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Take Heart #1
Take Heart
Twenty-two-year-old Amelia Foster just can’t seem to catch a break. After surviving the sudden death of her father, she’s forced to drop out of college in order to support her alcoholic mother. Dealing with years of non-stop verbal abuse and strife, Mia decides she’s finally had enough. She packs her bags and moves to Austin, Texas—leaving the remnants of her old life behind. On her first night there, she unexpectedly meets Chase.
Chase Williams plays a carpenter by day and a bartender by night. With his supreme confidence, unapologetic sarcasm, and undeterred motivation, he will stop at nothing to get what he wants—including Mia. Attracting women has never been a problem before, but getting Mia to come around, well, that’s something else entirely. Instead of spending all of his energies charming her, he must do damage control so he can secure a first date. When she ultimately succumbs, sparks fly, and an intensely passionate relationship ensues.
As Mia tries to move forward with her new life, she finds that escaping her past isn’t as easy as she thought. Will the love from a reformed womanizer make her stronger? Or will the demons of her not-so-distant past tear everything apart?
*Contains strong adult content*
Chase Williams plays a carpenter by day and a bartender by night. With his supreme confidence, unapologetic sarcasm, and undeterred motivation, he will stop at nothing to get what he wants—including Mia. Attracting women has never been a problem before, but getting Mia to come around, well, that’s something else entirely. Instead of spending all of his energies charming her, he must do damage control so he can secure a first date. When she ultimately succumbs, sparks fly, and an intensely passionate relationship ensues.
As Mia tries to move forward with her new life, she finds that escaping her past isn’t as easy as she thought. Will the love from a reformed womanizer make her stronger? Or will the demons of her not-so-distant past tear everything apart?
*Contains strong adult content*
319 pages, ebook
First published September 23, 2014
28 people are currently reading
471 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Michelle Smith
3 books29 followersAuthor of the Take Heart series, Lauren Michelle Smith was born and raised in Iowa, but currently lives in Austin, Texas. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Psychology. She's an avid reader who also enjoys writing during her spare time. Like most people, she also enjoys a good beer, a hot pizza, and traveling to exotic new places. Take Heart is her debut novel. Catching Raven is the follow-up.
Find Lauren on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorlaurenmichelle...
Follow her on Twitter @Author_LMS
Email her at laurenmichellesmithauthor@gmail.com
Follow her on Instagram: lmsmith1989
Find Lauren on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorlaurenmichelle...
Follow her on Twitter @Author_LMS
Email her at laurenmichellesmithauthor@gmail.com
Follow her on Instagram: lmsmith1989
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 2, 2016
How much emotional and verbal abuse can a person take? How much is enough of one’s life to give up to help their alcoholic mother? When is it time to say I’m done, I need to create the life I want, need and deserve? Amelia has had enough, she has been emotionally beaten down, worn out and hung out to dry by the woman who was supposed to be her rock and now it is time to cut bait and run. Can you really run away from your past or will it always be there to haunt you?
Chase is a womanizer, finding a warm and beautiful body to get up close and personal with isn’t an issue, but when he meets Amelia, he has met his Achilles Heel, a woman who has him far more interested than even he can imagine. Amelia is damaged, she is running away from something and Chase has made it his mission to break down her defenses and give him a chance.
Take Heart by Lauren Michelle Smith is a tale of lies, loss, emotional fantasy and regrets, as well as survivor’s guilt that is not deserved. With the witty and sometimes biting banter between Amelia and Chase, the sexual tension runs high. I give kudos to Ms. Smith for tackling an all too familiar and painful disease by showcasing Amelia as a character who is the result of the life choices she made regarding her mother. Her flaws are the flaws of millions and while not always making her the most likable character, it certainly makes her real.
Often frustrating, definitely containing romance and the support of a man in love without the flowery hearts and birds singing, Take Heart is definitely a book to check into and read with its emotional impact and the superb writing of Lauren Michelle Smith.
I received this copy from Lauren Michelle Smith and Story Merchant in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Take Heart - Book 1
Publisher: Story Merchant (September 23, 2014)
ISBN-10: 0990421643
ISBN-13: 978-0990421641
Genre: NA Romance
Print Length: 319 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Chase is a womanizer, finding a warm and beautiful body to get up close and personal with isn’t an issue, but when he meets Amelia, he has met his Achilles Heel, a woman who has him far more interested than even he can imagine. Amelia is damaged, she is running away from something and Chase has made it his mission to break down her defenses and give him a chance.
Take Heart by Lauren Michelle Smith is a tale of lies, loss, emotional fantasy and regrets, as well as survivor’s guilt that is not deserved. With the witty and sometimes biting banter between Amelia and Chase, the sexual tension runs high. I give kudos to Ms. Smith for tackling an all too familiar and painful disease by showcasing Amelia as a character who is the result of the life choices she made regarding her mother. Her flaws are the flaws of millions and while not always making her the most likable character, it certainly makes her real.
Often frustrating, definitely containing romance and the support of a man in love without the flowery hearts and birds singing, Take Heart is definitely a book to check into and read with its emotional impact and the superb writing of Lauren Michelle Smith.
I received this copy from Lauren Michelle Smith and Story Merchant in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Take Heart - Book 1
Publisher: Story Merchant (September 23, 2014)
ISBN-10: 0990421643
ISBN-13: 978-0990421641
Genre: NA Romance
Print Length: 319 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
October 22, 2014
Amelia, or Mia, is running from her past. No, not really running, but has decided to start over. When her parents divorced, she lived with her mother who became an alcoholic. Though she didn't live with her father, she would visit and they were close. She kept what was going on with her mother a secret. As such, Mia had to grow up rather quickly. She made sure the house was clean, bills were paid, and took care of her mother. Essentially, she became the parent. Her mother became verbally and emotionally abusive to Mia. She finally had enough and leaves to move to Texas, where her father lived. Her best friend Raven lives there and they are to be roommates.
Her other best friend, Eric lives there as well and it is at house his party that she meets Chase. There is an immediate attraction/connection between the two of them. But of course Chase is a player and Mia wants nothing to do with that.
After some convincing on Chase's part, Mia decides to give him a chance. They are such a sweet couple. The way Chase is with her is so endearing. I love their banter and all the time they spend together. The really are a great fit.
Of course Mia has issues. She gas trust issues that she has to work out The way she grew up haunts her, and just because she left her mother doesn't mean that she leaves Mia alone. I wanted to hate her mother, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. Mia loves her, or rather the memory of who she used to be, that love/devotion translates through the pages, and makes you feel it too. You can also feel her frustration and anger.The author definitely does a great job at making you feel the emotions of not just Mia, but all the characters.
Take Heart pulled me right in. I was so invested with the characters and story. But then something happens. For most people, the way the characters reacted would be no big deal. For me, it was one of my story pet peeves. The characters were just not proactive in my eyes and at times were given advice that wasn't so great. I just got so frustrated and had to put the book down and walk away for a bit. Keep in mind that this is MY personal issue. The author delivered a solid, believable storyline, great characters, and made me feel emotions. This really is a good story and I definitely recommend it.
Her other best friend, Eric lives there as well and it is at house his party that she meets Chase. There is an immediate attraction/connection between the two of them. But of course Chase is a player and Mia wants nothing to do with that.
After some convincing on Chase's part, Mia decides to give him a chance. They are such a sweet couple. The way Chase is with her is so endearing. I love their banter and all the time they spend together. The really are a great fit.
Of course Mia has issues. She gas trust issues that she has to work out The way she grew up haunts her, and just because she left her mother doesn't mean that she leaves Mia alone. I wanted to hate her mother, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. Mia loves her, or rather the memory of who she used to be, that love/devotion translates through the pages, and makes you feel it too. You can also feel her frustration and anger.The author definitely does a great job at making you feel the emotions of not just Mia, but all the characters.
Take Heart pulled me right in. I was so invested with the characters and story. But then something happens. For most people, the way the characters reacted would be no big deal. For me, it was one of my story pet peeves. The characters were just not proactive in my eyes and at times were given advice that wasn't so great. I just got so frustrated and had to put the book down and walk away for a bit. Keep in mind that this is MY personal issue. The author delivered a solid, believable storyline, great characters, and made me feel emotions. This really is a good story and I definitely recommend it.
October 29, 2014
I enjoyed this book so much, although at times I was more interested in Eric and Raven so I'm hoping the author will do a little novella with those two. Chase has a way of making his girl shut up quite effectively, "when he's done kissing me into a stupor, he slowly starts to back away. "Does one o'clock sound good for Saturday?" he asks, walking backwards to the front door. I nod robotically, unable to form a complete sentence. "Good, I'll see you then." Mia that girl knows how to blurt out how she feels, "oh, really? Then explain Christa and Tamika to me, Chase? What are they to you? What am I to you, huh? One of many? A casual effing fling? Because if that's where this is headed, we really need to stop." Chase knows how to make a girl's panties wet, "really. Now get your cute a** up and get ready before I change my mind and keep you in this bed all day. Staring at you is really starting to mess with my head." But that's okay because Mia knows how to get her man going, "his eyes widen in shock but in a good way. "You're not wearing any underwear under this dress?" he asks, stunned." I'm really hoping for a novella of Eric and Raven.
September 30, 2014
Loved it
great read. so awesome. got a tiny bit annoyed with the whole month separation, button unless I want to give up reading I'll just have to overlook this oh so common drama. I think of when my husband died and who I pushed away, and there's no one. troops rallied around and I clung like a vine. I had to draw from their strength. I had an 8 year old daughter to pull through too. why do characters in books push away people when tragedy hits. makes me wonder if I'm the crazy one because I acted out of character from everyone I read about, but then I remember this is fiction, and the truly great love stories don't seem to happen unless you play a little catch and release before you figure out what true love is. anyway. that's my little complaint about this read.. not that I didn't thoroughly love the book though.. at least there wasn't cheating. but then Chase was too awesome for that.
not a read you will regret.
great read. so awesome. got a tiny bit annoyed with the whole month separation, button unless I want to give up reading I'll just have to overlook this oh so common drama. I think of when my husband died and who I pushed away, and there's no one. troops rallied around and I clung like a vine. I had to draw from their strength. I had an 8 year old daughter to pull through too. why do characters in books push away people when tragedy hits. makes me wonder if I'm the crazy one because I acted out of character from everyone I read about, but then I remember this is fiction, and the truly great love stories don't seem to happen unless you play a little catch and release before you figure out what true love is. anyway. that's my little complaint about this read.. not that I didn't thoroughly love the book though.. at least there wasn't cheating. but then Chase was too awesome for that.
not a read you will regret.
September 27, 2014
From my amazon review: This debut novel by Lauren Smith is sweet, funny and sexy! Chase Williams is a swoon-worthy, tattooed hottie with a big ol' heart. He meets Mia, a strong, independent, quick-witted girl who is a little jaded and guarded from dealing with life's hardships at the hands of an alcoholic mother. I loved their sarcastic banter and their fierce pull to each other. But what I probably loved most about this book is that they're not far-fetched characters living outrageous lives, with over the top good looks and issues that only could be dreamt up in a NA/romance novel. Take Heart is like watching friends in your circle fall in love and grow together.
I would have liked to have had more pages to read, to crawl into their minds for more!
I would have liked to have had more pages to read, to crawl into their minds for more!
August 18, 2014
This is the link to my review for this book! I absolutely LOVED it!
WARNING: THERE MAY OR MAY NOT BE SPOILERS IN MY REVIEW! Read at your own risk!
http://chickscontrolledbybooks12.blog...
WARNING: THERE MAY OR MAY NOT BE SPOILERS IN MY REVIEW! Read at your own risk!
http://chickscontrolledbybooks12.blog...
September 27, 2014
Great book!!!
I absolutely LOVED this book. The relationship between the friends and the dialogue are amazingly hilarious. Will definitely be ready to read more from this author.
I absolutely LOVED this book. The relationship between the friends and the dialogue are amazingly hilarious. Will definitely be ready to read more from this author.
November 5, 2014
I loved this book so much! It is such a 'real life' book! I'm excited to read more from this author.
May 5, 2015
I adored the characters in this book and felt they were well developed. Good story, angtsy, romantic and heart breaking. Review to come!
September 2, 2021
Loved!!! Mia is such a strong woman and I Loooooooved Chase! I can't wait to read more by this Author!!
June 21, 2019
Loveable romance
A compelling read. Mia escapes a troubled home life with an alcoholic mother, working 2 jobs just help her mother survive. She escapes and stumbles upon chase.
The relationship between mia and chase is explosive from the beginning. The 2 characters were well written and believable characters.
I enjoyed reading Mia's backstory and it was an interesting take on living with an alcoholic.
I chose 4 stars because it was a well written book with some good characters
It didn't make 5 stars because I wasnt blown away with the story to make that rating I would want to read the story again and again. This book didn't hit that level but still an enjoyable story.
A compelling read. Mia escapes a troubled home life with an alcoholic mother, working 2 jobs just help her mother survive. She escapes and stumbles upon chase.
The relationship between mia and chase is explosive from the beginning. The 2 characters were well written and believable characters.
I enjoyed reading Mia's backstory and it was an interesting take on living with an alcoholic.
I chose 4 stars because it was a well written book with some good characters
It didn't make 5 stars because I wasnt blown away with the story to make that rating I would want to read the story again and again. This book didn't hit that level but still an enjoyable story.
December 22, 2020
Loved!!! Mia is such a strong woman and I Loooooooved Chase! I can't wait to read more by this Author!!
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January 20, 2015Like so many others, this one was just too predictable for my liking. Mia is a girl who has had a hard life, Chase is a good natured happy go lucky guy enjoying life. They get together and she is "independent" and "strong", which in layman's terms means she's stubborn and narcissistic. When things are good, they're great. When things are tough, she shuts down and refuses to show any kind of maturity in the situation. She likes to blame other people for random bad things that occur in her life, merely because they grew up in a "normal household". Then of course, she decides, after a month of ignoring the guy that she claims to love, to go get her man back when she thinks he might be trying to move on from being her punching bag. And even though I did like Chase,I thought he was a really nice guy who deserves a lot better than Mia, the guy runs back to her hoping that she won't do it again. Yeah, good luck with that! the dialogue was annoying and some interactions were so cliche they were comical. This is definitely going in the never to read again pile.
September 2, 2014
A romantic story about Amelia and Chase. Amelia is looking for a fresh start without the stresses of her alcoholic mother and juggling two jobs trying to keep a roof over her head and pay all the bills. So she heads to Austin in Texas to stay with her good friend Raven. Soon after her arrival she meets the sexy hot Chase. Chase has the family she's always wanted. He works in his fathers business as a carpenter. He's never had a long term relationship, but in Amelia he sees something special.
I found the story dragged. It wasn't what I was expecting when I read the description. I wanted to see more from her mother and her past relationship with her. Maybe more flashbacks, arguments even a confrontation between the characters. I wanted more action, I was very disappointed with the story line.
The characters I loved, apart from the mother, I'd like to see more from raven and Eric too.
3.5 stars
I found the story dragged. It wasn't what I was expecting when I read the description. I wanted to see more from her mother and her past relationship with her. Maybe more flashbacks, arguments even a confrontation between the characters. I wanted more action, I was very disappointed with the story line.
The characters I loved, apart from the mother, I'd like to see more from raven and Eric too.
3.5 stars
April 19, 2015
22 yr old Amelia Foster has had a tough time growing up, her parents divorced when she was young and once her father left her mother basically gave up and drank. Amelia had to step up and be the parent. She enjoyed visiting her dad in Austin, but he died. Amelia's hits the breaking point with her mother and moves to Austin with her best friends. Amelia meets Chase Williams her first night in Austin, he is a womanizer but he wants Mia. Intense story, Mia has a lot of pain and hurt to work thru just to get out on the other side and realize she deserves to live and have a good life. very good read.
February 6, 2015
If you struggle with foul language, this isn't a book for you.
Despite the dialog being full of youthful expletives this was a very real and moving love story.
Amelia (Mia) moves to Texas to stay with her friend Raven and get away from her druken mother. On her first night in town she meets Chase, a friend of a friend, who is a hard working guy and a bit of a playboy.
Sparks fly and soon Mia and Chase are falling head over heels for each other, but life is never easy and the past likes to find it's way into happy days bringing pain and fear.
Can Mia and Chase find a way to hold on to the bonds of love?
Despite the dialog being full of youthful expletives this was a very real and moving love story.
Amelia (Mia) moves to Texas to stay with her friend Raven and get away from her druken mother. On her first night in town she meets Chase, a friend of a friend, who is a hard working guy and a bit of a playboy.
Sparks fly and soon Mia and Chase are falling head over heels for each other, but life is never easy and the past likes to find it's way into happy days bringing pain and fear.
Can Mia and Chase find a way to hold on to the bonds of love?
November 1, 2014
This is not a long book. It could almost one of the best books I've read this year. I cried a few times. My heart hurt for Mia and Chase but I also laughed during other parts! Some of the things they said and did just shocked me and I couldn't stop the giggles! I give this book 5 stars. It is great read. Would love to read more from these characters. Would love to read more from Erie and Raven. Please there is more coming.
November 3, 2014
This was the kind of romance I needed. No bullshit. No fighting their attraction for each other. No angsty drama. Just two people who have an intense connection and give their relationship all they've got.
It certainly wasn't always perfect. After things with Mia's mom go terribly wrong, Mia shuts Chase out. To me, her radio silence is understandable considering what she's going through.
I would have liked to see a bit more from the epilogue, but overall, I loved this story!
4.5 stars
It certainly wasn't always perfect. After things with Mia's mom go terribly wrong, Mia shuts Chase out. To me, her radio silence is understandable considering what she's going through.
I would have liked to see a bit more from the epilogue, but overall, I loved this story!
4.5 stars
October 17, 2015
Sweet, hot read.
This another book that has sat in my tbr collection on my Kindle for a considerable time. What can I say? I have books I love to 're-read! Again I find myself asking 'why did I leave it so long?'. What a lovely heart warming story. Mia has known no end of heartbreak and decides to make a move away to her best friend's. She meets Chase *sigh* on the first night there........lots of banter, flirting and a hot guy who falls hard and fast. Go check it out.
This another book that has sat in my tbr collection on my Kindle for a considerable time. What can I say? I have books I love to 're-read! Again I find myself asking 'why did I leave it so long?'. What a lovely heart warming story. Mia has known no end of heartbreak and decides to make a move away to her best friend's. She meets Chase *sigh* on the first night there........lots of banter, flirting and a hot guy who falls hard and fast. Go check it out.
December 3, 2015
good lord.
The story could have been a lot better if the writing wasn't so unpolished. I don't have a lot to say about it beyond that. It definitely screamed "free new adult Kindle book."
The story could have been a lot better if the writing wasn't so unpolished. I don't have a lot to say about it beyond that. It definitely screamed "free new adult Kindle book."
February 14, 2015
fantastic and beautiful story. well written with nice turn of phrase
I love it. I rarely put review but this one got me. you feel all the sensibilities of a starting relationship. love scene are hot. I can't wait to read another book of this author.
I love it. I rarely put review but this one got me. you feel all the sensibilities of a starting relationship. love scene are hot. I can't wait to read another book of this author.
June 12, 2015
I really liked the characters chemistry and I loved the male character. He seemed so genuine, was very honest, and didn't play games with the girl. Also I am glad there was no cliffhanger at the end.
October 28, 2014
loved this book! very raw and emotional. loved chase instantly. can't wait for more from lauren.
January 12, 2016
Is a great book to read forever and ever since the heart of a great book to read
November 1, 2014
Enjoyed this book so much!
January 26, 2015
Meh....
Review soon.
Review soon.
December 3, 2014
This was a good free book from an Iowa girl!
December 7, 2014
3.75 stars
December 25, 2014
Ehhh...just okay for me
December 28, 2014
I loved the banter between them. Sweet story. Looking forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews