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Forehead Kisses #1
Can't Break Me
From Bestselling Author, Abby Reynolds.
This is a stand alone novel. It is not a cliffhanger. And it is the first novel in the Forehead Kisses Series.
Can there be too many pieces to piece back together?
This is a question Keira faces every day. It’s impossible for her to go anywhere unaccompanied by her cousin, the only person who knows what happened on that horrific night a year ago. The guilt and pain weigh her down every day. Unwilling to open up to anyone and give someone a chance, she lives in solitude.
For her, that’s the only way to live.
Liam struggles with his own demons. After losing someone who means the world to him, he combats his anger and pain on a daily basis. He dives into violence and sex, losing himself more and more. But as soon as he meets Keira, he recognizes the same pain he suffers every day. And he pursues her, wanting to connect to someone who understands.
Keira can’t put herself back together, and neither can Liam. But can they do it together?
This is a stand alone novel. It is not a cliffhanger. And it is the first novel in the Forehead Kisses Series.
Can there be too many pieces to piece back together?
This is a question Keira faces every day. It’s impossible for her to go anywhere unaccompanied by her cousin, the only person who knows what happened on that horrific night a year ago. The guilt and pain weigh her down every day. Unwilling to open up to anyone and give someone a chance, she lives in solitude.
For her, that’s the only way to live.
Liam struggles with his own demons. After losing someone who means the world to him, he combats his anger and pain on a daily basis. He dives into violence and sex, losing himself more and more. But as soon as he meets Keira, he recognizes the same pain he suffers every day. And he pursues her, wanting to connect to someone who understands.
Keira can’t put herself back together, and neither can Liam. But can they do it together?
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2014
491 people are currently reading
3233 people want to read
About the author
Abby Reynolds
13 books234 followersUnable to sit still or focus on a single task, I learned at a young age that I was meant to do something that put my entire mind to use. I was always a mimic and did impressions of people in odd places. And that's how my stories began.
But being a great storyteller doesn't mean much when you don't have any listeners. I've been very fortunate to have a fan base that supports my work and encourages me to release sequels. Without all of you, I'd have no purpose. Literally.
My personal life isn't too interesting. My husband is an alpha male that inspires a lot of my novels. He can be pushy and overwhelming at times, but I still love him to the end of my days, especially when I put him in his place. =)
Writing has been a lifelong dream. When I was in college, I was always in awe of the fabulous stories I read. I always said, "I wish I could write something like that someday." But I never thought I would actually do it. Boy, was I wrong.
Thank you so much for all the support.
But being a great storyteller doesn't mean much when you don't have any listeners. I've been very fortunate to have a fan base that supports my work and encourages me to release sequels. Without all of you, I'd have no purpose. Literally.
My personal life isn't too interesting. My husband is an alpha male that inspires a lot of my novels. He can be pushy and overwhelming at times, but I still love him to the end of my days, especially when I put him in his place. =)
Writing has been a lifelong dream. When I was in college, I was always in awe of the fabulous stories I read. I always said, "I wish I could write something like that someday." But I never thought I would actually do it. Boy, was I wrong.
Thank you so much for all the support.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 406 reviews
October 28, 2014
3.5 - 4 Sweet Unbreakable Hearts and Stars!
I have to say that I really enjoyed this! I was expecting a bad boy and naive girl, a typical NA storyline with tragic pasts and tortured romance. However I was really pleased to have read a softer tale of friendship, love, trust, and second chances that seemed to have a YA/NA blend.
Abby Reynolds has written a tale that really restores one's faith in the male population. Liam is a big strong man who thrives in the competitive fighting ring. He releases his anger and frustration of life onto his opponents and finds quick satisfaction with one night stands. He however, is not your average "bad boy." No, Liam is truly a good guy who chooses to profit from his anger...a man who lives with anger over a past tragedy. But one look at a very shy, nervous Kiera and he feels and immediate interest...a connection...a want to know her.
Kiera is no stranger to tragedy. Her own personal hell has shaped her into a complete introvert. Her only companion and comfort is her cousin Scotty. Afraid of all men, unable to socialize, barely able to sleep thru the night...the last thing she expects is for a very large, intimidating male to take a liking to her!
What I found to be different from other reads is the ability for Liam to put a hand out to a broken girl and be a man of his word. Liam is beauty personified, and he is amazingly gentle all while not being "cliche' or cheesy." Told in dual POV's, I loved that this strong man was able to give safety and comfort to Kiera while letting the emotions affect him as well. As Kiera began to open up and trust, Liam began to comprehend the gravity of the situation and he truly embraced his role...whether "Friend" or more.
Of course this has a bit of drama...not so much true angst, but more heart tugging emotions. As I previously stated this romance is very patient and very tender-hearted so when the miscommunication and the "hidden" secrets emerge there wasnt devastation for me as the reader but more of a "Come ON! Get Over It!" feel.
Overall, I liked the writing of Ms. Abby Reynolds. I found the characters, mainly Liam likeable and relatable. I also appreciated the realistic approach and the slow developing connection. I look forward to more from this author and this series!!!!
I have to say that I really enjoyed this! I was expecting a bad boy and naive girl, a typical NA storyline with tragic pasts and tortured romance. However I was really pleased to have read a softer tale of friendship, love, trust, and second chances that seemed to have a YA/NA blend.
Abby Reynolds has written a tale that really restores one's faith in the male population. Liam is a big strong man who thrives in the competitive fighting ring. He releases his anger and frustration of life onto his opponents and finds quick satisfaction with one night stands. He however, is not your average "bad boy." No, Liam is truly a good guy who chooses to profit from his anger...a man who lives with anger over a past tragedy. But one look at a very shy, nervous Kiera and he feels and immediate interest...a connection...a want to know her.
Kiera is no stranger to tragedy. Her own personal hell has shaped her into a complete introvert. Her only companion and comfort is her cousin Scotty. Afraid of all men, unable to socialize, barely able to sleep thru the night...the last thing she expects is for a very large, intimidating male to take a liking to her!
What I found to be different from other reads is the ability for Liam to put a hand out to a broken girl and be a man of his word. Liam is beauty personified, and he is amazingly gentle all while not being "cliche' or cheesy." Told in dual POV's, I loved that this strong man was able to give safety and comfort to Kiera while letting the emotions affect him as well. As Kiera began to open up and trust, Liam began to comprehend the gravity of the situation and he truly embraced his role...whether "Friend" or more.
Of course this has a bit of drama...not so much true angst, but more heart tugging emotions. As I previously stated this romance is very patient and very tender-hearted so when the miscommunication and the "hidden" secrets emerge there wasnt devastation for me as the reader but more of a "Come ON! Get Over It!" feel.
Overall, I liked the writing of Ms. Abby Reynolds. I found the characters, mainly Liam likeable and relatable. I also appreciated the realistic approach and the slow developing connection. I look forward to more from this author and this series!!!!
April 30, 2015
I read this because it was free on my Kindle, I needed a break from studying for finals, and the book cover had nothing but abs on it. Yup, that's why. But I swear it was written by a 16 year old girl who had read too many books with man nipples on the cover. It actually could have been a decent story if she knew how to write well and gave the characters even a teaspoon of depth. And there are many other words for penis other than cock. Just saying.
February 4, 2017
Too much pushing away, couldn't care about either MC and the romance was barely there. I will say I liked the H for trying so hard and putting up with the h. I don't know why he was so into her but it was nice to see him not give up. He was definitely the most committed of the two (way before they even started dating!)
June 10, 2014
I'd never heard of Abby Reynolds until a couple of days ago, when I was asked if I might have time to review Unbreakable. I can honestly say that I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.
Unbreakable for me is one of those books that sucks you in based primarily on the fact that there's something hidden in the pages and you just can't stop until you know what it is.
While I thoroughly enjoyed Liam and Kiera's story, I felt the moments sort of slipping away before they really happened because they were almost rushed.
Liam, our male hero, is a supposed badass MMA fighter who has demons from an accident he felt could have been prevented. He's deep and loyal and the man's body description makes girls like me feel a dampness curling in the nether regions. But then...and lord save me from the wrath this next statement may cause, but he's suddenly a pussy with a male ego. Don't get me wrong, I understand some of the necessary actions, but good God! MMA fighter to me equals Motherfucking Badass Alpha Male...and Liam was practically handed his nuts on a jewel encrusted platter.
Now before you get too up in my ass about my blow off of Liam, let me just say that I find nothing wrong with a guy that is in touch with his softer side and that by the end of this book, while I felt there were still some "manly" actions I'd have loved to have seen from him, Liam did eventually win me over.
Kiera is broken. And I don't mean that in the way that we read most novels about a character that's had a shit life and can't get out of the rut. I'm literally saying that she's broken. Flinches, temerity, socially awkward, in a sense a hermit because it's safe...Kiera has had it handed to her in one of the roughest ways. But here's the thing, while she tries to keep people out she's also open to taking a plunge if it means getting her life back. And thanks to her cousin, Scotty, who may I say is one hell of a support system, Kiera is finding her way.
I found Unbreakable to be a lightly emotional read with a cast of characters that were intriguing and slightly different.
I'd rate this book between 3.75 and 4 stars.
Unbreakable for me is one of those books that sucks you in based primarily on the fact that there's something hidden in the pages and you just can't stop until you know what it is.
While I thoroughly enjoyed Liam and Kiera's story, I felt the moments sort of slipping away before they really happened because they were almost rushed.
Liam, our male hero, is a supposed badass MMA fighter who has demons from an accident he felt could have been prevented. He's deep and loyal and the man's body description makes girls like me feel a dampness curling in the nether regions. But then...and lord save me from the wrath this next statement may cause, but he's suddenly a pussy with a male ego. Don't get me wrong, I understand some of the necessary actions, but good God! MMA fighter to me equals Motherfucking Badass Alpha Male...and Liam was practically handed his nuts on a jewel encrusted platter.
Now before you get too up in my ass about my blow off of Liam, let me just say that I find nothing wrong with a guy that is in touch with his softer side and that by the end of this book, while I felt there were still some "manly" actions I'd have loved to have seen from him, Liam did eventually win me over.
Kiera is broken. And I don't mean that in the way that we read most novels about a character that's had a shit life and can't get out of the rut. I'm literally saying that she's broken. Flinches, temerity, socially awkward, in a sense a hermit because it's safe...Kiera has had it handed to her in one of the roughest ways. But here's the thing, while she tries to keep people out she's also open to taking a plunge if it means getting her life back. And thanks to her cousin, Scotty, who may I say is one hell of a support system, Kiera is finding her way.
I found Unbreakable to be a lightly emotional read with a cast of characters that were intriguing and slightly different.
I'd rate this book between 3.75 and 4 stars.
August 31, 2016
This one definitely would have been a 4 star read for me if it had not been for the last 3 chapters. Given what we've learned about our H/h through the course of this story, seen how they've grown as individuals & collectively; I just couldn't get behind the drastic measures the heroine chose to take with the "drama" that unfolds towards the end.
I could totally see & understand her being angry with our hero for keeping this from her, & showing/telling him just how displeased she was about that. But given what he has shown us, the reader, & her, just the type of man he is through the course of this novel, to take it as far & where she took it; made no sense to me. It came off as MAJORLY contrived drama. And it sort of ruined the overall story for me.
Also, there were way too many times when the sentimental things came off as forced. It felt a bit unbalanced for me. With the exception of once, when I actually cried some tears. Other times I would force myself not to roll my eyes at certain things. It just would come off rather cheesy or just flat out forced.
I still think that overall this was a decent enough read. I would recommend it. But I do feel there is no need to continue this into a series. There was just nothing here, compelling enough for me, to warrant a 2nd or 3rd book concerning these characters.
So I will not be moving forward with the 2nd book.
Happy Reading :)
I could totally see & understand her being angry with our hero for keeping this from her, & showing/telling him just how displeased she was about that. But given what he has shown us, the reader, & her, just the type of man he is through the course of this novel, to take it as far & where she took it; made no sense to me. It came off as MAJORLY contrived drama. And it sort of ruined the overall story for me.
Also, there were way too many times when the sentimental things came off as forced. It felt a bit unbalanced for me. With the exception of once, when I actually cried some tears. Other times I would force myself not to roll my eyes at certain things. It just would come off rather cheesy or just flat out forced.
I still think that overall this was a decent enough read. I would recommend it. But I do feel there is no need to continue this into a series. There was just nothing here, compelling enough for me, to warrant a 2nd or 3rd book concerning these characters.
So I will not be moving forward with the 2nd book.
Happy Reading :)
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March 11, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (3/11/2020)! 🎁
May 6, 2015
I liked this book. It's easy to get into and a fast read.
This book is basically about two people who have a very painful past, who are very hurt, and trying to escape themselves. I feel like through a slowly developed relationship, they start to become whole again.
The main characters Liam and Keira are very sweet, but damaged people. My favorite character in this book is Liam. He is such a straight forward guy who is willing to face things head on and who grows a lot. The sweetest thing about him is how patient he is with Keira, who is distrustful of men due to her very troubled past. Keira was not my favorite female character, there is a lot of insecurity in her and immaturity but I definitely feel like she can grow in the series. Well, I hope that she does. I'm gonna give her the benefit of the doubt.
I think that Scotty, Keira's cousin, is an amazing character who I'm very curious about. His past is also troubled and im curious about the fact that he is very emotionally unavailable.
This is a good start for the series. Looking forward to book 2 in this series.
This book is basically about two people who have a very painful past, who are very hurt, and trying to escape themselves. I feel like through a slowly developed relationship, they start to become whole again.
The main characters Liam and Keira are very sweet, but damaged people. My favorite character in this book is Liam. He is such a straight forward guy who is willing to face things head on and who grows a lot. The sweetest thing about him is how patient he is with Keira, who is distrustful of men due to her very troubled past. Keira was not my favorite female character, there is a lot of insecurity in her and immaturity but I definitely feel like she can grow in the series. Well, I hope that she does. I'm gonna give her the benefit of the doubt.
I think that Scotty, Keira's cousin, is an amazing character who I'm very curious about. His past is also troubled and im curious about the fact that he is very emotionally unavailable.
This is a good start for the series. Looking forward to book 2 in this series.
May 1, 2015
So, okay...In the beginning the book had promise. I thought it had an interesting premise, but then quickly it started to have a lot of cracks in the foundation and just completely fell apart at the end for me. Liam is supposed to be this big, strong guy, but he cries...all the time. I get wanting to show a sensitive side and who doesn't appreciate a man who's willing to show his true feelings and let it out, but I feel like he was crying over everything which made him seem more like a wuss. Keira- I get what she went through was traumatic and everybody deals with their own personal experiences in their own way, but it was hard for me to really understand her being that skittish. And for someone who was afraid of men surely did get over that real quick. Everything felt rushed and the cheesy love between the characters made me roll my eyes. Unfortunately, this book just didn't do it for me. I'm sure other people will like it, but not me.
April 28, 2015
I enjoyed this book a lot. It was easy to get into, as well as read. I really appreciated Liam's patience and kindness. His love was truly heartwarming and I loved the way he was with Kiera. The only thing that frustrated me was the fact that Kiera obviously needed professional help and instead of owning up to it, she refused and isolated herself from everyone. I'm glad she came around in the end and I'm glad Liam is there to help her, but her issues run deeper. There were a few simple spelling errors here and there, but I still really enjoyed it. There was no major drama and I kind of liked that because it was really about two people learning to trust again and help each other put themselves back together.
April 22, 2017
Standalone/Cliffhanger: Standalone
Ages of H and h:
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM:
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval:
Any Triggers/Warnings: Yes
>>Detail: Kiera had an abusive ex boyfriend who nearly beat her death, so she's pretty skittish and anxious around men. Most of the book deals with that. There is an OW who is determined to have Liam. She tells Kiera there together, but when Liam finds out he kicks her to the curb. She apparently is in the next book.
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: No
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
Ages of H and h:
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Descriptive Sex &/Or Drama Between H/h With OW/OM:
>>If So, Before or After H/h Hookup:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex In The Book:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Will This Meet My 'Safety Gang' Buddies' Approval:
Any Triggers/Warnings: Yes
>>Detail: Kiera had an abusive ex boyfriend who nearly beat her death, so she's pretty skittish and anxious around men. Most of the book deals with that. There is an OW who is determined to have Liam. She tells Kiera there together, but when Liam finds out he kicks her to the curb. She apparently is in the next book.
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes.
Will You Re-read This Book: No
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
June 18, 2014
4.5 Stars
Hotness Rating 3 out of 5
Unbreakable, the first book in the Forehead Kisses series, by Abby Reynolds is a must read! I couldn't stop reading this book. Seriously, there is a good chance that the world could have fallen down around me and I wouldn't have put this book down.
Liam has so much anger built up inside. There is only one way for him to release the anger and that's by fighting. Lucky for him he has an established reputation as an MMA fighter and has an outlet. Outside of the octagon Liam is known for his straight forward talk. He's a nice guy who has many friends and way too many chicks. But, they all know the score. He's respectful and up-front about his wants - no strings attached, one night of sex, and then move on. He doesn't do forever. But, then he meets the shy cousin of his friend and his whole life is turned upside down.
Keira has been through the unthinkable. Bad decisions when she was a teenager shouldn't haunt you for the rest of your life, but hers do. She's scared of life and pretty much hides out to protect herself. When she meets Liam he makes her feel differently than other men do. Sure she's afraid of him at first, but she instinctively knows he won't hurt her. And when he makes it his mission to have Keira in his life his patience and kindness is enough to slowly bring her out of her shell.
This couple was heart wrenching and endearing all rolled into one. The pain and baggage that both Liam and Keira carry is palpable. My heart broke more times than I can count while reading this story, but the vulnerability and strength that these two brought out in each other was so worth it. You could feel the passion and love that they felt for each other.
I can not wait to read more of their story. The release date can not get here fast enough, in my opinion.
You can find this review and others at www.riverinaromantics.com
Hotness Rating 3 out of 5
Unbreakable, the first book in the Forehead Kisses series, by Abby Reynolds is a must read! I couldn't stop reading this book. Seriously, there is a good chance that the world could have fallen down around me and I wouldn't have put this book down.
Liam has so much anger built up inside. There is only one way for him to release the anger and that's by fighting. Lucky for him he has an established reputation as an MMA fighter and has an outlet. Outside of the octagon Liam is known for his straight forward talk. He's a nice guy who has many friends and way too many chicks. But, they all know the score. He's respectful and up-front about his wants - no strings attached, one night of sex, and then move on. He doesn't do forever. But, then he meets the shy cousin of his friend and his whole life is turned upside down.
Keira has been through the unthinkable. Bad decisions when she was a teenager shouldn't haunt you for the rest of your life, but hers do. She's scared of life and pretty much hides out to protect herself. When she meets Liam he makes her feel differently than other men do. Sure she's afraid of him at first, but she instinctively knows he won't hurt her. And when he makes it his mission to have Keira in his life his patience and kindness is enough to slowly bring her out of her shell.
This couple was heart wrenching and endearing all rolled into one. The pain and baggage that both Liam and Keira carry is palpable. My heart broke more times than I can count while reading this story, but the vulnerability and strength that these two brought out in each other was so worth it. You could feel the passion and love that they felt for each other.
I can not wait to read more of their story. The release date can not get here fast enough, in my opinion.
You can find this review and others at www.riverinaromantics.com
December 16, 2015
Drew me in.
This book drew me in, and wouldn't let me go. It was written excellently, and brings the reader along the ride with the characters. It's an emotional book with ups, and downs, an emotional rollercoaster. The relationship between the two main characters is beautiful, but hard won. The trauma they both have endured, has made them understand each other, and makes them even closer. I just bought book 2 and can't wait to see where they go from here. Excellent book, I recommend it. I gave it a 4 and not a 5 because the Author really seems to like the word incredulous/incredulously, and that bothered me. It seemed to die down after a bit, or I just got used to it.
This book drew me in, and wouldn't let me go. It was written excellently, and brings the reader along the ride with the characters. It's an emotional book with ups, and downs, an emotional rollercoaster. The relationship between the two main characters is beautiful, but hard won. The trauma they both have endured, has made them understand each other, and makes them even closer. I just bought book 2 and can't wait to see where they go from here. Excellent book, I recommend it. I gave it a 4 and not a 5 because the Author really seems to like the word incredulous/incredulously, and that bothered me. It seemed to die down after a bit, or I just got used to it.
January 6, 2016
I really liked this book. I had a rough bit with it about the domestic abuse angle but even that was written with sensitivity. I also liked how the author told the story from both the main female and male characters view. I think that this made it a more well rounded story. The only bad thing?? It is part 1 of a trilogy and I can't afford to get the other books right now to find out how the whole story ends, which is frustrating as all hell! Other than that, I really don't have a bad thing to say about it. Definitely archived it on my Nook app for reading again!
Want to read
January 8, 2017
February 5, 2016
Kiera drove me nuts at times. But I enjoyed it. It is a quick read.
July 29, 2015
2.5 stars.
And then I read it in one sitting.
I wasn't wowed (especially with the subpar editing), but I really enjoyed this book. It was sweet and I definitely didn't expect that. Even from the quote above, Liam set himself apart from many YA and NA leads. He made the book for me and I was absolutely surprised. The unlikely growth of the characters awed me in the best way possible.
And yes, I'm posting quotes because it strikes me as more credible than me trying to explain. Plus I'm tired. Sue me. (Don't sue me. I don't own these quotes, wah!)
But the best part, for me, was Liam. He was patient, kind, rational, encouraging, and kept his word. So many alpha males force the broken heroine back together, but he never pushed Keira. He was never hypocritical. He was straightforward and trustworthy. I adored his respect for Keira and how he always asked what she wanted, never assuming, never going too far. And I guess, for a person like me who doesn't like being, well, pushed (though not to the extent of Keira—and I certainly don't mind some teasing), and desires these qualities, that was extremely attractive. (The lack of insta-love was also a nice touch.)
Plot, connection, and writing aside, the authentic, healthy bond between Keira and Liam was worth seeing.
