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My Misery Muse #3
Believed
Once upon a time Jules believed in fairytales, prince charming, and happily ever afters. The past year had destroyed those illusions though. Being plunged into a life she never wanted or planned for has a way of removing the rose tinted glasses.
Sam always new life was nothing but a struggle, now watching his family fall apart he was taught once again, there is no such thing as a happy ever after. It’s best to stay away from entanglements, because all it ends in is pain for everyone.
Thrust together while facing a past they’d rather forget, and a future built on a deck of cards, can they find their happily ever after, after all?
Sam always new life was nothing but a struggle, now watching his family fall apart he was taught once again, there is no such thing as a happy ever after. It’s best to stay away from entanglements, because all it ends in is pain for everyone.
Thrust together while facing a past they’d rather forget, and a future built on a deck of cards, can they find their happily ever after, after all?
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2014
11 people are currently reading
1026 people want to read
About the author
Brei Betzold
11 books555 followersTo be completely honest, I dislike talking, let alone writing about myself, but here it goes what you need to know about me. I am a mom, a wife, a sister, a daughter, an aunt, a friend, an avid reader, an occasional author, basically like every other woman on the planet I have a lot of titles and very little time. My husband and I were friends when one night I kissed him and he ran away, we have one child, a son, who our world revolves around. The idea of writing was first stirred by my seventh grade English teacher, Mrs. Williams. It’s a tossup what I loved more, the poetry section or the Norse mythology. What I do know is I began writing and never stopped.
I worked in the tech industry for years, until my pregnancy made working difficult, I was a stay at home mom after that. A job in which I relish. When my son was around three I got an idea, the idea blossomed, and before I knew it I had written my first full length novel. The idea of showing it to anyone was scary, so I stashed it away, held it close to my heart for a year before I became brave enough to share it. From there things just seemed to take a life of their own, and I became a self-published author.
I don’t write for accolades and awards, I write because it makes me happy. The idea of someone reading words I thought were important enough to chronicle affecting them, is surreal. My dream since the seventh grade was to write, what that meant at the time I didn’t have a clue. What I know now, is I want to make my family and friends proud. I want to show my son that striving to reach your dream is worth the struggle.
I worked in the tech industry for years, until my pregnancy made working difficult, I was a stay at home mom after that. A job in which I relish. When my son was around three I got an idea, the idea blossomed, and before I knew it I had written my first full length novel. The idea of showing it to anyone was scary, so I stashed it away, held it close to my heart for a year before I became brave enough to share it. From there things just seemed to take a life of their own, and I became a self-published author.
I don’t write for accolades and awards, I write because it makes me happy. The idea of someone reading words I thought were important enough to chronicle affecting them, is surreal. My dream since the seventh grade was to write, what that meant at the time I didn’t have a clue. What I know now, is I want to make my family and friends proud. I want to show my son that striving to reach your dream is worth the struggle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 24, 2014
This proves that steam isn't really needed in every scene. :)
Don't get me wrong, there is steam in this book. It's just that the characters did so much pushing and pulling that they weren't able to get to it right away.
Anyway, right onto the plot! I will always say that I love Seth's story, however, Sam and Jules' story is more complex and more meaningful than the first book. The complications here are deeper and honestly, I don't know if everything's been taken care of. It still had a good ending though.
Sam had to deal with his dad's illness and a lot more. He's broody and thinks that he needs to fix everyhing. Jules had to deal with an ex who's unfotunately an addict and has been extorting money from her. She's a straight forward woman with such a big heart. They are really quite a pair. They both have insecurities and they're both hot. haha. I love how they are somehow a couple-not-a-couple.
The best thing about this book is that jt will make you laugh. It's too hilarious. I think I will never forget the "ELI PICTURE" part as well as their shooting game. :) I had fun laughing with Jules in many scenes. She's a riot. X is also something else. I seriously can't wait until that guy gets his book. I love him and how he seems to be such a know it all when it comes to his friends' love lives. Hah! We'll see how he handles his own.
This book is like a slow build up of emotions.You already know what's bound to happen and you just feel happy for them in the end. ♥
Don't get me wrong, there is steam in this book. It's just that the characters did so much pushing and pulling that they weren't able to get to it right away.
Anyway, right onto the plot! I will always say that I love Seth's story, however, Sam and Jules' story is more complex and more meaningful than the first book. The complications here are deeper and honestly, I don't know if everything's been taken care of. It still had a good ending though.
