amazing debut book. It was my favorite kind of book-hot sexy guy with steamy scenes and a great storyline! Divided was an easy reading book and it was just adorable. I can't wait to read more from Livia. Definitely a 4 star book for me!
December 10, 2013
I'll start by saying I can not believe this is the first book of Livia Jamerlan!
She just rocked!
This put MANY tears on my face, and when I say MANY, I mean a lot of tears.
Funny, lovely, romantic and sexy !
Divided tells a love story that begins in the most unlikely way and ends in the purest form of love.
Alani and her friends: Katie, Caitlyn and Melanie go to Las Vegas for her bachelorette party. And there they meet some new friends.
Among them, Ryan Kraft. So, Alani is faced with an impossible attraction to hide.
She is faithful to the groom, but without realizing her thoughts are always returning to the boy.
And when she thinks everything is perfect, her world collapses and she has to face a disappointment!
That when Alani goes to hometown of beautiful Ryan, to reflect, and ends up finding him. It seems like a dream.
He is the perfect gentleman, friend, and I don't know how she endured until the end of his days there without moving all the signs with him.
The man is too sexy, knows how to speak a woman, guess her thoughts and is clearly in love with her.
And the hottest scenes??? Wowwww
Who is this man!!
Livia wrote lightly, and it was very accurate, especially in sad moments.
From beginning to end, you already love the characters and twists at every moment by them.
Everything goes so well, that the lump in my throat grew with each page, and I thought: My God something very, very bad will happen, it is not possible!
And then BOOOMMM!
Comes all at once: problems, and challenges.
During the plot, you almost believe that a happy ending for these two isn't possible.
Look, I could only drop my breath when I read the last chapter.
And she took my weak point, I love reading and listening to music, and she cited some.
Among them, one that I love, and described one of the most beautiful scenes in the entire book!
I would really like to say more, but then spoil the surprise to read this lovely book.
Bilingual friends, pass this book up front, it is very worthwhile!
Livia Jamerlan, thank you for giving life to Alani and Ryan and all the other characters.
You gave life to a beautiful love story of resilience, hope and faith.
My note couldn't be less than 5 stars!
http://blogeverythingbutthebooks.com/...
She just rocked!
This put MANY tears on my face, and when I say MANY, I mean a lot of tears.
Funny, lovely, romantic and sexy !
Divided tells a love story that begins in the most unlikely way and ends in the purest form of love.
Alani and her friends: Katie, Caitlyn and Melanie go to Las Vegas for her bachelorette party. And there they meet some new friends.
Among them, Ryan Kraft. So, Alani is faced with an impossible attraction to hide.
She is faithful to the groom, but without realizing her thoughts are always returning to the boy.
And when she thinks everything is perfect, her world collapses and she has to face a disappointment!
That when Alani goes to hometown of beautiful Ryan, to reflect, and ends up finding him. It seems like a dream.
He is the perfect gentleman, friend, and I don't know how she endured until the end of his days there without moving all the signs with him.
The man is too sexy, knows how to speak a woman, guess her thoughts and is clearly in love with her.
And the hottest scenes??? Wowwww
Who is this man!!
Livia wrote lightly, and it was very accurate, especially in sad moments.
From beginning to end, you already love the characters and twists at every moment by them.
Everything goes so well, that the lump in my throat grew with each page, and I thought: My God something very, very bad will happen, it is not possible!
And then BOOOMMM!
Comes all at once: problems, and challenges.
During the plot, you almost believe that a happy ending for these two isn't possible.
Look, I could only drop my breath when I read the last chapter.
And she took my weak point, I love reading and listening to music, and she cited some.
Among them, one that I love, and described one of the most beautiful scenes in the entire book!
I would really like to say more, but then spoil the surprise to read this lovely book.
Bilingual friends, pass this book up front, it is very worthwhile!
Livia Jamerlan, thank you for giving life to Alani and Ryan and all the other characters.
You gave life to a beautiful love story of resilience, hope and faith.
My note couldn't be less than 5 stars!
http://blogeverythingbutthebooks.com/...
February 21, 2015
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
“You see what the problem is though, is that I want to be your last first kiss. I want to make sure that the first kiss we share is mesmerizing, that you never want to kiss another person after me.”
