An amazing story that will have you crying, laughing and falling in love with Emma and Braden. Emma's journey to heal is inspiring. ~Swoon Worthy Books
I couldn't put this down. I was so curious to know what was going to happen next. ~ Wicked Reads
It was a story about true and real love. The main character Emma was truly touching. She gave up her true love to protect him and his family. ~Hooked on Books Review
Emma Chase is a true testament to strength and survival. ~Summer's Book Blog
This book is about friendship, love and deadbeat dads. It is about strength, courage and the will to survive in a world that can be unjust.
Her life is turned upside down by the one man who should have protected her from it all.
Emma is a survivor. Her father, who has taken off to avoid paying his debts to a well known drug dealer, has kept her down her entire life and she's learned enough from living in his world to take care of herself, because no one else will.
She finally gets her shot at love when she meets the handsome and protective Braden Holt, only to be forced to turn her back on him to protect him from her father's enemies.
Tragedy strikes and Emma has to decide if she is going to do what she always does, build up walls to shut everyone out, or pick herself up with the help of her friends and the man who loves her.
((This book is not intended for readers under the age of 18))
An amazing story that will have you crying, laughing and falling in love with Emma and Braden . Emma's journey to heal is inspiring. Complete review at http://swoonworthybooks.com
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Emma Chase's father is a drunken bastard only concerned with himself. Emma's mother dies when she is young and she is left to be raised by her father Joe. Joe drinks, sells drugs and doesn't take care of Emma. She is left to raise herself doing the best she can. When she finally has enough money saved to move out, even after providing Joe with money, she does. She tries to make a life for herself.
Joe runs off with the money Braden has given him to help payoff his debt, leaving Emma to handle the fallout. When she is threatened by the man Joe owes money too, she does the only thing she can to keep those she loves safe. She removes them from her life.
When Emma can't pay the man Joe owes, she is brutally raped. She goes to the only person that can help her, the only one that has ever made her feel safe, she goes to Braden. She doesn't want to drag him back into her drama but she doesn't know what else to do.
I couldn't put this down. I was so curious to know what was going to happen next. Would she let Braden back in? Would they catch who did this to her? Where the heck was Joe and does he end up paying for his own sins?
I can't wait to see more about Braden's brother Tristan. What I saw of his character had me intrigued! I'll be looking for the next one!
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
3 1/2 Stars rounded up to 4.
******There is a violent scene in the first chapter of the book that sets up the rest of the book. If you have reservations reading about violence/forced sexual encounters, you may want to skip parts/all of the first chapter.******
"When we broke up, I did it because I thought it was the best thing for you. Not me. I knew it wasn't good for me. It gutted me, and it continued to gut me every day. Every day that I woke up and you weren't lying in my bed next to me, it gutted me, Braden." Emma Chase
Emma is a survivor in a life full of pitfalls. When her father's lastest disappearing act causes his "associates" to come after to her to pay his debts, she runs from the only man she has ever loved in an effort to protect him and his family from hers.
Loss and more loss seems to follow Emma. Never one to catch a break, never one to lean on anyone, she finds herself on Braden's porch on the worst night of her life.
Can Emma let Braden inside the walls she's put around herself?
I really enjoyed this story but there are a few editing/proof reading errors that briefly took me out of the story.
Emma Chase is a survivor. Losing her mother at a young age left her alone with her worthless father, Joe. She basically raises herself and learned at a young age she must work to have anything for herself. She not only takes care of herself but handles her father's debts as well. As Emma gets older she continues to work her way up into a management position and is able to provide herself with a stable home.
Emma's father has always left her to deal with his sins. One horrific night that brings Emma's world crashing down, and she goes to the one person that always made her feel safe, Braden.
Braden has never stopped loving Emma, even after she left him a year ago. When she comes back into his life broken he does whatever he can to help her heal and will fight to stay in her life this time.
Just when Emma and Braden think everything will be fine, tragedy strikes again. Will Emma give up or will she fight back this time?
I thought this was a great book. The first chapter blew my mind with the disturbingly, violent graphic scenes so be prepared. The rest of the book is basically Emma learning to cope with the shitty life she has been given and Braden helping her get her life back. Braden is an sexy, sweet, patient, and protective guy. I really enjoyed Emma's character, she went through so much and still had some spunk to her. As you read you will be rooting for Emma and Braden all the way.
I received a copy to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review. Emma Chase has lived a hard life. Her mother died when she was two and her father turned to drugs, drinking and women. After she moved out on her own, her father keeps coming back for money. But he doesn't pay the dealer, he buys more drugs and booze. When Emma is approached in the parking lot of her work, she is threatened and the guy even threatens Braden and Olivia, her boyfriend and his sister. She can't have them in danger. So she does the hardest thing she has ever done, she breaks up with Braden to keep them safe. When the dealer shows up at her apartment, he beats her and assaults her. She goes to the only person that will help her, Braden. But can Braden save her from her own mind? Will Emma let him back in and let him keep her safe? What will happen if Joe (her dad) or the dealer comes back? This is a first for me by Jen Khan and I loved every page. It will rip your heart out more than once but Jen will put it back together and you will fall in love with the Holt men, they are all GQ cover material. Can't wait for book 2, it is Tristan Holt and Holly, Emma's BFF.
Emma Chase begins in a very intriguing yet horrifying way. Something horrible has happened to Emma, and she goes to the only place she felt safe, her ex boyfriend's place, where his family owns the bar. Braden sees her again in this horrible state and loses his mind. He's not going to let her keep them apart when he knows she is the one for him. But she has a lot of issues to get through, and he's going to have to take lots and lots of time to see her through this, and fight her every step of the way as well...
This book was really good, and not at all what I was expecting. It starts out really crazy, and horrifying. I couldn't believe that happened. It also kind of reminded me of another book I've read the way this one starts. But then it continues on with Emma have lots and lots of issues, and her trying to push Braden away. But Braden is an alpha male, and he has ENOUGH! He put his foot down, and now he's going to fight for her even if that means fighting her for them. This story was really good. It has very interesting characters, and a nice plot line. The only issue I had was it was very confusing at the beginning, and it sometimes keeps up some confusing with the way the author moves on to the future in the book. Other than that it was really good, and we get to meet the other characters in this one will get their own story as well.
**Obsessed by Books arc copy given in exchange for an honest review **
When do you decide to stop paying for the sins of your father and start living? This is the story of Emma who carries the burden of her father's addiction and debts every day. She selflessly gives up the one thing in her life she has always craved...family, to protect them from her secrets. Unfortunately the past catches up with her in a most horrific way and the light in her darkness is Braden Holt. Braden is a hot alpha male; tall, dark and tattooed. He emanates strength and gentle understanding. The Holts are an amazing family and embrace Emma as their own. This is an excellent story of a woman's journey to overcome one of the worst things that could happen and how love can rebuild the shattered pieces. I look forward to reading the next one!
This is a great read. It's a story of the courage it takes for a woman to overcome abuse and pain from those who are suppose to love and protect you. It is about the strength that is inside this woman to heal and surround herself with people who can help her and teach her to live, love and trust, when you were never taught that or shown that from those who were suppose to love and protect her. Emma Chase found her family not in her bloodline and her love and protector in the people she knew she could trust. I was lucky enough to read it as a Beta reader and had to buy it and read it again. Read it, you will love Emma and Braden also
Emma Chase is a story of struggle, survival, courage and determination that twists with your emotions. It’s suspenseful, emotional, satisfying and I loved every minute of it!
Emma is brutally beaten and raped in her apartment by a drug dealer her father owes money to after her father leaves town and leaves Emma behind to deal with his debts. She turns to the one person she has ever loved for help, her ex-boyfriend Braden Holt. He’s muscular, tattooed, sexy as all hell and works at his Dad’s bar.
Emma broke up with Braden a year ago to protect him and his family after they were threatened by the same drug dealer. After her father left her and she broke up with Braden, her best friend Olivia, who is Braden’s sister, stopped talking to her as well. Them her attack occurred leaving Emma broken shell of a person. In the hospital, she still feels the pull towards Braden and she panics and tells him to leave her alone.
Her other best friend, Holly Madison takes her in and cares for her after her attack and during this time she manages to avoid Braden for 2 ½ months. Braden gives her space and then confirms to her this time he is not going anywhere and she will have to get used to him being around.
After the attack, Emma quit her beloved job but is offered the Manager position at the Braden’s dad’s bar as he is looking at retiring in the near future.
Emma and Braden have their ups and downs and when Emma’s life is nearly taken from her again, but Braden is there for her and the lows she has following both attacks.
This book deals with very sensitive issues and it does leave you shattered and devastated and the author’s writing makes you feel as if you are there with Emma through her struggle to move on and as she picks up the pieces of her life after her attack, with the help of Braden and her friends.
The Holt family are an intriguing bunch and I’m looking forward to the rest of their stories.
I was given a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Tanya.
Emma Chase has grown up with a father who was an alcoholic and drug addict who showed her now love and support. She basically raised herself and in turn became the "parent". She worked up into management, made herself a stable home, and managed to give her father money when needed. When she finally met the Holt family she finally had the chance to feel what a "real" family was like, but just like everything else in her life, her father manages to take that from her too.
Braden Holt loves Emma with all he has, but when she unexpectedly breaks up with him he is left feeling lost and broken. After a year his feelings for her still remain strong and after a long year he will finally get the chance to show her, but only after the unthinkable happens.
I will say that if you are faint at heart then this is a book that will leave you feeling ill. When Emma's father ups and leaves town, he puts her in a path of evil that will all but try to kill her. Emma's strong will, and the love and support from her best friend Holly and Braden's refusal to back down she is able to stand back up and survive the blows that she has been dealt.
I found myself reeling with emotions while reading this book. It is a very good story that will reach in and grip you deep down to the pit of your stomach. Along with having to deal with loss, addiction, and violence all being very taboo topics, this story is well worth reading. It goes to show that with a good support team you can survive and overcome most anything. I completely love how well Jen Khan put this whole story together. I will say that it is a book that I will go back and read again and again. The love and sense of family unity is so strong in this story that is just pulls you in. It also shows that family goes beyond that of just blood relatives. If you want a book that will capture your attention than this is one you will want to put on your to be read list.
I recevied this book from the author for an honest opinion.
The author's friend contacted the blog to post teaser for book 2's pre-release stuff. I took a lookand said "hey that looks awesome" and this is how I got a copy of this book and book 2 to review.....
This books starts out HARD and RAW. Emma is being assaulted thanks to her dead beat dad. She survives the attack (which if you dont like that kinda darkness in your novels, trust me when I say it isnt hard to read and it doesnt take long for the scene to be over). Where does she run? To the only person who will help her....did I mention that this is the one man she loves but broke up with virtually destroying him and her?? Don't get mad at her..she has a valid reason for doing it!!! Anyway, she runs to her ex, Mr. Dreamy-McHottie-McPerfect Braden. He helps her and takes her to the hospital. He then tells everyone with his actions that she is his and they will be together again.
To say Emma is a mess is an understatement. Especially because the rape happened due to her AWESOME father jumping out from debt he owed leaving HER to "pay the price" with her body. Oh wait, I didnt tell you her dad was awful..opps my bad!!
Ok lets get back to hottie Braden. He is so awesome. He never lets Emma push him away. He keeps it light but is always in her space. He waits for HER to make the move to make this "like old times". Poor Emma flips but Braden is RIGHT there the whole time. The book is a great novel is showing 'fate' or "destined" love. Emma and Braden were meant to be together. Sadly bad things had to happen but they find their way back to each other.
Side characters, Olivia hearing about "sex and O's" with her friends and brothers...priceless. Trisitan and Holly hook ups...cant wait to read. Jake and the stripper??? hrmmmmm......Juice and MAYBE Olivia???? I hope.
Emma Chase has grown up with a father who was an alcoholic and drug addict who showed her no love and support. Her father basically went off the deep end when her mother died, claiming it was his wife that kept him stable. Emma basically raised herself and in turn became the "parent". She worked up into management, made herself a stable home, and managed to give her father money when needed, so as to keep him off the radar and away from her. When she finally met the Holt family she finally had the chance to feel what a "real" family was like, but just like everything else in her life, her father manages to take that from her too. Braden Holt loves Emma with everything he has, but when she unexpectedly breaks up with him he is left feeling lost and broken. The poor boy is crushed. After a year his feelings for her still remain strong and after a long year he will finally get the chance to show her, but only after the unthinkable happens. And the unthinkable happens, again because of her father. This story takes you through Emma getting over what has happened (I don’t want to give you any spoilers) and how with the help of Braden and his family and a few friends, brings Emma back to herself and back to Braden, who this time around will not let her slip away. He loves her too much to be without her and does whatever he can to show her she is worthy of love and beautiful in her life. I really really enjoyed this book and I felt the pain through the authors words, that Emma went through and Braden as well …. I absolutely loved Braden, he was sweet and kind and loving and still sexy as hell without being smothering. The author did a fabulous job with such harsh subject matter. The writing was wonderful and the grammar and spelling were perfect I would absolutely recommend this book
Emma Chase is a survivor. Losing her mother at a young age left her alone with her worthless father, Joe. She basically raises herself and learned at a young age she must work to have anything for herself. She not only takes care of herself but handles her father's debts as well. As Emma gets older she continues to work her way up into a management position and is able to provide herself with a stable home.
Emma's father has always left her to deal with his sins. One horrific night that brings Emma's world crashing down, and she goes to the one person that always made her feel safe, Braden.
Braden has never stopped loving Emma, even after she left him a year ago. When she comes back into his life broken he does whatever he can to help her heal and will fight to stay in her life this time.
Just when Emma and Braden think everything will be fine, tragedy strikes again. Will Emma give up or will she fight back this time?
I thought this was a great book. The first chapter blew my mind with the disturbingly, violent graphic scenes so be prepared. The rest of the book is basically Emma learning to cope with the shitty life she has been given and Braden helping her get her life back. Braden is an sexy, sweet, patient, and protective guy. I really enjoyed Emma's character, she went through so much and still had some spunk to her. As you read you will be rooting for Emma and Braden all the way.
A very vivid telling of assault and pain. And the incredible effort that’s necessary to trust and heal.
This story broke my heart. Emma is a 29 yo woman- lives in a small town and had found the love of her life, Braden. But she pushes him away once she realizes that her father will never let her be. And his complete disregard for Emma puts her in danger again and again. As well as draining her bank account.
For Emma the hits keep on coming, literally. Her fear and pain are real as is her confusion about where her life is headed.
Braden–once he gets his head out of his a$$ he’s good. Better than good. When he has doubts or starts to freak out he actually talks about it. With his dad and brothers. With Emma….when she will let him! Once he knows the truth he refuses to give up. He is determined to be the person that Emma needs. Because she is the one he needs.
Holly and Olivia-I want them as friends!
Inconsistencies in the story- Braden’s house turns into an apartment. Timeline could also be tightened up and clearer- felt it jumped around.
Several key scenes that show us how much Emma and Braden mean to each other.
Kyoto scene- TEARS!
Every time he brings her a meal.
She turns to him even when she tries to push him away.
WOW! This is a powerful book. It tells the story of a strong women who has been put through hell and made her way back.
Emma Chase hasn't had the life that a girls dream of. She has had the life that no one wants. The life that you say "that wouldn't happen to me". She has been dealt the shittiest cards. Her mother passed away when she was to young to remember and her father is a alcoholic drug addict. The only thing good in her life is Braden, he is the one thing that she holds close to her heart. And that too is taken away. Emma pays for the sins that her father has made. She pays a price that you can't even imagine.
This story is so emotional. The way the author leads you through it is amazing. There aren't rainbow and unicorns. This is a story that walks you through what victims of brutal attacks must go through. Or as close it can come. It is a strong and powerful story and I would recommend to anyone. It is dark and there a parts that aren't for the faint at heart. But it is such an amazing read!
Warning to readers that the first chapter is full of very descriptive violence. The author throws us right into the story at the very beginning. I felt so sorry for this poor character throughout this whole book. She went to hell and back. The story was great in that it showed how strong people can be and how real loved can help you heal. It was a story about true and real love.
The main character Emma was truly touching. She gave up her true love to protect him and his family. Luckily he loved her just as much and they got their happy ending.
The only real flaw I found was that the author added an alternative POV for one chapter but that was it. I wish that she would have done more. Once was definitely not enough; it almost served not purpose.
I'm not going to sugar coat it, if you can't handle a bit of dark material don't bother reading this book. That being said, Jen brought to life an amazing story about pain, betrayal, unconditional love and an honesty that few people every real find within themselves. This is a passionate story about a woman who was struggling with the loss of her inner worth and a man who loved her enough to make sure he found a way to bring it out in her. I love this story, Emma is not a whiny, whimpering female; and even though it takes her some time to realize it she is a fighter in every sense and that's what I love about her, she doesn't fall to the side and let everyone kick her around, her fights back and she fights hard. This book is so much more than a simple love story. This is an empowering beautiful story and I highly recommend it as one of my top reads, and I read a lot of books!
yes I want my very own Braden! I read this book in one day; had to finish! I loved Emily...how broken yet strong, she just kept on fighting after everything she'd been through. Loved the Holt family, Em's girlfriends who were hilarious...it was a very REAL story. not another handsome millionaire meets the poor innocent young woman blablabla...this is the type of book you read and think "yes, this could really happen" A love so solid that not even the worst nightmare could erase. Another reviewer wanted to see Em get some professional help, and I agree. That, and a few errors/typos here and there are my ONLY "complaints". Still a five star read, can't wait to hear more from the author! Great job!!
What a book. Really it's impossible for me to pinpoint a word so I'll put... What a book.
What a great and apt description of what a person has to go through thanks to the fault and negligent actions of another...
Thank god for Braden... I'm not sure even I could have survived ( hell, I was only reading the book... That's how great it was written) Jen Khan hit the nail on it's head with this book. I felt every last emotion that Emma and Braden had. Even down the Braden's dad Jim. It's not often in a traumatic book that an author can pull off letting the reader feel but Jen did a great job and I'm so glad i have this book.
Emma Chase is first and foremost a survior. You can't help but be drawn in by her circumstances. She always manages to take care of herself and survive. When Emma falls in love with Braden you can't help but be so happy for her. But then when her father abandons her leaving his unsavory assoicates coming to Emma for "payment" of his debts, she breaks up with him to protect him and his family. Tragedy strikes and Braden is there for her yet again. I was so happy that she finally got her happy ending.
Brilliant read. I can't believe this is a debut novel. The author did a wonderful job with this. I seriously couldn't put this book down. I was glued to the story. Kept saying to myself 'just one more chapter'.
Emma is a survivor. Such a great character. It's heartbreaking that anyone can go through what Emma went through. I felt as if I was going through all the emotions and heartache that Emma was going through.
Sometimes it takes a few chapters to get into a story. Not with this book. Chapter one had us thrown right in the deep end.
Emma survived a horrible upbringing, her mum died when she was young and dad literally forgot she was even there. When her dad leaves after owing money she is subjected to a horrific attack. Braden is the love of her life but she left him thinking she was saving him. After the attack Braden comes back into her life and this time he's here to stay. Emma has a lot to deal with but with the help of her friends, Braden and his family she manages to pull herself through it all when the past comes back to haunt her.
I guess I'm the minority in this one. This was just ok for me. First let me say why. It was too many details about miscellaneous stuff like clothing, houses, and going out. To me the details were too much. I was skimming until I got to a good part. Another reason was that at first I didn't know how old the characters were, then when I found out their in their 30's they were acting like younger.
Now, I'm not taking anything from this book that messege was great, the characters had potential, but it just was lacking
Let me start off by saying that I really enjoyed reading this book. I found it to be very captivating and I didn't want to put my kindle down. I read in one sitting. Nothing like a Sunday afternoon and curling up with a good book. I found it very easy to connect with the characters. The story plays out well and flows nicely.
This is my first Jen a Khan book and defintely will not be my last. Holly Madison is up next for me!
Jen did an amazing job on this book! There is so much emotion and you can feel how the characters feel! Great plot! Can't wait until the next installment!