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New Hope #1
Stormy Surrender
What If The Life You Planned Isn’t The One You Are Living? This was how Joe Masters ended up back in New Hope, well into his thirties with nothing to show for his life. He needed a complete overhaul, just like his father’s old house. Instead of a fast track, he had slowed down and was plodding through a ten year plan, which felt more his speed after his stormy relationship and bad break up. Maybe alone wasn't so bad. Maybe there would be sunshine in his future.
˃˃˃ Escaping Her Stormy PastMartha had weathered her fair share of storms in Vermont. Although accustomed to the cold, both in the air and in her marriage, her miscarriage left her feeling like she would never get warm again. Martha's search for hope brought her to New Hope, South Carolina, a small southern town full of charm and character. So focused on the move, she never imagined her husband would trick her into leaving and never follow. Strong willed and determined, Martha decided to do more than survive, she'd thrive.
˃˃˃ An Unexpected RomanceThrown together by chance, Martha and Joe would discover a connection neither prepared for, which would change everything. Inclement weather approached. Somehow, they had to find a way to survive together. After all, life is full of storms and love means sharing an umbrella.
"This book had me from the beginning. Martha's courage to leave her loveless marriage; Joey's state of despair. The cute little quaint town of New Hope. I wanted more as the story went on, then I hit the end and almost cried!!" - April Burch
˃˃˃ Under Umbrellas is the first volume in the sexy, heartwarming New Hope series. You’ll want more of this book’s small town charm and southern romance! Scroll Up And Grab Your Copy Today!
˃˃˃ Escaping Her Stormy PastMartha had weathered her fair share of storms in Vermont. Although accustomed to the cold, both in the air and in her marriage, her miscarriage left her feeling like she would never get warm again. Martha's search for hope brought her to New Hope, South Carolina, a small southern town full of charm and character. So focused on the move, she never imagined her husband would trick her into leaving and never follow. Strong willed and determined, Martha decided to do more than survive, she'd thrive.
˃˃˃ An Unexpected RomanceThrown together by chance, Martha and Joe would discover a connection neither prepared for, which would change everything. Inclement weather approached. Somehow, they had to find a way to survive together. After all, life is full of storms and love means sharing an umbrella.
"This book had me from the beginning. Martha's courage to leave her loveless marriage; Joey's state of despair. The cute little quaint town of New Hope. I wanted more as the story went on, then I hit the end and almost cried!!" - April Burch
˃˃˃ Under Umbrellas is the first volume in the sexy, heartwarming New Hope series. You’ll want more of this book’s small town charm and southern romance! Scroll Up And Grab Your Copy Today!
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2013
68 people are currently reading
1130 people want to read
About the author
Emma Nichols
88 books822 followersWhat made her decide to be an erotica author?
Simple.
How else was she going to parlay her two favorite past times into a career?
Emma is single and loving it. Like her first character, Alysin, Sin for short, she doesn't believe in settling or in settling down. She loves to indulge in her passions whenever the mood strikes and enjoys keeping all of life's cliche moments spicy.
Known for her sense of humor, Emma surrounds herself with friends whose antics often become the source of book fodder. Her ideal situation would be to explore the Caribbean while writing. She pursues that dream daily.
Simple.
How else was she going to parlay her two favorite past times into a career?
Emma is single and loving it. Like her first character, Alysin, Sin for short, she doesn't believe in settling or in settling down. She loves to indulge in her passions whenever the mood strikes and enjoys keeping all of life's cliche moments spicy.
Known for her sense of humor, Emma surrounds herself with friends whose antics often become the source of book fodder. Her ideal situation would be to explore the Caribbean while writing. She pursues that dream daily.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
May 3, 2013
****This book was part of a blog tour I received a copy for my honest review****
Martha's husband was a cheating bastard and he needed to have a punch to the head. Joe was a a bit abrasive and standoffish at first but once you get to know him you see what a good guy he was. It was great, seeing the couple heal each other. This was a feel good romance where both characters had had it bad romantically before and were somewhat leery of something new. The town new hope was charming and everybody was nice. I really enjoyed the book, it gave me the warm fuzzies. Short and sweet a real worthwhile romance.
Martha's husband was a cheating bastard and he needed to have a punch to the head. Joe was a a bit abrasive and standoffish at first but once you get to know him you see what a good guy he was. It was great, seeing the couple heal each other. This was a feel good romance where both characters had had it bad romantically before and were somewhat leery of something new. The town new hope was charming and everybody was nice. I really enjoyed the book, it gave me the warm fuzzies. Short and sweet a real worthwhile romance.
April 23, 2013
Whew, I just finished Stormy Surrender and I truly had to take a day or two before I wrote the review. This is my second book read by the author Nicole Andrews Moore and I must say I think each book has been better than the last. I love her writing style. Nicole Andrews Moore grips me and pulls me in not releasing me until I am completely spent and done with the story, only to leave me yearning for more! Yep, it was that damn good! This story had angst, lots of banter, humor, smokin’ hot steamy scenes, and some OH-MY-GOD moments! It even had a few moments where I may have thrown my Kindle :-/ Hey don’t judge me! I couldn't help it, tehehehe!
Oh goodness where do I start? Hmm, how about with the douchebag known as Blaine aka Marti’s husband. Man oh man I have never wanted to kick a character in the balls as much as I did Blaine! A few words to describe him jackass, bastard, self-centered, cheating man-whore, low-life, and the list could go on and on. I felt so bad for Marti. I mean she wanted to make her marriage work with this no good asshole and I just couldn’t understand why. She began her search online for Hope---> Hope to make her marriage work and that led her to New Hope, SC. Little did Marti know her no good husband would basically abandon her after she lost their child and relocated to New Hope, sad right? Yes, I may have cried a few tears when this happened. I felt so emotionally involved in the story, almost as if it was me instead of Marti.
Oh but Marti wasn’t expecting Joe and neither was I. Joe is not your average guy though. He is a bit broken and seems to have lost his way a bit. He was basically a womanizer and a man-whore and I thought “OH HELL NO” don’t do it Marti ----> STAY- FAR- FAR- AWAY! Marti had already been through so much with Blaine I didn’t want to see her get mixed up with another one of those “types” of men. Yes, I was being stereotypical I couldn’t help it….someone had to stick up for Marti! Oh but Joe certainly proved me wrong….He turned out to be loving, sweet, endearing, and though he may not of known it at the time but looking for someone like Marti. I couldn’t help but fall in love with him!
I don’t want to say much more because I can’t spoil it for you, but believe me I am already anticipating the next book in this series. If you are looking for a book that grabs your attention, has steamy scenes, lots of humor, and a side of angst…Then this is the book for you! I am looking forward to more books from Nicole Andrews Moore and I can’t wait to share them with you! Happy Reading! xoxo
Stormy Surrender Receives 4.5 STARS!
Oh goodness where do I start? Hmm, how about with the douchebag known as Blaine aka Marti’s husband. Man oh man I have never wanted to kick a character in the balls as much as I did Blaine! A few words to describe him jackass, bastard, self-centered, cheating man-whore, low-life, and the list could go on and on. I felt so bad for Marti. I mean she wanted to make her marriage work with this no good asshole and I just couldn’t understand why. She began her search online for Hope---> Hope to make her marriage work and that led her to New Hope, SC. Little did Marti know her no good husband would basically abandon her after she lost their child and relocated to New Hope, sad right? Yes, I may have cried a few tears when this happened. I felt so emotionally involved in the story, almost as if it was me instead of Marti.
Oh but Marti wasn’t expecting Joe and neither was I. Joe is not your average guy though. He is a bit broken and seems to have lost his way a bit. He was basically a womanizer and a man-whore and I thought “OH HELL NO” don’t do it Marti ----> STAY- FAR- FAR- AWAY! Marti had already been through so much with Blaine I didn’t want to see her get mixed up with another one of those “types” of men. Yes, I was being stereotypical I couldn’t help it….someone had to stick up for Marti! Oh but Joe certainly proved me wrong….He turned out to be loving, sweet, endearing, and though he may not of known it at the time but looking for someone like Marti. I couldn’t help but fall in love with him!
I don’t want to say much more because I can’t spoil it for you, but believe me I am already anticipating the next book in this series. If you are looking for a book that grabs your attention, has steamy scenes, lots of humor, and a side of angst…Then this is the book for you! I am looking forward to more books from Nicole Andrews Moore and I can’t wait to share them with you! Happy Reading! xoxo
Stormy Surrender Receives 4.5 STARS!
May 26, 2013
I first got introduced to Nicole's writing with Sugar Daddy which was an unconventional love story so after that when I got the opportunity to read another one of Nicole's books I jumped at the chance.
I liked this quirky love story. Life takes us on a pretty crazy journey sometimes and even though we chose one path doesn't mean that we have to stick on that path. With Martha and Joe they both had a individually bumpy roads which lead to each other.
Here are some points I want to talk about:
1) Her husband Blaine what a douchebag.
2) Suzette the mistress what a home wrecking trollop
3) Joe - the gorgeous ginger *sigh* he was a sweetheart with a broken soul but someone who melts your heart once he lets you in and starts to cherish you.
4) Martha - A stronger heroine with some pretty daft moments that I just shuck my head at but she has been pretty sheltered so you can't really blame her.
5) the ending......somewhat what of a cliffhanger ARGH!!!! but the good news is book 2 is aimed to be out in this summer. Phew!
As for the story. I really liked the multiple POV's and didn't find it confusing. I loved the fact that the book started off from the douchebag's Blaine POV which immediately hooks you in with the angst of trying to figure out how it is all going to play out.
Once Martha arrives in New Hope I love how friendly and welcoming everyone was to her but I was so frustrated with everyone's urge to interfere with her life without letting Martha make her own decisions. I really did love the chemistry and relationship between Joe and Martha and I am so curious what is going to happen with them. I am also curious if Blaine and Suzette's story is done or is there going to be more drama with that duo. I am hooked on this story and can't wait to find out what happens next.
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Live Read and Breathe
I liked this quirky love story. Life takes us on a pretty crazy journey sometimes and even though we chose one path doesn't mean that we have to stick on that path. With Martha and Joe they both had a individually bumpy roads which lead to each other.
Here are some points I want to talk about:
1) Her husband Blaine what a douchebag.
2) Suzette the mistress what a home wrecking trollop
3) Joe - the gorgeous ginger *sigh* he was a sweetheart with a broken soul but someone who melts your heart once he lets you in and starts to cherish you.
4) Martha - A stronger heroine with some pretty daft moments that I just shuck my head at but she has been pretty sheltered so you can't really blame her.
5) the ending......somewhat what of a cliffhanger ARGH!!!! but the good news is book 2 is aimed to be out in this summer. Phew!
As for the story. I really liked the multiple POV's and didn't find it confusing. I loved the fact that the book started off from the douchebag's Blaine POV which immediately hooks you in with the angst of trying to figure out how it is all going to play out.
Once Martha arrives in New Hope I love how friendly and welcoming everyone was to her but I was so frustrated with everyone's urge to interfere with her life without letting Martha make her own decisions. I really did love the chemistry and relationship between Joe and Martha and I am so curious what is going to happen with them. I am also curious if Blaine and Suzette's story is done or is there going to be more drama with that duo. I am hooked on this story and can't wait to find out what happens next.
You can also find me on:
Live Read and Breathe Facebook
Live Read and Breathe Twitter
For more of my reviews:
Live Read and Breathe
April 25, 2013
This is the story of Martha, a very sad and lonely woman who is married to a doctor, Blaine. Oh how I despised this ass of a husband and lest we not forget Suzette, the cold, heartless, home wrecker. I felt for Martha who seemed to just go with the flow of life and I especially felt for her when she experienced the loss of her unborn child, alone. Then I found myself admiring her strength and courage to start over and move forward with her life, which is exactly what she did. She decided to change pretty much everything starting with her location in hopes that her husband would soon follow. I think deep down Martha knew he wasn't coming but that didn't stop her.
Martha decided to move to New Hope and it is there where she will meet Joey a local construction worker. They seem to hit it off as friends until they start to rub each other the wrong way, which obviously is because there is an attraction there. I enjoyed the banter between the two of them and found some of their interactions rather funny. Joey of course has a past and he is not sure where his life is going and typically doesn't have any type of long lasting relationships.
As Martha learns about the new town she decides to buy a house, an old dilapidated house, to completely redo and Joey is just the one to do the job.
I enjoyed this story about starting over, learning to move on and not give up. I liked Joey and Marti, as he called her, and I am interested in what Nicole has in store for them since an unexpected person from the past shows up.
If you are looking for a light, funny and romantic read this is the book for you. It was my first read of Ms. Moore's and I enjoyed it. Her writing is good and my only advice would be more build up into the relationship between Marti and Joey, in other words it could have been a little longer and I felt the love scenes were a little rushed, but still very enjoyable. It is a short read at only 12 chapters and I recommend you check it out.
April 26, 2013
The great thing is= I was in on book one, the bad is..Where the hell is book 2. How long do I need to wait? The torture! The book started out so nice and fluffy. I was as happy as a clam, then the angst set in. Martha poor Martha! She married a schmuck named Blaine. How they lived in Vermont I don't know, I would have stuffed his ass on a chair lift in St Johnsbury and pushed play! Maybe when mud season arrived in April they would find him. He was a plastic surgeon who "did" his office assistant. Typical d bag. The spoiler is here, I won't say a peep! Anyways the story was one of redemption and healing. Poor Martha I knew she was fragile and in need. She just picked up to go to North Carolina and started a new life. Well maybe not so new, she expected Blaine the big *** to follow and move his practice.In other words she was HOPEFUL.
The small town feel of New Hope and the towns people who befriend her were so sweet. I loved the Inn keeper Keely and Laurel who ran the fave lunch spot in town. When she gets there and begins to get a feel of the town, quickly decides that she wants to buy a house and move there. Now feeling inspired and somewhat HOPEFUL she begins a new venture. She meets Joe the local lady's man and they form a working relationship. Joe is totally HOPELESS and probably in just as much need. The reason why he lives there and how he got his house are spoilers and I have HOPE it will come as a surprise.
It was a touching story with four, count them 4, reveals. One is sort of sad, but funny and that is where the title comes from. You will feel New Hope gives HOPE. I loved it and I am going to read the author's other books for sure. Now I am so in love with Hope and being HOPEFUL I am giving away a few copies of Stormy Surrender the New HOPE Series. I will of course ask that Laurel and Keely get their books.I liked them both so much and their no-nonsense approach to Joe was a high point for me. Enjoy
The small town feel of New Hope and the towns people who befriend her were so sweet. I loved the Inn keeper Keely and Laurel who ran the fave lunch spot in town. When she gets there and begins to get a feel of the town, quickly decides that she wants to buy a house and move there. Now feeling inspired and somewhat HOPEFUL she begins a new venture. She meets Joe the local lady's man and they form a working relationship. Joe is totally HOPELESS and probably in just as much need. The reason why he lives there and how he got his house are spoilers and I have HOPE it will come as a surprise.
It was a touching story with four, count them 4, reveals. One is sort of sad, but funny and that is where the title comes from. You will feel New Hope gives HOPE. I loved it and I am going to read the author's other books for sure. Now I am so in love with Hope and being HOPEFUL I am giving away a few copies of Stormy Surrender the New HOPE Series. I will of course ask that Laurel and Keely get their books.I liked them both so much and their no-nonsense approach to Joe was a high point for me. Enjoy
April 27, 2013
What?!?!?!? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!? These were my first thoughts when finishing Stormy Surrender. I am still sitting here with my mouth draped open, torn between wanting to cry and beat the crap out of my iPad or messaging Nicole Andrews Moore and demanding part 2!!!
Stormy Surrender follows the story of two miserable people meeting by chance and wanting to finally begin to live again. Marti (Martha) has been stuck in a loveless marriage with the biggest jack wagon on EARTH! I despised Blaine from page 1 and wanted to jump into the book and rip his nut sack off myself! He is a cheater, an arrogant a&%, and as charming and romantic as pond water! If there was ever a character from a book to loathe... Blaine is your man! Marti has been beaten down by him mentally and spiritually. She is a recluse that does not have any self worth. After losing their baby, she thinks moving to the South will rejuvenate her spirits and their marriage. Little does she know that Blaine the dick has other plans.
Now we have Joey (Joe). He is a southern charmer that is known for his womanizing ways. He has no intentions of ever falling in love or even seeing the same woman twice. He prides himself on the fact that he is a confirmed bachelor and he likes his life..free as a bird. If anyone can shake this man of stone up... it is our lil Marti. Sparks fly when these two meet and I soon found myself yelling at the book pages... "JUST DO IT ALREADY!!" Joey has his own skeletons in his closet and has to work through his own past before he can even think about opening up to another person.
Marti and Joey's story of friendship, starting over, and finding themselves had me devouring this book in 1 day! There were times that I wish the story would have gone a little longer and given more meat to it. For instance, when Marti has to go back to Vermont to get her belongings... I wish she would have thrown down with that butt sucking soon to be ex husband of hers and his whore, but she had to maintain her civility and be the bigger person. Maybe that is just me being selfish and wanting to see her stand up for herself and show that piece of pooh what he is missing out on. I think my hatred of Blaine blinded me to wanting to see him severely punished... like physically, in the hospital broken every bone punished!
I give Stormy Surrender 4 stars on the knock my socks off scale! I CANNOT wait for the next installment of this book. It left me literally sitting there, mouth hanging open, dumb founded look on my face, finger quickly trying to turn to the next non-existent page. I don't think I can wait!! Seriously.... I will be sitting on pins and needles and so help me if Joey hurts Marti...he will be my new Blaine! Kudos to Nicole Andrews Moore for writing a book that will have to be 1-clicked ASAP when I hear book 2 is here!!