Are you in the market for a sweet love story with a touch of angst and a dash of what the hell?! Have I ever got the book for you! Divided starts with an immediate connection between two souls, a longing for something more, a deeper connection. Drama ensues, heartbreak endures, and life goes on. You are GOING to fall in love, you are GOING to want to scream, but most of all you’ll enjoy a good story.
“I don’t want someone to sweep me off my feet if he isn’t going to be there to catch me when I fall.”
Alani is in Las Vegas for her bachelorette party when she randomly meets Ryan. Though she is engaged and doesn’t act on it, the electricity between the two of them is glaringly apparent. However, she is engaged, and he lives half way across the country in the middle of nowhere. With reservations and a hopeful heart, they part ways. Alani returns home and due to events you will discover, calls off her wedding. Needing to clear her head and get away from everything, she decides to head to Ryan’s town in North Dakota. Not necessarily for him, but to find peace.
“I let you walk out of my life before. I won’t let you walk away from me again.”
The book moved a little slow for me at parts, but overall I enjoyed it. I LOVED the scenes between Alani and Ryan and the loved that they grew to share. When you know, you know, and though they tried to deny it, you cannot fight the inevitable. If you are meant to be together, no matter the circumstances, the universe will find a way to make it happen. 4 star read for me!
“You are my strength, my reason, my air to breathe. I love you so much.”
“You see what the problem is though, is that I want to be your last first kiss. I want to make sure that the first kiss we share is mesmerizing, that you never want to kiss another person after me.”
Are you in the market for a sweet love story with a touch of angst and a dash of what the hell?! Have I ever got the book for you! Divided starts with an immediate connection between two souls, a longing for something more, a deeper connection. Drama ensues, heartbreak endures, and life goes on. You are GOING to fall in love, you are GOING to want to scream, but most of all you’ll enjoy a good story.
“I don’t want someone to sweep me off my feet if he isn’t going to be there to catch me when I fall.”
Alani is in Las Vegas for her bachelorette party when she randomly meets Ryan. Though she is engaged and doesn’t act on it, the electricity between the two of them is glaringly apparent. However, she is engaged, and he lives half way across the country in the middle of nowhere. With reservations and a hopeful heart, they part ways. Alani returns home and due to events you will discover, calls off her wedding. Needing to clear her head and get away from everything, she decides to head to Ryan’s town in North Dakota. Not necessarily for him, but to find peace.
“I let you walk out of my life before. I won’t let you walk away from me again.”
The book moved a little slow for me at parts, but overall I enjoyed it. I LOVED the scenes between Alani and Ryan and the loved that they grew to share. When you know, you know, and though they tried to deny it, you cannot fight the inevitable. If you are meant to be together, no matter the circumstances, the universe will find a way to make it happen. 4 star read for me!
“You are my strength, my reason, my air to breathe. I love you so much.”
December 10, 2013
This was such a cute and sweet romance story.
There was plenty of drama and twists to keep it interesting though. For a good portion of the story I couldn't believe that everything was going well. It was just too good to be true. No one has that perfect of a relationship!
I was hooked on this story from the synopsis. I was really interested in Alani and Ryan's first encounter, and I wanted to see that progress.
They first meet while Alani is celebrating her bachlorette party with her girlfriends. They both seem to have a really strong connection, but of course Alani is madly in love with her fiance Marco.
As soon as the story begins we get to see what kind of a male Marco is. Alani gets back from her trip and walks in on Marco pounding away at his secretary. On his desk. In his office. At his work. Bleh!
I wanted to go Lorena Bobbitt on him, but Alani handled herself pretty well.
Alani feels the need to take a breather from her life in New York and plans a trip somewhere. She remembers Ryan telling her that if she was ever in his hometown (North Dakota), she should visit him. So that is exactly what she does. She travels to North Dakota with no real intention of seeing him, but if it happens, it happens. And boy does it happen!
Like I said before, Ryan and Alani have this instant connection to each other. They both feel something that they've never felt before. Their relationship progresses quickly, but not enough to really get that insta-love annoyance. It's sort of calmed by the way the character's thoughts and dialogue was written. When the big twist comes, it takes you by surprise for sure! At that point, I couldn't read fast enough. I went through a box of tissues toward the end of this book.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a bit of romance and drama.
*An eARC of this book was provided by the author for an honest review.
There was plenty of drama and twists to keep it interesting though. For a good portion of the story I couldn't believe that everything was going well. It was just too good to be true. No one has that perfect of a relationship!
