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My Way #1
Cree
Whose parents abandon them in a trashy trailer when they are five years old? Oh Yeah! Mine do!
Hey Hoochies! I'm Milly, and I am tired of taking kicks to the gut. A broken family, an asshole husband and the loss of loved ones have left me crying Uncle, and declaring a serious case of the Fuck-Its!
I had my heart broken, stomped on and shattered before I ever started on my journey to find my little piece of happiness. With a bucket list, a '66 Ford and wild dreams, I set out on an adventure that changed my life forever.
I found Cree...
A pirate with a little princess and they swept me off my ever lovin' feet, filling my world with sprinkles, mac n' cheese and the courage to live again.
They forced my fragile heart to trust and love without fear.
But the truth is, nobody's past stays hidden forever. It's an invisible monster waiting to attack and destroy. It has the capability to ruin everything you've worked to set right.
All it takes is one final blow to the gut to end everything...
Hey Hoochies! I'm Milly, and I am tired of taking kicks to the gut. A broken family, an asshole husband and the loss of loved ones have left me crying Uncle, and declaring a serious case of the Fuck-Its!
I had my heart broken, stomped on and shattered before I ever started on my journey to find my little piece of happiness. With a bucket list, a '66 Ford and wild dreams, I set out on an adventure that changed my life forever.
I found Cree...
A pirate with a little princess and they swept me off my ever lovin' feet, filling my world with sprinkles, mac n' cheese and the courage to live again.
They forced my fragile heart to trust and love without fear.
But the truth is, nobody's past stays hidden forever. It's an invisible monster waiting to attack and destroy. It has the capability to ruin everything you've worked to set right.
All it takes is one final blow to the gut to end everything...
245 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2014
219 people are currently reading
2574 people want to read
About the author
H.J. Bellus
98 books2,709 followersUSA Today Best Selling Author, HJ Bellus is a small town girl who loves the art of storytelling. When not making readers laugh or cry, she's a part-time livestock wrangler that can be found in the middle of Idaho, shot gunning a beer while listening to some Miranda Lambert on her Beats and rocking out in her boots.
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Email: hjbellus@gmail.com
GET FREE BOOKS FROM ME HERE!
Website: http://authorhjb.com/
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2tjmFtN
BookBub: http://bit.ly/2vE5GXP
YouTube: http://bit.ly/2tQTY9q
Facebook: http://bit.ly/1nCFZeM
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HJBellus
Instagram: http://bit.ly/2t7ymsu
Reader Group: http://bit.ly/1HYQgsk
Email: hjbellus@gmail.com
GET FREE BOOKS FROM ME HERE!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 331 reviews
June 21, 2013
2.5 Stars
Well, My Now and Forever was sugary sweet and funny. It was also a grammatical nightmare and sounded more like a diary entry of a teenager than a story. I am sure the problems I had with this book could be cleared up with a proper editor but unfortunately there was a distinct lack of one. The meat of the story was good but by chapter 15 I was bored and by page 100 I could not believe I still had 100 more to go. There was a considerable lack of plot or even any real conflict aside from little bits here and there which was quickly resolved. And what little conflict there was did not effect the main character enough consistently throughout the novel to make it anything more than superficial drama. The main character was made to sound like a bad ass but she never really acts like one - aside for about 5 seconds. Everything happened too quickly and effortlessly, there was nothing for me to look forward too. The tone was amateurish at best, like I mentioned above the book reminded me like that of a teenager's diary entry. There was no smooth transitions from scenes and while clothing and hair were mentioned I never had a clear picture of the characters or settings in my head. Plus, I never felt a connection to any of the characters except Anne and that is probably because I have a daughter close to her age. The story's flow was choppy and had no real dimension. Everything I just mentioned are necessary aspects in any story. If I had to judge solely off entertainment this book would easily be 4 stars. Unfortunately, if I review a book and just hand out stars based solely on entertainment value, people going to read my review and say 'ha that person only cares about making nice and appeasing everyone - when the work is not worth the grade.' I might not make friends that way but at least my conscience is clear. Bottom line I may have liked the book but I cannot in good faith recommend a rough draft to anyone. My Now and Forever has the makings of a great book but definitely not worth $2.99 in it's present date condition.
On a side note - I thought the book was dated by using slang terms. Twat Waffle is hilarious but in a year that'll be old hat(pun intended.) Hoochie was popular when I was in grade school & I have not heard that word used out loud in well over 8 years. Using slang dates your work; using an expletive often or at least every other page is redundant and unnecessary.
Well, My Now and Forever was sugary sweet and funny. It was also a grammatical nightmare and sounded more like a diary entry of a teenager than a story. I am sure the problems I had with this book could be cleared up with a proper editor but unfortunately there was a distinct lack of one. The meat of the story was good but by chapter 15 I was bored and by page 100 I could not believe I still had 100 more to go. There was a considerable lack of plot or even any real conflict aside from little bits here and there which was quickly resolved. And what little conflict there was did not effect the main character enough consistently throughout the novel to make it anything more than superficial drama. The main character was made to sound like a bad ass but she never really acts like one - aside for about 5 seconds. Everything happened too quickly and effortlessly, there was nothing for me to look forward too. The tone was amateurish at best, like I mentioned above the book reminded me like that of a teenager's diary entry. There was no smooth transitions from scenes and while clothing and hair were mentioned I never had a clear picture of the characters or settings in my head. Plus, I never felt a connection to any of the characters except Anne and that is probably because I have a daughter close to her age. The story's flow was choppy and had no real dimension. Everything I just mentioned are necessary aspects in any story. If I had to judge solely off entertainment this book would easily be 4 stars. Unfortunately, if I review a book and just hand out stars based solely on entertainment value, people going to read my review and say 'ha that person only cares about making nice and appeasing everyone - when the work is not worth the grade.' I might not make friends that way but at least my conscience is clear. Bottom line I may have liked the book but I cannot in good faith recommend a rough draft to anyone. My Now and Forever has the makings of a great book but definitely not worth $2.99 in it's present date condition.
On a side note - I thought the book was dated by using slang terms. Twat Waffle is hilarious but in a year that'll be old hat(pun intended.) Hoochie was popular when I was in grade school & I have not heard that word used out loud in well over 8 years. Using slang dates your work; using an expletive often or at least every other page is redundant and unnecessary.
April 23, 2015
Thanks to author H.J. Bellus whom I met at this year's L.A. Times Festival of Books. She signed my copy of Cree which makes it more of a keeper.
I love heroines who are NOT victims, and Milly definitely had the deck stacked against her. She suffered through abuse and neglect by her drug-addicted parents (ended up being raised by her loving grandfather), only to deal with a cheating and verbally abusive asshole of a husband. But Milly doesn't lie down and die, nosireebob! She gets up, puts on her best fuck me heels and gets moving. Despite that, she's got scars and a lot of healing to do.
This romance passes The Bechtel Test with flying colors, a serious (and sad) rarity in this genre. Not only is there a huge and colorful cast of crazy women whom I loved and would instantly be friends with, but they don't spend huge chunks of dialogue talking about men. They have jobs and lives. I also liked how in charge they are about their sexuality and how unapologetic they are. I loathe any kind of slut shaming or acting as if the only man who gives great sex is the hero.
Milly and her friends (and Milly's awesome mother-in-law Frances, Madonna of the potato salad) were the kind of raw, speak their minds and take no crap kind of heroines that make me cheer. They reminded me a little of Shelly Laurenston's women of her Magnus Pack series, so if you're not into smarts, sass and lots of calling each other "hoochies" (in the way only close women friends can), you've been warned. Frances especially was an amazing woman and a fighter to the end. Boy, did she sock it to her no-good son in the best way ever. Who says revenge isn't sweet and dressed in hot pink? Now, if we could get some diversity going on. I just like diverse casts in my contemporary romances.
Okay, now let's talk about Cree. My kinda alpha male. I'm not all into country western and John Deere, but for this guy, I could be persuaded (he'd just have to learn to like Kamelot). No game playing, no over the damn top chest beating, but he wants Milly and does what it takes to make her his. All without being a jackass. And seriously, he's a dad of an adorable little girl named Annie whom he treats like a princess? Okay sign me up. Nothing sexier than a man who steps up to the plate as a father, even when it meant putting his dreams of playing football away forever. What I also liked is that he's vulnerable and a bit wounded. He loves Annie so much that when it matters to have Milly by his side, he fucks up. Royally. And Milly doesn't let him forget it. She's no pushover. He has to re-earn her love and her trust.
My only complaint was the length of this book, hence the three stars. Really intense and important situations were wrapped up too quickly. People coming from the past coming back without any build-up just seemed rushed. I expected more from Milly's no-good (and now broke ass) ex showing up. He came off as the kind of jerk who would've hunted her down throughout the book just because he could. For all that, this isn't some annoying cliffhanger. There's a typically Milly HEA. Read the book to find out what I mean.
I love heroines who are NOT victims, and Milly definitely had the deck stacked against her. She suffered through abuse and neglect by her drug-addicted parents (ended up being raised by her loving grandfather), only to deal with a cheating and verbally abusive asshole of a husband. But Milly doesn't lie down and die, nosireebob! She gets up, puts on her best fuck me heels and gets moving. Despite that, she's got scars and a lot of healing to do.
This romance passes The Bechtel Test with flying colors, a serious (and sad) rarity in this genre. Not only is there a huge and colorful cast of crazy women whom I loved and would instantly be friends with, but they don't spend huge chunks of dialogue talking about men. They have jobs and lives. I also liked how in charge they are about their sexuality and how unapologetic they are. I loathe any kind of slut shaming or acting as if the only man who gives great sex is the hero.
Milly and her friends (and Milly's awesome mother-in-law Frances, Madonna of the potato salad) were the kind of raw, speak their minds and take no crap kind of heroines that make me cheer. They reminded me a little of Shelly Laurenston's women of her Magnus Pack series, so if you're not into smarts, sass and lots of calling each other "hoochies" (in the way only close women friends can), you've been warned. Frances especially was an amazing woman and a fighter to the end. Boy, did she sock it to her no-good son in the best way ever. Who says revenge isn't sweet and dressed in hot pink? Now, if we could get some diversity going on. I just like diverse casts in my contemporary romances.
Okay, now let's talk about Cree. My kinda alpha male. I'm not all into country western and John Deere, but for this guy, I could be persuaded (he'd just have to learn to like Kamelot). No game playing, no over the damn top chest beating, but he wants Milly and does what it takes to make her his. All without being a jackass. And seriously, he's a dad of an adorable little girl named Annie whom he treats like a princess? Okay sign me up. Nothing sexier than a man who steps up to the plate as a father, even when it meant putting his dreams of playing football away forever. What I also liked is that he's vulnerable and a bit wounded. He loves Annie so much that when it matters to have Milly by his side, he fucks up. Royally. And Milly doesn't let him forget it. She's no pushover. He has to re-earn her love and her trust.
My only complaint was the length of this book, hence the three stars. Really intense and important situations were wrapped up too quickly. People coming from the past coming back without any build-up just seemed rushed. I expected more from Milly's no-good (and now broke ass) ex showing up. He came off as the kind of jerk who would've hunted her down throughout the book just because he could. For all that, this isn't some annoying cliffhanger. There's a typically Milly HEA. Read the book to find out what I mean.
July 24, 2014
3 Stars for Cree. I don't really know if I liked this book.
Cree was fun to read but there was also something lacking. I wanted to see more of Cree's POV and Milly well I'm on the fence about this. This book had too much harmony for me it was all rainbows, roses and sunshine which just irritated me. That it was obvious that there was going to be some shit hitting the fan there was no build up to this so when it did happen. The bitches in this book are all crazy pants and well talk about spoiling little Annie. Cree made a lot of this book fantastic if it wasn't for him the book would have only got 2 stars. Sadly I won't continue the series.
Cree was fun to read but there was also something lacking. I wanted to see more of Cree's POV and Milly well I'm on the fence about this. This book had too much harmony for me it was all rainbows, roses and sunshine which just irritated me. That it was obvious that there was going to be some shit hitting the fan there was no build up to this so when it did happen. The bitches in this book are all crazy pants and well talk about spoiling little Annie. Cree made a lot of this book fantastic if it wasn't for him the book would have only got 2 stars. Sadly I won't continue the series.
April 7, 2017
⭐️ 4 Stars⭐️
* * * POSSIBLE SPOILERS * * *
♦️BOOK: #1 in the MY WAY series. Can be read as a standalone. 226 pages.
♦️EDITING: only a few errors found - some missing punctuation
♦️POV: first person, heroine
♦️SETTING: small town near Fort Collins, Colorado
♦️HERO: Cree Fitzpatrick--Farmer. Single father to a 5 year old daughter. Kind, gentle, sweet, caring, wonderful father. Tall, slender but muscular, dark brown hair, blue eyes. Wears jeans, t-shirts and trucker hats.
♦️HEROINE: Amelia Ladore Monroe or "Milly"--Tough, generous, creative, sassy, witty, foul-mouthed. 5'6, size 8 with generous butt and boobs, a styled deep auburn bob.
♦️PLOT: When her beloved mother-in-law passes away and leaves her millions, Milly ditches her horrible cheating husband and sets off to fulfill her bucket list and finds the love she's always deserved. She settles in a small Colorado town where she meets irresistible farm boy Cree and his daughter Annie as well as a couple good friends. They immediately become a happy family with a few bumps in the road, including their crazy exes.
♦️REVIEW: The writing was humorous and authentic to Milly's character. She's telling her story in her words, how she thinks and speaks so there's slang & grammatical errors but it works here. It was a bit too sappy sweet at times and Annie's character was cute but kinda unrealistic for a 5 year old. Still an enjoyable read.
♦️STEAM LEVEL: moderate, 3.5/5 - a few hot sex scenes
♦️ENDING: HEA, Epilogue, No cliffhanger
♦️QUOTES:
"If you ever feel useless and defeated Milly… just remember that you were once the fastest little spermie out of millions."
"The woman who taught me how to be strong, roll with the punches, cry when I needed to, and above all, to love myself. And that it was okay to get a good old-fashioned case of the fuck-its every once in a while!"
♦️TAGS & STUFF: child abuse, breast cancer, cheating ex, psycho exes, h has 2 sex scenes with OM, pet names, insta-love, light anal play, unprotected sex, sappy sugary sweet, marriage, pregnancy, babies
* * * POSSIBLE SPOILERS * * *
♦️BOOK: #1 in the MY WAY series. Can be read as a standalone. 226 pages.
♦️EDITING: only a few errors found - some missing punctuation
♦️POV: first person, heroine
♦️SETTING: small town near Fort Collins, Colorado
♦️HERO: Cree Fitzpatrick--Farmer. Single father to a 5 year old daughter. Kind, gentle, sweet, caring, wonderful father. Tall, slender but muscular, dark brown hair, blue eyes. Wears jeans, t-shirts and trucker hats.
♦️HEROINE: Amelia Ladore Monroe or "Milly"--Tough, generous, creative, sassy, witty, foul-mouthed. 5'6, size 8 with generous butt and boobs, a styled deep auburn bob.
♦️PLOT: When her beloved mother-in-law passes away and leaves her millions, Milly ditches her horrible cheating husband and sets off to fulfill her bucket list and finds the love she's always deserved. She settles in a small Colorado town where she meets irresistible farm boy Cree and his daughter Annie as well as a couple good friends. They immediately become a happy family with a few bumps in the road, including their crazy exes.
♦️REVIEW: The writing was humorous and authentic to Milly's character. She's telling her story in her words, how she thinks and speaks so there's slang & grammatical errors but it works here. It was a bit too sappy sweet at times and Annie's character was cute but kinda unrealistic for a 5 year old. Still an enjoyable read.
♦️STEAM LEVEL: moderate, 3.5/5 - a few hot sex scenes
♦️ENDING: HEA, Epilogue, No cliffhanger
♦️QUOTES:
"If you ever feel useless and defeated Milly… just remember that you were once the fastest little spermie out of millions."
"The woman who taught me how to be strong, roll with the punches, cry when I needed to, and above all, to love myself. And that it was okay to get a good old-fashioned case of the fuck-its every once in a while!"
♦️TAGS & STUFF: child abuse, breast cancer, cheating ex, psycho exes, h has 2 sex scenes with OM, pet names, insta-love, light anal play, unprotected sex, sappy sugary sweet, marriage, pregnancy, babies
October 19, 2014
Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews
Nichole's Sizzling Reviews
Sizzling Pages @ Facebook
Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
Every now and then I read a book and my review has to have some spoilers or I can't even put into words what I felt. I can't ..I need to talk about it. So if you go any further. It's totally on you ..because I am telling you if you don't want the story ruined for you then.
Ok you were warned!!!!
I can't even explain how many feelings are trying to burst out of my chest right now. I need to send a special shout out to my girl Carmen for the recommendation on this book. See Carmen and I have had an issue lately with all the dark and angsty books out there. I thought I was going into a fluffy sweet and loving read.
OH MY
FREAKING GOSH!! IT was like a freaking ANGST ROLLER COASTER but each
time it came down...it landed in Fluffy and sweet rainbows to cushion
the fall.
Well I know that there is a saying out there that no two people read the same book. I know that Carmen sent this to me maybe thinking it wasn't angsty and well honestly maybe she encountered exactly what I did and saw the beauty that was painful but had to be shared.or have our hearts burst. ...so ....here is my review.
I started this book feeling like this.
That precious little girl was the Heroine. Amelia ...thrown away and abused. Sweet and innocent and treated like trash. I was a sobbing mess at 1% of the book. I wanted to take razor blades and alcohol and go after this egg & sperm donor and go slow about my punishment!
Then the real story begins with Milly (Amelia at this time) living in a loveless and emotionally abusive marriage. I find Milly very feisty and headstrong so I was immediately wondering WTF? Why is she still there? Well, then in comes the reason ..Mrs. Frances. Sweet Mrs. *CRaZy PanTS *Frances
From the search for the Perfect Potato Salad to the "Fuck It " & PMP moments this lady stole my heart. I was in love with her character, strength and beauty. There is no way Milly could leave Mrs. Frances no matter what her own son did throughout Milly and the Bastards marriage.
But boy did the tables get turned on that piece of crap. Loved every moment of that.
Milly hits the road and has a bucket list to fill.
A few things on this list.
Standing up for herself, having a puppy named Olive, finding the "orgasmic potato salad" and so many other crazy things but I won't give all of this books secrets.
I felt like was watching a movie. In the beginning wasn't even sure if I liked it. I had to sit back and tell myself Milly was a bird that just got out of a cage and she was flying free trying to find her way in the world. So I held on for the ride. What a freaking ride!!!
Finally when she lands...it's to find a family like she never had and always deserved. Lacey the tattooed pierced and loud Hobag salon owner, then Cree's sister Willow.
My Emotions were all over the place in this book.
There were moments that if I wasn't laughing my ass off I was blubbering sloppy snotty tears.
Cree was the Hero in this story as the title says. He was almost perfect ..so in my book that kinda makes him perfect because there was something about Cree that called to me..the fact that he showed those flaws..and owned them..and completely made up for them in so many ways that put my shattered heart along with Milly's back together again.
From his Magic Sprinkles when His girls are down
to his mac and cheese and
Sexy as sin light blue jeans, cooking bacon in bare feet
and sex on a tractor
I completely fell hard for Cree. His love for the people in his life..the loyalty and how hard he worked. Captain and his Dolly
..I fell Totally.
But what came with Cree was sweet Annie and oh my gosh a man and his daughter will steal my heart each and every time.
I never stood a chance and neither did Milly.
It would take me forever to tell you all the emotional moments in this book. I need you to experience them. So many characters, so many explosive interactions and moments. Times I almost threw my Kindle and times I nearly PMP (Peed my pants) with laughter.
so Yea I want somebody to come to me and say, Oh my gosh I cried, I laughed, I yelled and ..I felt..so strongly. What a beautiful and fantastic story. I loved the pain because it brought me the beauty and well any time a book makes me feel that many emotions then I have to love it!
Nichole's Sizzling Reviews
Sizzling Pages @ Facebook
Twitter:@Sizzlingpages
Every now and then I read a book and my review has to have some spoilers or I can't even put into words what I felt. I can't ..I need to talk about it. So if you go any further. It's totally on you ..because I am telling you if you don't want the story ruined for you then.
Ok you were warned!!!!
I can't even explain how many feelings are trying to burst out of my chest right now. I need to send a special shout out to my girl Carmen for the recommendation on this book. See Carmen and I have had an issue lately with all the dark and angsty books out there. I thought I was going into a fluffy sweet and loving read.
OH MY
FREAKING GOSH!! IT was like a freaking ANGST ROLLER COASTER but each
time it came down...it landed in Fluffy and sweet rainbows to cushion
the fall.
Well I know that there is a saying out there that no two people read the same book. I know that Carmen sent this to me maybe thinking it wasn't angsty and well honestly maybe she encountered exactly what I did and saw the beauty that was painful but had to be shared.or have our hearts burst. ...so ....here is my review.
I started this book feeling like this.
That precious little girl was the Heroine. Amelia ...thrown away and abused. Sweet and innocent and treated like trash. I was a sobbing mess at 1% of the book. I wanted to take razor blades and alcohol and go after this egg & sperm donor and go slow about my punishment!
Then the real story begins with Milly (Amelia at this time) living in a loveless and emotionally abusive marriage. I find Milly very feisty and headstrong so I was immediately wondering WTF? Why is she still there? Well, then in comes the reason ..Mrs. Frances. Sweet Mrs. *CRaZy PanTS *Frances
From the search for the Perfect Potato Salad to the "Fuck It " & PMP moments this lady stole my heart. I was in love with her character, strength and beauty. There is no way Milly could leave Mrs. Frances no matter what her own son did throughout Milly and the Bastards marriage.
But boy did the tables get turned on that piece of crap. Loved every moment of that.
Milly hits the road and has a bucket list to fill.
A few things on this list.
Standing up for herself, having a puppy named Olive, finding the "orgasmic potato salad" and so many other crazy things but I won't give all of this books secrets.
I felt like was watching a movie. In the beginning wasn't even sure if I liked it. I had to sit back and tell myself Milly was a bird that just got out of a cage and she was flying free trying to find her way in the world. So I held on for the ride. What a freaking ride!!!
Finally when she lands...it's to find a family like she never had and always deserved. Lacey the tattooed pierced and loud Hobag salon owner, then Cree's sister Willow.
My Emotions were all over the place in this book.
There were moments that if I wasn't laughing my ass off I was blubbering sloppy snotty tears.
Cree was the Hero in this story as the title says. He was almost perfect ..so in my book that kinda makes him perfect because there was something about Cree that called to me..the fact that he showed those flaws..and owned them..and completely made up for them in so many ways that put my shattered heart along with Milly's back together again.
From his Magic Sprinkles when His girls are down
to his mac and cheese and
Sexy as sin light blue jeans, cooking bacon in bare feet
and sex on a tractor
I completely fell hard for Cree. His love for the people in his life..the loyalty and how hard he worked. Captain and his Dolly
..I fell Totally.
But what came with Cree was sweet Annie and oh my gosh a man and his daughter will steal my heart each and every time.
I never stood a chance and neither did Milly.
It would take me forever to tell you all the emotional moments in this book. I need you to experience them. So many characters, so many explosive interactions and moments. Times I almost threw my Kindle and times I nearly PMP (Peed my pants) with laughter.
so Yea I want somebody to come to me and say, Oh my gosh I cried, I laughed, I yelled and ..I felt..so strongly. What a beautiful and fantastic story. I loved the pain because it brought me the beauty and well any time a book makes me feel that many emotions then I have to love it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2015
3.75 stars
dnf
November 1, 2016Maybe later, but not right now. I don't really feel like reading about all the guys the h wants to sleep with and how sex with her husband was amazing. Also from the way Malcolm was described, I though it was Cree! No thank you!
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August 27, 2014
Having not grown up in the home environment of her dreams, Milly promised herself she would find her Prince Charming and marry him one day. What she ended up doing is marrying a shallow jerk who cheated but she would do it all again just to have his mom in her life. When Milly decides it is time to shed the bad husband, she does it with a bang and heads in her new truck to find a new life for herself. Meeting Cree is just the icing on the cake and he has the most adorable daughter she has ever seen. As Cree and Milly begin their life together as a couple it is not without a bit of panic that something will go wrong, but Milly should never underestimate the power of love.
Milly is a hoot and so much fun the story is filled with humor and zest for life. Cree is adorable, he falls hard for Milly and is not shy about sharing his feelings. I thought this was very entertaining and look forward to reading more in this delightful series.
Milly is a hoot and so much fun the story is filled with humor and zest for life. Cree is adorable, he falls hard for Milly and is not shy about sharing his feelings. I thought this was very entertaining and look forward to reading more in this delightful series.
February 16, 2014
This is a great, wonderful read. Think Little House on the Prairie in the post 50 Shades of Grey world. A wounded, abused little girl now a grown woman dumps her cheating husband, takes a newly discovered inheritance, creates her "Bucket List Thingy" and ends up in a small Colorado town. There she meets the man of her dreams (actually, Cree has it all over Christian Grey), a family of her own and the life she always wanted but never achieved. There are some definite bumps in the road but our girl, Milly, hangs in there and is amply rewarded. And, the reader will also get an eye opening lesson on what can be accomplished on a tractor in this post "50 Shades" world.
June 6, 2017
3.5 star rating
Sweet little romance between a hometown guy and a young woman who is searching for love and acceptance. This had all the feels of a romantic comedy as the guy and girl fall in love with each other unconditionally. A little bit of drama. A whole lot of lovin'. And, a cast of comical characters that will make you laugh-out-loud. This was an insta-love romance with some definite sexy times. There's more to come in this series, which I'm totally looking forward to...
Sweet little romance between a hometown guy and a young woman who is searching for love and acceptance. This had all the feels of a romantic comedy as the guy and girl fall in love with each other unconditionally. A little bit of drama. A whole lot of lovin'. And, a cast of comical characters that will make you laugh-out-loud. This was an insta-love romance with some definite sexy times. There's more to come in this series, which I'm totally looking forward to...
June 10, 2013
This is one of those books that start with a glimpse into Amelia childhood and you know it’s going to play a big part in Amelia Journey. Then we are taken into the present and it turns into being a fun light read you find yourself smiling along to what your reading even laughing at some of the things Amelia says and then suddenly The story hits you right in the face and you’re like shit where did that come from .And I will admit by the end of the book I had a few tears running down my cheeks. The back ground story is about what Amelia suffered from when she was younger how it plays apart in her life and what the people around her do to just let go off it to love again and to LIVE. I would have loved to have known more about Poppy.
I have to say Amelia certainly knows how to love. she loves her husband Aaron mother Francis like anything and they are so funny together you can’t help but picture these two together laughing with them. I love that they have nick names for each other and their love for finding the perfect potato salad. Francis is all Amelia has as Aaron is a cheating asshole that only cares for himself. When devastating news comes which leaves Amelia devastated she finds herself divorced with no money until a letter comes and she finds herself with Millions thanks to her mother in law. So she leaves town in a red truck a new name (Milly) a bucket list and some of Francis jewellery.
And this is where Milly’s journey begins and it comes with many bumpy roads and that bucket list comes to play in a few scenes. One sexy Garage scene will play in my mind for a while to come.
Milly settles into a town where she meets Lacey and they become best friend’s sisters even if you like and Lacey and Milly certainly know how to have a good time there are some great scenes between these two. Lacey is a great character and a true friend she is always there for Milly.
Milly spots Cree and she likes what she sees but doesn’t do anything about it till much later as she gets to meet his daughter and thinks he is married.
But Wow when these two come together sparks fly they are so good for each other and let me just swoon a minute over Cree he is truly an amazing man.He has his faults he does hurt Milly. There are some great sex scenes between these two.
Milly becomes a part of the family and builds a life with Cree and Annie but it’s not easy Milly does struggling with thoughts of her upbringing and is determined to not let it get in her way. And Cree does something really sweet for Milly in one scene he turns a bad memory into a good one.
Annie is just a sweetheart I loved her to bits I would be proud if she was my daughter Cree does a good job of bringing her up on his own. There is a secret there about Annie’s mother I think this is why when Cree hurts Milly she is determined to stay in Annie’s life.
With Millys past coming back to haunt her and Cree’s past coming back to haunt him to this story messes with your heart you have moments of begging everything to be all right to having tears roll down your cheeks at the must perfect ending.
I loved and enjoyed the fun sexy touching read and I highly recommend this book.
I have to say Amelia certainly knows how to love. she loves her husband Aaron mother Francis like anything and they are so funny together you can’t help but picture these two together laughing with them. I love that they have nick names for each other and their love for finding the perfect potato salad. Francis is all Amelia has as Aaron is a cheating asshole that only cares for himself. When devastating news comes which leaves Amelia devastated she finds herself divorced with no money until a letter comes and she finds herself with Millions thanks to her mother in law. So she leaves town in a red truck a new name (Milly) a bucket list and some of Francis jewellery.
And this is where Milly’s journey begins and it comes with many bumpy roads and that bucket list comes to play in a few scenes. One sexy Garage scene will play in my mind for a while to come.
Milly settles into a town where she meets Lacey and they become best friend’s sisters even if you like and Lacey and Milly certainly know how to have a good time there are some great scenes between these two. Lacey is a great character and a true friend she is always there for Milly.
Milly spots Cree and she likes what she sees but doesn’t do anything about it till much later as she gets to meet his daughter and thinks he is married.
But Wow when these two come together sparks fly they are so good for each other and let me just swoon a minute over Cree he is truly an amazing man.He has his faults he does hurt Milly. There are some great sex scenes between these two.
Milly becomes a part of the family and builds a life with Cree and Annie but it’s not easy Milly does struggling with thoughts of her upbringing and is determined to not let it get in her way. And Cree does something really sweet for Milly in one scene he turns a bad memory into a good one.
Annie is just a sweetheart I loved her to bits I would be proud if she was my daughter Cree does a good job of bringing her up on his own. There is a secret there about Annie’s mother I think this is why when Cree hurts Milly she is determined to stay in Annie’s life.
With Millys past coming back to haunt her and Cree’s past coming back to haunt him to this story messes with your heart you have moments of begging everything to be all right to having tears roll down your cheeks at the must perfect ending.
I loved and enjoyed the fun sexy touching read and I highly recommend this book.
July 12, 2013
*The author gave me this book in exchange for an honest review.*
3.5 Stars
A sweet, raunchy ride!
The flavor is definitely country charm with a little humor and heartache thrown in. The author’s style wasn’t one I was used to. The main character, Milly, has an internal monologue written with extensive and constant exclamatory statements. The characters all speak in exclamations, even during the most intense and serious situations. They call each other names like “little skank!”, “ho bag!”, and “hoochie!” Once I realized that this unusual style was intentional, I just went with it and imagined the characters yelling, exclaiming, laughing, and loving intensely (in a southern accent of course).
It was definitely worth overlooking the exclamations to get to the huge heart of this book.
Milly had a tough childhood filled with both physical and mental abuse, with no one to love her except her grandfather. She ended up marrying rich and finding herself in a loveless, shallow marriage that she stayed in because of the love of her life – her mother-in-law, Francis. Enter the first love affair of the book…between Milly and Francis, complete with nicknames, snuggling, and all kinds of PMP moments (you’ll have to read the book to find out what this stands for).
She finally escapes her loveless marriage and finds herself driving to a random town to start a new life. Armed with plenty of money and her “Bucket List Thingy,” she vows to live her life for herself, and to leave her old life behind.
She starts a business and finds a best friend who takes her Honky-Tonkin. But she’s still missing something. In this case, someone. Enter the hot, sexy farmer named Cree.
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CREE
Practically perfect, he feeds her pumpkin pie, makes magical mac n’ cheese with sprinkles, and makes her bacon (SHIRTLESS!). And he is an amazing father to a precious daughter named Annie. Her love affair with Cree and Annie is full of heartwarming moments as Milly learns what having love and a real family is all about. Cree and Annie teach her how to open her heart and trust again.
I felt a rush of emotions erupt inside me that I had never felt before. It was time. Time to grab hold of the little courage I had to grasp onto what I really wanted. And what I really wanted was the man standing in front of me. I wanted him now and forever.
From here, the book takes us through all of the main events in Milly’’s life. Each chapter chronicles an important day like Christmas, birthdays, Easter, etc. It has some drama to keep the story going, clever nicknames, plenty of tractor sex, and adorable Annie moments. Overall, it was an entertaining and sweet read!
3.5 Stars
A sweet, raunchy ride!
The flavor is definitely country charm with a little humor and heartache thrown in. The author’s style wasn’t one I was used to. The main character, Milly, has an internal monologue written with extensive and constant exclamatory statements. The characters all speak in exclamations, even during the most intense and serious situations. They call each other names like “little skank!”, “ho bag!”, and “hoochie!” Once I realized that this unusual style was intentional, I just went with it and imagined the characters yelling, exclaiming, laughing, and loving intensely (in a southern accent of course).
It was definitely worth overlooking the exclamations to get to the huge heart of this book.
Milly had a tough childhood filled with both physical and mental abuse, with no one to love her except her grandfather. She ended up marrying rich and finding herself in a loveless, shallow marriage that she stayed in because of the love of her life – her mother-in-law, Francis. Enter the first love affair of the book…between Milly and Francis, complete with nicknames, snuggling, and all kinds of PMP moments (you’ll have to read the book to find out what this stands for).
She finally escapes her loveless marriage and finds herself driving to a random town to start a new life. Armed with plenty of money and her “Bucket List Thingy,” she vows to live her life for herself, and to leave her old life behind.
She starts a business and finds a best friend who takes her Honky-Tonkin. But she’s still missing something. In this case, someone. Enter the hot, sexy farmer named Cree.
[image error]
CREE
Practically perfect, he feeds her pumpkin pie, makes magical mac n’ cheese with sprinkles, and makes her bacon (SHIRTLESS!). And he is an amazing father to a precious daughter named Annie. Her love affair with Cree and Annie is full of heartwarming moments as Milly learns what having love and a real family is all about. Cree and Annie teach her how to open her heart and trust again.
I felt a rush of emotions erupt inside me that I had never felt before. It was time. Time to grab hold of the little courage I had to grasp onto what I really wanted. And what I really wanted was the man standing in front of me. I wanted him now and forever.
From here, the book takes us through all of the main events in Milly’’s life. Each chapter chronicles an important day like Christmas, birthdays, Easter, etc. It has some drama to keep the story going, clever nicknames, plenty of tractor sex, and adorable Annie moments. Overall, it was an entertaining and sweet read!
Let your courage set you free!
March 7, 2014
Milly is a wonderful and delightfully feisty character that you can't help but admire and adore from the start. Yes she has some issues from her past, but that's what makes you love her more. Strong and Lovely are two adjectives I would use to describe her from the start!
Milly deals with a shitty marriage to "the Bastard", but gains so much more in the long-run. Her mother-in-law Francis is the glue holding things together...until all that changes when she is lost to Milly after a brave and (yes I know its weird to say) funny battle with cancer. You love their relationship and obsession with Potato Salad!!! LOL
"Cindarelly + Francis May Crazy Pants = PMP" PMP is short for Pee my Pants....hahahaha!
Their last whispered words to one another left me in tears, but shortly after I was back to laughing my rear off at the turn of events. Armed with her "cotton candy-colored bling bracelet" she is finally divorced from "the Bastard" and has to meet with Francis' lawyer for something she is totally unaware of. Yes life is crazy!!
After leaving the lawyers with a new lease on life Milly's eye is caught..."It was red! It was beautiful! A '66 Ford-150 with side steps and a "For Sale" sign in the back window." ol'Betsy, as Milly named the truck, is set to start her new chapter in life, "pulled on my aviators and roared out of the driveway".
With little direction of where life was to take her, Milly takes the advice of an elderly gentleman whom she crosses paths with that Colorado will be her destination!!
With following Francis' wishes she opens her journal and makes her "Bucket List Thingy" and begins anew. Setting her sights on a small town outside Fort Collins, CO Milly begins and she is crossing off things on her list!! Starting with Malcom! Sexy hot mechanic! "I need to be serviced, ...I mean I need lubed" ROFL, thank goodness Milly was talking about her '66 Ford, but Malcom is also ready to give her a full service to start her trip out right! Armed with Milly's 'Bad Ass' moves and the motivation "GO!" "It was on like freaking Donkey Kong bitches!" "Woot Woot!"
After finding her store with an apartment above Milly sets out to fix up and open her dream shop. With a beauty salon across the street from her new shop/home, Milly meets Lacy, her "Sister from another Mister!" They sync so well together and become best of friends, instantly and effortlessly. You can't help but love the colorful quirks and banter between the two and it keeps going for the remainder of the book....Definitely soul sisters!!
After a colorful "Shit! Fuck! Bitch!" moment we meet the man of a lifetime...*sigh*...Cree!!!! Assumptions being made by Milly leads her to think he is more than likely unavailable, which is true, except she's only 5 and her name is Anne!!
Lets just say from here things are a beautifully written progression that will leave you laughing, crying, giggling, swooning, and yes most of all, falling in love with Anne.....hehehe, and Milly & Cree too!
Pick up a copy of 'My Now & Forever' and get ready for the next chapter to come called 'My Today'!!
Milly deals with a shitty marriage to "the Bastard", but gains so much more in the long-run. Her mother-in-law Francis is the glue holding things together...until all that changes when she is lost to Milly after a brave and (yes I know its weird to say) funny battle with cancer. You love their relationship and obsession with Potato Salad!!! LOL
"Cindarelly + Francis May Crazy Pants = PMP" PMP is short for Pee my Pants....hahahaha!
Their last whispered words to one another left me in tears, but shortly after I was back to laughing my rear off at the turn of events. Armed with her "cotton candy-colored bling bracelet" she is finally divorced from "the Bastard" and has to meet with Francis' lawyer for something she is totally unaware of. Yes life is crazy!!
After leaving the lawyers with a new lease on life Milly's eye is caught..."It was red! It was beautiful! A '66 Ford-150 with side steps and a "For Sale" sign in the back window." ol'Betsy, as Milly named the truck, is set to start her new chapter in life, "pulled on my aviators and roared out of the driveway".
With little direction of where life was to take her, Milly takes the advice of an elderly gentleman whom she crosses paths with that Colorado will be her destination!!
With following Francis' wishes she opens her journal and makes her "Bucket List Thingy" and begins anew. Setting her sights on a small town outside Fort Collins, CO Milly begins and she is crossing off things on her list!! Starting with Malcom! Sexy hot mechanic! "I need to be serviced, ...I mean I need lubed" ROFL, thank goodness Milly was talking about her '66 Ford, but Malcom is also ready to give her a full service to start her trip out right! Armed with Milly's 'Bad Ass' moves and the motivation "GO!" "It was on like freaking Donkey Kong bitches!" "Woot Woot!"
After finding her store with an apartment above Milly sets out to fix up and open her dream shop. With a beauty salon across the street from her new shop/home, Milly meets Lacy, her "Sister from another Mister!" They sync so well together and become best of friends, instantly and effortlessly. You can't help but love the colorful quirks and banter between the two and it keeps going for the remainder of the book....Definitely soul sisters!!
After a colorful "Shit! Fuck! Bitch!" moment we meet the man of a lifetime...*sigh*...Cree!!!! Assumptions being made by Milly leads her to think he is more than likely unavailable, which is true, except she's only 5 and her name is Anne!!
Lets just say from here things are a beautifully written progression that will leave you laughing, crying, giggling, swooning, and yes most of all, falling in love with Anne.....hehehe, and Milly & Cree too!
Pick up a copy of 'My Now & Forever' and get ready for the next chapter to come called 'My Today'!!
June 11, 2013
I just finished this book as an ARC for HJ....honey lemme tell ya, this woman has a passion for writing. I swear I think these characters have to be a part of her real life, or maybe her imagination is just that vivid.
Upon reading the prologue, I was immediately drawn in. I just wanted to scoop lil' Milly up and comfort her, and punch her flippin' *parents* in the friggin' throat! As I turned the pages (well, swiped) I found Milly being my newest fictional bestie. Just the kinda gal I'd hang with. Despite the cards life dealt Milly, she took life by the horns like a bull and rode the heck outta it! She had the bad girl attitude and simply did not care. She was going to make some lemonade outta them lemons life was throwing at her if it was the last thing she did.
After loosing her best friend/MIL Francis, her marriage to her college sweetheart fell apart at the tiny threads it was hanging onto...her husband left her with nothing, but Francis had her back even in death. (Here is where Karma stepped in) Milly had just inherited 5.6 million dollars and decided since Francis was gone, she had nothing tying her to CA, so she hit the road and ended up in a little Podunk town in Colorado to start her life over. She opened up a store THE SHOP where she put her creativity into her work, offering hair accessories, tutus, girly things, etc and had a cute little coffee counter as well. She loved Colorado. She was living her dreams, checking items off the good ol' bucket list when dreamy farm boy walks in her store and takes her breath away. It takes a little time for Cree and Milly to spark that flame, but when they did WOW it spread like wild fire....Cree was her one true love. Cree and Milly had an amazing love and passion for one another. Annie (Cree's 5 year old daughter) was the daughter she never knew she wanted, but she takes Milly's heart almost instantly. She gains amazing friends along this journey, friends who become part of her quirky *family*, the family she never had, but so rightfully deserved.
I won't spoil the story for ya'll, but this story was so real.The characters were real, passionate, hilarious and fun. It had me laughing, crying and screaming (chapter 28 nearly knocked me off the porch swing), gasping for air as I nearly had a panic attack! But in the end, you are left with that happily ever after feeling. A REAL happily ever after, not the too good to be true kind. Despite all of the heartache Milly had come to know in her years, she had found her knight in shining armor and learned to love and be loved wholeheartedly. She let go of all of the heartache she had endured in life, and found her inner peace. Milly was an awesome heroine, strong willed, ready to take on anything. Heck she conquered so much in her years. Karma had to throw some beauty her way.
HJ, I loved this story. I have to say you are honestly one of my favorite authors. I can't wait to read more of your work!
Upon reading the prologue, I was immediately drawn in. I just wanted to scoop lil' Milly up and comfort her, and punch her flippin' *parents* in the friggin' throat! As I turned the pages (well, swiped) I found Milly being my newest fictional bestie. Just the kinda gal I'd hang with. Despite the cards life dealt Milly, she took life by the horns like a bull and rode the heck outta it! She had the bad girl attitude and simply did not care. She was going to make some lemonade outta them lemons life was throwing at her if it was the last thing she did.
After loosing her best friend/MIL Francis, her marriage to her college sweetheart fell apart at the tiny threads it was hanging onto...her husband left her with nothing, but Francis had her back even in death. (Here is where Karma stepped in) Milly had just inherited 5.6 million dollars and decided since Francis was gone, she had nothing tying her to CA, so she hit the road and ended up in a little Podunk town in Colorado to start her life over. She opened up a store THE SHOP where she put her creativity into her work, offering hair accessories, tutus, girly things, etc and had a cute little coffee counter as well. She loved Colorado. She was living her dreams, checking items off the good ol' bucket list when dreamy farm boy walks in her store and takes her breath away. It takes a little time for Cree and Milly to spark that flame, but when they did WOW it spread like wild fire....Cree was her one true love. Cree and Milly had an amazing love and passion for one another. Annie (Cree's 5 year old daughter) was the daughter she never knew she wanted, but she takes Milly's heart almost instantly. She gains amazing friends along this journey, friends who become part of her quirky *family*, the family she never had, but so rightfully deserved.
I won't spoil the story for ya'll, but this story was so real.The characters were real, passionate, hilarious and fun. It had me laughing, crying and screaming (chapter 28 nearly knocked me off the porch swing), gasping for air as I nearly had a panic attack! But in the end, you are left with that happily ever after feeling. A REAL happily ever after, not the too good to be true kind. Despite all of the heartache Milly had come to know in her years, she had found her knight in shining armor and learned to love and be loved wholeheartedly. She let go of all of the heartache she had endured in life, and found her inner peace. Milly was an awesome heroine, strong willed, ready to take on anything. Heck she conquered so much in her years. Karma had to throw some beauty her way.
HJ, I loved this story. I have to say you are honestly one of my favorite authors. I can't wait to read more of your work!
June 23, 2016
It was a little slow in the beginning, but I think it is more about the journey. This is a journey of a relationship. I liken it to that movie that stars Diane Lane called 'Under The Tuscan Sun' where she is divorced in the beginning and then she buys a villa in Tuscany and it is her journey of healing and it's not until at the end she finds her love (after, of course, dating other men before).
This book is kind of like that. The prologue really touched my heart with Milly's parents abandoning her for days until she is found by her Poppy. Then the story starts out with the first quarter of the book is her married to her husband 'The Bastard' and staying with him for 6 years because of her mother-in-law who is like a surrogate mother to Milly. She finally ends up divorcing The Bastard and moves to a new state to start her new life.
On her way there as she heads to a town to get her car serviced she meets Malcolm and has her first fling. She finally heads into town and ends up meeting Lacey who owns the salon across the street from where she is going to setup her own shop and they end up becoming best friends. She ends up meeting Cree and believes he is married with a child and realizes she can't have him because of course someone as hot as him is married
Milly and Sam have a fling with for a few months and both that what they have is temporary because Sam plans on moving to Alaska in a few months. They keep in touch, but then it becomes fewer and far between. She cherishes the time she spent with Sam because he helps her to heal.
Afterwards she meets Cree again and realizes that he is single and then they start hanging out together. It takes a while for them to build their relationship as they become friends first. She also becomes friends with Cree's sister Willow. Between Cree, Milly, Willow and Lacey that all help make Cree's daughter, Annie feel loved.
I'd been waffling between giving this 3 stars or 4 stars. I initially gave it 3 stars because I thought for most of the book it was a bit boring, but ended up giving it 4 stars as I started writing this review because I did like her journey of feeling like nothing in the beginning to feeling fulfilled and happy at the end. If there were 1/2 stars I would definitely give it 3.5 stars!
This book is kind of like that. The prologue really touched my heart with Milly's parents abandoning her for days until she is found by her Poppy. Then the story starts out with the first quarter of the book is her married to her husband 'The Bastard' and staying with him for 6 years because of her mother-in-law who is like a surrogate mother to Milly. She finally ends up divorcing The Bastard and moves to a new state to start her new life.
On her way there as she heads to a town to get her car serviced she meets Malcolm and has her first fling. She finally heads into town and ends up meeting Lacey who owns the salon across the street from where she is going to setup her own shop and they end up becoming best friends. She ends up meeting Cree and believes he is married with a child and realizes she can't have him because of course someone as hot as him is married
Milly and Sam have a fling with for a few months and both that what they have is temporary because Sam plans on moving to Alaska in a few months. They keep in touch, but then it becomes fewer and far between. She cherishes the time she spent with Sam because he helps her to heal.
Afterwards she meets Cree again and realizes that he is single and then they start hanging out together. It takes a while for them to build their relationship as they become friends first. She also becomes friends with Cree's sister Willow. Between Cree, Milly, Willow and Lacey that all help make Cree's daughter, Annie feel loved.
I'd been waffling between giving this 3 stars or 4 stars. I initially gave it 3 stars because I thought for most of the book it was a bit boring, but ended up giving it 4 stars as I started writing this review because I did like her journey of feeling like nothing in the beginning to feeling fulfilled and happy at the end. If there were 1/2 stars I would definitely give it 3.5 stars!
August 11, 2015
Whose parents abandon them in a trashy trailer when they are five years old? Oh Yeah! Mine do!
Hey Hoochies! I'm Milly, and I am tired of taking kicks to the gut. A broken family, an asshole husband and the loss of loved ones have left me crying Uncle, and declaring a serious case of the Fuck-Its!
I had my heart broken, stomped on and shattered before I ever started on my journey to find my little piece of happiness. With a bucket list, a '66 Ford and wild dreams, I set out on an adventure that changed my life forever. Follow me on my journey that resurrected my inner badass.
I picked up this book for free and in between a couple heavier books decided to give it a read. I just couldn’t resist the blurb! I don’t want to give too much away but I did want to go over how the book is set up in the first couple chapters because it really gives a great glimpse into what to expect from My Now & Forever. So heads up, if you don't want to read minor spoilers that are releaved in the first couple chapters, stop reading the review NOW =)
At the beginning of the book, we meet Millie, who suffered as a child due to neglect and abuse, but later finds comfort when she marries her husband and meets her mother in-law Francis. Reading about Millie and Francis’s weekly schedule and antics together was laugh out loud funny and I loved how Millie describes the relationship she has with Francis.
That’s how I met the true love of my life. The woman who taught me how to be strong, roll with the punches, cry when I needed to and above all, to love myself. And that it was okay to get a good old-fashioned case of the fuck-its every once in a while!
And I love the little bits of advice that Francis gives to Millie.
Exercise without a bra on, wear your pj pants while grocery shopping, or eat fast food for every meal - it doesn't matter to me! I just want you to be happy!
Unfortunately, Francis becomes sick and passes away leaving Millie a large sum of money and the following advice:
I want you to just, “GO.” Just GO wherever your little heart fancies and live your life! Whenever doubt creeps into that pretty brain of yours, remember the word, “Go!” I do ask that you continue on the hunt of a truly orgasmic potato salad. That is the one thing that Aaron’s father ridiculed me for, because I couldn't even make a decent potato salad. I want you to create one of those bucket list thingies, too. If you find that you can’t complete something on your bucket list, don’t get down on yourself! I suggest you say, “Fuck It” and move on!!!!
Francis’s death along with that advice set the stage for the rest of the book. Francis takes the advice to heart and sets out to “just GO”. She also comes up with a rather funny bucket list.
Bucket List Thingy (In no certain order)
• Hot sex in an elevator (so ya it’s at the top for a reason)
• Open my own craft shop & name it “The Shop”
• Create beautiful creations
• Have a mismatching set of silverware, cups, & plates
• Never pass up the opportunity to eat at a good taco van
• Open a coffee shop in The Shop…maybe a drive-thru one?
• Wear crazy headbands Random hook-ups with
• random men in random towns and in random places (Hello! I have just left a shitty marriage and need some damn good nookie to make up for over 6 years of luke-warm nookie!)
• Run free and fearless into the future…GO!
• Buy a puppy & name it Olive!
• Go to Disneyland Bacon and bare feet
• Find an orgasmic potato salad recipe for my Crazy Pants Stand up for myself
Millie’s journey leads her through a couple of funny situations and ultimately leads her to a new start. There are ups and downs and a hot guy, magic sprinkles, a little drama, and a lot of over the top fun. I wasn’t sure what the heat level of the book would be when I first started reading. There is a romance for sure, there is some steam, and everything felt appropriate for the type of book this was and the length of the story. I didn’t feel like anything was missing on the romance front.
I will admit that the first few chapters started out very strong for me but the story-telling lost a little steam as it went. While the sugary sweetness of the story line was charming, it was a little over-kill at times. I don’t want to give specifics but some of the more dramatic events in the book seemed really rushed and not developed at all. The two most dramatic parts of the book had little to no lead in and seemed like both were inserted into the story with little regard to the flow or set up.
As a born and bred southern-girl I was charmed by the author’s unique writing style which has a strong southern flair with a dash of redneck. Sometimes it was a tad too much but overall it was charming and quirky and I enjoyed it. There was also some obnoxious thrown in for good measure along with some unique phrases sprinkled throughout such as “twat waffle”, “come guzzler”, and a personal favorite of mine, calling someone a “hooker” as a sign of affection. I’d classify this book as “chick-lit” for sure. It was funny and cute and I’m glad I gave it a try. I did notice that there was a second book available, My Today, and while I’m not putting it on my short list to read right now, I’ll probably eventually check out Lacey’s story.
A fun 3.5 book.
June 24, 2013
This book was amazing. Lets start with the facts, I was emotionally drawn to Amelia . I felt so much for her, I wanted to grabbed her through the book and give her all the love in the world. I couldn't believe what her parents had done. It just tore my heart right out...
After everything she ends up marrying her college sweetheart and gaining a wonderful mother in law named Francis. Her husband turns out to be a cheating P.O.S. who doesn't care about anything but himself. Amelia puts up with everything thing that he does.
Her mother in law Francis is what she needed all her life, someone to love her. Francis and Amelia's relationship was awesome you can feel the love they had for each other. Its a relationship that everyone should at least experience once in their life. As amazing as their relationship was, Sadly came to an end when Francis passes away.
After the devastating passing of her Best friend/mother in law. Amelia ends up divorced, Her husband leaves her with nothing. Then one day she receives a letter from a lawyer stating her inheritance from her late mother in law.
From this point on everything changes and you find yourself rooting for her as she checks her bucket list off.
She ends up moving to another state where she finds a group of amazing people. One of them being her hairdresser Lacey. Where they become close friends. I fell in love with Lacey right a way and I hope there is a book about her story.
Now Amelia meets "The sexy country boy" He is everything that you want in a man sexy, honest, romantic, funny and best of all he is an amazing father to his five year old daughter Annie. Who steals Amelia's heart as well as mine.
I'm going to have to stop here or I will end up telling you the whole story and you wont get to experiences the heart wrenching, inspiring read for yourself. It was a delightful and truly enjoyable story. Ms. Bellus writing is fresh and marvelous. I highly recommend this book It was an excellent debut novel I will definitely be looking forward to more books by this author
~*~ ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review ~*~
October 7, 2013
We must first begin by saying---WE LOVE MILLY!
Review May Contain Spoilers
Raw. No holds bard, intense, emotional, inspiring read.
Milly's refusal to give up on life and let it get her down made her one kick ass chick.
Abandoned by her parents at 5 years old Milly is left to sit in her own filth starving for days until her Poppy comes to her rescue. Growing up with him might not be normal compared to everyone else but for her it was the best.
When she's in college she meets Aaron the perfect all American boy. The guy that every girl wanted and they live happily ever after.
Yea freaking right!!!
All she is, is arm candy while he's screwing everyone and their dentist. She puts up with him for 6 years. Why? Because of his mother Francis. Talk about the ultimate, amazing mom and the bastard (aka Aaron) doesn't even appreciate her, but Milly sure does.
Francis and Milly's time together is spent in the best of ways loving each other until sadly Francis becomes ill and Milly Loses her best friend to cancer. What 'Francis May Crazy Pants' leaves Milly is the ultimate freedom and FU to the lying cheating bastard.
Francis gave her one word to live by... Go!
Starting her new life in a new place Milly finds the best of friends in Lacey and Willow.
Oh and we can'y forget hunky hot single dad, Cree and his daughter Annie. With all these amazing new people in her life she truly lets go of her past and finds love in all the right places.
With a few bumps along the way and allot of crazy hilarious commentary this one makes for one hell of a great read.
It will make you Laugh and Cry. The Banter between Lacy and Milly OH MY GOSH! At times Almost made me PMP... (Pee my pants)
This book was provided by the author for an Honest Review and now you have it... WE LOVED IT Thanks for sharing!
Review May Contain Spoilers
Raw. No holds bard, intense, emotional, inspiring read.
Milly's refusal to give up on life and let it get her down made her one kick ass chick.
Abandoned by her parents at 5 years old Milly is left to sit in her own filth starving for days until her Poppy comes to her rescue. Growing up with him might not be normal compared to everyone else but for her it was the best.
When she's in college she meets Aaron the perfect all American boy. The guy that every girl wanted and they live happily ever after.
Yea freaking right!!!
All she is, is arm candy while he's screwing everyone and their dentist. She puts up with him for 6 years. Why? Because of his mother Francis. Talk about the ultimate, amazing mom and the bastard (aka Aaron) doesn't even appreciate her, but Milly sure does.
Francis and Milly's time together is spent in the best of ways loving each other until sadly Francis becomes ill and Milly Loses her best friend to cancer. What 'Francis May Crazy Pants' leaves Milly is the ultimate freedom and FU to the lying cheating bastard.
Francis gave her one word to live by... Go!
Starting her new life in a new place Milly finds the best of friends in Lacey and Willow.
Oh and we can'y forget hunky hot single dad, Cree and his daughter Annie. With all these amazing new people in her life she truly lets go of her past and finds love in all the right places.
With a few bumps along the way and allot of crazy hilarious commentary this one makes for one hell of a great read.
It will make you Laugh and Cry. The Banter between Lacy and Milly OH MY GOSH! At times Almost made me PMP... (Pee my pants)
This book was provided by the author for an Honest Review and now you have it... WE LOVED IT Thanks for sharing!
August 29, 2014
Picking a good book on ratings and reviews on goodreads is like going to a restaurant and getting the favorite selling entree. Everyone seems to loves it. The description on the menu looks really good and promising. They bring the dish out and it looks tantalizing. You take a bite expecting nirvana but instead something is missing. It's not bad, you can eat it, but you feel let down almost like, really? That was it? That was what all the fuss and buzz was about?
Well that is the way I have been lately. Maybe my book tastebuds are off. I don't know. But this book felt that way to me. I really didn't feel one way or another for Milly. Even Crazy Pants. I missed something because the characters all felt one dimension to me. Milly was a little goofy. Like naming her truck Betsy because it was bad ass. Umm my mom called our vehicles Betsy when I was young. She is nearing 70. Just saying. There are a lot of adjectives to describe my mom, Bad ass is not one of them.
Maybe the set up to Milly's marriage and a little more selling of her as a person. I don't know. Her husband was a Bastard. Her mother in law was her best friend it appeared. Also appeared that she didn't have any other contact with anyone in all the years she lived there. Neither did her mother in law. A little odd. One dimensional.
Milly's story just flitted on through. Touching here, bouncing there, never really landing and sinking in. It really had potential. I kept going back and reading the synopsis of the book. But the book itself just didn't live up to it. Bummer.
One word? Meh..
Well that is the way I have been lately. Maybe my book tastebuds are off. I don't know. But this book felt that way to me. I really didn't feel one way or another for Milly. Even Crazy Pants. I missed something because the characters all felt one dimension to me. Milly was a little goofy. Like naming her truck Betsy because it was bad ass. Umm my mom called our vehicles Betsy when I was young. She is nearing 70. Just saying. There are a lot of adjectives to describe my mom, Bad ass is not one of them.
Maybe the set up to Milly's marriage and a little more selling of her as a person. I don't know. Her husband was a Bastard. Her mother in law was her best friend it appeared. Also appeared that she didn't have any other contact with anyone in all the years she lived there. Neither did her mother in law. A little odd. One dimensional.
Milly's story just flitted on through. Touching here, bouncing there, never really landing and sinking in. It really had potential. I kept going back and reading the synopsis of the book. But the book itself just didn't live up to it. Bummer.
One word? Meh..
February 10, 2014
Cree captured my attention right away. The beginning was heart wrenching and tore at my heart immediately...then it blossomed into an amazing story for strength and love! Milly had a rough start, a difficult marriage and lost an amazing loved one and was left with nothing...and that's an understatement. Karma is on her side and with her kick ass and sassy attitude she takes life by the horns, tutus and headbands! She makes a "bucket list thingy" and starts checking things off...don't we all want to do that?!? She meets the amazing Lacey who becomes her sidekick in all things fun and crazy and stumbles upon a Pirate (Cree) and a Princess (Annie) who capture her heart. The fun times they have and memories they make will make you smile and giggle! I would give anything to see the sprinkle dance performed to I'm Sexy and I Know It!!!! The story is beautiful, funny and has a few "dammit" moments, but it is all worth it in the end. Truly a beautiful story of love with a few magic sprinkles to make everything better! I can't wait for more from Ms. Bellus!!! XO
July 27, 2013
LOVED LOVED LOVED this book!!! Really didn't want it to end!! I felt so bad for Milly at the beginning and just wanted to beat the crap out if her parents. How any parent can treat a child that way kills me and I know it happens everyday :( I loved Frances May fancy pants and the relationship between her and Milly. I really hate cancer!!! So didnt like the "Bastard" from the start (lol) Was laughing my butt off at the note from Frances to Milly shouting woohoo.The Bastard got what he deserved!!
Cree.....where do I begin?? I loved him he is def my BBB at the moment (was only mad enough at him at one point to hurt him lol. I can't believe the things he said to Milly when she was the greatest with Annie) But he def redeemed his self.
I couldnt get enough of Annie....I just loved her and she tore at my heart strings sometimes. I cant believe her birth mom (grrrr) I loved Lacey, Willow and Grayson!!! I hear there is a book coming out on Lacey so I will try to wait patiently for more lol. I wonna hear more on Milly, Cree, Annie and lil Mac :)
Cree.....where do I begin?? I loved him he is def my BBB at the moment (was only mad enough at him at one point to hurt him lol. I can't believe the things he said to Milly when she was the greatest with Annie) But he def redeemed his self.
I couldnt get enough of Annie....I just loved her and she tore at my heart strings sometimes. I cant believe her birth mom (grrrr) I loved Lacey, Willow and Grayson!!! I hear there is a book coming out on Lacey so I will try to wait patiently for more lol. I wonna hear more on Milly, Cree, Annie and lil Mac :)
June 10, 2013
For a first novel, this is a sweet read. Enough to keep my attention thru the whole book. I laughed & cried. Happy & Sad, so many emotions! I love Milly and seriously loved her MIL Frances. "Frances was the sweetest bubble of joy" and she for sure loved her Cinde-rell-y. “I love you Francis May Crazy Pants!"
Milly opened her heart after it being broken and she loved like crazy. Everyone should be this way! Lovely Read!
I will definitely read more of her books if she continues to write!
Milly opened her heart after it being broken and she loved like crazy. Everyone should be this way! Lovely Read!
I will definitely read more of her books if she continues to write!
February 26, 2014
New Edition: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Purchase links:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1jy7u6n
Paperback: http://amzn.to/1eh7mHU
B&N: http://bit.ly/1pqjM4i
All Romance: http://bit.ly/1pqjFG0
Of course...I freakin' love this book! Milly is my hero....Carry on & Be Brave!!!
Purchase links:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1jy7u6n
Paperback: http://amzn.to/1eh7mHU
B&N: http://bit.ly/1pqjM4i
All Romance: http://bit.ly/1pqjFG0
Of course...I freakin' love this book! Milly is my hero....Carry on & Be Brave!!!
August 23, 2013
I just completely loved this book from the first page. It's funny, honest and emotive and I can't recommend it anywhere near enough. You will LOVE this book, please read and then shout about it ... It'll be a great movie one day!
February 11, 2014
I felt like I was reading a divorced woman's fantasy. It was an interesting idea and it had its funny moments but it was too over the top and ended up boring me. Parts of it were extremely ridiculous.
my-kindle-freebie-to-read
September 1, 2013FREE for TODAY 9-1-13
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BUY LINKS
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U.K.--> http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00D5GVW3U
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September 4, 2019
2.5 stars
My knock on this book is it reads like a dairy, where you big out the exciting passages.
Milly was told young she wasnt wanted. She was determined to make a life for herself. She does but ends with a crappy husband but in him, she meets his amazing mother, the mother she never had and a love she never felt. When she passes she will change Milly's life and make her promise to live.
This leads to opening a shop in a small Colorado town and running into Cree and soon his young daughter Annie. Drawn to one another they start seeing more of each other.
My issue is everything is too "clean". He is into her, his kid is, his sister is, her hairdresser is. It Just needed some conflict early besides her life and her husband.
I love this author, her book THAT GIRL was great, so I will try her again.
My knock on this book is it reads like a dairy, where you big out the exciting passages.
Milly was told young she wasnt wanted. She was determined to make a life for herself. She does but ends with a crappy husband but in him, she meets his amazing mother, the mother she never had and a love she never felt. When she passes she will change Milly's life and make her promise to live.
This leads to opening a shop in a small Colorado town and running into Cree and soon his young daughter Annie. Drawn to one another they start seeing more of each other.
My issue is everything is too "clean". He is into her, his kid is, his sister is, her hairdresser is. It Just needed some conflict early besides her life and her husband.
I love this author, her book THAT GIRL was great, so I will try her again.
August 30, 2013
I hate to say that I ever doubt a book. But I also hate going into the book with a mindset that it is going to be EPIC, just to be let down. So, for the most part, especially with authors I don’t know – I tend to try and start the book with little to no expectation. And I absolutely love it when said book just surprises me and turns out to be such a fabulous read!!
My Now & Forever really surprised me. I mean, what a FUN story!!
Amelia, or Milly, is 5 when her whole world is shattered and her horrible parents just leave her. They just up and leave. Gone. Poof. As a parent, this was really hard for me to read. And my heart broke for this sweet little girl who was abandoned by the two people who are supposed to love her unconditionally.
But Milly is a fighter. She doesn’t give up. Even after she is married to “The Bastard”. And oh is he ever a bastard. Milly’s one saving grace is her mother-in-law (I know this shocked me too, married women!), Frances. But after getting to know Frances, I can see exactly why she fell so in love with the woman. After a crazy turn of events, Milly ends up divorced (Hallelujah) and on the road to Colorado to start her new life.
Milly quickly develops a one of a kind friendship with a local Colorado girl, Lacey. I absolutely loved their relationship. It reminded me so much of my friendships with my girlfriends. Let me just stop right here and say that this is what I loved most about this story….it was so real. I mean the goofy things the characters say. The playing Uno and watching movies. Trips to Disneyland. The random clumsiness. It just so real, so it was easy to relate to.
“Oh sorry, I need serviced,” I blurted. “I mean I need lubed,” was the next fucking brilliant thing that flew out my trap. I started shaking my head from side to side because that even sounded worse. Malcolm let out a slight chuckle and replied, “Are you trying to tell me that you require my services there, sweet pea?” I was totally and completely fucking embarrassed!”
"...'Oh yes, I am fine. I just decided to wrestle this door on top of a ladder in the middle of the day. I'm pretty sure the door won this round,' I replied coolly, while my insides were screaming and writhing in motherfucking pain."
Colorado is also where Milly catches the eye of our hot cowboy, Mr. Cree Fitzpatrick. If you look up adorably swoon-worthy in the dictionary, you will find a picture of Cree Fitzpatrick. The man is a gem! I fell in love with him so easily. I mean, HELLO, not only is he a hot, manly cowboy….but the man is funny, sarcastic, romantic and he is an amazing father. Yes, you read that correctly, father. The man is just…*sigh*…..
“ ‘Do you want to know what I see when I look at these toes? I see the perfection that god created just for me. I see a creative and talented woman with the biggest heart that has ever walked this Earth. I see the woman that I am madly in love with. I see my Dolly who brightens every single one of my mornings with coffee,” he said in between kissing my toes”
Cree’s daughter, Annie was a highlight in the story for me. She was absolutely precious!
Milly quickly finds her “family” in Lacey, Cree, Williow, Greyson and Annie. And it’s just beautiful. But Cree and Milly both have difficult pasts. And the hard thing about running away from your past is that it always catches up with you. And when the past comes calling for Cree and Milly, things get rough.
This story was funny, quirky and full of life. There were times where some of the dialogue felt a little forced, or maybe out of place in certain scenes, but overall – this was a fantastic book and such an enjoyable read.
4 Fun – Loving Stars!!
My Now & Forever really surprised me. I mean, what a FUN story!!
Amelia, or Milly, is 5 when her whole world is shattered and her horrible parents just leave her. They just up and leave. Gone. Poof. As a parent, this was really hard for me to read. And my heart broke for this sweet little girl who was abandoned by the two people who are supposed to love her unconditionally.
But Milly is a fighter. She doesn’t give up. Even after she is married to “The Bastard”. And oh is he ever a bastard. Milly’s one saving grace is her mother-in-law (I know this shocked me too, married women!), Frances. But after getting to know Frances, I can see exactly why she fell so in love with the woman. After a crazy turn of events, Milly ends up divorced (Hallelujah) and on the road to Colorado to start her new life.
Milly quickly develops a one of a kind friendship with a local Colorado girl, Lacey. I absolutely loved their relationship. It reminded me so much of my friendships with my girlfriends. Let me just stop right here and say that this is what I loved most about this story….it was so real. I mean the goofy things the characters say. The playing Uno and watching movies. Trips to Disneyland. The random clumsiness. It just so real, so it was easy to relate to.
“Oh sorry, I need serviced,” I blurted. “I mean I need lubed,” was the next fucking brilliant thing that flew out my trap. I started shaking my head from side to side because that even sounded worse. Malcolm let out a slight chuckle and replied, “Are you trying to tell me that you require my services there, sweet pea?” I was totally and completely fucking embarrassed!”
"...'Oh yes, I am fine. I just decided to wrestle this door on top of a ladder in the middle of the day. I'm pretty sure the door won this round,' I replied coolly, while my insides were screaming and writhing in motherfucking pain."
Colorado is also where Milly catches the eye of our hot cowboy, Mr. Cree Fitzpatrick. If you look up adorably swoon-worthy in the dictionary, you will find a picture of Cree Fitzpatrick. The man is a gem! I fell in love with him so easily. I mean, HELLO, not only is he a hot, manly cowboy….but the man is funny, sarcastic, romantic and he is an amazing father. Yes, you read that correctly, father. The man is just…*sigh*…..
“ ‘Do you want to know what I see when I look at these toes? I see the perfection that god created just for me. I see a creative and talented woman with the biggest heart that has ever walked this Earth. I see the woman that I am madly in love with. I see my Dolly who brightens every single one of my mornings with coffee,” he said in between kissing my toes”
Cree’s daughter, Annie was a highlight in the story for me. She was absolutely precious!
Milly quickly finds her “family” in Lacey, Cree, Williow, Greyson and Annie. And it’s just beautiful. But Cree and Milly both have difficult pasts. And the hard thing about running away from your past is that it always catches up with you. And when the past comes calling for Cree and Milly, things get rough.
This story was funny, quirky and full of life. There were times where some of the dialogue felt a little forced, or maybe out of place in certain scenes, but overall – this was a fantastic book and such an enjoyable read.
4 Fun – Loving Stars!!
August 1, 2013
- Blurb -
Whose parents abandon them in a trashy trailer when they are five years old? Oh Yeah! Mine do!
Hey Hoochies! I'm Milly, and I am tired of taking kicks to the gut. A broken family, an asshole husband and the loss of loved ones have left me crying Uncle, and declaring a serious case of the Fuck-Its!
I had my heart broken, stomped on and shattered before I ever started on my journey to find my little piece of happiness. With a bucket list, a '66 Ford and wild dreams, I set out on an adventure that changed my life forever. Follow me on my journey that resurrected my inner badass.
I found my soul sista from another mista, and opened my dream shop along the way. Just when I gave up on finding true love, a pirate and a princess swept me off my ever lovin' feet and filled my world with sprinkles, mac n’ cheese and the courage to live again. They forced my fragile heart to trust and love without fear.
Truth is, nobody’s past stays hidden forever. It’s an invisible monster waiting to attack and destroy. It has the capability to ruin everything you’ve worked to set right. All it takes is one final blow to the gut to end everything.
- Synopsis/Review -
My Now & Forever had me hooked with the first page. The beginning was so heart wrenching. The book evolves into a great story of Milly, who has had a shitty life growing up with shitty parents (if you can even call them that), a bastard cheating husband and family loss along the way.
“By the way, I am Milly (Amelia Ladore Monroe), a self-proclaimed bad-ass who conquers the world by buying an old truck and looking for a hot lay in an elevator. I wasn't born a bad-ass but rather transformed into one through the many painful, cherished, and happy-happy events.”
After everything Milly has been through she makes a “bucket list thingy” and sets off to Colorado. There she opens “the Shop” where she meets Lacey, her sister from another mister and the become BFF’s. When she was least expecting it the amazing Cree entered her life along with his daughter, Annie.
“Oh god Cree, I love you- please don’t break my heart. I've fallen so hard for you”
Cree oh amazing, swoon worthy Cree…What can I say? I loved him. He was always such a gentleman to Milly, He is a great father to Annie, hard-worker...the list could go on forever. They definitely belong together.. While I love Milly and Cree, my favorite characters to read were Milly and Annie. The relationship that they develops is like no other. Annie is what helps MIlly grow alot throughout the book.
“To my family that I never had, but always dreamed of, I love you now and forever hookers!”
I truly enjoyed everything about this book. It took me on an emotional roller-coaster I laughed out loud more than I ever have, heck there were times when I was crying. I would recommend this book to anyone and can’t say enough how much I really enjoyed it!!! It definitely worth reading and I can not wait to see more books from HJ Bellus.
“Don’t you dare every give up on your hope and dreams…Be brave and hold onto your courage Now & Forever – HJ Bellus
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