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Splintered Hearts #1.5
Stolen Wishes
Cally…
A sexy smile. Intense blue eyes. A goodness that makes him want to save me from these rumors when no one else would care. I didn't ask for a hero. William Bailey was never supposed to be anything more than a wish, a dream, an unrequited crush. Not for a girl like me--a girl whose fractured family has stolen her chance at a decent life.
William…
Since the death of my parents, I've always done what’s expected of me, what's "best" for me. Until Cally. The moment her haunted eyes meet mine, the fractured pieces of my heart feel whole again. I don’t just want to save her. I need her to save me.
Stolen chances. Unbroken wishes. Two lonely souls grasping for hope in the darkness.
**This novella takes place seven years before the events in WISH I MAY and shows William and Cally falling in love for the first time. It can be read before or after WISH I MAY or on its own.**
A sexy smile. Intense blue eyes. A goodness that makes him want to save me from these rumors when no one else would care. I didn't ask for a hero. William Bailey was never supposed to be anything more than a wish, a dream, an unrequited crush. Not for a girl like me--a girl whose fractured family has stolen her chance at a decent life.
William…
Since the death of my parents, I've always done what’s expected of me, what's "best" for me. Until Cally. The moment her haunted eyes meet mine, the fractured pieces of my heart feel whole again. I don’t just want to save her. I need her to save me.
Stolen chances. Unbroken wishes. Two lonely souls grasping for hope in the darkness.
**This novella takes place seven years before the events in WISH I MAY and shows William and Cally falling in love for the first time. It can be read before or after WISH I MAY or on its own.**
91 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2014
65 people are currently reading
2307 people want to read
About the author
Lexi Ryan
64 books8,411 followersAward-winning author Lexi Ryan is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller of hot contemporary romance and sexy, action-packed YA fantasy. Her books have sold over a million copies. A former English professor, she considers herself lucky to have traded stacks of grading for emotionally charged storytelling. She is happiest when at home in Indiana with her husband and two children, where you can find her lifting weights, reading copiously, hanging out with her family, and thanking her lucky stars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
January 3, 2017
Ich musste das ebook einfach kaufen, da mir der erste Teil der Reihe schon super gefallen hat.
Man erfährt wer die erste Frau, Cally, in Wills Leben war und wie sie sich kennen gelernt haben. Die Autorin geizt nicht mit schrecklichen, aber auch realistischen, Tiefschlägen. Die Beziehung der beiden ist sehr romantisch und süß, aber auch sexy, angemessen für ihr Alter.
Man sollte die Kurzgeschichte unbedingt vor dem Buch "Verlorenes Herz" lesen.
Man erfährt wer die erste Frau, Cally, in Wills Leben war und wie sie sich kennen gelernt haben. Die Autorin geizt nicht mit schrecklichen, aber auch realistischen, Tiefschlägen. Die Beziehung der beiden ist sehr romantisch und süß, aber auch sexy, angemessen für ihr Alter.
Man sollte die Kurzgeschichte unbedingt vor dem Buch "Verlorenes Herz" lesen.
March 27, 2022
Fue una historia excesivamente basica, ademas tengo la sensacion de que hubiese disfrutado mucho mas de esta novela de haberla leido hace años, principalmente por su aire juvenil.
Los problemas que afectan a William y a Cally ( y como se enfrentan a ellos ) son muy de adolescentes, y hace bastante tiempo que yo vivi esa epoca de mi vida ( una decada o mas ), por lo que no llegue a hacer clic realmente con ellos.
En general, fue una precuela innecesaria, no aporta nada a la saga y ni siquiera me resulto especialmente entretenida, fue un gran meh.
1.75 Estrellas!
December 3, 2022
2.75/5⭐️
J’arrive pas à suivre la chronologie. Je pensais que Will était amoureux de Maggie depuis qu’ils avaient plus ou moins 17 ans ? Mais là, il aime Cally ?
D’ailleurs, pourquoi j’avais l’impression qu’ils étaient à l’université à un moment donné alors que Cally doit vivre avec sa mère qui choisit de déménager ? Et qu’il est indiqué qu’elle a 16 ans lorsqu’elle tombe amoureuse de lui (résumé tome 2) ?
J’arrive pas à suivre la chronologie. Je pensais que Will était amoureux de Maggie depuis qu’ils avaient plus ou moins 17 ans ? Mais là, il aime Cally ?
D’ailleurs, pourquoi j’avais l’impression qu’ils étaient à l’université à un moment donné alors que Cally doit vivre avec sa mère qui choisit de déménager ? Et qu’il est indiqué qu’elle a 16 ans lorsqu’elle tombe amoureuse de lui (résumé tome 2) ?
January 5, 2023
3,5 ⭐️
August 3, 2016
4 star review by Jen Skewes
I love the New hope series by Lexi Ryan. Stolen Wishes is a prequel for book 2 which is Wish I May, Will and Cally’s story. We first met Will in book one which is Unbreak Me and while I loved him in that book, I just didn’t think he was right for the heroine. Then I read his story and fell completely in love with him.
Stolen Wishes takes us back in time to when Cally and Will first met in high school. Will saved Cally one night from a situation that could have gone very bad. Cally couldn’t understand why someone like Will would have any interest in her, but what she didn’t know what that he was captured by her the moment she walked into French class
Will is rich, handsome, popular and the star of the football team. Cally comes from a family where they are just trying to make ends meet. A mother who has an addiction and just may be trading sexual favors for money. A father who is wrapped up in his own world. Cally comes from the opposite sides of the tracks. So she wonders why would someone like Will want to date her?
I loved Will from the start but seeing him as a teenager and loving Cally the way he does just makes me love him even more. He is not your typical rich jock at all. He is so sweet, patient and caring when it comes to Cally. She isn’t like all of the girls who normally throw themselves at him and that is exactly what he loves about her. Cally had her own insecurities but I think in her situation most woman would.
Their romance was so sweet and honestly it was the perfect high school romance.
Lexi Ryan, thank you so much for this novella. I loved Will and Cally together and loved that we got to travel back in time and see how their relationship started. You truly see how much they love each other and how much it hurt them in the end to be apart. Loved it!!
If you have not read this series yet then I highly recommend it. Cally and Will’s story continues 7 years later when they run into each other again. Is the love that they had for each other as teenagers still just as strong now as adults? You will have to read Wish I May to find out.
I love the New hope series by Lexi Ryan. Stolen Wishes is a prequel for book 2 which is Wish I May, Will and Cally’s story. We first met Will in book one which is Unbreak Me and while I loved him in that book, I just didn’t think he was right for the heroine. Then I read his story and fell completely in love with him.
Stolen Wishes takes us back in time to when Cally and Will first met in high school. Will saved Cally one night from a situation that could have gone very bad. Cally couldn’t understand why someone like Will would have any interest in her, but what she didn’t know what that he was captured by her the moment she walked into French class
Will is rich, handsome, popular and the star of the football team. Cally comes from a family where they are just trying to make ends meet. A mother who has an addiction and just may be trading sexual favors for money. A father who is wrapped up in his own world. Cally comes from the opposite sides of the tracks. So she wonders why would someone like Will want to date her?
I loved Will from the start but seeing him as a teenager and loving Cally the way he does just makes me love him even more. He is not your typical rich jock at all. He is so sweet, patient and caring when it comes to Cally. She isn’t like all of the girls who normally throw themselves at him and that is exactly what he loves about her. Cally had her own insecurities but I think in her situation most woman would.
Their romance was so sweet and honestly it was the perfect high school romance.
Lexi Ryan, thank you so much for this novella. I loved Will and Cally together and loved that we got to travel back in time and see how their relationship started. You truly see how much they love each other and how much it hurt them in the end to be apart. Loved it!!
If you have not read this series yet then I highly recommend it. Cally and Will’s story continues 7 years later when they run into each other again. Is the love that they had for each other as teenagers still just as strong now as adults? You will have to read Wish I May to find out.
January 2, 2019
https://lecturesdejenn.wordpress.com/...
Dans ce roman, qui est le dernier de la trilogie Unbreak Me, on retrouve Cally et William lorsqu’ils sont au lycée et qu’ils tombent amoureux l’un de l’autre, soit sept ans avant le tome 2. Le début n’a pas été long au démarrage comme pour certains livres, mais au contraire, fluide et les pages se tournent à une vitesse hallucinante. Comment vous parler de ce roman sans vous spoiler évidemment ?
C’est un coup de cœur énorme, il est bouleversant, émouvant, la vie de Cally n’a pas été simple due aux rumeurs incessantes qui circulent sur sa mère, mais bien sur elle peut compter sur l’aide de son preux chevalier en armure, toujours là pour la sauver du mauvais pas. J’ai vraiment adoré ce tome, Cally, insécure, pensant qu’elle n’est pas assez bien pour un garçon tel que William, ayant peur de ressembler à sa mère, est touchante, bouleversante et authentique, vraie, sans artifices. Elle subit au quotidien les rumeurs nocives au sujet de sa mère toute seule, que ce soit au lycée ou dans la rue, les habitants de cette petite ville de l’Indiana ne sont pas tendres avec elle. Jusqu’à lui.
La sortant d’un mauvais pas au lycée, le golden boy, quaterback de l’équipe de football du lycée, aussi connu sous le nom de William Bailey ne peut s’empêcher de rester loin d’elle. Il désire la protéger, être près d’elle, il la désire. Ils connaissent alors l’amour, le vraie, avec un grand A, celui qui change une personne et qui vous empêche de dormir la nuit en pensant à elle. Mais pourront-ils pleinement vivre leur passion ?
Lisez-le pour le découvrir. Encore une fois, Lexi Ryan nous offre une romance authentique, émouvante, subtile et tendre entre deux âmes solitaires qui se trouvent enfin, surmontant les obstacles se trouvant sur leur chemin. Encore une fois, ce roman fut un coup de cœur, la petite larme a été versée à la fin, le cœur lourd de devoir quitter ses personnages auxquels on s’attache bien trop rapidement. Ils sont comme vous et moi, et c’est sans doute pour cela que l’on prend goût à entrer dans leur vie.
Dans ce roman, qui est le dernier de la trilogie Unbreak Me, on retrouve Cally et William lorsqu’ils sont au lycée et qu’ils tombent amoureux l’un de l’autre, soit sept ans avant le tome 2. Le début n’a pas été long au démarrage comme pour certains livres, mais au contraire, fluide et les pages se tournent à une vitesse hallucinante. Comment vous parler de ce roman sans vous spoiler évidemment ?
C’est un coup de cœur énorme, il est bouleversant, émouvant, la vie de Cally n’a pas été simple due aux rumeurs incessantes qui circulent sur sa mère, mais bien sur elle peut compter sur l’aide de son preux chevalier en armure, toujours là pour la sauver du mauvais pas. J’ai vraiment adoré ce tome, Cally, insécure, pensant qu’elle n’est pas assez bien pour un garçon tel que William, ayant peur de ressembler à sa mère, est touchante, bouleversante et authentique, vraie, sans artifices. Elle subit au quotidien les rumeurs nocives au sujet de sa mère toute seule, que ce soit au lycée ou dans la rue, les habitants de cette petite ville de l’Indiana ne sont pas tendres avec elle. Jusqu’à lui.
La sortant d’un mauvais pas au lycée, le golden boy, quaterback de l’équipe de football du lycée, aussi connu sous le nom de William Bailey ne peut s’empêcher de rester loin d’elle. Il désire la protéger, être près d’elle, il la désire. Ils connaissent alors l’amour, le vraie, avec un grand A, celui qui change une personne et qui vous empêche de dormir la nuit en pensant à elle. Mais pourront-ils pleinement vivre leur passion ?
Lisez-le pour le découvrir. Encore une fois, Lexi Ryan nous offre une romance authentique, émouvante, subtile et tendre entre deux âmes solitaires qui se trouvent enfin, surmontant les obstacles se trouvant sur leur chemin. Encore une fois, ce roman fut un coup de cœur, la petite larme a été versée à la fin, le cœur lourd de devoir quitter ses personnages auxquels on s’attache bien trop rapidement. Ils sont comme vous et moi, et c’est sans doute pour cela que l’on prend goût à entrer dans leur vie.
January 12, 2014
I absolutely adore the New Hope series by Lexi Ryan. She has quickly become a favorite of mine. Her writing is flawless, the depth of emotion that you feel and the complex and real characters that she creates makes it nearly impossible for you not to become invested in them and their lives.
Having followed Will along from Unbreak Me (New Hope #1) where I first fell for him (yes, even with some of the stupid decisions he made) to Wish I May (New Hope #2) where my heart just melted at the reunion of Will and Cally to now Stolen Wishes (New Hope #1.5) where I got to see where it all began I don't think I could love Will anymore. He has stolen a little piece of my heart. He is the perfect combination of sweet and sexy, a true down to earth good guy who even with all his money and status he still loves the girl from "the wrong side of the tracks".
Cally is that girl. She is poor with an addicted mother who is not opposed to giving out "happy endings" in her massage business just to get some extra money for her next fix and a father who is more concerned about his own interests than his families. Cally has to endure the name calling and stares from her classmates, feeling insecure and alone until she meets Will.
When Cally and Will get together it is beautiful and heartbreaking. First love, first touches, everything you would expect from a young couple in high school. If you haven't had a chance yet to read this series I highly recommend you do.
I <3 you Lexi Ryan!
An ARC was kindly provided by the Author for an honest review.
Review posted at Love Between the Sheets
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Having followed Will along from Unbreak Me (New Hope #1) where I first fell for him (yes, even with some of the stupid decisions he made) to Wish I May (New Hope #2) where my heart just melted at the reunion of Will and Cally to now Stolen Wishes (New Hope #1.5) where I got to see where it all began I don't think I could love Will anymore. He has stolen a little piece of my heart. He is the perfect combination of sweet and sexy, a true down to earth good guy who even with all his money and status he still loves the girl from "the wrong side of the tracks".
Cally is that girl. She is poor with an addicted mother who is not opposed to giving out "happy endings" in her massage business just to get some extra money for her next fix and a father who is more concerned about his own interests than his families. Cally has to endure the name calling and stares from her classmates, feeling insecure and alone until she meets Will.
When Cally and Will get together it is beautiful and heartbreaking. First love, first touches, everything you would expect from a young couple in high school. If you haven't had a chance yet to read this series I highly recommend you do.
I <3 you Lexi Ryan!
An ARC was kindly provided by the Author for an honest review.
Review posted at Love Between the Sheets
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
August 15, 2014
Gestohlenes Herz ist die Vorgeschichte zu Verlorenes Herz und erzählt die Geschichte des ersten Kennenlernens von Cally und Will. Wobei Will bereits aus dem ersten Band bekannt sein dürfte ist Cally ein gänzlich neuer Charakter. Die beiden besuchen die Highschool, lernen einander kennen und Lieben und alles könnte so perfekt sein, doch das Schicksal führt Menschen manchmal fernab der Wege, die sie beschreiten möchten.
Die hier erzählte Liebesgeschichte der beiden jungen Menschen ist einfach hinreißend, süß und so herzzerreißend schön. Wieder einmal lässt sich ganz schwer beschreiben was die Autorin, Lexi Ryan, hier wirklich geschaffen hat. Ihre Geschichte gehen einfach ans Herz und auch, wenn es sich hierbei ledigleich um eine Vorgeschichte handelt ist der Leser gleich im Bann dieser hinreißenden Story gefangen. Wer also die Reihe über New Hope liest, der sollte sich keinesfalls dieser Schmuckstück als Einstieg in den zweiten Band entgehen lassen.
Die hier erzählte Liebesgeschichte der beiden jungen Menschen ist einfach hinreißend, süß und so herzzerreißend schön. Wieder einmal lässt sich ganz schwer beschreiben was die Autorin, Lexi Ryan, hier wirklich geschaffen hat. Ihre Geschichte gehen einfach ans Herz und auch, wenn es sich hierbei ledigleich um eine Vorgeschichte handelt ist der Leser gleich im Bann dieser hinreißenden Story gefangen. Wer also die Reihe über New Hope liest, der sollte sich keinesfalls dieser Schmuckstück als Einstieg in den zweiten Band entgehen lassen.
June 18, 2014
After being introduced to Will Bailey in Unbreak Me I wondered what the heck was wrong with this guy? - jumping from fiance to fiance, and within the same family no less! This books helps explain it all...he's a true romantic and has never forgotten his first true love (swoon)! I'm glad I gave it a chance as I initially wasn't interested in "his story", but it's THEIRS, his and Cally's. I read it BEFORE Wish I May (but it can be read after as well) and wished it was longer, even though there was truly no need for it to be. It provided just enough to have me jumping into Wish I May well past my bedtime, begging for more of these 2 characters.
A perfect addition to this series and I especially loved the touch of Asher Logan sprinkled in for good measure. I wish ALL of my favorite books offered prequels for their characters.
A perfect addition to this series and I especially loved the touch of Asher Logan sprinkled in for good measure. I wish ALL of my favorite books offered prequels for their characters.
January 11, 2014
This was a cute intro story to William and Cally's relationship 7 years before.
September 12, 2018
Just meh. Basically nothing of importance happens in this prequel. You could easily put the "story" in a prologue.
September 14, 2020
This novella takes place between Unbreak Me and Wish I May in the splintered Hearts series. I read it in this order, prior to Wish I May. It tells the story of how William and Cally meet and fall in love. As I said in my review of Unbreak Me, I find it hard to like William. Hoping i am able to forgive his assholery once I read Wish I May.
#Novella #GraphicSexScenes #FirstLove #YoungLove #RichVsPoor #AdultFiction #BeachRead #LexiRyan #SplinteredHearts #SmallTown #Family
#Novella #GraphicSexScenes #FirstLove #YoungLove #RichVsPoor #AdultFiction #BeachRead #LexiRyan #SplinteredHearts #SmallTown #Family
January 23, 2022
Me gustó leer mucho más el William adolescente que el William adulto. En verdad me agrada ver que él amo antes a otra persona y la manera en como desmontraba su amor hacia la preciosa Cally, que no la juzgo por su madre, si no que la entendió y estuvo ahí para ella. Para dar contexto a su pasado estuvo genial esta introducción.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2019
love Cally & Wills past :) they are so perfect for each other. I didnt think I was going to like Will much from Maggie's book but he definitely revived himself with Cally in my eyes <3
January 12, 2020
Great book not leaving any spoilers because it needs to be read. It continues from the first book and its an awesome ending. Super romantic absolutely goes Gaga for it.
March 20, 2020
A little prologue to William and Cally's story. Awesome!
October 19, 2020
Rien a dire! Dévoré dans la même journée😍
September 14, 2021
"Je pourrais t’attendre éternellement Cally."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2021
I don't know how so much heart is squeezed into this novella but it totally swept me up and gave me all the feels. I can't wait to read more of Cally and Wills story 💕
March 13, 2022
lecture rapide, j’adore le couple Callie et William, on découvre leur histoire au lycée, je les imaginais comme ça!
August 29, 2024
Cally and Will were so cute together.
I kind of wish this was book .5 not 1.5. That way we got to see this William before we see "Maggie's William".
I kind of wish this was book .5 not 1.5. That way we got to see this William before we see "Maggie's William".
January 4, 2014
I was fortunate enough to have been given an early copy of this and since I absolutely adore Lexi Ryan and *cough*William*cough* I pounced on this book like a starved woman and oh. My. God. My heart, my poor little heart. You know that moment when you're riding a rollercoaster and you're at that point when the ride is just ascending and you don't know when it'll make that drop? Well, that's exactly what it felt like while I was reading Stolen Wishes, it's true that I did read Wish I May before Stolen Wishes but that didn't stop me from enjoying this book, it actually made the experience more... exhilarating. There was a sense of foreboding, which was the "drop", but I didn't necessarily know when it was going to happen and that made me really anxious. It's literally you knowing what's going to happen before the characters do and you want to warn them sooo bad but you can't and all you can do is watch and feel with them. (I suggest you read this one before Wish I May if you don't want to develop masochistic tendencies. I'm being serious.)
I don't know how but Lexi Ryan made me actually love William more in this book. (I don't even have an residual feelings left for Asher anymore... Sorry, babe.) William is such an inherently good person but not too good, if you catch my drift. *waggles eyebrows* But in all seriousness, if you loved William in Wish I May, you'll find that your feelings for him will have grown stronger in this book. It's not because he's a sweet and swoony guy, it's because you'll catch glimpses of the man he'll turn into the future and trust me, you won't be disappointed. I love that William is such a simple guy, all the money that's thrown his way makes him uncomfortable and you can just see how human that makes him, that his need to be loved and his vulnerability is what makes him so perfectly imperfect, you know? I just love him, okay, ughhhhhh, I LOVE HIM. *runs away*
Stolen Wishes sheds some light as to how people really treated Cally and her family, and that made this book hurt all the more. Like Cally, I was in denial as to what was really happening with her mom but like all fantasies, they end so Cally (and I) had to face the reality of what her mother did and was going to do and I ugly cried. Yup. It was obvious that the only light in Cally's life were her sisters, her best friends (they're awesome, btw) and William. Even though her life was, excuse me for being blunt, super crappy, she still managed to be slightly optimistic because of these people but then we know that all good things never come without a prize and they sure as hell don't last that long either. But hey, your only consolation is that there's a full length novel about William and Cally's life seven-years later so you should definitely read that ASAP after reading this one. (See, Lexi Ryan isn't completely evil. *winky face*)
I cannot express how much I completely love Lexi Ryan's New Hope series and I cannot wait to read more (I'm super excited for Hanna's story! Eeeeep!!) and I don't doubt that I'll be even more impressed with the next books because Lexi Ryan will never stop surprising me, in a good way! Stolen Wishes is exactly what a reader looks for in a novella, short but not to the point of being rushed or lacking, gives a brief but loaded introduction to the novel it is accompanying and it leaves you wanting more, so much more, and if I hadn't already read Wish I May, I would be stalking Lexi Ryan right now to give me a copy of that book but since I already read it, she's safe from my creepiness. Stolen Wishes is a beautiful but heartbreaking book that shows you that life isn't all that bad... it's worse. Kidding... Maybe.
Rating: 4.5/5
Official blog post: http://the-soul-sisters.blogspot.com/...
I don't know how but Lexi Ryan made me actually love William more in this book. (I don't even have an residual feelings left for Asher anymore... Sorry, babe.) William is such an inherently good person but not too good, if you catch my drift. *waggles eyebrows* But in all seriousness, if you loved William in Wish I May, you'll find that your feelings for him will have grown stronger in this book. It's not because he's a sweet and swoony guy, it's because you'll catch glimpses of the man he'll turn into the future and trust me, you won't be disappointed. I love that William is such a simple guy, all the money that's thrown his way makes him uncomfortable and you can just see how human that makes him, that his need to be loved and his vulnerability is what makes him so perfectly imperfect, you know? I just love him, okay, ughhhhhh, I LOVE HIM. *runs away*
Stolen Wishes sheds some light as to how people really treated Cally and her family, and that made this book hurt all the more. Like Cally, I was in denial as to what was really happening with her mom but like all fantasies, they end so Cally (and I) had to face the reality of what her mother did and was going to do and I ugly cried. Yup. It was obvious that the only light in Cally's life were her sisters, her best friends (they're awesome, btw) and William. Even though her life was, excuse me for being blunt, super crappy, she still managed to be slightly optimistic because of these people but then we know that all good things never come without a prize and they sure as hell don't last that long either. But hey, your only consolation is that there's a full length novel about William and Cally's life seven-years later so you should definitely read that ASAP after reading this one. (See, Lexi Ryan isn't completely evil. *winky face*)
I cannot express how much I completely love Lexi Ryan's New Hope series and I cannot wait to read more (I'm super excited for Hanna's story! Eeeeep!!) and I don't doubt that I'll be even more impressed with the next books because Lexi Ryan will never stop surprising me, in a good way! Stolen Wishes is exactly what a reader looks for in a novella, short but not to the point of being rushed or lacking, gives a brief but loaded introduction to the novel it is accompanying and it leaves you wanting more, so much more, and if I hadn't already read Wish I May, I would be stalking Lexi Ryan right now to give me a copy of that book but since I already read it, she's safe from my creepiness. Stolen Wishes is a beautiful but heartbreaking book that shows you that life isn't all that bad... it's worse. Kidding... Maybe.
Rating: 4.5/5
Official blog post: http://the-soul-sisters.blogspot.com/...
January 7, 2014
It is no secret I absolutely ADORED Wish I May, Cally and William's story, the second novel in Lexi Ryan's New Hope series. We briefly met William in the first book in the series Unbreak Me, but he needed his own book. Having read Wish I May first, I must admit Stolen Wishes was rather bittersweet for me. (Only because I know how everything plays out!) However, it really was a beautifully written novella about first love and acceptance of one's true self.
Cally is such a sweet character. Living in a small town is not easy for her, as her mother has earned an unfavorable reputation and Cally is the one to endure the backlash. The novella opens with one of Cally's peers being crude and ugly to her, but luckily William Bailey happens to be there to step in and defend her. Cally is shocked that William would be so nice to her. He is good-looking, popular, wealthy and she never expected him to know who she was. However, William has noticed Cally before in school and has a crush on her. While she is filled with shame over what people are saying about her mother, William doesn't care about any of that. He sees the girl who wanders around star-gazing and senses a kindred spirit that he wants to get to know. After losing his parents at a young age, William now lives with his grandmother. However, she isn't the same as a loving, nurturing mother. She also grieves for the child she lost and William ends up feeling alone while living with her.
I loved William's character. He doesn't let being popular go to his head and he doesn't care what people think. He likes Cally and wants to show her that. He doesn't take her out to expel the rumors about them, he takes her out because she's pretty and sweet and he wants to spend time with her.
I really liked how Ryan approached the topic of sex in this novella. Cally and William are both in high school and that is the time teenagers typically push boundaries and see how far they can go. However, while Cally wants to go further with William, she is terrified of ending up like her mother. She isn't ready to move forward sexually with William and I like that he is understanding and doesn't push her into more. However, hormones are not the easiest things to control and Cally finds herself wishing she hadn't set those boundaries, especially since she knows how much William loves her and she him. Again, Ryan approaches this in such a realistic way and I like how she handled the progression and development of Cally and William's physical and emotional relationship.
Again, Stolen Wishes is rather bittersweet, as it's easy to make promises of forever to the one you love at a young age. However, the future is uncertain and Cally and William are headed in different directions. Will love be enough?
*Received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
Cally is such a sweet character. Living in a small town is not easy for her, as her mother has earned an unfavorable reputation and Cally is the one to endure the backlash. The novella opens with one of Cally's peers being crude and ugly to her, but luckily William Bailey happens to be there to step in and defend her. Cally is shocked that William would be so nice to her. He is good-looking, popular, wealthy and she never expected him to know who she was. However, William has noticed Cally before in school and has a crush on her. While she is filled with shame over what people are saying about her mother, William doesn't care about any of that. He sees the girl who wanders around star-gazing and senses a kindred spirit that he wants to get to know. After losing his parents at a young age, William now lives with his grandmother. However, she isn't the same as a loving, nurturing mother. She also grieves for the child she lost and William ends up feeling alone while living with her.
I loved William's character. He doesn't let being popular go to his head and he doesn't care what people think. He likes Cally and wants to show her that. He doesn't take her out to expel the rumors about them, he takes her out because she's pretty and sweet and he wants to spend time with her.
I really liked how Ryan approached the topic of sex in this novella. Cally and William are both in high school and that is the time teenagers typically push boundaries and see how far they can go. However, while Cally wants to go further with William, she is terrified of ending up like her mother. She isn't ready to move forward sexually with William and I like that he is understanding and doesn't push her into more. However, hormones are not the easiest things to control and Cally finds herself wishing she hadn't set those boundaries, especially since she knows how much William loves her and she him. Again, Ryan approaches this in such a realistic way and I like how she handled the progression and development of Cally and William's physical and emotional relationship.
Again, Stolen Wishes is rather bittersweet, as it's easy to make promises of forever to the one you love at a young age. However, the future is uncertain and Cally and William are headed in different directions. Will love be enough?
*Received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
September 8, 2014
Je commence donc cette saga par le dernier tome de la trilogie publié chez Hugo Roman, dans leur collection "New Romance" mais qui en fait correspond à la nouvelle 1,5 de la série "New Hope" en VO. On peut lire cette nouvelle indépendamment du reste, puisqu'elle présente les personnages Callie et William 7 ans avant les évènements du livre "If I wish" qui correspond au T2 chez Hugo.. Vous me suivez?
J'ai passé un très bon moment avec ce livre, qui en soit, fait 124p. A la fin, Lexy Ryan offre aux lecteurs le premier chapitre de "If I wish" mais je ne l'ai pas lu puisque je n'aime pas lire les chapitres offerts, je trouve ça frustrant (et puis j'ai le tome 2 dans ma PAL ebook donc pas besoin d'amuse bouche :) )
Bref, revenons au livre : La narration est alternée entre Will et Callie (Owiiii j'adore les multinarrations) et on découvre les personnages alors que Callie était dans un stade, en train de se faire menacer par un de ses camarades de classe. William vient la secourir, mais suite à cela, des rumeurs vont courir sur elle au lycée, comme quoi elle se fait payer pour des services... Quand on est ado, ca fait mal d'apprendre ça alors que ce ne sont que des mensonges! Mais William, le bel athlète, va prendre Callie sous son aile et la protéger.. Ce garçon semble parfait, malgré ce qui lui est arrivé plus jeune. Il est intelligent, intègre, sportif, respectueux, et a un énorme béguin pour Callie!
Elle, elle tente d'echapper à sa mère, qui est complètement barrée et gâche la vie de ses enfants par des actions irréfléchies. Le père est peu présent. Callie est très pudique et craint d'être influencée par le présent de sa mère...
L'action se déroule rapidement, l'auteure développe un an d'histoire pendant ces 124 pages mais ce n'est pas gênant quand on prend en compte le format! J'ai passé un très bon moment, j'ai eu chaud, j'ai adoré le rapprochement des personnages, tout en écoutant NIN (Nine Inch Nails, vous comprendrez donc surement pourquoi j'ai eu chaud! Parce que ce groupe prend aux tripes, le chanteur a une voix super sexy, et écrire de la New Adult sur fond de NIN, c'est une excellente idée) Il y a peu de scènes de sexe, mais les jeux de séduction, les regards pressants, les gestes, sont bien écrits et m'ont fait succomber!
En quelques mots : je suis ravie de connaître l'histoire de Callie et William avant leur grande histoire, j'ai été embarquée dès les premières pages par cette nouvelle qui a beaucoup de charmes. Cependant, je suis surprise du prix quand on sait qu'il s'agit d'une nouvelle. Peut être y a t-il une explication? En tout cas, je lirai bientot le tome 2 pour connaitre la suite des aventures de ce couple, et savoir comment ils vont se retrouver 7 ans après!
J'ai passé un très bon moment avec ce livre, qui en soit, fait 124p. A la fin, Lexy Ryan offre aux lecteurs le premier chapitre de "If I wish" mais je ne l'ai pas lu puisque je n'aime pas lire les chapitres offerts, je trouve ça frustrant (et puis j'ai le tome 2 dans ma PAL ebook donc pas besoin d'amuse bouche :) )
Bref, revenons au livre : La narration est alternée entre Will et Callie (Owiiii j'adore les multinarrations) et on découvre les personnages alors que Callie était dans un stade, en train de se faire menacer par un de ses camarades de classe. William vient la secourir, mais suite à cela, des rumeurs vont courir sur elle au lycée, comme quoi elle se fait payer pour des services... Quand on est ado, ca fait mal d'apprendre ça alors que ce ne sont que des mensonges! Mais William, le bel athlète, va prendre Callie sous son aile et la protéger.. Ce garçon semble parfait, malgré ce qui lui est arrivé plus jeune. Il est intelligent, intègre, sportif, respectueux, et a un énorme béguin pour Callie!
Elle, elle tente d'echapper à sa mère, qui est complètement barrée et gâche la vie de ses enfants par des actions irréfléchies. Le père est peu présent. Callie est très pudique et craint d'être influencée par le présent de sa mère...
L'action se déroule rapidement, l'auteure développe un an d'histoire pendant ces 124 pages mais ce n'est pas gênant quand on prend en compte le format! J'ai passé un très bon moment, j'ai eu chaud, j'ai adoré le rapprochement des personnages, tout en écoutant NIN (Nine Inch Nails, vous comprendrez donc surement pourquoi j'ai eu chaud! Parce que ce groupe prend aux tripes, le chanteur a une voix super sexy, et écrire de la New Adult sur fond de NIN, c'est une excellente idée) Il y a peu de scènes de sexe, mais les jeux de séduction, les regards pressants, les gestes, sont bien écrits et m'ont fait succomber!
En quelques mots : je suis ravie de connaître l'histoire de Callie et William avant leur grande histoire, j'ai été embarquée dès les premières pages par cette nouvelle qui a beaucoup de charmes. Cependant, je suis surprise du prix quand on sait qu'il s'agit d'une nouvelle. Peut être y a t-il une explication? En tout cas, je lirai bientot le tome 2 pour connaitre la suite des aventures de ce couple, et savoir comment ils vont se retrouver 7 ans après!
January 13, 2014
I absolutely love the New Hope Series and Callie and Will are two of my favorite characters. I freaking loved them and reading their story in Wish I May so I was super excited when Lexi offered ARCs for their prequel novella. I needed more Cally and Will and seeing how it all started seven years ago was so exciting. I love Lexi’s writing and the plot and character development was expertly done, especially for a novella.
William and Cally come from completely different worlds and grew up on the opposite side of the tracks. They’re both trying to break free from their family and find their own way in the world. Despite all their difference, that’s one thing they have in common and I think that’s why they have this instant connection. Of course, William is the handsome, rich, popular quarterback and the fantasy of every girl’s dream, Cally included but what Cally doesn’t realize is that she’s caught William’s eye too and he has secretly been crushing on her. Will is seriously so sweet and I love him so much.
Cally is a bit insecure about herself and skeptical about Will’s attention in the beginning but considering her family situation, I can totally understand it. She can’t imagine why Will would be interested in her when he can have any other girl in school. However, she quickly realizes that Will is so much more than a pretty face and she doesn’t let her insecurities get in the way of building something with him. I really love that Cally doesn’t let her mom’s reputation or what people think of her define who she is. However, I think she worries so much that she’ll be like her mother that she is extra cautious. She takes things very slow with Will and I respected her for that. I respected Will even more for not pressuring her and being supportive of her feelings.
Even though this is just a novella, it still gave me all the FEELS. I think I was especially emotional because I know how things are going to turn out and what the future holds for these two. It’s a long and heartbreaking journey and this was where it all started. The tender moments between Will and Cally are so damn sweet and I fell in love with Will all over again. I always knew they had chemistry but it’s obvious that it was so much more than that. What they actually have is true love.
William and Cally come from completely different worlds and grew up on the opposite side of the tracks. They’re both trying to break free from their family and find their own way in the world. Despite all their difference, that’s one thing they have in common and I think that’s why they have this instant connection. Of course, William is the handsome, rich, popular quarterback and the fantasy of every girl’s dream, Cally included but what Cally doesn’t realize is that she’s caught William’s eye too and he has secretly been crushing on her. Will is seriously so sweet and I love him so much.
Cally is a bit insecure about herself and skeptical about Will’s attention in the beginning but considering her family situation, I can totally understand it. She can’t imagine why Will would be interested in her when he can have any other girl in school. However, she quickly realizes that Will is so much more than a pretty face and she doesn’t let her insecurities get in the way of building something with him. I really love that Cally doesn’t let her mom’s reputation or what people think of her define who she is. However, I think she worries so much that she’ll be like her mother that she is extra cautious. She takes things very slow with Will and I respected her for that. I respected Will even more for not pressuring her and being supportive of her feelings.
Even though this is just a novella, it still gave me all the FEELS. I think I was especially emotional because I know how things are going to turn out and what the future holds for these two. It’s a long and heartbreaking journey and this was where it all started. The tender moments between Will and Cally are so damn sweet and I fell in love with Will all over again. I always knew they had chemistry but it’s obvious that it was so much more than that. What they actually have is true love.
October 12, 2014
For anyone that read Wish I May by Lexi Ryan this novella Stolen Wishes is a MUST! In Wish I May we were given glimpses as William and Cally’s past. Now we have the story of how they began and grew to love each other.
Cally has a difficult home life (space cadet for a father and a mother with addictions and a bad reputation) and she finds her peace away from her house.
“Looking at the stars and wishing for something better isn’t just something I enjoy. It’s necessary for my survival.”
She and William are from opposite sides of the track and lead completely different lives. He saves Cally fro humiliation (and probably more) one night and they begin to spend time with each other – after a rough start and several misunderstandings. Cally is naive and she just doesn’t get why a boy like William would even want to be associated with her. It was hard to hear how tough she was on herself and how insecure she was. As always William is a sweetheart and a gentleman.
“Because I have a wicked crush on you. Because I’ve seen you staring up at the night sky like you’re looking for something you’ve lost, and I understand that more than you know.”
William is amazing and he takes it slow with Cally, he doesn’t push her and he isn’t judgmental. He is so swoonworthy and really is a down to earth and smart young man.
“Just a kiss. An innocent connection of lips. But the contact is electric and it sends a shockwave of pleasure through me.”
As Cally works through her insecurities William is by her side every step of the way. He gives her the space and time she needs to be comfortable with herself and with their relationship. The two of them are adorable, they are each happiest when the other is happy….it was refreshing.
“The pleasure on his face is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
William and Cally are one of my favorite “soul mate “couples”. I loved learning more about them and having more of an insight as to how it all started way back when. Perfect novella to Wish I May.
“We’re connected. Tied together by something bigger than ourselves. Like the moon brings the tide back to the shore, the stars will always bring me back to Cally.”
Cally has a difficult home life (space cadet for a father and a mother with addictions and a bad reputation) and she finds her peace away from her house.
“Looking at the stars and wishing for something better isn’t just something I enjoy. It’s necessary for my survival.”
She and William are from opposite sides of the track and lead completely different lives. He saves Cally fro humiliation (and probably more) one night and they begin to spend time with each other – after a rough start and several misunderstandings. Cally is naive and she just doesn’t get why a boy like William would even want to be associated with her. It was hard to hear how tough she was on herself and how insecure she was. As always William is a sweetheart and a gentleman.
“Because I have a wicked crush on you. Because I’ve seen you staring up at the night sky like you’re looking for something you’ve lost, and I understand that more than you know.”
William is amazing and he takes it slow with Cally, he doesn’t push her and he isn’t judgmental. He is so swoonworthy and really is a down to earth and smart young man.
“Just a kiss. An innocent connection of lips. But the contact is electric and it sends a shockwave of pleasure through me.”
As Cally works through her insecurities William is by her side every step of the way. He gives her the space and time she needs to be comfortable with herself and with their relationship. The two of them are adorable, they are each happiest when the other is happy….it was refreshing.
“The pleasure on his face is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
William and Cally are one of my favorite “soul mate “couples”. I loved learning more about them and having more of an insight as to how it all started way back when. Perfect novella to Wish I May.
“We’re connected. Tied together by something bigger than ourselves. Like the moon brings the tide back to the shore, the stars will always bring me back to Cally.”
January 29, 2014
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kimberlyfaye reads
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I enjoyed the two full-length novellas in this series. When I had the opportunity to read and review this novella of Cally and William's backstory, I was all over it. I mean, I had the basics from reading the other two books, but I wanted more. I definitely got it with Stolen Wishes.
At only 91 pages, this is a short, quick read. It's also an incredibly sweet read that made me swoon. The progression of Cally and William's relationship was realistic and everything I could ask for in a romance. As you know if you've read the other books, they were in high school when they began dating. The sexy scenes were a little steamier than I've come to expect of most books featuring high school age characters, but it wasn't smutty and it certainly didn't bother me in any way.
If you, like me, love Cally and Will and their relationship, you'll want to pick up this novella. (BONUS: It's free at time of posting too!) They were such a wonderful couple, even back then. It actually pains me to think about where life took both of them after they parted in this book. This was a great addition to the series. Fans won't want to miss this one.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All quotes come from the review copy and may differ from the final version.
"We're connected. Tied together by something bigger than ourselves. Like the moon brings the tide back to the shore, the stars will always bring me back to Cally."
I enjoyed the two full-length novellas in this series. When I had the opportunity to read and review this novella of Cally and William's backstory, I was all over it. I mean, I had the basics from reading the other two books, but I wanted more. I definitely got it with Stolen Wishes.
At only 91 pages, this is a short, quick read. It's also an incredibly sweet read that made me swoon. The progression of Cally and William's relationship was realistic and everything I could ask for in a romance. As you know if you've read the other books, they were in high school when they began dating. The sexy scenes were a little steamier than I've come to expect of most books featuring high school age characters, but it wasn't smutty and it certainly didn't bother me in any way.
If you, like me, love Cally and Will and their relationship, you'll want to pick up this novella. (BONUS: It's free at time of posting too!) They were such a wonderful couple, even back then. It actually pains me to think about where life took both of them after they parted in this book. This was a great addition to the series. Fans won't want to miss this one.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All quotes come from the review copy and may differ from the final version.
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