I was hooked on this story from the synopsis. I was really interested in Alani and Ryan's first encounter, and I wanted to see that progress.
They first meet while Alani is celebrating her bachlorette party with her girlfriends. They both seem to have a really strong connection, but of course Alani is madly in love with her fiance Marco.
As soon as the story begins we get to see what kind of a male Marco is. Alani gets back from her trip and walks in on Marco pounding away at his secretary. On his desk. In his office. At his work. Bleh!
I wanted to go Lorena Bobbitt on him, but Alani handled herself pretty well.
Alani feels the need to take a breather from her life in New York and plans a trip somewhere. She remembers Ryan telling her that if she was ever in his hometown (North Dakota), she should visit him. So that is exactly what she does. She travels to North Dakota with no real intention of seeing him, but if it happens, it happens. And boy does it happen!
Like I said before, Ryan and Alani have this instant connection to each other. They both feel something that they've never felt before. Their relationship progresses quickly, but not enough to really get that insta-love annoyance. It's sort of calmed by the way the character's thoughts and dialogue was written. When the big twist comes, it takes you by surprise for sure! At that point, I couldn't read fast enough. I went through a box of tissues toward the end of this book.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a bit of romance and drama.
*An eARC of this book was provided by the author for an honest review.
December 4, 2013
Alani is in Las Vegas with her three besties have her bachelorette weekend. There is only two weeks to go until she is to marry Marco.
On the final night the girls meet a group of guys from North Dakota. One of them is a really super hot cute guy called Ryan. There is undeniable attraction between these two but Alani doesn't act on it because after all she is in love with Marco and marrying him. Ryan and Alani just click and talk for hours, when the night ends, neither of them want to say goodbye but they eventually do. The connection between them leaves you wondering what if???
Alani busies herself with the rest of the wedding planning and on the day of the rehearsal dinner pops in to Marco's work to have lunch with him. He definitely was not expecting her as he was screwing his secretary on top of his desk. Alani calls off the wedding and ends it with him.
She is overwhelmed with grief and after a few days of thinking about Ryan, on a whim, she flies to his hometown in North Dakota. After spending a few days there she eventually sees him again at a local bar and that undeniable attraction is just there. These two are perfect for each other.
Could she really just pick up and move on this quickly? Her friends are worried about her, Marco is persistently hounding her and she is completely drawn to Ryan.
This is when Ryan's ex-girlfriend comes into the story and kind of fecks everything up. Tears are shed, hearts are broken and Marco also re-emerges and jeepers he is an awful SOB.
And as If that is not enough to deal with, a tragedy happens that changes all of their lives.
This was a gripping emotional read that I just could not put down, lots of angst and sad moments but a really beautiful love story :)
*ARC received from author for an honest review*
Guest Reviewer @Reality Bites! Let's Get Lost!
On the final night the girls meet a group of guys from North Dakota. One of them is a really super hot cute guy called Ryan. There is undeniable attraction between these two but Alani doesn't act on it because after all she is in love with Marco and marrying him. Ryan and Alani just click and talk for hours, when the night ends, neither of them want to say goodbye but they eventually do. The connection between them leaves you wondering what if???
Alani busies herself with the rest of the wedding planning and on the day of the rehearsal dinner pops in to Marco's work to have lunch with him. He definitely was not expecting her as he was screwing his secretary on top of his desk. Alani calls off the wedding and ends it with him.
She is overwhelmed with grief and after a few days of thinking about Ryan, on a whim, she flies to his hometown in North Dakota. After spending a few days there she eventually sees him again at a local bar and that undeniable attraction is just there. These two are perfect for each other.
Could she really just pick up and move on this quickly? Her friends are worried about her, Marco is persistently hounding her and she is completely drawn to Ryan.
This is when Ryan's ex-girlfriend comes into the story and kind of fecks everything up. Tears are shed, hearts are broken and Marco also re-emerges and jeepers he is an awful SOB.
And as If that is not enough to deal with, a tragedy happens that changes all of their lives.
This was a gripping emotional read that I just could not put down, lots of angst and sad moments but a really beautiful love story :)
*ARC received from author for an honest review*
Guest Reviewer @Reality Bites! Let's Get Lost!