Sam had to deal with his dad's illness and a lot more. He's broody and thinks that he needs to fix everyhing. Jules had to deal with an ex who's unfotunately an addict and has been extorting money from her. She's a straight forward woman with such a big heart. They are really quite a pair. They both have insecurities and they're both hot. haha. I love how they are somehow a couple-not-a-couple.
The best thing about this book is that jt will make you laugh. It's too hilarious. I think I will never forget the "ELI PICTURE" part as well as their shooting game. :) I had fun laughing with Jules in many scenes. She's a riot. X is also something else. I seriously can't wait until that guy gets his book. I love him and how he seems to be such a know it all when it comes to his friends' love lives. Hah! We'll see how he handles his own.
This book is like a slow build up of emotions.You already know what's bound to happen and you just feel happy for them in the end. ♥
January 18, 2014
Ahhh SAMs book was my favourite so far it was just amazing !
January 18, 2014
3.5 stars, why not more? Editing and Grammar - at the start, the ex's name is Evan George, then it's Beau??? WTF, also, reread some of the sentences, they don't make sense. I think Brei is rushing to write her books, especially Tribal and Believe, they could be so much longer and with a little detail. My whole band turned up to the funeral to support me, I had my brothers surrounding me, all my family was there - Devi, Mags, Drake, Cris and Ash for example. I loved MMM but the series is fading with it being rushed, take your time, we will wait.
April 15, 2018
Laughed my way through this
Sam is struggling, the band, his father and the secrets he let out at Christmas. He wants Jules but cannot allow himself to get involved. Tears, rows, horrible wench from the support band and Ian the spy all push Sam to the edge. Read, laugh about the shower on the bus. I enjoyed this!
Sam is struggling, the band, his father and the secrets he let out at Christmas. He wants Jules but cannot allow himself to get involved. Tears, rows, horrible wench from the support band and Ian the spy all push Sam to the edge. Read, laugh about the shower on the bus. I enjoyed this!
February 9, 2014
My Misery Muse is back on Tour!!! I love seeing everyone in action again. Ms. Betzold kept me well entertained with the band’s rockin’ lifestyle on the road. There’s music, hot rock stars, groupies and a whole lot of drama. Just like all the books in this series, I thoroughly enjoyed Believed.
Recently broke up with her boyfriend, Jules, now has a dangerous stalker. Her good friends, Max and Devi, thought the solution is for her to tag along on the tour to keep her away from her psycho ex. Of course, Sam, is not opposed to the idea. After all, he has the hots for her. But even way before this ordeal, it’s clear as day that Sam and Jules have something brewing between them. Needless to say, the road trip will out their feelings for each other.
This third installment of My Misery Muse felt more New Adult to me compared to the previous books that where more erotica. The sexy is still there, no doubt about that, but there was more angst than usual. Jules acted a little too young for her age. She giggled uncontrollably, and she was a complete klutz. Don’t get me wrong I still liked her. Sam is a total hottie. Mature to the core, protective and very sexy. I was actually surprised they were paired off. I think the age maturity is the reason for the angst between them more than anything else. Well, that and they both have emotional baggage. Overall their love story was sweet. I love their interaction with each other especially when it was via text. Actually, even texts between the characters were very amusing.
I love seeing the rest of the crew. Seth of course is a rock star personified. He is still my absolute fave out of the whole band. I am totally intrigued with X, Eli and Max. Boy, what they did during the tour is just scandalous. A bunch of man whores I tell you. I’m hoping they all get a book of their own, but from what hear, Ms. Betzold is planning on two more books for this series and it will come to an end this year. Perhaps, Warped Morality, the other band mentioned in this book, will get their own series. I would love to get more of Thatcher, and Keaton.
There are some editing issues that I know would bother other readers, but I can easily overlook simply because I love the stories Ms. Betzold writes.
*Review copy provided by author
January 17, 2014
Not bad, not knock my socks off, but it was ok. I love Brei's writing and Painted Lines kicked my ass with its awesomeness, not to mention about the same for My Misery Muse. And its those skills alone that have me give this a near 3 stars. But, I'm finding the storyline in this series to be getting a little redundant and formulaic, with a couple situational variations.
I agree it's hard to come up with a fresh twist on the same overdone themes that everybody else has worked over to death, but I was just kinda hoping for a bit more. I mean the premise has Jules going on tour with a rockband for crying out loud and all I saw was the innards of a tour bus, hotel, and briefly, the backstage area of an arena. Really?? Nothing even more remotely interesting can't happen while you're on tour with a freaking rock band?!? I mean I didn't expect Jules to run around like a school girl with doe eyes going "ooh" "aah" but her blasé attitude kind of pissed me off. All she wanted to do was read and she's supposed to be this 21-year old creative, tatted & pierced up chick who's part of a crazy-ass crew. Emphasis on 21-year old, WTH?!? Looking back at my 21-year old self, who was tame in comparison to that description, I would've wrecked that shit up! I mean I've put out more excitement playing Rockband in my living room, next to this girl!
As for interesting developments it really didn't get much further than Jules' immature laughing fits & rounds of klutziness juxtapositioned Sam's bleak contemplations on his "love life".
Overall, it kind of fell flat, because I've read plenty of NA novels with good backdrops where the story just does nothing with it because it's too busy being stuck on the inner "woe is me/I'm not good enough" monologues of its lead characters the entire time. I infinitely enjoy authors who take up the challenge of doing something with the surroundings of its characters, really immersing us in the experience and not just Colour me jaded this time around.
Unlike Brei's other writings, this one just blended into the pile of generic, damaged, love, blah blah blahs out there. Those have their time and place too, but not what I've come to expect here.
I agree it's hard to come up with a fresh twist on the same overdone themes that everybody else has worked over to death, but I was just kinda hoping for a bit more. I mean the premise has Jules going on tour with a rockband for crying out loud and all I saw was the innards of a tour bus, hotel, and briefly, the backstage area of an arena. Really?? Nothing even more remotely interesting can't happen while you're on tour with a freaking rock band?!? I mean I didn't expect Jules to run around like a school girl with doe eyes going "ooh" "aah" but her blasé attitude kind of pissed me off. All she wanted to do was read and she's supposed to be this 21-year old creative, tatted & pierced up chick who's part of a crazy-ass crew. Emphasis on 21-year old, WTH?!? Looking back at my 21-year old self, who was tame in comparison to that description, I would've wrecked that shit up! I mean I've put out more excitement playing Rockband in my living room, next to this girl!
As for interesting developments it really didn't get much further than Jules' immature laughing fits & rounds of klutziness juxtapositioned Sam's bleak contemplations on his "love life".
Overall, it kind of fell flat, because I've read plenty of NA novels with good backdrops where the story just does nothing with it because it's too busy being stuck on the inner "woe is me/I'm not good enough" monologues of its lead characters the entire time. I infinitely enjoy authors who take up the challenge of doing something with the surroundings of its characters, really immersing us in the experience and not just Colour me jaded this time around.
Unlike Brei's other writings, this one just blended into the pile of generic, damaged, love, blah blah blahs out there. Those have their time and place too, but not what I've come to expect here.
October 7, 2014
This series just keeps getting better and better! The emotion and angst packed into one book...whew. By far my favorite. Canmot wait to see where she takes us next.
August 2, 2014
Gostei muito!
Li de uma vez só, só parei quando cheguei em 100%!
_______________
I really enjoyed!
Read at once, only stopped when I got to 100%!
Li de uma vez só, só parei quando cheguei em 100%!
_______________
I really enjoyed!
Read at once, only stopped when I got to 100%!
May 21, 2019
It was OK. It was hard to follow at first because it assumes you read the previous books in the series, which I did not. It had alternating POVs but I never felt their buildup of affection and love between them.
December 13, 2015
DISCLAIMER TO MY FELLOW GOODREADER
This review is my personal opinion and may contain: spoilers, quotes, rants, cussing (sometimes I cannot help myself) and a possible full on recap. I in no way want to ruin anyone’s book reading experience so please read my words with caution.
21 year old Jules' secret is out. Her ex boyfriend is an abusive addict who will not leave her alone. Dev and Max (Sam's younger brother) ship her off to be with the boys for safety. Sam wants Jules but he will not poach from his brother. Not entirely sure why he thinks Max and Jules are romantic in any way. They are best friends. So now she must navigate the boys and learn to he safe again. Sam is still hiding his secret from the band. His father is sick, dying slowly.
The boys are shocked to learn that Jules has known Dev since she was 16 and that she's so much younger. Crispin's mom was her foster mom. Sam kisses Jules one night but has avoided her since. He conveyed that he did not want to go there through a look. The girls back home are livid at him. Max wants him to tell the band about their dad, but he refuses. Dev's pregnancy is harder this time and not just because it's twins. Worried. After the Tucson show, the boys have an after party. Dev makes Jules go. That woman has a scary far reach. Sam yanks Thatcher (member of the opening band) off of Jules because all he can see is red. Jules punches Xavier for manhandling her and takes off. Sam let's it slip that his dad is dying and Seth gets mad. Jules being the way she is, hears this and sticks up for Sam.
Good fucking hell. Sam's dad had another family in Tucson. He was instructed to go to his son Jordan and his mom Clare. That's a nice gem to just drop on him. Sam pushes Jules away. Crispin calls and thinks someone is stealing from the shop. I do not have a good feeling about her going back to Dallas without all the boys. Former band member Alex calls Sam and informs him Beau has been using Jules' name as a marker in the drug world. While Jules is home she has a run in with Beau but Alex comes to drag him away. Jules finds the missing merchandise. One of the counter girls stashed it in a forgotten closet. Sam's dad dies and he comes back for the funeral. Clare ends up showing up with Jordan. LuElla know the entire time about her husband's other family. The fuck?
Cliffhanger – no (book 3 of series)
POV - Jules and Sam
This review is my personal opinion and may contain: spoilers, quotes, rants, cussing (sometimes I cannot help myself) and a possible full on recap. I in no way want to ruin anyone’s book reading experience so please read my words with caution.
21 year old Jules' secret is out. Her ex boyfriend is an abusive addict who will not leave her alone. Dev and Max (Sam's younger brother) ship her off to be with the boys for safety. Sam wants Jules but he will not poach from his brother. Not entirely sure why he thinks Max and Jules are romantic in any way. They are best friends. So now she must navigate the boys and learn to he safe again. Sam is still hiding his secret from the band. His father is sick, dying slowly.
The boys are shocked to learn that Jules has known Dev since she was 16 and that she's so much younger. Crispin's mom was her foster mom. Sam kisses Jules one night but has avoided her since. He conveyed that he did not want to go there through a look. The girls back home are livid at him. Max wants him to tell the band about their dad, but he refuses. Dev's pregnancy is harder this time and not just because it's twins. Worried. After the Tucson show, the boys have an after party. Dev makes Jules go. That woman has a scary far reach. Sam yanks Thatcher (member of the opening band) off of Jules because all he can see is red. Jules punches Xavier for manhandling her and takes off. Sam let's it slip that his dad is dying and Seth gets mad. Jules being the way she is, hears this and sticks up for Sam.
Good fucking hell. Sam's dad had another family in Tucson. He was instructed to go to his son Jordan and his mom Clare. That's a nice gem to just drop on him. Sam pushes Jules away. Crispin calls and thinks someone is stealing from the shop. I do not have a good feeling about her going back to Dallas without all the boys. Former band member Alex calls Sam and informs him Beau has been using Jules' name as a marker in the drug world. While Jules is home she has a run in with Beau but Alex comes to drag him away. Jules finds the missing merchandise. One of the counter girls stashed it in a forgotten closet. Sam's dad dies and he comes back for the funeral. Clare ends up showing up with Jordan. LuElla know the entire time about her husband's other family. The fuck?
Cliffhanger – no (book 3 of series)
POV - Jules and Sam
January 16, 2014
I do not ever want this series to end! I loved this story, Jules and Sam were so wonderful! Devi is still the little Tasmanian devil and whipping everyone into shape!
Jules, ah Jules! Love her! All of the women in this series are ball-busters, but so supportive of their men. I love how even Xander is mostly respectful of the women in their 'family' because they all expect and earn the guy's respect. Funny dialogue and scenarios, I love these books!
While this was another 5-star read for me, I cannot get myself to rate it as such in Goodreads or Amazon reviews because of the editing! Gah! Sooooo, when Jules' ex-boyfriend trashes Sam's apartment and the cops come? Yeah, Jules tells the cops his name is Evan, yet he is called Beau throughout the rest of the book? There was punctuation missing, words missing, difficulty telling who was speaking at times, and other errors. I will say, however, it wasn't as frequent as the rest of her books.
There were also a few anti-climactic resolutions to some of the storylines. I honestly do not think there was any need to bring Ian in the story other than to pick Jules up from the airport. Then Lana from the opening band, was a mere nuisance. The resolution to the Beau situation was not as fulfilling as I wanted it to be! There was enough drama with Jules' past and all that Sam was dealing with, I am glad these other couple of blips in the radar were pretty much skimmed over.
I was pleasantly surprised by the absence of sex in this book, especially after Tribal, book 2.5, had an awful lot of sex in it for a novella. I wouldn't have been upset for there to be more sex in this book, but it really wasn't needed! Love these characters, and love how there wasn't this mad rush to get in each other's pants, it was a long time coming when they finally did, and it was sweet, very Sam and Jules. I want to see Max's story now, please!
Jules, ah Jules! Love her! All of the women in this series are ball-busters, but so supportive of their men. I love how even Xander is mostly respectful of the women in their 'family' because they all expect and earn the guy's respect. Funny dialogue and scenarios, I love these books!
While this was another 5-star read for me, I cannot get myself to rate it as such in Goodreads or Amazon reviews because of the editing! Gah! Sooooo, when Jules' ex-boyfriend trashes Sam's apartment and the cops come? Yeah, Jules tells the cops his name is Evan, yet he is called Beau throughout the rest of the book? There was punctuation missing, words missing, difficulty telling who was speaking at times, and other errors. I will say, however, it wasn't as frequent as the rest of her books.
There were also a few anti-climactic resolutions to some of the storylines. I honestly do not think there was any need to bring Ian in the story other than to pick Jules up from the airport. Then Lana from the opening band, was a mere nuisance. The resolution to the Beau situation was not as fulfilling as I wanted it to be! There was enough drama with Jules' past and all that Sam was dealing with, I am glad these other couple of blips in the radar were pretty much skimmed over.
I was pleasantly surprised by the absence of sex in this book, especially after Tribal, book 2.5, had an awful lot of sex in it for a novella. I wouldn't have been upset for there to be more sex in this book, but it really wasn't needed! Love these characters, and love how there wasn't this mad rush to get in each other's pants, it was a long time coming when they finally did, and it was sweet, very Sam and Jules. I want to see Max's story now, please!
January 18, 2014
I am in love with this series. I cant say enough good things. There is humor and love and angst & twist in Sam/Max's family you don't expect. This book centers around Jules (who works at the tattoo shop) and Sam (my Misery Muse guitarist & Max's brother). We find out in book 2 that Max who is best friends with Jules has stashed someone to hide at Sam's apartment. It is eluded to that it is Jules and that it is because of an abusive guy, but it not confirmed until the beginning of this book. Sam also has no idea who is staying at his house. Most of this book takes place on tour with My Misery Muse so of course we get a lt more of the band and their antics. This is a great book & a must read.
January 21, 2014
OMG, THIS BOOK HAVE ME LAUGHING SO LOUD AT NIGHT, because the MMM, mens are super funny u just cant get over them they got me worried one moment wanting to run and help them and the next i want to punch them upside down the head so hard ... even tho Sam is a Mody SOB i rotted for him, but now more than ever i`m waiting for X book, he is my fav i just cant help it .. so i hope to hear from miis Betzold soon (:
January 20, 2014
Sam is a sweetie and Jules is laugh out loud funny. I can never get tired of Seth and Devi. I missed Drake. Hope to see more from all of them soon. I keep finding myself wondering about Xavier. He likes to act like the bad boy but I believe that he is one of the good guys. I need X's story ASAP please.
February 20, 2014
Damn if you can't help but want Sam and Jules together, they have been dancing around each other this whole freaking series. What I liked the most about them is they didn't just hop right into bed with each other, they really loved each other before it sexual cause neither one of them needed the complications sex brings believe me.
January 22, 2014
I'm really liking brei betzold's style. I love the tough ass men in these book and also love the kick as chicks they fall for. I think I read all four books in the series in a span of a weekend. Only down fall is there needs to be more hot sex! I loved the few scenes Brei gave us, but that was just the icing on the cake.. I'd like to read about each layer of the cake!
March 1, 2014
Not as good as the others. I was expecting more to happen, but it kinda kept an average pace throughout and nothing major stood out for me. However well written as always and a good continuation on the other stories.
January 22, 2014
This book was another great addition for the series. I liked Jules character and the fighter in her. This was a fun read that covered other fun characters throughout the series. Looking forward to more, please!
March 21, 2014
Jules is fucking hilarious!!
January 15, 2014
This has been my favorite read of the series so far. Absofreakinglutely loved Jules and Sam, both together and separately. Can't wait for the next in the series!
January 19, 2014
As much as I love Devi, I think Jules is my new favorite!!
January 18, 2014
I have loved this series since the first book. Devi and Seth, Mags and Drake, and now Sam and Jules, I love them all. This book made me laugh and it made me cry, and it made me want more MMM!
January 17, 2014
Just excellent!
March 5, 2014
im more than just a little in love with this series
January 20, 2014
this book was hard to put down had me laughing and teary eye you got to love the girls from MMM they are awesome and the boys oh my love how they protect the people they love
February 16, 2014
I love this series but I have to say this one is my favorite so far. Proves an arthur can write a steaming book with out all the sex. I have to totally agree with Hazel's review.
March 28, 2014
I liked this book but I think it was my least favorite of the three because it didn't have much of a love story it seemed rushed.
October 13, 2014
2.5, I didn't think this book was as good or hot as the first few in the series.
July 18, 2016
Really loved the story line in this book! My favourite of the series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews