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Jameson Sisters #1
Where There's Smoke
Filled with sweet, sexy and heart stopping moments Where There's Smoke is a fast paced, adrenaline packed romance!!! -- Amy @ The Reading Realm It's action-packed, mysterious, sweet, and sensual in all the right places! -- Erica @ Back Porch Romance Where There's Smoke had me on the edge of my seat multiple times. The combination of emotions, sexual tension and action kept me completely enthralled in this book. I couldn't think of sitting it down until I'd finished. -- KimberlyFayeReads There is something to be said for letting go. Ryland Roberts knows that better than anyone. He'd let go of his ambitions, of his family and—most of all—of her. He'd perfected the art of putting his past behind him and accepted the fact that the town he wanted to leave in his rearview was the place where he was going to live out his days. But sometimes the past doesn't just go away. Sometimes it comes back to haunt you. Piper Jameson convinced herself that she left for all the right reasons. She'd saved people by leaving—made sure that they weren't tainted by her rebellious ways. When her little sister asks her to come home and say goodbye to their ailing mother, she's forced to see that things aren't always as they seem. The people who she'd left behind might not have been saved at all. In the amount of time it takes a bullet to travel from point A to point B, Piper and Ryland will have to put their feelings for each other aside and make a choice. Forced on the run with Piper's sister, they begin to understand that the future they thought was gone was never really lost. 17+ Audience
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2014
8 people are currently reading
1542 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Lee
22 books893 followersBorn and raised in the middle of a Midwestern cornfield (not literally, that would be weird), I’ve spent my entire life imagining stories. Stories where the right guy always gets the right girl, first kisses are as magical as they are on the big screen and anything is completely possible if you believe.
Although this journey began years ago, it recently took on a whole new life. After years of devouring hundreds of Romance, YA and New Adult novels, I had an epiphany... I should write a book. And I did it!
If I’m not reading, writing, enjoying drinks with my amazing group of girlfriends or chasing around a sarcastically funny kid, I’m probably watching television shows that were created for teenagers, while my husband teases that I’m too old to watch them.
Although this journey began years ago, it recently took on a whole new life. After years of devouring hundreds of Romance, YA and New Adult novels, I had an epiphany... I should write a book. And I did it!
If I’m not reading, writing, enjoying drinks with my amazing group of girlfriends or chasing around a sarcastically funny kid, I’m probably watching television shows that were created for teenagers, while my husband teases that I’m too old to watch them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
January 19, 2016
More teasers at www.elizabethleewrites.com
May 17, 2014
MY RATING: ☆☆☆☆ "WHERE THERE'S SMOKE" by Elizabeth Lee
☆ Complimentary copy provided by the author "Elizabeth Lee" in exchange for an honest review ☆
~ THANK YOU ~
This wasn't something I would normally jump on and read, I adore the cover, that's what drew me in first off, I found this a wee bit over the place in the very beginning (this is only my honest opinion) and I couldn't connect with the characters, it wasn't until about half way where I got into the story and started to sit back and enjoy it and the story started unfolding..
YOUNG LOVE/HEART BREAK
She followed her dream and he didn't, he spent months in a state prison for a crime he didn't commit..
He was charged with arson and took a plea deal for one year sentence and probation, his scholarship went down the drain..
CORRUPTED COP
And then it all changed and turned into a clusterfuck when Piper Jameson was coming home again after supposedly running away five years earlier..
MURDER
There were so many elements in this story that kept you on the edge of your seat wondering where the author was going to lead you next..
SUSPENSE
"She shouldn't be able to get under my skin the way she did - I'd told myself I was through with her. Six years. Not one letter. Not one phone call.NOTHING."
GUILT
"I came to the conclusion that I didn't feel guilty that he was dead - he had gotten off easy as far as I was concerned. I would have much rather seen him rot in prison for the rest of his life for what he did to my sister."
ON THE RUN
"My mother was gone, my sister was broken."
With the way things ended in this book your left wondering if there will be a follow up about the sister..
☆ Complimentary copy provided by the author "Elizabeth Lee" in exchange for an honest review ☆
~ THANK YOU ~
This wasn't something I would normally jump on and read, I adore the cover, that's what drew me in first off, I found this a wee bit over the place in the very beginning (this is only my honest opinion) and I couldn't connect with the characters, it wasn't until about half way where I got into the story and started to sit back and enjoy it and the story started unfolding..
YOUNG LOVE/HEART BREAK
She followed her dream and he didn't, he spent months in a state prison for a crime he didn't commit..
He was charged with arson and took a plea deal for one year sentence and probation, his scholarship went down the drain..
CORRUPTED COP
And then it all changed and turned into a clusterfuck when Piper Jameson was coming home again after supposedly running away five years earlier..
MURDER
There were so many elements in this story that kept you on the edge of your seat wondering where the author was going to lead you next..
SUSPENSE
"She shouldn't be able to get under my skin the way she did - I'd told myself I was through with her. Six years. Not one letter. Not one phone call.NOTHING."
GUILT
"I came to the conclusion that I didn't feel guilty that he was dead - he had gotten off easy as far as I was concerned. I would have much rather seen him rot in prison for the rest of his life for what he did to my sister."
ON THE RUN
"My mother was gone, my sister was broken."
With the way things ended in this book your left wondering if there will be a follow up about the sister..
July 15, 2014
Tengo que reconocer que lo primero que me llamo la atencion de este libro al descubrirlo en Goodreads fue la hermosa portada que tiene y luego cuando lei la sinopsis termine de enamorarme de la historia.
Me gusta mucho cuando los protagonistas se reencuentran despues de unos años y vuelven a saltar chispas.
La verdad cuando lei la sinopsis no me esperaba que la historia se desarrollara de la forma que lo hizo pero por esa razon me gusto aun mas, porque me sorprendio gratamente. Para mi la trama no se me parecio a nada que hubiera leido anteriormente y fue como un soplo de aire fresco despues de leer tantos libros con una historia parecida.
Me gustaron mucho los personajes: Ryland, Piper, Hadley y Luke... Por una vez la protagonista femenina me gusto bastante y admire mucho que estuviera dispuesta a perderlo todo por salvar a su hermana.
Lo recomiendo, si buscas una historia un tanto diferente, esta es tu historia.
Esperando la historia de Hadley y Luke.
4 Estrellas!
May 21, 2014
I found myself a new go to author. All though I have a few of Elizabeth Lee's book on my TBR as well as my kindle, I have not read any of them yet. But I have read her co written book with Caisey Quinn and I loved it. That's why I purchased her other books.
But, damn EL can write. Page after page the words just flowed so freely. It was amazing for a story with so much angst to be so easy to read.
This book is angst at its finest. HOLY SHIT. This book. I had to step away numerous times because my nerves couldn't take it. I wasn't sure how it was going to end and I wasn't sure if I even wanted to know. It's written that amazing.
The character development was spot on. The flash backs and character history was done to perfection. Flashbacks are hard to read. Sometimes they are just thrown in and you're like WTF did I just read. Was that really necessary? But in Where there's Smoke I found myself looking forward to the flashbacks. I wanted to know as much about Ry and Piper as possible.
Piper. Oh Piper. Elizabeth Lee wrote such an amazing leading lady. She had faults, she owned up to her mistakes and she wasn't trying to make excuses for what she did.
Ryland Roberts. That names makes me want to rub my legs together. Ry is hot and swoonworthy. The way he felt about Piper and the shit he would do for her, they don't make them like Ryland Roberts, and if they did, I'd have to go hunting for my Ry and tie him up and keep him for myself.
My heart broke for all the time that Piper and Ry lost. But it broke even more for Hadley. That poor girl. She was left behind to deal with the aftermath and Piper thought it was good. But it wasn't and I wanted to hate Piper for what she did, but I go it. I understood, but what mattered is she was there for Hadley and she protected her.
This book was full of steamy moments, blood boiling anger, anxiety causing moments that make you want to drink a whole bottle of whiskey with a Xanax chaser. I felt like I was watching a movie and I couldn't sit still the entire time. That's how amazing this book is.
I can not wait to see where this series goes. HOLY EPILOGUE BATMAN!!!!!!!
But, damn EL can write. Page after page the words just flowed so freely. It was amazing for a story with so much angst to be so easy to read.
This book is angst at its finest. HOLY SHIT. This book. I had to step away numerous times because my nerves couldn't take it. I wasn't sure how it was going to end and I wasn't sure if I even wanted to know. It's written that amazing.
The character development was spot on. The flash backs and character history was done to perfection. Flashbacks are hard to read. Sometimes they are just thrown in and you're like WTF did I just read. Was that really necessary? But in Where there's Smoke I found myself looking forward to the flashbacks. I wanted to know as much about Ry and Piper as possible.
Piper. Oh Piper. Elizabeth Lee wrote such an amazing leading lady. She had faults, she owned up to her mistakes and she wasn't trying to make excuses for what she did.
Ryland Roberts. That names makes me want to rub my legs together. Ry is hot and swoonworthy. The way he felt about Piper and the shit he would do for her, they don't make them like Ryland Roberts, and if they did, I'd have to go hunting for my Ry and tie him up and keep him for myself.
My heart broke for all the time that Piper and Ry lost. But it broke even more for Hadley. That poor girl. She was left behind to deal with the aftermath and Piper thought it was good. But it wasn't and I wanted to hate Piper for what she did, but I go it. I understood, but what mattered is she was there for Hadley and she protected her.
This book was full of steamy moments, blood boiling anger, anxiety causing moments that make you want to drink a whole bottle of whiskey with a Xanax chaser. I felt like I was watching a movie and I couldn't sit still the entire time. That's how amazing this book is.
I can not wait to see where this series goes. HOLY EPILOGUE BATMAN!!!!!!!
February 13, 2020
Bueno comenzamos por que tenia un bloqueo de lector pero conforme fui buscando esconder este libro y a pesar que es muy cliché tenia algo diferente por que la chica era la mala y el chico era el tipo que tenia un futuro prometedor pero por asares del destino cambio todo para ellos y la chica consiguió su sueño pero el chico nunca lo hizo se quedo en su pueblo ayudando ala hermana de esta y trabajar en un lugar que odiaba y un pueblo que le recordaba constantemente a piper jamenson el caso que esta chica regresa por que cree averles echo un favor a todo mundo al irse jaja pero no alcontrario les hizo un dato tremendo a todos ...incluyendo su hermana
Ryland es el tipo de chico que todos queremos que apesar de ser unas idiotas esta ahí para nosotras que es el chico bueno y estudioso nerd pero después d sufrir en la carcel se vuelve un chico completamente diferente un HOMBRE y que lucha por lo que quiere y va por ello..
Lo que me repugno del libro fue que su hermana hadley sufrió a manos de su padrastro y no se hizo justicia pero con ese final con ella suicidándose deja mucho que desear ,realmente yo también quería que se quedara con lukas amigo de ryland ya que el fue el que miro esas fotos en el ordenador del perverso padrastro así que la comprendería mas y saber que habrá libro de ellos pero a como va la autora no veo para cuanto saque ese libro ,espero que mas pronto que tarde ... necesito saber que pasa con esta pareja
ame a ryland and piper que apesar de 7 anos y una vida sufriendo los dos por su lado ella logro ser piloto y ryland consiguió a su chica y su bebe amo esos finales espero ver mas de ellos en el siguiente libro ...
Ryland es el tipo de chico que todos queremos que apesar de ser unas idiotas esta ahí para nosotras que es el chico bueno y estudioso nerd pero después d sufrir en la carcel se vuelve un chico completamente diferente un HOMBRE y que lucha por lo que quiere y va por ello..
Lo que me repugno del libro fue que su hermana hadley sufrió a manos de su padrastro y no se hizo justicia pero con ese final con ella suicidándose deja mucho que desear ,realmente yo también quería que se quedara con lukas amigo de ryland ya que el fue el que miro esas fotos en el ordenador del perverso padrastro así que la comprendería mas y saber que habrá libro de ellos pero a como va la autora no veo para cuanto saque ese libro ,espero que mas pronto que tarde ... necesito saber que pasa con esta pareja
ame a ryland and piper que apesar de 7 anos y una vida sufriendo los dos por su lado ella logro ser piloto y ryland consiguió a su chica y su bebe amo esos finales espero ver mas de ellos en el siguiente libro ...
