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Love Wanted in Texas #1
Without You
Alex and Will have spent months keeping their relationship hidden from their families. Getting caught prematurely causes them to admit their love for each other to their parents. One decision made by Alex's father changes her entire world, shattering her plans for the future. Alex always thought Will was the very air she breathed, but life has a way of causing doubts for the one thing she thought was absolute…their love. Can Will's promise to Alex be enough for her to hold on to or will she find herself moving down a different path that she never imagined for herself? Without You is book one in the Love Wanted in Texas series
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2014
286 people are currently reading
3026 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Elliott
110 books6,509 followersKelly Elliott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author. Since finishing her bestselling Wanted series, Kelly continues to spread her wings while remaining true to her roots and giving readers stories rich with hot protective men, strong women and beautiful surroundings.
Her bestselling works include, Wanted, Broken, Without You, and Unconditional Love, to name just a few.
Kelly has been passionate about writing since she was fifteen. After years of filling journals with stories, she finally followed her dream and published her first novel, Wanted, in November of 2012.
Kelly lives in central Texas with her husband, daughter, and two pups. When she’s not writing, Kelly enjoys reading and spending time with her family. She is down to earth and very in touch with her readers, both on social media and at signings.
To find out more about Kelly and her books, you can find her through her website.
www.kellyelliottauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
July 18, 2015
2,5 stars just because I liked the Wanted series.
I am sorry but there are only so many times I can read the same story with different protagonists. Yes, the author was successful with the Wanted series but enough already!
I am sorry but there are only so many times I can read the same story with different protagonists. Yes, the author was successful with the Wanted series but enough already!
July 6, 2014
OH Y'all are going to swept away by this spinoff series from Wanted. Full review will come closer to release date.
March 21, 2017
DNF @ 43% No. nope. No thank you. Firstly it was odd, these cowboys from bumfuck Texas, are so close they are practically siblings... to one younger sister helping her big brother set up the clubhouse romantically so he can get laid... to 40% of constant SEX to now a possible love Triangle??? NOOOO I'll skip to the end to see what happens tho..
March 10, 2016
OMGosh I have been waiting for this book and I was NOT disappointed. The WANTED series is one of my all time favorite series and this spin off series (Love Wanted in Texas) is about their children. While I guess you dont have to read the Wanted Series I would advise it. My love for all the children characters only grew in this next generation read. I think it is the perfect segway to the next generation with just enough of the previous series inbedded without being the same. Will is the son of Josh and Heather Hayes (there story is Faithful) and twin brother of Libby. Alex is the daughter of Gunner and Ellie Mathews (there story is Wanted). Childhood sweet hearts are always a great read and Kelly did an excellent job taking us back to how there love grew. How challenages of their parents being best friends effected them and how they dealt with it. In true Kelly form we were taken on a roller coaster ride but left with a warm heart and then a tease into the next book about Luke, son of Jeff and Ari Johnson (there story is Saved) and Libby. Totally recommend especially if you have already read the Wanted Series. Now go, #OneClickOn
October 23, 2015
Wtf did I just read? Why can't I stop reading a book once I started it?
I honestly picked up this book because I wanted to try a romance in Texas. However, the book was boring and unrealistic as Hell. Alex and will had figured it out since they were ten. They were in love, they would get married, have kids. So the whole book is about them kissing, having small fights, being super horny, having sex everywhere (which was annoying especially since Both played the pure innocent good kids which were raised to be) and professing their love for each other.
Then there was the drama with all the other couples and the ooverprotectiveness of everyone. Oh and the.girls sometimes acting like... But getting angry when someone called them that or implied it. Not to mention the almost rape scene was to add some storyline / some problem. From what I understood this book is the continuance of a book series where the same love story is repeated for the kids's parents. Same old same old.
I think I would get the story in a summary. :(
Ps: it's so hard writing a review on the phone.
I honestly picked up this book because I wanted to try a romance in Texas. However, the book was boring and unrealistic as Hell. Alex and will had figured it out since they were ten. They were in love, they would get married, have kids. So the whole book is about them kissing, having small fights, being super horny, having sex everywhere (which was annoying especially since Both played the pure innocent good kids which were raised to be) and professing their love for each other.
Then there was the drama with all the other couples and the ooverprotectiveness of everyone. Oh and the.girls sometimes acting like... But getting angry when someone called them that or implied it. Not to mention the almost rape scene was to add some storyline / some problem. From what I understood this book is the continuance of a book series where the same love story is repeated for the kids's parents. Same old same old.
I think I would get the story in a summary. :(
Ps: it's so hard writing a review on the phone.
May 11, 2015
Did you think you loved the Wanted Series more than any other book you've ever read? Well, think again. Kelly Elliott just wrote Book 1 in a series that blows all those thoughts out of the water. Without You is a story of childhood sweethearts Alex and Will (with whom you've loved since birth if you are Wanted Fan). Both have been madly in love since the age of 10 and have been paving their way to an adult love both in their hearts and their parent's eyes. Forced to attend separate Universities and being away from each other they have to reevaluate their love and see if it really is the true love they believe it is. WARNING: this book is a page turner. You won't put it down and when you are done you will be salivating for the next story- Luke and Libby. Kelly writes in such as way it sucks you in, you become one of these characters, a member of this amazing family that you just can't get enough of no matter how fast she writes! I will admit I was worried I couldn't love another group like the Wanted Family. But, I was so very, very wrong. I love their childrens story as much if not more. You should definately read this book! You don't have to read the Wanted Series as a prequel, but it will make more sense if you do. And hell, let's admit it... Kelly's books are fantastic. Why would you want to miss out?
July 3, 2023
Awwwww, this was soooo cute.
This is a love at first sight forever story, where the characters have been in love since forever.
Their families are friends, from some other series by this author, and they’ve been dating for two years. They have to go to college now and the heroines father wants her to go to a college that is far from home, while the hero is staying at home in a near college.
Lil drama because she doesn’t want to leave him but her father insists that they have to put their love on trial. Btw this is one of the heroes from a previous book who made a mess of his love life, so he knows shit about love affairs. Honestly.
The heroine leaves and has a lot of college life while trying to stay loyal to the hero, he’s a cute and steady guy for once, and really in love with her. When he catches her with a boy making a pass on her he thinks she has feelings for her but she hasn’t, she only wants to stay with him.
A bit of drama again, and the heroine decides to go back home and to stay to the college near her house, but the hero thinks she’s not in love with him anymore.
Of course eventually they make up, there’s another bit of drama where she’s almost raped by the same guy who made passes for her at the other college, but all is well in the end, and we get to know the other friends, brothers and all who will probably have their own book…
Both characters were faithful and celibate, their love was strong and they were a lot better than their parents who effed up a lot in the past before becoming engaged…
They were first in everything, and I loved this. It’s a simple book and a ya but it was romantic and well done.
This is a love at first sight forever story, where the characters have been in love since forever.
Their families are friends, from some other series by this author, and they’ve been dating for two years. They have to go to college now and the heroines father wants her to go to a college that is far from home, while the hero is staying at home in a near college.
Lil drama because she doesn’t want to leave him but her father insists that they have to put their love on trial. Btw this is one of the heroes from a previous book who made a mess of his love life, so he knows shit about love affairs. Honestly.
The heroine leaves and has a lot of college life while trying to stay loyal to the hero, he’s a cute and steady guy for once, and really in love with her. When he catches her with a boy making a pass on her he thinks she has feelings for her but she hasn’t, she only wants to stay with him.
A bit of drama again, and the heroine decides to go back home and to stay to the college near her house, but the hero thinks she’s not in love with him anymore.
Of course eventually they make up, there’s another bit of drama where she’s almost raped by the same guy who made passes for her at the other college, but all is well in the end, and we get to know the other friends, brothers and all who will probably have their own book…
Both characters were faithful and celibate, their love was strong and they were a lot better than their parents who effed up a lot in the past before becoming engaged…
They were first in everything, and I loved this. It’s a simple book and a ya but it was romantic and well done.
November 3, 2014
Apparently Gunner forgot what it's like to be in love. I hope he doesn't make something stupid to keep his girl away from Josh's son :( and i also Hope Ellie doesn't allow it. Oh and yeii!!! this book comes out on my Birthday!!!! Perfect birthday present :*
July 4, 2017
** AUDIO PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR FOR AN HONEST REVIEW **
** Reviewed Previously for Books n Boys Book Blog **
4 Without me Star’s!
I loved this book here is why, the audio was awesome. I have listened to other Kelly Elliott’s audio and wasn’t a fan that being said I pushed through because I love her stories. But Stephen Dexter and Erin Mallon really brought this story to life without losing the story. Because there is a lot going on, and a lot of characters and I didn’t get lost in the story not once so big kudo’s to Stephen and Erin for not only delivering a great audio but being true to all the characters. So that’s on them for sure.
If you read or listened to the Wanted series by Kelly Elliott then you are going to die to get your hands on this series. It’s their kid’s people! Who doesn’t love a spin off series of your favorite characters?
So you don’t get confused from.
Book 1 of Wanted – Ellie and Gunner gave us Alex and Colt
Book 3 Faithful – Heather and Josh gave us Will and Libby
We do see the other kids from the other couples from the Wanted series but I am just going to focus on Will and Alex. Since their families are so close they grew up together.
Alex aka Lex has grown up watching Will grow up, since the age of 10 she knew she loved him and that he was the boy for her.
They started to date in their senior year of High School, Lex always knew what she wanted to do but her daddy as other plan’s and he won’t let her follow Will to college he wants her at UT and that is final.
She goes but she is not happy there and her dad keeps telling her to try new thing meet new people. Her head and heart get all confused.
Will wants Lex and has wanted her since he was just a boy as well. He doesn’t like the distance between them and they try really hard to be see each other as much as possible but college is harder than either of them expected. They have a lot of adjusting to do.
I have to say I love Lex’s brother Colt even though Will is his best friend and Lex is his sister he was still a man about them getting together he didn’t throw a hissy fit (like I expected him too). I loved this about him.
Like I said there are a lot of characters in this book you are going to see Libby, Will’s sister. You’re going to see brother, sister duo Luke and Grace. And you’re going to see all of their parents and the grandparents. So brace but like I said the narration on this book is outstanding!
Lex is listening to everyone else but herself and she finally has to put a stop to all the voice’s in her head and speak up for herself. This was a beautiful thing I tell you.
Funny scene was the log filled with scorpion’s omg I was crawling just listening to it. How Lex’s mother didn’t freak out is beyond me!! Ekk.
Sexy hot scene the river, I am telling you when you get to this you will be like hot dang that was a steamy, steamy scene. Then what follows after will have you chuckling hostnest to god I speak the truth!
We do have to deal with some heavy issues with this book as well and it’s a warning really to anyone at a party do not take a drink from ANYONE you do not know or trust. But watching how Lex and Will handle anything that gets thrown at them and how they deal with it and can still come out stronger than ever I tell you it was a great read and listen.
I have one quote. I know only one!!
“Love always finds away baby.”
** Reviewed Previously for Books n Boys Book Blog **
4 Without me Star’s!
I loved this book here is why, the audio was awesome. I have listened to other Kelly Elliott’s audio and wasn’t a fan that being said I pushed through because I love her stories. But Stephen Dexter and Erin Mallon really brought this story to life without losing the story. Because there is a lot going on, and a lot of characters and I didn’t get lost in the story not once so big kudo’s to Stephen and Erin for not only delivering a great audio but being true to all the characters. So that’s on them for sure.
If you read or listened to the Wanted series by Kelly Elliott then you are going to die to get your hands on this series. It’s their kid’s people! Who doesn’t love a spin off series of your favorite characters?
So you don’t get confused from.
Book 1 of Wanted – Ellie and Gunner gave us Alex and Colt
Book 3 Faithful – Heather and Josh gave us Will and Libby
We do see the other kids from the other couples from the Wanted series but I am just going to focus on Will and Alex. Since their families are so close they grew up together.
Alex aka Lex has grown up watching Will grow up, since the age of 10 she knew she loved him and that he was the boy for her.
They started to date in their senior year of High School, Lex always knew what she wanted to do but her daddy as other plan’s and he won’t let her follow Will to college he wants her at UT and that is final.
She goes but she is not happy there and her dad keeps telling her to try new thing meet new people. Her head and heart get all confused.
Will wants Lex and has wanted her since he was just a boy as well. He doesn’t like the distance between them and they try really hard to be see each other as much as possible but college is harder than either of them expected. They have a lot of adjusting to do.
I have to say I love Lex’s brother Colt even though Will is his best friend and Lex is his sister he was still a man about them getting together he didn’t throw a hissy fit (like I expected him too). I loved this about him.
Like I said there are a lot of characters in this book you are going to see Libby, Will’s sister. You’re going to see brother, sister duo Luke and Grace. And you’re going to see all of their parents and the grandparents. So brace but like I said the narration on this book is outstanding!
Lex is listening to everyone else but herself and she finally has to put a stop to all the voice’s in her head and speak up for herself. This was a beautiful thing I tell you.
Funny scene was the log filled with scorpion’s omg I was crawling just listening to it. How Lex’s mother didn’t freak out is beyond me!! Ekk.
Sexy hot scene the river, I am telling you when you get to this you will be like hot dang that was a steamy, steamy scene. Then what follows after will have you chuckling hostnest to god I speak the truth!
We do have to deal with some heavy issues with this book as well and it’s a warning really to anyone at a party do not take a drink from ANYONE you do not know or trust. But watching how Lex and Will handle anything that gets thrown at them and how they deal with it and can still come out stronger than ever I tell you it was a great read and listen.
I have one quote. I know only one!!
“Love always finds away baby.”
August 29, 2014
3.5 - 4
The tables are turned and the children are running the show.
“Will and I will be married, and we’ll have lots of kids while we run the ranch.”
“What are you smiling about?’
I looked up at my mother, and my smile instantly faded. “Nothing, Mama. I just thought of something funny.” – 10 year old Alex
Alex and Will are the spotlight for this romantic tale. Love is never easy even when it’s homegrown. Form an early age both Alex and Will knew they were each other’s forever. With Gunner as your daddy love is downright hard. How do you spell love-block…G.U.N.N.E.R!
“I swear to God, Lex…I promise you, you and me always.”
I enjoyed Without You but with an ever growing cast of characters I found the story hard to follow at certain points. The plot unfolded with extra drama that to me was unnecessary. I enjoyed the father/daughter dynamic and totally understand Gunners hold on his little bear but when Alex and Will find a bit of external drama, for me, it was a little forced. With that being said the story still held Kelly’s signature style and is an enjoyable read for any fan. Will and Alec’s love was story sweet and romantic.
The tables are turned and the children are running the show.
“Will and I will be married, and we’ll have lots of kids while we run the ranch.”
“What are you smiling about?’
I looked up at my mother, and my smile instantly faded. “Nothing, Mama. I just thought of something funny.” – 10 year old Alex
Alex and Will are the spotlight for this romantic tale. Love is never easy even when it’s homegrown. Form an early age both Alex and Will knew they were each other’s forever. With Gunner as your daddy love is downright hard. How do you spell love-block…G.U.N.N.E.R!
“I swear to God, Lex…I promise you, you and me always.”
I enjoyed Without You but with an ever growing cast of characters I found the story hard to follow at certain points. The plot unfolded with extra drama that to me was unnecessary. I enjoyed the father/daughter dynamic and totally understand Gunners hold on his little bear but when Alex and Will find a bit of external drama, for me, it was a little forced. With that being said the story still held Kelly’s signature style and is an enjoyable read for any fan. Will and Alec’s love was story sweet and romantic.
October 5, 2015
Where did those 5 star ratings come from?
This is my first Kelly Elliott book and most likely my last.
This is the most boring book I've had the misfortune to try to read in a long time. Dude, if you repeat the same 10 phrases a million times you will have read this book.
The plot could be a good one but it is not. I really wanted to know what happened to Will and Alex, I liked them; but it is like having to read for punishment trying to get to the end of the book.
The book is too long, too slow and boring.
This is my first Kelly Elliott book and most likely my last.
This is the most boring book I've had the misfortune to try to read in a long time. Dude, if you repeat the same 10 phrases a million times you will have read this book.
The plot could be a good one but it is not. I really wanted to know what happened to Will and Alex, I liked them; but it is like having to read for punishment trying to get to the end of the book.
The book is too long, too slow and boring.
December 1, 2016
3.5 Stars
Without You is the first book in the Love Wanted in Texas series and I believe it is a spin-off series of the author's Wanted series. I liked this book but I didn't love it. It was an emotional, ultra angsty read but ultimately very repetitive. I had a hard time getting into it for the first half of the book which was pretty much back and forth "I love you, no I love you more" between Alex and Will and was much too sappy for my liking and pretty much every time they were together they were having sex and it got annoying and even the sex scenes were pretty much the same each time. The second half was much better but it was a whole lot of drama for the sake of drama to me but I liked it a whole lot better that I enjoyed the first half. The second half of the book really brought up my overall rating for me. There were a lot of side characters in this book and it confusing to me at first to remember who liked who and was related to which other character but by the end I finally figured it all out and all of them will later get their own books which I will read since they intrigued me so much and I just hope their books are better than this one.
So we have Will and Alex who have known each other their whole lives; their families are best friends so all their kids grew up being best friends as well. They've loved each other since they were ten and they finally strike up a romantic relationship when they turn 17. They've kept their relationship from their parents for months but when they caught prematurely they are forced to admit their feelings for each other to them. The only problem is that Alex's dad wants her to experience life outside of their small country town of Mason, meet new people and make new friends which ultimately leads her away from Will. Will their relationship last through the distance and their love withstand all the struggles and doubts they may face? You'll have to read to find out.
Just because I didn't really like the story doesn't mean that I didn't love Alex and Will because I did. There were sweet moments thrown in with passionate ones and I loved their undying devoted love they had for one another. I think every one should experience a love like Alex and Will. I loved all the side characters as well: Colt & Lauren, Libby & Luke, Grace, Taylor, and Maegan. I loved how they were all so close but it was really annoying how much drama came between them sometimes. There were times that I wanted to throw my kindle across the room or reach in and strangle someone. Overall, I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Without You is the first book in the Love Wanted in Texas series and I believe it is a spin-off series of the author's Wanted series. I liked this book but I didn't love it. It was an emotional, ultra angsty read but ultimately very repetitive. I had a hard time getting into it for the first half of the book which was pretty much back and forth "I love you, no I love you more" between Alex and Will and was much too sappy for my liking and pretty much every time they were together they were having sex and it got annoying and even the sex scenes were pretty much the same each time. The second half was much better but it was a whole lot of drama for the sake of drama to me but I liked it a whole lot better that I enjoyed the first half. The second half of the book really brought up my overall rating for me. There were a lot of side characters in this book and it confusing to me at first to remember who liked who and was related to which other character but by the end I finally figured it all out and all of them will later get their own books which I will read since they intrigued me so much and I just hope their books are better than this one.
So we have Will and Alex who have known each other their whole lives; their families are best friends so all their kids grew up being best friends as well. They've loved each other since they were ten and they finally strike up a romantic relationship when they turn 17. They've kept their relationship from their parents for months but when they caught prematurely they are forced to admit their feelings for each other to them. The only problem is that Alex's dad wants her to experience life outside of their small country town of Mason, meet new people and make new friends which ultimately leads her away from Will. Will their relationship last through the distance and their love withstand all the struggles and doubts they may face? You'll have to read to find out.
Just because I didn't really like the story doesn't mean that I didn't love Alex and Will because I did. There were sweet moments thrown in with passionate ones and I loved their undying devoted love they had for one another. I think every one should experience a love like Alex and Will. I loved all the side characters as well: Colt & Lauren, Libby & Luke, Grace, Taylor, and Maegan. I loved how they were all so close but it was really annoying how much drama came between them sometimes. There were times that I wanted to throw my kindle across the room or reach in and strangle someone. Overall, I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
January 31, 2015
It was just an ok read for me. I got whiplash trying to pair each set of kids with the characters from the Wanted Series. And the constant back and forth on the feelings with several of the characters got old very fast.
kindle-freebies
April 13, 2016Kindle freebie 4/5/16
March 14, 2017
This review is also available on my blog, Bows & Bullets Reviews
Alex has known from a very young age that she wanted to be with Will. Will has always been a friend and as they grew into teenagers, the attraction grew until they gave in and started secretly dating. Just before it's time to leave for college, their relationship is discovered by their parents. They insist that Alex go to a separate college than Will. If their love is strong and meant to be, it'll survive the separation. Can it really survive it or will the time apart be too much stress on the relationship.
Okay, I wanted to love this. I really did. I'm usually a sucker for a good YA/NA love story about friendship blossoming into more. I typically love the friends turn into more troupe. But from minute one, both Will and Alex irritated me. I never felt like either one was fully fleshed out. They both felt like the idea of a person rather than an actual person. If that was too subtle, then let me say they were both very flat. I couldn't muster much enthusiasm or concern for them. And it was very predictable. I mean, it's romance, so we know from the start that the boy and girl are going to ride off into the sunset together. On a horseback in a classic manner in this case as it's a story about two Texans whose families run a horse farm.
The only time this novel really made me feel anything were the wrong things at the wrong moments. I felt very irritated at every male character in this book. Alex's dad especially infuriated me. Every time Alex mentions wanting something different or wanting to go to a different school or anything her father insists she follow the path he has set for her, but her brother can do whatever he wants. Why? Because that's different.
Why exactly is that different? I'll tell you why, because he has a penis, that's why! I consider myself a feminist, but I've never been overly vocal about that fact. I don't feel the need to argue with the world about it because I don't feel it would change anything, but this novel had me wanted to shout it to the world for all the wrong reasons. At least once every chapter, these male characters would do or say something chauvinistic that my temper would flair.
I'm sorry, but a teenage girl is just as capable of making a life-decisions as a teenage boy. There are arguments to suggest a teenage girl would be BETTER suited to that task than a boy, so why the fuck is everyone running around like Alex (and her female friends) is/are too awe-struck to know what she wants. I mean, I don't necessarily disagree that Alex and Will should go to separate universities and experience different things, but it was the way the subject was presented. If the situation was flipped and Will announced that he wanted to go to Alex's school, no one would have kicked up a fuss.
And then there was the way they treated sex. One, there was just too much of it. I get it, romance will have sex scenes, that's fine. I enjoy smut as much as the next romance reader, but come on! (PUN INTENDED). There is so much more to a relationship than spending every other chapter going at it. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe I'm the only person on the planet who wants a love story with a little more intellectual intimacy than physical intimacy, but I doubt it. Besides the fact that after Will & Alex got it on for the first time, they had to sleep together every other chapter, there was another issue. It was the way ALL the males treated the idea of the women having sex. If the boys go out and sleep with a girl, great!
But it's hinted that one of the girls has consensual sex with a guy and they all start throwing punches. I'm fine with protectiveness, but that was too much. It's every individual's decision to do whatever they desire and no one else gets a say. Olive Penderghast said it best in Easy A when she said it's nobody's goddamn business.
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It's not even slut-shaming here, it's just the general idea that the chick's can't be trusted to make such a decision.
If I look beyond the things that irritated me, try to find some positivity, I'm still not in good company. The story is pretty cliched and extremely predictable. It was decently-written, so there is that. In all honesty, some of the blame probably lies on me. Maybe I've been burned myself out on contemporaries....or maybe the anti-feminism was as apparent as it felt to me. But if you enjoy the college-aged contemporaries, you might give this a try anyway. I'm pretty sure the ebook is free on Amazon right now.
Audio Notes:
Okay, so the narrators might also be the blame for my irritation. I know this book is the first in a series called Love Wanted In Texas series. I know it's set in Texas. Logically, I should have been prepared for the accent. I, however, was not. I'm sure both narrators do a fine job, but that accent irritate me the entire way through. There is no logical explanation for why, but it did. Beyond that, they did have decent pacing and variations in voice for different characters. Was a I blown away by their abilities? No, but they weren't terrible and that says about all there is to say!
****Thank you to Esther Bochner at Audible for providing me with an audio copy in exchange for an honest review****
Alex has known from a very young age that she wanted to be with Will. Will has always been a friend and as they grew into teenagers, the attraction grew until they gave in and started secretly dating. Just before it's time to leave for college, their relationship is discovered by their parents. They insist that Alex go to a separate college than Will. If their love is strong and meant to be, it'll survive the separation. Can it really survive it or will the time apart be too much stress on the relationship.
Okay, I wanted to love this. I really did. I'm usually a sucker for a good YA/NA love story about friendship blossoming into more. I typically love the friends turn into more troupe. But from minute one, both Will and Alex irritated me. I never felt like either one was fully fleshed out. They both felt like the idea of a person rather than an actual person. If that was too subtle, then let me say they were both very flat. I couldn't muster much enthusiasm or concern for them. And it was very predictable. I mean, it's romance, so we know from the start that the boy and girl are going to ride off into the sunset together. On a horseback in a classic manner in this case as it's a story about two Texans whose families run a horse farm.
The only time this novel really made me feel anything were the wrong things at the wrong moments. I felt very irritated at every male character in this book. Alex's dad especially infuriated me. Every time Alex mentions wanting something different or wanting to go to a different school or anything her father insists she follow the path he has set for her, but her brother can do whatever he wants. Why? Because that's different.
Why exactly is that different? I'll tell you why, because he has a penis, that's why! I consider myself a feminist, but I've never been overly vocal about that fact. I don't feel the need to argue with the world about it because I don't feel it would change anything, but this novel had me wanted to shout it to the world for all the wrong reasons. At least once every chapter, these male characters would do or say something chauvinistic that my temper would flair.
I'm sorry, but a teenage girl is just as capable of making a life-decisions as a teenage boy. There are arguments to suggest a teenage girl would be BETTER suited to that task than a boy, so why the fuck is everyone running around like Alex (and her female friends) is/are too awe-struck to know what she wants. I mean, I don't necessarily disagree that Alex and Will should go to separate universities and experience different things, but it was the way the subject was presented. If the situation was flipped and Will announced that he wanted to go to Alex's school, no one would have kicked up a fuss.
And then there was the way they treated sex. One, there was just too much of it. I get it, romance will have sex scenes, that's fine. I enjoy smut as much as the next romance reader, but come on! (PUN INTENDED). There is so much more to a relationship than spending every other chapter going at it. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe I'm the only person on the planet who wants a love story with a little more intellectual intimacy than physical intimacy, but I doubt it. Besides the fact that after Will & Alex got it on for the first time, they had to sleep together every other chapter, there was another issue. It was the way ALL the males treated the idea of the women having sex. If the boys go out and sleep with a girl, great!
But it's hinted that one of the girls has consensual sex with a guy and they all start throwing punches. I'm fine with protectiveness, but that was too much. It's every individual's decision to do whatever they desire and no one else gets a say. Olive Penderghast said it best in Easy A when she said it's nobody's goddamn business.
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It's not even slut-shaming here, it's just the general idea that the chick's can't be trusted to make such a decision.
If I look beyond the things that irritated me, try to find some positivity, I'm still not in good company. The story is pretty cliched and extremely predictable. It was decently-written, so there is that. In all honesty, some of the blame probably lies on me. Maybe I've been burned myself out on contemporaries....or maybe the anti-feminism was as apparent as it felt to me. But if you enjoy the college-aged contemporaries, you might give this a try anyway. I'm pretty sure the ebook is free on Amazon right now.
Audio Notes:
Okay, so the narrators might also be the blame for my irritation. I know this book is the first in a series called Love Wanted In Texas series. I know it's set in Texas. Logically, I should have been prepared for the accent. I, however, was not. I'm sure both narrators do a fine job, but that accent irritate me the entire way through. There is no logical explanation for why, but it did. Beyond that, they did have decent pacing and variations in voice for different characters. Was a I blown away by their abilities? No, but they weren't terrible and that says about all there is to say!
****Thank you to Esther Bochner at Audible for providing me with an audio copy in exchange for an honest review****
March 10, 2016
OMGosh I have been waiting for this book and I was NOT disappointed. The WANTED series is one of my all time favorite series and this spin off series (Love Wanted in Texas) is about their children. While I guess you dont have to read the Wanted Series I would advise it. My love for all the children characters only grew in this next generation read. I think it is the perfect segway to the next generation with just enough of the previous series inbedded without being the same. Will is the son of Josh and Heather Hayes (there story is Faithful) and twin brother of Libby. Alex is the daughter of Gunner and Ellie Mathews (there story is Wanted). Childhood sweet hearts are always a great read and Kelly did an excellent job taking us back to how there love grew. How challenages of their parents being best friends effected them and how they dealt with it. In true Kelly form we were taken on a roller coaster ride but left with a warm heart and then a tease into the next book about Luke, son of Jeff and Ari Johnson (there story is Saved) and Libby. Totally recommend especially if you have already read the Wanted Series. Now go, #OneClickOn
September 18, 2014
I've read every single book in the Wanted series and loved all the characters immensely so I couldn't wait for this book to release. It didn't disappoint. I loved every second of it and I love how the characters has traits of their parents in them. I loved how we got to see quite a bit of Gunner, how he's matured and loves his kids.
I actually really liked Alex. She was a friendly character who loved everybody, even the wrong people. I didn't find her irritating at all and I look forward to hearing more about her in other books.
Will, well he was just a dream. He was so sweet and really loved Alex. It helps that Josh was my favourite out of the Wanted series, so to have the first book in this series about his son is great! Again, I can't wait to read more about Will in future books.
I loved all the other characters and now I cannot wait to read Luke and Libby's book. I know without a doubt that it's going to be a good one!
Well done Kelly Elliott, you done it again you genius!
I actually really liked Alex. She was a friendly character who loved everybody, even the wrong people. I didn't find her irritating at all and I look forward to hearing more about her in other books.
Will, well he was just a dream. He was so sweet and really loved Alex. It helps that Josh was my favourite out of the Wanted series, so to have the first book in this series about his son is great! Again, I can't wait to read more about Will in future books.
I loved all the other characters and now I cannot wait to read Luke and Libby's book. I know without a doubt that it's going to be a good one!
Well done Kelly Elliott, you done it again you genius!
May 1, 2017
3.75 stars. This was a cute fluffy kind of read that explored some interesting themes in the YA/NA genre. I dont usually like YA but this book was an exception. I liked Alex and Will and I as I'm reading this book after reading others in the series, I can say I liked how they had their shit together when it came to their relationship especially as everyone around them seemed to be drowning in unnecessary drama. I think the confusion Alex felt about her feeling for Blake while she was away from Will were an interesting element to the story but I didn't understand why the author had to make Blake evil in the end. I think that delegitimised the Alex's learning from the whole experience and seemed like a punishment for her falling of the trail.
Overall though this was a cute romance, a bit of a fairytale, but I enjoyed it.
Overall though this was a cute romance, a bit of a fairytale, but I enjoyed it.
August 16, 2014
4.5 Fantastic Stars
Lisa Kane
Loved this book! If you loved The Wanted Series you will love this new series about the main characters' offspring in the Love Wanted in Texas series. Full review for blog tour.
Lisa Kane
Loved this book! If you loved The Wanted Series you will love this new series about the main characters' offspring in the Love Wanted in Texas series. Full review for blog tour.
August 24, 2014
I'm really looking forward the rest of the series! This was a great start. Alex and Will were so sweet, and the rest of the characters were great.
August 24, 2014
There was no story line just instalove, don't get me wrong o usually love these kinds of stories but it didn't work this time. Our was too similar to the previous books.
September 8, 2022
Very beautiful to see such a true love.
Read
December 1, 2022Alex and Will have been keeping their relationship a secret from there parents for months and getting caught by both their father's in Alex's father's barn didn't help matters and before they got caught they confessed there love for each other.
Alex's father decision may have changed the path of Alex's world and shattered her dreams and plans for her future. alex's world revolved around Will, and Will always thought Alex was the very air he breathed but life has away of causing doubt and on thing they always thought was not breakable was their love.
But can one promise to each other be enough for them to hold onto or do they see themselves moving towards different things in life.
Alex's father decision may have changed the path of Alex's world and shattered her dreams and plans for her future. alex's world revolved around Will, and Will always thought Alex was the very air he breathed but life has away of causing doubt and on thing they always thought was not breakable was their love.
But can one promise to each other be enough for them to hold onto or do they see themselves moving towards different things in life.
August 22, 2014
You have no idea how much I look forward to these books! I don't know which series I like more: The Wanted Series or this spin off series. I need Libby and Lukes book! And Lauren and Colt! Please keep writing Kelly Elliot! :)
December 16, 2015
As always Kelly Elliott delivers the angst and emotional rollercoaster. The characters are the children of individuals in a previous series and while this is YA and not my normal read, it is no less enjoyable. This was just what I was in the mood to read.
May 3, 2015
3 stars!! So disappointed with how the plot worked. The story of love between close friends is too predictable and it all felt the same with all 3 love stories!
August 27, 2018
I have been wanting to listen to this story for over a year, that is how long ago I purchased it from audible and it has been sitting in my to read list, but then I saw the reading order of the stories and decided to wait and do it properly.
So much expectation and excitement for this story had me on edge listening to it, b/c I knew drama would happen and I was so worried for the characters. And for some reason, maybe b/c Gunner and Josh are my faves from the other series, I've been most excited for Alex and Will's story and any of the other kids' stories. And one cute throw back moment: in Faithful, when Will and Libby are born Alex is the first of the children to meet Will, Josh introduces Alex to Will just hours (maybe less) after he is born.
I fell in love with these two, and Will has made it to the coveted book-boyfriend shelf.
I was a little surprised the parents did not show up as much as I thought they would, which in a way is a good thing. Loving the characters from the Wanted series so much, if they were more present in these books it could take away from their children's stories. I was surprised that both of Gunner's grandparents were still alive.
There was a lot of drama in this story and not as much of the laugh out loud moments, so the scene with the scorpions was really nice break in the drama, until the end of the scene when the drama picked up a bit.
I loved the friend group and the love they all have for one another and the way they care for each other and call each other out on their bs, and how they protect each other.
And I have another fave male narrator, Stephen Dexter has so much emotion in his voice and reads the lines with the emotion and tone they are meant to be read with, even when text clues are not given.
So much expectation and excitement for this story had me on edge listening to it, b/c I knew drama would happen and I was so worried for the characters. And for some reason, maybe b/c Gunner and Josh are my faves from the other series, I've been most excited for Alex and Will's story and any of the other kids' stories. And one cute throw back moment: in Faithful, when Will and Libby are born Alex is the first of the children to meet Will, Josh introduces Alex to Will just hours (maybe less) after he is born.
I fell in love with these two, and Will has made it to the coveted book-boyfriend shelf.
I was a little surprised the parents did not show up as much as I thought they would, which in a way is a good thing. Loving the characters from the Wanted series so much, if they were more present in these books it could take away from their children's stories. I was surprised that both of Gunner's grandparents were still alive.
There was a lot of drama in this story and not as much of the laugh out loud moments, so the scene with the scorpions was really nice break in the drama, until the end of the scene when the drama picked up a bit.
I loved the friend group and the love they all have for one another and the way they care for each other and call each other out on their bs, and how they protect each other.
And I have another fave male narrator, Stephen Dexter has so much emotion in his voice and reads the lines with the emotion and tone they are meant to be read with, even when text clues are not given.
May 8, 2017
I fell in love with this series and Kelly Elliots writing from the very first book and this book was just as fantastic as the last. I love that with all the books this one included that true love will always find a way if it's meant to be but that doesn't mean it's easy.
Alex has been in love with Will for as long as she can remember they grew up together and she's never known anything or anyone outside of their ranch in Mason. When Alex is ready to go off to college she's thrown into a spin when her dad wants her to go to a different college then Will to meet new people and experience new things. Alex starts to doubt if their love can survive and worried that Will could meet someone else but what she doesn't expect is to meet someone who makes her feel very confused about her own feelings. Then after an argument with Will she starts to regret the way she's been. Can she convince Will she truly loves him?
Alex has been in love with Will for as long as she can remember they grew up together and she's never known anything or anyone outside of their ranch in Mason. When Alex is ready to go off to college she's thrown into a spin when her dad wants her to go to a different college then Will to meet new people and experience new things. Alex starts to doubt if their love can survive and worried that Will could meet someone else but what she doesn't expect is to meet someone who makes her feel very confused about her own feelings. Then after an argument with Will she starts to regret the way she's been. Can she convince Will she truly loves him?
October 9, 2020
So formulaic for Kelly Elliott. Boy and girl love each other as children. Boy and girl are separated by college. Boy and girl overhear conversations and misinterpret what happened without bothering to talk to the other. Then when they get back together they have the obligatory “oops we forgot the condom.” Followed by her being in the hospital and him being scared to lose her. Then the part where she pushes him away and says he’s too good for her.
It’s very high school. And, of course, everyone has deep conversations with the parents and grandparents, as kids do?
This book might be tolerable if it was less than half the length.
It’s very high school. And, of course, everyone has deep conversations with the parents and grandparents, as kids do?
This book might be tolerable if it was less than half the length.
May 8, 2021
3,5 stars for Will and Lex and all the other bunch of second generation Mason, Texas citizen.
They knew they would end up together happily married at age 10. There were only some smallish obstacles to handle... Like overprotective parents, long distance college year, drama all through their tight knit group of siblings/friends.
Loved the way the story is told. It got to me and I needed tissues very badly along the way.
I got an issue with how all the guys acted. Caveman to the own sisters and daughters but Cocky jocks to the sisters of the best friends. It's very two faced system and got me itchy.
They knew they would end up together happily married at age 10. There were only some smallish obstacles to handle... Like overprotective parents, long distance college year, drama all through their tight knit group of siblings/friends.
Loved the way the story is told. It got to me and I needed tissues very badly along the way.
I got an issue with how all the guys acted. Caveman to the own sisters and daughters but Cocky jocks to the sisters of the best friends. It's very two faced system and got me itchy.
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