Thin Love

Thin Love #1

by Eden Butler

Love isn't supposed to be an addiction. It isn't supposed to leave you bleeding.

Kona pushed, Keira pulled, and in their wake, they left behind destruction.

She sacrificed everything for him.

It wasn't enough.

But the wounds of the past can never be completely forgotten and still the flame remains, slumbers between the pleasure of yesterday and the thought of what might have been.

Now, sixteen years later, Keira returns home to bury the mother who betrayed her, just as Kona tries to hold onto what remains of his NFL career with the New Orleans Steamers. Across the crowded bustle of a busy French Market, their paths collide, conjuring forgotten memories of a consuming touch, skin on skin, and the still smoldering fire that begs to be rekindled.

When Kona realizes the trifecta of betrayal—his, Keira's and those lies told to keep them apart—his life is irrevocably changed and he once again takes Keira down with him into the fire that threatens to ignite them both.

Genres: Sports, Romance, New Adult, Contemporary Romance, Second Chance, College, Sports Romance

481 pages, ebook

First published August 18, 2014

About the author

Eden Butler is a writer of contemporary, fantasy, and romantic suspense novels and the nine-times great-granddaughter of an honest-to-God English pirate. This could explain her affinity for rule breaking and rum.

When she's not writing or wondering about her possibly Jack Sparrowesque ancestor, Eden patiently waits for her Hogwarts letter, reads, and spends too much time in her garden perfecting her green thumb while waiting for the next New Orleans Saints Super Bowl win.

She is currently living under teenage rule alongside her husband in southeast Louisiana.

Please send help.

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Reviews

[Baba · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 thin star. DNF @40%. Review posted October 8, 2015





If you were wondering how 338 smiles look in a review, then check this out:

smiles, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smiled, smile, smile, smiled, smiled, smile, smiles, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smiled, smiled, smile, smiled, smile, smile, smile, smile, smiled, smiled, smile, smiled, smile, smile, smile, smiled, smiled, smile, smiled, smile, smiled, smile, smile, smiled, smiled, smile, smile, smile, smiled, smiled, smile, smile, smile, smiled, smile, smile, smiled, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smiled, smile, smile, smile, smile, smiled, smiled, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smiled, smile, smile, smiled, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smiled, smile, smiled, smiled, smile, smile, smiled, smile, smiled, smile, smile, smiles, smile, smile, smiled, smile, smile, smiled, smile, smile, smile, smiled, smiled, smile, smiled, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smiled, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smiled, smile, smile, smile, smiled, smile, smile, smile, smiled, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smiled, smile, smile, smile, smile, smiles, smiles, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smiled, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smiled, smiled, smile, smile, smiled, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smiled, smiled, smile, smile, smile, smile, smiled, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smiled, smile, smiled, smile, smiled, smiled, smile, smiled, smile, smile, smiled, smile, smiled, smile, smiled, smile, smile, smile, smiled, smile, smile, smile, smile, smiled, smiled, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smiled, smile, smile, smile, smiled, smile, smile, smiled, smiled, smile, smile, smile, smile, smiled, smile, smile, smiles, smile, smile, smiles, smiles, smiles, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smiles, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smiles, smile, smile, smile, smile, smiles, smile, smiles, smiles, smiles, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smiles, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smiles, smile, smiles, smiles, smile, smiles, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smiles, smile, smile, smile, smiles, smile, smile, smiles, smiles, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smiles, smile, smile, smile, smile, smile, smiles, smiles, smiles, smiles, smile.


My fingers hurt and my eyes are bleeding.

REPETITIVENESS GALORE

338 x smile, smiles, smiled (sorry but I had to repeat it, just for the record)

166 x laugh, laughs, laughter, laughing, laughed

52 x grin, grinning, grinned

17 x smirk, smirking, smirked

That makes a mind-boggling total of 573 (five hundred and seventy-three) smiles, laughs, grins and smirks.

108 x wildcat (HORRIBLE nickname, it's not worthy of more than one repeat)

25 x growl, growling, growls, growled (a personal pet peeve of mine)

126 x frown, frowned, frowns, frowning

One would think that authors (or editors) do a word count to avoid repetitiveness which, clearly, is a huge pet peeve of plenty of readers. Why can't authors tone down the smiles and laughs?

Well, what else could you expect from these two vapid numbers? People who constantly laugh and smile have to cover their insecurities while their brain cells are taking a break.

And as per usual, I can't stress enough how unsexy and unrealistic a growling woman is. I don't even like it when a man does it (of course both MCs were growling animals). I mean we're not at the zoo, for Pete's sake. When will authors stop using that annoying word?

The poor writing, the trite dialogue and shallow characters made my intestines shrivel and that hormonal, immature teenage drama was ridiculously stylized. I really think that these two vapid characters deserve each other. The heroine blushed and acted like a shy virgin even though she'd been deflowered by another guy. Given the fact that she's barely had any sexual experience, let's be generous and consider her as one. This being said, it doesn't make her any more appealing to me.


Couldn't stop laughing when I read this:



I asked an editor friend of mine what she thinks about the writing. That's her response:

His bottom eyelids curled up?? Is the person human?

Also, to me "cheeks lifting" means that he smiled or grimaced or his facial expression otherwise changed.

Here, instead of describing the facial expression and thus conveying the character's emotions, the author provides the mechanics of it. And quite poorly at that. It's poor writing.

Small detail: the terms 'upper' and 'lower' eyelid are strongly preferred. It's as if there are more eyelids in between if you say 'top' and 'bottom'.

Unless this is some alien species? :P


They're aliens whose eyes wrinkle and their eyelids curl up! No other explanation. Must be butt ugly.




Here are more "lovely" writing samples for your perusal.


It was in that moment, with her heart drumming hard, that something twisted in Keira’s brain, something more frightening than being mugged in an alleyway. Instinct should have told her to stop Kona, to plead with him not to hurt the much smaller guy dangling from his hands. But she didn’t. Not immediately. The hot whip of pleasure shot through her veins and the inexplicable, uncontrollable sensation of desire hardened her nipples.

It goes without saying that the violence that good ole Kona dished out on that dude hardened the nipples of the almost-virgin. Uh-huh.


And then the flawless Mark Burke laughed. Keira liked the sound. It was melodic, like the vibration of a wineglass, and kept tension from binding up her shoulders.

My shoulders are tensing in dreaded anticipation.


He felt the burn of tears starting behind his eyelids, but managed to keep them on his lashes with a hard squint.

A pulse twitched in Keira's top lip, a little quirk that had Kona's smile retreating.

Yeah, right. Since when does a smile retreat? *smh*


"We're young and irresponsible. We're supposed to do stupid things."

How should I phrase this? That's just plain stupid. Being young isn't an excuse; it's a state of being before you get older and here's hoping that young people still act reasonably and use their brain cells. Because having fun doesn't equal doing stupid things.


Keira bit her lip and stared at a small curl flattened against Mark's forehead.

This scene… *barf*

Keira didn’t think, didn’t question why the ripple of heat crowding between her thighs was nothing to the whip of anger Kona’s little move roused in her. She didn’t care that he was beautiful. She didn’t care that she wanted him to kiss her, everywhere. Kona smirked, his throat moving with another growl and she lashed out, pushed his chin with her nails digging deep. She meant to move him aside, to eliminate that leer from her sight, but the sweat from his skin made her fingers slide and she scratched an angry cut along his cheek.

(…)

“Didn’t know you liked the rough shit, Wildcat.” It was his laugh that blinded her. She couldn’t hear anything but the heavy rush of her blood pumping in her ears and the echo of his humor in the dark hallway. Then, the rage that only Kona could pull from her, had her lashing out. She stood straight, defensive, and slapped him right across the face.

(…)

He turned his head, unhurried, a shift in his eyes that came before his face was back in front of her. And inexplicably, the look he gave her and then the slow, meticulous slide of his tongue in the corner of his mouth, had Keira’s nipples pebbling against her shirt. That look made her wet. She expected his anger. She expected him to back away, to snatch from her the heat that his body and the moment poured over her skin. But Kona’s eyes did not narrow. They didn’t squint down in his anger and his face was not a mask of abject rage. Kona Hale brought his tongue into his mouth, before the cleft in his chin came up and a smile slid across his face. Keira stopped breathing. And then that mysterious, unnamable zip that always crackled between them shot out hard, like the force of a lightning bolt, and Keira didn't think about why she wasn't scared, why she found it impossible to squeeze her legs together tight enough to take the throb away.


She'd attacked Kona, got turned on - so very turned on - by the scratches and slaps she leveled at him.

Crazy bitch needs her head examined. The jerk too.


The crowd started to clap, but Kona kept his eyes on Ricky, on that not-a-smile grin and the slip of his black eyes behind Kona.

WTH? Not-a-smile grin? When it's not a smile then it's a grin. Jesus.Fucking.Christ.


Keira smelled like heaven, all flowery and delicious and her body was a miracle, fine, strong lines, muscle and soft curves and he brushed her hair away to get to that body.

Yeah, a miracle.


And when he couldn't control his hands, when they came up to cup her breasts, those sounds Keira made were like a symphony; glorious, intoxicating music that made Kona brush his thumbs against her nipples, made him pinch down on them until she was gasping, until she moved her ass against his hard dick.



He'd make her skin sing, just to have her touch him the way she was then, just to hear the happy moan shooting out of her mouth like a melody.

That's bad writing and very cheesy.


"Make me buzz," she said, between kisses, "make my whole body buzz."

(…)

Instinct took over and he picked her up, hands on her ass, directing her legs around him. "I'll make you buzz, Wildcat."


"I get CPU's whormeister in my bed and he just wants to kiss me."


The smile she gave him was wicked, pulled so wide that he could almost see her back teeth. Kona loved that smile. It promised filthy things.
"How do you want to not leave me hanging?"
"Did the hickey monster touch you, Wildcat? Really touch you?"

Who the hell cares about her effin' back teeth!? He isn't a dentist or a doctor who has to check out her pharynx. And I don't give a flying F about that stupid nickname either.


He went down on her…

Keira was embarrassed, refusing to let him uncover her face. "Oh God, that was gross."
"It wasn't gross, Wildcat. It was amazing.
(…)
"You're beautiful when you come, Wildcat. You're beautiful all the time, but especially when you come for me."

Blah.


"Can I kiss you…here?" Keira placed an open-mouth kiss on his pec and Kona's fingers when straight into her hair.

Oh, she kindly asked if she could kiss him. How cute. There are also some editing issues, by the way.



"Kona, you're almost too much. Almost too perfect."

I'd rather not comment.


"You don't want me to go?"
"I wouldn't hate it if you stayed."
Kona tried to ignore the double beat of his heart. "That's tempting, Wildcat, but if I stayed I couldn't promise you'd avoid those bad decisions."
"Kona, I get the feeling you might end up being my favorite mistake."

It doesn't get any more hackneyed.


The scene around the 35% mark was proof what an idiot Kona is (he was speeding and caused an accident and the crazy heroine got hurt. Of course she didn't remain passive prior to that incident. She lent a helping hand by throwing another hissy fit. I take it one must get in the right mood, or something.

They waited side by side for the throng in front of the door to thin, but Keira's temper was at high tide, waving anger and rage insider her chest.

I think I did good waving the white flag...not inside my chest, though.


"Let me go, you gorilla." Kona stopped, turned toward her as though he might pull her against him and Keira saw red and stomped on his foot.


"You were mad," she said. "I was mad. Shit happens."
"Would you listen to yourself?" He stood up then, fingers sliding through his hair. "When are you gonna get it through your head? I'm no fucking good for you."

Well, let's always be harping on the same damn string. Baba breathes with whiny a plea in her voice...'I'm not good enough for you'.

Ugh. Shit happens, all right.


She was mad, distracted by the burn in her eyes, by the collection of tears that stuck on her lashes.

Yeah, a collection of tears that stuck on her lashes beats a collection of stamps anytime.


The words poured from Keira, fell from her mouth like water and she lived inside that melody, brought life and breath to lyric and rhyme like a priestess working a spell.

*cringes* Cheesy, much?


"(…)You do things to him that messes with his head. I don't think that's a bad thing. And okay, so maybe you both push each other's buttons, but shit, isn't that the way it's supposed to be? Isn't that one person supposed to drive you crazy?"

Nope. Being in a relationship means that I want to keep my sanity. And get this, Keira thinks that Kona's twin is smart. *snort* What a bad joke.


Bottom line
A very thin and very tedious read. I gave Thin Love a shot because I got it for free. I actually got the next installment and another of this author's work for free also. But it looks like Butler is not my cup of tea, so I decided to remove the other two ebooks from my Kindle app. Writing my review was definitely more fun than attempting to struggling through that little "gem".

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Unforgettable Stars

I don't want easy. I want the impossible. I want love so thick, I drown in it; it's the only thing worth having.

I cannot tell you the last time I was this invested in a romance between two characters where it drowned out absolutely everything; reason, logic, life, EVERYTHING but the need to keep turning the pages to know what happens next. This story was everything to me. It was beautiful, tragic, emotional, and absolutely unputdownable. If you're an angst whore like me, you will love this book, and even if you're an angst avoider, this book will convert you. This had everything that I absolutely love in a story; an angsty love story between 2 incredibly endearing yet broken characters, a hate at first sight meeting that grows to love, and a lovers reunited story that's so beautiful it's unforgettable.

This is a story about young love and the mistakes that go along with it. A love so thick, it's almost toxic. A love so devastating it's impossible to forget. It's a story of mistakes, regrets, forgiveness and redemption. It's a story with two characters who feel everything as deep as it gets; love and anger. A story of two people that are different yet also so similar that they're almost bad for one another, yet a love that's so strong it's undeniable. This book is a hidden gem that I can only describe to you in 3 short words: A MUST READ.

Told in 2 parts, it begins in present day, flashes back to retell the epic love that burned but never burned out 16 years ago, and then picks back up in present day. But before you find out how it ends, you need to know how it all began...

Kona, I get the feeling you might end up being my favorite mistake.

Keira Riley and Kona Hale were not a match made in heaven and they certainly didn't even like each other at first sight. Keira is an 18 year old college student that's felt a weight on her no child should ever feel; first the weight of her father's sickness and addiction, and then the weight of her overbearing mother with little thought to Keira's desires. She focuses on school and escapes in her music, until a chance meeting with the school's resident manwhore and football golden boy changes her life irrevocably.

Kona Hale doesn't do relationships or love, he does football. Living under a weight of his own to constantly prove his worth, he knows that his football career is the most important thing. He doesn't give Keira a second glance until they're put to work on a school project together and her fiery temper finally gets his notice.

That live wire was too damn tempting and he wanted to burn in her. He wanted to burn in her so bad.

Their love story was anything but an easy read, but it will grab you from beginning to end. The chemistry between them is so strong and fiery it practically leaps off the pages and grips you by the heart. They're not perfect, they're hot tempered and make terrible mistakes that hurts more often than not. But when it's good, OH MY GAWD is it good.

She wanted this. Him. Her. Their touch, the magic in every brush of his fingers, the glide of his tongue, with her always. It was needy, desperate and she loved the white hot craving of him, of how her body reacted to him, how her heart hammered hard like an earthquake.

Their love burns hot, until the blaze becomes too much and burns them both in a devastating mistake that leaves both Kona and Keira shattered.


I couldn't put this book down. I honestly don't remember the last time I had such a visceral reaction to a story that I felt everything along with the characters. My enjoyment of the story drowned out everything that I would logically dislike anywhere else. The writing was in 3rd person POV told in present tense, which more often than not, doesn't work for me. But the writing was so brilliant that I was able to completely disregard it. I didn't care that my logical mind wanted a reason behind Kona's mother spiteful and hateful behavior. I couldn't find it in me to care about any slight imperfection beyond this beautifully tragic love story. It was THAT good.

The second half of the book gives you the more mature versions of Kona and Keira, who are now in completely different points of their life but fate finds them together again. It gives you a beautiful second chance love story that's also perfectly imperfect.

You were mine and I never loved anything more. I never wanted anything or anyone like I wanted you. Like I still want you. My always, Keira. You're still my always.

I finished this book yesterday and still can't stop myself from thinking about it and it's just one of those books that will stay with me. I simply cannot recommend it enough. After stalking the author I saw that Ransom's book is next, and I'm waiting with bated breath to get my hands on his story.

And if my review hasn't convinced you to give this book a try, let me reiterate it again, READ IT. You won't be sorry. It's a love story that will gut you at times, but not one you'll soon be forgetting.

For more reviews visit

[Lady Vigilante (Feifei) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!!

“Love is or it ain’t. Thin love ain’t love at all.” – Beloved



You know how sometimes you open a book and read just a few lines but you already know that it’ll be good for you? Thin Love was that kind of book for me. As a reader who tries to avoid angst and all kinds of drama, I expected this book to be a complete turnoff but instead, the story & the characters hit me hard. It’s difficult to read this book and not be reminded of myself…and just how impetuous and uninhibited young hearts are. Unflinchingly honest and emotionally raw, Thin Love is a heart-pounding story documenting Kona and Keira’s tumultuous relationship – first in college and then 16 years later when a fated encounter brings them together once more.

