What do you think?
Rate this book
Oasis Waterfall #2
Can't Go Without
"Emotional, dynamic, and wickedly sexy, Angelisa Stone weaves a captivating romance." (Skye Jordan, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author) "Stone has a way of pulling you through a journey that is heartfelt, touching, and sexy." (Christine Zolendz, Mad World Series and Beautiful Series) “What’s the one thing you can’t go without?” Tristan O'Donnell has money, women, and all the luxuries that cold hard cash can buy. Tristan's been sucking sunshine right from the monogrammed silver spoon his life was served up on since the day he was born. And quite frankly, he wouldn't want it any other way. He's his mother's pride and joy, his father's right-hand-man, and the envy of every guy around. All Tristan has to do is flash his million dollar smile, give his trademark wink, and he gets what he wants, when he wants, anytime he wants. Leah Franchetti grinds her fingers to the bone; sculpting, painting, recreating treasures from trash—the very sentiment that defines her life. Her inventive, vindictive, lucrative, and seemingly unforgivable plan allowed her to shortcut her way into the life she always imagined, owning an art gallery, surrounding herself in the comfort of her passion and dreams. When circumstances force Leah and Tristan to come face-to-face with the past and with Leah’s devious manipulation, truths come flooding forth, destroying those in the present and possibly jeopardizing both of their highly anticipated futures. Can Tristan overcome Leah’s slander and deception—despite how dangerously close he comes to losing the one thing he can’t go without—money? Will Leah be forced to come clean, knowing she’ll have to live her life with the one thing she can’t go without—her dignity?
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2014
10 people are currently reading
852 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 8, 2014
4.5--Tristan was an ASS and I Loved Him--Stars!!
All of my asshole hero loving friends...you need to meet Tristan O'Donnell.
He was egotistical, he was a man whore, he was a dick....and
Can't Go Without is Tristan and Leah's story--who we met in Can't Go Home. We learned that something happened between them that really shaped the next three years of both Tristan and Leah's lives. Quite frankly, I wasn't sure how I could possibly like Tristan after the ending of Can't Go Home.
The book was broken down in to the past, present and future.
It starts in the present and we learn a little about Tristan's lifestyle.
The way he treated women was a bit shocking quite frankly. But he owned who he was and didn't have any qualms about it.
While Piper and Dre, Tristan's brother and sister, manage to get out from under their father's crutches.....Tristan has been his right hand man for the last several years.
And while I tried to be appalled at Tristan and his behavior there was just something about it that made me think
Tristan's dad
Meanwhile, Leah is trying to correct the mistakes of her past. Make up for past indecisions. This lands her back in the path of Tristan, three years after "that" night. And eventually the truth about what really happened is revealed.
We get a nice flashback that explains how Tristan and Leah met and
everything that happened leading up until that night.
And surprise, surprise
And now that the truth has been revealed what does that mean for Tristan and Leah?
Tristan is now in Charleston with Dre and Piper. Both he and Leah realize that they both still have feelings for each other. Tristan is moving on from his father and being tied to him. So where does that leave Tristan and Leah?
Overall, I really enjoyed this installment of the Oasis Waterfall series. Once again, I laughed...a lot. There was some steam and a great story to go along with it.
PS--Piper needs her own book....she was fantastic in this book.
All of my asshole hero loving friends...you need to meet Tristan O'Donnell.
He was egotistical, he was a man whore, he was a dick....and
Can't Go Without is Tristan and Leah's story--who we met in Can't Go Home. We learned that something happened between them that really shaped the next three years of both Tristan and Leah's lives. Quite frankly, I wasn't sure how I could possibly like Tristan after the ending of Can't Go Home.
The book was broken down in to the past, present and future.
It starts in the present and we learn a little about Tristan's lifestyle.
The way he treated women was a bit shocking quite frankly. But he owned who he was and didn't have any qualms about it.
While Piper and Dre, Tristan's brother and sister, manage to get out from under their father's crutches.....Tristan has been his right hand man for the last several years.
And while I tried to be appalled at Tristan and his behavior there was just something about it that made me think
Tristan's dad
Meanwhile, Leah is trying to correct the mistakes of her past. Make up for past indecisions. This lands her back in the path of Tristan, three years after "that" night. And eventually the truth about what really happened is revealed.
We get a nice flashback that explains how Tristan and Leah met and
everything that happened leading up until that night.
And surprise, surprise
And now that the truth has been revealed what does that mean for Tristan and Leah?
Tristan is now in Charleston with Dre and Piper. Both he and Leah realize that they both still have feelings for each other. Tristan is moving on from his father and being tied to him. So where does that leave Tristan and Leah?
Overall, I really enjoyed this installment of the Oasis Waterfall series. Once again, I laughed...a lot. There was some steam and a great story to go along with it.
PS--Piper needs her own book....she was fantastic in this book.
July 20, 2014
We first met Tristan and Leah in Can't Go Home, for those who don't quite remember who these two are, you can click on the spoiler below.
There is no doubt about the kind of man Tristan is. He is a complete asshole. Typically I luuuuuuve me the asshole, but I think even he was a bit much for me to take at times. He's spent his entire life trying to matter to his father, to gain his respect and love. Two things that prove to be utterly impossible to obtain. But he had a glimmer of something good once, something that he thought he ruined.
Leah wasn't new to the world of one night stands, after losing her mother she allowed her life to spin quickly out of control. But just as she is gaining control again the man that unknowingly changed her path is standing right in front of her. For weeks, Tristan has been coming into her bar and one night after a few drinks she can no longer deny that she wants him. But when she wakes in the morning everything she thought she could hold in her hands was lost. A plan was set into motion and three years later she's trying to undo all the damage that she caused.
Leah finally made something of herself. She's an artist and owns her own gallery, she may have a man on her arm that is nothing more than a companion, but she doesn't need that kind of passion in her life. Three years have passed since she woke up in that hotel room alone, since she blackmailed Chet O'Donnell and lied about being raped. But it's finally time to make it right, well as right as she can.
When Leah heads south for Dre & Kathryn's wedding she didn't expect to see Tristan there. But now that he is, she gets her chance to say she's sorry for what she did. But both of these two have amends to make for a mistake that might have wrecked something beautiful. Tristan's eyes are slowly opening to all the wrong he has done in his life, the choices that he's made. With the knowledge that he needs to make a change before it's too late he knows what he wants. Leah.
I loved the format of who this story was told. The story begins in present day, Leah trying to pay for her sins and just as she is able to clear the skeletons from her closet we are tossed back into the past and get to see just how that night played out. How much more that night was to both of them. Tristan seriously was the biggest jerk until about 50% where he did do a really quick 180 (a tad too quick), but we get to see why he was just so bitter about every part of his life.
His second chance, not only with Leah but with his brother and sister - a chance to finally have the family he's always wanted but never had. Seeing how free Piper and Dre are without their father's shadow looming above he finally sees what kind of happiness he can have, if he just makes the choice to take it.
The only part that bothered me was the speed in which he transforms from what can only be called an epic asshole into prince charming. I know the pages are limited to really have allowed to see this growth play out and maybe this man lurked beneath the surface all along and just needed the right set of circumstances to finally be set free... but I just didn't get that feeling from him at the very start of the story, so that was not something I could hold on to as a reason. But, I still loved it once he pulled his head out of his ass.
Leah's character was much stronger than I expected, even though she had her moments of weakness. It was as if she was missing something that gave her a reason to be strong. She needed someone so that she could regain that strength. I loved how her story was told throughout this book. There were so many little subtle things that made you see a much larger picture of just who this girl was. That may have something to do with the the minor issue I had with Tristan's character... Leah was showcased beautifully and there seemed to a few layers that we got to peel back throughout the book, with Tristan it felt like we missed out on that discovery process.
I am looking forward to more from this series, not sure if Piper or Sydney will get their story next but I do know that I will read the hell out of it!
February 18, 2014
Okay, so it's absolutely secret that I have been waiting for Angelisa Stone to write the story about Tristan and Leah. When I got my hands on an advanced copy of it, I seriously started reading this morning and only took a quick break to feed my kids. I literally threw some fast food at them.
Angelisa Stone has a way about her writing that draws you in immediately. You love and hate her characters like they are your friends. She takes you on a roller coaster ride of feelings and tells a story that you cannot predict the outcome to. The truly sad parts make you tear up and the steamy sexy parts make you want to call your significant other to come home sooner than later. This book was full of family bantering, falling in and out of love, and above all, forgiveness. There were so many heartfelt and beautiful moments in this book that touched my heart, broke it, healed it, and caused me to curse and gasp out loud so that everyone around me wanted to know what I was reading. The characters came to life right in front of my eyes, they had such depth to them, I could almost see them in front of my eyes.
This is a must read.
Angelisa Stone has a way about her writing that draws you in immediately. You love and hate her characters like they are your friends. She takes you on a roller coaster ride of feelings and tells a story that you cannot predict the outcome to. The truly sad parts make you tear up and the steamy sexy parts make you want to call your significant other to come home sooner than later. This book was full of family bantering, falling in and out of love, and above all, forgiveness. There were so many heartfelt and beautiful moments in this book that touched my heart, broke it, healed it, and caused me to curse and gasp out loud so that everyone around me wanted to know what I was reading. The characters came to life right in front of my eyes, they had such depth to them, I could almost see them in front of my eyes.
This is a must read.
June 27, 2014
Jenny: I’ll hold my hand up and admit that when we became reacquainted with Tristan O’Donnell at the start of Can’t Go Without, I did wonder how on earth I was going to enjoy his story because…well…he came across as an absolute arrogant cockhead. I thought I would struggle through this story because of him but as it turned out, Tristan became the saving grace for me. Whilst he may not have endeared himself to me in the beginning, Angelisa Stone did the unthinkable (well in my book anyway) and managed to completely change my mind about a character and she did this without compromising the essence of who Tristan was! Well done! In fact, she didn’t just change my mind….she had me falling desperately in love with Tristan and feeling his pain. There were times my heart actually bled for him in parts of this story.
‘Tristan O’Donnell’s life was created, but it was not created with love and tenderness, it was created with regret and remorse.’
Angelisa Stone writes with a lot of emotion and humour in her stories. This author can have me in a flood of tears one minute and grinning through her witty one liners the next. So yeah, despite a couple of misgivings, this book turned out to be a winner! Did you wonder how we were going to get through Can’t Go Without at first Gitte?
Gitte: Tristan ‘arsehole’ O’Donnell….I was livid with him and just couldn’t see myself warming to him or even enjoying his story. Then absolutely, Angelisa weaved her magic and slowly I fell in love with this guy. From spit hopping mad to crying for him; not many Authors have created a character I disliked so intensely only to fall in complete love with. This as a consequence of complete redemption whilst still holding on to an air of arrogance. I have to applaud this Author for writing a character who’s so fucked up yet whilst we slowly learn of the whys get a glimpse of the true person and see his heart of pure gold. Tristan never lost his bad-arsedness nor did he lose any of his appealing cockiness; he just lost the shitty baggage that made him a tosser!
“Time heals all wounds.” Fuck that. That person must’ve never experienced a wound that cuts so deep, so severely that the wound will never, ever heal…”
I agree wholeheartedly Jenny, Angelisa Stone is a brilliant writer. The humour, the drama and the intensity is spot on and I felt every emotion in every word. Whilst I loved many aspects of this story and marvelled at how my emotions and feeling played out, there was a couple of scenes that absolutely broke my heart. I cried buckets! You know what I’m talking about, Jenny don’t you?!
Jenny: Oh my goodness Gitte. I know exactly the scene you’re talking about. That scene brought me to my knees. I was so overcome with emotion for Tristan – I tell you, that scene wrecked me. I cried for him and I became enraged at those responsible for the wrong doings aimed at this man. Oh sure, he was a cocky, self-assured arse who lacked any sort of filter who did need pulling down to earth, but he hid behind a heart full of pain that made him feel so unworthy and he didn’t deserve what had been dealt him. It was cruel and unforgivable in my book and my heart really did go out to him.
“You wrecked him. You wrecked us. Tristan has changed so much these past three years. I don’t even know that guy in there anymore.”
My misgivings towards the story lay with Leah. I couldn’t completely connect to her and I felt she got off waaaaaay too easy and no one, not Leah nor Tristan’s family appeared to feel any remorse for their actions towards Tristan which infuriated me to the point where I wondered if I could continue. I expected more from Adrian, and his actions really baffled and annoyed me. However, I’m glad I pushed on because Angelisa Stone gave me a character who showed us that love and belonging is possible if you open your heart. Yep, I did enjoy his story! I know you were pretty pissed at some of the actions of these characters G as we did discuss them at length!
Gitte: I disliked Leah immensely; sorry but at times in this story I had to put this book down thinking to myself…how can I continue reading this? Did she redeem herself in my eyes? No, sorry she didn’t. I had a huge problem with her action which caused the crux of this story. She got away with it way too easy in my opinion. Also, the actions of Dre and Kathryn, bloody hell, seriously? I loved Dre in book #1, now? Not so much, what a complete tool! Sorry but I just can’t explain how mad I am for how far this was. The reason for why, very incomprehensible! We’re talking siblings here and the seriousness of the claim, well, it made me feel pissed off because this sadly does happen in real life! I don’t know what to say Jenny, so I think I’ll stop here!
‘The future just grabbed on to the past, and yanked with all its might to meet right in the middle of the present.’
So, my problem was quite a biggie and you’d think I couldn’t get back from that right? Wrong, one character outshone the huge issue I had. Yep, one character’s growth and self-discovery saved this story for me, that and the fantastic writing. The journey, the heartbreak and the humour was excellent and kept me reading. The emotion was quite staggering at times and Piper played a huge part in this.
“Tristan. My big brother is what’s good in this world.”
Her and Tristan had some incredibly emotional scenes together both past and present that had me in tears. So well played Angelisa Stone; Tristan saved the day, seriously love this man!
**ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review**
Check out more reviews at : http://totallybookedblog.com/
Come say hi on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Totall...
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TotallyBooked1
June 27, 2014
Jenny: I’ll hold my hand up and admit that when we became reacquainted with Tristan O’Donnell at the start of Can’t Go Without, I did wonder how on earth I was going to enjoy his story because…well…he came across as an absolute arrogant cockhead. I thought I would struggle through this story because of him but as it turned out, Tristan became the saving grace for me. Whilst he may not have endeared himself to me in the beginning, Angelisa Stone did the unthinkable (well in my book anyway) and managed to completely change my mind about a character and she did this without compromising the essence of who Tristan was! Well done! In fact, she didn’t just change my mind….she had me falling desperately in love with Tristan and feeling his pain. There were times my heart actually bled for him in parts of this story.
‘Tristan O’Donnell’s life was created, but it was not created with love and tenderness, it was created with regret and remorse.’
Angelisa Stone writes with a lot of emotion and humour in her stories. This author can have me in a flood of tears one minute and grinning through her witty one liners the next. So yeah, despite a couple of misgivings, this book turned out to be a winner! Did you wonder how we were going to get through Can’t Go Without at first Gitte?
Gitte: Tristan ‘arsehole’ O’Donnell….I was livid with him and just couldn’t see myself warming to him or even enjoying his story. Then absolutely, Angelisa weaved her magic and slowly I fell in love with this guy. From spit hopping mad to crying for him; not many Authors have created a character I disliked so intensely only to fall in complete love with. This as a consequence of complete redemption whilst still holding on to an air of arrogance. I have to applaud this Author for writing a character who’s so fucked up yet whilst we slowly learn of the whys get a glimpse of the true person and see his heart of pure gold. Tristan never lost his bad-arsedness nor did he lose any of his appealing cockiness; he just lost the shitty baggage that made him a tosser!
“Time heals all wounds.” Fuck that. That person must’ve never experienced a wound that cuts so deep, so severely that the wound will never, ever heal…”
I agree wholeheartedly Jenny, Angelisa Stone is a brilliant writer. The humour, the drama and the intensity is spot on and I felt every emotion in every word. Whilst I loved many aspects of this story and marvelled at how my emotions and feeling played out, there was a couple of scenes that absolutely broke my heart. I cried buckets! You know what I’m talking about, Jenny don’t you?!
Jenny: Oh my goodness Gitte. I know exactly the scene you’re talking about. That scene brought me to my knees. I was so overcome with emotion for Tristan – I tell you, that scene wrecked me. I cried for him and I became enraged at those responsible for the wrong doings aimed at this man. Oh sure, he was a cocky, self-assured arse who lacked any sort of filter who did need pulling down to earth, but he hid behind a heart full of pain that made him feel so unworthy and he didn’t deserve what had been dealt him. It was cruel and unforgivable in my book and my heart really did go out to him.
“You wrecked him. You wrecked us. Tristan has changed so much these past three years. I don’t even know that guy in there anymore.”
My misgivings towards the story lay with Leah. I couldn’t completely connect to her and I felt she got off waaaaaay too easy and no one, not Leah nor Tristan’s family appeared to feel any remorse for their actions towards Tristan which infuriated me to the point where I wondered if I could continue. I expected more from Adrian, and his actions really baffled and annoyed me. However, I’m glad I pushed on because Angelisa Stone gave me a character who showed us that love and belonging is possible if you open your heart. Yep, I did enjoy his story! I know you were pretty pissed at some of the actions of these characters G as we did discuss them at length!
Gitte: I disliked Leah immensely; sorry but at times in this story I had to put this book down thinking to myself…how can I continue reading this? Did she redeem herself in my eyes? No, sorry she didn’t. I had a huge problem with her action which caused the crux of this story. She got away with it way too easy in my opinion. Also, the actions of Dre and Kathryn, bloody hell, seriously? I loved Dre in book #1, now? Not so much, what a complete tool! Sorry but I just can’t explain how mad I am for how far this was. The reason for why, very incomprehensible! We’re talking siblings here and the seriousness of the claim, well, it made me feel pissed off because this sadly does happen in real life! I don’t know what to say Jenny, so I think I’ll stop here!
‘The future just grabbed on to the past, and yanked with all its might to meet right in the middle of the present.’
So, my problem was quite a biggie and you’d think I couldn’t get back from that right? Wrong, one character outshone the huge issue I had. Yep, one character’s growth and self-discovery saved this story for me, that and the fantastic writing. The journey, the heartbreak and the humour was excellent and kept me reading. The emotion was quite staggering at times and Piper played a huge part in this.
“Tristan. My big brother is what’s good in this world.”
Her and Tristan had some incredibly emotional scenes together both past and present that had me in tears. So well played Angelisa Stone; Tristan saved the day, seriously love this man!
**ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review**
Check out more reviews at : http://totallybookedblog.com/
Come say hi on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Totall...
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TotallyBooked1
October 21, 2014
***I received an ARC via Fiona's Book Reviews in return for my honest opinion***
This is the second in the Oasis Waterfall series and although it could be read as a standalone, you'll benefit from the back story if you read the fab Can't go Home first.
We met Tristan for the first time at the end of Can't go Home - he's Ade's older, hot brother who sadly is a complete and utter tool. He's arrogant, opinionated, rude and completely without a filter. He didn't exactly endear himself to me when I first met him, so when I saw this was his story, I was a little concerned I wouldn't like it.
I needn't have worried. Seems I have a weak spot for hot, handsome and filter-free tools. Who knew?
Tristan - or Tristand as his sister dubs him - is indeed an arrogant arse, but he's really suck-your-teeth-in-sharply funny too. You know you shouldn't be laughing, but...well, I was. Sorry.
In my defence, once we get inside Tristan's head we realise he's had a really tough time of it. Desperately seeking affection from his charmless father and loveless mother, his tool-like behaviour has driven a huge wedge between him and his siblings. He actually has a really sweet spot for his sister, Piper and a grudging respect for his brother so he's wounded by the separation. He's also spent the last few years hating himself for something terrible he did while drunk.
Meanwhile Leah is in a loveless relationship with a man her sister aptly calls 'Slimy Sammy Nogasm". She's had an unhappy few years too, but has worked hard to put all of that behind her. I have to say I didn't quite warm to Leah in the way that I warmed to Tristan. She's forthright and witty and likable enough, but I had a hard time getting over what she had done to Tristan three years ago. I understood her reasons but I still didn't like them very much and that was a bit of a stumbling block that I never really got over.
There is great chemistry between Tristan and Leah and I really enjoyed reading their story and the steam factor was pretty high. For me though, the best part of this book was Tristan gradually re-establishing his relationship with his brother and sister. The banter between them is really laugh-out-loud funny and it felt so real; the characters jumped from the page and I could see them them all together ribbing one another in a way that only siblings can. It made me feel all warm and fuzzy...sigh.
This entire series is a really easy, engaging and witty read with plenty of steam. I'd recommend it.
This is the second in the Oasis Waterfall series and although it could be read as a standalone, you'll benefit from the back story if you read the fab Can't go Home first.
We met Tristan for the first time at the end of Can't go Home - he's Ade's older, hot brother who sadly is a complete and utter tool. He's arrogant, opinionated, rude and completely without a filter. He didn't exactly endear himself to me when I first met him, so when I saw this was his story, I was a little concerned I wouldn't like it.
I needn't have worried. Seems I have a weak spot for hot, handsome and filter-free tools. Who knew?
Tristan - or Tristand as his sister dubs him - is indeed an arrogant arse, but he's really suck-your-teeth-in-sharply funny too. You know you shouldn't be laughing, but...well, I was. Sorry.