Stormy Surrender follows the story of two miserable people meeting by chance and wanting to finally begin to live again. Marti (Martha) has been stuck in a loveless marriage with the biggest jack wagon on EARTH! I despised Blaine from page 1 and wanted to jump into the book and rip his nut sack off myself! He is a cheater, an arrogant a&%, and as charming and romantic as pond water! If there was ever a character from a book to loathe... Blaine is your man! Marti has been beaten down by him mentally and spiritually. She is a recluse that does not have any self worth. After losing their baby, she thinks moving to the South will rejuvenate her spirits and their marriage. Little does she know that Blaine the dick has other plans.
Now we have Joey (Joe). He is a southern charmer that is known for his womanizing ways. He has no intentions of ever falling in love or even seeing the same woman twice. He prides himself on the fact that he is a confirmed bachelor and he likes his life..free as a bird. If anyone can shake this man of stone up... it is our lil Marti. Sparks fly when these two meet and I soon found myself yelling at the book pages... "JUST DO IT ALREADY!!" Joey has his own skeletons in his closet and has to work through his own past before he can even think about opening up to another person.
Marti and Joey's story of friendship, starting over, and finding themselves had me devouring this book in 1 day! There were times that I wish the story would have gone a little longer and given more meat to it. For instance, when Marti has to go back to Vermont to get her belongings... I wish she would have thrown down with that butt sucking soon to be ex husband of hers and his whore, but she had to maintain her civility and be the bigger person. Maybe that is just me being selfish and wanting to see her stand up for herself and show that piece of pooh what he is missing out on. I think my hatred of Blaine blinded me to wanting to see him severely punished... like physically, in the hospital broken every bone punished!
I give Stormy Surrender 4 stars on the knock my socks off scale! I CANNOT wait for the next installment of this book. It left me literally sitting there, mouth hanging open, dumb founded look on my face, finger quickly trying to turn to the next non-existent page. I don't think I can wait!! Seriously.... I will be sitting on pins and needles and so help me if Joey hurts Marti...he will be my new Blaine! Kudos to Nicole Andrews Moore for writing a book that will have to be 1-clicked ASAP when I hear book 2 is here!!
April 24, 2013
This is my first book by Nicole Andrews Moore and I am certain that it will not be my last. The emotional roller coaster ride she just took me on was wild and I am not sure that at this moment, my heart can take anymore...Really Nicole...You are leaving us like this?
All I have to say is...Who knew a Red-headed Hero could be so sexy? What I like about Joe is that he makes no excuses for himself, he is who he is, he doesn't try and sugar coat anything and if you don't like it...well...there's the door. But when he is around Marti, he just turns to mush...those were the moments I liked best...when we could read his thoughts about the way he feels with her.
Marti...well Marti is a heroine we can all stand behind. She grew a lot throughout the book, and I enjoyed when she finally told Blaine to SHOVE IT!! I just hope that Marti doesn't get her heart even more broken than it had been in the past....especially with that CRAZY cliffhanger that we are left with...WHAT? I was thinking the ball would drop, but I wasn't expecting THAT!
I am sincerely excited to see where Nicole takes this series. There are many characters to build on and I think New Hope could be next Virgin River. So all of you Robyn Carr fans, give Nicole Andrews Moore a read...I think you will find her writing charming and addicting!
Get writing Nicole....we need more New Hope!!
All I have to say is...Who knew a Red-headed Hero could be so sexy? What I like about Joe is that he makes no excuses for himself, he is who he is, he doesn't try and sugar coat anything and if you don't like it...well...there's the door. But when he is around Marti, he just turns to mush...those were the moments I liked best...when we could read his thoughts about the way he feels with her.
Marti...well Marti is a heroine we can all stand behind. She grew a lot throughout the book, and I enjoyed when she finally told Blaine to SHOVE IT!! I just hope that Marti doesn't get her heart even more broken than it had been in the past....especially with that CRAZY cliffhanger that we are left with...WHAT? I was thinking the ball would drop, but I wasn't expecting THAT!
I am sincerely excited to see where Nicole takes this series. There are many characters to build on and I think New Hope could be next Virgin River. So all of you Robyn Carr fans, give Nicole Andrews Moore a read...I think you will find her writing charming and addicting!
Get writing Nicole....we need more New Hope!!
April 23, 2013
OH no! I don't like the feeling that something bad is going to happen after that ending..
and Joe only started to be amazing!
And Martha's ex WTF what a douche bag... hang on Douche bag would have to be understatement.
WORSE possible human excuse for a husband.. NO WORDS
Really enjoyed this. This is my second book by Nicole Andrews Moore and I really like her style.
Can't wait for the next in the series.
++4 Stars++
April 15, 2013
Okay I'm really struggling with how many stars to give. I was leaning towards 3 but ended up at 4. Maybe what I really want is 3.75 maybe 4.25 I don't know. SIGH.... I'm just gonna start typing my thoughts and see where this goes.
Did I like the story? Hell yeah! It was a sweet/funny story about two broken souls who need healing. They both find each other when they weren't looking and they help to heal each others hearts.
Martha is married to Blaine. Blaine the bastard. Blaine the a$$hole. Blaine the douche. Ugh I really don't like Blaine. He's having an affair with someone who's just like him which sort of made me feel better. I mean they carry on their affair in Blaine and Martha's marital bed. So skanky... Then Martha turns up preggo which had me questioning early on just what was going on. See Blaine totally acted as if he didn't care about Martha and he was happy to keep up his affair with Suzette. So I didn't understand why he was still sleeping with Martha. I mean if he was a little more loving towards Martha, acted like he cared about her maybe yea but he didn't. He was cold and aloof and demeaning. So why were they sleeping together at all? Anyway, she ends having a miscarriage and the a$$ doesn't even come to the hospital to visit with her. Then he finds her having a breakdown at home and he just stands there chastising her? What a jerk. I couldn't believe it when he convinces her to move to South Carolina without him. She goes having no clue that he doesn't plan to follow her.
Enter Joe, at first I thought I might not like his character. He seemed a little abrasive but I quickly found myself smiling at the things he said or did. I loved that he was a ginger! We don't often find our leading men to be red heads. I loved that he wasn't rich. In fact he had bad credit (not his fault but still). He was real to me. I loved how he interacted with Martha. I love all the bickering and teasing between the two. It felt real and it felt right. I loved how he teased Martha trying to rile her up. He took pleasure in bugging her and getting a reaction out of her. There was so much chemistry happening there between the two of them. The fight scenes were perfect. And I loved how Keely and Laurel would take Martha's side. Even though Martha didn't know they had her back.
My favorite part of the book happened right after Martha and Joe met. This is my status update:
>i>16% - "Taking a step back, they clumsily shook hands. The act itself was awkward, stilted, but the touch...the touch was home." Maybe my favorite representation of a "first" touch EVER in a book.
The first half of the book was perfect. The small town charm, Keely and Laurel, the fixer-upper house, the beach, everything. I loved how despite himself Joe wanted/needed to make Martha smile. I even loved how confused he felt over his feelings for her. He was still incredibly hurt from his previous relationship with Finn. He was still a broken man.
Notice I refer to her as Martha? I was really put out by him "deciding" that the name was old and he didn't like it, nor did he think it suited her so he renamed her Marti. That bugged me, whether she (Martha) liked it or not. I also didn't like how he immediately wanted to change her hair. I mean I understand what he was saying. He wanted her to want to change for the better. He felt that she had more fire in her. I just didn't like that he felt her natural coloring didn't suit her. Much like her name. I don't know I just didn't get it. It's one thing to help a person grow and watch them as they come out of their shell and make those changes on their own. I would have been more understanding if a woman had made those suggestions. But a man? Uh Uh we don't take it the right way. We see it as criticism of not being good enough. And well wasn't that the problem with Blaine? She wasn't enough for him?
But he totally redeemed himself with the charm bracelet. It was so sweet and thoughtful and I once again was leaning more towards my liking him. His interactions with Martha seemed real to me. Like when he wanted to eat BEFORE going to down to the beach even though he knew Martha wanted to go down there. She was so excited but still he wanted food. It seemed like a typical male/female interaction and he won...lol.
I absolutely loved Keely and Laurel. I thought they way they interacted with Joe was priceless at times. I found myself laughing out loud when Laurel would withhold Texas Pete and cupcakes. It was really sweet of them to recognize that Martha was hurting and they wanted to protect her.
My main issue with the story started when Martha and Joe had their first kiss. The dynamics of the story were changing big time and yet I didn't 'feel' it much like they're first make out session. First of all, why in the world would they make out in 40 degree weather and especially when they knew the nosy neighbor would interrupt. Not only does she interrupt but she hoses them down? WTH it was freezing outside. But then Martha and Joe just jump up and go their separate ways. Martha just walks through the house and leaves? Um what? And Joe doesn't follow after her? He doesn't yell at the neighbor? He just casually calls her on her cell and they talk? I had the same feelings after they had sex for the first time. It just felt like, I don't know it just felt stuttered or stilted? Maybe those aren't good words. Disconnected? Yea I like that better. It all felt disconnected. I wanted to feel more passion, I wanted them to have an incredible AHA! moment. Instead Martha kept her eyes closed and turned her head so he wouldn't see how she felt. Um...huh? Where were the tender heartfelt moments. I mean this is the first guy outside of her a$$hold bastard husband that she's been with. For Joe this is the first woman he's had any real feelings for. Maybe it was the way it started. They run into the bathroom and he tells her to strip. I got excited! I was like "ok big boy" tell her what you want. Take control Joe! Then it went from strip to they were standing there naked in the dark bathroom. There was no fondling or ogling or passionate kissing that had them tumbling out and onto the floor. It was just "oh hey I have a blanket".
Ok I need to wrap this up. Let me just say this:
This book is worth the read. It really is even with all my rambling on about what I was missing. The guts of this story is really good. It has a lot of potential. There is a bit of a cliffhanger. Yes I will totally be reading it. I'm invested in this story and I really do love both Martha and Joe. I want them to be together. I want them heal. I want them to have an HEA.
Please just give me some hope that I will see that pompous a$$ bastard Blaine fall on his face!!!
Below are my status updates.
52.0% "Sometimes when you read you come across something that stands out to you. Sometimes it's funny, sometimes it's dark, or maybe sexy, it might make you mad or cry or just sit there and think "huh". This one sentence just makes me smile. "He'd have to start carrying his own Texas Pete if he wasn't careful.""
36.0% "Joe is funny..."
32.0% "Really? He says something like that in a text msg? What an ass."
page 16 ""Taking a step back, they clumsily shook hands. The act itself was awkward, stilted, but the touch...the touch was home." Maybe my favorite representation of a "first" touch EVER in a book."
9.0% "Geez ok it didn't take long to start hating Blaine."
Did I like the story? Hell yeah! It was a sweet/funny story about two broken souls who need healing. They both find each other when they weren't looking and they help to heal each others hearts.
Martha is married to Blaine. Blaine the bastard. Blaine the a$$hole. Blaine the douche. Ugh I really don't like Blaine. He's having an affair with someone who's just like him which sort of made me feel better. I mean they carry on their affair in Blaine and Martha's marital bed. So skanky... Then Martha turns up preggo which had me questioning early on just what was going on. See Blaine totally acted as if he didn't care about Martha and he was happy to keep up his affair with Suzette. So I didn't understand why he was still sleeping with Martha. I mean if he was a little more loving towards Martha, acted like he cared about her maybe yea but he didn't. He was cold and aloof and demeaning. So why were they sleeping together at all? Anyway, she ends having a miscarriage and the a$$ doesn't even come to the hospital to visit with her. Then he finds her having a breakdown at home and he just stands there chastising her? What a jerk. I couldn't believe it when he convinces her to move to South Carolina without him. She goes having no clue that he doesn't plan to follow her.
Enter Joe, at first I thought I might not like his character. He seemed a little abrasive but I quickly found myself smiling at the things he said or did. I loved that he was a ginger! We don't often find our leading men to be red heads. I loved that he wasn't rich. In fact he had bad credit (not his fault but still). He was real to me. I loved how he interacted with Martha. I love all the bickering and teasing between the two. It felt real and it felt right. I loved how he teased Martha trying to rile her up. He took pleasure in bugging her and getting a reaction out of her. There was so much chemistry happening there between the two of them. The fight scenes were perfect. And I loved how Keely and Laurel would take Martha's side. Even though Martha didn't know they had her back.
My favorite part of the book happened right after Martha and Joe met. This is my status update:
>i>16% - "Taking a step back, they clumsily shook hands. The act itself was awkward, stilted, but the touch...the touch was home." Maybe my favorite representation of a "first" touch EVER in a book.
The first half of the book was perfect. The small town charm, Keely and Laurel, the fixer-upper house, the beach, everything. I loved how despite himself Joe wanted/needed to make Martha smile. I even loved how confused he felt over his feelings for her. He was still incredibly hurt from his previous relationship with Finn. He was still a broken man.
Notice I refer to her as Martha? I was really put out by him "deciding" that the name was old and he didn't like it, nor did he think it suited her so he renamed her Marti. That bugged me, whether she (Martha) liked it or not. I also didn't like how he immediately wanted to change her hair. I mean I understand what he was saying. He wanted her to want to change for the better. He felt that she had more fire in her. I just didn't like that he felt her natural coloring didn't suit her. Much like her name. I don't know I just didn't get it. It's one thing to help a person grow and watch them as they come out of their shell and make those changes on their own. I would have been more understanding if a woman had made those suggestions. But a man? Uh Uh we don't take it the right way. We see it as criticism of not being good enough. And well wasn't that the problem with Blaine? She wasn't enough for him?
But he totally redeemed himself with the charm bracelet. It was so sweet and thoughtful and I once again was leaning more towards my liking him. His interactions with Martha seemed real to me. Like when he wanted to eat BEFORE going to down to the beach even though he knew Martha wanted to go down there. She was so excited but still he wanted food. It seemed like a typical male/female interaction and he won...lol.
I absolutely loved Keely and Laurel. I thought they way they interacted with Joe was priceless at times. I found myself laughing out loud when Laurel would withhold Texas Pete and cupcakes. It was really sweet of them to recognize that Martha was hurting and they wanted to protect her.
My main issue with the story started when Martha and Joe had their first kiss. The dynamics of the story were changing big time and yet I didn't 'feel' it much like they're first make out session. First of all, why in the world would they make out in 40 degree weather and especially when they knew the nosy neighbor would interrupt. Not only does she interrupt but she hoses them down? WTH it was freezing outside. But then Martha and Joe just jump up and go their separate ways. Martha just walks through the house and leaves? Um what? And Joe doesn't follow after her? He doesn't yell at the neighbor? He just casually calls her on her cell and they talk? I had the same feelings after they had sex for the first time. It just felt like, I don't know it just felt stuttered or stilted? Maybe those aren't good words. Disconnected? Yea I like that better. It all felt disconnected. I wanted to feel more passion, I wanted them to have an incredible AHA! moment. Instead Martha kept her eyes closed and turned her head so he wouldn't see how she felt. Um...huh? Where were the tender heartfelt moments. I mean this is the first guy outside of her a$$hold bastard husband that she's been with. For Joe this is the first woman he's had any real feelings for. Maybe it was the way it started. They run into the bathroom and he tells her to strip. I got excited! I was like "ok big boy" tell her what you want. Take control Joe! Then it went from strip to they were standing there naked in the dark bathroom. There was no fondling or ogling or passionate kissing that had them tumbling out and onto the floor. It was just "oh hey I have a blanket".
Ok I need to wrap this up. Let me just say this:
This book is worth the read. It really is even with all my rambling on about what I was missing. The guts of this story is really good. It has a lot of potential. There is a bit of a cliffhanger. Yes I will totally be reading it. I'm invested in this story and I really do love both Martha and Joe. I want them to be together. I want them heal. I want them to have an HEA.
Please just give me some hope that I will see that pompous a$$ bastard Blaine fall on his face!!!
Below are my status updates.
52.0% "Sometimes when you read you come across something that stands out to you. Sometimes it's funny, sometimes it's dark, or maybe sexy, it might make you mad or cry or just sit there and think "huh". This one sentence just makes me smile. "He'd have to start carrying his own Texas Pete if he wasn't careful.""
36.0% "Joe is funny..."
32.0% "Really? He says something like that in a text msg? What an ass."
page 16 ""Taking a step back, they clumsily shook hands. The act itself was awkward, stilted, but the touch...the touch was home." Maybe my favorite representation of a "first" touch EVER in a book."
9.0% "Geez ok it didn't take long to start hating Blaine."
April 14, 2013
4.5 warm and fuzzy stars!! I really enjoyed this book! First off, it's the first book I've read from this author, and I'm not only eagerly awaiting the 2nd book of this series, I'm looking forward to reading other books of hers as well. She's already awesome to me, as she lives in my home state. ;) And the story takes place in the Carolinas where I have homes...I love when a book holds a personal connection like that. It somehow means more. And the characters trip to Myrtle Beach, where I have a home, was special because I could feel what they felt for each other being there on an unscheduled road trip to just enjoy the local happenings, collecting sea shells, and of course, walking on the beach at sunset. Couple that with having memories of your own in that same location, on a journey of sorts in exploring a relationship with someone, it made for an Ahhhh moment. :)
Ok...so as stated in my 3% status update, nothing says BAM as a cheating douchebucket with zero heart for simple humanity, much less love, right out of the gate. That gut clenching, needing to pound a wall or throw your kindle feeling lends to the emotional ride you take on a journey like this. I wanted to kick him in junk, and SUZETTE.....what a cold bitch. I really hope that somehow, sweet Maggi gets to cooterpunch that skank! Whatever the future and karma holds for her soon to be shitbag ex Blaine, and his hoenanny office manager Suzette, I want popcorn and a front row seat. I can't remember a book that in the first 2 pages I felt that kind of injustice and want to jump into the pages and clock someone. It's actually a brave way to jump start a book like that. Usually the shitty characters and their crappy deeds get a slow build in a book. The angsty feeling in the first chapter could be a turn off for some, but not me. It made me rally that much harder for Maggi to find her happiness, or at least her lady balls, that much quicker. Being that the book has interchanging POV's in dialogue, it also added to the emotion you felt as you went along. While Blaine was being a heartless pig, and sweet "Martha" was either blind or playing numb, you wanted to yell at someone. I can only hope he catches the clap and his wiener falls off in book 2!~
Dear Lord, sweet and conflicted Joe. He was NOT like the male book characters we've seen in droves as of late. Yes, he is broken. But he was...different. I felt sorry for him because (not giving spoilers) as the story goes, you learn more about why he is the way he is. He is known by everyone in the sleepy town...has a reputation...and doesn't care about that. Until a google search finds Maggi making her way to New Hope to change all of that, unknowingly, for them both. I felt it hard to believe that he was so tragically hurt from the past that was revealed for him, but I think that is because it was REAL. Real life, not our typical book fantasy romances, where the guy is total Alpha Male 24/7 and it takes a drum of dynomite to find out why he's broken. Joes feelings are relatable and more true to life as we know it.
I loved how meeting Joe, brought out who Maggi really was. She left Vermont under false pretenses from McDouchey Hubs, and had to first find comfort in the small town locals, second, hold her own against her first interactions with Joe, as he baited her at every turn (he has a fetish for getting her fired up), and finally, she has to finally woman up and admit to Joe what she really feels for him. The book is just written in a very relatable way, rather than the romantic fantasy that tends to leave you breathless.
It didn't get 5 stars only because I didn't see that cliffhanger coming at the end of the book dammit!!! (((sticking out tongue and stomping foot like a toddler)...I need to know what happens now, because once you read the book, you can see why any number of things can happen in book to, making it what I think will be an even better read! Please get us the 2nd book soon Nicole! I'm dying here!
Ok...so as stated in my 3% status update, nothing says BAM as a cheating douchebucket with zero heart for simple humanity, much less love, right out of the gate. That gut clenching, needing to pound a wall or throw your kindle feeling lends to the emotional ride you take on a journey like this. I wanted to kick him in junk, and SUZETTE.....what a cold bitch. I really hope that somehow, sweet Maggi gets to cooterpunch that skank! Whatever the future and karma holds for her soon to be shitbag ex Blaine, and his hoenanny office manager Suzette, I want popcorn and a front row seat. I can't remember a book that in the first 2 pages I felt that kind of injustice and want to jump into the pages and clock someone. It's actually a brave way to jump start a book like that. Usually the shitty characters and their crappy deeds get a slow build in a book. The angsty feeling in the first chapter could be a turn off for some, but not me. It made me rally that much harder for Maggi to find her happiness, or at least her lady balls, that much quicker. Being that the book has interchanging POV's in dialogue, it also added to the emotion you felt as you went along. While Blaine was being a heartless pig, and sweet "Martha" was either blind or playing numb, you wanted to yell at someone. I can only hope he catches the clap and his wiener falls off in book 2!~
Dear Lord, sweet and conflicted Joe. He was NOT like the male book characters we've seen in droves as of late. Yes, he is broken. But he was...different. I felt sorry for him because (not giving spoilers) as the story goes, you learn more about why he is the way he is. He is known by everyone in the sleepy town...has a reputation...and doesn't care about that. Until a google search finds Maggi making her way to New Hope to change all of that, unknowingly, for them both. I felt it hard to believe that he was so tragically hurt from the past that was revealed for him, but I think that is because it was REAL. Real life, not our typical book fantasy romances, where the guy is total Alpha Male 24/7 and it takes a drum of dynomite to find out why he's broken. Joes feelings are relatable and more true to life as we know it.
I loved how meeting Joe, brought out who Maggi really was. She left Vermont under false pretenses from McDouchey Hubs, and had to first find comfort in the small town locals, second, hold her own against her first interactions with Joe, as he baited her at every turn (he has a fetish for getting her fired up), and finally, she has to finally woman up and admit to Joe what she really feels for him. The book is just written in a very relatable way, rather than the romantic fantasy that tends to leave you breathless.
It didn't get 5 stars only because I didn't see that cliffhanger coming at the end of the book dammit!!! (((sticking out tongue and stomping foot like a toddler)...I need to know what happens now, because once you read the book, you can see why any number of things can happen in book to, making it what I think will be an even better read! Please get us the 2nd book soon Nicole! I'm dying here!
July 17, 2013
**copy given by author in exchange for honest review**
Stormy Surrender was a really great romance about two people; one that searched for new hope and one that found unexpected hope .
It was bliss to read how step-by-step Martha and Joe's love story developed. Both characters felt real, nothing fancy or overly dramatic. Even though I never experienced anything they did I could feel for them and that's what I like to read in a romance book.
Both were their rocks and made each other better persons willingly. I loved to read how Martha became such a fun and confident woman nothing compared to the Martha she used to be. Joe encouraged her and made her a braver woman while she on the other hand evoke feelings inside of him, which he thought he wasn't able to feel.
Marrying her high school sweetheart, which turned out to be a total douche after 15yrs of marriage, Martha lived a dull and boring life. She gave up her dreams to support her husband and neglected her own dreams and goals. Their marriage was a lost cause; no more passion, caring, or love left -all gone. Instead he started an affair and didn't see the need to visit Martha in the hospital while she had a miscarriage. After leaving the hospital Martha was determined to leave Vermont to start fresh, with husband, to save what's their to save. Little did she know he tricked her and never planned to join her on this new journey.
Martha's new home of choice is the town New Hope where she soon finds a house to remodel, to make it her very own- a project to keep her busy. Her joy of buying a house is short lived because her jerk of husband files the divorce and she realizes she's not only feeling alone as before, she is for the first time all alone.
Joe a self-declared bachelor swore to himself never to make the same mistake again -falling in love so that a woman can rip again his heart out. Therefore, Joe got himself a reputation in New Hope. He never sleeps with a woman twice, no sleeping over and no feelings attached. When by accident Martha falls into his arms, little did he know that she would turn his life upside-down. Soon he realizes that she's everything he never knew he wanted and he's everything what her ex never was.
Stormy Surrender is a great story and a faced-pace read. The story and characters were real and I liked that a lot. Their romance made a great development throughout the story and it was fun to read from both there POVs how step-by-step they fell for another.
Joe was a real sweet heart; all the small things he did for Martha made my heart melt. Little did he know at the beginning how much those little things mean to her. Martha turned into such a happy and blissful person; no comparison to the once boring dull version. Joe brought out the new confident and fun Marti; so not only did the house get a new make-over but also Martha ;)
The story ends with somewhat of a cliffhanger, nothing dramatic though, but when you read it you know it means nothing good will follow. I just hope no hearts get broken and Joe keeps a straight mind!! I definitively recommend this book because I liked that I could read how their romance slowly but blissfully developed.
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Stormy Surrender was a really great romance about two people; one that searched for new hope and one that found unexpected hope .
It was bliss to read how step-by-step Martha and Joe's love story developed. Both characters felt real, nothing fancy or overly dramatic. Even though I never experienced anything they did I could feel for them and that's what I like to read in a romance book.
Both were their rocks and made each other better persons willingly. I loved to read how Martha became such a fun and confident woman nothing compared to the Martha she used to be. Joe encouraged her and made her a braver woman while she on the other hand evoke feelings inside of him, which he thought he wasn't able to feel.
Marrying her high school sweetheart, which turned out to be a total douche after 15yrs of marriage, Martha lived a dull and boring life. She gave up her dreams to support her husband and neglected her own dreams and goals. Their marriage was a lost cause; no more passion, caring, or love left -all gone. Instead he started an affair and didn't see the need to visit Martha in the hospital while she had a miscarriage. After leaving the hospital Martha was determined to leave Vermont to start fresh, with husband, to save what's their to save. Little did she know he tricked her and never planned to join her on this new journey.
Martha's new home of choice is the town New Hope where she soon finds a house to remodel, to make it her very own- a project to keep her busy. Her joy of buying a house is short lived because her jerk of husband files the divorce and she realizes she's not only feeling alone as before, she is for the first time all alone.
Joe a self-declared bachelor swore to himself never to make the same mistake again -falling in love so that a woman can rip again his heart out. Therefore, Joe got himself a reputation in New Hope. He never sleeps with a woman twice, no sleeping over and no feelings attached. When by accident Martha falls into his arms, little did he know that she would turn his life upside-down. Soon he realizes that she's everything he never knew he wanted and he's everything what her ex never was.
Stormy Surrender is a great story and a faced-pace read. The story and characters were real and I liked that a lot. Their romance made a great development throughout the story and it was fun to read from both there POVs how step-by-step they fell for another.
Joe was a real sweet heart; all the small things he did for Martha made my heart melt. Little did he know at the beginning how much those little things mean to her. Martha turned into such a happy and blissful person; no comparison to the once boring dull version. Joe brought out the new confident and fun Marti; so not only did the house get a new make-over but also Martha ;)
The story ends with somewhat of a cliffhanger, nothing dramatic though, but when you read it you know it means nothing good will follow. I just hope no hearts get broken and Joe keeps a straight mind!! I definitively recommend this book because I liked that I could read how their romance slowly but blissfully developed.
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May 6, 2013
I was so excited to start reading this book. I adore Nicole and her writing... Her last book was so good, so I was ready to dive into another great story...
When I first started reading Stormy I wasn't hooked, in fact I think I might have wanted to throw my reader a few times. I couldn't stand the husband and at first I didn't even like Marti. I couldn't believe that she didn't go off the deep end after what he did to her in the beginning. But as the book moved forward and I got to know Marti a little better I found that I truly liked her. It wasn't that she wasn't a strong woman, and once she started to show her emotions and get angry her true nature finally showed through... Her husband really took the cake when it came to being... well I cannot say the string of profanity I feel about him... Let's just say if he were real I think I'd hunt him down for her... ugh!
So after Marti takes off for New Hope we really start to see the woman that she is and who she is meant to be. She is fun and even slightly sassy and she knows how to dish it out especially when it comes to Joe. I wasn't a fan of his either it took some time to get into his character. After he gives her a small gift and takes her to help her mind clear I was smitten with him... Even though the people in town seemed to think otherwise he was good for her and there when she needed a friend and someone to help pull her through the bad moments.
I loved seeing it slowly build from a friendship into more... Joe was sweet and funny... He made me laugh at his antics at times and others I wanted to smack him upside the head... Marti was caring and loving and everything that Joe needed to help him realize that was ok to let go of the past and be real with someone again. They together made what I thought was a great couple... Two broken souls mending each other in ways neither expected... Until the unexpected ending... I feel that there are some rocky times ahead and I'm not sure where this story will go next but I can only hope that in the end Marti and Joe both find happiness they both truly deserve it...
Nicole's writing gets better with every book.. Sugar Daddy was my first read and I loved it... Hiding Out was even better yet and as Nicole will tell you I am smitten with a certain character from that book... Can't wait for the next in that series either... Every books seems to add more character depth and detail and attention to the story. It's nice to see an author grow better with every book that they release. I highly recommend all of her books, they are all excellent reads!!!!
I proudly give this one 5 stars and I can't wait for more story on Marti and see where her journey leads next...
When I first started reading Stormy I wasn't hooked, in fact I think I might have wanted to throw my reader a few times. I couldn't stand the husband and at first I didn't even like Marti. I couldn't believe that she didn't go off the deep end after what he did to her in the beginning. But as the book moved forward and I got to know Marti a little better I found that I truly liked her. It wasn't that she wasn't a strong woman, and once she started to show her emotions and get angry her true nature finally showed through... Her husband really took the cake when it came to being... well I cannot say the string of profanity I feel about him... Let's just say if he were real I think I'd hunt him down for her... ugh!
So after Marti takes off for New Hope we really start to see the woman that she is and who she is meant to be. She is fun and even slightly sassy and she knows how to dish it out especially when it comes to Joe. I wasn't a fan of his either it took some time to get into his character. After he gives her a small gift and takes her to help her mind clear I was smitten with him... Even though the people in town seemed to think otherwise he was good for her and there when she needed a friend and someone to help pull her through the bad moments.
I loved seeing it slowly build from a friendship into more... Joe was sweet and funny... He made me laugh at his antics at times and others I wanted to smack him upside the head... Marti was caring and loving and everything that Joe needed to help him realize that was ok to let go of the past and be real with someone again. They together made what I thought was a great couple... Two broken souls mending each other in ways neither expected... Until the unexpected ending... I feel that there are some rocky times ahead and I'm not sure where this story will go next but I can only hope that in the end Marti and Joe both find happiness they both truly deserve it...
Nicole's writing gets better with every book.. Sugar Daddy was my first read and I loved it... Hiding Out was even better yet and as Nicole will tell you I am smitten with a certain character from that book... Can't wait for the next in that series either... Every books seems to add more character depth and detail and attention to the story. It's nice to see an author grow better with every book that they release. I highly recommend all of her books, they are all excellent reads!!!!
I proudly give this one 5 stars and I can't wait for more story on Marti and see where her journey leads next...
May 2, 2013
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I've just finished reading this book, and I'm feeling oh so conflicted towards Ms. Moore - how could you make me feel so good and then leave me how you did? I can't believe you left me hanging like that...and not in the way I expected! Very clever...foreshadowing one thing and then blind-siding me with something totally unexpected (just when I had relaxed a bit). I guess I'll begrudgingly give you kudos for that!
OK...enough about that cliff-hanger ending - to the rest of the book. I have to begin by saying that I've been reading quite a few self-published novels lately for review, and very few (and by this I mean 1 or 2) have garnered a 5 star rating from me. Stormy Surrender is now joining those books as a 5 star read for me. I'm really not sure what I expected from this, but I was both surprised and delighted by what I thought was a truly refreshing story. This is a story of two broken souls who find a second chance at love. Through it all, they manage to act like the mature adults they are...all that young adult angst was totally absent. Not that I mind angsty reads, I enjoy them, but I think I've become a little jaded by them recently. I was ready to read something different and this truly fit the bill. Ms. Moore has a unique writing style which takes a bit to get accustomed to, but once you've fallen into the rhythm everything comes together quite nicely.
Both Joey and Marti are likeable and realistic characters - another thing I really appreciated. They seem like people you might know (and like!). I found their communications to be very honest as well, and as I said, mature. The sexy scenes were tastefully done as well...no bodice ripping, no BDSM...just an honest (and steamy!)intimate connection between 2 adults. And these characters are adults - both in their 30's. As an (ahem) mature person myself, I found I could really relate to them.
I realize that I've been using the terms "honest" "mature" and "adult" a lot as I describe this book. Those were the words that came to me as I read, and I really couldn't put this down. I think the last time I felt like this about a novel was when I discovered Robyn Carr's Virgin River - it has a very similar vibe. All in all, this was a tremendously satisfying read...I'm eagerly anticipating the sequel! Please don't make me wait too long Ms. Moore...
I've just finished reading this book, and I'm feeling oh so conflicted towards Ms. Moore - how could you make me feel so good and then leave me how you did? I can't believe you left me hanging like that...and not in the way I expected! Very clever...foreshadowing one thing and then blind-siding me with something totally unexpected (just when I had relaxed a bit). I guess I'll begrudgingly give you kudos for that!
OK...enough about that cliff-hanger ending - to the rest of the book. I have to begin by saying that I've been reading quite a few self-published novels lately for review, and very few (and by this I mean 1 or 2) have garnered a 5 star rating from me. Stormy Surrender is now joining those books as a 5 star read for me. I'm really not sure what I expected from this, but I was both surprised and delighted by what I thought was a truly refreshing story. This is a story of two broken souls who find a second chance at love. Through it all, they manage to act like the mature adults they are...all that young adult angst was totally absent. Not that I mind angsty reads, I enjoy them, but I think I've become a little jaded by them recently. I was ready to read something different and this truly fit the bill. Ms. Moore has a unique writing style which takes a bit to get accustomed to, but once you've fallen into the rhythm everything comes together quite nicely.
Both Joey and Marti are likeable and realistic characters - another thing I really appreciated. They seem like people you might know (and like!). I found their communications to be very honest as well, and as I said, mature. The sexy scenes were tastefully done as well...no bodice ripping, no BDSM...just an honest (and steamy!)intimate connection between 2 adults. And these characters are adults - both in their 30's. As an (ahem) mature person myself, I found I could really relate to them.
I realize that I've been using the terms "honest" "mature" and "adult" a lot as I describe this book. Those were the words that came to me as I read, and I really couldn't put this down. I think the last time I felt like this about a novel was when I discovered Robyn Carr's Virgin River - it has a very similar vibe. All in all, this was a tremendously satisfying read...I'm eagerly anticipating the sequel! Please don't make me wait too long Ms. Moore...
April 14, 2013
*Received copy from the author for an honest review*
I really enjoyed this book. The beginning is so hard to read. Not because the writing is bad, trust me its not, but because we're introduced to her husband Blaine and you can't help but get angry; the man is a total jerk. While I was reading the beginning all I kept saying was "Oh hell to the no" , this man had the damn nerve to cheat on his wife in her own bed. Lord have mercy on a man who does that to me. You just wish this man was alive so you could give him a piece of your mind; he's just so ungrateful. This only makes you like the main character even more. Martha gave everything to this man. She gave up her dreams and aspirations to help him become the successful surgeon he is. Because she's such a great woman, you can't help but root for her when she decides to leave and start over. Though she does this thinking that her husband would soon follow, it was the best decision she could have made; a second chance. Here she meets Joe. Oh my lord, Joe. This man is both hot and very sweet; just a wonderful combination of a man ;). His idea of the charm bracelet makes me want to get one now so I can celebrate milestones in my life just like them. The best part of this book for sure is how they change each other's lives for the best. He helps her as she goes through divorce and with transitioning to this new life in New Hope while she helps him get over heartache from a past relationship. The ending totally killed me because now I really need the second book pronto. I can't wait to find out how her divorce proceedings are going and the twists and turns that will occur as their relationship progresses, especially now with the introduction of a character that was mentioned a few times. This book is a wonderful read. I would recommend this book to those who love a good romance read that is thoroughly enjoyable and one that can translate into real life.
I really enjoyed this book. The beginning is so hard to read. Not because the writing is bad, trust me its not, but because we're introduced to her husband Blaine and you can't help but get angry; the man is a total jerk. While I was reading the beginning all I kept saying was "Oh hell to the no" , this man had the damn nerve to cheat on his wife in her own bed. Lord have mercy on a man who does that to me. You just wish this man was alive so you could give him a piece of your mind; he's just so ungrateful. This only makes you like the main character even more. Martha gave everything to this man. She gave up her dreams and aspirations to help him become the successful surgeon he is. Because she's such a great woman, you can't help but root for her when she decides to leave and start over. Though she does this thinking that her husband would soon follow, it was the best decision she could have made; a second chance. Here she meets Joe. Oh my lord, Joe. This man is both hot and very sweet; just a wonderful combination of a man ;). His idea of the charm bracelet makes me want to get one now so I can celebrate milestones in my life just like them. The best part of this book for sure is how they change each other's lives for the best. He helps her as she goes through divorce and with transitioning to this new life in New Hope while she helps him get over heartache from a past relationship. The ending totally killed me because now I really need the second book pronto. I can't wait to find out how her divorce proceedings are going and the twists and turns that will occur as their relationship progresses, especially now with the introduction of a character that was mentioned a few times. This book is a wonderful read. I would recommend this book to those who love a good romance read that is thoroughly enjoyable and one that can translate into real life.
April 15, 2013
I won this book in a giveaway. Read it last night/today. I debated between, 2, 3 or 4 stars.
Here's my negative reviews on it: I think that this book had more potential than it got, it could have been a little longer, explored more options, like a more dramatic scene when she got her stuff. Or divorce scenes. It did draw me in, but in the middle it felt very rushed. I actually missed the whole make out and how it started and the bracelet, and had to go back and read it, and the makeout scene didn't do it for me, only because i couldn't figure out how it just started. i was reading about employee/employer and being friends, to a hot and heavy session. the anticipation and fireworks could have been inserted a little better there. One other thing that sorta fell flat for me, that I wish was clarified, how the main female character, after moving and buying a house, no job, and when blaine decides to cut her off, she talks about her assets being frozen. how does she pay for this big job of total repair?? how is she going to live? how is she paying $200 a night in a bed and breakfast place? why does blaine have the right to order her 48 hours to get her stuff, and not even do it officially through court, having her served and stuff? And finally.. how nonchalant everyone is, i wanted to feel the emotion, feel her rage at being cheated on, feel the passion between the two characters, feel that he's scared that he could have lost her. all that stuff.
All that aside, I loved how it was funny a lot, the humor was cool, Joey jumping in the bushes. The old neighbor, the relationship between the innskeeper, and the cafe person. whos names just totally blanked on me. I did feel the rage, at blaine in the beginning, that was awesome. and I did go AWWW with the bracelet thing. despite my longer paragraph with negative stuff, i really did enjoy this, i just wish there were more to go on, as far as elaboration.
Here's my negative reviews on it: I think that this book had more potential than it got, it could have been a little longer, explored more options, like a more dramatic scene when she got her stuff. Or divorce scenes. It did draw me in, but in the middle it felt very rushed. I actually missed the whole make out and how it started and the bracelet, and had to go back and read it, and the makeout scene didn't do it for me, only because i couldn't figure out how it just started. i was reading about employee/employer and being friends, to a hot and heavy session. the anticipation and fireworks could have been inserted a little better there. One other thing that sorta fell flat for me, that I wish was clarified, how the main female character, after moving and buying a house, no job, and when blaine decides to cut her off, she talks about her assets being frozen. how does she pay for this big job of total repair?? how is she going to live? how is she paying $200 a night in a bed and breakfast place? why does blaine have the right to order her 48 hours to get her stuff, and not even do it officially through court, having her served and stuff? And finally.. how nonchalant everyone is, i wanted to feel the emotion, feel her rage at being cheated on, feel the passion between the two characters, feel that he's scared that he could have lost her. all that stuff.
All that aside, I loved how it was funny a lot, the humor was cool, Joey jumping in the bushes. The old neighbor, the relationship between the innskeeper, and the cafe person. whos names just totally blanked on me. I did feel the rage, at blaine in the beginning, that was awesome. and I did go AWWW with the bracelet thing. despite my longer paragraph with negative stuff, i really did enjoy this, i just wish there were more to go on, as far as elaboration.
May 8, 2013
Stormy Surrender by Nicole Andrews Moore was such an inspiring read. I loved reading about the town of New Hope and it's inhabitants. Where everybody knows everybody. The perfect place to start over. I enjoyed reading this story of moving on and finding yourself. Letting yourself be happy is so hard to do sometimes, but when you do it is so worth all the hard work and sacrifice.
Martha moves to New Hope in search of a new beginning. She wants a fresh start and being a part from her husband doesn't worry her one bit. She ends up buying a house for herself. A fixer upper and her dream. She meets Joe and a contractor in town. Martha is looking for some help with his house. He's perfect for the job too. He lives just across the street so the commute isn't bad either. While helping with her renovation they both get to know each other. Joe is not the settling down kind of guy. He has been burned in the past. Unfortunately the girl he seems to want to be with is just that, the settling down kind of girl. So their story begins and it couldn't be sweeter.
These two really are perfect for one another. Their banter is so amusing. I just loved reading about their interactions with each other. Joe also knows exactly what Martha needs. He knows when she needs comforted and when she needs to be left alone. They get one another. It seems that these two are both in need for a fresh start. They have no doubt found that with each other.
This was such a sweet, kind hearted read. It was very nice to read a story about a new beginning. I look forward to reading more from Nicole Andrews Moore. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a light hearted love story.
Martha moves to New Hope in search of a new beginning. She wants a fresh start and being a part from her husband doesn't worry her one bit. She ends up buying a house for herself. A fixer upper and her dream. She meets Joe and a contractor in town. Martha is looking for some help with his house. He's perfect for the job too. He lives just across the street so the commute isn't bad either. While helping with her renovation they both get to know each other. Joe is not the settling down kind of guy. He has been burned in the past. Unfortunately the girl he seems to want to be with is just that, the settling down kind of girl. So their story begins and it couldn't be sweeter.
These two really are perfect for one another. Their banter is so amusing. I just loved reading about their interactions with each other. Joe also knows exactly what Martha needs. He knows when she needs comforted and when she needs to be left alone. They get one another. It seems that these two are both in need for a fresh start. They have no doubt found that with each other.
This was such a sweet, kind hearted read. It was very nice to read a story about a new beginning. I look forward to reading more from Nicole Andrews Moore. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a light hearted love story.
August 11, 2013
I loved this book!! This book hooked me from the very beginning and would not let go. I loved this book because it was not your typical dirty smut that seems to be the popular genre at the moment. I loved that it was sweet and sad yet sexy all at the same time. Martha is the main character and in the beginning you learn that she is in a marriage with a complete uncaring asshole. She had weathered her fair share of storms in Vermont, was accustomed to the cold, both the chill in the air and the cold shoulder in her marriage, but after the miscarriage she felt like she would never get warm again. So she did the research from the laptop while sitting in front of the fireplace. She knew what she needed when she Googled ‘hope,’ she just never imagined that it would bring her to New Hope, South Carolina. She never imagined that her husband would trick her into leaving and never follow. She never imagined that a southern storm with all its force and fury could be so destructive. But after the storm, the land is washed clean. It’s perfect for a fresh start, a clean slate, and a new love.
Joey..oh Joey. He has been screwed over in his life yet he is strong, sweet, sexy and has a way with words. Everyone needs to read this so they can meet Joey, he worth meeting and getting to know. The thoughtfulness he has (charms anyone?) he is unreal.
Everything about this story was amazing. If you are looking for a great light read then this is the book for you. Nicole did a wonderful job of really showing the characters traits and emotions and the whole book flowed so well. This is the first book in the series and I cant wait for more!!!
Joey..oh Joey. He has been screwed over in his life yet he is strong, sweet, sexy and has a way with words. Everyone needs to read this so they can meet Joey, he worth meeting and getting to know. The thoughtfulness he has (charms anyone?) he is unreal.
Everything about this story was amazing. If you are looking for a great light read then this is the book for you. Nicole did a wonderful job of really showing the characters traits and emotions and the whole book flowed so well. This is the first book in the series and I cant wait for more!!!
July 15, 2013
I was given an ARC for honest review for Stephanie's Book Reports Blog
Poor Martha has the worst luck in love. He husband is to top notch jerk. She needed to get as far away from him as possible. I was getting so angry about his actions and how she just took it. She says she wasn't happy in the relationship but I still don't think I could have handled things without flipping out like she did. Especially when he told her about the divorce. It reminded me of the episode of Sex and The City where Carrie was broken up with on a post it. I was sitting at my desk at work reading and I said out loud "What a dick."
That Google search for hope was probably the best thing for her even though she still has struggles. The people in the town including Joe are just what she needed to break out of her shell and become a better version of herself. I liked the relationships that she built with everyone in town as well as Joe. I liked that he cared for her and really took time to do things to make her smile when she needed it. One of my favorite parts was when she was freaking out and he hugged her. She asked why he did that and he said because you needed it...swoon!
I wasn't happy with how the book ended and it left me with a lecture in my head for the characters. However, the author was successful because she left me wanting more. I read the last like and said no that can't be it she has to fix this...okay not saying anymore because I don't want to spoil it for you. Get it and see what I'm talking about :)
Poor Martha has the worst luck in love. He husband is to top notch jerk. She needed to get as far away from him as possible. I was getting so angry about his actions and how she just took it. She says she wasn't happy in the relationship but I still don't think I could have handled things without flipping out like she did. Especially when he told her about the divorce. It reminded me of the episode of Sex and The City where Carrie was broken up with on a post it. I was sitting at my desk at work reading and I said out loud "What a dick."
That Google search for hope was probably the best thing for her even though she still has struggles. The people in the town including Joe are just what she needed to break out of her shell and become a better version of herself. I liked the relationships that she built with everyone in town as well as Joe. I liked that he cared for her and really took time to do things to make her smile when she needed it. One of my favorite parts was when she was freaking out and he hugged her. She asked why he did that and he said because you needed it...swoon!
I wasn't happy with how the book ended and it left me with a lecture in my head for the characters. However, the author was successful because she left me wanting more. I read the last like and said no that can't be it she has to fix this...okay not saying anymore because I don't want to spoil it for you. Get it and see what I'm talking about :)
March 21, 2015
Let me start by saying, I have veered from my regular thrillers for a bit, because I am an all rounder when it comes to reading and a bit of spice, love and romance, suspense etc is great to come back to, keeping my reading matter varied makes me more open minded and able to clear my mind from one book to another in the same genre.
So coming back to this book....
I LOVED it. STORMY SURRENDER is a fabulous title for this book.
What a beautiful emotional read. I felt quite spent out when I finished this.
It tosses you around when it comes to emotions, let that be a warning to you, but a GOOD warning as its just compulsive reading.
I so loved Joe, he is exactly what it says on the tin....nothing added, nothing taken away. Simple! Full stop!
This is a red hot OUCH kinda read, you will love it.
Nicole Andrews Moore is a new author to me, and the first book I have read, she has a marvelous style about her that makes the writing flow and the characters real.
I can't wait to start book 2
April 10, 2013
To tell you how invested I am in these characters if I could have thrown my phone 1.) Because it ended & 2.) Because the way Nikki ended it. I know it's part of a series but I love these two. Marti is a woman who was a young lady who married her high school sweet heart who only saw her as a meal ticket. It was a loveliness marriage on his part & Mr. B. Is an ASS!!! When she moves to a new town one of her first friends is Joey. One Alpha male for sure but with a soft center & a heart of gold. He just likes to see her be feisty because she always looks so sad. So, any good friend he pushes her buttons so she gets her fight back in her. Their ride but fun the storyline is as old as time but she brings in her gift of words & keeps you reading. I can't wait for the next one. I did get to read for free as I do almost all my books.
MARTI, JOEY, BLAINE ~ Mr. B (For Butt)
MARTI, JOEY, BLAINE ~ Mr. B (For Butt)
April 7, 2013
Right from the beginning of Stormy Surrender, I wanted to step into the book and slap the snot out of both Blaine and Suzette. Heartless Blaine left Martha (Marti) stuck in a loveless marriage, doing menial, thankless errands, and making Martha feel small and insignificant. She mentioned to Blaine that moving would be nice, and after making her think he would follow later, Martha did just that. She left to look for a new life and home for she and Blaine, and in the process, met Keely, Laurel, and Joseph. Instant friends, they are there to support Marti when she wants to find a fixer upper house, and then even more so when she gets impending news from Blaine. A must read book! I can't wait to read book #2 in this New Hope series!
April 18, 2013
Copy kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
This was a light read. It started slow for me, and I almost stopped reading just a few pages in because Blaine, Marti's soon to be ex-husband, was such an ass, but the story is not about Blaine. It is about Marti and Joey, so I kept reading. I'm glad I did, because overall I enjoyed the book.
There was humor and a few "awwww" moments. I didn't really connect with the characters until about halfway through. I kept waiting for something to happen. When things did happen, there wasn't much drama. This book could have had more potential. I don't feel like the story was rushed, but everything happened very quickly. The ending certainly left me wanting more. I will definitely continue with this series.
This was a light read. It started slow for me, and I almost stopped reading just a few pages in because Blaine, Marti's soon to be ex-husband, was such an ass, but the story is not about Blaine. It is about Marti and Joey, so I kept reading. I'm glad I did, because overall I enjoyed the book.
There was humor and a few "awwww" moments. I didn't really connect with the characters until about halfway through. I kept waiting for something to happen. When things did happen, there wasn't much drama. This book could have had more potential. I don't feel like the story was rushed, but everything happened very quickly. The ending certainly left me wanting more. I will definitely continue with this series.
April 9, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. I have to admit, a lot of things made me angry about the characters at first, but once things started to come out, I understood why things were the way they were. I liked the pace of how the relationship between Joe and Marti played out.
Marti lived a life I couldn't imagine living. I think the optimism and can do attitude was a defense mechanism. At points in the book I wanted to shake some sense. Into her, but she came around.
I liked Joe. I liked that once he got past wanting to push her buttons, he truly cared for Marti. I loved the bracelet idea.
I'm looking forward to the next book to see what will happen.
Marti lived a life I couldn't imagine living. I think the optimism and can do attitude was a defense mechanism. At points in the book I wanted to shake some sense. Into her, but she came around.
I liked Joe. I liked that once he got past wanting to push her buttons, he truly cared for Marti. I loved the bracelet idea.
I'm looking forward to the next book to see what will happen.
April 24, 2013
If I could describe this story in one word it would be REFRESHING!
It is a stark contrast from the angst filled novels I've come across lately. This story is a light hearted read full of romance, self-discovery, and a plot twist as unpredictable as the weather.
The author delivers antagonists that are both easy to relate to and lovable, antagonists that are easy to despise, and a setting that makes me want to book my next vacation in New Hope.
The romantic content is eloquently written making this a novel that can be enjoyed by all readers.
I fell in love with this story and these characters! I cannot wait for the next installment of the New Hope Series!
It is a stark contrast from the angst filled novels I've come across lately. This story is a light hearted read full of romance, self-discovery, and a plot twist as unpredictable as the weather.
The author delivers antagonists that are both easy to relate to and lovable, antagonists that are easy to despise, and a setting that makes me want to book my next vacation in New Hope.
The romantic content is eloquently written making this a novel that can be enjoyed by all readers.
I fell in love with this story and these characters! I cannot wait for the next installment of the New Hope Series!
May 11, 2013
Sometimes a new beginning is needed and you have to have faith that the place you are going is the right one for you. I know how devestating an miscarriage can be on everyone involved. I understood why Marti wanted to leave. Her husband was an ass and she was so much better off without him. Joe is a man that reminds me of the good old southern boys that I grew up with. Someone that is perfect for a woman that is broken and needs something lasting.
This is a beautiful romantic read that gives you a chance to see a small town and the hope that can be found when real love is involved.
This is a beautiful romantic read that gives you a chance to see a small town and the hope that can be found when real love is involved.
May 2, 2013
It ended in a cliffhanger! I wish I had known beforehand. I hate being caught off guard. I enjoyed this book a lot. It reminded me of the Neighbor From Hell series because hey start off getting on each others nerves and there are a lot of desserts throughout the book. I'm looking forward to reading the next book. Unfortunately, I have no idea when it will be out and if it will conclude the story or not.
May 5, 2013
4-1/2 Stars!!
I finished this book in one day, even if it did make me stay up until 2AM to get it done! I love Nicole Andrews Moore's writing style, there is never a point to put the book down! Seriously I tried a couple of times and the next sentence just drew me in. Marti and Joey are HOT together but they are also funny and caring and scared. The emotions we go through with them runs the gambit. I thoroughly enjoyed Stormy Surrender and cannot wait for the next chapter!
I finished this book in one day, even if it did make me stay up until 2AM to get it done! I love Nicole Andrews Moore's writing style, there is never a point to put the book down! Seriously I tried a couple of times and the next sentence just drew me in. Marti and Joey are HOT together but they are also funny and caring and scared. The emotions we go through with them runs the gambit. I thoroughly enjoyed Stormy Surrender and cannot wait for the next chapter!
April 9, 2013
This is an Amazing story of determination, hope, and Romance. I fell in love with Marti and Joe almost immediately. Nicole has really brought her talents of writing with this book and the Characters are easily to fall in love with. Stormy Surrender leaves you wanting more. Can't wait to read the next book.
April 25, 2013
i absolutely loved this book :) cannot wait till the second book comes out!!!!!!! <3
April 11, 2013
Omg you just cannot end a book like this!!! Damn that b!tch came back!! Oh and the ex-husband. Don't get me started on him. Que Perro!!
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