***********************

The book is split into two parts: one focusing on Kona and Keira’s time together in college and another when they see each other again 16 years later. In part 1, Keira Riley is introduced as a smart, ambitious but antisocial freshman who knows what she wants out of life. Granted a temporary reprieve from her meddlesome and controlling mother, Keira channels all her energy and focus on getting good grades, getting out of college, and getting away from her family. Being constantly surrounded by wealthy, uptight, and superficial people all her life, Keira knows the importance and value of real relationships and love and vows to have nothing less.



Unknown to her, Keira’s world gets shaken up as she’s assigned to work with none other than the campus manwhore Kona Hale. A native Hawaiian whose entire focus is on football, Kona is outwardly charming and relaxed but always aware of the pressure to excel in the field from his abrasive mother, demanding coach, and friends and teammates.

It’s hate at first sight for Kona and Keira. She despises his laissez-faire attitude in class and he pities her for being a nerdy and stuck up girl. But at the same time, there’s no denying this powerful and intense connection they have that’s not just physical attraction. There’s a push-and-pull dynamic for a good part of the book which is to be expected for a bad boy falls for good girl storyline. And then comes the part where mistakes are made and lies are told and ultimately, Kona and Keira split apart. It isn’t until 16 years later where their gazes collide in the market that they contemplate the idea of being together again.

***********************

I have to say, this book was both hard and easy to read. Hard to read because it was devastating to see the extreme lows in their relationship. Easy to read because their chemistry is THE most intense and when they were together, they were together. It’s not every book I read where the couple’s love drowns out all logic and reasoning…a love that’s so desperate and so unhinged it becomes toxic yet you just can’t help but want them to be together. They were drugged on love…heck, I was too and I was swept away in the torrent of emotions this couple evoked. Seriously, they had it all: jealousy, lust, love, regret, and the list just goes on...



I think this book could’ve been a complete 5 star read for me if it hadn’t been the odd Hawaiian lingo occasionally used and the 3rd person narration. The tense was just plain weird sometimes and if I hadn’t been so emotionally invested in these characters, the 3rd person narration would’ve caused a huge problem for me. I also would’ve liked more about Kona’s mother and an explanation to why she always had a stick up her ass.

If you’re going to read this book, go in knowing these characters make terrible mistakes. They hurt and blame and take but they also give, accept, and heal. For me, it is the hard-earned happy endings that are usually the most rewarding and satisfying to read, and that was the case with this book. Kona and Keira’s journey is rife with passion, heartache, and all-consuming love, a combination that makes for an unputdownable and unforgettable read.

[Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the dark end of the street
That is where we always meet
Hiding in shadows where we don't belong
Living in darkness, to hide alone
You and me, at the dark end of the street
You and me
I know a time has gonna take it's toll
We have to pay for the love we stole
It's a sin and we know it's wrong
Oh, our love keeps going on strong
Steal away to the dark end of the street
You and me
They gonna find us, they gonna find us
They gonna find us love someday
You and me, at the dark end of the street
You and me
When the daylight all goes around
And by chance we're both down the town
Please meet, just walk, walk on by
Oh, darling, please don't you cry
You and me, at the dark end of the street
You and me

Oh, the bloody drama of it all. Seriously wanted to knock their heads together a few times…


Overall a good read. Thought the first half or up to about 70% could have been a bit shorter. Was a tad repetitive for me.

“I don’t want easy. I want the impossible. I want love so thick, I drown in it; it’s the only thing worth having and, I’m sorry Kona, you’re a nice guy when you’re not acting like an entitled jackass, but I really don’t think you’re capable of being anything more than that.”

The mothers, FFS, are there really people out there like that?

[Geri Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 I really wish GR would allow half-stars for books that are better than a 4 but not quite 5 stars!

I've read three books from Eden Butler so far, but as much as I was excited to read this I was also scared because from the blurb alone, I know that it's going to be an angst-fest.

Welp! I was both right and wrong. I was right about it being an angst fest. But I was wrong about the being scared part because even though I wanted to vomit from the angst and frustration...



Kona Hale met Keira while in college. It was not love at first sight. It was hate at first sight. Kona is the big man on campus. A football player on his way to the NFL and Keira is a serious student who wants nothing more than to get out of the controlling thumb of her mother. She was not the kind of girl that a guy like Kona usually hangs out with.

That is until Kona started noticing Keira. He wants her, she demures. They did the push and pull for a little while until Keira finally gave in to her own attraction to Kona. When these two came together, it was explosive. They were certainly a match. They were both passionate, stubborn and temperamental.



And the very same qualities that attracted them to each other like a moth to flame became their undoing.

Sixteen years later, they are both older and wiser but still very much attracted to each other. Their past is telling them that being together again is a very bad idea but this time, they had to too much to lose not to try again.

My Thoughts

This book really threw me for a loop. Once I started it, I just couldn't put it down. Both Kona and Keira are compelling characters. They made some pretty bad decisions the first time they were ogether. And sometimes, I had to restrain myself from chucking my Kindle at the wall at some of the things they did to hurt each other. But goodness, I couldn't not ROOT for them. I wanted them to be together at the end. Kona's possessiveness and Keira's temper made for a very passionate yet volatile relationship, and their youth only compounded it.

I have to say, as much as I loved Eden Butler's Seeking Serenity series, this book is definitely my favorite from hers so far. My only gripe was about Keira and Kona's mothers. They both played a huge role in the destruction of Kona and Keira's relationship but I never understood why they were just so, ugh, evil.



So coming from someone who has a pretty close relationship with her mother, I guesses I needed more back story. I needed the why simply because I couldn't fathom how a mother could ever do those things to their own flesh and blood. I wanted that. There were some clues here and there, as to why, but I never got a clear picture why they acted the way they did.

Other than that, this one was pretty unforgettable. So if you're in the mood for some possessive alpha, temperamental females, and loads of angst, read this book.



ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Sleepless Readmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

She was the kind of girlfriend God
gives you young, so you'll
know loss for the rest of your life.

4.75 GOTTA LOVE A WILDCAT STARS

Kona and Kierra .. ♥

I don't want easy.
I want the impossible.
I want love so thick,
I drown in it;
it's the only thing
worth having.

I can't just walk away
and feel nothing.
Not when it
comes to you.
I'm not heartless
that way.

Take me to the Quarter .. Seriously it's like the city of New Orleans is sending me a sign .. recently I've read quite a few books that have made me fall in love with this place! A perfect location to set for this helluva story. Generally when a couple has a past the author writes vaguely about it or has a series of flashbacks. Not in this case; Eden Butler takes the alternative approach and thoroughly explains the premise. I loved how she did this because it was an extremely clear understanding of their back story. I really enjoyed this story however I felt like it was either missing something or was slightly too much at times (ESPECIALLY all that anger). It was on the longer side but definitely worth the read.

Funny you're the broken one
but I'm the only one who needed saving ..►♫

An emotional roller-coaster would be fitting to describe this novel. On the messier side however it was a unique and unconventional sort of love story. The part that absolutely gutted me was the series of events that led to the breakup .. HEARTBREAKING! I became quite invested with these characters and this book still is on my mind .. hours later. I certainly will be reading more by this author .. starting with that novella!

You were mine and I never
loved anything more.
I never wanted anything
or anyone like I wanted you.
Like I still want you.

This is always, Wildcat.
You ... you're my always.

Thin Love Eden Butler

[Rachel L · Rating 5 out of 5]

UPDATE! 8/23/2015: If you haven't read this yet, now is the time! Book 2 coming out at the end of this month. Get on it!

4.5 Wildcat stars

"This is always, Wildcat. You...you're my always."



Soooooooo glad that Feifei recommended this to me! Thanks friend! I love angst in my romances. And boy did this book deliver. It gave angst AND drama which I normally don't like but it worked well in this book.

Honestly, sometimes great angst is better than great steam in my book. So that makes me weird? Who cares.



Thin Love is the story of Keira and Kona, the studious girl meets the slacker. But appearances aren't all they seem to be. When Keira is paired up with Kona for a class project, she's less than thrilled. Kona may be great looking, and he may play football, but he lacks what she needs in the partner department. Kona isn't happy about the arrangement either, but as time goes by the two get to know each other better, and they find out they have more in common than they might have realized.

“I don’t want easy. I want the impossible. I want love so thick, I drown in it; it’s the only thing worth having."

Of course, something comes between them and devastates both of their worlds. But can their love be thick enough to withstand the test of time?

“This time when you walk away, I won’t let you stay gone. This time, Wildcat, I’ll follow.”

I loved the story this book told, it was unconventional yet beautiful with all of its flaws. I liked the idea that two people could fight to stay together when personal dilemmas such as rage issues come into play. Plus, I also ADORE second chance love stories. I didn't really know going into this one that it was a second chance, so I am super happy it provided me with my second chance angst.

"The past is a slippery vine of regret."

Some of my thoughts on this book:

-Kona's mom:


Seriously. I can't believe that an educated woman would be that narrow minded and racist. Every time that woman entered the scene I wanted to bitch slap her, even though this book had a huge amount of slapping already.

-I couldn't help it, but every single time Keira called Kona "Bebe" I pictured this:

^^^South Park fans will understand.

-OMG the slapping/smacking! This was one of the few things I really didn't like about the book. I understood the rage issues but after a while every time someone got slapped I rolled my eyes a little bit. Yes it happened that often.


-I'm not normally one to point out typos, but the misspelling of Keira's name drove me nuts! Sometimes it was Keira, and at other times it was Kiera. Make a decision!!!

***I would highly recommend this book for fans of the Bad Things series by RK Lilley.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

"Together. Me and you, Wildcat. Just me and you."



I really enjoyed this second chance romance. At times I wanted to throw my kindle across the room, and/or down a bottle of whisky. But in the two days I spent reading this book, I was completely caught up in Keira and Kona's story. It was messy and full of angst, but beautiful. I couldn't help but pull for these two damaged characters.

[NMmomof4 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars (Originally read 8/31/14)

4.5 Stars (Re-read 1/4/17)

Overall Opinion: This was another re-read for me from books in my favorites shelf and I will keep it there, because I still really enjoyed these two and their fierce love for one another. I will, however, drop it down .5 of a star because of the way the h pushes the H away after they are reunited. It went on a little bit too long for my liking, and I became frustrated with her for it. This is a story that shows us the ugly side of love, and because of that it is full of angst. I felt their connection and even though it wasn't always pretty, I was rooting for them the whole way through their struggles. This is probably not a book for my safety gals, but if you're looking for a book full of angst and second chances -- this might work great for you!

Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Keira and Kona's story. They officially meet when they are assigned to be partners for a project in college. Kona is a big football star, and Keira is just focused on keeping her 4.0. They don't get along for a while, but eventually they can no longer deny the connection they feel towards one another. They start dating, and fall in love. Something tragic happens and they are separated for ~16 years, and when they are reunited there are still some big obstacles they have to get around...but they do get a HEA ending.

POV: This alternated between focusing on Keira and Kona in 3rd person narrative.

Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well. This is a longer book than I usually read, but it has a lot going on so it didn't feel that way to me.

Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.

H rating: 4 stars. Kona. I liked him. I liked his fierce protectiveness. While his jealousy was OTT at times, I appreciated that he was so in love with the h to feel that way.

h rating: 4 stars. Keira. I liked her. I liked how she didn't let Kona get away with things. She did frustrate me some after they are reunited when she was so hesitant to get back together, and she pushes away a little too much for my liking.

Sadness level: High/moderate. I remember being a blubbering mess the first time I read this. I did cry, but it wasn't enough that I needed tissues this go round.

Push/Pull: Yes The h pushes away at first because she doesn't want to be a fling. The H pushes away because he is hurt over a traumatic event. The h also pushes away when they reunited. They both pursue the relationship at times, but I think the H was the main pursuer.

Heat level: Moderate. They have hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much that it takes away from the story.

Descriptive sex: Yes

Safe sex: Yes and no. They use condoms except for one time. The h was on birth control She is on antibiotics and ends up pregnant because they counteracted her bc . I don't remember any mention of std statuses or previous practices.

OW/OM drama: Yes The H is with OW after they have connected emotionally, but before anything really official happens between them. The h goes on a date with a OM that her mom set her up with, and this causes some drama when she bumps into the H at a party. The h also sees the H doing a body shot off an OW when they are kind-of separated after a fight.

Sex scene with OW or OM: Not really The h recalls her first time seeing the H was when he was in the locker room getting oral from OW. The h also sees the H walk out of a bedroom adjusting his clothes with OW adjusting hers.

Cheating: No

Separation: Yes They are separated for ~16 years. The H implies that he had a few kind-of-serious girlfriends and other partners during separation, and the h was with one man one time during the separation.

Possible Triggers: Yes The H was a manwhore before h, performance enhancing drug use, marijuana use, drug dealing, loss of a sibling, unexpected pregnancy, secret child, anger issues, and domestic violence (h hits H when angry).

Closure: This had a good jump ahead epilogue with a HEA ending.

How I got it: I paid $3.99 for it on Amazon back in 2014, but its free right now!

Safety: This one is probably Not Safe for most of my safety peeps.

- Does Not have cheating
- Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
- Does have both the H and h pushing away
- Does have a ~16 year separation between the h and H
- Does have abuse
- Does Not have OTT sad parts (see above triggers)
- Does have a HEA ending

[Ⓐlleskelle - That ranting lady ッ · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 THICK STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

SPOILER FREE REVIEW

WOW. This is how I could resume this book for you. Just. WOW.
This was my first book by Eden Butler , and it certainly won’t be my last!

“I don’t do thin love, Kona. I’ve seen what it does. I’ve seen how pathetic it is my whole life.”
“I don’t want easy. I want the impossible. I want love so thick, I drown in it; it’s the only thing worth having.”

I read this book earlier this week and I can safely say that I’m still in state of a book hangover! I know this because I keep looking for similarities in blurbs when I have to choose a new read. (Okay, this and perving on Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson on Pinterest.)

If I had to describe this book with actual words, I would say it was Intense, beautiful, emotional, cataclysmic, heartbreaking, overwhelming, OUTSTANDING.
Yes, that was quite the angst-fest, and I’m not usually too keen on reading books that will likely makes me want to pull all my hair out. But this one made me feel feelings so STRONG, so RIGHT, I literally fell in love with a book, regardless.
This story will grab you within the first pages, so prepare yourself for a long sitting reading session!




This was a wonderful story of second chances at life, love and happiness, covering a 16 years lapse of time, set in two times, past and present.
———————-———————-
In the past…
Keira, is a 18 year old young woman, dedicated to her studies, and secretly driven by her passion, music. She lived a lonely childhood at home since her dad passed away, raised by a controlling and cold mother.(What I mean by that, is that her mom was a nasty bitch.)

Elle aimait avec d'autant plus de passion qu'elle aimait avec ignorance.
Elle ne savait pas si cela est bon ou mauvais, utile ou dangereux, nécessaire ou mortel, éternel ou passager, permis ou prohibé ; elle aimait.
Victor Hugo.
Les Misérables.

Kona, is a 20 year old manwhore giant hawaiian football star player, exuding arrogance and hotness. (perfect combo, in my opinion) He is used to have his ways on the campus, concentrating his efforts exclusively on the field. Failure is not an option for him.




Nothing could have predicted for these two to cross paths, save for an assignment for their English class’ project.
No insta-love for Keira and Kona, and what a pleasant change from the trend in books nowadays.

Kona is intrigued by this fierce and explosive tempered girl who couldn’t give a damn about who he is/what he is, and doesn’t hesitate to give him hell in front of the whole campus.



I loved, LOVED the slowly built sexual tension, I wouldn’t expect less in an enemy to lovers storyline, but Eden Butler really made it work, by gradually unraveling both Keira and Kona’s personality layers. She did not try to make them perfect, she made Keira and Kona flawed. And flaws they had!

"I know what you are. I knew that before we were assigned this project.”
…He watched her expression, the small curl of her mouth, the tremor that bumped a tiny pulse on her cheek as she pushed him back, still standing too close with that tempting mouth just inches from him. Lips that were sweet, words that were poison. “People like you never fucking change.”

[image error]
They both have anger and jealousy issues, which initiates some serious sparks in their relationship and the animosity between them is palpable,
As they seem to fuel on each other anger, those sparks fly, lighting up all in its path.

When he slipped his free hand around her arm, pulling her forward, Keira’s temper flared bright, hot and she pushed back the buzz on her skin and the thought of how delicious he tasted.
He’d kissed her. Again. No regard for her temper. He was too much, assumed too much, wanted too much and Keira couldn’t contain her rage.
… Anger, lust, shame, they all coiled together, shot straight to Keira’s core, aching, throbbing and she felt stupid and unstable

That live wire was too damn tempting and he wanted to burn in her. He wanted to burn in her so bad.

While their passion and chemistry is indisputable, these two are tangled in an addictive and destructive romance, which constantly leads to hurtful behavior from both of them, causing heartache and disappointment.

“This is stupid. This, I’m not… this isn’t me.”

“No. It’s not.” Kona pulled her legs from his waist and his hands moved back to her face. His voice was level, calm. “This is you with me.”

Some dreadful event ensues, causing for Kona and Keira to part ways, with a lot of things left untold, and this will stay that way for 16 years.

I will haunt you, Kona. When you think of me, see my face, hear my name, you’ll only remember that I loved you. You’ll remember that my love for you was never thin.

———————-———————-
Present time
So what happens when they run into each other 16 years later?

It is her. She is just feet from him after nearly two decades. Instinctively, he touches his chest, just over his heart. It’s where his tattoo is… the one he got for her. She’s always been his beloved.

[image error]
Well, this is where I leave it for you to discover, hoping you will enjoy THIN LOVE as much as I did.



And I just learned that Ransom will have his book soon, I’m really looking forward to his story!

His boy looks down, frowning. “That shadow, Dad. It’s freaking big.”
Kona takes Ransom by the collar, hopes his voice is easy, calm. “Son, it’s just a shadow. Time to make your own.”

And Miss Butler... This is for you,


And this because, really, this man has one of the nicest smile... ;)

[Kim Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 Stars!

I can't believe I've waited so long to read this book. I absolutely loved this sweeping, epic tale.
The love, angst, passion and even the anger that are built in this story are so THICK. The characters are rich, vibrant and REAL. The drama seems melodramatic at points, but damn ... it made me FEEL.
I won't be writing a full, long review for this book - there are already lots of great ones written. I'll just say ... if the next book is even half as good, I'm in for a great treat. I'm putting this one on my 6 star best-of-the-best shelf ... UNFORGETTABLE.

[* Meli Mel * · Rating 5 out of 5]

♥ ♥ ♥ 5 STARS ♥ ♥ ♥

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

“This is always, Wildcat. You...you're my always.”

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

Kona Hale is a college football player working his way into the NFL. Unfortunately, his skills on the field aren't the only ones he is famous for. He is also known for his womanizing ways. When he is partnered with Keira for a project, he thinks he can charm her into doing what he wants but she is not easily swayed, in fact, it seems she can't stand him. Keira is trying to make it through her years of college without upsetting her mother too much, by appeasing her when needed. She is also still quite affected by the death of her father years back. The only way she has to connect with him is through music. She knows what Kona wants, and she doesn't want "thin love" which is only lust. She wants "thick love" that will last and she knows Kona can't give her that.

Kona is determined, no matter how selfish it may seem. When they finally get together it's dangerous and frenetic. They get consumed but what they feel and it can be a scary thing. Especially when they both have problems when it comes to dealing with their tempers. They are both broken by it. But this is also why they get each other so well. They push and pull each other, hurt and heal each other. They have become addicted to one another. Their relationship may not be a healthy one but they can't seem to stay away. That all changes by one event where Kona pushes her away for good and causes their hearts to shatter.

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

“I will haunt you, Kona. When you think of me, see my face, hear my name, you’ll only remember that I loved you. You’ll remember that my love for you was never thin. You’ll remember this moment because it will be the biggest regret of your life.”

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

Sixteen years later, fate brings them back together again. They still have strong feelings for each other after all these years. And this may be the chance Kona needs to make things right with Keira again.




This is one of those books where I ask myself 'why in the hell hadn't I read it before?', but I am so glad that I finally did. It was a page turner that's for sure. I didn't want to stop reading it, and when I did, I kept thinking about it. I was completely engrossed by this book. Oh, the angst...I keep telling myself I won't read books with too much angst but I guess I'm glutton for punishment because I keep doing it. I just can't help it. And this drove me completely off the wall with frustration. The relationship between Kona and Keira was an intense one. I would get so damn upset, and angry with them both. Then there were moments that freaking melted my heart. I was all freaking over the place. I wanted things to work between them so bad, that when it didn't, I was a frightful mess and I'm sure there might have been some snot running down my nose from all the tears. Yeah...it was not pretty.

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

“This time when you walk away, I won’t let you stay gone. This time, Wildcat, I’ll follow.”

●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●  ●

Their journey was a long one and it was definitely not an easy one, but I loved it! Kona, that lovable idiot, was a possessive alpha and very caring which earned him a spot in my heart. Keira frustrated me but I still managed to really like her. They were both immature when they were young which makes sense with how old they were. So, it was great to see how much they had grown since they were nineteen and twenty years old. I was glad how I was really able to feel the connection that they shared. Which is why I was an emotional wreck from this roller coaster ride. I felt everything they were feeling. Their chemistry was explosively hot, something I highly enjoyed. I just plainly loved this book and I can't say it enough. I can't wait to read Ransom's book next. I am hoping it will be equally as amazing as this one. So, go ahead and give this book a read, if you haven't done so already. But, ye be warned, the angst is crazy high.

[Allison ❤️Will Never Conquer Her TBR❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Angsty, Second-Chance Stars!




"This is always, Wildcat. You...you're my always."


Thin Love is broken into two parts...the before and the after. Kona is a star college football player. A player in every sense of the word. When he's paired up with the uptight, smart girl in one of his classes for a group project, he's surprised how intrigued he is by her. She basically thinks he's a manwhore, could give two shits about becoming friends...just needs him to focus and help get this project done.

Kiera was pretty tough on Kona in the beginning. I kinda felt bad for the guy. He's not a dedicated student, for sure, but she had zero issue letting him know what she thought about him. Time passes and their time together begins to pass in an amicable way. Kiera starts to let down her guard but she knows he's not a keeper...


“I don’t want easy. I want the impossible. I want love so thick, I drown in it; it’s the only thing worth having and, I’m sorry Kona, you’re a nice guy when you’re not acting like an entitled jackass, but I really don’t think you’re capable of being anything more than that.”


--------------

The first half of the book (65%ish) is essentially young New Adult. I was a bit nervous going in as I'm not a fan of immature drama. This book did get on my nerves after the third or fourth breakup. It seemed whenever things went crazy (which they often did) someone went running. Granted, Kona has anger issues. He's got a meddling mother from hell (actually, they both do) but come on, already. Stay or go.





I was counting the pages until they grew up...the part 2 of the book. So when I got there, I was a little relieved.





Part two...sixteen years later and THANK GOD for maturity. I loved, loved, loved this part...and it honestly saved my rating. Kona and Kiera reunite and it was refreshing to see two adults talk, work things out, screw like bunnies...oops, did I say that?

I love a second chance romance and this delivered in spades.

One question...Eden Butler... Who are you and where have you been? The writing is BEAUTIFUL. Seriously. When you read hundreds of books a year, it's easy to pick out the elementary from the stellar. This was almost poetic. Not something a reader will see every day.

Looking forward to more from Ms. Butler!

And I thank you!

[[~Ami~]♥Sexy Dexy♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars




The majority of the book was in the past where Keira and Kona met at college. But what happens when there are so many obstacles in their way keeping them apart?

I was getting a lot of feels from this book. After a while I felt it drag and I wanted it to move back to the present. Kona was a douche but he had some sweet moments. Keira I found pretty awesome but after a while she kept running and I hate it when heroines keep the baby a secret from the baby father

Im glad I finally found a book that gave me the heart flutters, unfortunately it didn't last until the end. I still enjoyed it and I would definitely recommend if you like angst/tension college type turn second chance romance.

ARC provided by the Author

[Amy | Foxy Blogs · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I don't want easy. I want the impossible. I want love so thick, I drown in it; it's the only thing worth having, and you're a nice guy when you're not acting like an entitled jackass, but I really don't think you're capable of being anything more than that."

THIN LOVE is the angsty love story of Kiera & Kona. Their story is one of second chances that starts in the present and goes back to the past to fill in the past. As college students these two are a mess. To say they're toxic when together is an understatement. Even though they loved each other the obstacles that stood in their way, at times, were greater than their love could withstand.

Readers who are fans of second chance romances along with an angst filled story will love the story of Kiera & Kona because it delivers both of those things. It grabs you from the start and holds you until the last page.

SERIES:

Each book can be read as a standalone.
Book 1 is the story of the parents of the character in book 2.

Novella:

A follow up to book 1.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 WILDCAT STARS! ★★★★



"This entire piece is the story of my life, Keira; who I was, what I lost, what I want to have back and it all starts here. It starts with you, Wildcat."

This book definitely reminded me how good angsty stories should be written and let me tell you, there were just plenty of 'em angst coming from all directions! Also I'm such an angst whore, so this one really worked for me although it drove my sanity up the wall so many times.

********

Thin Love is a second chance romance story that revolves around Keira and Kona, whose story will be told in two parts in the book. Part 1 depicting their love story in college and Part 2 taking place 16 years later where they are reunited once more after a tragic event that tore them apart. Majority of the book takes place in Part 1, introducing us to the young hearts of Keira and Kona.

Keira, the 18-year old girl who is studious and ambitious; her attitude mainly driven by the weight of her overbearing mother who cares very little about her true desires. Seeking escape from her mum's suffocating grasp, Keira focuses on getting good grades and mostly channels her thoughts through music. Keira was on a straight path filled with certainty until Kona came into her life.

Kona, the charming campus manwhore is only good at one thing; and that's playing football. Beneath that tough exterior also lies a boy who silently carries the weight of his own by having to prove himself worthy of his mother's and coach's expectations. He doesn't do relationships but his world is sent into a turmoil when he unexpectedly gets paired up with Keira for an assignment.

It was hate at first sight for these two but as they slowly tear down each other's walls, their love was nothing short of wild and intensely passionate.



********

Honestly I can't remember the last time I got so worked up reading a book that it made me want to leap into the book and start doing vicious things to everyone! There were some borderline insanity moments that I thought I was going to have to murder someone or as my book bestie, Penelope puts it, "go burning down everyone's houses" LOL!

I'm telling you ladies, that's seriously how crazy the angst is in this one. Keira & Kona's love story will suck you in so badly and put you through a whirlwind of emotions as you stand alongside watching their explosive relationship. I hated them but yet I loved them. I wanted to smack them multiple times but yet I wanted to give them cuddles and hugs.



The push and pull dynamic between these two will have you begging for your sanity throughout the book. There was this undeniable sizzling chemistry between them and their wild attraction towards each other will grip you so tightly as you read. The flirty and witty banters were executed well to balance out the angst and I love how Keira totally sassed Kona during their initial encounters. Love it when my heroine got balls!

I couldn't remember the last time I felt so invested in a romance story where love drowns out all logic and reasoning, where love can be so thick yet toxic at the same time. Where two young souls are consumed by love so powerful that could be so destructive.

“I don’t want easy. I want the impossible. I want love so thick, I drown in it; it’s the only thing worth having."

Their love story was of all sorts; dangerously explosive, beautifully tragic and absolutely heart-wrenching.

"When you think of me, see my face, hear my name, you’ll only remember that I loved you. You’ll remember that my love for you was never thin. You’ll remember this moment because it will be the biggest regret of your life.”

********

This could have been a 5-stars winner for me if it hadn't been for the writing style of the book. I'm never really a fan of 3rd person POV and the switching of past/present tenses threw me off way too many times while reading. There were also times that I had to re-read a paragraph to understand if it was Kona or Keira speaking and that slightly disrupted my reading flow. However, luckily I was way too emotionally invested in this story that it didn't bother me too much.

Another would be that I wanted more insight on both Kona & Keira's mothers. They were equally both so spiteful that I was hoping there would be some sort of explanation to justify their behaviours.



Overall, Thin Love is an emotionally charged and angst-filled love story. A story of how two young uninhibited souls could loved so ferociously that lead them to make terrible mistakes. A story of a second chance at true love.

Highly recommend it to everyone who enjoys a story with angst galore.

Special thanks to my lovely ladies, Penelope and Supreet for our Buddy Read! ❤️❤️ I'm glad we had each other to keep our sanities intact while reading! ;)

[Jess-i-ca · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 - Thick not Thin Love - Stars

What a wonderful surprise this book was. I had low expectations and wound up thoroughly enjoying it!


Things I liked about this book
-It's set in Louisiana. Love Love Love down south books...
-Football!!!!!
-Big hot football player....OH YEAH!
-Music selections
-The rough after a fight makeup sex.
-The love Keira and Kona have even after all their obstacles.



Things I didn't like
-Keira's Mom- she's a racist bitch
-Kona's Mom- shes a bigger racist bitch
-Luka's situation
-Damn they fought a lot...I mean A LOT!
-And damn that was a lot of drama for one book...haha

"Together. Me and you, Wildcat. Just me and you."

Would I recommend this book?

[Kelli C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book...HARD...Putting it out there, but for me, this was one of the best of 2014! You see, this as so much more than I ever expected. I read the description and was hoping for a second chance love tale with some angst and heat...totally unprepared for the depth!

"Thin love aint love at all."
No, real love, well it is not pretty. It is a powerful thing that overtakes one and makes them lost. And yes "the brain is rational but doesn't know passion, cant reason with love."



So true for Kona Hale and Keira Reilly. They have a love so thick that it borders insanity. This book is raw passion, consuming want, and life altering need.



Kona Hale

A huge presence in stature and life. Living his life while writing his ticket to an NFL dream. He is confined by the expectations of family and struggling with the pressure to succeed.

Keira Reilly

A small yet mighty force living to the best of her ability. She is confined by the words and expectations of her mother and struggling to maintain her own identity and dreams.

This is no love at first sight. Kona and Keira are opposing forces thrown together that create a storm of emotions. While fighting their own demons they connect...one minute calming their person chaos and another they are fanning the flames of anger and desire. COMBUSTIBLE! They are completely out of control, yet so in sync.



You cannot read this without experiencing the highs and lows. You can't not feel the anger and primal lust pouring out. You cannot help but yell out loud. For the painful "walk away Keira, walk away and don't look back." To knowing that "she loved him like a song." The conflicting feelings I had as I read "I will haunt you Kona. When you think of me, see my face, hear my name, you'll only remember me."



Does not matter who was right or wrong...each character's journey profound. This was a beautifully broken tale that was gut-wrenching and complicated. I cannot begin to state how much I loved this book.

"She loves him in whispers, in lyrics, and rhyme...His hands were a tempo, a crushing consuming bass line that echoes in the stillness of her heart...and that song had not faded, had not dimmed...This is always, Wildcat. You...you're always."

Amazing story...Fabulously written...a true 5 STAR GEM!

[Vanessa Booked Up · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 THICK Stars!!

This book was AMAZING!!!! If you are a lover of angsty second chance romance, READ THIS!!

I've been sitting here trying to think of how to accurately convey what all goes down in this INCREDIBLE book. It's so many things!! It's first love, it's second chance, it's enemies-to-lovers, it's young love, it's angsty as all hell, it's tragic, it's heart-breaking, it's SO emotional, it's about healing, all consuming, once in a life time love, abuse, addiction, sacrifice. You will FEEL all of it!! I finished it very, very early this morning and have not been able to stop thinking about it!

I usually try to steer clear of the super angsty reads, not because I don't like the stress of it, but because there is almost always either cheating, a TSTL heroine, or a hot mess of OTT drama. Well, I can assure you, you will find NONE of those here.

"He had been that all— life, death, breath— all those impossible things you aren’t supposed to feel at eighteen. A first love so real, so tempting that sometimes she was sure he was a figment of her imagination."

Castings:


This book reminds you so much of what young love really feels like. How you do the stupidest things when you first feel it. Kona and Keira meet when they are eighteen, and right away, they don't like each other. I love me a good enemies-to-lovers story. Kona doesn't understand what Keira is so angry about and Keira doesn't have time to waste with a slacker like Kona who doesn't have time to worry about working hard to get the grade. He just needs to play ball. But for Keira, grades are her ticket out of the life she has. Both of these characters have these explosive tempers, for different reasons. And when they come near each other, their tempers set fire.

But circumstances throw them together, and force them to spend time together. Their union is a slow build that I loved!!! First away from enemies, into friendship, and then into more...

“I don’t want easy. I want the impossible. I want love so thick, I drown in it; it’s the only thing worth having and, I’m sorry Kona, you’re a nice guy when you’re not acting like an entitled jackass, but I really don’t think you’re capable of being anything more than that.”

“You don’t know me, Keira, and you don’t have a fucking clue what I’m capable of.”

“There isn’t anyone like you, Wildcat. No one, and I have no idea what that means, but I wanna find out.”

Before I continue, let me assure you that there is NO cheating in this book. There are some other parties involved early on, but once these two make a commitment, it's 110% exclusive. I worried about this early on because I knew that the angst factor in this book was crazy high, but as soon as I began to understand the soulful connection that these two have, I knew that no one would ever threaten that. Puh-lease! But along with soulful, their connection can also be unhealthy sometimes. They're both jealous, co-dependent, destructive, and have a way of hurting each other like no one else can.

Additionally, they don't have it easy for a second. They have so much stacked against them. I won't go into any of it because you really need to experience this story as blindly as possible but just, prepare yourself!! I cried and my iPad almost met an early death many, many times!!!

This story is broken up into two parts. Part one follows their journey as eighteen year olds. It lasts until about 65% of the book when some dreadful events occur and everything just implodes around them. Part 2 is them as adults.

"I’m walking away and leaving you alone. I’m walking away because I have to save myself. But you fucking remember this: I will haunt you, Kona. When you think of me, see my face, hear my name, you’ll only remember that I loved you. You’ll remember that my love for you was never thin. You’ll remember this moment because it will be the biggest regret of your life.”

^^^^ Gahhh!!! This moment?! If it were a movie? It would be Oscar worthy!! I was right there in that room with them. I could see all of it. Just amazing.

But, moving along, because, remember, no spoilers, but it's sixteen years later and they bump into each other again, coincidentally. Life, experiences, struggles, loss...it's all changed them.

“I only know one thing— no one sets my skin on fire like you do. No one. Not one person has ever made me feel like I’m alive like you. That hasn’t changed, not in sixteen years. Don’t try to pretend it isn’t the same for you.”

And that is as much as I will say. Just, READ THE BOOK!!!! I will just say that when they meet again, the emotions are so intense!!!!!! You know that burning, butterfly feeling you get when you can feel your heart is squeezing in your chest, that you only get with the truly amazing reads? Yeah, that's the one...right here!!! You will love it! I know I did!! This is one that I will definitely read again. Eden Butler's writing is absolute perfection. The pacing, character development and story-line all flowed beautifully. I was hooked by just a few pages in. This is a nice long book, which is unfortunately so hard to find these days. But regardless of the 400+ page length, I devoured this book in two days. I couldn't put it down.

My two ABSOLUTE favorite scenes were the ones with the Dave Matthews Band song, Crash...both of them!! Gahh!!!

Oh and BONUS, this book affords you the opportunity to fantasize about your favorite hot, tattooed, Hawaiian football player, which in my case was Dwayne Johnson. Saweet baby Jesus!! I don't know if the author used him as her muse but, he 100% embodies Kona! HOTT!!!

Ending: There is an HEA but Miss Butler is gonna make you work for it!! ;) It's sooo worth it though!!

Reading the follow up novella now My Beloved.

And after that? I will be eagerly awaiting Thick Love to follow, later in 2015!!



I will just say that I came across this book thanks to Lady Vigilante (FeiFei) and I have to give her a massive shout out here. THANK YOU babe!! I have a ton of books coming at me daily, as I know we all do. But I know that a stamp of approval from her means that you can bet your bottom dollar that you are coing to be reading a kick ass book!! I don't even have to know what it's about. If she loved it, I know I will too!

[SueBee★bring me an alpha!★]

📚 📌 FREE on Amazon US today (10/1/2017) 📌 📚

Stand-alone book 1. Book 1.5 is a novella from hero’s POV.
FREE: https://www.amazon.com/Thin-Love-Eden...
BLURB:
Love isn't supposed to be an addiction. It isn't supposed to leave you bleeding.
Kona pushed, Keira pulled, and in their wake, they left behind destruction.
She sacrificed everything for him.
It wasn't enough.
But the wounds of the past can never be completely forgotten and still the flame remains, slumbers between the pleasure of yesterday and the thought of what might have been.
Now, sixteen years later, Keira returns home to bury the mother who betrayed her, just as Kona tries to hold onto what remains of his NFL career with the New Orleans Steamers. Across the crowded bustle of a busy French Market, their paths collide, conjuring forgotten memories of a consuming touch, skin on skin, and the still smoldering fire that begs to be rekindled.
When Kona realizes the trifecta of betrayal—his, Keira's and those lies told to keep them apart—his life is irrevocably changed and he once again takes Keira down with him into the fire that threatens to ignite them both.


FREEBIES are often good for MORE than one day. I have gathered all my FREEBIES on a special shelf: Kindle-freebies (currently over 700 books)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keira and Kona meet in a college class when they're paired up for a project. Kona's a ladies' man (of course) but Keira tries to resists his charms. She knows it's no good because she's fallen in love with him. And Kona never does serious...only casual hook ups but he comes to realize that Keira is his "Ku`u Lei" (beloved). Their relationship is hot but unfortunately it explodes with no one left standing.

Keira is pretty feisty and I really liked that about her. I just didn't like the extreme that she went to. She's had some things happen in her past and has learned to handle her anger but that all flies out the window around Kona.



Kona also has anger problems but fortunately for him, Keira calms him. However, he likes her anger...especially what happens after!

First off, I'd just like to say that I think I've read too many of these same plots lately and it's affected my liking of the books. However, I'm still taking a star off due to all the meanness!

Don't get me wrong, a bit of anger is good but this just went above and beyond. And everyone was mean especially both Keira and Kona's moms. In fact, they were shockingly horrible. There just has to be some sort of "balance" and there definitely were not enough fun and loving times to balance out all the harshness.

I was sooo happy to get both their POVs even if it is written in third person narration - which was a little weird sounding at times. Still, I will take that as long as we get both POVs. I can't imagine reading this without getting Kona's POV...that would be awful!



And you know what they say about angry sex? Hot, hot, HOT!! But what I really liked is that there was a lot of love too. It always made me laugh when Keira wanted it hard and Kona wanted soft.

Of course, this story is totally emotional and dramatic. There's a huge blow out that happens and Keira and Kona don't see each other for sixteen years. It was interesting to read how they both explained themselves and I liked the changes in their "mature" selves.

I was really happy with the ending and the epilogue and how things came full circle.




Favorite quotes

♥ "I will haunt you, Kona. When you think of me, see my face, hear my name, you’ll only remember that I loved you. You’ll remember that my love for you was never thin. You’ll remember this moment because it will be the biggest regret of your life.”

♥ “Why am I Lancelot?”

She laughed, trying to keep the sound low before she leaned toward him, narrowing her eyes. “Because he couldn’t keep it in his pants either.”

♥ “I don’t want easy. I want the impossible. I want love so thick, I drown in it; it’s the only thing worth having."

♥ “This is always, Wildcat. You… you’re my always.”

♥ “I want us to be normal. I want us not to scream and kick and try to kill each other.”

“Who the hell wants to be normal? Normal is boring. Everyone else is normal, but baby, that’s not us.”

♥ “That shadow, **. It’s freaking big.”

“**, it’s just a shadow. Time to make your own.”

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars - As told through classic movies

Reading this book was like reading two books rolled into one, with one of those books being separated into two parts and slapped around the other one like an Oreo cookie sandwich. The author used two different POVs: one to reflect the present and one to denote the past.

While I understand the idea of changing the voice in order to delineate the two different time frames, the actual construction of it fell flat for me. Rather than creating a sense of disparity between past and present, all the changes from third person to first person did was left me feeling disjointed.



The book starts off with the " let's start with the almost ending and then - bam - let's flash back in time" trick, the present being told in a kind of awkwardly stilted third person POV.

Then we segued into the "flash back" period which was told in first person POV and a lot of this happened:























And then BAM. We fly back to the present and its awkward first person POV and things get boring.

Now I like stories in both third person and first person, but in this case, I feel like this story lost its ooomph the second it changed back to the present tense third person.

I didn't feel connected to the characters anymore, the scenes lost their power, and frankly, I lost interest.

The middle bulk of the story was great, however. I just wish it had carried through all the way.

[It's just me Shelly B · Rating 4 out of 5]

“’Thin love ain’t love at all.’”


Let me just say love might be THIN but there's nothing THIN about this book!!!! Kona and Keira's story spans over 16 years and I loved reading it!!!! I didn't want it to END!!!!!

The book begins with them in college. Kona is the star football player and a "playa," Keira on the other hand the perfect student and could care less about football. These two get paired up for a project and DAYMUN it was ON from there!!!!!

I freaking LOVE a strong woman and Keira was perfect, she didn't take any of his shit!!!

Keira doesn't want easy love she wants the all consuming love she's read about. She's tired of superficial love she wants it ALL!!!!!!!!!



“I don’t want easy. I want the impossible. I want love so thick, I drown in it; it’s the only thing worth having..."


These two are toxic and CRAZY!!! I was in HEAVEN because I love me some CRAZY love!!!!!!! This book is soooooo drama filled I was salivating.......I could NOT stop reading!!!!!!



So the question is does Kona give Keira the love she wants?

Well of course I can't answer that but I will say there were ALOT of ups and downs. They had ALOT of time to mature as adults and honestly I think they needed it.



There's also secrets!!! I LOVE me some secrets too!!!

The secrets will mend the fences and it was beautiful to watch!!!

[Penelope ✘ that awkward girl that doesn't go here ✘ · Rating 2 out of 5]

***BR with the fantastically divine divas Supreet & Jasmine!***

TWO AND A HALF STARS!



Interracial relationships are such a delicious weakness of mine. Any time a book features an interracial couple, it's automatic love for me, simple as that. So I was definitely prepared to ultimately enjoy this book (I'd been warned about the angst), especially considering that the hero was of a polynesian background (which is sooooo rare to me and amazingly awesome to see people of my ethnic background feature in books). But I'm sorry to say that this just did not work for me.

Thin Love, simply put, is a story of two chaotic teens/young adults who ruin each other in college and receives a second chance in life sixteen years later to do it right. I BR'd this book with two amazing ladies, who's reviews you can find by clicking through the links at the top. Their reviews are on point and will do greater justice to this book than I ever can, so please have a read to get a better idea of what this book is about.

As it is, I'll be brief and list why this book didn't work for me:

* Keira's flippity floppity stoppity stupidee doo. Saying I disliked Keira's character is such an understatement. There were pockets of brilliance from her, when she stands up to Kona in the cafeteria and again during the meeting with Kona's lawyer in regard to Ransom's paternity but for the most part, she annoyed the hell out of me because of her Banana In Pyjamas Syndrome (BIPS) when it comes to Kona.

Except Kona couldn't read her bloody mind because he doesn't have mind reading skills. Nor does she think to reveal all her sides to him, always keeping herself aloft.

He had been hoping he'd hear her sing.[...]He wanted her eyes on him when she played, for her to voice the words only for him - but he wouldn't push, knew he couldn't push.
"Music," she'd once told him during one of their long library sessions, "is personal. The stuff I write is for me because it's part of who I am. I don't show just anybody who I am, Kona."

'Just anyone' apparently applies to her boyfriend who she claims doesn't have the same thick love that she is capable of. The thick love that shows him who she is. Amirite?

I think her character would have been redeemable had we got to read about her struggles as a single mother more. But we're only told about it in her brief recap, which didn't allow me to connect to her in the second part of the book as I would have liked.

* Kona when it comes to his mother.

* The amount of cliches in this book is so phenomenal that I was scared my eyes would forever look like a spinning slot machine from the amount of eye-rolling I did.


* Dat writing style tho.

* There are no fucking positive images of Polynesians in this book. It is such a rare thing to see a Polynesian kid in university, and I was over the moon when I realised Kona's background. I thought this book would focus a bit on what a feat it is for a Polynesian to even consider tertiary education, but alas, Kona's role in university is to be a sexual object for Keira or a source of disappointment that she can thumb her nose at. She can't ever forgive him his past, always bringing it up to drive a wedge in their relationship.
What really got to me was the locker incident before the game. When it was revealed that Kona was pumping steroids, I was so bloody annoyed at Keira's reaction. I appreciated that she didn't want to support what he was doing, but what I couldn't get over was how she was willing to cut him off so she could keep her hands pureby not being an enabler but not wanting to lift a finger to help. The story that Kona shares is real for a majority of our Polynesian boys. We're never seen as smart people, we're never seen as anything beyond a hunk of muscle that starts trouble at school and has an affinity for playing football. So it bloody annoyed me that she didn't even try to understand, to try and help. She does what she does best: run.
The constant display of Kona's shortcomings and why he was the "asshole" in the relationship is amazing. He seemingly has no redeeming qualities, no positivity to his image at all.

The other thing that annoyed the hell out of me was Kona's mother. If its rare to see a Polynesian kid in uni, it is even rarer to see a Polynesian Professor teaching at an accredited university. And a woman at that! But surprise surprise, Kona's mum is a manipulative bitch. How she got so far in her academic career is mind-boggling. It really bothered me that there was no talk about her struggles in academia, no talk about why she favours one son over the other (oh goodie, yet another negative image!), no talk about her past. All we get is this bitter woman that gets to don on the evil black witches hat and ride that broom from beginning to end.

And what about Luka and Tutu Kane you ask? Yeah, killed off. Both deaths involving selfishness either on the part of Kona or Kona's mum. Doesn't exactly inspire positive imagery.

OK, so that wasn't as brief as I thought it would be.

Honestly, the only thing that saved this from being a two star read for me was Ransom and Daddy!Kona in the second part of the book. I love love love strong buff men in the role of a father and Ransom is such an amazing kid. An amazing jailbait kid that inspired a new shelf. *sighs*

Would I recommend this book? This is definitely a case of me being the odd one out here so I think a lot of readers and my f-list would enjoy this. The things that didn't work for me are definitely a personal preference thing so don't let this rant deter you from reading.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars
I really liked part one because I'm a sucker for enemies to lovers books and let's face it Keria and Kona had that vibe going on. lol Part two about had me not finishing the book. I felt like these two didn't grow up at all in the sixteen years they were apart. Yea they both could control their anger better but other than that they still reminded me of 18 year olds. lol
I had a hard time getting into the writing style of this book. But after a bit it didn't seem to bother me that much. I think my main problem was that I didn't like Keira and never felt the love between these two.
Will I be reading Ransom's story? Maybe...but not right now.
Once again I'm the oddball because most of my friends that read this loved it and I didn't. So don't let my opinion stop you from reading:))

[Patrycja]

I am giving up. I read about 10% and I just can't take reading a book written in 3rd person POV. I am not able to enjoy the story entirely; I am DNFing Thin Love not because of the plot, but my weird reading preferences. Sorry.

[Anja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thin Love was THE perfect book for me.
All that drama and angst...just right up my alley!



Why 4.5 Stars then? There's just one minor thing that bothered me... It took them 16(!) years to get back together?! UGH...way too long for my taste..other than that, I have nothing to complain about.

[~♡AB♡~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The blurb says - Love isn't supposed to be an addiction. It isn't supposed to leave you bleeding. Well that's exactly what happens here. Kona and Keira's relationship is full of anger, passion, love and destruction.

They meet when they are paired up for a class project. Kona is a football star on the college team, Keira is a quiet girl who keeps to herself, running and music her only hobbies. At first she hates him, he is cocky like most popular Jocks. He finds that under her baggy running clothes she is quite a little wildcat.



She resists him for quite a while, she has never quite recovered from her fathers death, and before he died, he told her to always strive for a love that was thick. She wants the whole love affair and she knows Kona is only a one time kind of guy.



Kona doesn't give up though, and when they get together it's explosive and hot and full of so much energy you can feel it.

"Make me buzz," she said, between kisses, "make my whole body buzz."

This book is split into 2 parts, Part 2 is set 16 years after they first meet, so we get the aftermath of the devestation that occurs when love gets mixed with blame and guilt. It was a very long book, a little bit too long I thought but the story was amazing and I loved chemistry between Kona and Keira. I even loved the bitches that they both called mothers, how people can treat their loved ones like that is sad to read.

And Ransom, what a wonderful character he was, I am so happy that he will be getting his own story - I definitely will be reading that!

[Didi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 STARS

This is one of those books that I'd heard about and read reviews for, for a long time it seems. Almost all my friends have loved it and went off about all the angst. So what did I think?
Okay...so I did like it and found it hard to put down at times. The story itself isn't new. The star athlete, the almost unattainable girl he chases and finally convinces to give him a chance. The drama, angst and temptations that come from excess and a sterling college experience. I'm not going to mention the books I've read and adored with the same plot line, but I will say I enjoyed them way more than this one once I was finished.

The good stuff
I loved the Hawaiian hero. We hardly ever read about couples of mixed race and it boggles my mind. The real world? Full of interracial couples. Why not the literal world? Kona was an interesting character. His excuses for messing up became annoying but he didn't ever do anything glaringly out of line, well the first time he did something it was pretty bad. But he grew on me and I loved his loyalty and dedication to Keira.
Keira was a so-so character for me. I liked her adult self more than her college doppelgänger. As an adult she was kind, selfless and much more confident. The relationship between her and Kona also seemed better in the second half of the book.

The not so good stuff
The way this book is written. The simple present tense( he speaks to her, he comes towards her), is not among my favorites. I don't like it, I feel like I'm reading a closed captioned commercial. The past scenes between Kona and Keira were written in simple past (he spoke to her, he came towards her), but not as annoying as simple present. New adult books, especially those in dual pov's, should always be in first-person. This issue never resolved for me and left me irritated till the end.

The endless typos and grammar mistakes were noticeable. At first it was subtle, but it then became excessive and that was distracting. The last and final reason why this was not fantastic was the aggression and abuse Kona and Keira threw at each other. Kona never touched Keira physically, but he did put her in dangerous situations. She on the other hand, WAS violent with Kona and that is not okay. I can handle excessive drama, but I can't even begin to tolerate that kind of behavior, even if it was because of her issues. It's not a limit for me, nothing like that. It's a huge eye roll followed by a big head shake. Violence that happens repeatedly regardless of who it's against isn't a good drama trope unless it's not a romance.

Anyways, like I said, I liked this but not loved it. I'm not digging reading My Beloved (Thin Love 1.5). I'm not interested in any more of kona's and Keira's drama. I'm one of a few who didn't love this but it's definitely an okay/good book.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review coming...but for now....Honestly... this book ended up being my favorite story so far this year. It consumed me from start to finish. I stayed up all night reading it and was a zombie through work the next day-- I just couldn't quit turning the pages. It. Owned. Me. Without a doubt, my favorite 2nd chance at romance book ever. So good.. just crazy good. Seriously... do not let this one pass you up..