May 27, 2014
My Ryland and Piper
Piper is a lost girl who thinks she doesn't deserve anything in life. That's why she left Truitville in the dust 6 years ago and hasn't looked back. Until a family emergency pulls her back. Know she must face the mother, the little sister and the incredibly gorgeous boy she left behind.
Ryland wants to hate Piper for the misery she has put him through. But that beautiful, sassy blonde makes it impossible. She came storming back into his life and he'll be damned if she's gonna leave it again. When tragedy strikes and they're on the run, they must face the feelings they've been trying desperately to hold in.
“You didn't ruin my life, Piper. You are my life. You always have been.”
Where There's Smoke is a suspenseful, riveting love story about rekindling old flames. Be prepared to swoon majorly over Ryland. The way he feels for Piper and how he would go to the ends of the earth for her will make your heart melt!
“Piper Jameson-Ford, I have loved your crazy ass since the day first laid eyes on you. I loved you then, I love you now, and I will love you forever.”
Piper is a lost girl who thinks she doesn't deserve anything in life. That's why she left Truitville in the dust 6 years ago and hasn't looked back. Until a family emergency pulls her back. Know she must face the mother, the little sister and the incredibly gorgeous boy she left behind.
Ryland wants to hate Piper for the misery she has put him through. But that beautiful, sassy blonde makes it impossible. She came storming back into his life and he'll be damned if she's gonna leave it again. When tragedy strikes and they're on the run, they must face the feelings they've been trying desperately to hold in.
“You didn't ruin my life, Piper. You are my life. You always have been.”
Where There's Smoke is a suspenseful, riveting love story about rekindling old flames. Be prepared to swoon majorly over Ryland. The way he feels for Piper and how he would go to the ends of the earth for her will make your heart melt!
“Piper Jameson-Ford, I have loved your crazy ass since the day first laid eyes on you. I loved you then, I love you now, and I will love you forever.”
May 22, 2014
When I first heard this was a romantic suspense New Adult novel, I was like heck yeah! I love when authors branch out with New Adult. Elizabeth has done a great job of creating a story that will suck you in and keep you on the edge of your seat for our characters, but she also has done a stellar job of balancing out the romance and bringing the swoon!
Pacing: I felt this was really well-paced. While it was somewhat predictable (for me anyways), there were a few twists I didn't see coming that really broke my heart. Especially the one at the end that left my jaw hanging open. It's not quite a cliffhanger, but it does leave you unsettled and ready for the next book. I liked Ry and Piper's relationship and I felt it progressed at a good speed. These two have some serious history as well as harbor some serious hurt and regret towards one another.
Storyline: Piper Jameson has always been a bit of a wild child. Falling in love with the ambitious, good-hearted Ryland Roberts wasn't something she planned, but also something she couldn't help. Everyone knows Piper isn't good enough for someone like Ryland, but the two are young and in love and Ryland doesn't care what anyone thinks. He sees the good in Piper and falls for her spontaneous, outgoing personality. However, after one fateful night, Piper and Ryland's lives are turned upside down and now six years later, are reunited again.... and it's not a happy one. Piper had her reasons for leaving Truitsville, reasons that Ryland doesn't know about. She wants to tell him the truth, but she can't seem to bring herself to. Ryland is bitter, angry, and still heartbroken over losing the one girl he would do anything for. He has taken it upon himself to watch out for her younger sister Hadley after she left and now that she's reappeared back in his life, he has all of these feelings and emotions he thought were long dead rise back up to greet him.
However, as events unfold and they realize that things in Truitsville are worse than they ever knew, Piper and Ryland will have to push aside their confusing feelings for one another and focus on protecting the one person that still links them to one another.
Characters: As I said above, Piper has always been rather wild. After her mom married her step-father, the police of chief, it became clear that Piper was the troubled one and Hadley was the perfect daughter. Piper has been constantly told she's not good enough for someone like Ryland and eventually she starts to believe that to be true. She feels responsible for what happened to him after she left and she thought by not contacting him, she was doing him a favor. She wants to see him successful, married to a good woman, and happy. She has no idea that her leaving him would break him and her good intentions were all for nothing. After 6 years of being away and realizing the truth, she still feels she's not good enough for him and really wages an inner battle of whether or not she should open up to him and tell him the truth about everything. With the anger he feels and shows her, she's afraid it just might be too late for them.
Oh Ryland. He's adorable. He fell in love with a girl only to have his heart broken and his life completely thrown off track. The people he needed the most abandoned him and he is left a bitter, angry shell of a man. He tries not to let himself think of Piper, though every time he sees her sister Hadley, it's a reminder of the girl he loved and lost. He is less than thrilled when he finds out Piper will be coming back to town. He refuses to let himself think about everything they shared when they were younger. However, her return is not something he can avoid and as much as it hurts him, he will be there for them while they deal with their mom's illness.
I really like the moment Ryland owns up to his feelings for Piper and vows to fight for her. He won't let her go without a fight and his determination to keep her with him is really sexy and endearing. The two are older now and have made mistakes that they can't change. They can however, work towards a new future- provided they can make it through the chaos that they find themselves in the middle of.
I really liked Hadley, Piper's sister. She's a sweet girl who has lived through hell and my heart just ached for her. She tries to be strong and pretend she's not affected by what happened, but there's no way she can NOT be affected. The ending really threw me and I felt my breath literally leave my chest upon those final words. I am both looking forward to and fearing the next book, which will be from her point of view. Hadley has a lot to work through and I hope that she can and will be stronger because of what she's had to endure.
Final Thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. Even though I was able to predict some things, that doesn't mean others will. There were a lot of 'oh shit' moments for me, as well as tender, sweet ones that left me with a big grin on my face. I really enjoyed Ryland and Piper's characters, as well as their romance. I'm a fan of second chance romance stories, even though they hurt my heart because I hate seeing the characters in emotional pain! Where There's Smoke is an intense, fast-paced read that will leave you ready for more!
*Received a copy of this book via InkSlingerPR in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
Pacing: I felt this was really well-paced. While it was somewhat predictable (for me anyways), there were a few twists I didn't see coming that really broke my heart. Especially the one at the end that left my jaw hanging open. It's not quite a cliffhanger, but it does leave you unsettled and ready for the next book. I liked Ry and Piper's relationship and I felt it progressed at a good speed. These two have some serious history as well as harbor some serious hurt and regret towards one another.
Storyline: Piper Jameson has always been a bit of a wild child. Falling in love with the ambitious, good-hearted Ryland Roberts wasn't something she planned, but also something she couldn't help. Everyone knows Piper isn't good enough for someone like Ryland, but the two are young and in love and Ryland doesn't care what anyone thinks. He sees the good in Piper and falls for her spontaneous, outgoing personality. However, after one fateful night, Piper and Ryland's lives are turned upside down and now six years later, are reunited again.... and it's not a happy one. Piper had her reasons for leaving Truitsville, reasons that Ryland doesn't know about. She wants to tell him the truth, but she can't seem to bring herself to. Ryland is bitter, angry, and still heartbroken over losing the one girl he would do anything for. He has taken it upon himself to watch out for her younger sister Hadley after she left and now that she's reappeared back in his life, he has all of these feelings and emotions he thought were long dead rise back up to greet him.
However, as events unfold and they realize that things in Truitsville are worse than they ever knew, Piper and Ryland will have to push aside their confusing feelings for one another and focus on protecting the one person that still links them to one another.
Characters: As I said above, Piper has always been rather wild. After her mom married her step-father, the police of chief, it became clear that Piper was the troubled one and Hadley was the perfect daughter. Piper has been constantly told she's not good enough for someone like Ryland and eventually she starts to believe that to be true. She feels responsible for what happened to him after she left and she thought by not contacting him, she was doing him a favor. She wants to see him successful, married to a good woman, and happy. She has no idea that her leaving him would break him and her good intentions were all for nothing. After 6 years of being away and realizing the truth, she still feels she's not good enough for him and really wages an inner battle of whether or not she should open up to him and tell him the truth about everything. With the anger he feels and shows her, she's afraid it just might be too late for them.
Oh Ryland. He's adorable. He fell in love with a girl only to have his heart broken and his life completely thrown off track. The people he needed the most abandoned him and he is left a bitter, angry shell of a man. He tries not to let himself think of Piper, though every time he sees her sister Hadley, it's a reminder of the girl he loved and lost. He is less than thrilled when he finds out Piper will be coming back to town. He refuses to let himself think about everything they shared when they were younger. However, her return is not something he can avoid and as much as it hurts him, he will be there for them while they deal with their mom's illness.
I really like the moment Ryland owns up to his feelings for Piper and vows to fight for her. He won't let her go without a fight and his determination to keep her with him is really sexy and endearing. The two are older now and have made mistakes that they can't change. They can however, work towards a new future- provided they can make it through the chaos that they find themselves in the middle of.
I really liked Hadley, Piper's sister. She's a sweet girl who has lived through hell and my heart just ached for her. She tries to be strong and pretend she's not affected by what happened, but there's no way she can NOT be affected. The ending really threw me and I felt my breath literally leave my chest upon those final words. I am both looking forward to and fearing the next book, which will be from her point of view. Hadley has a lot to work through and I hope that she can and will be stronger because of what she's had to endure.
Final Thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. Even though I was able to predict some things, that doesn't mean others will. There were a lot of 'oh shit' moments for me, as well as tender, sweet ones that left me with a big grin on my face. I really enjoyed Ryland and Piper's characters, as well as their romance. I'm a fan of second chance romance stories, even though they hurt my heart because I hate seeing the characters in emotional pain! Where There's Smoke is an intense, fast-paced read that will leave you ready for more!
*Received a copy of this book via InkSlingerPR in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
May 28, 2014
A Fast Paced, Adrenaline Packed Romance
REVIEW:
The story:
Wow, this book was so so much more than the blurb suggests. Piper is back in her old hometown to say goodbye to her sick mother and support her sister. But her return sets off a chain reaction of event nobody could have seen coming. 6 years earlier, after being falsly accused of setting fire to the airport hanger, Piper leaves town, not knowing Ryland was handing himself over to the police to protect her. 6 years later and her ex Ryland is not happy to see her return, still bitter over her running away. But as secrets are revealed it becomes clear that neither of them really knew the whole story of what happened all those years ago.
It's actually quite difficult to say much about the story after 42%, as something MAJOR happens that you absolutely must experience yourself!!! I actually gasped out loud I was that shocked! All I will say is that there was so much drama, mystery and passion to keep you on the edge of your seat until very last word!!
The characters:
Piper may not be the perfect girl, and she's made her fair share of mistakes. But her intentions have always been in the best interest of the people she loves. After taking care of herself for the past 6 years, it's difficult for her to trust anyone else to look out for her, but if anyone can break through her tough exterior it's Ryland.
Ryland changed a lot over the 6 years, from the shy nerdy boy in school, to the strong and confident man he is today. After having his future taken away from him, he's also bitter and and angry at the world (and Piper). But after reconnecting with Piper, we see that the sweet & caring guy is still there. He would do anything to protect Piper and her sister Hadley and it's hard not to love him for that.
Hadley, Piper's younger sister, is a fabulous secondary character, and is such an important part of this story. On the outside she's a sweet girl, who never breaks the rules, but she's been through a lot. It soon becomes clear that her bright smile is hiding a lot of painful secrets and she most certainly has a story to tell!
The romance:
Who doesn't enjoy a good lover's reunited romance?! After fall in love in high school and making plans for their future, being torn apart was rough on both of them. But after their initial shock of seeing each other again, they quickly realise that the chemistry is still there and stronger than ever. There was a Romeo & Juliet vibe to their romance, with both of them willing to sacrifice everything for the other.
The Writing:
Elizabeth has taken some bold chances by writing a story that pushes the boundaries of what's right and wrong. I was constantly asking myself what I would do in their situation. The intensity of the story was overwhelming and really pushes to plot forward at fast pace. There was certainly not dull moment is this story!
FINAL WORD:
Filled with sweet, sexy and heart stopping moments Where There's Smoke is a fast paced, adrenaline packed romance!!!
CONTENT:
Sexuality: medium-strong / several sex scenes
Violence: strong /
Language: medium / some f words
Drugs & alcohol: mild
More reviews at The Reading Realm
REVIEW:
The story:
Wow, this book was so so much more than the blurb suggests. Piper is back in her old hometown to say goodbye to her sick mother and support her sister. But her return sets off a chain reaction of event nobody could have seen coming. 6 years earlier, after being falsly accused of setting fire to the airport hanger, Piper leaves town, not knowing Ryland was handing himself over to the police to protect her. 6 years later and her ex Ryland is not happy to see her return, still bitter over her running away. But as secrets are revealed it becomes clear that neither of them really knew the whole story of what happened all those years ago.
It's actually quite difficult to say much about the story after 42%, as something MAJOR happens that you absolutely must experience yourself!!! I actually gasped out loud I was that shocked! All I will say is that there was so much drama, mystery and passion to keep you on the edge of your seat until very last word!!
The characters:
Piper may not be the perfect girl, and she's made her fair share of mistakes. But her intentions have always been in the best interest of the people she loves. After taking care of herself for the past 6 years, it's difficult for her to trust anyone else to look out for her, but if anyone can break through her tough exterior it's Ryland.
Ryland changed a lot over the 6 years, from the shy nerdy boy in school, to the strong and confident man he is today. After having his future taken away from him, he's also bitter and and angry at the world (and Piper). But after reconnecting with Piper, we see that the sweet & caring guy is still there. He would do anything to protect Piper and her sister Hadley and it's hard not to love him for that.
Hadley, Piper's younger sister, is a fabulous secondary character, and is such an important part of this story. On the outside she's a sweet girl, who never breaks the rules, but she's been through a lot. It soon becomes clear that her bright smile is hiding a lot of painful secrets and she most certainly has a story to tell!
The romance:
Who doesn't enjoy a good lover's reunited romance?! After fall in love in high school and making plans for their future, being torn apart was rough on both of them. But after their initial shock of seeing each other again, they quickly realise that the chemistry is still there and stronger than ever. There was a Romeo & Juliet vibe to their romance, with both of them willing to sacrifice everything for the other.
The Writing:
Elizabeth has taken some bold chances by writing a story that pushes the boundaries of what's right and wrong. I was constantly asking myself what I would do in their situation. The intensity of the story was overwhelming and really pushes to plot forward at fast pace. There was certainly not dull moment is this story!
FINAL WORD:
Filled with sweet, sexy and heart stopping moments Where There's Smoke is a fast paced, adrenaline packed romance!!!
CONTENT:
Sexuality: medium-strong / several sex scenes
Violence: strong /
Language: medium / some f words
Drugs & alcohol: mild
More reviews at The Reading Realm
December 10, 2019
4.5 stars
My Review:
What an exciting, fun, and thrilling read! I knew I would enjoy this one when I picked it up, I just didn’t realize how much so. I love second chance romances, and this one had that and an intense, thrilling, and suspenseful story-line to go along with it.
Elizabeth Lee definitely created a new type of romance, one that kept me gripping the pages. Though there were a few twists that I did figure out, the conflict and plot building left me just hooked! This book had so many elements I adored as well, but I think the intense and thick chemistry between the two characters, Piper and Ryland, had me swooning and wanting more!
What I loved about the characters is that they are complex and both are seeking a second chance; even if they didn't realize it at first. Piper has always been seen as the wild child, free spirited, untamable person; someone you shouldn't really associate with. However, Piper is a free spirited character, which came through a lot, but she is a very strong and determined character. I loved that determination about her and her willingness to save her sister.
Then we have Ryland, a character that really took my breath away. Like Piper he is a strong and determined character. He was and still is a good-hearted individual, even after the six years that Piper was away which left Ryland feeling bitter and resentful. However, the love he has for her comes back full force, and that thick chemistry they always had is back tenfold. I loved how he would do anything for her without a second thought.
Both Ryland and Piper, of course, have a very complex and deep past. A past filled with misunderstand, resentment, sorrow, and frustration. However, when Piper comes back to town some major events take place that leave both Ryland and Piper, including Piper’s younger sister, on the run. The events that led up to them being on the run (though I was able to predict some of them) left me on the edge of my seat. I loved watching them overcome the obstacle they were facing. It challenged them, made them grow up, and made them realize just what love is. And it made them realize how much they truly care for each other.
The pacing was just to my liking, it was fast yet never rushed. I felt the development of events and actions moved natural and flowed very well with the story. I loved watching the events take place and how they left me wanting more. I enjoyed the growth of Piper and Ryland, they developed so much in the story and I was really happy with the results. And of course I have to mention the chemistry between these two characters, again, because it was a wonderful element to the story. I could truly feel the love they had for each other.
Where There's Smoke is definitely a one of a kind read. It was filled with intense action, a fast pace that never slowed down (which I loved), intense chemistry, and a story-line that was exhilarating, suspenseful, captivating, and oh so much fun to read about! I definitely recommend this New Adult read!
My Review:
What an exciting, fun, and thrilling read! I knew I would enjoy this one when I picked it up, I just didn’t realize how much so. I love second chance romances, and this one had that and an intense, thrilling, and suspenseful story-line to go along with it.
Elizabeth Lee definitely created a new type of romance, one that kept me gripping the pages. Though there were a few twists that I did figure out, the conflict and plot building left me just hooked! This book had so many elements I adored as well, but I think the intense and thick chemistry between the two characters, Piper and Ryland, had me swooning and wanting more!
What I loved about the characters is that they are complex and both are seeking a second chance; even if they didn't realize it at first. Piper has always been seen as the wild child, free spirited, untamable person; someone you shouldn't really associate with. However, Piper is a free spirited character, which came through a lot, but she is a very strong and determined character. I loved that determination about her and her willingness to save her sister.
Then we have Ryland, a character that really took my breath away. Like Piper he is a strong and determined character. He was and still is a good-hearted individual, even after the six years that Piper was away which left Ryland feeling bitter and resentful. However, the love he has for her comes back full force, and that thick chemistry they always had is back tenfold. I loved how he would do anything for her without a second thought.
Both Ryland and Piper, of course, have a very complex and deep past. A past filled with misunderstand, resentment, sorrow, and frustration. However, when Piper comes back to town some major events take place that leave both Ryland and Piper, including Piper’s younger sister, on the run. The events that led up to them being on the run (though I was able to predict some of them) left me on the edge of my seat. I loved watching them overcome the obstacle they were facing. It challenged them, made them grow up, and made them realize just what love is. And it made them realize how much they truly care for each other.
The pacing was just to my liking, it was fast yet never rushed. I felt the development of events and actions moved natural and flowed very well with the story. I loved watching the events take place and how they left me wanting more. I enjoyed the growth of Piper and Ryland, they developed so much in the story and I was really happy with the results. And of course I have to mention the chemistry between these two characters, again, because it was a wonderful element to the story. I could truly feel the love they had for each other.
Where There's Smoke is definitely a one of a kind read. It was filled with intense action, a fast pace that never slowed down (which I loved), intense chemistry, and a story-line that was exhilarating, suspenseful, captivating, and oh so much fun to read about! I definitely recommend this New Adult read!
May 21, 2014
Ryland had his life all planned out. He was a smart and dedicated student with intentions of going off to college, getting his degree and leaving his small hometown behind to live his dream. Then a little storm named Piper blew into town. She was fire to his ice and he was completely under her spell. What started as innocent tutoring turned into a brief yet epic romance that ended in a tragic accident that sent both their lives spiraling. Piper was forced to run, leaving her baby sister and mom behind, and Ryland was forever imprisoned in the one place he didn’t want to be.
Fast forward six years and their worlds come crashing back together. Piper is full of remorse and Ryland is full of bitterness. Neither understands the sacrifices they made for one another all those years ago nor are they prepared the ones they are about to have to make again. Evil has always been one step ahead of them. Evil that they will be forced to face head on. Can they out run it together this time? Forgive each other and work together to save themselves and Piper’s sister? How do you forgive someone else when you can’t forgive yourself?
Okay let me say first that this is not your typical Elizabeth Lee book. She took a little walk on the dark side with this one and it was a surprise. An epic surprise. I was completely hooked from page one. It had it all… romance… heartbreak… suspense… tragedy… chase… love… hate… forgiveness. It was a ride that left me breathless. I think our favorite backwoods romance author may have found a new niche. I can’t wait to see more along this line from her. The second book in this series can’t come fast enough. This reader needs more.
Fast forward six years and their worlds come crashing back together. Piper is full of remorse and Ryland is full of bitterness. Neither understands the sacrifices they made for one another all those years ago nor are they prepared the ones they are about to have to make again. Evil has always been one step ahead of them. Evil that they will be forced to face head on. Can they out run it together this time? Forgive each other and work together to save themselves and Piper’s sister? How do you forgive someone else when you can’t forgive yourself?
Okay let me say first that this is not your typical Elizabeth Lee book. She took a little walk on the dark side with this one and it was a surprise. An epic surprise. I was completely hooked from page one. It had it all… romance… heartbreak… suspense… tragedy… chase… love… hate… forgiveness. It was a ride that left me breathless. I think our favorite backwoods romance author may have found a new niche. I can’t wait to see more along this line from her. The second book in this series can’t come fast enough. This reader needs more.
May 12, 2014
***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review***
Well Damn. I could not put this book down.. I finished it in one day, I was so hooked!
If you have read anything else by Elizabeth Lee then you should be warned this is different than what she normally writes. This takes on a little darker subject matter and it isn't light and fluffy! I LOVED it! I am really digging this side of Elizabeth Lee!
Piper and Ryland had a good thing going six years ago. They were young and in love. Experiencing life together. But Piper wasn't known to be a good girl and after what should have been the best night of their lives turned into the worst night, Piper was forced to leave. I hate that Piper left, but I get her decisions. I don't think I would have done things any differently.
Ryland is still angry at Piper for leaving him. She just up and disappeared. No goodbye,no contact for six long years. When she comes back into town he is furious and determined to not let her affect him again. I also have to agree with how he felt.
I really liked these two together.I felt like in a way they balanced each other. I have to admit even with the blurb(guess I'm a little dense) I didn't expect events to turn out the way they did. I liked the way things played out and even though it may not seem realistic I totally could see it happening in real life and working.. I wish we would have seen more about Hadley, but it seems like my wish is coming true! :)Another favorite book and characters! I didn't want this book to end!!
Well Damn. I could not put this book down.. I finished it in one day, I was so hooked!
If you have read anything else by Elizabeth Lee then you should be warned this is different than what she normally writes. This takes on a little darker subject matter and it isn't light and fluffy! I LOVED it! I am really digging this side of Elizabeth Lee!
Piper and Ryland had a good thing going six years ago. They were young and in love. Experiencing life together. But Piper wasn't known to be a good girl and after what should have been the best night of their lives turned into the worst night, Piper was forced to leave. I hate that Piper left, but I get her decisions. I don't think I would have done things any differently.
Ryland is still angry at Piper for leaving him. She just up and disappeared. No goodbye,no contact for six long years. When she comes back into town he is furious and determined to not let her affect him again. I also have to agree with how he felt.
I really liked these two together.I felt like in a way they balanced each other. I have to admit even with the blurb(guess I'm a little dense) I didn't expect events to turn out the way they did. I liked the way things played out and even though it may not seem realistic I totally could see it happening in real life and working.. I wish we would have seen more about Hadley, but it seems like my wish is coming true! :)Another favorite book and characters! I didn't want this book to end!!
May 13, 2014
Thank you EL for giving me the opportunity to have an advanced copy and for starting a support group for all the heartfelt, loving, crazy, suspense you wrote! I wouldn't have made it without all the support, pictures and F bombs. :)
I will not write a spoiler so this review may be a little crazy because there is so many amazing things to be said about what happened and so many jaw dropping, holy shit moments. This book has so much love between two people that it makes you long for something so strong. Ry and Piper are like the hottest Bonnie and Clyde, EVER! Ry and Piper loved each other in high school. Experienced a beautiful night together that turned tragic. Piper was forced to leave to save the one she loved... So she thought. Piper's mother is sick so when she comes to be with her sister, Hadley, 6 years later, to say her goodbyes, everything doesn't go as planned. She runs into people she thought would have been long gone. HOLY FUCKING 42%. I totally did NOT see that coming!!! I cannot write anymore on that without spoiling it.
Another holy shit moment that blew me away (among many others) was at 95%. I loved I couldn't predict what was about to happen. RY and Piper kept throwing you off with their decisions, trying to protect the other.
This is an AMAZING story!!!! If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would!! MUST READ!!!
I will not write a spoiler so this review may be a little crazy because there is so many amazing things to be said about what happened and so many jaw dropping, holy shit moments. This book has so much love between two people that it makes you long for something so strong. Ry and Piper are like the hottest Bonnie and Clyde, EVER! Ry and Piper loved each other in high school. Experienced a beautiful night together that turned tragic. Piper was forced to leave to save the one she loved... So she thought. Piper's mother is sick so when she comes to be with her sister, Hadley, 6 years later, to say her goodbyes, everything doesn't go as planned. She runs into people she thought would have been long gone. HOLY FUCKING 42%. I totally did NOT see that coming!!! I cannot write anymore on that without spoiling it.
Another holy shit moment that blew me away (among many others) was at 95%. I loved I couldn't predict what was about to happen. RY and Piper kept throwing you off with their decisions, trying to protect the other.
This is an AMAZING story!!!! If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would!! MUST READ!!!
May 28, 2014
I didn't quite make a love connection with this NA story -- however, it was an okay read for me. I liked the premise of the story with the addition of suspense and thought the characters were likable as they fought to overcome the heartbreak and grab hold of a second chance at love.
There are editing problems throughout. This author tends to drop words from sentences that should easily be picked up and corrected with a good proofread. I've noticed this same tendency in her other books as well. It may sound nitpicky and not mean much to some readers but it sets my "tizzy button" off and I can't seem to ignore it.
There are editing problems throughout. This author tends to drop words from sentences that should easily be picked up and corrected with a good proofread. I've noticed this same tendency in her other books as well. It may sound nitpicky and not mean much to some readers but it sets my "tizzy button" off and I can't seem to ignore it.
June 17, 2014
Una sola estrella y fue gracias a esto → “channeling her inner Spiderman”
***(MEGA)REVIEW EN VARIAS PARTES CON MEGA SPOILERS***
Parte I (leído hasta la página 138):
El libro puede engañar, literalmente. El que espera un romance de esos “niña mala que regresa a su pueblo natal, se redime con su amor de toda la vida, y luego de un llantico (o algo emocional) tienen su HEA”…
¡¡¡NO!!!
La chica era mala, regresa, y a pesar de “haber cambiado”, sigue culpándose por lo que le pasó a su novio de adolescencia. Hasta ahí puede que las cosas funcionen y empiece el camino de la redención…
¡¡NO!! Tampoco.
Entonces, ¿de qué demonios es el libro?
Bueno, pues de unos chicos que no acaban de hablar sobre sus asuntos, sobre las cosas que pasaron entre ellos, sobre lo que se quedó atrás… Eso está bien hasta un punto. De hecho, lo entiendo, puesto que las personas tenemos el aquello de pensar en el pasado, querer salir adelante, pero necesita una voluntad espectacular para lograrlo.
Mi problema con Ryland y Piper es que ellos aparentemente avanzaron con sus vidas, pero todo lo que hacen, piensan y dicen apunta a lo contrario. ¿Por qué? Sencillo, se han pasado toda esta parte diciendo:
Ryland: “La deseo, pero ella no me ama”
Piper: “Me hace sentir bien, pero me alejaré porque no quiero seguir jodiéndole la vida”
WTF?
¿POR QUÉ DEMONIOS NO HABLAN???? Están asustados… no están listos… ¡vete a saber la excusa! Sin embargo, pasando por lo que están pasando, estas cosas ya están como en un quinto plano o algo así.
Me molesta el hecho de que Ryland se pretenda mostrar como un amor, un chico dulce y todas esas cosas que hacen que queramos que tipos como él existan en la vida real. Pero no llega. Él ha pasado por algo grande que cambió su vida, pero también se ha pasado esta renegando del pueblo, ¿qué rayos haces ahí todavía si no te gusta????? ¿Por qué no se marchó???? Eso no lo entiendo, me parece demasiado forzado, y solo es una excusa para que él y Piper se reencuentren accidentalmente.
Luego está Piper *suspiro*
Seré honesta, me llamó la atención leer este libro porque nunca he leído sobre un personaje llamado Piper, y el único que conozco pertenece a una serie de TV con temática sobrenatural (además de ser mi favorito de dicha serie).
Dicho eso, pasaré a ESTA Piper…
¿Qué está mal con ella? Aparentemente todo. No me agrada como personaje y no ha hecho nada por reivindicarse a mi vista. Entonces está el asunto de su obsesión por no volverle a joder la vida a Ryland. ¡Mija! ¿Qué no ves que el tipo es un adulto? Cierto, podría no haberlo enredado en sus asuntos desde el principio, pero, ¡hello!, Ryland tiene 24 años, es lo suficientemente inteligente (del tipo “beca-completa-de-ingeniería-en-Stanford” inteligente) como para saber en el lío en el que se está metiendo. Ella sigue insistiendo en que no quiere joderle la vida. (Debería contar las veces que lo dice en una misma página, pero eso sería como intentar enumerar las estrellas en cinco minutos o algo absurdo como eso...)
El problema es que SÉ que van a terminar juntos, y para variar, esta vez no me he ido al final del libro para saberlo. (Mala costumbre, so sue me!). En realidad no me molesta, es un libro NA —¿o era YA?— y la mayoría son para eso, para que terminen juntos, PERO si en las próximas páginas no dejan la tontería y hablan, creo que no lo terminaré; me iré directo a las últimas 10 páginas para resumir “esta aventura”. Hay tantas cosas que están mal con esto…
(Y AHORA MÁS SPOILERS…)
Parte II (leído hasta la página 172):
Me quedan menos de 30 páginas para terminar, y por desgracia este es uno de esos libros donde TODO se resuelve al final. Espero que haya algo interesante hasta entonces.
Parte III (libro terminado):
WTF????????? O_O
Lo lamento, pero creo que no pasa de la estrella esa que le di por la frase graciosa.
¿Qué rayos fue ese final? No hablemos ya del cliffhanger, porque de “cliff” nada, que ahorcar quiero yo a la escritora.
A ver, resumo:
*silencio… grillos…. más silencio*
¿EN SERIO?
¿QUÉ ESTÁ MAL CON USTEDES, GENTE?
*rueda los ojos*
No sé si quiero leerlo o no. Promete esta mejor que WTS, pero eso nunca es garantía.
¿Recomiendo “Where There’s Smoke”? ABSOLUTAMENTE NO!
***(MEGA)REVIEW EN VARIAS PARTES CON MEGA SPOILERS***
Parte I (leído hasta la página 138):
El libro puede engañar, literalmente. El que espera un romance de esos “niña mala que regresa a su pueblo natal, se redime con su amor de toda la vida, y luego de un llantico (o algo emocional) tienen su HEA”…
¡¡¡NO!!!
La chica era mala, regresa, y a pesar de “haber cambiado”, sigue culpándose por lo que le pasó a su novio de adolescencia. Hasta ahí puede que las cosas funcionen y empiece el camino de la redención…
¡¡NO!! Tampoco.
Entonces, ¿de qué demonios es el libro?
Bueno, pues de unos chicos que no acaban de hablar sobre sus asuntos, sobre las cosas que pasaron entre ellos, sobre lo que se quedó atrás… Eso está bien hasta un punto. De hecho, lo entiendo, puesto que las personas tenemos el aquello de pensar en el pasado, querer salir adelante, pero necesita una voluntad espectacular para lograrlo.
Mi problema con Ryland y Piper es que ellos aparentemente avanzaron con sus vidas, pero todo lo que hacen, piensan y dicen apunta a lo contrario. ¿Por qué? Sencillo, se han pasado toda esta parte diciendo:
Ryland: “La deseo, pero ella no me ama”
Piper: “Me hace sentir bien, pero me alejaré porque no quiero seguir jodiéndole la vida”
WTF?
¿POR QUÉ DEMONIOS NO HABLAN???? Están asustados… no están listos… ¡vete a saber la excusa! Sin embargo, pasando por lo que están pasando, estas cosas ya están como en un quinto plano o algo así.
Me molesta el hecho de que Ryland se pretenda mostrar como un amor, un chico dulce y todas esas cosas que hacen que queramos que tipos como él existan en la vida real. Pero no llega. Él ha pasado por algo grande que cambió su vida, pero también se ha pasado esta renegando del pueblo, ¿qué rayos haces ahí todavía si no te gusta????? ¿Por qué no se marchó???? Eso no lo entiendo, me parece demasiado forzado, y solo es una excusa para que él y Piper se reencuentren accidentalmente.
Luego está Piper *suspiro*
Seré honesta, me llamó la atención leer este libro porque nunca he leído sobre un personaje llamado Piper, y el único que conozco pertenece a una serie de TV con temática sobrenatural (además de ser mi favorito de dicha serie).
Dicho eso, pasaré a ESTA Piper…
¿Qué está mal con ella? Aparentemente todo. No me agrada como personaje y no ha hecho nada por reivindicarse a mi vista. Entonces está el asunto de su obsesión por no volverle a joder la vida a Ryland. ¡Mija! ¿Qué no ves que el tipo es un adulto? Cierto, podría no haberlo enredado en sus asuntos desde el principio, pero, ¡hello!, Ryland tiene 24 años, es lo suficientemente inteligente (del tipo “beca-completa-de-ingeniería-en-Stanford” inteligente) como para saber en el lío en el que se está metiendo. Ella sigue insistiendo en que no quiere joderle la vida. (Debería contar las veces que lo dice en una misma página, pero eso sería como intentar enumerar las estrellas en cinco minutos o algo absurdo como eso...)
El problema es que SÉ que van a terminar juntos, y para variar, esta vez no me he ido al final del libro para saberlo. (Mala costumbre, so sue me!). En realidad no me molesta, es un libro NA —¿o era YA?— y la mayoría son para eso, para que terminen juntos, PERO si en las próximas páginas no dejan la tontería y hablan, creo que no lo terminaré; me iré directo a las últimas 10 páginas para resumir “esta aventura”. Hay tantas cosas que están mal con esto…
(Y AHORA MÁS SPOILERS…)
Parte II (leído hasta la página 172):
Me quedan menos de 30 páginas para terminar, y por desgracia este es uno de esos libros donde TODO se resuelve al final. Espero que haya algo interesante hasta entonces.
Parte III (libro terminado):
WTF????????? O_O
Lo lamento, pero creo que no pasa de la estrella esa que le di por la frase graciosa.
¿Qué rayos fue ese final? No hablemos ya del cliffhanger, porque de “cliff” nada, que ahorcar quiero yo a la escritora.
A ver, resumo:
*silencio… grillos…. más silencio*
¿EN SERIO?
¿QUÉ ESTÁ MAL CON USTEDES, GENTE?
*rueda los ojos*
No sé si quiero leerlo o no. Promete esta mejor que WTS, pero eso nunca es garantía.
¿Recomiendo “Where There’s Smoke”? ABSOLUTAMENTE NO!
June 7, 2014
We all have that list of go-to authors. The ones that you know you will read and devour and probably love anything they have written and you will be the first one to have it in your hands… you know the kind of author… Elizabeth Lee has quickly become one of those authors for me. With this smart, chaotic, sexy, angsty and suspensful romance, she very well may have sealed the deal.
Piper is coming home to a life she left many years ago. She needs to say goodbye to her mom and make sure she knows that Piper loves her, despite the years she spent away from her. But leaving was her only choice. She had to save him. He is the one she left for. Knowing that her leaving would save him from fulfilling his dreams, it was her only option. And truly with the step father from hell, she really had no other choice. But staying away for so many years without reaching out to those she left behind could be the biggest tragedy of them all. Losing the one man she truly loved, leaving her little sister in the hell that was their house, never allowing herself to come to terms with the loss of it all.
But she knew in her heart that leaving was the only way she could protect Ry from the accusations and charges they would face. It was the only way to save them both. She took the opportunity to do it. And no one really missed her, the entire town thought she ran away. She left of her own free will. If anyone ever found out the person behind her leaving, the town wouldn’t believe her anyway. He was respected outside the home. But love was something that wasn’t abundant inside the walls. Piper never lived up to his expectations and for that she was constantly in trouble and a battle with no end in sight with her step-father.
But leaving Ry and her sister was the hardest thing she could have done. It wasn’t just her heart that was shattered with her leaving town. Ry’s life spiraled out of control. She was it for Ry. It may have been many years separating them from each other but the storm that is about to fly into town when Piper returns so so much greater. Never expecting to find herself in this craptastic town again, never expecting to be found again, suddenly she is here. One more time. But everything has changed.
Ry has a job and a home but is he truly happy with his life all these years later? Has he moved on? It doesn’t matter one way or another to Piper because she will be leaving as soon as possible and never looking back. There are quite a few road blocks standing in her way before she can leave this town.
Can Piper come to terms with the events of the past that have brought her here today? Can the past truly ever be overcome? Can Ry actually forgive her for leaving? Can she forgive herself? And what about her sister? What kind of life has she led?
This book just shook me to the core. There is so much more to it than a sweet little romance with a bit of drama. This book was full of suspense and angst, heartbreak and love. And when you throw all of those elements into a raging inferno, things are going to get hot. Just when you think there is a chance for everyone to be at peace with their decisions, everything shifts and changes. You are right back on the edge of your seat, gripping your devise thinking haven’t they been through enough? But through it all you always hope that true love wins out, that the heart can mend, that even the longest of distances or the greatest lengths in time can’t change true love.
One thing that stood out for me in the writing, Elizabeth Lee tells the story from two separate perspectives. But unlike so many other books, the duel perspective is done with great ease in this one. It flowed well and it set a pace for the story. I really appreciate that. Duel perspectives are sometimes hard to adjust to in books, but I had no issues at all with this one and Elizabeth Lee should be commended for that writing technique. Not many can pull it off, she definatley can.
This book had a dark side, it had a light side and at the very end, you realize there truly is light. I loved and adored this story line so much. Elizabeth Lee just captured all of the elements I love in a read and put them in this story. This is one I will certainly be re-reading and holding on to. Five fabulous stars for Where There’s Smoke by Elizabeth Lee. I couldn’t put it down, I wouldn’t put it down!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Piper is coming home to a life she left many years ago. She needs to say goodbye to her mom and make sure she knows that Piper loves her, despite the years she spent away from her. But leaving was her only choice. She had to save him. He is the one she left for. Knowing that her leaving would save him from fulfilling his dreams, it was her only option. And truly with the step father from hell, she really had no other choice. But staying away for so many years without reaching out to those she left behind could be the biggest tragedy of them all. Losing the one man she truly loved, leaving her little sister in the hell that was their house, never allowing herself to come to terms with the loss of it all.
But she knew in her heart that leaving was the only way she could protect Ry from the accusations and charges they would face. It was the only way to save them both. She took the opportunity to do it. And no one really missed her, the entire town thought she ran away. She left of her own free will. If anyone ever found out the person behind her leaving, the town wouldn’t believe her anyway. He was respected outside the home. But love was something that wasn’t abundant inside the walls. Piper never lived up to his expectations and for that she was constantly in trouble and a battle with no end in sight with her step-father.
But leaving Ry and her sister was the hardest thing she could have done. It wasn’t just her heart that was shattered with her leaving town. Ry’s life spiraled out of control. She was it for Ry. It may have been many years separating them from each other but the storm that is about to fly into town when Piper returns so so much greater. Never expecting to find herself in this craptastic town again, never expecting to be found again, suddenly she is here. One more time. But everything has changed.
Ry has a job and a home but is he truly happy with his life all these years later? Has he moved on? It doesn’t matter one way or another to Piper because she will be leaving as soon as possible and never looking back. There are quite a few road blocks standing in her way before she can leave this town.
Can Piper come to terms with the events of the past that have brought her here today? Can the past truly ever be overcome? Can Ry actually forgive her for leaving? Can she forgive herself? And what about her sister? What kind of life has she led?
This book just shook me to the core. There is so much more to it than a sweet little romance with a bit of drama. This book was full of suspense and angst, heartbreak and love. And when you throw all of those elements into a raging inferno, things are going to get hot. Just when you think there is a chance for everyone to be at peace with their decisions, everything shifts and changes. You are right back on the edge of your seat, gripping your devise thinking haven’t they been through enough? But through it all you always hope that true love wins out, that the heart can mend, that even the longest of distances or the greatest lengths in time can’t change true love.
One thing that stood out for me in the writing, Elizabeth Lee tells the story from two separate perspectives. But unlike so many other books, the duel perspective is done with great ease in this one. It flowed well and it set a pace for the story. I really appreciate that. Duel perspectives are sometimes hard to adjust to in books, but I had no issues at all with this one and Elizabeth Lee should be commended for that writing technique. Not many can pull it off, she definatley can.
This book had a dark side, it had a light side and at the very end, you realize there truly is light. I loved and adored this story line so much. Elizabeth Lee just captured all of the elements I love in a read and put them in this story. This is one I will certainly be re-reading and holding on to. Five fabulous stars for Where There’s Smoke by Elizabeth Lee. I couldn’t put it down, I wouldn’t put it down!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
August 18, 2015
"LOVE IS A SMOKE MADE WITH THE FUME OF SIGHS." - William Shakespeare
She’s the TROUBLE
He’s nothing but THE GOOD.
Until they met and the sparks flew instantly.
. . .But people didn’t say they’re THE LUCKY ONES.
They think they were wrong together. A huge mistake. . .
So She left without a word, without much of a choice. Wanting him to lead a GOOD LIFE everyone expects from him.
He stayed. Took all the blame and didn’t get the GOOD LIFE.
She came back. But not for HIM. And not for GOOD.
He found a new company. But not the RIGHT ONE.
Things are now different.
LOVE TURNS TO ANGER.
Right words just don’t come out.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PIPER JAMESON- I like her because I don't know what to hate her for this moment. And She's a loving sister and she's willing to give up everything to save other people especially her loved ones.
RYLAND ROBERTS- He's what you need if you want to pass your PHYSICS subject. or probably all your subject. But his good quality is the way he loves, how he's willing to give and sacrifice everything he has.
Aside from this story being on my shelves for what feels like I don't know, I picked it up because I wanted a light read this time. Something that would make me feel light and at the same time good. The story is about how much you are willing to sacrifice for the greater good and for the ones you love. I really enjoyed the story, especially the part where Piper and Ryland pretend to hate each other after six years of not seeing each other, not even a letter or phone calls. But then you can see that deep down inside, they yearn for each other for so long.
Also, I like that this story somehow has a thrill and twist and action despite its drama and romantic theme. I didn't find the romance too cheesy or else I would have stopped reading before I even get to the end. Oh and it's a suspense! Didn't see that coming.
. . . . . .
It's almsot 2am and I'm losing words so I'll stop here and maybe do some editing if I have time again!
P.S. I'm currently obsessed w/ Nat Wolff and Cara Delevingne (Shame cause I haven't actually seen the Paper TOwns movie yet) so thus the images. Don't hate me if you love Nat & Cara but hate this book.
She’s the TROUBLE
He’s nothing but THE GOOD.
Until they met and the sparks flew instantly.
. . .But people didn’t say they’re THE LUCKY ONES.
They think they were wrong together. A huge mistake. . .
So She left without a word, without much of a choice. Wanting him to lead a GOOD LIFE everyone expects from him.
He stayed. Took all the blame and didn’t get the GOOD LIFE.
She came back. But not for HIM. And not for GOOD.
He found a new company. But not the RIGHT ONE.
Things are now different.
LOVE TURNS TO ANGER.
Right words just don’t come out.
Will their love have its SECOND CHANCE?
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PIPER JAMESON- I like her because I don't know what to hate her for this moment. And She's a loving sister and she's willing to give up everything to save other people especially her loved ones.
RYLAND ROBERTS- He's what you need if you want to pass your PHYSICS subject. or probably all your subject. But his good quality is the way he loves, how he's willing to give and sacrifice everything he has.
"I would break into airports for you. I would cover up murders for you. I would follow you off the edge of a fucking cliff, Piper."
Aside from this story being on my shelves for what feels like I don't know, I picked it up because I wanted a light read this time. Something that would make me feel light and at the same time good. The story is about how much you are willing to sacrifice for the greater good and for the ones you love. I really enjoyed the story, especially the part where Piper and Ryland pretend to hate each other after six years of not seeing each other, not even a letter or phone calls. But then you can see that deep down inside, they yearn for each other for so long.
Also, I like that this story somehow has a thrill and twist and action despite its drama and romantic theme. I didn't find the romance too cheesy or else I would have stopped reading before I even get to the end. Oh and it's a suspense! Didn't see that coming.
. . . . . .
It's almsot 2am and I'm losing words so I'll stop here and maybe do some editing if I have time again!
P.S. I'm currently obsessed w/ Nat Wolff and Cara Delevingne (Shame cause I haven't actually seen the Paper TOwns movie yet) so thus the images. Don't hate me if you love Nat & Cara but hate this book.
May 25, 2014
Ryland and Piper just made my day. :)
This review can also be seen on our blog Musings of the Book-a-holic Fairies, inc.
THE UNIQUENESS
The story is refreshing to me because I haven't read a NA book with the same kind of action-crime feel. This is good because I didn't really know what to expect. To be honest, I just read this because Caisey Quinn, a fave author of mine posted this on Facebook and I decided to give it a shot. Thank God for that. I would've missed out on a very good story.
THE CHARACTERS
It revolves around our two lovely characters, Ryland and Piper (pretty badass names, if I may say so myself ;p ).
Ryland, the guy who was left behind. He's the nice guy and he's the guy with an unrequitted love. I like him because he will do anything and everything for the love of his life. LITERALLY. Piper, the girl who's always been misunderstood and abused. She's a strong one and I totally believed in her the whole time I was reading this book. There's just something about having a girl pilot as the main character that makes her more awesome! ;)
THE PLOT
Modern Bonnie and Clyde... NOT.
These two characters may have been in a crime scene, but that doesn't mean that they are criminals. It goes way deeper than teenage rebellion. It's twisted and it's pretty complicated. They were caught in the middle of a crime and they both took the fall...well, in their own ways. They had this perfect dream when they were younger, and all were just... shattered when THAT something happened.
I feel really bad for Ryland because while reading this, I felt like he was in some kind of limbo... not that Piper didn't suffer as well, all I'm saying is that Ryland drew the short straw in this story.
When Piper got back in town, I remember pushing them together in my mind. I was mentally chanting:
"getbacktogethergetbacktogethergetbacktogetherNOWNOWNOW".
I mean, after a few years of not seeing each other because of the bad circumstances, all I wanted was for them to get back together because their POVs are just both... miserable. :(
THE SURPRISE
The way they got back together / the reason that they did was such a shocker that I think my jaw really dropped. The villain here, Piper's dad was so much of a big control freak that I really didn't see that coming... I repeat, I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING! It was such a big event that I thought there would surely be bigger problems, and I wasn't wrong. Living like THAT couldn't have been easy no matter which angle I look at it.
Arrrggh, it's so hard to give a spoiler free review. I swear! Haha!
THE ENDING
This book's ending is pretty good. It gives highlight to Piper and Ryland's story, and yet it also opens up a big archway for the next book. It is satisfying. :)
THE EMBARRASSING ASSUMPTION
So here goes, I really thought that Hadley, Piper's sister, was psychotic. I thought there was a twist somewhere wherein she would grab Piper and just be done with it or something. Haha! I'm writing this down so other readers would not dare imagine what my overactive imagination did.
I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT:
Ryland's future. Piper is pretty much already established, but how about Ryland? I want to see him achieve is life's goal too. He got the girl. I wanna see him grab a brighter future.
ALL IN ALL
I am rating this a 4 because it made my day. I love what happened and look forward to what will happen next. :)
This review can also be seen on our blog Musings of the Book-a-holic Fairies, inc.
THE UNIQUENESS
The story is refreshing to me because I haven't read a NA book with the same kind of action-crime feel. This is good because I didn't really know what to expect. To be honest, I just read this because Caisey Quinn, a fave author of mine posted this on Facebook and I decided to give it a shot. Thank God for that. I would've missed out on a very good story.
THE CHARACTERS
It revolves around our two lovely characters, Ryland and Piper (pretty badass names, if I may say so myself ;p ).
Ryland, the guy who was left behind. He's the nice guy and he's the guy with an unrequitted love. I like him because he will do anything and everything for the love of his life. LITERALLY. Piper, the girl who's always been misunderstood and abused. She's a strong one and I totally believed in her the whole time I was reading this book. There's just something about having a girl pilot as the main character that makes her more awesome! ;)
THE PLOT
Modern Bonnie and Clyde... NOT.
These two characters may have been in a crime scene, but that doesn't mean that they are criminals. It goes way deeper than teenage rebellion. It's twisted and it's pretty complicated. They were caught in the middle of a crime and they both took the fall...well, in their own ways. They had this perfect dream when they were younger, and all were just... shattered when THAT something happened.
I feel really bad for Ryland because while reading this, I felt like he was in some kind of limbo... not that Piper didn't suffer as well, all I'm saying is that Ryland drew the short straw in this story.
When Piper got back in town, I remember pushing them together in my mind. I was mentally chanting:
"getbacktogethergetbacktogethergetbacktogetherNOWNOWNOW".
I mean, after a few years of not seeing each other because of the bad circumstances, all I wanted was for them to get back together because their POVs are just both... miserable. :(
THE SURPRISE
The way they got back together / the reason that they did was such a shocker that I think my jaw really dropped. The villain here, Piper's dad was so much of a big control freak that I really didn't see that coming... I repeat, I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING! It was such a big event that I thought there would surely be bigger problems, and I wasn't wrong. Living like THAT couldn't have been easy no matter which angle I look at it.
Arrrggh, it's so hard to give a spoiler free review. I swear! Haha!
THE ENDING
This book's ending is pretty good. It gives highlight to Piper and Ryland's story, and yet it also opens up a big archway for the next book. It is satisfying. :)
THE EMBARRASSING ASSUMPTION
So here goes, I really thought that Hadley, Piper's sister, was psychotic. I thought there was a twist somewhere wherein she would grab Piper and just be done with it or something. Haha! I'm writing this down so other readers would not dare imagine what my overactive imagination did.
I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT:
Ryland's future. Piper is pretty much already established, but how about Ryland? I want to see him achieve is life's goal too. He got the girl. I wanna see him grab a brighter future.
ALL IN ALL
I am rating this a 4 because it made my day. I love what happened and look forward to what will happen next. :)
May 28, 2014
What happens when you put a good boy from the right side of the tracks with a bad girl who keeps getting in trouble ? They fall head over heels in love. Ryland Roberts had everything going for him including a full-ride scholarship to Stanford until the night everything turned to rubbish and instead of being the best day of his life, turned out to be the worst. Piper Jameson was the step-daughter of the Sheriff and a pain in his side , so when she gets into trouble - he sends her off to boarding school but lets the whole town think she ran away and left Ryland to pick up the slack. Six years later, Piper is living her dream as a Pilot and under her mother's maiden name as she doesn't want to be found. Too late though as her sister Hadley finds her and calls her back home as their mother is dying. Piper steps foot in her hometown for the first time in six years, since that night. What will happen though when she discovers that Ryland took the blame for everything and he believes she ran away and ruined his life ? What will happen when the truth is finally revealed ? Is there hope for Ryland and Piper to get a second chance? Or when another tragedy happens and leaves Ryland and Piper scrambling for alibis - will their chance be cut short again by the law ?
Find out in this new New Adult novel "Where There's Smoke" by Elizabeth Lee
Find out in this new New Adult novel "Where There's Smoke" by Elizabeth Lee
July 19, 2014
Well done, Elizabeth Lee. You amaze me with every book. This was a bit different than the others, but oh so good. Such a great story filled with angst, suspense, heartbreak and lots of STEAM!!! Not to mention, Ryland Roberts is one fine sexy man with a heart of gold. Loved him and was so thankful for his pov!!
*review to come*
*review to come*
June 4, 2014
4.5 stars! A reunion romance... my favorite!
Love, Love, Love Elizabeth Lee's writing! I've read every book she's published, and each book I've loved in a different way. Elizabeth has a way of making me fall in love with her characters and story, leaving an imprint on my heart each time. I cannot wait to see where the story goes from here! That's going to be a juicy for sure!
April 4, 2016
You know what? This book is awesome! The only part I didn't like is the one that reminded me of Gossip Girl. But if I reveal anything other than that, I'll spoil everything. Characters in this book are strong and tense, but the book got me from the first page. And it's the first one I've read on iPhone without whining about it. Give it a try, you won't regret it ;)
January 19, 2025
This was good and the suspense element was balanced well with the romance. I really liked both Piper and Ryland and their dynamic. I’m always a sucker for a second chance romance. Did think the pacing was a bit quick at parts and the ending was a bit abrupt, but still enjoyed it overall.
Read
September 11, 2016
Overall Rating: 4 Rockin’ ★★★★
Piper is a bad girl that strikes out at everything around her. Her mother’s new husband is a controlling, verbally abusive man that expects perfection from those around him. From the first time she meets Ryland, Piper knows he is the one for her but she is afraid that she will destroy him and his future.
That was the thing about Ryland-I saw a side of him that no one else saw. I could probably say the same for him about me. Until him, I’d never felt like I was going to amount to much, but he believed in me, even when I didn’t-which was most of the time.
The road to true love is sometimes rocky especially when you are setup by your stepfather to fail. An innocent night turns into a nightmare when a fire starts in a hanger at the airport where we were having our date night. My stepfather is the law enforcement in the town and he gives me a choice, either leave or be shipped off to juvie. I had agreed six years ago to leave and attend an alternative high school with the understanding that the night of the fire would go away. I knew that I was bad for Ryland and he would be able to go off to college and have a good life without me bringing him down.
I knew better than to ruffle any feathers at Steelcreek. That place was my second chance. I’d had too many run-ins with the law before the whole airport thing. I was lucky that Resden hadn’t shipped straight off to juvie. Which he totally could have done being a police chief and all.
When Piper receives a call from her sister Hadley she knows that she must return home, their mother is dying. It was time to face the past and help her little sister. Little did Piper know that Ryland had never left for college but went to jail after he confessed to being responsible for the fire at the airport. Her stepfather knew he had not started the fire, but had still arrested Ryland.
I’d seen enough in the time I lived under his roof to know that he not only ran a corrupt police department, but did so without blinking twice. Tampering with evidence. Bending the rules for anyone he thought may be able to return the favor one day. Forging reports. You name it, I’d be money he’d done it.
When Piper returned Ryland could not stop the way he still felt about her and would always feel about her. It did matter that she had left and never contacted him, he still knew that she was his.
Mine. I would always be the person that picked her up and put her back together whether I liked it or not. The possessiveness I felt was new to me and judging by the look on her face she hadn’t been expecting it either. Something about having her so close to me was driving me insane.
Piper has contacted her father and arranged to get Hadley to him after her mother passed away. The only problem was her stepfather had other plans and they did not include letting her leave with Hadley.
“You son of bitch,”Piper screamed out. “If you ever lay another finger on her I swear to God—“ “You’ll do nothing,” he snarled, his hands in front of his body and out of my view. His right hand twisting something together. “Now come over here, Hadley,” he waved. “You know I’m not going to hurt you. You’re my good little girl, remember?”
I have to save Piper and Hadley from him. We have no choice but to run and keep running. Resden was a police officer and there would be repercussions. There was no way we could go to the Truitville Police Department so many people had heard both of us say how we wish he was dead.
“Don’t worry.” Ry walked over and wrapped his arms around me. “It’s going to be okay.”
Will Ry and Piper clear their names and keep Hadley safe? Will their love find a future and be able to leave the past behind?
Hero –Ryland Roberts: 4 stars
Heroine –Piper Jameson: 4 stars
Steam: 4 stars
Plot: 4 stars
Cliffhanger: No
Would I recommend this book: Yes! Mix a bad girl and a good boy and you get a really hot read about the struggles true love faces to survive and have a future.
Would I read other books by this author: Yes! I cannot wait to read the story about Piper’s little sister.
***Received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review***
Where There's Smoke
Elizabeth Lee
November 11, 2014
I really liked this book. The story had a lot of things going on with it. There were a lot of different elements to this story. It keeps you guessing about what Lee is going to bring in to the story next. The best part was that it didn’t feel overwhelming. All of it seemed to work together and make the story better.
Young Love/ Young Heartbreak
Piper and Ryland met in High School. They fell in love despite what everyone thought of them. Piper was the trouble maker/ hellion. Ryland was the nerd that never got into trouble and had a very bright future. One night and a step-dad hell bent on ruining Piper’s life split them up. The airplane hangar in their town went up in flames. Piper thought that she was going to be saving everyone by leaving town (plus that asshole not giving her a choice) but she broke Ry’s heart.
Corrupt Cop/ Murder
Everyone thought that Piper ran away six years ago. No one knew that Piper’s step-dad forced her to leave. Resden is the super villain in this story and he is only in it for a short time. The effect he has on this story is ridiculous. It wasn’t just him either. He had the whole police station after these two characters.
One night changed everything for Piper, Hadley, and Ryland. One secret came to light and ended a life. This part is kind of predictable. If you can add up clues you should go into this part of the story knowing what happens. You could feel the tension and everything that the characters where going through. That is really hard for an author to do correctly and Lee did an amazing job.
On The Run
Our characters go on the run after the murder that takes place. There is still a lot of confusion between Piper and Ry. They both still love each other but one is still mad and the other doesn’t want to bring the other down. They are so focused on keeping Hadley safe they don’t focus on each other even after the one night in the hotel room.
When you read about people getting away with murder some stories are not believable but this story was believable. The author found a way to end this story in a way you can see it actually happen in life. Another great thing about this book is you never really know who pulled the trigger until the end. There are no clues and Lee doesn’t really bring it up much. She lets you assume and then she surprises you!
Forgiveness
A large part of this book is about forgiveness. Piper is looking for a lot of forgiveness when she comes back to town six years later. She is looking for forgiveness with her mother who she not only left but her mother let her step-dad run her out of town. She needs forgiveness with her sister. Hadley thought that Piper left, hid, and never looked back. Piper thought she was doing the right thing and didn’t know what she was leaving Hadley to deal with. Now she needs to find a way to make it up to her sister.
And for almost every minute of this book Piper is looking for forgiveness with Ryland. Piper expected Ryland to make all of his dreams come true. What she didn’t expect was to find out he went to jail and stayed in the town they were desperate to get out of. The forgiveness that happens between these two characters was beautiful and it took some work. There were bumps in the road but they made it through and it was great.
This book was surprisingly clean. There was one sex scene but it really wasn’t that bad. There were some kissing but the sex was kept to a minimum. So for people who like clean books this is a pretty good one for you.
The book was really great as I said before. The writing flowed well and the characters were interesting. Piper was strong and I loved that she was willing to do everything she could for the people she loved. Ryland was the same way. Ry loved Piper with all of his heart even when he didn’t want to admit it. He was ready to throw his life away twice, for Piper and her family.
This book was exciting and I couldn’t put it down! Go pick up a copy!!!
If you enjoy my reviews consider checking out my blog!
Young Love/ Young Heartbreak
Piper and Ryland met in High School. They fell in love despite what everyone thought of them. Piper was the trouble maker/ hellion. Ryland was the nerd that never got into trouble and had a very bright future. One night and a step-dad hell bent on ruining Piper’s life split them up. The airplane hangar in their town went up in flames. Piper thought that she was going to be saving everyone by leaving town (plus that asshole not giving her a choice) but she broke Ry’s heart.
Corrupt Cop/ Murder
Everyone thought that Piper ran away six years ago. No one knew that Piper’s step-dad forced her to leave. Resden is the super villain in this story and he is only in it for a short time. The effect he has on this story is ridiculous. It wasn’t just him either. He had the whole police station after these two characters.
One night changed everything for Piper, Hadley, and Ryland. One secret came to light and ended a life. This part is kind of predictable. If you can add up clues you should go into this part of the story knowing what happens. You could feel the tension and everything that the characters where going through. That is really hard for an author to do correctly and Lee did an amazing job.
On The Run
Our characters go on the run after the murder that takes place. There is still a lot of confusion between Piper and Ry. They both still love each other but one is still mad and the other doesn’t want to bring the other down. They are so focused on keeping Hadley safe they don’t focus on each other even after the one night in the hotel room.
When you read about people getting away with murder some stories are not believable but this story was believable. The author found a way to end this story in a way you can see it actually happen in life. Another great thing about this book is you never really know who pulled the trigger until the end. There are no clues and Lee doesn’t really bring it up much. She lets you assume and then she surprises you!
Forgiveness
A large part of this book is about forgiveness. Piper is looking for a lot of forgiveness when she comes back to town six years later. She is looking for forgiveness with her mother who she not only left but her mother let her step-dad run her out of town. She needs forgiveness with her sister. Hadley thought that Piper left, hid, and never looked back. Piper thought she was doing the right thing and didn’t know what she was leaving Hadley to deal with. Now she needs to find a way to make it up to her sister.
And for almost every minute of this book Piper is looking for forgiveness with Ryland. Piper expected Ryland to make all of his dreams come true. What she didn’t expect was to find out he went to jail and stayed in the town they were desperate to get out of. The forgiveness that happens between these two characters was beautiful and it took some work. There were bumps in the road but they made it through and it was great.
This book was surprisingly clean. There was one sex scene but it really wasn’t that bad. There were some kissing but the sex was kept to a minimum. So for people who like clean books this is a pretty good one for you.
The book was really great as I said before. The writing flowed well and the characters were interesting. Piper was strong and I loved that she was willing to do everything she could for the people she loved. Ryland was the same way. Ry loved Piper with all of his heart even when he didn’t want to admit it. He was ready to throw his life away twice, for Piper and her family.
This book was exciting and I couldn’t put it down! Go pick up a copy!!!
If you enjoy my reviews consider checking out my blog!
March 22, 2016
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
I have become a huge fan of Elizabeth Lee's and I absolutely loved her Give Me Something series! So when I saw that she had a new book coming out, I didn't even need to read the blurb to know that I wanted to read this story. Where There's Smoke was so good, and I loved that it was completely different from not only what I have read by her but also by anyone else. Everything that I have come to love about Elizabeth's books was still there though, and this is another must read from her!
When Piper Jameson gets word from her sister that their mom is dying, she returns home after having left six years ago. She plans to get in and be out as soon as the funeral is over, while taking her sister away from her awful step-dad. She never expects to run into the only other person besides her sister that she regretted leaving behind. She knew that when she left Ryland that she was doing the right thing for him and his future, even if it meant breaking his heart as well as hers. But she never expected him to still be stuck in their small town when he had plans to attend Stanford and become an engineer. Ryland is still mad at Piper for leaving and doesn't want anything to do with her at this point, but he does want answers. But when Piper and Ryland continue to run into each other, they find out that they both had no idea of everything that had happened all those years ago. The love and connection they felt for each other is still there, but before they can explore the future that they both thought was lost they are forced to run with Piper's little sister. Can they figure things out between them and have a chance at a future together while on the run, or will their future be stolen from them once again?
I absolutely loved Ryland. He was smart and sweet, and just a genuinely good guy. He looked out for Piper's sister the entire time she was gone, even after everything that had happened. He was so caring and protective and he was willing to give up everything for Piper and her sister. He had been so hurt by Piper leaving and not ever getting into contact with him, but he still loved her anyways. Piper thought that she was doing the right thing and took the opportunity to get out when she could. She was really shocked to figure out that things were completely different than she had expected or planned, and I felt so bad for her and Ryland both because she had sacrificed a lot and he still ended up losing so much because of everything that happened. Piper might have made a bad choice to leave town even if for the right reasons, but she also was quick to return home as soon as her sister found her and that wasn't easy for her. I was glad that she had never moved on from Ryland and that she had never felt right with anyone else as Ryland also felt. It was so clear that they belonged together and that they loved each other so much. They were a great fit for each other, and they had such a strong connection even with their differences. I think that they were the perfect balance for each other and they had great chemistry!
I really loved not only Ryland and Piper, but also Piper's sister Hadley and Ryland's friend Luke. I am really excited to get to know those two better in the next book, There's Fire. These two will have a lot to overcome, and I am so anxious to see what happens for them. I love how Elizabeth Lee is able to write these beautifully flawed characters that are so real and believable, and make you become instantly invested in them. I always find myself lost in her stories, and I tend to finish them in one sitting because I just can't put them down. I love her writing style also, and her books just flow so well. I highly recommend anything by Elizabeth Lee, but Where There's Smoke is an absolute must read! I can't wait to read more from her in the future, and I will be waiting for There's Fire which is scheduled to release late this summer.
**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**
I have become a huge fan of Elizabeth Lee's and I absolutely loved her Give Me Something series! So when I saw that she had a new book coming out, I didn't even need to read the blurb to know that I wanted to read this story. Where There's Smoke was so good, and I loved that it was completely different from not only what I have read by her but also by anyone else. Everything that I have come to love about Elizabeth's books was still there though, and this is another must read from her!
When Piper Jameson gets word from her sister that their mom is dying, she returns home after having left six years ago. She plans to get in and be out as soon as the funeral is over, while taking her sister away from her awful step-dad. She never expects to run into the only other person besides her sister that she regretted leaving behind. She knew that when she left Ryland that she was doing the right thing for him and his future, even if it meant breaking his heart as well as hers. But she never expected him to still be stuck in their small town when he had plans to attend Stanford and become an engineer. Ryland is still mad at Piper for leaving and doesn't want anything to do with her at this point, but he does want answers. But when Piper and Ryland continue to run into each other, they find out that they both had no idea of everything that had happened all those years ago. The love and connection they felt for each other is still there, but before they can explore the future that they both thought was lost they are forced to run with Piper's little sister. Can they figure things out between them and have a chance at a future together while on the run, or will their future be stolen from them once again?
I absolutely loved Ryland. He was smart and sweet, and just a genuinely good guy. He looked out for Piper's sister the entire time she was gone, even after everything that had happened. He was so caring and protective and he was willing to give up everything for Piper and her sister. He had been so hurt by Piper leaving and not ever getting into contact with him, but he still loved her anyways. Piper thought that she was doing the right thing and took the opportunity to get out when she could. She was really shocked to figure out that things were completely different than she had expected or planned, and I felt so bad for her and Ryland both because she had sacrificed a lot and he still ended up losing so much because of everything that happened. Piper might have made a bad choice to leave town even if for the right reasons, but she also was quick to return home as soon as her sister found her and that wasn't easy for her. I was glad that she had never moved on from Ryland and that she had never felt right with anyone else as Ryland also felt. It was so clear that they belonged together and that they loved each other so much. They were a great fit for each other, and they had such a strong connection even with their differences. I think that they were the perfect balance for each other and they had great chemistry!
I really loved not only Ryland and Piper, but also Piper's sister Hadley and Ryland's friend Luke. I am really excited to get to know those two better in the next book, There's Fire. These two will have a lot to overcome, and I am so anxious to see what happens for them. I love how Elizabeth Lee is able to write these beautifully flawed characters that are so real and believable, and make you become instantly invested in them. I always find myself lost in her stories, and I tend to finish them in one sitting because I just can't put them down. I love her writing style also, and her books just flow so well. I highly recommend anything by Elizabeth Lee, but Where There's Smoke is an absolute must read! I can't wait to read more from her in the future, and I will be waiting for There's Fire which is scheduled to release late this summer.
**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**
July 17, 2014
I always look forward to Elizabeth Lee’s work, because she knows just how to give the one-two punch with characters that are completely captivating and a storyline that is smoking hot sexy. With this first installment of the Jameson Sisters series, she wows us with characters that jab at the heart and a story that draws you in for the good, the bad, and all those parts in between that make you glad you grabbed this one to curl up to!
Ryland and Piper had a connection that went beyond their young years, and despite how they didn’t necessarily match up on paper, none of that mattered. She was the bad seed, he was the boy destined for great things in life. That is, until one freak accident turned everything upside down and Piper made a choice that would put all of that into question.
Ryland Roberts…oh, how I fell in love with this man from the moment his thoughts came into view on my iPad. There’s just something about him, he’s that perfect combo of tender but utterly sexual, with that hidden awkward boy from his past somewhere deep down inside. Seeing both his younger self, where he was nervous and just feeling lucky to be in Piper’s presence, to his more experienced and mature self, where he was still just feeling lucky to be in her presence but was just so much more a man…yep, he did me in! He loved Piper with all his virgin first-love heart, and it was so awesome that we got a flashback sneak peek into those moments. They were each other’s first loves, first times, and first true trusted friends, and when Piper left because she thought it was best for everyone…well, it was the wrong decision for her to make, but for all the right reasons.
You can always count on Elizabeth Lee to give her heroines that edge that sets them apart from the rest, and I love that. Piper isn’t a wallflower, or the sweet girl who made some bad choices. No, she’s a rebel, she’s a fighter, and she’s selfless (cue Katy Perry’s “Roar”), and she rocked! She was a victim of crappy parenting on both sides, and your heart just aches for this girl. Even though you want to throttle her for believing everyone would be better if she left, you had to admire her strength as she took the harder path in order to (or so she thought) make it easier for everyone else. She saw herself as the weed that soiled everyone else’s garden, and it was so sad to see her so down on herself. Ryland was the only one who could reach down into her very soul and slap some sense into her, and it was because they were just that damned good together in every way.
The romance between Piper and Ryland wasn’t the only storyline going on here, and as Piper’s family drama unfolded and her past with Ryland came to the forefront, there was hardly a dull moment. Piper and her sister not only faced the loss of their mother, but also a stepfather who will make your skin crawl. My stomach was in knots, and though there were some aspects of the backstory that I could have used a bit more of, I still found myself drawn in at every turn. Ryland and Piper’s story was an absolute treat to dive into for the weekend, and it gets a huge thumbs up from this reader. Can’t wait to read her sister’s story next, it’s sure to be a heartbreaking page-turner, too!
Quotes:
The truth was, I used to love the way she made me knock down the perfect little box I’d created for myself before she came along. Four walls of studious, tedious, repetitious and boring. She was my wrecking ball in more ways than one. ~Loc 470
Six years thinking that he was living the life he was supposed to be living and now I find out he threw it all away, for what? Me?
For someone that is so smart, he really is dumb. ~Loc 749
My heart skipped a beat at the fact that she hadn’t immediately hauled ass back to her room when we were finished.
Thanks for covering up the crime scene and for the orgasms, peace out. ~Loc 1972
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May 23, 2014
*I received a copy of this from the author in exchange for an honest review.
*Full review can be found at Part of that World.
I've never read any of Elizabeth Lee's books, so I wasn't sure what to expect from this one. But I looove that cover, and I also looove stories about second chances and people finding the strength to heal and let go. People who find the strength to forgive. Where There's Smoke is a solid story, albeit a sometimes unbelievable one with characters who grated on my nerves a little bit.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars!
I've read so many New Adult novels that it sometimes seems like I'll never find one that's any different from the hundreds out there. I've read the same type of story-line as the one in Where There's Smoke before. In Song of the Fireflies. It's got many of the same elements, although it's not as dark as SOTF and is slightly more enjoyable. These two characters were high school sweethearts before losing each other. Then they find each other, only to be on the run from unforeseen events.
Honestly, it took me a long time to get into this book. I thought the characters and the dialogue were much less mature than their ages suggest. I was not hooked on the plot, and I didn't like the MCs' voices. But as the story progressed, I developed a liking to it all.
I'm glad this was told in dual POVs, especially since it's a contemporary romance, and there are always two sides to every story. There is a buildup of tension between Piper and Ryland; a rocky relationship full of longing, desire, and even a little bit of hatred. Piper left after promising Ryland forever, and he just can't get over it. Especially since his life was ruined shortly after, all because of her. But Piper knows none of this. She thinks her childhood sweetheart went onto Stanford and became an engineer. Imagine her surprise when she sees him bartending and finds out he took the fall for that fire all those years ago. A fire neither of them had started. As the truth comes out, as the decisions start to make sense, the two of them will have to figure out if going after a second chance is worth it.
But they didn't factor in one teeny, tiny problem. And then they're on the run with Piper's little sister, wondering if they'll get away with it, looking over their shoulders. It's not a life for anyone, even if it's easier than dealing with the fallout and consequences of a night gone terribly wrong.
This plot was just a little unbelievable, and it all ended too perfectly. Firstly, it didn't take Piper and Ryland long to patch up their differences and let go of six years' worth of pain and anger. They acted like children at first, blaming the other, yelling but not communicating. But they found their way back in bed together, even though they swore they were done with each other. There wasn't any buildup to their relationship, although there was plenty of sexual tension. Secondly, the whole being-on-the-run thing didn't feel very realistic. It was one bad decision after another until everything cleared up all too perfectly. I would have liked a little bit of conflict where that was concerned.
All in all, Where There's Smoke was a solid story. It was hard for me to connect with the two characters because it all felt very immature in the beginning. But I liked where the story went, albeit it was a little unrealistic and the ending too textbook.
Final note: Please tell me this book will be better edited! I understand a few mistakes, but one on almost every page is aggravating. Especially not using the right kind of "your." Since this is an ARC, I sincerely hope it will get looked over much more before being published.
*Full review can be found at Part of that World.
I've never read any of Elizabeth Lee's books, so I wasn't sure what to expect from this one. But I looove that cover, and I also looove stories about second chances and people finding the strength to heal and let go. People who find the strength to forgive. Where There's Smoke is a solid story, albeit a sometimes unbelievable one with characters who grated on my nerves a little bit.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars!
I've read so many New Adult novels that it sometimes seems like I'll never find one that's any different from the hundreds out there. I've read the same type of story-line as the one in Where There's Smoke before. In Song of the Fireflies. It's got many of the same elements, although it's not as dark as SOTF and is slightly more enjoyable. These two characters were high school sweethearts before losing each other. Then they find each other, only to be on the run from unforeseen events.
Honestly, it took me a long time to get into this book. I thought the characters and the dialogue were much less mature than their ages suggest. I was not hooked on the plot, and I didn't like the MCs' voices. But as the story progressed, I developed a liking to it all.
I'm glad this was told in dual POVs, especially since it's a contemporary romance, and there are always two sides to every story. There is a buildup of tension between Piper and Ryland; a rocky relationship full of longing, desire, and even a little bit of hatred. Piper left after promising Ryland forever, and he just can't get over it. Especially since his life was ruined shortly after, all because of her. But Piper knows none of this. She thinks her childhood sweetheart went onto Stanford and became an engineer. Imagine her surprise when she sees him bartending and finds out he took the fall for that fire all those years ago. A fire neither of them had started. As the truth comes out, as the decisions start to make sense, the two of them will have to figure out if going after a second chance is worth it.
But they didn't factor in one teeny, tiny problem. And then they're on the run with Piper's little sister, wondering if they'll get away with it, looking over their shoulders. It's not a life for anyone, even if it's easier than dealing with the fallout and consequences of a night gone terribly wrong.
This plot was just a little unbelievable, and it all ended too perfectly. Firstly, it didn't take Piper and Ryland long to patch up their differences and let go of six years' worth of pain and anger. They acted like children at first, blaming the other, yelling but not communicating. But they found their way back in bed together, even though they swore they were done with each other. There wasn't any buildup to their relationship, although there was plenty of sexual tension. Secondly, the whole being-on-the-run thing didn't feel very realistic. It was one bad decision after another until everything cleared up all too perfectly. I would have liked a little bit of conflict where that was concerned.
All in all, Where There's Smoke was a solid story. It was hard for me to connect with the two characters because it all felt very immature in the beginning. But I liked where the story went, albeit it was a little unrealistic and the ending too textbook.
Final note: Please tell me this book will be better edited! I understand a few mistakes, but one on almost every page is aggravating. Especially not using the right kind of "your." Since this is an ARC, I sincerely hope it will get looked over much more before being published.
May 20, 2014
I was really looking forward to reading this book, there was something about the cover that screamed to me that this would be a great read.
I wasn't disappointed, Where There's Smoke is the story of Ryland "Ry" Roberts and Piper Jameson, she was the local hellraiser and he was the boy who was going to make it big at university, they shouldn't have worked well together but they did but following an evening of passion that turned disastrous following a fire at the aircraft hanger they were in (due to Piper's love of planes!) things fall apart.
Piper's stepdad is the local Sherriff and after finding her and Ry at the scene of the assumed crime, he jumps to the conculsion that they did it, Piper is promptly packed off to a boarding school to sort herself out but whilst this happens unaware of her leaving, Ry steps forward and takes the blame for the fire and gets sent to jail, during this time here he never hears from Piper and believes that she has ditched him.
The story jumps forward six years (please correct me if I am wrong!) and we meet Ry again, still in his home town and working as a bartender, following Piper's departure he has been sleeping with the local ex-cheerleader and has let go of his ambitions, he is still in contact with Piper's sister Hadley who he learns has contacted Piper, the reason for this is that their Mother is dying and she wants her to see her one last time.
Piper has changed considerably since her departure, she is now a pilot and has completely changed her life around, she is stunned to see Ry and the fact he never went to university comes as a shock.
They still have a spark but Piper does not want to get involved she just wants to get in and out of town as quickly as possible, her stepdad really hates her and he also wants her gone as soon as possible but Piper has a plan up her sleeve she does not want to leave her little sister with him, he is controlling with a darker side to him and not the kind of man you want bringing up a young girl.
The story builds up really quickly following Piper and Hadley's mothers passing, again no spoilers from me, but I can tell you that Piper and Ry find themselves thrown together with Hadley running from a horrible scene that leaves Piper worrying for her sister.
Piper and Ry are great characters, even though she has turned her life around she is still feisty and doesn't give a damn, she of course still has feelings for Ry and they are reciprocated, their interaction is great and you can feel the sparks flying between them, Hadley is also a great character and I am happy to say we will hear more from her later! Other minor characters such as Ry's room mate Luke also are well written and don't feel like they are there just to pad out the story. Piper's stepdad is truly a horrible piece of work, one of these men who presents a loving kind outer persona but on the inside is as black as hell.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it read really nicely and I look forward to reading more from Elizabeth.
Where There's Smoke is awarded 4 out of 5
I wasn't disappointed, Where There's Smoke is the story of Ryland "Ry" Roberts and Piper Jameson, she was the local hellraiser and he was the boy who was going to make it big at university, they shouldn't have worked well together but they did but following an evening of passion that turned disastrous following a fire at the aircraft hanger they were in (due to Piper's love of planes!) things fall apart.
Piper's stepdad is the local Sherriff and after finding her and Ry at the scene of the assumed crime, he jumps to the conculsion that they did it, Piper is promptly packed off to a boarding school to sort herself out but whilst this happens unaware of her leaving, Ry steps forward and takes the blame for the fire and gets sent to jail, during this time here he never hears from Piper and believes that she has ditched him.
The story jumps forward six years (please correct me if I am wrong!) and we meet Ry again, still in his home town and working as a bartender, following Piper's departure he has been sleeping with the local ex-cheerleader and has let go of his ambitions, he is still in contact with Piper's sister Hadley who he learns has contacted Piper, the reason for this is that their Mother is dying and she wants her to see her one last time.
Piper has changed considerably since her departure, she is now a pilot and has completely changed her life around, she is stunned to see Ry and the fact he never went to university comes as a shock.
They still have a spark but Piper does not want to get involved she just wants to get in and out of town as quickly as possible, her stepdad really hates her and he also wants her gone as soon as possible but Piper has a plan up her sleeve she does not want to leave her little sister with him, he is controlling with a darker side to him and not the kind of man you want bringing up a young girl.
The story builds up really quickly following Piper and Hadley's mothers passing, again no spoilers from me, but I can tell you that Piper and Ry find themselves thrown together with Hadley running from a horrible scene that leaves Piper worrying for her sister.
Piper and Ry are great characters, even though she has turned her life around she is still feisty and doesn't give a damn, she of course still has feelings for Ry and they are reciprocated, their interaction is great and you can feel the sparks flying between them, Hadley is also a great character and I am happy to say we will hear more from her later! Other minor characters such as Ry's room mate Luke also are well written and don't feel like they are there just to pad out the story. Piper's stepdad is truly a horrible piece of work, one of these men who presents a loving kind outer persona but on the inside is as black as hell.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it read really nicely and I look forward to reading more from Elizabeth.
Where There's Smoke is awarded 4 out of 5
May 25, 2014
Piper and Ryland’s relationship was frowned upon by so many from the start, especially Piper’s horrible step-dad who also happens to be the towns chief of police, but that didn’t stop them and they would meet up whenever they got the chance. However one night that all changes and Piper is forced to run away from home, all the while hoping that Ryland would move on and live his life.
When Piper returns to town to say goodbye to her ill mother and rescue her sister from their awful step-dad she realises that leaving hasn’t solved anything and Ryland was stuck in the same town he had always wanted out of.
What happens next is a series of events which could de-rail these characters lives even more and with more awful secrets coming to light that could destroy them, can this pair ever make it away and be together like they both have always wanted?
“You didn’t ruin my life Piper. You are my life. You always have been.”
I really loved this story. It was such a fast paced ride. I loved the romance and the relationship between Piper and Ry and then the drama and suspense that’s thrown in makes this a really captivating read.
Ry was the most protective book boyfriend I’ve ever read. The way he stood by Hadley when Piper left, the way he never stopped loving Piper or how he never listened to all the people who kept saying he could do better…he truly loved Piper and it was so lovely to read about.
“Whether she wanted to admit it or not, she would always be my girl.”
Piper was a great female lead. So strong, proud, willing to stand up for herself and her family and always putting others first. I could really relate to her and she was so likeable.
“I wanted to scream at him for still giving a damn about me. I’d done nothing but screw up his life. As much as I wanted to chase him away, another part of me wanted to beg him to forgive me for being such a disappointment.”
The plot line was intense. From the beginning you could tell it wasn’t going to be an easy journey for the characters and that hooked you in as you wanted to know how they were going to get through it.
I couldn’t believe how evil Piper and Hadley’s step-dad turned out to be, it was an intense plot line and when it all exploded I was holding my breath and having no idea how and if it was all going to work out.
“I wasn’t good for him, wasn’t worthy of his love. I wasn’t doing anything but holding him back. It just took everything going up in flames for me to see it.”
This was a story of forgiveness, love, standing up for those you love and trying to leave the past in the past and move forward. Overall a really enjoyable read and I’m definitely looking forward to reading Hadley’s story and finding out how she moves the past the demons that surely still haunt her.
Bethany
When Piper returns to town to say goodbye to her ill mother and rescue her sister from their awful step-dad she realises that leaving hasn’t solved anything and Ryland was stuck in the same town he had always wanted out of.
What happens next is a series of events which could de-rail these characters lives even more and with more awful secrets coming to light that could destroy them, can this pair ever make it away and be together like they both have always wanted?
“You didn’t ruin my life Piper. You are my life. You always have been.”
I really loved this story. It was such a fast paced ride. I loved the romance and the relationship between Piper and Ry and then the drama and suspense that’s thrown in makes this a really captivating read.
Ry was the most protective book boyfriend I’ve ever read. The way he stood by Hadley when Piper left, the way he never stopped loving Piper or how he never listened to all the people who kept saying he could do better…he truly loved Piper and it was so lovely to read about.
“Whether she wanted to admit it or not, she would always be my girl.”
Piper was a great female lead. So strong, proud, willing to stand up for herself and her family and always putting others first. I could really relate to her and she was so likeable.
“I wanted to scream at him for still giving a damn about me. I’d done nothing but screw up his life. As much as I wanted to chase him away, another part of me wanted to beg him to forgive me for being such a disappointment.”
The plot line was intense. From the beginning you could tell it wasn’t going to be an easy journey for the characters and that hooked you in as you wanted to know how they were going to get through it.
I couldn’t believe how evil Piper and Hadley’s step-dad turned out to be, it was an intense plot line and when it all exploded I was holding my breath and having no idea how and if it was all going to work out.
“I wasn’t good for him, wasn’t worthy of his love. I wasn’t doing anything but holding him back. It just took everything going up in flames for me to see it.”
This was a story of forgiveness, love, standing up for those you love and trying to leave the past in the past and move forward. Overall a really enjoyable read and I’m definitely looking forward to reading Hadley’s story and finding out how she moves the past the demons that surely still haunt her.
Bethany
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