In my defence, once we get inside Tristan's head we realise he's had a really tough time of it. Desperately seeking affection from his charmless father and loveless mother, his tool-like behaviour has driven a huge wedge between him and his siblings. He actually has a really sweet spot for his sister, Piper and a grudging respect for his brother so he's wounded by the separation. He's also spent the last few years hating himself for something terrible he did while drunk.
Meanwhile Leah is in a loveless relationship with a man her sister aptly calls 'Slimy Sammy Nogasm". She's had an unhappy few years too, but has worked hard to put all of that behind her. I have to say I didn't quite warm to Leah in the way that I warmed to Tristan. She's forthright and witty and likable enough, but I had a hard time getting over what she had done to Tristan three years ago. I understood her reasons but I still didn't like them very much and that was a bit of a stumbling block that I never really got over.
There is great chemistry between Tristan and Leah and I really enjoyed reading their story and the steam factor was pretty high. For me though, the best part of this book was Tristan gradually re-establishing his relationship with his brother and sister. The banter between them is really laugh-out-loud funny and it felt so real; the characters jumped from the page and I could see them them all together ribbing one another in a way that only siblings can. It made me feel all warm and fuzzy...sigh.
This entire series is a really easy, engaging and witty read with plenty of steam. I'd recommend it.
Read
February 23, 2015I have no idea how I feel about this book! I like it (because of him) and I HATE it! I hate what they have done to Tristan! That is simply just wrong! WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! I haven't read first in the series, but you get a hang of what's happening.
No, there are no excuses to ruin somebodies life with
The problem I have with this book is that, someday one girl will pick it up and, like it happens a lot, get too into the book and seriously think that this shit is ok to do! Yes, this is fiction, but also some young brains sometimes can't comprehend that! The thing is that I can really see that happening, becuase that stuff already happens!
I can not rate this book... I simply can't. The only thing I loved here was HIM! HER I would bitchslap to another universe after killing the shit out of her!
He is a great charcater... just the type I loooove to read about!
She.... oh God I hate that bitch!
His sister... extremly annoying and immature character!
His brother.... no comment here, self absorbed prick!
The story.... great potential, but seriously just wrong way it went!
No, there are no excuses to ruin somebodies life with
The problem I have with this book is that, someday one girl will pick it up and, like it happens a lot, get too into the book and seriously think that this shit is ok to do! Yes, this is fiction, but also some young brains sometimes can't comprehend that! The thing is that I can really see that happening, becuase that stuff already happens!
I can not rate this book... I simply can't. The only thing I loved here was HIM! HER I would bitchslap to another universe after killing the shit out of her!
He is a great charcater... just the type I loooove to read about!
She.... oh God I hate that bitch!
His sister... extremly annoying and immature character!
His brother.... no comment here, self absorbed prick!
The story.... great potential, but seriously just wrong way it went!
March 2, 2014
When I got my hands on with Can’t Go Without, I was like a kid at Christmas! I loved Can’t Go Home… could not put it down. But Tristan in that book… I hated him. He was the biggest asswipe on the planet. But being the sick person that I am, I am always drawn to the bad guys. I find them intriguing and hot at the same time. The bigger the asshole, the better. So I couldn’t wait to dig in and read about Tristan to see if he could possibly redeem himself from being the womanizing jerkoff he was in Can’t Go Home (even though I secretly loved him). His cocky, holier than thou attitude and “I’m in love with myself” ways made me wonder how Angelisa would be able to pull this book off and have readers (other than me) actually like this guy.
Tristan is a mirror image of his father, loves money, women, and is completely selfish—taking whatever he wants when he wants it. We start off witnessing his daily lunch hour proclivities when in strolls his dad telling him to take a leave of absence and maybe he’d bring him back in when he can “keep his pants on”. Tristan is a walking time bomb, doing all the women in the office. Rather than face any further lawsuits from the female employees, his dad shows him the door.
Leah, who we also met in Can’t Go Home, has made a successful career for herself and opened an art gallery with the hard earned money she made from the lawsuit she had against Tristan several years again. She is in a relationship, if that’s what you want to call the snorefest they have going on there, with Samual, a walking douchenozzle. Their relationship is more of a faithful companionship and Leah is fine with that. What they have works.
Yeah, OK, sounds thrilling… uh, yeah, no thanks! But Leah doesn’t want a fairytale—she doesn’t believe in them. She thinks they don’t exist, so she settles for comfortable. She thinks she’s unworthy.
Anyway, after all the trouble she’s caused Tristan and his Devil father, she wants to make it right. She wants to redeem herself and hopefully let go of the guilt and pain she’s caused. Gain back her self-respect. Leah’s always had very strong feelings for Tristan since they were younger. The time they had spent together—a memory so strong and vivid, one that she forces into the back of her mind, always seems to come to the forefront. But that’s what it is, a memory.
But as fate would have it, they’re thrown back into each other’s worlds once again. The pull they have to each other is undeniable. These two together were like a freakin heatwave on the North Pole. I was salivating over him… full blown drool and heart palpitations, leaving my girly bits a hot mess.
OMG… can he please, please be talking about me?!!! This man settled a hunger in me and made me want to beg him to come over and take care of me! Holy God is he hot!!!
But love doesn’t exist, right? It’s an illusion. Can these two get their act together and see what’s right in front of them? Or are their pasts way to damaged to allow them to heal and grow?
Angelisa Stone is AHMAZING!!!! I loved this story. She will have you laughing out loud, crying, and ignoring everything around you while you’re completely sucked in! Do not miss this one schmexies!!! You “Can’t Go Without” it!!!
Tristan is a mirror image of his father, loves money, women, and is completely selfish—taking whatever he wants when he wants it. We start off witnessing his daily lunch hour proclivities when in strolls his dad telling him to take a leave of absence and maybe he’d bring him back in when he can “keep his pants on”. Tristan is a walking time bomb, doing all the women in the office. Rather than face any further lawsuits from the female employees, his dad shows him the door.
Leah, who we also met in Can’t Go Home, has made a successful career for herself and opened an art gallery with the hard earned money she made from the lawsuit she had against Tristan several years again. She is in a relationship, if that’s what you want to call the snorefest they have going on there, with Samual, a walking douchenozzle. Their relationship is more of a faithful companionship and Leah is fine with that. What they have works.
“We’ve fallen into an easy, secure routine. Most nights after he’s ejaculated, I just roll over, grab my vibrator, and take care of myself. It’s not really a big deal—just a means to an end.”
Yeah, OK, sounds thrilling… uh, yeah, no thanks! But Leah doesn’t want a fairytale—she doesn’t believe in them. She thinks they don’t exist, so she settles for comfortable. She thinks she’s unworthy.
���Making love and falling in love is about as believable as the proverbial G-spot, Santa Claus, and the fucking tooth fairy all rolled into one big fabrication to make people feel better about themselves.”
Anyway, after all the trouble she’s caused Tristan and his Devil father, she wants to make it right. She wants to redeem herself and hopefully let go of the guilt and pain she’s caused. Gain back her self-respect. Leah’s always had very strong feelings for Tristan since they were younger. The time they had spent together—a memory so strong and vivid, one that she forces into the back of her mind, always seems to come to the forefront. But that’s what it is, a memory.
But as fate would have it, they’re thrown back into each other’s worlds once again. The pull they have to each other is undeniable. These two together were like a freakin heatwave on the North Pole. I was salivating over him… full blown drool and heart palpitations, leaving my girly bits a hot mess.
“Leah tastes like a hot fudge sundae covered in chocolate fudge and marshmallow with a side of filet mignon topped with Rock-Maine Lobster on a pile of garlic mashed potatoes, followed by naked hotness drizzled in raunchy hot, mind-blowing sex. Yeah, like I said, everything I ever hungered for.”
OMG… can he please, please be talking about me?!!! This man settled a hunger in me and made me want to beg him to come over and take care of me! Holy God is he hot!!!
But love doesn’t exist, right? It’s an illusion. Can these two get their act together and see what’s right in front of them? Or are their pasts way to damaged to allow them to heal and grow?
Angelisa Stone is AHMAZING!!!! I loved this story. She will have you laughing out loud, crying, and ignoring everything around you while you’re completely sucked in! Do not miss this one schmexies!!! You “Can’t Go Without” it!!!
June 19, 2014
** Debbie's 4 Star Review **
This is the second book in the series. First book was Can’t Go Home which was a 4.5 star read for me. I was so excited I was given the chance to read the second book in the series.
The book starts off fantastic. It is told mainly in Tristan and Leah’s POV. My only complaint was at about the halfway point in the book the author switched from first person to third person for a little bit. That threw me off at first and I felt like I was reading a different book.
Tristan is an official man-whore that has no respect for woman at all. You will hate him right from the beginning but I got to tell you, I was cracking up reading what was going on in his dirty little mind.
“My lunch hour doesn’t start until after she swallows, wipes her mouth, and leaves my office. Just another one of the perks of being the boss.”
“I give it thirty minutes tops, and this little slut will be spinning like a top on my stud-stick.”
Tristan’s father is nothing short of a total douche that treated all three of his kids like crap. His fathers’ views on life and woman can be blamed on Tristan’s poor upbringing. I think in the end, I wound up loving Tristan more than I loved his brother Adrian from the first book.
I loved Tristan and Leah together. The chemistry was fantastic and loved the banter between the two. Leah is a take no prisoners type of gal. She calls it like she sees it. Her only regret is the bad decision she made three years ago that changed her and Tristan’s life. Can a second chance at love happen for these two? You are going to have to read it to find out.
“Hand me the bottle,” she instructed, pointing to the Cuervo. “Few more shots and my napkin is all yours.” “I cannot wait to get my hands on that napkin. You’re going to love what I can do with my hands,” Tristan promised.”
The secondary characters were fantastic. Piper is sweet, sarcastic and takes no crap. Piper is Tristan and Adrian’s little sister. Loved how Tristan became all papa bear with her when the topic of her sex life was brought up. Loved Leah’s sister Jill and Shayla, her sisters’ partner. Both told it like it is.
“I say, feeling like I’m going to kill Jose and his Piper-poking-pecker.”
“Are you joking me right now?” Piper asks, laughing, “Hey pot, this is kettle, you’re black!”
*I was gifted a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
This is the second book in the series. First book was Can’t Go Home which was a 4.5 star read for me. I was so excited I was given the chance to read the second book in the series.
The book starts off fantastic. It is told mainly in Tristan and Leah’s POV. My only complaint was at about the halfway point in the book the author switched from first person to third person for a little bit. That threw me off at first and I felt like I was reading a different book.
Tristan is an official man-whore that has no respect for woman at all. You will hate him right from the beginning but I got to tell you, I was cracking up reading what was going on in his dirty little mind.
“My lunch hour doesn’t start until after she swallows, wipes her mouth, and leaves my office. Just another one of the perks of being the boss.”
“I give it thirty minutes tops, and this little slut will be spinning like a top on my stud-stick.”
Tristan’s father is nothing short of a total douche that treated all three of his kids like crap. His fathers’ views on life and woman can be blamed on Tristan’s poor upbringing. I think in the end, I wound up loving Tristan more than I loved his brother Adrian from the first book.
I loved Tristan and Leah together. The chemistry was fantastic and loved the banter between the two. Leah is a take no prisoners type of gal. She calls it like she sees it. Her only regret is the bad decision she made three years ago that changed her and Tristan’s life. Can a second chance at love happen for these two? You are going to have to read it to find out.
“Hand me the bottle,” she instructed, pointing to the Cuervo. “Few more shots and my napkin is all yours.” “I cannot wait to get my hands on that napkin. You’re going to love what I can do with my hands,” Tristan promised.”
The secondary characters were fantastic. Piper is sweet, sarcastic and takes no crap. Piper is Tristan and Adrian’s little sister. Loved how Tristan became all papa bear with her when the topic of her sex life was brought up. Loved Leah’s sister Jill and Shayla, her sisters’ partner. Both told it like it is.
“I say, feeling like I’m going to kill Jose and his Piper-poking-pecker.”
“Are you joking me right now?” Piper asks, laughing, “Hey pot, this is kettle, you’re black!”
*I was gifted a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*
March 5, 2014
Tristan- words are hard to describe him. He's arrogant, cocky a jackass of epic proportions, but underneath all that he's sweet, kind and gentle. Except that is a side he doesn't like to show. why? Because it doesn't please his father. A man he is always trying to please. Trying to get to love him. Trying to be worthy of.
One night shattered Tristan and he went down a dark path that has him thinking he is the devil. That he is unworthy. That he is a monster and since than he has been broken and left his kindness buried. A night he can't remember but has paid the ultimate price for.
Leah- the girl that Tristan loves and who loves him. The girl who created the beast Tristan became. the girl who broke him and lied about what he did. She should feel remorse and guilt but feels it was justified. She pays back her debt and tries to go on. Karma they say is a beeyitch and it gets her to in the package of her boyfriend Sam. Sam is a snake and makes Leah feel settled but he also cons her.
Karma also has kismut and in this case keeps placing Tristan and Leah together. they end up in North Carolina together for his brother's wedding and here the truth comes out. Tristan lashes out at his brother, the perfect one who doesn't see what he really did. Only sees that he save their sister but not the cost. Tristan lets him know. Leah tries to run but really there is nowhere to hide.
Tristan though amazingly becomes resigned and freed. He starts to become himself , find who he is and break the chains that his father has had him in.
Leah and Tristan begin to get close and fall in love again but it is a bumpy ride still.
this book is a wonderful story of forgiveness , love and redemption. It shows that family is where you love and are accepted. Love can forgive all and that you can be who you want as long as love is there. Tristan will have you crying for him and smiling as you see his transformation. A beautiful story of how one transforms and is freed when the chains of the past lies are exposed and acceptance and forgiveness is there. A love story that will have you smile and hope for a HEA. A graciously written tale that will have you see love as it is a great healer.
One night shattered Tristan and he went down a dark path that has him thinking he is the devil. That he is unworthy. That he is a monster and since than he has been broken and left his kindness buried. A night he can't remember but has paid the ultimate price for.
Leah- the girl that Tristan loves and who loves him. The girl who created the beast Tristan became. the girl who broke him and lied about what he did. She should feel remorse and guilt but feels it was justified. She pays back her debt and tries to go on. Karma they say is a beeyitch and it gets her to in the package of her boyfriend Sam. Sam is a snake and makes Leah feel settled but he also cons her.
Karma also has kismut and in this case keeps placing Tristan and Leah together. they end up in North Carolina together for his brother's wedding and here the truth comes out. Tristan lashes out at his brother, the perfect one who doesn't see what he really did. Only sees that he save their sister but not the cost. Tristan lets him know. Leah tries to run but really there is nowhere to hide.
Tristan though amazingly becomes resigned and freed. He starts to become himself , find who he is and break the chains that his father has had him in.
Leah and Tristan begin to get close and fall in love again but it is a bumpy ride still.
this book is a wonderful story of forgiveness , love and redemption. It shows that family is where you love and are accepted. Love can forgive all and that you can be who you want as long as love is there. Tristan will have you crying for him and smiling as you see his transformation. A beautiful story of how one transforms and is freed when the chains of the past lies are exposed and acceptance and forgiveness is there. A love story that will have you smile and hope for a HEA. A graciously written tale that will have you see love as it is a great healer.
March 18, 2014
Angelisa has outdone herself. While I loved Can’t Go Home, book 1 in this series, Can’t Go Without is just wow! Angelisa’s writing is so well developed and has come so far from book 1. We met Tristan and Leah in Can’t Go Home and this is their story.
First of all, Tristian. Oh my god. What an arrogant dick. I mean holy shit. What an asshole. He uses women for his pleasure and tosses them aside when he is done. He has no regard for them or their feelings. The things this guy says and does. CLASSIC. Angelisa wrote his lines with such wit. Even though he is an asshole, I was cracking up at some of the things he says and does. Hard. Where Angelisa came up with this stuff I don’t know but some of it is so funny I couldn’t stop laughing. Not all of it is funny- he really is a jerk. But some of it is just priceless. And Leah. I loved her. Even though she didn’t act the most honorable in the past, she did so because she was broken. As was Tristan. There were reasons they both acted the way they did.
Angelisa writes characters that we don’t care for at first but turns them into ones we love. And she does so with wit, humor and fantastic storytelling. The family in this story is so dysfunctional they give new meaning to the term. And the banter between them is awesome. You will seriously find yourself laughing reading this book. I loved every character in this book. Well except one- Samuel- I wanted to smack that fucker upside the head. And let’s just say Angelisa can write the steamy scenes too. Damn they are hot.
I loved how the story was told in alternating POVs between Tristan and Leah and how it switches- starting in the present, then goes to the past, then comes back to the present. It totally works.
Dre, Kathryn, Piper and other characters we loved in Can’t Go Home also have a part in this story. I can’t wait to read more in this series and see what awaits the characters of these awesome books!
Well, well done Angelisa!
For more reviews go to www.lovenbooks.com
First of all, Tristian. Oh my god. What an arrogant dick. I mean holy shit. What an asshole. He uses women for his pleasure and tosses them aside when he is done. He has no regard for them or their feelings. The things this guy says and does. CLASSIC. Angelisa wrote his lines with such wit. Even though he is an asshole, I was cracking up at some of the things he says and does. Hard. Where Angelisa came up with this stuff I don’t know but some of it is so funny I couldn’t stop laughing. Not all of it is funny- he really is a jerk. But some of it is just priceless. And Leah. I loved her. Even though she didn’t act the most honorable in the past, she did so because she was broken. As was Tristan. There were reasons they both acted the way they did.
Angelisa writes characters that we don’t care for at first but turns them into ones we love. And she does so with wit, humor and fantastic storytelling. The family in this story is so dysfunctional they give new meaning to the term. And the banter between them is awesome. You will seriously find yourself laughing reading this book. I loved every character in this book. Well except one- Samuel- I wanted to smack that fucker upside the head. And let’s just say Angelisa can write the steamy scenes too. Damn they are hot.
I loved how the story was told in alternating POVs between Tristan and Leah and how it switches- starting in the present, then goes to the past, then comes back to the present. It totally works.
Dre, Kathryn, Piper and other characters we loved in Can’t Go Home also have a part in this story. I can’t wait to read more in this series and see what awaits the characters of these awesome books!
Well, well done Angelisa!
For more reviews go to www.lovenbooks.com
March 21, 2014
A hero the reader starts out disliking, and thinks, there is no way Tristan can be a romance hero.
A heroine that the reader may not like as well, and think, there is no way Leah can be a romance heroine.
Of course that is the beauty of this story. It's not predictable and the character arcs were extremely well done.
Even though the circumstances of how Tristan and Leah met and how their love affair unfolded made me wonder how were these two ever going to get over such a huge conflict, my opinion of the hero and heroine turned around and I liked them both, and definitely accepted them as a romance hero and heroine.
Their goals, motivation and internal conflicts are well drawn out, and sprinkled throughout the story, so the reader has an excellent understanding of what motivates them both.
I highly recommend this book. It will draw you in from page one and keep you rooted to the book until you finish it. The characters are addictive. The story is addictive. It's one of those book where you have to read it to understand how flawed characters go through their journey, and endear themselves into your heart, and you root for them both.
Angelisa Stone writes this type of male, his point of view, his actions and dialogue extremely well. She has also crafted a story that will have you laughing and also you may shed a few tears.
The epilogue is one that I totally enjoyed and it stayed true to each character.
This book has a of elements that can be discussed with other readers.
I also recommend the first book in the Oasis Waterfall Series, as you will meet Tristan, and other characters that play an important role in this book.
I look forward to more books from this author.
A heroine that the reader may not like as well, and think, there is no way Leah can be a romance heroine.
Of course that is the beauty of this story. It's not predictable and the character arcs were extremely well done.
Even though the circumstances of how Tristan and Leah met and how their love affair unfolded made me wonder how were these two ever going to get over such a huge conflict, my opinion of the hero and heroine turned around and I liked them both, and definitely accepted them as a romance hero and heroine.
Their goals, motivation and internal conflicts are well drawn out, and sprinkled throughout the story, so the reader has an excellent understanding of what motivates them both.
I highly recommend this book. It will draw you in from page one and keep you rooted to the book until you finish it. The characters are addictive. The story is addictive. It's one of those book where you have to read it to understand how flawed characters go through their journey, and endear themselves into your heart, and you root for them both.
Angelisa Stone writes this type of male, his point of view, his actions and dialogue extremely well. She has also crafted a story that will have you laughing and also you may shed a few tears.
The epilogue is one that I totally enjoyed and it stayed true to each character.
This book has a of elements that can be discussed with other readers.
I also recommend the first book in the Oasis Waterfall Series, as you will meet Tristan, and other characters that play an important role in this book.
I look forward to more books from this author.
February 25, 2014
I just finished this book. It did not take the route I intended for it to take, but the new path ended up in the same place I wanted it to end. I expected this book to be edgier and "angstier" than it turned out to be. I guess I just don't have that "bad girl" edge I thought I had.
Tristan and Leah are a very troubled couple, like most people. They have a past, but their future is uncertain. Sometimes, there needs to be more than just sexual chemistry and other times the sexual friction can cause devastating reactions. That's Leah and Tristan. They just can't seem to get it right--can't seem to get on the same page at the same time. I know couples like that. I've been in relationships like that.
I like this book. I'm proud of this book. I think you'll like it. It's got some steam, some humor, some insight, some drama, and some heart-swooning moments. That's what we typically all like in our contemporary romances, right? Anyway, let me know what you think, because I do care what you think. I know everyone says that writers should write and not care what anyone thinks. That's not me. I do care what people think. I want to know what people think. Mind you, I'm not going to change what I do or how I do it, but I do care. I like to know. I even like considering your thoughts and ideas--even if I may not change it. With that being said, enjoy my book, get lost in the affairs and struggles of Tristan and Leah. I know I did.
Tristan and Leah are a very troubled couple, like most people. They have a past, but their future is uncertain. Sometimes, there needs to be more than just sexual chemistry and other times the sexual friction can cause devastating reactions. That's Leah and Tristan. They just can't seem to get it right--can't seem to get on the same page at the same time. I know couples like that. I've been in relationships like that.
I like this book. I'm proud of this book. I think you'll like it. It's got some steam, some humor, some insight, some drama, and some heart-swooning moments. That's what we typically all like in our contemporary romances, right? Anyway, let me know what you think, because I do care what you think. I know everyone says that writers should write and not care what anyone thinks. That's not me. I do care what people think. I want to know what people think. Mind you, I'm not going to change what I do or how I do it, but I do care. I like to know. I even like considering your thoughts and ideas--even if I may not change it. With that being said, enjoy my book, get lost in the affairs and struggles of Tristan and Leah. I know I did.
March 4, 2014
Tristan is the rich kid that treats everyone like they owe him something..yep he's an Asus and he knows it but he has his reasons.
Leah is a no holds bar, not bitting her tongue for anyone, strong willed woman. Unlike most women her age she has a plan for staring up her own business in which she plans on doing all on her own. That is until one night with Tristan changes everything.
When I found out Angelisa Stone was writing Tristian and Leahs story I was both excited and piqued! Angelisa is a phenomenal writer but Tristian was such an jerk in Can't Go Home and I knew that by her writing their story, I would fall head over feet in love with him. (I have a serious unhealthy addiction to bad boys!)... and true to form I slipped, tripped and busted my lip hard in love with Tristan O'Donnell!
If you read and loved Can't go home.. which I don't see how one couldn't... this is a must read. If for what ever reason you haven't read the first book in this series send me a message and I find a way to get you a copy!!
Leah is a no holds bar, not bitting her tongue for anyone, strong willed woman. Unlike most women her age she has a plan for staring up her own business in which she plans on doing all on her own. That is until one night with Tristan changes everything.
When I found out Angelisa Stone was writing Tristian and Leahs story I was both excited and piqued! Angelisa is a phenomenal writer but Tristian was such an jerk in Can't Go Home and I knew that by her writing their story, I would fall head over feet in love with him. (I have a serious unhealthy addiction to bad boys!)... and true to form I slipped, tripped and busted my lip hard in love with Tristan O'Donnell!
If you read and loved Can't go home.. which I don't see how one couldn't... this is a must read. If for what ever reason you haven't read the first book in this series send me a message and I find a way to get you a copy!!
June 4, 2014
So I took it as a challenge when I started this book to continue hating Tristan. I despised him in Can't Go Home and I had made up my mind that there was nothing that could rectify all his wrongs. I lost my own challenge. *sigh* I wasn't even halfway through the book when I felt like I was gut punched because I fell head over heels in love with Tristan. I was a sobbing, snotty heap of a mess and my heart hurt for him. Angelisa makes you realize that there really is two sides to every story with her writing. Tristan and Leah are my favorite kind of fictional couple. She's snarky and stubborn, he's cocky and arrogant. I just lived everything about this book. I want to read it again, which I might actually do. You know how when you find a favorite song and you end up listening to it on repeat all day and never get tired of it? Yeah, that feeling right there is how I feel about Angelisa's writing. I need more NOW!
April 13, 2014
First I must say Angelisa Stone is freakin awesome!!! ...ok now to the review... In Can't Go Without we read from Tristan and Leahs point of view. I love Tristan O'Donnell (Adrians bro from Can't Go Home... ya didn't know? because you haven't read? One click it NOW) from the beginning of page one. Hes such a jerk but yet so witty. What can I say im a female and who isn't attracted to assholes. Talk about word vomit, I laughed a lot in this one . Angelisa seriously you're writing is great! He is quick and smart with his words. I liked how we got to see a side of Leah that made you want to give her a big ol hug. She took chances and it showed how strong of a chick she is. I love the Cameos of the other characters including Piper. Im still trying to figure out what I disliked about this book so dont hold your breath. In all I give Can't Go Without 5 beautiful stars → ★★★★★ ←
March 3, 2014
Steamy, sexy, emotional, and fun, this book takes up the torch from Ms Stone previous novel and tells the story of Dre's big brother Tristan. Until it is released I cannot tell you much, but it is a great, and fun story, and the sex is awesome.
March 7, 2014
4.5 stars
just fell a little short for me.
just fell a little short for me.
September 7, 2014
Can't got without
Can't Go Without is the second book in the Oasis Waterfall Series. I love the way Angelisa has chosen to write this book, the story is told in dual POV and in the past and present but its the way she has written the past and present that I loved.
We start in the present and we meet Tristan. Tristan comes from money, his parents are very wealthy and have always had a dysfunctional relationship. It wasn't easy growing up being an O'Donnell, his brother Adrian (aka Dre) and sister Piper know what it's like to be a constant disappointment in the eyes of a parent.
All he ever wanted was the approval of his father but like his siblings he was a constant disappointment. Growing up this way has turned him into the man he is today.
Tristan is a cocky, arrogant ladies man who can have any women he wants. Not everyone is going to like or love him. Me I loved his cockiness from the beginning his one liners had me cracking up ("I'm seriously about to fuck a chick who just said "Yolo?".)
Every women wants a piece of Tristan man-whore-O'Donnell. He is a man whore, why would he ever want to settle down with one women, why would he ever want to continue the cycle his parents created?
"Oh yeah , sign me up for a death-do-us part, money-sucking contract like that. Then after you sign me up, have me straight-jacked and lombotomized."
Then there is Leah the sassy straight shooter, i love a strong sassy female lead like her.
Leah and her boyfriend Samuel have a comfortable and predictable relationship its the way she likes it and needs it at the moment. The once a week pump and thrust it isn't romantic or passionate it's a relationship based on mutual respect for one another.
Leah owns a successful art gallery, not proud of how she came into the money to get started. Now finally has enough plus interest to clear her debt and hopefully her conscience. Dropping off her debt should be smooth sailing right, well as long as she doesn't bump into Tristan O'Donnell. The man she has be avoiding for the last 2-3 years...
Dre and Kathryn's wedding couldn't come soon enough, a break is just what she needs...
Tristan shows up in the south ready for his brothers wedding, although the greeting from Adrian was a frosty one. What happens when Tristan comes face to face with the women who destroyed him in more ways than one. What happens when Leah comes face to face with the man she destroyed and has been avoiding for the last three years...
When the lies of the past come out tempers fly and everything changes. Under his cocky arrogant exterior we see the kind of man Tristan really is, it makes me fall in love with him even more.
For the last 2-3 years Tristan has been a different person because of the actions of another. When he finds out he was betrayed by his own family he doesn't hold back. Can this dysfunctional and estranged family come back together, or are these actions to painful to get past.
The Ghost of Scandals Past:
We bounce back to the past and get to see how Tristan and Leah first met. I loved this part just as much as the present maybe even more, I loved the banter Leah and Tristan once shared. But after one drunken night waking up in a haze and no memory of the night before their actions and quick to judge thinking lead them down the path of lies and self destruction.
"Hey, don't shoot the messenger. I'm just saying that what was going on back there is a natural, scientific relation. Hearts beat, Leah".
"Yeah they do-right up until they're broken. Then they don't beat at all".
The Ghost of Scandals Past
Ok so this last part was my favourite part. Tristan, Adrian and Piper are reconnecting and building a brother sister relationship for once in their lives. Can Tristan forgive everyone who has hurt him?
What happens when Tristan and Leah come face to face again, can he forgive and forget or is are the lies and miscommunication of the past to much to get past?
Is the passion and chemistry they once shared still burning deep in side for each other.
Can't Go Without is fantastic I loved this book, loved Tristan, Leah as well as Adrian, Kathryn, Piper and the other side characters. This book had me laughing out loud so many times.
Can't Go Without is the second book in the Oasis Waterfall Series. I love the way Angelisa has chosen to write this book, the story is told in dual POV and in the past and present but its the way she has written the past and present that I loved.
We start in the present and we meet Tristan. Tristan comes from money, his parents are very wealthy and have always had a dysfunctional relationship. It wasn't easy growing up being an O'Donnell, his brother Adrian (aka Dre) and sister Piper know what it's like to be a constant disappointment in the eyes of a parent.
All he ever wanted was the approval of his father but like his siblings he was a constant disappointment. Growing up this way has turned him into the man he is today.
Tristan is a cocky, arrogant ladies man who can have any women he wants. Not everyone is going to like or love him. Me I loved his cockiness from the beginning his one liners had me cracking up ("I'm seriously about to fuck a chick who just said "Yolo?".)
Every women wants a piece of Tristan man-whore-O'Donnell. He is a man whore, why would he ever want to settle down with one women, why would he ever want to continue the cycle his parents created?
"Oh yeah , sign me up for a death-do-us part, money-sucking contract like that. Then after you sign me up, have me straight-jacked and lombotomized."
Then there is Leah the sassy straight shooter, i love a strong sassy female lead like her.
Leah and her boyfriend Samuel have a comfortable and predictable relationship its the way she likes it and needs it at the moment. The once a week pump and thrust it isn't romantic or passionate it's a relationship based on mutual respect for one another.
Leah owns a successful art gallery, not proud of how she came into the money to get started. Now finally has enough plus interest to clear her debt and hopefully her conscience. Dropping off her debt should be smooth sailing right, well as long as she doesn't bump into Tristan O'Donnell. The man she has be avoiding for the last 2-3 years...
Dre and Kathryn's wedding couldn't come soon enough, a break is just what she needs...
Tristan shows up in the south ready for his brothers wedding, although the greeting from Adrian was a frosty one. What happens when Tristan comes face to face with the women who destroyed him in more ways than one. What happens when Leah comes face to face with the man she destroyed and has been avoiding for the last three years...
When the lies of the past come out tempers fly and everything changes. Under his cocky arrogant exterior we see the kind of man Tristan really is, it makes me fall in love with him even more.
For the last 2-3 years Tristan has been a different person because of the actions of another. When he finds out he was betrayed by his own family he doesn't hold back. Can this dysfunctional and estranged family come back together, or are these actions to painful to get past.
The Ghost of Scandals Past:
We bounce back to the past and get to see how Tristan and Leah first met. I loved this part just as much as the present maybe even more, I loved the banter Leah and Tristan once shared. But after one drunken night waking up in a haze and no memory of the night before their actions and quick to judge thinking lead them down the path of lies and self destruction.
"Hey, don't shoot the messenger. I'm just saying that what was going on back there is a natural, scientific relation. Hearts beat, Leah".
"Yeah they do-right up until they're broken. Then they don't beat at all".
The Ghost of Scandals Past
Ok so this last part was my favourite part. Tristan, Adrian and Piper are reconnecting and building a brother sister relationship for once in their lives. Can Tristan forgive everyone who has hurt him?
What happens when Tristan and Leah come face to face again, can he forgive and forget or is are the lies and miscommunication of the past to much to get past?
Is the passion and chemistry they once shared still burning deep in side for each other.
Can't Go Without is fantastic I loved this book, loved Tristan, Leah as well as Adrian, Kathryn, Piper and the other side characters. This book had me laughing out loud so many times.
March 31, 2014
***ARC was provided by author in exchange for an honest review***
When readers met Tristan in Can’t Go Home, strong feelings of hatred were instantaneous for most. Tristan is the epitome of what’s wrong with rich men. He flaunts his money, his good looks, and he has zero respect for women…at least that’s the façade/role he’s played for the past three years. But just like there was more than meets the eye with his younger brother Adrian (Dre) in book one, there’s definitely a different person underneath Tristan’s mask of recklessness and debauchery.
“It’s no secret. I love money. I fucking adore the shit. Can’t live without it—would never consider living without it. It’s too damn wonderful.”
Tristan’s life is controlled by money; his father has made him that way. It’s how his father solves all of his own problems as well as those of his children. It makes total sense that Tristan sees it as something he can’t live without because he’s never been shown what’s really worth not going without…at one time, Leah Franchetti could have been someone he couldn’t live without, but lies and blackmail destroyed any chance of that happening or did it? What happens when hard truths are revealed and old feelings are brought back? Can two people learn that perhaps the only thing they can’t leave without is each other?
Let me start out by saying that I loved Adrian (Dre) in book one…he knew the life he once lived was not the life he needed to live, so he did something about it. He was a fabulous hero, and I’m so glad he was brought back in to book 2. That being said, there’s just something about Tristan…don’t get me wrong…at the beginning, I thought he was a total asshat. The way he treats women and the bullshit that comes out of his mouth is cringe worthy, but those types of actions usually speak to deep rooted torment and boy is he tormented. Just like Piper, I knew at the heart of Tristan was a man who just wanted to be loved and looked at with respect. He thought he had that with Leah, at least for that one night together, but then everything changed when he walked away, and she took her bitterness and made him pay.
I love that readers get to see the two-three years ago Tristan…the current deplorable Tristan as well as the Tristan that is slowly starting to change with the help of his siblings and Leah. That’s what every reader wants from a story – a main character who they can watch grow and change.
“’I can walk away and turn my back on a lot in life, but Leah, you are the one thing, the only person in this world that I can’t—absolutely cannot—go without.’”
Leah’s life has been just as bad as Tristan’s, but in different ways. Tristan has absentee parents...a philandering father and a stepford wife mother. Their lack of care and negative examples has molded Tristan into the man he is. Leah’s mother dying shaped who Leah is. She lost her rock and her passion, and for a long time, she acted out and turned into someone she couldn’t recognize nor wanted to be; she definitely rectified her mistakes, but the one she regrets the most is what she did to Tristan, but she doesn’t know how to make amends…she doesn’t know how to get back the one person she can’t/doesnt' want to live without.
Can’t Go Without is an amazing story of forgiveness and self-discovery. It’s about second chances and making amends. Tristan and Leah’s struggles are real, and Angelisa Stone does a fantastic job of keeping the storyline realistic and interesting. There’s witty banter, sexy scenes, and heartfelt interactions that make this text a must read!
Anything worth having is not easy…if it’s something or someone you can’t go without then you better make sure you do everything you can to hold on!
5 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
When readers met Tristan in Can’t Go Home, strong feelings of hatred were instantaneous for most. Tristan is the epitome of what’s wrong with rich men. He flaunts his money, his good looks, and he has zero respect for women…at least that’s the façade/role he’s played for the past three years. But just like there was more than meets the eye with his younger brother Adrian (Dre) in book one, there’s definitely a different person underneath Tristan’s mask of recklessness and debauchery.
“It’s no secret. I love money. I fucking adore the shit. Can’t live without it—would never consider living without it. It’s too damn wonderful.”
Tristan’s life is controlled by money; his father has made him that way. It’s how his father solves all of his own problems as well as those of his children. It makes total sense that Tristan sees it as something he can’t live without because he’s never been shown what’s really worth not going without…at one time, Leah Franchetti could have been someone he couldn’t live without, but lies and blackmail destroyed any chance of that happening or did it? What happens when hard truths are revealed and old feelings are brought back? Can two people learn that perhaps the only thing they can’t leave without is each other?
Let me start out by saying that I loved Adrian (Dre) in book one…he knew the life he once lived was not the life he needed to live, so he did something about it. He was a fabulous hero, and I’m so glad he was brought back in to book 2. That being said, there’s just something about Tristan…don’t get me wrong…at the beginning, I thought he was a total asshat. The way he treats women and the bullshit that comes out of his mouth is cringe worthy, but those types of actions usually speak to deep rooted torment and boy is he tormented. Just like Piper, I knew at the heart of Tristan was a man who just wanted to be loved and looked at with respect. He thought he had that with Leah, at least for that one night together, but then everything changed when he walked away, and she took her bitterness and made him pay.
I love that readers get to see the two-three years ago Tristan…the current deplorable Tristan as well as the Tristan that is slowly starting to change with the help of his siblings and Leah. That’s what every reader wants from a story – a main character who they can watch grow and change.
“’I can walk away and turn my back on a lot in life, but Leah, you are the one thing, the only person in this world that I can’t—absolutely cannot—go without.’”
Leah’s life has been just as bad as Tristan’s, but in different ways. Tristan has absentee parents...a philandering father and a stepford wife mother. Their lack of care and negative examples has molded Tristan into the man he is. Leah’s mother dying shaped who Leah is. She lost her rock and her passion, and for a long time, she acted out and turned into someone she couldn’t recognize nor wanted to be; she definitely rectified her mistakes, but the one she regrets the most is what she did to Tristan, but she doesn’t know how to make amends…she doesn’t know how to get back the one person she can’t/doesnt' want to live without.
Can’t Go Without is an amazing story of forgiveness and self-discovery. It’s about second chances and making amends. Tristan and Leah’s struggles are real, and Angelisa Stone does a fantastic job of keeping the storyline realistic and interesting. There’s witty banter, sexy scenes, and heartfelt interactions that make this text a must read!
Anything worth having is not easy…if it’s something or someone you can’t go without then you better make sure you do everything you can to hold on!
5 poison apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)
March 7, 2014
TRISTAN!!
I'm so in love right now. I usually don't get too worked up over these leading men but Tristan has wormed his cynical, arrogant little self right on in. Never have I been so appalled at male behavior. Not surprised, no....but appalled. Tristan is not sorry for how he treats women and in some twisted way I found myself agreeing with him most of the time. I found myself smiling at his antics and quips more than I was frowning at his behavior.
Maybe I should start over. This is my review of Can't Go Without book two in the Oasis Waterfall series by Angelisa Stone. Book one was Can't Go Home. Another really good story and book one in the series. I thought it would be my favorite buy nope. Tristan has won over my heart. Angelisa has won over my brain. She's such a good story teller. Such a good writer. You start reading and before you know it the story is done. Her writing is so real to me. So normal and down to earth. She doesn't really sugar coat anything. She doesn't trick you into thinking that love is all rainbows and unicorns. She writes stories that are believable. Well...believable in that the people in her stories act like real people.
Sigh....am I making sense?
Okay Tristan and Leah have a dirty past. Dirty as in not good. In fact it's changed both of them. Again in a bad way. Both of them already had some baggage. Tristan didn't quite realize what his was. Not right away. Leah on the other hand, well I think she knew that most of her baggage had to to with her mother's death. The impact that kind of loss has on a child is incomparable in my opinion. Sometimes bad things have to happen before we can come out on the other side. Before we can be a better person and before we can see what life is really about.
I'm not going to get into the details of the story though. That's not fair to the reader. What I will say is that there is such a wonderful, heart felt story here. A story of family what a family really is. Sometimes it's not traditional and that's okay. A family doesn't have to be bound by blood. A family can be comprised of both relatives and friends. This is also a story about forgiveness and love and even redemption. The characters in both of these books are so important to one another and even to the reader. There is no way you can read these books and not feel like a part of this growing family. Sometimes we have to put our faith in things we can't see. We have to have hope that in the grand scheme of things we're able to find our right path.
Watching Tristan and Leah in this story as they navigated through life trying to figure it out was truly endearing and special.
I can't wait to see what Angelisa has in store for us next in the Oasis Waterfall series. WOW I'm assuming there will be a third book!! Hoping, praying, longing, assuming...that about sums it up. I really hope you take a chance on this book and this author. She really is that good!
*A copy of this book was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
March 5, 2014
We briefly meet Leah and Tristan at the end of the first Oasis Waterfall book, Can’t Go Home, however you don’t necessarily need to read it to enjoy this second book.
Leah Franchetti has had some tough times in life. Not knowing how to deal with her mother at a young age, she ventured down a self-destructive path giving up art in lieu of drugs and alcohol. After finding her way back, she put herself through college and graduate school. Even though she cleaned up her act, she was weak and hurt after spending a night with Tristan O’Donnell only to discover she was just like all of his other one night stands. To get back at him she claimed rape and assault and was paid off by his father, enough to start her own art gallery.
Tristan is the quintessential rich playboy. He has more money than he knows to do with, treats women like objects, and acts above everyone else. He’s actually quite a despicable guy. He seems to enjoy bedding women who are taken just to prove he can and that all women will cheat. He knows that no one will defy him just because of his name and his money.
The first few chapters I kept thinking “why am I reading this?” Tristan is just a disgusting excuse for a man. He likes only his pleasure and no one else’s. He’s probably one of the most narcissistic characters I read. He’s not even really an alpha male, just seemingly possesses no ability to care for anyone but himself. It’s okay though just keep reading, the journey is so worth the ending.
This book is truly set up like a journey. It’s composed of three parts: Ghosts of Scandals past, present, and future. I really enjoyed this because you get to see where Leah and Tristan are three years after the incident, the night of the incident, and where they end up.
Throughout Leah has always maintained a generally good heart, even with the few loathsome acts. She knows what she did was wrong and continues to apologize and try to find a way of redemption. Her transformation is more an internal change of how she can start to live and put the past behind her. On the other hand, Tristan’s revolution is more extraordinary. He has to come to grips with his past and family and learn to outwardly expose the better man than few have been allowed to see.
Before reading, I always try to get an idea from beta readers of their impressions to see if I’ll enjoy the book. I kept seeing how most thought the first in the series was great and the second blew them away. I just couldn’t understand it especially after getting a few chapters in. They were right! This is a fantastic story. It’s filled with all the elements we love; a feisty damsel in distress, a villain who turns out to be a hero. It’s truly an amazing love story.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
For more reviews like this one, go to www.smutandbonbons.com
~ARC received in exchange for honest review.~
Leah Franchetti has had some tough times in life. Not knowing how to deal with her mother at a young age, she ventured down a self-destructive path giving up art in lieu of drugs and alcohol. After finding her way back, she put herself through college and graduate school. Even though she cleaned up her act, she was weak and hurt after spending a night with Tristan O’Donnell only to discover she was just like all of his other one night stands. To get back at him she claimed rape and assault and was paid off by his father, enough to start her own art gallery.
Tristan is the quintessential rich playboy. He has more money than he knows to do with, treats women like objects, and acts above everyone else. He’s actually quite a despicable guy. He seems to enjoy bedding women who are taken just to prove he can and that all women will cheat. He knows that no one will defy him just because of his name and his money.
The first few chapters I kept thinking “why am I reading this?” Tristan is just a disgusting excuse for a man. He likes only his pleasure and no one else’s. He’s probably one of the most narcissistic characters I read. He’s not even really an alpha male, just seemingly possesses no ability to care for anyone but himself. It’s okay though just keep reading, the journey is so worth the ending.
This book is truly set up like a journey. It’s composed of three parts: Ghosts of Scandals past, present, and future. I really enjoyed this because you get to see where Leah and Tristan are three years after the incident, the night of the incident, and where they end up.
Throughout Leah has always maintained a generally good heart, even with the few loathsome acts. She knows what she did was wrong and continues to apologize and try to find a way of redemption. Her transformation is more an internal change of how she can start to live and put the past behind her. On the other hand, Tristan’s revolution is more extraordinary. He has to come to grips with his past and family and learn to outwardly expose the better man than few have been allowed to see.
Before reading, I always try to get an idea from beta readers of their impressions to see if I’ll enjoy the book. I kept seeing how most thought the first in the series was great and the second blew them away. I just couldn’t understand it especially after getting a few chapters in. They were right! This is a fantastic story. It’s filled with all the elements we love; a feisty damsel in distress, a villain who turns out to be a hero. It’s truly an amazing love story.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
For more reviews like this one, go to www.smutandbonbons.com
~ARC received in exchange for honest review.~
April 25, 2014
Tristan is a douche, not gonna mince words. He uses women & then kicks them right out of his bed, but then we see the flip side of the coin that just once he would like a woman to make it a little tougher on him, give him something to chase, but these bimbos are mostly married or engaged & are just looking for a quick romp too. But when Tristan met Leah all those years ago she made him wait, she bantered with him & made him crave her company, not just her body. Once they finally got down to business & had the most fantastic night of their lives, big misunderstandings occurred. In Leah's mind, it sealed Tristan's fate as a permanent douchebag loser. And that is why in book #1 we find his brother Dre, his girlfriend Kathryn, and Leah all teaming up with a terrible plan that totally throws Tristan under the bus. It saves their youngest sister Piper but yet it was totally unfair to Tristan. Dre & Kathryn's wedding day approaches and that is why Tristan & Leah suddenly find themselves in the same city relieving their old misunderstandings. Tristan's father is completely heinous, to all three of his kids, so much so that they've shut him out of their lives. But the one advantage is they decide to finally bond together. Once Tristan gets out from under his father's influence he seems to make a complete change in his life - not really believable but ok. Can't really go from douchebag deluxe to suddenly being a philanthropist helping out all of Dre's friends! There are many interesting side parts to their story, like Leah's mom's battle with cancer & how she may be affected. Luckily it makes her live her life to the fullest & take advantage of this new opportunity with Tristan to start fresh & establish a real relationship with him! And we also learn what happened to Piper as a teenager. I haven't seen anything about the third book in this series & I'm crossing my fingers that it involves Piper - she is a spitfire & I'd love to see her get her happy ending.
March 3, 2014
“ Fine…they would tolerate it minimally if you came to their rehearsal and rehearsal dinner tonight…and…and…to their wedding tomorrow.”
Tolerate it minimally; yup I think that is how we all feel about Tristan O’Donnell. He’s a jerk. A vain, womanizing man-whore, why would anyone want to be around him? Why indeed, well that’s just Tristan on the surface, deep down he’s just a wounded little boy trying to appease his father.
Leah is finally seeing her dream come true. Her art gallery is taking off and she’s content in a relationship, but the guilt of what she did to Tristan weighs on her, keeping her from truly enjoying her success. Somehow she has to right her wrong then maybe she can be happy. But seeing Tristan again does things to her, things she doesn’t want to think about.
“Button up, I can’t look at that shit, . . . Crap! I wanted it to be flabby . . . and hairy . . . and gross, maybe even a little moldy. Mold would’ve done the trick.”
This book is incredible! Angalisa Stone is a phenomenal story teller and I loved this book and I love her. As we know from Can’t Go Home Tristan O’Donnell is an a$$hole and not much has changed in this book, well not at first. This book starts out two years after the first one ended. Then it flashes back three years and we learn A LOT about the incident and the reasons surrounding that incident. We learn a lot about both Tristan and Leah’s past and I have to tell you, it’s heavy. Tristan defiantly has his reasons. Then the story comes back to the present. I love how the story was laid out, I also love that once again it is written from both points of view. I think it’s important to see what is going on with both characters. I give this book 5 stars and 4 hands down the pants. I can’t wait to see what Angalisa has in store for us next.
“. . . feeling like I’m going to kill Jose and his Piper-poking- pecker.”
Tolerate it minimally; yup I think that is how we all feel about Tristan O’Donnell. He’s a jerk. A vain, womanizing man-whore, why would anyone want to be around him? Why indeed, well that’s just Tristan on the surface, deep down he’s just a wounded little boy trying to appease his father.
Leah is finally seeing her dream come true. Her art gallery is taking off and she’s content in a relationship, but the guilt of what she did to Tristan weighs on her, keeping her from truly enjoying her success. Somehow she has to right her wrong then maybe she can be happy. But seeing Tristan again does things to her, things she doesn’t want to think about.
“Button up, I can’t look at that shit, . . . Crap! I wanted it to be flabby . . . and hairy . . . and gross, maybe even a little moldy. Mold would’ve done the trick.”
This book is incredible! Angalisa Stone is a phenomenal story teller and I loved this book and I love her. As we know from Can’t Go Home Tristan O’Donnell is an a$$hole and not much has changed in this book, well not at first. This book starts out two years after the first one ended. Then it flashes back three years and we learn A LOT about the incident and the reasons surrounding that incident. We learn a lot about both Tristan and Leah’s past and I have to tell you, it’s heavy. Tristan defiantly has his reasons. Then the story comes back to the present. I love how the story was laid out, I also love that once again it is written from both points of view. I think it’s important to see what is going on with both characters. I give this book 5 stars and 4 hands down the pants. I can’t wait to see what Angalisa has in store for us next.
“. . . feeling like I’m going to kill Jose and his Piper-poking- pecker.”
March 8, 2014
Angelisa Stone ROCKS MY WORLD!!!
We’ve all read raunchy, we’ve all read meaningful but very few authors blend the two together so beautifully.
Angelisas books are a pleasure to read, one minute you’re laughing, the next you’re blubbing and then before you know it you’re all hot & bothered!!!!
This book has it all, sexy HOT, humour, pain, poignancy, love & angst!!! It’s a modern day Scrooge tale - past, present & future just not necessarily in that order.
We know what Leah did from Can’t Go Home and however twisted the scheme it was with good intentions and for the greater good in what is the complete cluster f**k of a family that are the O’Donnells. I loved how we get to see Leah in a brand new light, what makes her tick, why she’s made the choices she’s made and how she’s strived to turn her life into positives and pay for her mistakes both literally & figuratively. I just couldn’t dislike her, even though she told what would usually be an unforgivable lie, she redeemed herself with me completely.
Now Tristan, ahhhhh who’d have thought I’d fall for this rich, playboy asshole, but I did, utterly and completely!!!! Adrian who???
Yes, he is a complete dick for the most part but I’m loathe to judge a self aware dick, he only gets away with what he’s allowed too and he’s paying his dues whilst his brother and sister are getting to live their lives away from scrutiny and disapproval. He’s carried the burden of what he did to Leah and his torment is played out in all it’s ugly glory, under all that asshole is a pretty genuine guy who cares about his nearest and dearest and wants to be the best person he can be. It was a joy to see him evolve and reconnect with Adrian & Piper, throw in all our fave peeps from Can’t Go Home and a few newbies and this is a book you should not and Can Not Go Without!!!!
ARC provided for an honest review
We’ve all read raunchy, we’ve all read meaningful but very few authors blend the two together so beautifully.
Angelisas books are a pleasure to read, one minute you’re laughing, the next you’re blubbing and then before you know it you’re all hot & bothered!!!!
This book has it all, sexy HOT, humour, pain, poignancy, love & angst!!! It’s a modern day Scrooge tale - past, present & future just not necessarily in that order.
We know what Leah did from Can’t Go Home and however twisted the scheme it was with good intentions and for the greater good in what is the complete cluster f**k of a family that are the O’Donnells. I loved how we get to see Leah in a brand new light, what makes her tick, why she’s made the choices she’s made and how she’s strived to turn her life into positives and pay for her mistakes both literally & figuratively. I just couldn’t dislike her, even though she told what would usually be an unforgivable lie, she redeemed herself with me completely.
Now Tristan, ahhhhh who’d have thought I’d fall for this rich, playboy asshole, but I did, utterly and completely!!!! Adrian who???
Yes, he is a complete dick for the most part but I’m loathe to judge a self aware dick, he only gets away with what he’s allowed too and he’s paying his dues whilst his brother and sister are getting to live their lives away from scrutiny and disapproval. He’s carried the burden of what he did to Leah and his torment is played out in all it’s ugly glory, under all that asshole is a pretty genuine guy who cares about his nearest and dearest and wants to be the best person he can be. It was a joy to see him evolve and reconnect with Adrian & Piper, throw in all our fave peeps from Can’t Go Home and a few newbies and this is a book you should not and Can Not Go Without!!!!
ARC provided for an honest review
April 15, 2014
I started off rating this book 2 stars with a DNF at 33% then decided that I was being a total b!t$h by trying to review something that I never really gave a chance to complete. I went back to right my idiocy and found an extra star that should have been given.
You see, at the 33% mark, I felt like the author was trying a little too hard to redeem both MC's flaws and past mistakes by highlighting about their overcompensating kindness and over-explaining their background to provide the readers with more likeable qualities. It kinda made me cringe and came across more caricature'ish. I actually liked the bones of the plot and I have always loved a crude, vulgar hero however, I just didn't feel any connection to both characters or like where the storyline was going - nor was I wanting to find out.
The 42% mark added the extra star as it was dedicated to the history and beginning of the MC's love story. This was where the games and banter got interesting so I kept reading on to the last portion of the book where it dipped back into the same feeling and vibe (although not as bad) as the first portion. This did not add nor delete any stars simply because there were equally funny & clever scenes as well as cheesy, cringeworthy scenes. In the end we get the cute but neatly wound up HEA which was also sweet and fun to read.
In saying this, I certainly won't cease reading any future stories by this author as I do find her very talented and loved her writing style in her first book Can't Go Home (review for this can be read here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...). I will definitely be looking out for her next story and look forward to seeing what she comes up with next!
You see, at the 33% mark, I felt like the author was trying a little too hard to redeem both MC's flaws and past mistakes by highlighting about their overcompensating kindness and over-explaining their background to provide the readers with more likeable qualities. It kinda made me cringe and came across more caricature'ish. I actually liked the bones of the plot and I have always loved a crude, vulgar hero however, I just didn't feel any connection to both characters or like where the storyline was going - nor was I wanting to find out.
The 42% mark added the extra star as it was dedicated to the history and beginning of the MC's love story. This was where the games and banter got interesting so I kept reading on to the last portion of the book where it dipped back into the same feeling and vibe (although not as bad) as the first portion. This did not add nor delete any stars simply because there were equally funny & clever scenes as well as cheesy, cringeworthy scenes. In the end we get the cute but neatly wound up HEA which was also sweet and fun to read.
In saying this, I certainly won't cease reading any future stories by this author as I do find her very talented and loved her writing style in her first book Can't Go Home (review for this can be read here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...). I will definitely be looking out for her next story and look forward to seeing what she comes up with next!
March 7, 2014
Book Worms was given this book as an ARC for an honest review.
We gave this book 4 stars.
This review was left by Lauren a Book Worms Reviewer.
Thank you Lauren.
This is Tristan's and Leah's story.
Tristan is a spoiled, rich, arrogant, and cocky guy. He sees absolutely nothing wrong with using women as an object to get himself off. He's been raised with money that comes in by the buckets, and he's also been raised without that great of a parental guidance in his life. You could blame his actions on that, but once you dig deeper into this very descriptive novel, you find out what really pushed him to become the man that he is today.
Leah is completely different, driven by pain and anger, she sets out on a mission to destroy. Just like any good-hearted person; after you set your mind to do something that terrible and just plain wrong, you are always going to be left with a nagging guilt that constantly eats away at you slowly.
As fate would have it; both of these lovely characters have to face their problems and decide if they want to continue living the way that they are, or to change and learn to become a better person. (Much like Adrian did in the first novel of the series.)
This novel has a very intense plot with a lot of twists and turns mixed into it. If you are someone who loves to laugh at and with the characters or get feisty and angry, you're going to love this book. As long as you can get past all the character flaws. ;)
September 16, 2014
Can't Go Without is the second book in the Oasis Waterfall series by Angelisa Stone. If you've read the first book, then you have already been introduced to Tristan – Dre's jerk of a brother. You would also know about Leah's deception and lies about Tristan. This book is about the romance between Tristan and Leah.The reader is aware of how manipulative Leah can be, but Tristan knows nothing about it.
This book starts off in present day, and then flashes back to 3 years prior – before the problem between Tristan and Leah arises. Then it comes back to present day. I knew that Tristan would be a hard character to like, but I also knew he would find a way to redeem himself in this book. And I was right. You sort of just love to hate this guy, which I know makes no sense. He's rich, arrogant, and is a man whore. However, you find out how he comes to be this way. He pretty much just follows in his father's footsteps. That's how he was raised. His father treats him like crap though, and makes him feel like a failure.
Leah seems to feel bad for her deception, and she's trying to right her wrongs – but I had trouble getting past it. Also, I thought Tristan forgave her too easily. I felt that is was perfect though that towards the end of the book, we find out that somebody has been deceiving her. Tristan and Leah have really good chemistry though, and for the most part I really enjoyed the story. The love scenes are really steamy, which is a good thing ;)
I would think that there would be another book in this series, but I have no idea. I would be interested in reading a story about Tristan and Dre's sister, Piper. She seems like a perfectly likable, yet flawed character that would be interesting to read about.
This book starts off in present day, and then flashes back to 3 years prior – before the problem between Tristan and Leah arises. Then it comes back to present day. I knew that Tristan would be a hard character to like, but I also knew he would find a way to redeem himself in this book. And I was right. You sort of just love to hate this guy, which I know makes no sense. He's rich, arrogant, and is a man whore. However, you find out how he comes to be this way. He pretty much just follows in his father's footsteps. That's how he was raised. His father treats him like crap though, and makes him feel like a failure.
Leah seems to feel bad for her deception, and she's trying to right her wrongs – but I had trouble getting past it. Also, I thought Tristan forgave her too easily. I felt that is was perfect though that towards the end of the book, we find out that somebody has been deceiving her. Tristan and Leah have really good chemistry though, and for the most part I really enjoyed the story. The love scenes are really steamy, which is a good thing ;)
I would think that there would be another book in this series, but I have no idea. I would be interested in reading a story about Tristan and Dre's sister, Piper. She seems like a perfectly likable, yet flawed character that would be interesting to read about.
August 27, 2014
In Angelisa Stone's CAN'T GO WITHOUT, two troubled people struggle to come together despite their ugly shared past.
Tristan is as big a player as you've ever met--angry, self-centered, entitled. Leah, trapped in a loop of grief and self-loathing, isn't much nicer. These two--whose relationship was snuffed before it began--are now out for blood. Or so it seems.
Stone's characters are raw and compelling. Tristan and Leah want to be better, but they don't believe there's a way back. All they can do is inch toward the light (and toward each other) redemptive deed by redemptive deed. Shedding their shells isn't easy or pretty. They have to own up to some terrible truths about themselves and those closest to them.
I did wish for more variation in speech among characters. Nearly the entire cast has the same harsh, locker-room diction ("I'm not down with that shit.") even though they have advanced degrees and run successful businesses. Also, while Stone does a great job expanding and developing the character of Tristan's father, who turns out to be even more awful than we thought, Tristan's mother's transformation comes a bit late and with little set up. I would have liked her to make an appearance mid-way through and offer a tantalizing hint about her new direction.
My quibbles with dialog and Mrs. O'Donnell aside, CAN'T GO WITHOUT is a read-in-one-sitting-no-bathroom-breaks book. Angelisa Stone drops her characters into a deep, dark hole and has them claw their way to redemption. By the end, the couple's transformation is absolutely convincing and demonstrates how, as big as the tendency to err is, it's nothing to our capacity to forgive.
Tristan is as big a player as you've ever met--angry, self-centered, entitled. Leah, trapped in a loop of grief and self-loathing, isn't much nicer. These two--whose relationship was snuffed before it began--are now out for blood. Or so it seems.
Stone's characters are raw and compelling. Tristan and Leah want to be better, but they don't believe there's a way back. All they can do is inch toward the light (and toward each other) redemptive deed by redemptive deed. Shedding their shells isn't easy or pretty. They have to own up to some terrible truths about themselves and those closest to them.
I did wish for more variation in speech among characters. Nearly the entire cast has the same harsh, locker-room diction ("I'm not down with that shit.") even though they have advanced degrees and run successful businesses. Also, while Stone does a great job expanding and developing the character of Tristan's father, who turns out to be even more awful than we thought, Tristan's mother's transformation comes a bit late and with little set up. I would have liked her to make an appearance mid-way through and offer a tantalizing hint about her new direction.
My quibbles with dialog and Mrs. O'Donnell aside, CAN'T GO WITHOUT is a read-in-one-sitting-no-bathroom-breaks book. Angelisa Stone drops her characters into a deep, dark hole and has them claw their way to redemption. By the end, the couple's transformation is absolutely convincing and demonstrates how, as big as the tendency to err is, it's nothing to our capacity to forgive.
March 8, 2014
We met Tristan and Leah in first book and now we got their story.
And My Gosh!!! What a story it was. Just… wow.
The story is a KICK ASS one.
Fabulous.
Gripping.
Irresistible.
Addictive.
Brings very deep emotions.
The sex is off the charts.
Passionate.
Funny.
Poignant.
Touching.
Unputdownable.
So unpredictable.
So ahmazing!!!
I was attached to it instantly. And loved every single part of this rollercoaster story.
Tristan is… well… a bad cocky man and such a jerk. But I could not hate him. I fell for him. I knew that there was a reason why he was acting the was he was. And it was a damn good one.
Leah is and interesting character. Because of what happened she thinks that she is unworthy of a fairytale so she settled for secure relationship with her ass boyfriend. At the same time she is punishing herself and trying to make the things right by redeeming herself.
But the universe has conspired against them so they keep running into each other.
The most important thing is the underneath everything that happened, there is still love. Undeniable, strong and shattered. You can not fight it.
But, will they be able to forgive and move forward or will they be stuck in that moment?
I loved Can´t go Home but Can´t go Without is an consuming addiction. The story just stays with you days after you finished it.
Angelisa delivered a captivating, heartfelt story in an exceptional and gripping way.
Book heaven you sure do not want to miss.
≧◔◡◔≦ 5 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦
>>>ARC received in exchange for an honest review<<<
And My Gosh!!! What a story it was. Just… wow.
The story is a KICK ASS one.
Fabulous.
Gripping.
Irresistible.
Addictive.
Brings very deep emotions.
The sex is off the charts.
Passionate.
Funny.
Poignant.
Touching.
Unputdownable.
So unpredictable.
So ahmazing!!!
I was attached to it instantly. And loved every single part of this rollercoaster story.
Tristan is… well… a bad cocky man and such a jerk. But I could not hate him. I fell for him. I knew that there was a reason why he was acting the was he was. And it was a damn good one.
Leah is and interesting character. Because of what happened she thinks that she is unworthy of a fairytale so she settled for secure relationship with her ass boyfriend. At the same time she is punishing herself and trying to make the things right by redeeming herself.
But the universe has conspired against them so they keep running into each other.
The most important thing is the underneath everything that happened, there is still love. Undeniable, strong and shattered. You can not fight it.
But, will they be able to forgive and move forward or will they be stuck in that moment?
I loved Can´t go Home but Can´t go Without is an consuming addiction. The story just stays with you days after you finished it.
Angelisa delivered a captivating, heartfelt story in an exceptional and gripping way.
Book heaven you sure do not want to miss.
≧◔◡◔≦ 5 ✰ read ≧◉◡◉≦
>>>ARC received in exchange for an honest review<<<
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews