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Ex Convict
Hope Manson ruled her school senior year. When a girl in her class, Jenny, spreads a rumor about Hope, an attempt of getting even ends with Jenny dead and Hope in prison for man-slaughter. Six years later, she is let out with one goal in mind- to make a difference.
A difference for Jenny.
Hope will be anything but selfish.
Wes Styles is a arrogant and rude.
He is controlling, self obsessed, and just plain mean.
And Hope likes it. She wants someone to treat her like dirt, as a reminder of what she did.
Plus, if someone treats her like horribly, she can't fall in love- right? Because falling in love is the most selfish thing you can do.
Wes Styles loves women. He loves when they're calling his name, making him come, or digging nails into his back. He does not fall in love with women.
When Wes meets Hope, he is immediately intrigued by the fact she likes being treated like nothing more than a pile of dirt.
And he knows she is holding a dark secret.
But he doesn't want to know what this secret is, because when he finds out the truth, he may leave. And for the first time in his life, he doesn't want to.
Warning: This story deals with topics not suitable for everyone, including self harm and bullying. Recommended for mature adults, 18+ in age, due to intense sexual situations, violence, and strong language.
A difference for Jenny.
Hope will be anything but selfish.
Wes Styles is a arrogant and rude.
He is controlling, self obsessed, and just plain mean.
And Hope likes it. She wants someone to treat her like dirt, as a reminder of what she did.
Plus, if someone treats her like horribly, she can't fall in love- right? Because falling in love is the most selfish thing you can do.
Wes Styles loves women. He loves when they're calling his name, making him come, or digging nails into his back. He does not fall in love with women.
When Wes meets Hope, he is immediately intrigued by the fact she likes being treated like nothing more than a pile of dirt.
And he knows she is holding a dark secret.
But he doesn't want to know what this secret is, because when he finds out the truth, he may leave. And for the first time in his life, he doesn't want to.
Warning: This story deals with topics not suitable for everyone, including self harm and bullying. Recommended for mature adults, 18+ in age, due to intense sexual situations, violence, and strong language.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2014
3 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Beale
24 books607 followersAshley Beale, 30, lives in the beautiful state of Maine with her children. She is an International Bestselling Author of Forgive Me, with over a dozen other titles- and more to come!
Ashley has always had a hidden passion for writing, and a not-so-hidden fixation of telling stories. She followed her dreams by publishing her first novel, Burning Attraction, in July of 2013.
When Ashley isn't writing, you can find her enjoying time with her family and friends- shopping, swimming, going on adventures, traveling, or simply goofing off. There isn't much Ashley won't try at least once, helping create imagination and fun memories!
To better know Ashley, or for updates on her books, visit her Facebook fan group at: www.facebook.com/groups/ashleybealere...
Or Follow her on IG: www.instagram.com/ashleybealewrites
Ashley has always had a hidden passion for writing, and a not-so-hidden fixation of telling stories. She followed her dreams by publishing her first novel, Burning Attraction, in July of 2013.
When Ashley isn't writing, you can find her enjoying time with her family and friends- shopping, swimming, going on adventures, traveling, or simply goofing off. There isn't much Ashley won't try at least once, helping create imagination and fun memories!
To better know Ashley, or for updates on her books, visit her Facebook fan group at: www.facebook.com/groups/ashleybealere...
Or Follow her on IG: www.instagram.com/ashleybealewrites
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 13, 2016
1.75 stars
Long review. I like/hate this book. Why will be apparent, just hang in there.
So before novella began, h decided to roofie a bitchy, mean girl who spread rumors about the h having herpes. As a prank, the h wants to secretly film the MG as a bunch of hot guys hit on her as a joke hoping it will make her embarrass herself. Did I mention this was high school? And that the h is the most horrific of high school Queen B's? You know the one everyone really wished evil on because she was such a (that c-word I never use cuz I'm a lady).
I can't like this h.
Like, at all.
I almost most DNF'd less than 500 words in
:(
The h:
“Steve and Martin, DJ's two sidekicks, also known as the guys all the girls drool over, walk over and start mindlessly flirting with Jenny. She smiles and giggles as I watch from the corner, sipping on a beer. She actually thinks they like her and I find it absolutely hilarious. I hold in my laughter, watching from the corner of my eye.
Maybe if she lost ten pounds, learned to wax those brows of hers, and understood what a fashion magazine was, she'd be okay. Maybe even worthy enough to talk to me.”
More h quote after the boys have gotten Jenny naked and dancing on a table:
“I know Jenny, I know. I just see you're making friends with Steve and Martin, and you know they're friends of mine. I was just coming to make peace with you."
I can see her chewing on the inside of her cheek while her head sways back and forth. It takes a lot not to laugh, because she has no clue she was just drugged by two guys she thinks she is going to have sex with. Hell, the three of them might have sex. Who knows? She is obviously willing and I've never seen them pass up a chance for a threesome.”
(C-word)-o-rama right there, Ladies.
The h's last name is Manson.
Just sayin' .... If the shoe fits.
They don't rape her. But that's all the spoiler I'm giving. It was, however, such a willful act of harm on another human, I can't like her. Or redeem her.
Six years later, where novella begins, and she refers to the moment she killed someone as "the incident" - bully for her that she wants to be a public speaker against bullying. Still not very fucking impressed.
THEN we meet the H with an OW:
"Wake up," I grumble in my raspy morning voice. She was not supposed to have spent the night. They never do, they never will. Well, obviously unless I'm so drunk that I didn't even know I brought a girl home with me. "Get the fuck out of my bed," I say much louder with a clearer voice.
"Baby," she whines out, her hand reaching to run across my stomach.
I catch it and place it on my limp dick. "You can suck me off or you can get out. I have a meeting this morning.”
Such a charmer.
Maybe the H/h deserve each other ;)
When the H/h meet, I really thought it might go differently. But then he gets her home, fucks her, and literally kicks her out. Did I mention he forgot a condom? Because her pussy was so magical...his description, not mine.
Then at 30% with their whole accidental date. It was so 50-esque I couldn't stand it...it was almost fan-fic. The h needs to feel used to allow herself pleasure because of what she did. The H loves to dominate the fuck out of her. But not BDSM.
So in the time allowed in this novella, the h tells us how she's changed and grown and now wants to be a anti-bullying motivational speaker all in the name of the girl she "accidentally" killed. I'm all for rehabilitation. Just putting that out there. But her character was so awful I could care less about her rehabilitation in 30k words or less. This had some deep issues that the author attempted to cover but were glossed over so quickly I couldn't feel the authenticity in the change. I might have even really liked this if it had more deeply addressed the issues.
The writing was also an issue for me. But if this author's writing skills improve and her plots evolve, I'd read more. She draws characters you can hate that almost seem to redeem themselves enough you can root for them...hence the need for a higher word count. Then there's the ridiculous side plot the H is involved in that gets the h abducted. If the author had spent more time fleshing out her characters and their emotional growth, and less time with the unnecessary and BIZARRE side plot, she might've pulled it all off in this novella.
I originally was going to go with a 2.5 star, cuz it could've been a really great read. But the ending fucked up an even more fucked up book. Everything was just over, no closure, no real explanation of why they fall for each other again, just…nothing. The plot climax occurs...then bam. 7 weeks later and the end. So I'm leaving it at 1.75 stars cuz it's "almost there" was "potential" enough for me.
Safety gang: OW scene at beginning is just him kicking her out of his bed. He does however get a BJ from an OW after the h tells him about her past...it was graphic and he had to think about the h to get off but not to get hard...and she never finds out. He does it cuz pissed she wasn't honest and he's hurt. The h only slept with her HS BF. Jail was apparently kind to her.
Long review. I like/hate this book. Why will be apparent, just hang in there.
So before novella began, h decided to roofie a bitchy, mean girl who spread rumors about the h having herpes. As a prank, the h wants to secretly film the MG as a bunch of hot guys hit on her as a joke hoping it will make her embarrass herself. Did I mention this was high school? And that the h is the most horrific of high school Queen B's? You know the one everyone really wished evil on because she was such a (that c-word I never use cuz I'm a lady).
I can't like this h.
Like, at all.
I almost most DNF'd less than 500 words in
:(
The h:
“Steve and Martin, DJ's two sidekicks, also known as the guys all the girls drool over, walk over and start mindlessly flirting with Jenny. She smiles and giggles as I watch from the corner, sipping on a beer. She actually thinks they like her and I find it absolutely hilarious. I hold in my laughter, watching from the corner of my eye.
Maybe if she lost ten pounds, learned to wax those brows of hers, and understood what a fashion magazine was, she'd be okay. Maybe even worthy enough to talk to me.”
More h quote after the boys have gotten Jenny naked and dancing on a table:
“I know Jenny, I know. I just see you're making friends with Steve and Martin, and you know they're friends of mine. I was just coming to make peace with you."
I can see her chewing on the inside of her cheek while her head sways back and forth. It takes a lot not to laugh, because she has no clue she was just drugged by two guys she thinks she is going to have sex with. Hell, the three of them might have sex. Who knows? She is obviously willing and I've never seen them pass up a chance for a threesome.”
(C-word)-o-rama right there, Ladies.
The h's last name is Manson.
Just sayin' .... If the shoe fits.
They don't rape her. But that's all the spoiler I'm giving. It was, however, such a willful act of harm on another human, I can't like her. Or redeem her.
Six years later, where novella begins, and she refers to the moment she killed someone as "the incident" - bully for her that she wants to be a public speaker against bullying. Still not very fucking impressed.
THEN we meet the H with an OW:
"Wake up," I grumble in my raspy morning voice. She was not supposed to have spent the night. They never do, they never will. Well, obviously unless I'm so drunk that I didn't even know I brought a girl home with me. "Get the fuck out of my bed," I say much louder with a clearer voice.
"Baby," she whines out, her hand reaching to run across my stomach.
I catch it and place it on my limp dick. "You can suck me off or you can get out. I have a meeting this morning.”
Such a charmer.
Maybe the H/h deserve each other ;)
When the H/h meet, I really thought it might go differently. But then he gets her home, fucks her, and literally kicks her out. Did I mention he forgot a condom? Because her pussy was so magical...his description, not mine.
Then at 30% with their whole accidental date. It was so 50-esque I couldn't stand it...it was almost fan-fic. The h needs to feel used to allow herself pleasure because of what she did. The H loves to dominate the fuck out of her. But not BDSM.
So in the time allowed in this novella, the h tells us how she's changed and grown and now wants to be a anti-bullying motivational speaker all in the name of the girl she "accidentally" killed. I'm all for rehabilitation. Just putting that out there. But her character was so awful I could care less about her rehabilitation in 30k words or less. This had some deep issues that the author attempted to cover but were glossed over so quickly I couldn't feel the authenticity in the change. I might have even really liked this if it had more deeply addressed the issues.
The writing was also an issue for me. But if this author's writing skills improve and her plots evolve, I'd read more. She draws characters you can hate that almost seem to redeem themselves enough you can root for them...hence the need for a higher word count. Then there's the ridiculous side plot the H is involved in that gets the h abducted. If the author had spent more time fleshing out her characters and their emotional growth, and less time with the unnecessary and BIZARRE side plot, she might've pulled it all off in this novella.
I originally was going to go with a 2.5 star, cuz it could've been a really great read. But the ending fucked up an even more fucked up book. Everything was just over, no closure, no real explanation of why they fall for each other again, just…nothing. The plot climax occurs...then bam. 7 weeks later and the end. So I'm leaving it at 1.75 stars cuz it's "almost there" was "potential" enough for me.
Safety gang: OW scene at beginning is just him kicking her out of his bed. He does however get a BJ from an OW after the h tells him about her past...it was graphic and he had to think about the h to get off but not to get hard...and she never finds out. He does it cuz pissed she wasn't honest and he's hurt. The h only slept with her HS BF. Jail was apparently kind to her.
May 7, 2014
I believe that Ex Convict MAY be the sexiest book I've written to date. Wes Styles is something fierce ;) This book deals with intense situations, such as bullying. We all have a history. We all have regrets. Ex Convict shows how Hope deals with her past- and how it helps mold her into who she is today (six years after accidentally killing someone). This is a book you will either LOVE or a book you'll be shaking your head at... either way, I hope its one you enjoy. One that gets under your skin. One that has you wanting more with each chapter. This is a highly erotic contemporary romance novel, that is full length and a standalone. Oh, and of course, it has a happily ever after!! :)
Here is the link to view the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zTpJ...
Here is the link to view the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zTpJ...
May 2, 2014
**I was lucky enough to Beta read for the author**
Hope had everything handed to her and was popular. She thought she was cool. She was a bully. Her intentions ended up turning into something bad, landing her in a place that she never thought she would be.
Wes is dominant. Hes cocky, arrogant and most definitely not looking for love. What started as a one night stand, has him catching feelings.
This book is just above and beyond good! I was really sad in the beginning, with what had happened. I dislike any kind of bullying. I am glad that Hope came to terms with what she did and became a motivational speaker. I loved Wes, even though he was cocky. He is such an alpha.
I enjoyed the heck out of this book!! I am a huge Ashley Beale fan! I will read anything she writes without knowing what its about. She has amazing writing skills! This is just another phenomenal book by her!! I recommend that everyone reads this! You will laugh and you may cry. Amazing book!!
Without a doubt, this book gets 5 out of 5 stars!!
Hope had everything handed to her and was popular. She thought she was cool. She was a bully. Her intentions ended up turning into something bad, landing her in a place that she never thought she would be.
Wes is dominant. Hes cocky, arrogant and most definitely not looking for love. What started as a one night stand, has him catching feelings.
This book is just above and beyond good! I was really sad in the beginning, with what had happened. I dislike any kind of bullying. I am glad that Hope came to terms with what she did and became a motivational speaker. I loved Wes, even though he was cocky. He is such an alpha.
I enjoyed the heck out of this book!! I am a huge Ashley Beale fan! I will read anything she writes without knowing what its about. She has amazing writing skills! This is just another phenomenal book by her!! I recommend that everyone reads this! You will laugh and you may cry. Amazing book!!
Without a doubt, this book gets 5 out of 5 stars!!
May 12, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. In Ex Convict, we meet Hope and learn why she's spent the last few years locked away. Upon her release from prison, she finds a job working through several schools working and speaking to students all while living in a home that provides assistance to individuals like herself.
Hope meets super hot Wes and sparks fly, but he still doesn't know her secret. An incredible relationship forms between the two of them and you will not be disappointed all the way to the end.
Ashley Beale has done it again!
Hope meets super hot Wes and sparks fly, but he still doesn't know her secret. An incredible relationship forms between the two of them and you will not be disappointed all the way to the end.
Ashley Beale has done it again!
February 18, 2018
“You know when you watch a movie and there is always that evil girl that never gets a happy ending? That girl, that is me. I am her. I don't deserve a happily ever after.”
Really?! --'
August 5, 2016
I am not a fan of any kind of bullying. Even though this book touched on it and it's repercussions. It seemed like it was something you could see in everyday life. I won't sit here and say girls are always nice. Girls can be some of the meanest people walking around. Especially those in high school fighting over some boy. I liked the fact that the principal of the local high school gave Hope a chance to come in and talk with the students and share her story with them. Maybe if someone did that while she was in school maybe Jenny would still be alive and she could have those six years back.
Hope Manson was one of those mean girls. She had rumors spread about her and her boyfriend. All she wanted to do was get back at Jenny. She came up with a plan that had a deadly ending. After the death of Jenny and losing all of her friends and family. Hope spent six years, one week and three days in a women's prison. I guess being in prison for all that time can make you think. Hope wanted to make a difference in the world and be a better person when she was released. She made a promise to herself and to Jenny that she would help other teens.
Wes Style, I thought he was the biggest jerk. He thought he could have sex with a women and then kick her out. He was cocky and dominating. He would fight for his family though. I don't think I really liked his reaction once he found out what happened with Hope and why she was living where she was. Even after she professed her love to him. It didn't seem like he wanted to listen to her. Once again he was just getting rid of the girl. It took Hope being kidnapped to change his mind.
The end of this book will keep you on the edge of your seat. It was an emotional roller coaster. I loved every minute of it. It is not a cliffhanger.
Hope Manson was one of those mean girls. She had rumors spread about her and her boyfriend. All she wanted to do was get back at Jenny. She came up with a plan that had a deadly ending. After the death of Jenny and losing all of her friends and family. Hope spent six years, one week and three days in a women's prison. I guess being in prison for all that time can make you think. Hope wanted to make a difference in the world and be a better person when she was released. She made a promise to herself and to Jenny that she would help other teens.
Wes Style, I thought he was the biggest jerk. He thought he could have sex with a women and then kick her out. He was cocky and dominating. He would fight for his family though. I don't think I really liked his reaction once he found out what happened with Hope and why she was living where she was. Even after she professed her love to him. It didn't seem like he wanted to listen to her. Once again he was just getting rid of the girl. It took Hope being kidnapped to change his mind.
The end of this book will keep you on the edge of your seat. It was an emotional roller coaster. I loved every minute of it. It is not a cliffhanger.
May 12, 2014
Hope Manson is a mean popular girl in high school when she concocts the ultimate plan for humiliation on someone who is spreading rumors about her one night at a party…unfortunately even the best laid plans have a way of not working out. Hope is convicted of manslaughter and serves 6 years in prison wallowing in her own guilt and promising to become a better person for Jenny. Vowing never to fall in love and feeling that she does not deserve to she is released from prison after serving her time. Being abandon by her family while locked up she has nothing and nowhere to go besides a local woman's home until she can get on her feet.
Wes is a man whore. Having watched his father nearly destroyed by his own mother as a child he swears he will never succumb to love. He refuses to lose control or give his heart to another. Successful in business with his father, completely mouth watering, and a complete jackass.
A chance meeting at a party brings Hope and Wes together and the chemistry is instantaneous. Both in denial of what they have found in one another combined with several outside forces make for an emotional roller coaster ride for them both internally and externally.
I really loved this story…it had pain, humiliation, guilt, love, danger, and suspense combined with great characters. The only thing I can honestly say would have made this a 5 star for me would have been a little more detail and background story in a few instances. I don't want to give away anything because this truly is a great read that I would recommend to anyone 18+. The author has done a fantastic job capturing the internal turmoil of both Wes with his pain and difficulty to trust and Hope's guilt over her past. This was the first book I had read by this author and will absolutely be one-clicking some others!
Wes is a man whore. Having watched his father nearly destroyed by his own mother as a child he swears he will never succumb to love. He refuses to lose control or give his heart to another. Successful in business with his father, completely mouth watering, and a complete jackass.
A chance meeting at a party brings Hope and Wes together and the chemistry is instantaneous. Both in denial of what they have found in one another combined with several outside forces make for an emotional roller coaster ride for them both internally and externally.
I really loved this story…it had pain, humiliation, guilt, love, danger, and suspense combined with great characters. The only thing I can honestly say would have made this a 5 star for me would have been a little more detail and background story in a few instances. I don't want to give away anything because this truly is a great read that I would recommend to anyone 18+. The author has done a fantastic job capturing the internal turmoil of both Wes with his pain and difficulty to trust and Hope's guilt over her past. This was the first book I had read by this author and will absolutely be one-clicking some others!
May 8, 2014
This is my 4 star review for Ex Convict by Ashley Beale for Eskimo Princess Book Reviews.
Ex Convict is about Hope Manson and her adjustment to life after 6 years in a woman’s prison. Hope had it all; beauty, popularity, and a loving family. One fatal mistake left her with nothing. Will Hope be able to make a difference in the world telling her story? Will she be able to accept love after what she has done?
Wes Styles is all about himself. He is handsome, successful and doesn’t trust women. He never lets himself get too involved with one woman. When he meets Hope at a party he doesn’t want more than a quick release and a solid goodbye. When feelings change will he be able to accept Hope and her past or will he decide she isn’t worth the effort?
This was a quick read for me. I was able to set down and read it in one setting. I thought Hope was a strong character but she was so hard on herself. She thought she deserved nothing good in her life. I admired her for wanting to change into a person that Jenny would be proud of, and I believe that she succeeded. Wes on the other was a jerk in the beginning. He treated Hope like trash but he did redeem himself in the end. There were quite a few plot twists that I wasn’t expecting. They made for a very interesting read. I found a few grammar issues but nothing bad enough to mess with the flow or reading of the book. I felt that the ending was a little rushed for my tastes but it worked out the way it was supposed to. I have enjoyed several books by this author and I will continue to read what she releases in the future.
If you are looking for a book about bullying and how it can change a person, this one would be a good choice. I admire the author for tackling such a touchy subject.
Ex Convict is about Hope Manson and her adjustment to life after 6 years in a woman’s prison. Hope had it all; beauty, popularity, and a loving family. One fatal mistake left her with nothing. Will Hope be able to make a difference in the world telling her story? Will she be able to accept love after what she has done?
Wes Styles is all about himself. He is handsome, successful and doesn’t trust women. He never lets himself get too involved with one woman. When he meets Hope at a party he doesn’t want more than a quick release and a solid goodbye. When feelings change will he be able to accept Hope and her past or will he decide she isn’t worth the effort?
This was a quick read for me. I was able to set down and read it in one setting. I thought Hope was a strong character but she was so hard on herself. She thought she deserved nothing good in her life. I admired her for wanting to change into a person that Jenny would be proud of, and I believe that she succeeded. Wes on the other was a jerk in the beginning. He treated Hope like trash but he did redeem himself in the end. There were quite a few plot twists that I wasn’t expecting. They made for a very interesting read. I found a few grammar issues but nothing bad enough to mess with the flow or reading of the book. I felt that the ending was a little rushed for my tastes but it worked out the way it was supposed to. I have enjoyed several books by this author and I will continue to read what she releases in the future.
If you are looking for a book about bullying and how it can change a person, this one would be a good choice. I admire the author for tackling such a touchy subject.
May 13, 2014
4.5 Tortured Stars
Rumors can be deadly. Just ask Hope Manson. After a girl in her class - Jenny - spreads a rumor about Hope, getting even becomes a main priority. Despite Hope’s intentions, the prank she planned to pull on Jenny turns terribly wrong. The result - Hope is convicted of manslaughter in Jenny’s death. Six years pass and Hope is determined not to let Jenny’s death pass in vain.
Upon her exit from prison, Hope has to live in a half-way house. Everyone in her life abandon her after she went to prison. During her first week home, Hope finds herself at a party. There she meets Wes and the two hit it off instantaneously.
Wes has always been detached from the women he sleeps with. There is not cuddling, spending the night, or affection. When he meets Hope, he finds himself conflicted. Never has he found love. In fact, he is determined to never fall in love. Hope brings out emotions and feelings that Wes thought never existed within himself. Will he continue to keep Hope at a distance? Will events from the past taint what the two find in each others arms?
What a roller coaster ride!!! This book explores a side of bullying that most do not witness. It is full of consequences, humiliation, suspense, and love. The turmoil that Hope and Wes experience in their lives is intense and pulls you into the story. The attraction Hope and Wes feel will leave you absorbing every single word on the pages of this book. This was a great story that I found I couldn’t put down until the very last page!!!
Thanks to Ashley Beale for allowing me to be a part of her journey through the literary world.
Rumors can be deadly. Just ask Hope Manson. After a girl in her class - Jenny - spreads a rumor about Hope, getting even becomes a main priority. Despite Hope’s intentions, the prank she planned to pull on Jenny turns terribly wrong. The result - Hope is convicted of manslaughter in Jenny’s death. Six years pass and Hope is determined not to let Jenny’s death pass in vain.
Upon her exit from prison, Hope has to live in a half-way house. Everyone in her life abandon her after she went to prison. During her first week home, Hope finds herself at a party. There she meets Wes and the two hit it off instantaneously.
Wes has always been detached from the women he sleeps with. There is not cuddling, spending the night, or affection. When he meets Hope, he finds himself conflicted. Never has he found love. In fact, he is determined to never fall in love. Hope brings out emotions and feelings that Wes thought never existed within himself. Will he continue to keep Hope at a distance? Will events from the past taint what the two find in each others arms?
What a roller coaster ride!!! This book explores a side of bullying that most do not witness. It is full of consequences, humiliation, suspense, and love. The turmoil that Hope and Wes experience in their lives is intense and pulls you into the story. The attraction Hope and Wes feel will leave you absorbing every single word on the pages of this book. This was a great story that I found I couldn’t put down until the very last page!!!
Thanks to Ashley Beale for allowing me to be a part of her journey through the literary world.
May 13, 2014
Learning to Love Yourself
Learning to Love Yourself
Hope made a big mistake 6 years ago and it cost someone their life. She goes to prison to pay for that, now she's out but she doesn't feel like she can ever forgive herself or that she deserves to be forgiven. The first night she gets out of prison she meets Wes. He is not very nice but that's fine with Hope since she doesn't feel like she should be treated well. He starts out using her but even right from the first down inside he knew she was different.
This book is done in first person but from both of their point of views. Right from the beginning I felt bad for Hope and tried to like Wes. I actually did like him even though he was an ass but not really a total one so that made it easier to like him. I am not sure I could have liked him if it were not written the way it was by having both of them telling their story. I sat and read this pretty well all the way through and enjoyed it all the through.
Hope really needs to figure out she matters and while helping other people understand the problem with bullying she is making a difference. Wes needs to learn that you can love someone and they are not going to leave you. This book is about both of them learning to care about themselves and for others, it's very well written and makes you walk in their shoes.
Learning to Love Yourself
Hope made a big mistake 6 years ago and it cost someone their life. She goes to prison to pay for that, now she's out but she doesn't feel like she can ever forgive herself or that she deserves to be forgiven. The first night she gets out of prison she meets Wes. He is not very nice but that's fine with Hope since she doesn't feel like she should be treated well. He starts out using her but even right from the first down inside he knew she was different.
This book is done in first person but from both of their point of views. Right from the beginning I felt bad for Hope and tried to like Wes. I actually did like him even though he was an ass but not really a total one so that made it easier to like him. I am not sure I could have liked him if it were not written the way it was by having both of them telling their story. I sat and read this pretty well all the way through and enjoyed it all the through.
Hope really needs to figure out she matters and while helping other people understand the problem with bullying she is making a difference. Wes needs to learn that you can love someone and they are not going to leave you. This book is about both of them learning to care about themselves and for others, it's very well written and makes you walk in their shoes.
May 14, 2014
I enjoyed reading EX Convict. The blurb got me interested and this was a quick read for me because the story just flowed easily. I had never read anything by this author and was pleasantly suprised with her work. Bullying is a very big issue now days and I'm glad she touched on the subject in this book. It made it more realistic for me and I think more people will read it because of that reason. I felt so bad for Hope and just wanted to smack Wes but the story wouldn't have worked any other way if they had been any different.
Hope had everything when she was young and everyone wanted to be her, except for a select few. If they didn't like her, then she bullied them. One fateful, deadly night of trying to get back at one girl who liked to spread rumors about her and who she considered beneath her, took all of that away. Six years later she is released from prison to start her life again and she makes a vow to live for Jenny. Then she meets Wes, who goes through women like water and is a complete jerk and user. But Hope believes that's what she deserves and Wes can't figure her out or why he wants to keep seeing her.
It ended alittle fast for me but I still enjoyed it enough to keep the 5 star rating on it. Great story and I plan on looking into more of her books :)
Hope had everything when she was young and everyone wanted to be her, except for a select few. If they didn't like her, then she bullied them. One fateful, deadly night of trying to get back at one girl who liked to spread rumors about her and who she considered beneath her, took all of that away. Six years later she is released from prison to start her life again and she makes a vow to live for Jenny. Then she meets Wes, who goes through women like water and is a complete jerk and user. But Hope believes that's what she deserves and Wes can't figure her out or why he wants to keep seeing her.
It ended alittle fast for me but I still enjoyed it enough to keep the 5 star rating on it. Great story and I plan on looking into more of her books :)
May 9, 2014
**I received an ARC for an honest review**
4 STARS
Ex Convict is a sexy and captivating story of Hope and Wes. Hope is just out of prison and trying to figure out a life after killing someone. She was a bully in high school. Hope was the top-dog and it ended up with murder. Now that she is out of prison, she is continuing her punishment by wanting to feel dirty and used. Wes is hot and an asshole. He uses women, screws them and takes what he wants. Wes wonders what makes Hope keep coming back and dealing with the way he treats her.
I enjoyed this story. The characters are hot. Hope was overly hard with herself and seemed a little self-destructive with her need to feel dirty and used. Wes is a controlling asshole but he makes up for it. The sex is hot and is awesomely awkward in the beginning. Ex Convict is sexy and captivating and keeps you interested until the end. I recommend this book to those that like a little suspense with their romance as Beale threw in a great twist into the love story.
4 STARS
Ex Convict is a sexy and captivating story of Hope and Wes. Hope is just out of prison and trying to figure out a life after killing someone. She was a bully in high school. Hope was the top-dog and it ended up with murder. Now that she is out of prison, she is continuing her punishment by wanting to feel dirty and used. Wes is hot and an asshole. He uses women, screws them and takes what he wants. Wes wonders what makes Hope keep coming back and dealing with the way he treats her.
I enjoyed this story. The characters are hot. Hope was overly hard with herself and seemed a little self-destructive with her need to feel dirty and used. Wes is a controlling asshole but he makes up for it. The sex is hot and is awesomely awkward in the beginning. Ex Convict is sexy and captivating and keeps you interested until the end. I recommend this book to those that like a little suspense with their romance as Beale threw in a great twist into the love story.
May 1, 2014
I was thankful to receive this from Ashley early. I have always have a love for her books. There is always a love story. Well this one was amazing. Your introduce to Hope as a teenager and how she got into the situation. When she gets released we get to meet Wes and let me tell you Wes is mmmmm well MINE haha i love that he is a arrogant asshole. He doesn't do love and he loves to be a dick. This book sent me over the edge with emotion i wanted to hate Hope and Wes but than pages later i would break for them. I cried, laughed, and even got a little bet angry with them. If your into a book that has a bit of twist in it than by all means this right here is your book. I would highly recommend this book to any one who would ask me ;) Like i said though WES IS MINE!! I claim him lol jk!!!!
May 12, 2014
**I received an ARC for an honest review**
This is my first book by Ashley and I was pleasantly surprised.
The story follows Hope after she is released from prison after servicing 6 years for manslaughter.
Hope feels extreme remorse for what she has done and now feels like she doesn't deserve anything good.
The story shows the acts of a bully and the consequences of her actions after the bulling goes wrong. It also shows how one person can change for the good.
Wes is a playboy at heart but things change when he meets Hope, together their lives change for the better and they show each that they both deserve love and happiness.
This was a good read for me and I'll be looking into getting some more of Ashley's books
This is my first book by Ashley and I was pleasantly surprised.
The story follows Hope after she is released from prison after servicing 6 years for manslaughter.
Hope feels extreme remorse for what she has done and now feels like she doesn't deserve anything good.
The story shows the acts of a bully and the consequences of her actions after the bulling goes wrong. It also shows how one person can change for the good.
Wes is a playboy at heart but things change when he meets Hope, together their lives change for the better and they show each that they both deserve love and happiness.
This was a good read for me and I'll be looking into getting some more of Ashley's books
June 18, 2014
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this one. I didn’t love it, but I like it a lot. I'm glad that I read this book and I recommend it.
This is a difficult subject, school bullying. I liked how the author wrote this story and that it was through the eyes of a bully.
After the incident Hope become a public speaker and giving speeches against bullying. These speeches were good.
I'm honest and say that I didn’t like the another mess in this book, it ruin this story for me. And I felt like the end was rush.
I'm sure I read other books by this author.
This is a difficult subject, school bullying. I liked how the author wrote this story and that it was through the eyes of a bully.
After the incident Hope become a public speaker and giving speeches against bullying. These speeches were good.
"I was once told, never live life with regrets, but that person never killed anyone," I start my speech.
I'm honest and say that I didn’t like the another mess in this book, it ruin this story for me. And I felt like the end was rush.
I'm sure I read other books by this author.
May 12, 2014
Hope is 'that' girl it school, the popular one, the leader of the pack, the one who thinks everyone is beneath her. When a prank goes tragically wrong Hope's life as she knew it was over. Six years later she is determined to make amends and become a better person for Jenny. She meets Wes, who at the start is a bit of an asshole and treats her badly but Hope thinks that what she deserves. Both of them are sworn off relationships but end up having one anyway, there is a twist in the story concerning one of Wes's friends. Brilliant book dealing with bullying, it's repercussions and how it shapes your life.
******** I was gifted a copy for and honest review *****
******** I was gifted a copy for and honest review *****
May 12, 2014
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Wow is all that I can say...
This was not what I was expecting when I started this...
But I loved it! It was a very fast read and cannot wait for more of her work.
This book was really great and I enjoyed the characters....
I love how they are portrayed.
I was very glad to know that I never saw that coming
when I started this book.... I was at first worried that it would be predictable....
OH boy was I wrong!
This was a great book and like I said I cannot wait for more of her work!!!!!
This is a must read!
I give this book 5 out of 5!
Wow is all that I can say...
This was not what I was expecting when I started this...
But I loved it! It was a very fast read and cannot wait for more of her work.
This book was really great and I enjoyed the characters....
I love how they are portrayed.
I was very glad to know that I never saw that coming
when I started this book.... I was at first worried that it would be predictable....
OH boy was I wrong!
This was a great book and like I said I cannot wait for more of her work!!!!!
This is a must read!
I give this book 5 out of 5!
May 12, 2014
This book has several different aspects that lead to an amazing story. A bullying incident turns tragic and lives are forever changed. Hope loses six years of her young life and is forever changed. Wes is dominate, arrogant and doesn't believe in love. Hope feels she deserves to be used by people, The author has written a touching story with detailed characters you follow on their emotional journey. Tragedy brings resolve, you can then find love, for yourself and others. Truly loved this story and highly recommend it.
Gifted copy for review.
Gifted copy for review.
May 12, 2014
I was given an advance copy for my honest review.
Wes and Hope were an unlikely pair. They were both sure they didn't want to find love and were determined to live their lives alone. They fight their attraction to each other but in the end their love conquered their fears.
I would have liked to see a bit more depth in the characters. The events that occurred between the last chapter and the epilogue would have been great to read. I loved the story line and the lessons learned about bullying.
Wes and Hope were an unlikely pair. They were both sure they didn't want to find love and were determined to live their lives alone. They fight their attraction to each other but in the end their love conquered their fears.
I would have liked to see a bit more depth in the characters. The events that occurred between the last chapter and the epilogue would have been great to read. I loved the story line and the lessons learned about bullying.
May 3, 2014
I started this book expecting a "fantasy" type of story. I was pleasantly surprised to find it very realistic! I really like the way you follow the characters thru their range of emotions. In a perfect world, bullying would never be an issue. Unfortunately, it does. I feel this book was beautifully written!! I know this is a book that I will read again!!!!
May 10, 2014
**Review to come**
May 27, 2014
Hope Manson had it all, or at least that is what she thought. She was on top of the world in high school did not believe anything could touch her. Hope found out quickly one night just how you can lose everything in an instance. When a prank goes terribly wrong, Hope must pay for her mistakes. While serving time, she makes a pledge that she would not be selfish and would devote her time after release to help Jenny’s name and memory live on.
Wes Styles is the typical playboy; gorgeous, can get any women he wants, no commitment, and likes to party. He has commitment issues from his mother leaving him and is father at an early age. He does not believe that any women will ever be worth the trouble to keep around.
Wes doesn’t believe in love and Hope doesn’t believe she deserves to be loved, so they seem to be perfect for each other.
This book is an amazing story of what one girl’s faces after being part of a bullying prank gone wrong. It shows her transformation into a woman from her time served and her desire and need to speak at high schools on behalf of Jenny. Her hope is by telling her story it can help bullies and the victims learn that they are not alone and there is a way to stop the cycle. Hope discovers many things about herself throughout her journey.
This particular quote just stood out to me as a great example of how we need to live for today:
“I believe we all die too early. It’s not until death faces us full frontal that we realized we never actually lived. Time is wasted too often. I know this now, and because of this, I truly have become a better person.”
This book has drugs, friends in trouble, kidnapping, death, families lost and love found. This book covered so much in so little pages. I enjoyed every second of it and was sad to see it end. Thank you Ashley Beale for another amazingly touching story with some very steamy sex scenes included.
Wes Styles is the typical playboy; gorgeous, can get any women he wants, no commitment, and likes to party. He has commitment issues from his mother leaving him and is father at an early age. He does not believe that any women will ever be worth the trouble to keep around.
Wes doesn’t believe in love and Hope doesn’t believe she deserves to be loved, so they seem to be perfect for each other.
This book is an amazing story of what one girl’s faces after being part of a bullying prank gone wrong. It shows her transformation into a woman from her time served and her desire and need to speak at high schools on behalf of Jenny. Her hope is by telling her story it can help bullies and the victims learn that they are not alone and there is a way to stop the cycle. Hope discovers many things about herself throughout her journey.
This particular quote just stood out to me as a great example of how we need to live for today:
“I believe we all die too early. It’s not until death faces us full frontal that we realized we never actually lived. Time is wasted too often. I know this now, and because of this, I truly have become a better person.”
This book has drugs, friends in trouble, kidnapping, death, families lost and love found. This book covered so much in so little pages. I enjoyed every second of it and was sad to see it end. Thank you Ashley Beale for another amazingly touching story with some very steamy sex scenes included.
May 28, 2014
** I was lucky enough to Beta read this for Ashley.**
After reading this the first thing I thought of was "Tragedy to Love!!!" This is the best way I can describe Ex Convict.
Hope---She had everything she ever wanted handed to her. She thought she was Queen B and that everyone should look up to her and do things her way. The only thing is all of this led to her fall, which ended up landing her in the one place that she never though she would be.
Wes---He is a dominant male, who is also very cocky. Even though he is those two things he is very loyal to his friends and family. He knows what he wants and love is not it. However, a one night stands leaves him wanting more and not realizing it at first. Wes is a true alpha male that knows when he is wrong.
I absolutely loved this book because it hits very close to home in more ways than one. The main one being that I am a teacher and would love to find someone like Hope to come and talk to students about the things that could happen if you are the Queen B and lose everything to bullying.
With Hope having lost everything she is slowly building her life back up by becoming a motivational speaker and how what she did changed everything for her and those around her. I think that having someone do this in an actual school would help kids realize that life is more than what they think it is.
I loved this book, however I love anything that Ashley writes. So, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that would love to read about events that could happen and how even though you may hit rock bottom you can grow from that.
After reading this the first thing I thought of was "Tragedy to Love!!!" This is the best way I can describe Ex Convict.
Hope---She had everything she ever wanted handed to her. She thought she was Queen B and that everyone should look up to her and do things her way. The only thing is all of this led to her fall, which ended up landing her in the one place that she never though she would be.
Wes---He is a dominant male, who is also very cocky. Even though he is those two things he is very loyal to his friends and family. He knows what he wants and love is not it. However, a one night stands leaves him wanting more and not realizing it at first. Wes is a true alpha male that knows when he is wrong.
I absolutely loved this book because it hits very close to home in more ways than one. The main one being that I am a teacher and would love to find someone like Hope to come and talk to students about the things that could happen if you are the Queen B and lose everything to bullying.
With Hope having lost everything she is slowly building her life back up by becoming a motivational speaker and how what she did changed everything for her and those around her. I think that having someone do this in an actual school would help kids realize that life is more than what they think it is.
I loved this book, however I love anything that Ashley writes. So, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that would love to read about events that could happen and how even though you may hit rock bottom you can grow from that.
September 2, 2014
Ex Convict by Ashley Beale was one of those narratives that I got so engrossed and emerged in that I forgot to highlight and bookmark my favourite quotes. A lover of books, and reviewer this isn’t something I usually do. I absolutely loved it the characters had so much heart. This book was full of sexy and I really enjoyed reading. In Ex Convict, the narrative dismantles the after prison sentence of Hope, as she is released from prison. I loved how Hope met Wes and how the narrative grew about learning lessons and exploring how to forgive yourself for the mistakes made in the past. Ex Convict was an amazing sexy and beautifully written story and my first book I have read by Ashley and can’t wait to read more. The dual perspectives of both Wes and Hope made it for such a descriptive and beautiful read.
I loved reading Ex Convict because it was about learning that even that worst mistakes you have to move forward from. Hope wanted punishment even after prison for her sins and I think that’s what made the chemistry with Wes so amazing. To begin with they were both using each other and dealing with their own set of issues. The characters are definitely hot and sometimes I felt like Hope was a little too critical about the mistake she made but it was a beautifully written story and I really enjoyed reading it. I rated it a 4 out of 5 stars. Captivating, sexy and all around a great read.
I loved reading Ex Convict because it was about learning that even that worst mistakes you have to move forward from. Hope wanted punishment even after prison for her sins and I think that’s what made the chemistry with Wes so amazing. To begin with they were both using each other and dealing with their own set of issues. The characters are definitely hot and sometimes I felt like Hope was a little too critical about the mistake she made but it was a beautifully written story and I really enjoyed reading it. I rated it a 4 out of 5 stars. Captivating, sexy and all around a great read.
September 20, 2014
OMG Ashley Beale goes and blows it out of the water yet again! I've read three of Ashley's books so far and with each being very different, I loved them immensely. She did NOT disappoint with Ex Convict. It had drama, excitement, hot, steamy sex and tear at the heart moments. It was so good I kept prolonging the book because I hated it to end.
Hope wanted to be a better person. She wanted to be better for Jenny, the girl Hope went to prison for killing. She meets Wes, who is a hot alpha male and treats women terribly. He screws them and then tells them to see themselves out. He likes the idea that Hope likes how he treats her and he can't seem to get her out of his mind. He doesn't know why she likes it, but he senses there's a secret she isn't telling.
Ex Convict had me in the first chapter and kept me interested throughout the whole book. There were twists I never saw coming, which made me yell and contact Ashley. There were also heart breaking moments that had me gasping and screaming "NO"! Books that make me react like that deserve a 5 star rating.
Thank you Ashley for another awesome piece of entertainment. I will never not read a book written by Ashley Beale. <3 ya girl!
Hope wanted to be a better person. She wanted to be better for Jenny, the girl Hope went to prison for killing. She meets Wes, who is a hot alpha male and treats women terribly. He screws them and then tells them to see themselves out. He likes the idea that Hope likes how he treats her and he can't seem to get her out of his mind. He doesn't know why she likes it, but he senses there's a secret she isn't telling.
Ex Convict had me in the first chapter and kept me interested throughout the whole book. There were twists I never saw coming, which made me yell and contact Ashley. There were also heart breaking moments that had me gasping and screaming "NO"! Books that make me react like that deserve a 5 star rating.
Thank you Ashley for another awesome piece of entertainment. I will never not read a book written by Ashley Beale. <3 ya girl!
May 19, 2014
WOW!! I really enjoyed this story and once I started it, I did not want to put it down.
Hope is "that" girl, the popular one who had it all until a bullying incident goes tragically wrong and forever changes her life. 6 years later Hope is determined to become a better person for Jenny.
Wes is an ass. He is all about himself, successful and a man whore. He refuses to lose control of his life and give his heart to anyone, that is until he meets Hope at a party and their chemistry is off the charts. Neither believe in love but together they show each other that they both deserve to be loved and happy.
The end of the book will have you biting your nails and turning those pages fast!! Even as crazy as it had my emotions, I loved every second of it!! Great job Ashley Beale!!
Hope is "that" girl, the popular one who had it all until a bullying incident goes tragically wrong and forever changes her life. 6 years later Hope is determined to become a better person for Jenny.
Wes is an ass. He is all about himself, successful and a man whore. He refuses to lose control of his life and give his heart to anyone, that is until he meets Hope at a party and their chemistry is off the charts. Neither believe in love but together they show each other that they both deserve to be loved and happy.
The end of the book will have you biting your nails and turning those pages fast!! Even as crazy as it had my emotions, I loved every second of it!! Great job Ashley Beale!!
June 22, 2015
Well.....
I like it a really lot!
It was a moment at the end that I was screaming at my tablet "no no no no this can't be happening please no!"
It's a book that have u hanging from it till the very end.
I can't lie I I had most light readings till now but I have deep readings too but that was a "new deep" for me.
I was heart broken in many parts of the book and I admit there was scenes a spread a tear.
This book gives a new optic view to me in some topics that I hadn't thought that way till now.
Really worth reading it !!!!!
I like it a really lot!
It was a moment at the end that I was screaming at my tablet "no no no no this can't be happening please no!"
It's a book that have u hanging from it till the very end.
I can't lie I I had most light readings till now but I have deep readings too but that was a "new deep" for me.
I was heart broken in many parts of the book and I admit there was scenes a spread a tear.
This book gives a new optic view to me in some topics that I hadn't thought that way till now.
Really worth reading it !!!!!
May 17, 2014
For the most part I really enjoyed this book. I felt the story line was a little different than what is out there right now, but I did feel a little disconnect at times. I wanted to really feel what Hope was feeling in her guilt, but it fell a little short for me. I also was a little put off by the whole side situation with Wes's friend. I don't really think that was needed, but obviously with the four star rating it didn't ruin the book for. I would definitely read more from this author!
November 14, 2014
I read this book in less than 24 hours and loved oh so much in the prologue you meet hope she is the kind of girl I would hate in school after a bullying campaign goes to far she is left facing 6 years in prison after being released you see a new hope who I loved enter the gorgeous wes and wow you have a story I loved that this book had the alpha male role and also had the suspense of a thriller loved from beginning to end will read more by this author
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