December 13, 2013
3.75 Stars
This fast paced book has many twists, dramas and jaw dropping moments throughout. A few times I paused my reading to ask myself, “Did that just happen?!”
The sexual tension between Alani LaBelle, a beautiful, loyal, fun loving career woman and Ryan Kraft, an athletic, tall, dark, sexy hockey coach was scorching. They connected immediately, like soul mates and had me really rooting for them to become a couple and move forward in their relationship, so much so at times I wanted to scream and shout at them in frustration! When they finally get it on, the sex was sizzling and plentiful and their love deep and powerful.
“Don’t sweep me off my feet if you’re not going to be there to catch me.”
It is rare for me as a reader to connect more with the female than the male character but this happened to me with this book. Alani was such a strong, overly forgiving and accepting woman, making me feel so much more empathy for her. I really felt her heartbreak and emotions in the pit of my stomach, leaving me wrung out by the end of the book. For me, Ryan started off sweet with a heart of gold but my opinion changed as I read on, he became a bit too weak and flaky for my liking.
“Stay with me. Don’t leave me. I want to be with you, forever.”
The supporting characters were all very real and likeable. I think that their friends Katie and Michael have the potential for a great spin off story!
Overall, if you like plenty of drama, twists, heart stopping moments and sexy times, you may want to read this book.
An ARC was kindly provided by the Author for an honest review.
Review posted at Love Between the Sheets
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This fast paced book has many twists, dramas and jaw dropping moments throughout. A few times I paused my reading to ask myself, “Did that just happen?!”
The sexual tension between Alani LaBelle, a beautiful, loyal, fun loving career woman and Ryan Kraft, an athletic, tall, dark, sexy hockey coach was scorching. They connected immediately, like soul mates and had me really rooting for them to become a couple and move forward in their relationship, so much so at times I wanted to scream and shout at them in frustration! When they finally get it on, the sex was sizzling and plentiful and their love deep and powerful.
“Don’t sweep me off my feet if you’re not going to be there to catch me.”
It is rare for me as a reader to connect more with the female than the male character but this happened to me with this book. Alani was such a strong, overly forgiving and accepting woman, making me feel so much more empathy for her. I really felt her heartbreak and emotions in the pit of my stomach, leaving me wrung out by the end of the book. For me, Ryan started off sweet with a heart of gold but my opinion changed as I read on, he became a bit too weak and flaky for my liking.
“Stay with me. Don’t leave me. I want to be with you, forever.”
The supporting characters were all very real and likeable. I think that their friends Katie and Michael have the potential for a great spin off story!
Overall, if you like plenty of drama, twists, heart stopping moments and sexy times, you may want to read this book.
An ARC was kindly provided by the Author for an honest review.
Review posted at Love Between the Sheets
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January 8, 2014
I was provided a copy from the Author in exchange for an honest review
What an adorable book. We've got Alani Labelle from New York who's in Vegas for her bachelorette party when she meets the a gorgeous man who will end up impacting her life greatly: Ryan Kraft from Grand Forks, North Dakota. They meet and hit it off really well. Alani never cheats, which I think shows her loyalty to her fiance, but even she can't deny the connection she has with Ryan. It's not until they part ways and she returns to New York, does she realize that she doesn't want to marry the man she though she loves... but then again who would when you walk in on him with his secretary bent over his desk?
Alani decides that's it. I loved that about her. She never thought "Oh maybe I should let him explain or give him a chance." She left him and GOOD FOR HER!! She ends up feeling the need to get away so that's when she leaves New York behind for a few weeks and takes a personal retreat to the secluded small town of Grand Forks, ND... And that's where Ryan just so happens to live. They suffer through a lot of obstacles with the people around them: unplanned pregnancies, blackmail, lovers' quarrels, etc. This is juicy stuff for a small town!
Overall, I think this was a really cute book. I love a good book with an even better HEA and Livia Jamerlan brought it head first! I am giving this book 4 STARS out of 5 STARS for being an all over good read. I think you should read this because it's so realistic and so cute and Ryan is a cutie pie!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Read by Taryn Lee on January 1, 2014
Reviewed by Taryn Lee on January 8, 2014
http://facebook.com/tarynleesblog
What an adorable book. We've got Alani Labelle from New York who's in Vegas for her bachelorette party when she meets the a gorgeous man who will end up impacting her life greatly: Ryan Kraft from Grand Forks, North Dakota. They meet and hit it off really well. Alani never cheats, which I think shows her loyalty to her fiance, but even she can't deny the connection she has with Ryan. It's not until they part ways and she returns to New York, does she realize that she doesn't want to marry the man she though she loves... but then again who would when you walk in on him with his secretary bent over his desk?