And Liam is ripped, so at least the cover is accurate. I'll give it that much.
Keira was constantly in my thoughts. I didn't fantasize about her in a physical or sexual way because I respected her too much, but I didn't think about other women that way, which was odd. I used my bedroom conquests to dissolve my hatred and anger, but I didn't need that anymore either.I had no intention of liking this book. From the cover to the possibly disastrous premise, it looked like something I could laugh at. But it was free, so I got it.
So what did I need?
I used to pick up a different girl every night and take her back to my place. But I hadn't done that in two months. I thought I would be sexually frustrated but I wasn't. It was peaceful, actually. All the things I relied on to stay sane disappeared. But that left me questioning who I was. Without the things I needed, what did I become? I didn't know.
And then I read it in one sitting.
I wasn't wowed (especially with the subpar editing), but I really enjoyed this book. It was sweet and I definitely didn't expect that. Even from the quote above, Liam set himself apart from many YA and NA leads. He made the book for me and I was absolutely surprised. The unlikely growth of the characters awed me in the best way possible.
"What about you?" Adriana asked. "What do you look for, Liam?" She passed me the ball.There's something magical about having low expectations.
I made a shot then retrieved it. "I don't care."
"You don't care?" she asked incredulously. "There are no features you find particularly attractive?"
"All women are beautiful. Why strip them down and stereotype them?"
Bran laughed. "Yeah right. You're the biggest manwhore out of all of us."
"But I'm not a jerk to women you don't deem to be attractive enough," I said. "I treat all women with respect. If they walk away after I tell them what I want, I don't chase them or make them feel low because of it."
And yes, I'm posting quotes because it strikes me as more credible than me trying to explain. Plus I'm tired. Sue me. (Don't sue me. I don't own these quotes, wah!)
Now that we were done, her usual awkwardness descended. She seemed to be at war with herself about something.I liked this book for the strong relationships scattered throughout (Scotty, ahem) and the distinct lack of stupid conflict. Though Keira annoyed me at first, she really found her own, and after her transformation I connected to her easier. Her trauma was never forgotten or brushed over because of something petty like hotness. I lacked an emotional connection towards this book, which I regret, but I think it might be because the guardedness she had to everyone else bled into her narrative. The writing was also withdrawn and a little tell-y. Really wish I connected to the book.
Finally, she said, "Can I get you something to drink?"
"Water, please." I stayed in my spot and didn't move for the door. I knew that's what she was worried about, accidentally inviting me in her house.
"I'll be right back—stay here."
"I'm too tired to move." I rested my arms on my knees.
That calmed her down. She went inside and fetched the waters. When she returned and handed one to me, I downed it. I was dehydrated from sweating so much. She drank her entire bottle then sat near me. She sat at an angle to me, far enough away so I couldn't touch her, but near enough so she could hear me speak.
The sun was setting and the air started to cool. She and I sat in companionable silence. I didn't pressure her to invite me inside. I just leaned back and enjoyed being with her.
But the best part, for me, was Liam. He was patient, kind, rational, encouraging, and kept his word. So many alpha males force the broken heroine back together, but he never pushed Keira. He was never hypocritical. He was straightforward and trustworthy. I adored his respect for Keira and how he always asked what she wanted, never assuming, never going too far. And I guess, for a person like me who doesn't like being, well, pushed (though not to the extent of Keira—and I certainly don't mind some teasing), and desires these qualities, that was extremely attractive. (The lack of insta-love was also a nice touch.)
Plot, connection, and writing aside, the authentic, healthy bond between Keira and Liam was worth seeing.
And Liam is ripped, so at least the cover is accurate. I'll give it that much.
We fell silent again.
"Do you like poker?" I didn't know any girls who did, but she might.
She nodded. "For the most part. But I've only played with Scotty, and we used Skittles for money."
I laughed loudly. She was so cute. I imagined her playing with Scotty in her room, tossing Skittles across the carpet. Cute? I thought she was cute? I never thought of girls that way. They were either fuckable or they weren't. But I didn't see Keira like that. I thought she was beautiful, not hot.
July 1, 2014
What a sweet story! I sat down to read it and never put it down! I loved being part of the Liam and Keira story! Keira is broken, Liam is there to fix her! I love that story line!=) The fact that Liam is a MMA fighter was the cherry on top of this story! I always fall hard for a bad boy fighter! I am excited to see what book 2 holds for this couple!
Liam moved his hand up my shirt and felt my hip. "Why do you always touch me there?" I asked. "It's my favorite."
"I'm not going anywhere again."
"I know." I whispered.
November 10, 2014
3.5 ish stars. Review to come. Really loved Liam, but couldn't connect with the main character. Seemed like her chapters had no depth to them
Want to read
March 5, 2015Kindle Freebie 3.05.15
April 27, 2015
A heart warming lovestory and okay characters, but the storyline was a bit boring and predictable.
May 14, 2019
Enjoyed the story....
I really liked the story. Loved the two of them together. I thought I was getting more of Unbreakable the story then I got though.....not happy this ended around 60% then another story started. I didn't want the introduction of like 6 chapters of another I wanted MORE of the one I thought I was downloading thank you very much.
Thanks Jamie Nibarger Ellis
I really liked the story. Loved the two of them together. I thought I was getting more of Unbreakable the story then I got though.....not happy this ended around 60% then another story started. I didn't want the introduction of like 6 chapters of another I wanted MORE of the one I thought I was downloading thank you very much.
Thanks Jamie Nibarger Ellis
June 14, 2014
Well, I must say this book was a big surprise. When I started Reading it I thought I had it all figured it but it turns out I didn't.
What I really liked it was the way is written, is smooth and fluid, like suddenly I was in page 70 and I didn't even realized it, I ended it up in two days and enjoyed it quite a lot.
I like the dynamic between the characters, I really liked Scotty, I know he's not a main character but he got to me, I love how protector he was towards Keira and how he was always by her side, not many people do that for someone, sometimes not even family.
I also really liked Liam, he was this hard, dangerous, tough guy who was a softy on the inside. It was the perfect combination, he knew what he wanted and when he finally got it he fought really hard for it. (Seriously, he was too good to be true)
However I had two major problems with this book and those are the reason why I didn't give it a higher rating. While I loved the writing style and the fact that it goes easily I would have like to read a bit more, I felt that towards the end everything happened so fast, I really would have loved to see a development towards the end and not everything being so rushed.
Anyway, I really liked it. And I'm looking forwards to see how their story continues. And hopefully read a bit of Scotty's story as well :)
What I really liked it was the way is written, is smooth and fluid, like suddenly I was in page 70 and I didn't even realized it, I ended it up in two days and enjoyed it quite a lot.
I like the dynamic between the characters, I really liked Scotty, I know he's not a main character but he got to me, I love how protector he was towards Keira and how he was always by her side, not many people do that for someone, sometimes not even family.
I also really liked Liam, he was this hard, dangerous, tough guy who was a softy on the inside. It was the perfect combination, he knew what he wanted and when he finally got it he fought really hard for it. (Seriously, he was too good to be true)
However I had two major problems with this book and those are the reason why I didn't give it a higher rating. While I loved the writing style and the fact that it goes easily I would have like to read a bit more, I felt that towards the end everything happened so fast, I really would have loved to see a development towards the end and not everything being so rushed.
Anyway, I really liked it. And I'm looking forwards to see how their story continues. And hopefully read a bit of Scotty's story as well :)
May 8, 2016
Actual rating: 3.5.
I have never read anything from this author before, but I can say that I really enjoyed this.
Unbreakable is about a girl who had a series of events that traumatized her, to the point she avoids contact with other people with the exception of her cousin and hates being touched by strangers and being in large crowds. She meets Liam though her cousin, and at first she is terrified of him. He is big, muscular and someone who has the strength to hurt her. However, on the inside, Liam is actually a very caring guy. In his intent to pursue her, to show her he can be trusted, they embark on a road to recovery and love without limits.
I really enjoyed the slow pace, I think what I like the most in romance novels are when their relationship actually takes time to build. Because in real life, most of the time, feelings take time to develop. It’s not an instantaneous thing. Stories that focus on how romance can come from other places such as friendship or even dislike are my favorites, because it’s all a process: of getting to know each other. This is exactly what this book is about.
While reading the summaries of the two other books that follow this story I did not know if I wanted to continue it or not. The second book’s premise does not catch my eye, because girl hate because of jealousy is something I am tired of seeing in books. Women hating on each other and fighting over a man? I hate it. I am tempted on skipping it altogether and just go straight to the third book and the rest of them that focus on other people from the story.
Overall really good.
I have never read anything from this author before, but I can say that I really enjoyed this.
Unbreakable is about a girl who had a series of events that traumatized her, to the point she avoids contact with other people with the exception of her cousin and hates being touched by strangers and being in large crowds. She meets Liam though her cousin, and at first she is terrified of him. He is big, muscular and someone who has the strength to hurt her. However, on the inside, Liam is actually a very caring guy. In his intent to pursue her, to show her he can be trusted, they embark on a road to recovery and love without limits.
I really enjoyed the slow pace, I think what I like the most in romance novels are when their relationship actually takes time to build. Because in real life, most of the time, feelings take time to develop. It’s not an instantaneous thing. Stories that focus on how romance can come from other places such as friendship or even dislike are my favorites, because it’s all a process: of getting to know each other. This is exactly what this book is about.
While reading the summaries of the two other books that follow this story I did not know if I wanted to continue it or not. The second book’s premise does not catch my eye, because girl hate because of jealousy is something I am tired of seeing in books. Women hating on each other and fighting over a man? I hate it. I am tempted on skipping it altogether and just go straight to the third book and the rest of them that focus on other people from the story.
Overall really good.
June 16, 2014
4 stars (Reason is stated at the end of my review)
If you are into new adult novels, then you'll probably enjoy reading this. But since I've already read A LOT.. This feels like the usual. So my opinion should not be taken seriously.
The story is about two damaged/broken individuals with a tragic past. Each has their own coping mechanism. To Kiera, it's total avoidance, because she's scared of forming any types of relationship with anyone and oftentimes rely only on Scotty for everything. Liam on the other hand, releases his tension and frustrations through violence and sex (how typical - same old, same old). The story is a bit slow, but that is to be expected since Kiera is having a hard time opening up and trust other people besides Scotty.
The characters are likable, although I find Kiera a bit clingy. What I don't quite enjoy about this book is how cheesy the character turns out to be. There are a lot of tears flowing here and there. Totally not what I expected. Also, the ending is kinda rushed. Nonetheless, it was still an enjoyable read.
This book is part of a series but can probably read as a stand alone, since the ending is a cliffhanger. But there's gonna be a second book, and it is the continuation of Liam and Kiera's story.
Story originality - 3 stars
But the fact that I still continued to read on despite of it... and finished the book within the day... - I'd give 5 stars for the effort
If you are into new adult novels, then you'll probably enjoy reading this. But since I've already read A LOT.. This feels like the usual. So my opinion should not be taken seriously.
The story is about two damaged/broken individuals with a tragic past. Each has their own coping mechanism. To Kiera, it's total avoidance, because she's scared of forming any types of relationship with anyone and oftentimes rely only on Scotty for everything. Liam on the other hand, releases his tension and frustrations through violence and sex (how typical - same old, same old). The story is a bit slow, but that is to be expected since Kiera is having a hard time opening up and trust other people besides Scotty.
The characters are likable, although I find Kiera a bit clingy. What I don't quite enjoy about this book is how cheesy the character turns out to be. There are a lot of tears flowing here and there. Totally not what I expected. Also, the ending is kinda rushed. Nonetheless, it was still an enjoyable read.
This book is part of a series but can probably read as a stand alone, since the ending is a cliffhanger. But there's gonna be a second book, and it is the continuation of Liam and Kiera's story.
Story originality - 3 stars
But the fact that I still continued to read on despite of it... and finished the book within the day... - I'd give 5 stars for the effort
June 21, 2014
4.5 Stars
Another great book by Abby Reynolds.
This is the story of Kiera and Liam. Kiera has a troubled past and the only person she trusts is her Cousin Scotty. However things start to change when she meet Liam. Liam can see that something has affected Kiera in the past but there is something that Liam is drawn to with Kiera. Liam spreads his time trying to earn Kiera’s trust and friendship, Liam is one of the good guys. I loved how patient he was with caring and patient he was with Kiera. Liam however also has past and his own demon’s to overcome. Liam is a fighter and he uses the fighting to help deal with his feelings and emotions that haunt him, however as I have already said Liam is amazing with Kiera.
Once I started this book I hooked in. It’s a great story of romance, trust, second chances and a tiny bit of angst thrown in. The book is told from Kiera’s and Liam’s POV which I felt really added to the story to see the feelings and emotions from both the characters. This was a great sweet love story and I really liked both Kiera and Liam’s characters especially as Kiera began to open up. As with Abby’s other books the story is well written and has a good pace to the story.
Overall a great start to a new series by Abby Reynolds and I look forward to the next book released at the end of the month.
• I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from the author
Another great book by Abby Reynolds.
This is the story of Kiera and Liam. Kiera has a troubled past and the only person she trusts is her Cousin Scotty. However things start to change when she meet Liam. Liam can see that something has affected Kiera in the past but there is something that Liam is drawn to with Kiera. Liam spreads his time trying to earn Kiera’s trust and friendship, Liam is one of the good guys. I loved how patient he was with caring and patient he was with Kiera. Liam however also has past and his own demon’s to overcome. Liam is a fighter and he uses the fighting to help deal with his feelings and emotions that haunt him, however as I have already said Liam is amazing with Kiera.
Once I started this book I hooked in. It’s a great story of romance, trust, second chances and a tiny bit of angst thrown in. The book is told from Kiera’s and Liam’s POV which I felt really added to the story to see the feelings and emotions from both the characters. This was a great sweet love story and I really liked both Kiera and Liam’s characters especially as Kiera began to open up. As with Abby’s other books the story is well written and has a good pace to the story.
Overall a great start to a new series by Abby Reynolds and I look forward to the next book released at the end of the month.
• I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from the author
September 18, 2021
A steaming heap of BULLSHIT. N.B. My copy was listed as by E.L. Todd, who appears to be the same person as Abby Reynolds.
Unbreakable pissed me off in so many ways that I can barely even quantify them but I shall try. In no particular order:
Idealisation of Virginity
- This is something that makes me angry anyway. It's tied into notions about standards of purity to which only women are held. It's sexist. It's stupid. It's deeply unfair.
- But it's especially messy here because the heroine stays in an abusive relationship because he was the first person she had sex with so OBVIOUSLY she needed to make it work. Because some guy pressuring you into letting him break a little membrane is a great reason to stay with him, isn't it? You wouldn't want to move on from your first. Only sluts do that.
- Unfortunately, even the "good guy" is into virginity. "I fucked girls left and right, not giving a shit about their feelings, but they weren't virgins... They were disposable. Keira was different - special... if she was a virgin, that would make me feel special."
- And then, when the heroine said all emotionally, "I lost my virginity to someone who didn't love me." like it was the biggest tragedy, I just thought... really? Sex isn't rainbows and unicorns and love eternal babe. Get over it.
- There's a similar thing with the focus on marriage. All these revolting traditional values.
Hypocrisy
- I've already touched on this with the whole boy fucks around but wants girl to be pure thing but I have more.
- Hero: "All women are beautiful. Why strip them down and stereotype them?... I'm not a jerk to women (I) don't deem to be attractive enough... I treat all women with respect." Also the hero: "I liked easy girls, but I didn't find it attractive. I naturally lost respect for them." "Every other girl was not even worth remembering" "I didn't like scrawny or skinny women" All beautiful? All respected?Really? I'm sure the women he'd slept with would love to hear how disposable they are.
- Hero: is angry about heroine's controlling ex. Also the hero: "I'm not letting her go. I'm the best damn thing that ever happened to her. And she's mine." Not controlling at all, is he?
Chronology
- The hero describes the heroine as twenty one. She describes herself as sixteen in a flashback labelled two years earlier. I know he said he was bad at maths but 16 + 2 isn't hard, is it? Speaking of - apparently he's majoring in Business Finance. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I would've though finance would involve some basic mathematical skills.
- "Morning," she said quietly. "Afternoon." "Afternoon?" "It's eleven." Can someone please explain the concept of afternoon to this moron please? Hint: eleven comes before twelve.
Teenage Whining and NA
- The characters are very young and the heroine spends a lot of time (in flashbacks) screaming at her parents that she hates them, bursting into tears and storming off. Teenage years are an emotional time and this isn't implausible but I thought I was reading a book about adults. I didn't sign up to read about her bratty behaviour. To be honest, had I realised this was NA, I'd've given it a pass anyway. Pretty much every contemporary NA I've ever read has been American college students getting drunk and doing/saying revolting things and I'm entirely over it.
Trauma Recovery
- The cousin: "I've been babying you for too long. I know what happened to you was horrible, but it was a year ago. You need to... move on."
- The hero: She can't leave me. "I've put her back together" again!
- The heroine: an alcoholic and recluse.
- And then she is magically cured, because of course she is. Who needs therapy? Or support groups? Or reflection? Who can't just stop drinking? You just need to give up those "child birthing hips" (cringe) to the right guy and all your problems will be solved by his "pectoral the size of (your) head". Or something. I hate this trope so much.
- Speaking of magical cures, there's a heart attack as a plot device. Isn't that charming?
Grammar and Typos
- The author needs to learn the past perfect aspect. So many verbs were in the simple past that shouldn't have been, that I gave up counting them. It was at least double figures. Probably triple.
- I don't believe the book was proofread. There are so many basic errors. "Adriana came to my then placed her hand on my shoulder." My what? "He worked at a laundry mat" I think you mean laundromat hun. "pulled her a long with him" "see each (other) all day" "gained up on me" etc etc etc.
The Attitudes Towards Money
- "I was loaded and could afford all the sports packages" may be one of the least impressive bits of cockiness I've ever heard. Get over yourself bro.
- However will the heroine survive when she marries her virginity-taking teenage laundromat employee boyfriend? He's on minimum wage. She might - have to get a job? Surely not! He must be a terrible person anyway - he's poor and his dad left when he was five.
- Obviously the hero is better. He comes from a nuclear family and can afford all the sports packages.
Miscellaneous
- "natural manly desires" I'm sorry, but ewww. Also, you don't think of her sexually, you just have natural manly desires? Dude, shut up. Please.
- It never occurs to the heroine to ask where the hero gets his money from, even though 1) she apparently knows him better than any woman ever has before 2) she lives with him 3) she wondered how he afforded his place.
- He sees nothing wrong or manipulative with building up the trust of someone who has been physically abused and having sex with them, whilst not telling them he's a fighter because they might leave. If you have sex with someone, knowing that they wouldn't want to if they knew the truth about you... that's dubious consent to me. Sorrynotsorry.
- The cousin, on expressing that the hero is attractive: "It doesn't mean I'm gay". I'm so glad you clarified that. Obviously it would be horrific if you were gay. You wouldn't fit into such a neat little all American box, would you? Ffs.
There's probably more, but I think that's a long enough list, don't you?
Unbreakable pissed me off in so many ways that I can barely even quantify them but I shall try. In no particular order:
Idealisation of Virginity
- This is something that makes me angry anyway. It's tied into notions about standards of purity to which only women are held. It's sexist. It's stupid. It's deeply unfair.
- But it's especially messy here because the heroine stays in an abusive relationship because he was the first person she had sex with so OBVIOUSLY she needed to make it work. Because some guy pressuring you into letting him break a little membrane is a great reason to stay with him, isn't it? You wouldn't want to move on from your first. Only sluts do that.
- Unfortunately, even the "good guy" is into virginity. "I fucked girls left and right, not giving a shit about their feelings, but they weren't virgins... They were disposable. Keira was different - special... if she was a virgin, that would make me feel special."
- And then, when the heroine said all emotionally, "I lost my virginity to someone who didn't love me." like it was the biggest tragedy, I just thought... really? Sex isn't rainbows and unicorns and love eternal babe. Get over it.
- There's a similar thing with the focus on marriage. All these revolting traditional values.
Hypocrisy
- I've already touched on this with the whole boy fucks around but wants girl to be pure thing but I have more.
- Hero: "All women are beautiful. Why strip them down and stereotype them?... I'm not a jerk to women (I) don't deem to be attractive enough... I treat all women with respect." Also the hero: "I liked easy girls, but I didn't find it attractive. I naturally lost respect for them." "Every other girl was not even worth remembering" "I didn't like scrawny or skinny women" All beautiful? All respected?Really? I'm sure the women he'd slept with would love to hear how disposable they are.
- Hero: is angry about heroine's controlling ex. Also the hero: "I'm not letting her go. I'm the best damn thing that ever happened to her. And she's mine." Not controlling at all, is he?
Chronology
- The hero describes the heroine as twenty one. She describes herself as sixteen in a flashback labelled two years earlier. I know he said he was bad at maths but 16 + 2 isn't hard, is it? Speaking of - apparently he's majoring in Business Finance. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I would've though finance would involve some basic mathematical skills.
- "Morning," she said quietly. "Afternoon." "Afternoon?" "It's eleven." Can someone please explain the concept of afternoon to this moron please? Hint: eleven comes before twelve.
Teenage Whining and NA
- The characters are very young and the heroine spends a lot of time (in flashbacks) screaming at her parents that she hates them, bursting into tears and storming off. Teenage years are an emotional time and this isn't implausible but I thought I was reading a book about adults. I didn't sign up to read about her bratty behaviour. To be honest, had I realised this was NA, I'd've given it a pass anyway. Pretty much every contemporary NA I've ever read has been American college students getting drunk and doing/saying revolting things and I'm entirely over it.
Trauma Recovery
- The cousin: "I've been babying you for too long. I know what happened to you was horrible, but it was a year ago. You need to... move on."
- The hero: She can't leave me. "I've put her back together" again!
- The heroine: an alcoholic and recluse.
- And then she is magically cured, because of course she is. Who needs therapy? Or support groups? Or reflection? Who can't just stop drinking? You just need to give up those "child birthing hips" (cringe) to the right guy and all your problems will be solved by his "pectoral the size of (your) head". Or something. I hate this trope so much.
- Speaking of magical cures, there's a heart attack as a plot device. Isn't that charming?
Grammar and Typos
- The author needs to learn the past perfect aspect. So many verbs were in the simple past that shouldn't have been, that I gave up counting them. It was at least double figures. Probably triple.
- I don't believe the book was proofread. There are so many basic errors. "Adriana came to my then placed her hand on my shoulder." My what? "He worked at a laundry mat" I think you mean laundromat hun. "pulled her a long with him" "see each (other) all day" "gained up on me" etc etc etc.
The Attitudes Towards Money
- "I was loaded and could afford all the sports packages" may be one of the least impressive bits of cockiness I've ever heard. Get over yourself bro.
- However will the heroine survive when she marries her virginity-taking teenage laundromat employee boyfriend? He's on minimum wage. She might - have to get a job? Surely not! He must be a terrible person anyway - he's poor and his dad left when he was five.
- Obviously the hero is better. He comes from a nuclear family and can afford all the sports packages.
Miscellaneous
- "natural manly desires" I'm sorry, but ewww. Also, you don't think of her sexually, you just have natural manly desires? Dude, shut up. Please.
- It never occurs to the heroine to ask where the hero gets his money from, even though 1) she apparently knows him better than any woman ever has before 2) she lives with him 3) she wondered how he afforded his place.
- He sees nothing wrong or manipulative with building up the trust of someone who has been physically abused and having sex with them, whilst not telling them he's a fighter because they might leave. If you have sex with someone, knowing that they wouldn't want to if they knew the truth about you... that's dubious consent to me. Sorrynotsorry.
- The cousin, on expressing that the hero is attractive: "It doesn't mean I'm gay". I'm so glad you clarified that. Obviously it would be horrific if you were gay. You wouldn't fit into such a neat little all American box, would you? Ffs.
There's probably more, but I think that's a long enough list, don't you?
November 14, 2017
This book suffers from a lack of depth and absolutely no character development. The story was average and predictable; the sex was vanilla. Additionally, it is plagued with grammar mistakes as well as story/plot-point changes that an editor (or even a friend who can read English) should have been able to easily correct (for example, at Christmas a house had a “reef” on the door instead of a wreath. Seriously? Thank goodness this book was free*, because if I paid for this drivel I would have been upset… ok more upset than I already am for wasting my time on this crap. (*recommended through a Facebook Ad, free download from Amazon.)
Meet Keira – a 20-something female who is “fair and unblemished” (until you turn the page and she is “dark and sun-kissed.” We meet her at a bar as she is pounding beer and you get the impression that she is an alcoholic… In a few flashback chapters we learn why. When she was a teenager she started dating an older man, a low-life drug user who she thought loved her. She continued living in this delusion even after he used and beat her. She hid her bruises from her parents, but they knew something was wrong, didn’t like her dating (and then sleeping with) an older man and threatened to call the police. At the age of 16, she snuck out of her house to pick him up yet again because he was too high to drive and while doing so just decided to end it. All of a sudden she has a backbone and followed him into his bedroom to tell him she was breaking up with him; she knew he would hit her, but figured she would take her licks and then be done with it. Why the hell she would leave the safety of her car and enter his room to engage in this type of conversation and invite a beating (that is exactly how it is written, I have no idea. Only he beats her so bad that she passes out and wakes up three days later in the hospital, to learn that her parents knew she snuck out and were driving to his house to get her away from him when they were hit head on by a drunk driver and both killed instantly. So now she also drinks like a fish. We have no idea how long its been… a few years at least because she is in college but has never moved on and never sought counseling. And by never moving on, that means she doesn’t trust any male who isn’t her cousin, she refuses to date, she is a hermit in her house, and if a male raises his hand in a gesture of a high five, she is immediately scared and thinks the male is about to hit her and so she flinches. She is plagued by guilt and believes she killed her parents. In fact, she decides she can’t like anyone, not even Liam, because she “didn’t deserve to be loved or find happiness, not after everything [she’d] done.”
Meet Liam – a young male who is a UFC fighter making bank and owns his own home. He knows his body won’t be able to fight forever, so he also goes to college and befriends Scotty (Keira’s cousin) and that’s how the two meet. Liam is an angry man who expresses his anger in the ring – he is angry because his older sister was beaten to death by a boyfriend; he saw it coming but his parents didn’t and so he blames them for her death. And because of that, he hasn’t talked to them since his sister’s funeral. Liam is written as a big, strong man with a ton of anger… but then he cries all the time when his feelings get hurt or when he thinks Keira is going to leave him. There is nothing wrong with a man who cries… but his tears just don’t make any sense! In addition to fighting, he also sleeps with random girls, a different one every night. This does cause some issues at one point after he starts dating Keira but he won’t hit a woman – he cannot be the type of man that killed his sister, but he can beat another male to a pulp because he isn’t “hurting [an] innocent and helpless victim” but another person who consented to fight.
The book is told in first person, jumping between Keira and Liam’s perspectives. They two become friends, with Liam teaching Keira how to hug … yep, you read that right… which leads him to think she is a virgin – until she finally opens up about her past; but only after Liam tells Keira about his sister. The whole relationship moves fast – over the course of one fall college semester. So fast that they get keys to each others’ place, Keira spends almost every night at Liam’s, and he starts talking about marriage – and even waiting to have sex until marriage. Hold your roll fella… where is the story/relationship development. Nowhere to be found… The two initially believe they are broken, but have put each other back together. They pretty much instantly fall in love with each other… and all their problems are solved. Keira is now comfortable in public and doesn’t flinch at every sound or movements, and Liam is not as angry anymore. She even encouraged him to make up with his parents – and they welcome both with open arms; telling Keira to marry Liam after only knowing her for a few minutes.
This book follows a mold and every other sad cliché so why not this one too: the only other single females are ones who throw themselves at Liam and are livid that he deemed to settle down with Keira and not them. They are catty b*tches who don’t know when to move on and make a scene that hurts Keira’s feeling, making her want to run away and leave Liam without hearing him out. But he is patient and kind and wins her over and they two grow closer. When Keira does share her past, Liam is angry and so he continues to fight, but doesn’t tell Keira about it because he is afraid how she will react to his violent profession. And you see where this is going, right?
When Keira finally learns Liam’s profession (because remember, they have only known each other a few months and she never thought to ask him how he affords everything), she is disgusted and sickened by his violence and can’t believe he enjoys beating other people. She breaks up with him and is miserable for an entire month … until she just ups and decides that she can’t live without him anymore and goes to him, only to be swept up into his arms and back into his bed. And so they grow closer and the story ends with… a whimper? It felt like the end of a chapter, not an end to the story.
Meet Keira – a 20-something female who is “fair and unblemished” (until you turn the page and she is “dark and sun-kissed.” We meet her at a bar as she is pounding beer and you get the impression that she is an alcoholic… In a few flashback chapters we learn why. When she was a teenager she started dating an older man, a low-life drug user who she thought loved her. She continued living in this delusion even after he used and beat her. She hid her bruises from her parents, but they knew something was wrong, didn’t like her dating (and then sleeping with) an older man and threatened to call the police. At the age of 16, she snuck out of her house to pick him up yet again because he was too high to drive and while doing so just decided to end it. All of a sudden she has a backbone and followed him into his bedroom to tell him she was breaking up with him; she knew he would hit her, but figured she would take her licks and then be done with it. Why the hell she would leave the safety of her car and enter his room to engage in this type of conversation and invite a beating (that is exactly how it is written, I have no idea. Only he beats her so bad that she passes out and wakes up three days later in the hospital, to learn that her parents knew she snuck out and were driving to his house to get her away from him when they were hit head on by a drunk driver and both killed instantly. So now she also drinks like a fish. We have no idea how long its been… a few years at least because she is in college but has never moved on and never sought counseling. And by never moving on, that means she doesn’t trust any male who isn’t her cousin, she refuses to date, she is a hermit in her house, and if a male raises his hand in a gesture of a high five, she is immediately scared and thinks the male is about to hit her and so she flinches. She is plagued by guilt and believes she killed her parents. In fact, she decides she can’t like anyone, not even Liam, because she “didn’t deserve to be loved or find happiness, not after everything [she’d] done.”
Meet Liam – a young male who is a UFC fighter making bank and owns his own home. He knows his body won’t be able to fight forever, so he also goes to college and befriends Scotty (Keira’s cousin) and that’s how the two meet. Liam is an angry man who expresses his anger in the ring – he is angry because his older sister was beaten to death by a boyfriend; he saw it coming but his parents didn’t and so he blames them for her death. And because of that, he hasn’t talked to them since his sister’s funeral. Liam is written as a big, strong man with a ton of anger… but then he cries all the time when his feelings get hurt or when he thinks Keira is going to leave him. There is nothing wrong with a man who cries… but his tears just don’t make any sense! In addition to fighting, he also sleeps with random girls, a different one every night. This does cause some issues at one point after he starts dating Keira but he won’t hit a woman – he cannot be the type of man that killed his sister, but he can beat another male to a pulp because he isn’t “hurting [an] innocent and helpless victim” but another person who consented to fight.
The book is told in first person, jumping between Keira and Liam’s perspectives. They two become friends, with Liam teaching Keira how to hug … yep, you read that right… which leads him to think she is a virgin – until she finally opens up about her past; but only after Liam tells Keira about his sister. The whole relationship moves fast – over the course of one fall college semester. So fast that they get keys to each others’ place, Keira spends almost every night at Liam’s, and he starts talking about marriage – and even waiting to have sex until marriage. Hold your roll fella… where is the story/relationship development. Nowhere to be found… The two initially believe they are broken, but have put each other back together. They pretty much instantly fall in love with each other… and all their problems are solved. Keira is now comfortable in public and doesn’t flinch at every sound or movements, and Liam is not as angry anymore. She even encouraged him to make up with his parents – and they welcome both with open arms; telling Keira to marry Liam after only knowing her for a few minutes.
This book follows a mold and every other sad cliché so why not this one too: the only other single females are ones who throw themselves at Liam and are livid that he deemed to settle down with Keira and not them. They are catty b*tches who don’t know when to move on and make a scene that hurts Keira’s feeling, making her want to run away and leave Liam without hearing him out. But he is patient and kind and wins her over and they two grow closer. When Keira does share her past, Liam is angry and so he continues to fight, but doesn’t tell Keira about it because he is afraid how she will react to his violent profession. And you see where this is going, right?
When Keira finally learns Liam’s profession (because remember, they have only known each other a few months and she never thought to ask him how he affords everything), she is disgusted and sickened by his violence and can’t believe he enjoys beating other people. She breaks up with him and is miserable for an entire month … until she just ups and decides that she can’t live without him anymore and goes to him, only to be swept up into his arms and back into his bed. And so they grow closer and the story ends with… a whimper? It felt like the end of a chapter, not an end to the story.
June 17, 2014
A sweet love story about two people traumatised by their pasts, trying to work their way through all their issues.
I enjoyed this book immensely and although I normally like major drama, major angst, major sexy time and well anything in a major way, the fact that this didn't have the OMG moments that I crave didn't lessen my enjoyment of it.
The issues that the H and h had were major but the writing of the story seemed to be set at a nice smooth steady pace, making them not as harrowing as it could of been.
I loved Liam and thought he was exceptionally patient, kind and understanding..
Scotty was a saint in what he put up with, but I did think he needed to grow a pair and make Keira help herself more.
Keira had been through an horrific time and dealt with badly. She needed professional help but wouldn't seek it out and she made me feel frustrated with her instead of feeling sorry for her.
I enjoyed this book immensely and although I normally like major drama, major angst, major sexy time and well anything in a major way, the fact that this didn't have the OMG moments that I crave didn't lessen my enjoyment of it.
The issues that the H and h had were major but the writing of the story seemed to be set at a nice smooth steady pace, making them not as harrowing as it could of been.
I loved Liam and thought he was exceptionally patient, kind and understanding..
Scotty was a saint in what he put up with, but I did think he needed to grow a pair and make Keira help herself more.
Keira had been through an horrific time and dealt with badly. She needed professional help but wouldn't seek it out and she made me feel frustrated with her instead of feeling sorry for her.
May 1, 2016
This book contains violence and depictions of abuse (even though it's not written well).
Keira is a college student. She is also an abuse victim. Liam knows Keira's cousin, Scotty. They meet and he's instantly attracted to her. Keira clearly has PTSD and issues with men but doesn't seek help. Instead she retreats inside herself and clings to her cousin. She becomes quite timid. It's very sad.
Okay so see how they were all simple sentences? Yeah. The entire book is like this. Very little descriptive writing and the dialogue was uninspired, bordering on insipid. Writing style was so not my cup of tea.
This story is actually quite interesting...and should have addressed how a former abuse victim could fall in love with and have a healthy relationship with a professional fighter. Her abuse situation is horrible and she clearly needs professional help. It would be nice if this was addressed in some way, but nope.
I wouldn't necessarily call the ending a cliffhanger, but there is a continuation of this couple's story should you wish to put yourself through more of this.
Keira is a college student. She is also an abuse victim. Liam knows Keira's cousin, Scotty. They meet and he's instantly attracted to her. Keira clearly has PTSD and issues with men but doesn't seek help. Instead she retreats inside herself and clings to her cousin. She becomes quite timid. It's very sad.
Okay so see how they were all simple sentences? Yeah. The entire book is like this. Very little descriptive writing and the dialogue was uninspired, bordering on insipid. Writing style was so not my cup of tea.
This story is actually quite interesting...and should have addressed how a former abuse victim could fall in love with and have a healthy relationship with a professional fighter. Her abuse situation is horrible and she clearly needs professional help. It would be nice if this was addressed in some way, but nope.
I wouldn't necessarily call the ending a cliffhanger, but there is a continuation of this couple's story should you wish to put yourself through more of this.
July 22, 2016
Spoiler Ahead This was a pretty good dark read. Kiera's past that keeps her living in fear of trust, love, companionship and friendship with one exception. Her cousin, Scotty. She doesn't go anywhere except school without him and even gets him to move in with her. Scotty moves in and immediately tells her she's going to start getting out again. When Liam meets Kiera, despite her initial fear of him, he knows he has to have her in his life and begins to patiently work his way into her life and her into his. He gains her trust and friendship and eventually her love. Liam also has a dark past that he doesn't like to talk about. Kiera doesn't like fighting but Liam is a MMA fighter. Scotty lets Liam know that she doesn't like fighting. Liam knows he has to tell her and plans to after one last fight before it's too late and when she finds out she leaves him. This was an emotional one that I liked. This was my first time reading this author's work. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series
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