Alani decides that's it. I loved that about her. She never thought "Oh maybe I should let him explain or give him a chance." She left him and GOOD FOR HER!! She ends up feeling the need to get away so that's when she leaves New York behind for a few weeks and takes a personal retreat to the secluded small town of Grand Forks, ND... And that's where Ryan just so happens to live. They suffer through a lot of obstacles with the people around them: unplanned pregnancies, blackmail, lovers' quarrels, etc. This is juicy stuff for a small town!
Overall, I think this was a really cute book. I love a good book with an even better HEA and Livia Jamerlan brought it head first! I am giving this book 4 STARS out of 5 STARS for being an all over good read. I think you should read this because it's so realistic and so cute and Ryan is a cutie pie!
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Read by Taryn Lee on January 1, 2014
Reviewed by Taryn Lee on January 8, 2014
http://facebook.com/tarynleesblog
January 28, 2014
I absolutely loved this book. Right from the start I found myself pulled into the story. For me it was a constant angst filled ride. There was no slow build with a dramatic ending. I was yelling at my Kindle and sending the author messages the whole time. My last message to her was simply…Fan-freaking-tastic!!!
I will start with Ryan. WOW! This guy is major book boyfriend material and put Marco to shame. (You will meet Marco and you will want to kick him in the teeth.) Ryan’s conversations with Alani gave me actual butterflies! From the second he started calling her Bug I was a goner!
Meeting during her bachelorette party definitely put a different spin on the overall plot and had me so invested in the outcome with their ever changing emotions. Twist after twist also had me second guessing what I thought was going to happen. While I was thrown for a loop, I was never disappointed. For once, I actually agreed with the female lead and didn’t doubt her choices. She was upfront with people when she needed to be and stood her ground. Other times, she was vulnerable yet remained practical in her decisions. I could feel the turmoil both Alani and Ryan were feeling as they dealt with the obstacles that continued to plague their relationship.
The writing was believable and flowed effortlessly. I was never bored, always interested and flipped through the pages as quickly as my hectic day allow. I am thankful I was asked by the author to read and review. I get so excited when I come across a new author like Livia who has serious talent and an incredible story that I get to help share with my fellow Indie readers! You will not be disappointed with this book. It is worth every penny!
I will start with Ryan. WOW! This guy is major book boyfriend material and put Marco to shame. (You will meet Marco and you will want to kick him in the teeth.) Ryan’s conversations with Alani gave me actual butterflies! From the second he started calling her Bug I was a goner!
Meeting during her bachelorette party definitely put a different spin on the overall plot and had me so invested in the outcome with their ever changing emotions. Twist after twist also had me second guessing what I thought was going to happen. While I was thrown for a loop, I was never disappointed. For once, I actually agreed with the female lead and didn’t doubt her choices. She was upfront with people when she needed to be and stood her ground. Other times, she was vulnerable yet remained practical in her decisions. I could feel the turmoil both Alani and Ryan were feeling as they dealt with the obstacles that continued to plague their relationship.
The writing was believable and flowed effortlessly. I was never bored, always interested and flipped through the pages as quickly as my hectic day allow. I am thankful I was asked by the author to read and review. I get so excited when I come across a new author like Livia who has serious talent and an incredible story that I get to help share with my fellow Indie readers! You will not be disappointed with this book. It is worth every penny!
May 22, 2014
We meet Alani on her hen weekend in Las Vegas with her best friends. She is flying high, fab fiance, great job, fabulous friends and a wedding in a few weeks time - life could not get better.
During her time in Las Vegas she meets Ryan, they spend a few hours together and share nothing more than a kiss despite both of them feeling the chemistry. Alani flies home thinking of that meeting, but thinking it will pass as she prepares to marry Marco.
A few days before her big day she goes to visit Marco at work, opens the door to his office to find him "engaged" in some ex-curricula activity with his secretary. Alani leaves, cancels the wedding, cashes in the honeymoon sending her best friends on holiday to Mexico while she runs to Grand Forks, North Dakota, where Ryan is from. She doesn't know if she will see him there but she feels it is a great place to escape to that Marco knows nothing about.
Grand Forks is perfect for her, she knows no one, and can take some serious time out to put the Marco situation behind her. That is until Ryan finds her, it is a small town and he has been telling everyone how he met this girl in Las Vegas and he is in love with her, so no wonder the jungle drums track her down!
They spend every minute together, just being friends, Alani works part time in a school and they learn about each other. When it comes to leaving, Ryan asks her to come back and live with him. Which she decides to do, planning to pack up her life in New York and head straight back. Marco has other ideas... a true love conquers all story!
During her time in Las Vegas she meets Ryan, they spend a few hours together and share nothing more than a kiss despite both of them feeling the chemistry. Alani flies home thinking of that meeting, but thinking it will pass as she prepares to marry Marco.
A few days before her big day she goes to visit Marco at work, opens the door to his office to find him "engaged" in some ex-curricula activity with his secretary. Alani leaves, cancels the wedding, cashes in the honeymoon sending her best friends on holiday to Mexico while she runs to Grand Forks, North Dakota, where Ryan is from. She doesn't know if she will see him there but she feels it is a great place to escape to that Marco knows nothing about.
Grand Forks is perfect for her, she knows no one, and can take some serious time out to put the Marco situation behind her. That is until Ryan finds her, it is a small town and he has been telling everyone how he met this girl in Las Vegas and he is in love with her, so no wonder the jungle drums track her down!
They spend every minute together, just being friends, Alani works part time in a school and they learn about each other. When it comes to leaving, Ryan asks her to come back and live with him. Which she decides to do, planning to pack up her life in New York and head straight back. Marco has other ideas... a true love conquers all story!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2013
(ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review)
3.5* Review
Alani meets Ryan on her hen weekend to Vegas with the girls and they connect immediately but Alani is getting in married in 2 weeks and walks away at the end of the night. As the blurb suggests Alani doesn’t end up getting married and finds herself in North Dakota, where she knows Ryan lives and in to his arms. Like with any good romance story the journey isn’t smooth and Alani discovers she may have bitten off more than she can chew.
I enjoyed the book but it didn’t knock my socks off. I feel more could have been made of the characters and that they were a little weak in places and need more development. However, the storyline was the saving grace with this book and with a little more work on the characters this could have been a really good book. Divided wasn’t quite the love triangle I was expecting and took some unexpected twists that were unexpected and some that were expected. The storyline was quite unique and that’s what kept me interested. It flowed at a good pace and had the right amount of angst to keep you turning the page.
Don’t let what I’ve said about the characters put you off this book as it is a good read, I just expected more from them. There are other reviews out there where people have loved the way the characters were developed and that’s their personal opinion. The same as you will have yours.
3.5* Review
Alani meets Ryan on her hen weekend to Vegas with the girls and they connect immediately but Alani is getting in married in 2 weeks and walks away at the end of the night. As the blurb suggests Alani doesn’t end up getting married and finds herself in North Dakota, where she knows Ryan lives and in to his arms. Like with any good romance story the journey isn’t smooth and Alani discovers she may have bitten off more than she can chew.
I enjoyed the book but it didn’t knock my socks off. I feel more could have been made of the characters and that they were a little weak in places and need more development. However, the storyline was the saving grace with this book and with a little more work on the characters this could have been a really good book. Divided wasn’t quite the love triangle I was expecting and took some unexpected twists that were unexpected and some that were expected. The storyline was quite unique and that’s what kept me interested. It flowed at a good pace and had the right amount of angst to keep you turning the page.
Don’t let what I’ve said about the characters put you off this book as it is a good read, I just expected more from them. There are other reviews out there where people have loved the way the characters were developed and that’s their personal opinion. The same as you will have yours.
December 8, 2013
OMG this was a very good book. In the beginning of the book Alani is happy about her upcoming wedding and thought Marco was the best guy in the world. I actually thought he was until one day she surprises him at work. No words would have come out of my mouth. I would have flat out start punching him and hurt him so he can't have children...lol Maybe a little extreme but my sailor's mouth would have been just as bad. When she left she needed to get away and get her thoughts together. She visits this small town where a guy by the name of Ryan lives. They had a very strong connection when they first met but it was at her bachelorette party. He was so taken by her and very sweet. Alani remembers him and this is the first place of that she thinks to go to escape for a while. When she gets to his hometown she keeps telling herself she is not there to see him which we all know is a lie. They finally bump into each other and their love story begins. I completely love Ryan and how much of a gentleman he is. When his ex-girlfriend comes in the picture I would have been pissed off too. But the one thing that Ryan did was make one stupid decision that no matter how much I loved him I would have left him as well. I liked this love story and really enjoyed reading the book.
January 5, 2014
Alani is two weeks away from marrying her boyfriend of 5 years. She and her friends went off to Las Vegas to celebrate her bachelorette party. On their last night there, Alani meets Ryan. They have a connection that she has never felt before. Alani did not cheat, but they did flirt and dance a lot.
Alani and her friends return to New York, but Ryan was still a constant thought in her head.
She finds her fiancé cheating on her with his secretary two days before their wedding. Alani goes to North Dakota to escape everything, and hopefully find someone.
Ryan and Alani's romance was too cute and adorable. Everything was working out really well until the twist. I was so shocked and I really didn't see it coming.
If you're looking for a sweet and romantic easy read with a huge twist, this one is for you!
FAVORITE QUOTES:
“It was my absolute pleasure to meet you Alani LaBelle. I’ll always remember you and I wish you nothing but happiness. I do hope your future husband makes you happy and gives you the world. It’s what you deserve.”
“I let you walk out of my life before. I won’t let you walk away from me again.”
December 8, 2013
I liked this book, it was cute, and sweet. It was really strange though, I mean some of the things that happened were just all, wha?? Ryan is a stupidly over the top good guy, so much so that it irritated me.
I mean, pregnant ex-girlfriend in the picture, and sure let's ask her to move in with me and my current girlfriend.
Alani is in Vegas celebrating her bachelorette party and her soon to be marriage. She meets Ryan and hits it off with him, keeping it innocent enough. She goes back home, pushing him to the back of her mind.
She tries to surprise her fiancee one day at work, but ends up being surprised instead. So, the wedding is off, and she wants to get away, so she heads to North Dakota where Ryan is from, eventually running into him. I think it's sweet that everyone already knows who she is, from him talking about her.
This is a sweet story, and a quick read. It needs another edit, cause it was a little tough to read at times and a little annoying at times. But I liked it.
I mean, pregnant ex-girlfriend in the picture, and sure let's ask her to move in with me and my current girlfriend.
Alani is in Vegas celebrating her bachelorette party and her soon to be marriage. She meets Ryan and hits it off with him, keeping it innocent enough. She goes back home, pushing him to the back of her mind.
She tries to surprise her fiancee one day at work, but ends up being surprised instead. So, the wedding is off, and she wants to get away, so she heads to North Dakota where Ryan is from, eventually running into him. I think it's sweet that everyone already knows who she is, from him talking about her.
This is a sweet story, and a quick read. It needs another edit, cause it was a little tough to read at times and a little annoying at times. But I liked it.
December 5, 2013
Alani is engaged to Marco. She goes to Las Vegas for her bachelorette party with her friends. While there is meets Ryan. They have fun together and feel a connection to each. There is no cheating. At the end of the night Ryan tells her "If you're ever in Grand Forks, North Dakota, look me up, please."
Days before her wedding Alani finds Marco cheating on her with his secretary. She immediately calls off the wedding. She cashes in her honeymoon and books a two week trip to Grand Forks, North Dakota. Her friends are worried about her going to Grand Forks. As a reader I was worried too. I was worried what if she can't find Ryan or what if he has a girlfriend.
She does find Ryan and their connection is real. Of course their relationship has many bumps for them to overcome. One major bump, comes in the form of Ryan's ex Stephanie. Marco also throws a bump in the road too.
Overall it was a great read. I definitely recommend it.
Days before her wedding Alani finds Marco cheating on her with his secretary. She immediately calls off the wedding. She cashes in her honeymoon and books a two week trip to Grand Forks, North Dakota. Her friends are worried about her going to Grand Forks. As a reader I was worried too. I was worried what if she can't find Ryan or what if he has a girlfriend.
She does find Ryan and their connection is real. Of course their relationship has many bumps for them to overcome. One major bump, comes in the form of Ryan's ex Stephanie. Marco also throws a bump in the road too.
Overall it was a great read. I definitely recommend it.
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